It's rather like a Smith or a Jones ... Although it translates to BIG or GREAT !
My research has shown that the Hungarian name of "Nagy" is much like the American name of Smith. In other words, the Nagy name was used a lot in Hungary and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, probably because it translated to "big" or "great!"
This lens came about as I was researching my grandfather's "Nagy" name. Coincidentally, I found myself working on this lens the exact month and day of his death, April 21st some 39 years later.
This is a picture of me with my grandfather, Alexander John Nagy. He was born on September 7, 1899 in Szatmar, Austro-Hungary. His birth city was later known as Satu Mare, Romania after the border change at the end of World War I. He died in Cleveland, Ohio on April 21, 1967.
In May 2004, I traveled to Hungary and Romania to do some research about the Nagy name. It was truly amazing to see so many cemetary monuments in Satu Mare and Budapest bearing the Nagy name.
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Nagy Cemetary Monuments
Satu Mare, Romania formerly Szatmar, Hungary
In May 2004, I took pictures of a number of Nagy cemetary monuments with my Nikon N75 35mm camera. I later scanned all the pictures with my Epson Stylus Photo Rx500 scanner.
Nagy Name
Nagy means large, super, grand and almighty in Hungarian. Traditionally, a person with the last name of the name of Nagy was the same as having the title "The Great".According to Ancestry.com, Nagy is "nickname for a large or powerful person, from Hungarian nagy 'big'."
Nagy Stuff
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Alexander Nagy Parents
His parents were married October 26, 1889 in Szatmar, Austro-Hungary, located near the border of Hungary.
- Father: Nagy, Steve [possibly Istvan at birth] born August 20, 1864 in Hungary. Died September 1930 in Europe. He was thought to be of Turkish descent because of his dark good looks.
- Mother: Vereczki, Julia born April 8, 1873 in Szatmar, Austro-Hungary, [now known as Satu Mare, Romania, located near the border of Hungary]. Died April 19, 1940. Last known address: 1774 W. 28th Street, Cleveland, Ohio. Ashes in Highland Park.
Alexander Nagy Siblings
Julia Vereczki and Steve Nagy had 12 children; 5 of which died at or near birth in Hungary.
- 1893 - Margaret Nagy born January 16, 1893 in Hungary. Died August 1934 in St. John's Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, of appendicitis. Ashes in Highland Park. Married Elmer Klimko and later divorced to marry William Roberts. No children.
- 1897 - Arthur Steve Nagy born October 11, 1897 in Hungary. Naturalized a U.S. Citizen. Honorable Discharge from U.S. Army. Married Florence Polan [born March 16, 1908] on January 12, 1927 in Dayton Ohio. They had 3 children, Florence Margaret [born July 8, 1929], Arthur Raymond [born September 11, 1935], and Connie Elaine [born September 4, 1946].
- 1902 - Helen Nagy born July 22nd in Hungary. Came to the U.S. in 1921. Married Anthony Linhart on July 11, 1925 in Cleveland. Children: premature daughter died in 1926; Dolores Julia born October 24, 1930.
- 1904 - John William Nagle born January 28th in Hungary. Married Dorothy Abel on August 22, 1925 in St. Stephen's Church, Cleveland, Ohio. Children: Marilyn Rose [born November 25, 1929] and Patricia Ann [born October 22, 1932]. Moved to Los Angeles, CA in 1941.
- 1907 - Mary Agnes Nagy born June 8, 1907 in Northside, PA [now Allegheny and located near Pittsburgh]. Married George Searle on August 14, 1926 in Rev. Norris' home on Franklin Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio. Child: Lawrence George [born June 17, 1927].
- 1909 - William Nagy born July 15, 1909 in Allegheny, PA. Married Ann Horvath on June 18, 1932. Divorced in September 1935. She married a Mr. Hayek. William moved to California.
Alexander Nagy Timeline
An overview
- 1899 - Born September 7th in Szatmar, Hungary [today known as Satu Mare, Romania].
- 1900s - Alexander often spoke to his daughter about working on his grandfather's estate; his mother Julia Vereczki's father's family.
- 1928 - Naturalized in the U.S. on September 14th. #2839658, U.S. Dept. of Labor, Northern District of Ohio. Listed as citizen of Romania.
- 1928 - Married Julia Kovach on October 2nd at St. Mary's in Cleveland, Ohio.
- 1929 - Daughter Lillian born August 21st.
- 1930 - His father dies in September in Europe.
- 1931 - Son Robert John born May 12th.
- 1949 - Daughter's wedding in June.
