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Robert William Smith IV

Explore the diverse cultural background and rich family traditions of Robert William Smith IV, blending German, English, Polish, Russian, and Cherokee Native American heritage. Discover the fascinating genealogies and stories from Smith, Moyer, Ciessau, and Johnston families. Delve into the evolving cultural dilution over generations and the efforts to preserve cultural past through food, stories, and shared experiences. From Jewish cuisine to Polish delicacies, uncover the varied food culture and religious practices of the Smith family, spanning Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, Jewish, and Roman Catholic faiths. Celebrate the cherished family traditions, superstitions, and love for Chicago sports that bond this multi-faceted heritage together.

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Robert William Smith IV

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  1. Robert William Smith IV Cultural Biography

  2. All about me • Born in Madison, Wisconsin on September 18th 1990 • Lived in Lake County, Illinois for over 15 years. • Went to Libertyville High School class of 2009 • Have my parents Bob and Susan and a 19 year old sister named Nicole who goes to Illinois State. • Had two Italian Greyhounds named Sophie and Cinnamon

  3. My Culture Background • I’m a 1/4 German, 1/4 English, 1/4 Polish, 1/8 Russian, and 1/8 Cherokee Native American so an unique cultural mutt. • Through my family’s history, there are some amazing stories and interesting upbringings through the Great Depression and before. • Most of my ancestors immigrated at the turn of the 19th century and made their families here in America so I’m the 3rd Generation.

  4. Smith Family Genealogy • Ina Schmalzrien- Great Grandmother on Father’s side family immigrated from Germany. Run a travel bureau with her husband, Bob. Designed and made wedding dresses as a seamstress during the Great Depression. Ran it up until her 70s very successfully. • Robert Smith Sr.- Great Grandfather on Father’s from Canada/English decent.Worked at Pennsylvania railroad at the ticket office. Ran Smith travel agency with Ina.

  5. Moyer Family Genealogy • Maximilian Moyer- Formerly “Moyerich” Great Grandfather on Father’s side. • Hide his identity from the Russian Czar Nicholas II around turn of the 19th Century and lead his own search party during Anti-Semitic Pogroms. Spoke 8 different languages and created a Tailor Union then moved to Decatur, IN where my Grandmother was born. • Gertrude Altman- Great Grandmother on Father’s side from Poland originally.

  6. Ciessau Family Genealogy Great Grandmother family immigrated from Poland named Clara Barczewski. Father of Valentine and Pauline Barczewski, one of four children. Actively involved in Chicago politics as an election judge and other positions. Kolachy (Cole-Lot-Keys) pastry dessert made by Great Grandma Clara during holidays. Grandpa Larry loved Polish cuisine. Great Grandfather family immigrated from Alsace-Lorraine named Joseph Ciessau. Mother named Elizabeth Bethke. Originally named de Ciesseaux, named changed after Franco Prussian War. Owned a large Dairy in Chicago.

  7. Johnston Family Genealogy • Great Grandmother named Mary Harris. Born on Oklahoma Reservation in the 1890s. Her mother Beulah Kemp was a full blooded Cherokee Native American. Became a nurse in Texas. • Great Grandfather’s family from England, named Paul Johnston from Charleston, West Virginia. Met Mary during the Texas Oil Boom attempting to strike it rich out West. Grandma Anita born in WV • From banking family, the Great Depression ruined the family bank in Charleston and over his father’s life, he eventually paid back the families who lost their funds.

  8. Cultural Dilution • Over the years, my family has continued to assimilate more into American society and have lost touch with our cultural roots from Europe. • As time moves forward, the more distant I and follow family members my age are from the rich past my great grandparents and grandparents knew very well. • Sharing stories, collecting document/memorabilia, food, and spending time with my family are the only ways of preserving the cultural past.

  9. Smith Family Food Culture • Food- Many different kinds of food eaten by my immediate family including American, Italian, Mexican, Chinese, and many others others. • When with my Dad’s parents we eat Jewish cuisine with Matzo Ball soup and Pastrami sandwiches. Meatloaf is another Grandma Dolores classic. • My Grandpa Larry loved Polish food his mother Clara made and always took us to his favorite authentic Polish restaurant Staropolska in Chicago. • Family recipes are popular too (Reuben dip, “Special Chicken”, and coleslaw).

  10. Smith Family Religion • My family was brought up Presbyterian Christian, but we have moved to new churches since I was younger including Methodist and Baptist. • My Dad’s sister and her family are Jewish along with my grandmother while my grandfather is Christian. • My Mom’s family is Roman Catholic, my grandpa Larry went to St. Stanislaus Kosta Parish as a young boy located right off I-94 near Division St. in Chicago where he grew up.

  11. Smith Family Traditions • Holidays- Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, and Birthdays • Superstitions- Bread and Butter, Black cats, White Horses, etc. • Sports- Chicago Sports fans, active in baseball, basketball, soccer, and softball • Family traditions- Uncle George family pictures, Christmas trees, Christmas morning

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