Joseph and Catherine Bartula

Born in Poland, Joseph and Catherine Bartula overcame many hardships after migrating to Texas in 1873. They became the first Polish settlers in Robertson County in 1875. Assisted by J.C. and Mary Roberts, on whose farm Joseph worked, he wrote letters urging other Polish immigrants to join him. Soon 50 families arrived from Poland and 60 moved here from the Marlin area. By 1885, the town of Bremond had the largest Polish settlement in Texas, with 345 families. Joseph later bought his own farm and became a leader in community and church affairs. The Bartulas had ten children.

Texas · United States