- 1967 - Died on April 21st. Last address: 16605 Chatfield Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio [house sold in 9/1979]. Funeral by Victor Sepsi. Buried: Section 11, Lot 4640, Grave 2 in Holy Cross Cemetary, Cleveland, Ohio.
Alexander, a Man of European Birth
In the words of his only daughter
"Being of European birth, Alexander Nagy left the rearing of his children to their mother, not thinking it was necessary to 'bond.' According to foreign fathers, the children were the mother's concern and if he made a wise choice in a wife, everything worked.He spoke "high" Hungarian language and would not indulge in conversation with people who did not speak the same...there are different levels of language in Europe which indicate the education level of the person.
He would not let my mother teach us any languages, even though she spoke 5, as we were to be only true Americans and not have any accents."
Alexander Nagy 1899-1908
In Hungary, Europe
"Born in Europe, he was raised by his grandfather while his mother traveled with her husband. He was brought to America by his parents when he was 8, along with his older brother, Art, who was 10 at that time.
There must have been some money in the family, either or both parents' families, to account for this activity."
Update: Speaking with my mother recently, she elaborated about my grandfather's Vereczki mother's family being wealthy and having much land. She also said that my grandfather used to carry an elderly ladies' religious books when she went to Synagogue.
There must have been some money in the family, either or both parents' families, to account for this activity."
Update: Speaking with my mother recently, she elaborated about my grandfather's Vereczki mother's family being wealthy and having much land. She also said that my grandfather used to carry an elderly ladies' religious books when she went to Synagogue.
Alexander Nagy 1908-1914
In America
"He was the one that stayed around his mother and the one she relied on to do her bidding. Since she owned lots of property, rooming houses, rentals, he was the one to do the maintenance on them.
The rooming houses and rental property were located in 'Ohio City,' a very well known historical section of Cleveland, located on the Cuyahoga River.
In America, he went to schools and finally college but when World War I broke out, he was probably of the age to go into military service.
The rooming houses and rental property were located in 'Ohio City,' a very well known historical section of Cleveland, located on the Cuyahoga River.
In America, he went to schools and finally college but when World War I broke out, he was probably of the age to go into military service.
World War I: 1914-1918
"The First World War was a world conflict lasting from August 1914 to the final Armistice on November 11, 1918. The Allied Powers (led by the United Kingdom, France and until 1917 Russia, and, after 1917, the United States) defeated the Central Powers (led by the German Empire, Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Ottoman Empire).
The war caused the collapse of four empires and a radical change in the map of Europe and the Middle East. Before 1917 the Allied powers are sometimes referred to as the Triple Entente, and the Central Powers are sometimes referred to as the Triple Alliance."
--From Wikipedia.
The war caused the collapse of four empires and a radical change in the map of Europe and the Middle East. Before 1917 the Allied powers are sometimes referred to as the Triple Entente, and the Central Powers are sometimes referred to as the Triple Alliance."
--From Wikipedia.
Alexander Nagy 1914-1918
His school years
"I'm not sure what he studied while in college, but a picture of him with a clarinet, makes me think he got musical training while in college. He probably had to leave school to come home to help his mother, so he never finished or got a degree.
I don't know how he got out of serving in WWI, except that his older brother Art was already serving in the army. It's possible he was officially excused from serving so that he could care for his mother.
By that time, his father had left the family to return to Europe."
I don't know how he got out of serving in WWI, except that his older brother Art was already serving in the army. It's possible he was officially excused from serving so that he could care for his mother.
By that time, his father had left the family to return to Europe."
Alexander Nagy 1919-1928
His single years
"He owned a decorating supply store in Cleveland, Ohio, during the time after leaving college and before he got married. He knew many contractors whom he sold supplies to including Flore. The store was probably financed by his mother.This picture of Alexander in the swimsuit, of the 'Roaring Twenties' era, [circa 1920] is when he belonged to the Cleveland Athletic Club. His sister, Margaret's husband, Elmer Klimko, was a member there, as well.
As a single man, Alexander also played in his brother-in-law's orchestra while he was in his twenties. You could say he was a musician."
Alexander Nagy 1928
His marriage
Alexander Nagy married Julia Kovach on October 2, 1928 in St. Mary's Church in Cleveland, Ohio.The date October 2nd was of particular interest as Julia's birthday was October 1st, the day before.
And, less than one month earlier, on September 14th, Alexander was naturalized as a U.S. citizen one week after his birthday on September 7th!
The Great Depression: 1929
"The Great Depression was a worldwide economic downturn, starting in 1929, after the Stock Market Crash of October, and ending at different times in different countries. Almost all countries were affected. The worst hit were the most industrialized, including the United States, Germany, Britain, France, Canada, and Japan."
