The Alex Gombash & Emma Hido Family

Children:

1. Sophia Gombash
   b. 12 May 1917, Redbank Twp, Armstrong Co, PA
   d. 18 Aug 1917, Redbank Twp, Armstrong Co, PA
   bu. 18 Aug 1917, Cobaugh, Armstrong Co, PA
   
   

2. Joseph Anthony Gombash [Joseph Anthony Csordas] (m1. Ruth Pauline Galloway)
   b. 23 Sep 1919, Aultman, Indiana Co, PA (m2. Mame Louise "Peggy" Golden)
   m1. 1 Dec 1943, Jacksonville, Duval Co, FL (m3. Dora Jean Wright)
   m2. 11 Jun 1944, Elizabeth City, Pasquotank Co, NC
   m3. 14 Sep 1948, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co, PA
   d. 7 Jan 1997, York Co, PA

On 5 Jun 1917, Alex registered for the draft during WWI while residing in another coal mining community called Deegan, PA. He stated he was 22 and born on 7 Aug 1895 in “Szentmihay, Hungary.” We know from Alex’s birth record from 1896 that this information is incorrect. He was a coal miner employed by Mountz Coal Company in the coal mining community of Goff, PA. He further stated he had a wife (Emma), child (Sophia) and no previous military service. He was physically described as being of medium height with a stout build, had brown eyes and hair, was not balding and had no disabilities.

SOURCE: 

On 23 Sep 1919, in Aultman, Indiana County, PA, Alex and Emma had a son named Joseph Gombash.

Emma Divorces Alex

Emma filed for divorce against Alex on 27 Sep 1922 in the Indiana County, PA Court of Common Pleas, with a subpoena issued for Alex’s appearance in the next December term. Within the file, Emma claimed that Alex had remained absent from 23 Sep 1919 (the day Joseph was born) to 23 Sep 1922:

“Yet so it is that the said Alex Gombash from the 23d day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred twenty-two — hath maliciously and wilfully deserted your petitioner Emma Gombash and without reasonable cause health absented himself from their habitation and hath continued in said desertion for a term of two (2) years and upwards from the 23d day of September, 1919 to the present time, contrary to the wishes of the libelant, Emma Gombash and without her consent.”

A subpoena was issued on 27 Sep 1922, requiring Alex to appear in court on the first Monday of November next — 11 Nov 1922.

J. R. Richard, sheriff of Butler County, PA, reported on 6 Nov 1922, that after a “diligent search and inquiry I failed to find Alex Gombash in my bailiwick.” He further states that “on motion of S. J. Telford, Attorney for the Petitioner, an Alias Subpoena is directed to be issued, returnedable on the first Monday in January 1923,” indicating Alex may not have been going by the name of Alex Gombash.

That subpoena was issued on 11 Nov 1922 and Sheriff J. R. Richard reported on 1 Jan 1923 that, again, “after diligent search and inquiry I failed to find Alex Gombash in my bailiwick.” This resulted in the court directing a Pluries Subpoena be issued and returnable the first Monday in February 1923.

At the next court term, December 1922 (which also crossed over into January 1923), Emma provided testimony in great detail about her life as Alex’s wife.

“From the evidence produced, it appears that the Libelant, whose maiden name was Emma Hido, and respondent were married on August 19, 1916 and took up housekeeping in Cuba near New Bethlehem; that on April 16, 1917 respondent left the libelant and that she then removed to Mosgrove, near Kittanning, Pa., living in that place with her parents; thata the respondent returned January 1, 1919 after an absence of two years and again lived with the libelant for eight months; that a child of the libelant and respondent had died during this absence. Respondent again left libelant August 22, 1919 without case; that the libelant remained with her parents for one month after the respondent left her the second time, and at the end of that time removed along with her parents to Aultman, Indiana County, Pa.; that the libelant lived in Aultman, Pa. until 1921, then removing to Tide, Indiana County, Pa., where the libelant resided with her parents for about a year. After that time the libelant, along with her parents, removed to Heilwood, Indiana County, Pa., where she now resides; that the libelant has not heard from respondent since he left her the last time nor has he in any manner contributed to her support or that of her child, nor has the respondent made any offer to take her back and properly support her, nor has he been to see her or the last child born to them. That a child was born after the desertion of the respondent on August 22, 1919, said child being alive at the present time and maintained and supported by the libelant and her parents. The libelant is corroborated in these matters by her father, Andy Hido.”

