John Andrew Pado, my husband’s great-grandfather, was born on March 25, 1887 in Czechoslovakia to parents Michael Pado and Mary Gades. He was the 3rd son to be named “John” – his two older brothers were each named John before him, but both died in infancy. His other siblings were: Michael (born March 3, 1883; died September 12, 1951), George (born October 3, 1895; died May 1969), Andrew, Anna, Mary, and Susie.
John’s formal education lasted only a few days. As a result, he never learned to read or write, either in Czech or in English. His early years were spent working in the stables of a local Count.
In May 1910, John married Anna Susan Bires in Czechoslovakia. Their first child, Mary, was born November 26, 1911, also in Czechoslovakia.
To make a better life for his family, John left his wife and baby daughter to find work in America. He was first employed at a glass factory in Kane, Pennsylvania. His brother told him of the great job opportunities in Endicott, New York, so John relocated there shortly afterwards. He soon found employment at the tannery of the Endicott-Johnson Shoe Company, where he was to work for the next 40 years.
Much of John’s earnings were sent back home to Czechoslovakia so his family could join him, but he was later to find out that his father was taking the money and spending it on himself instead! Because of this, it took John 3 years to save up enough money to bring his family to America. In 1914, they were finally reunited; Anna and Mary were on the last ship to America before the start of WWI.
Four more children were born to John and Anna:
- Anna Marie, born April 10, 1916 in Endicott, New York; died February 2, 2007 in Melbourne, Florida.
- John, born May 3, 1918 in New York; died May 1978 in Johnson City, New York.
- Beverly, born November 26, 1928; died March 9, 2003 in New Jersey.
- Two other daughters are still living.
Although unable to read or write, John went to night school to learn about America and become a United States citizen. The 1930 U.S. Census shows his status as PA, or “papers filed.” He was so proud to become an American. (Note: Anna is listed as AL or “alien” in the 1930 Census.)
The Great Depression was financially difficult for the family, as it was for most families. John never trusted banks afterwards, and kept the family’s savings in the brass bedpost in his bedroom.
John was a happy and fun-loving man who loved his family and loved the Lord. His favorite thing to do was DANCE. He frequently took his wife and family to the Saturday night dances at church where they would dance and visit with friends.
He also enjoyed watching “cowboy shows,” such as The Lone Ranger, on television. However, he was always surprised when one of the characters died in one episode and came back to life in the next! “How could that happen?” he was known to ask.
John loved to work in his garden, and his vegetables were his pride and joy. One afternoon while John was away, his young grandson Bobby was playing in the garden while his aunt hung the laundry. When she finished, she found that Bobby had pulled up all of John’s prized pepper plants! Bobby’s aunt panicked, and quickly ran out to buy some replacement plants. When John came home, he was seen walking through his garden scratching his head, wondering how his plants became SMALLER while he was away!
Family members often described John as a “frustrated chemist.” He suffered from arthritis in his legs and desperately wanted to find something to ease his pain. He was often found mixing stinky concoctions, hoping to invent something would work. Unfortunately, he was not successful in his quest for a cure, and his wife was known to say that the smell emanating from the basement was awful!
He was also known to keep a jar of leeches, which he used on his neck and leg. Although the thought of this practice – known as “bloodletting” – scares our 21st century sensibilities, it was still used to some extent during John’s time. My husband still remembers seeing the jar of leeches when he was a young boy.
John died in February 1967 - shortly before his 80th birthday - in Endicott, New York, where he is also buried. He is missed and lovingly remembered by his family.
Many thanks to Pat, Joyce, Betty, and Ben for contributing their memories of John Pado to this article.
Sources:
Census:
1930 U.S. Federal Census, Union Twp., Broome Co., New York, Roll T626_1408, ED 4-77, Sheet 13B.
Photographs:
John Andrew Pado, Photgraph, ca. 1940. Digital Image. Privately held by B. O'Neal, California, 2007.
Pado Family, Photograph, November 1936. Digital Image. Privately held by B. O'Neal, California, 2007.
Copyright © 2008 by Elizabeth O'Neal