"Economic indicators show the American economy reached nadir in summer 1932 to February 1933, then steadily went up until a downturn in 1938."
--From Wikipedia.
"Economic indicators show the American economy reached nadir in summer 1932 to February 1933, then steadily went up until a downturn in 1938."
--From Wikipedia.
Alexander Nagy 1929
His first child is born
His daughter Lillian was born in August of that year.
"He was doing well until 1929 when the depression hit and killed off his business. The stock market crash of 1929 caused him to lose the business.
He then joined forces with the decorating contractor, Flore, whom he had previously sold materials to while he had his own business. He was doing decorating including painting and paperhanging."
"He was doing well until 1929 when the depression hit and killed off his business. The stock market crash of 1929 caused him to lose the business.
He then joined forces with the decorating contractor, Flore, whom he had previously sold materials to while he had his own business. He was doing decorating including painting and paperhanging."
Alexander Nagy 1930
His father dies in Europe
His father Steve, who left the family several years earlier, dies in Europe of unknown causes, at the age of 66.
Alexander Nagy 1931
His second child is born
His son Robert was born in May of that year.
World War II: 1939-1945
"World War II, also WWII, or The Second World War, was a global military conflict that took place between 1939 and 1945. It was the largest and deadliest war in history. Even though Japan had already been fighting China for several years, the "world" war is said to have begun on September 1, 1939 when Nazi Germany invaded Poland."
--From Wikipedia.
--From Wikipedia.
Alexander Nagy 1941-1945
The war years
"During World War II, he changed careers from the decorating business to the food supply transportation business. He drove or helped on the big semis servicing grocery stores.
I think he thought it would be the best move to see that our family would have our needs taken care of while rationing was vogue during the war years.
I remember that he was involved with local politics as we had a candidates sign positioned in our attic window during one election year. I think he was a conservative."
I think he thought it would be the best move to see that our family would have our needs taken care of while rationing was vogue during the war years.
I remember that he was involved with local politics as we had a candidates sign positioned in our attic window during one election year. I think he was a conservative."
Alexander Nagy 1945-1949
After the war
"After the war ended in 1945, he then worked as a maintenance supervisor for the federal government's housing projects until he retired.
He celebrated July 4th in a big way with lots of fireworks and always said he would not go back to Europe, even on a visit, as there was nothing there for him. He was a true American.
Later when I was 16, my mother and I were driven, by him to local halls on weekends where dances were held. He later picked us up.
He also drove my mother and me to parks which were popular in the 40s where local bands played. We had a great time dancing while he sat and watched.
He didn't particularly socialize, or seek entertainment outside of his family. But, my mother just loved films so she would take me along for the early evening showing at the local moviehouse. I grew into quite a movie buff because of this early contact with Hollywood."
He celebrated July 4th in a big way with lots of fireworks and always said he would not go back to Europe, even on a visit, as there was nothing there for him. He was a true American.
Later when I was 16, my mother and I were driven, by him to local halls on weekends where dances were held. He later picked us up.
He also drove my mother and me to parks which were popular in the 40s where local bands played. We had a great time dancing while he sat and watched.
He didn't particularly socialize, or seek entertainment outside of his family. But, my mother just loved films so she would take me along for the early evening showing at the local moviehouse. I grew into quite a movie buff because of this early contact with Hollywood."
Alexander Nagy 1949
His daughter's wedding
Alexander Nagy in June 1949 at his daughter's wedding."He was very adept and lifted the roof up on the first 2 houses we lived in, making a second floor. Later, after he was in his early 50s he didn't do any more since having a heart attack while visiting out west on a trip.
He was in charge of maintenance on government housing off Rocky River Drive in Cleveland, Ohio, for the last years of his life."
Alexander Nagy 1954
Christmas celebration
Christmas was a time of celebration for the Nagy household. All the children and grandchildren would gather to open presents.Alexander sure liked to smoke his pipe--you can see the ashtray to the left in the picture.
Alexander Nagy 1957
His son's wedding
His son Robert married Margaret Gannon. Alexander Nagy 1967
His death
Alexander Nagy died on April 21st, 1967. He was only 67 years old.
His last residence was a 2-bedroom brick bungalow on 16605 Chatfield Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio. His wife, Julia, survived him and lived in the house until her death. The house was sold in September, 1979.
His funeral service was handled by Victor Sepsi. He was buried in Section 11, Lot 4640, Grave 2 in Holy Cross Cemetary, Cleveland, Ohio.
His last residence was a 2-bedroom brick bungalow on 16605 Chatfield Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio. His wife, Julia, survived him and lived in the house until her death. The house was sold in September, 1979.