The subpoena that was issued on 4 Jan 1923, resulting in four newspaper articles being published on January 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st, all requested Alex Gombash to appear in court:

“We Commend You, Alex Gombash, that all matter of business and excuses being set aside, you be and appear in your proper person before our Judges at Indiana, Pa., at our Court of Common Pleas there to be held on the First Monday of February next, to show cause, if any you have why your wife, Emma Gombash, should not be divorced from bonds of matrimony which she hath contracted with you, the said Alex Gombash, agreeably to the Petition and Libel exhibited against you before our said Court; and this you shall in no wise omit at your peril. Witness the Honorable J. N. Langham, President Judge of our said Court.”

It was ordered by the court on 26 Feb 1923, after Alex twice could not be located and the newspaper articles had been published four times, that testimony be taken. The hearing was scheduled for 14 Mar 1923, “in Room 16 in the Marshall Building, Indiana, Pa., on Wednesday, March 14, 1923, at 1:30 P.M.”

• Emma Gombash appeared in court on 14 Mar 1923 to provide testimony before Judge L. Murray Peelor of the Court of Common Pleas for Indiana County, Pennsylvania. Within the testimony she provides more key details about her family and the relationship she had with Alex: They were married by a Protestant priest within the priest’s home, not within a church. Emma did not have a marriage certificate, as she stated it was in Alex’s possession.

• “I dont think he wants a woman. He don’t want enough of one woman; he needs three or four women for he don’t think he can get along with one. That is what I think of him.”

• When Emma was asked whether Alex requested she live with him any place else, she responded with: “He always asked me. I just thought he was fooling, making a person look crazy. He want to leave me with mother and skiddo again."

• Emma made it clear that Alex had never seen their son Joseph.

• Alex was present when their daughter Sophia died. “We buried that child after he came back. My father and mother said he was not to pay any costs; he didn’t want it. He didn’t say any word for that.”

Emma’s father, Andy Hido, provided testimony in court on the same day. He corroborated much of the same information Emma stated. While Emma and the Hido’s were living in Mosgrove, Alex came back to live with Emma and they set up their own home for eight months. The court asked what happened next: “Nothing. He, this man Gombash, he goes over to the store and holds his pay and his man find out he hold his pay back one day and he arrested him and he told the Justice of the Peace the reason he took this pay that he wanted to go into another town to live. Next day he drawed his money, packed up his trunk and clothes and left. He told the Justice of the Peace, the Squire, he was going away to work to support the wife; the reason given permission to draw his money, otherwise he could not go.”

Emma’s mother, Sophie (nee Pethe) Hido, as well as Mrs. Mike Mrazik, also provided testimony supporting Emma in court. Emma’s sister, Esther Hido, was married to Joseph Mrazik, son of Mihály Mrázik and Terézia Beke. The Mrazik family were natives of Súr, Veszprém County, Hungary. Much of the testimony was short and corroborated the same information.

Emma Gombash was granted a decree in divorce from Alex Gombash on 28 Mar 1923 in the Court of Common Pleas of Indiana County, PA.