His funeral service was handled by Victor Sepsi. He was buried in Section 11, Lot 4640, Grave 2 in Holy Cross Cemetary, Cleveland, Ohio.
Istvan Nagy 1909-1976
Could he be a distant relation?
Istvan Nagy was born in 1909 in Maroslekence, Hungary (now: Lechinta, Romania). He died on January 29, 1976 in Budapest, Hungary. He was a movie actor. Istvan Nagy 2004
Could he be related?
What a small world indeed. During our visit of Budapest, Hungary, in May 2004, we stayed at The Marriott on the River Danube.We had returned from a one-day trip to Satu Mare, Romania, to do a little research on my grandfather's parents.
Upon our return to The Marriott in Budapest, we met the doorman there, Istvan Nagy! What a coincidence as my great-grandfather was Steve [Istvan] Nagy! Which just goes to show there are a lot of Nagys out there!!
Dr. Peter Nagy
Recently doing some online research, I came across the "Eastern Slovakia Research Strategies Website" and found a contact name of:Dr. Peter Nagy
Cilistovská 20
931 01 Samorín
Slovak Republic
E-mail: nagy@centroconsult.sk
Faxmodem: +421 31 560 0642
GSM: +421 905 490 552
On April 28, 2006, he emailed me:
Dear Julie,
This is the first time when I receive an email from a Nagy who could be at least a very distant relative. Actually my Nagy ancestors are from Akos (in Rumanian Acis), what is about 40 miles SE of Satu Mare. For more details see my worldtree entry: Dr. Peter Nagy Genealogy.
I did not manage yet to do progress in Romania myself. The old church records are now not available for research.
Nagy Genealogy Records.
Famous Nagy's
- Agnes Nagy - Miss Hungary 1998
- László Moholy-Nagy - 1895-1946, was a Hungarian painter and photographer as well as professor in the Bauhaus school.
- Imre Nagy - 1896-1958, Hungarian Communist leader was a symbol of the 1956 Hungarian revolt against the Soviet Union.
- Ivan Nagy - 1943, born in Debrecen, Hungary. Former ballet dancer, now artistic director of the Ballet de Santiago, Chile.
Laszlo-Moholy Nagy in the news
- Photography: New visions of a darkening world
- By Claire Holland âWe may say that we see the world with entirely different eyes,â wrote LászlÃ...
- Fresh and faded
- The dynamic medium of the photograph, as extolled by László Moholy-Nagy in the 1920s, might be par...
- Foto: Modernity in Central Europe 1918-1945 (Group Show)
- ... such strange effects, while less technically experimental images by Lotte Jacobi and László Mo...
- Sunday, July 20
- ... Brazilian aviator (1872-1932); Theda Bara, US silent-film actress (1885-1955), Laszlo Moholy-Nag...
A very special lens on Laszlo Moholy-Nagy
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Laszlo Moholy-Nagy
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Laszlo Moholy-Nagy (July 20, 1895 – November 24, 1946) was a Hungarian painter and photographer as well as professor in the Bauhaus school. He was highly influenced by constructivism. He was a strong advocate of the integration of technology an...
Nagy Info
- Broadmining Search
- List of related Nagy searches through Broadmining.
- Geocities--Famous Nagy's
- Check out this page which lists a number of "famous" Nagy's in history.
- Imre Nagy
- Imre Nagy, the son of peasants, was born in Kaposvar, Hungary in 1896.
- Nagy Family Genealogy
- Genealogy forum with messages for Nagy family.
- RootsWeb
- RootsWeb archive for Nagy.
- The Moholy-Nagy Foundation
- The Moholy-Nagy Foundation is a private family organization that promotes further research on László Moholy-Nagy and his work.
- House of Names
- Buy Nagy coat of arms, family crest and history packages.
Nagy Books
Nagy Istvan
Amazon Price: (as of 07/19/2008)
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Christian Hercules--a new research method.: An article from: Academic Exchange Quarterly
Amazon Price: $5.95 (as of 07/19/2008)
List Price: $5.95
Available for download now
The New Vision: Fundamentals of Bauhaus Design, Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture (Dover Books on Art, Art History)
Amazon Price: $20.48 (as of 07/19/2008)
List Price: $26.95
Usually ships in 24 hours
Book of New Artists: Laszlo Moholy-Nagy, Lajos Kassak, 1922
Amazon Price: (as of 07/19/2008)
List Price: $30.00
ONE THOUSAND YEARS : A CONCISE HISTORY OF HUNGARY
Amazon Price: (as of 07/19/2008)
List Price:
Researching Links
- 1828 Hungarian Census
- Download the 1828 Hungarian Census and do a search on "Nagy" you will find 234 results!
- 1869 Nagy Villages
- Amazing web page! The bottom of the pages lists Hungary Slovak names of villages from the 1869 Census. A lot of Nagy names!
- 1869 Magyar Settlement Names
- Download a 31-page PDF of Hungarian Settlement names from 1869 census.
- CentroConsult
- Genealogical research of former Austria-Hungary.
- Hungarian Census Info
- Magyar (Hungarian) Census--For present day Slovakia and most pre-1918 Hungary territories.
Kinizsi utca. Sign
Budapest, Hungary
I've got to tell you that the road signs in Budapest were a tad bit confusing. The day that we were driving to Satu Mare, Romania, to do some research on Alexander Nagy's birthplace, we got so tangled up in the city of Budapest that it was well past one hour before we finally figured out where the heck we were!This particular road sign shows Kinizsi, Raday, Lonyay, Kozraktar utca. and Petofi HID. We happened to be walking this route to see what building were on Kinizsi utca.
35 Kinizsi utca.
Budapest, Hungary
The address that I have for Alexander Nagy's residence in Szatmar, Hungary, is 35 Kinizsi utca.Imagine my surprise when I actually found a building with this same address in Budapest, Hungary, when we visited there. I think this building was a gymnasium or sports facility.
Kinizsi Warrior Medal
On eBay
I am sure that Kinizsi utca. in Szatmar and Budapest were both named after this famous Hungarian warrior, Kinizsi.Interesting that I found this item on eBay: Hungarian warrior Kinizsi with sword armour millstone 1869 medal!
Learn more about Pal Kinizsi's castle in Nagyvázsony.
Kinizsi Beer
Salute!
Would you believe, a lager beer with the name Kinizsi?The name Kinizsi is a man's name in Hungary as well like Dreher. But Pál Kinizsi lived a little earlier, in the 15th century. He was a legendary soldier and troop leader by the side of Hungary's greatest king, King Matthias. Brewery: Brau Union Hungary.
OK ... I realize I've gone off on a tangent in this lens. It's rather like researching a topic on Google. Don't you know how many times have you started searching for a specific item and then you end up someplace entirely different. Then you find you've maybe got to buy something you didn't know you needed. And, before you know it, it's 5:00pm and time to go home!
Well ... this reminds me of that Jim Buffet song, "It's 5 o'clock somewhere!" Amen.
Kick off your shoes, grab the remote, and have a beer!
Kinizsi Beer Label
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byThank you for visiting!
Thank you for visiting my lens to learn about the Nagy name.In closing, I'd like to say that when I think of my grandfather, I have fond thoughts. Didn't they describe Gary Cooper as a quiet man; well they didn't meet my grandfather. Because he was rather introspective, it made us grandkids pay that much more attention to him.
I remember him for the suspenders that he wore along with the hat that completed his dress and his trademark pipe. I remember him for being able to complete the challenging Cleveland Press crossword puzzles along with massive intricate jigsaw puzzles.
He was quite the gardener and would dry marigold buttons down the basement along with other flowering seeds. His flower garden was impeccable and could have been featured in House and Garden magazine.
I wish that my grandfather had told us grandkids more about his past, his feelings, and his birthplace of Szatmar, Hungary.
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Drop me a note ...
Are you a Nagy? I've heard from many who may be a potential relation. Do you like visiting cemetaries to research headstones?
Are you into genealogy? Did you enjoy this lens?
Monica Nagy
My grandfather was Nagy Imre, but not the infamous commumist party leader, he was a men's tailor/haberdasher in Budapest during the 50s-late 70s.
There are only few Nagys left from this tree. Larry, Monica and Raymond (USA). Thanks for the information.
Posted September 07, 2007
Monica Nagy
Hello, I am Monica Nagy from Brunswick,Ohio, just a little south of Cleveland. I am a first generation American; both parents were Hungarian immigrants during the 1960s. My parents, Frank (Ferenc/Feri) Nagy, born 05/11/28 died 08/16/92 and Helen (Ilona/Ili/Ilike) born 08/27/46 died 09/06/88.
Posted September 07, 2007
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Forgiven
Umm, I'm a Smith =0 Bravo! 5 Stars from me! Please visit my faithography lens when you get time and rate it if you would. Posted August 16, 2007 |
Benedict
Hello JaguarJulie,
I'm a Squidoo intern (Squidtern!) and just want to drop a line to say "Amazing lens". This is really well made with your family's genealogy information. Keep up the great lensmaking (also liked your Kimono dress lens)
Cheers,
Benedict
squidooexpresso.blogspot.com
Posted August 15, 2007
Creative Commons License
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