Emma Remarries Stephen Csordas

Emma (nee Hido) Csordas died on 17 Sep 1932 in the Indiana Hospital in White Township, Indiana County, PA. The death certificate states she was admitted to the hospital the day prior, on 16 Sep 1932, and had passed away from pneumonia after battling it for 14 days. Her husband Stephen Csordas was the informant and she was buried on 19 Sep 1932 in Heilwood Cemetery, in Heilwood, PA. The Indiana Gazette published an obituary for Emma on the same day she passed away:

“Mrs. Stephen Csordas, 33 years old, of Heilwood, died in the Indiana hospital at 5am today of a complication of diseases. Mrs. Csordas had been admitted to the institution yesterday. The deceased, who was born in Austria, is survived by her husband and three children; her mother, Mrs. Sophia Hido, of Heilwood, and a sister. Funeral services will be held in her mother's home at 2:30pm Monday, with interment in the Heilwood cemetery.”

Joseph Anthony Csordas

Alex Gombash and Emma Hido’s son, now known as Joseph Csordas, would continue to be raised by Stephen Csordas and his younger sisters. On 16 Oct 1940, Joseph registered for the WWII draft, stating he was residing with his father Stephen Csordas at 29 Third St., Heilwood, Indiana County, PA. His full name was listed as Joseph Anthony Csordas, he was 21 years old and employed by the Redlands Coal Company of Heilwood, PA. He was physically described as being 5’11”, 184.5 lbs, with gray eyes, brown hair and a ruddy complexion. There’s also a note about a scar on his nose.

Joseph Anthony Csordas enlisted in the U.S. Army on 26 Jun 1941 at Fort Meade in Maryland, located between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. At the time of his enlistment, he was single and had no children. He had completed grammar school and by occupation was a miner. His service number was 33-085-429.

On 1 Dec 1942, Joseph Anthony Csordas and Ruth Galloway applied for a marriage license in Duval County, FL. They were married on the same day in Jacksonville, Duval County, FL by a notary public. The witnesses to their marriage were Mildred Roberts and Bertha Hartley. The application states Joseph was born on 23 Sep 1919 in Aultman, PA, his residence was in Heilwood, PA, he had not been previously married and was employed by the Army. Ruth Galloway was born on 20 Jan 1922 in Baldwin, GA and she was a waitress residing at 355 E. Adams St., Jacksonville, FL. She was previously married once and the divorce occurred in Cornelia, GA.

Joseph Csordas and his wife Ruth Galloway were divorced on 25 Sep 1943 in Duval County, FL. Ruth had filed the divorce against Joseph under the grounds of “habitual intemperance” and Joseph contested the suit. They were both residents of Jacksonville, FL at the time of their divorce. No children were produced from this marriage and no alimony provided.

On 11 Jun 1944, Joseph Anthony Csordas was married to Mame Louise “Peggy” Golden in Elizabeth City, Pasquontank County, NC. He was listed as a resident of Heilwood, PA, while Mame Louise was a resident of Jacksonville, FL. They were married before the Justice of the Peace and there were three witnesses: J. H. Pace of Norfolk, VA; Mildred Rogers of Virginia Beach, VA; and Mrs. W. J. White of Norfolk, VA.

Less than four months later, Joseph and Mame had a daughter named Maria Golden Csordas in October 1944 in Florida. It’s very possible she was born in either Jacksonville or Miami, FL.

In November 1944, Joseph was admitted to the military hospital for an injury involving playing touch-football.

The 1945 Florida state census has Joseph Csordas and his wife Mame Golden enumerated at 181 NW 46th St., Precinct 33 of Miami, Dade County, FL. A 1945 city directory for Miami, FL corroborates the same information: “Csordas Jos A (Mame) USA r181 NW 46th.”

Joseph was honorably discharged on 2 Jan 1946 at Camp Blanding in Starke, FL.

Mame Louise filed for divorce against Joseph and the final decree of divorce was ordered on 15 Feb 1946 through the Circuit Court of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit for Dade County, FL. Joseph was ordered to pay $5 on the first day of each week, weekly, as child support.

Mame Louise Golden was then remarried to Lt. Col. Silas Rhuel Wood Jr., of the U.S. Airforce, on 10 Jun 1948 in Jacksonville, FL. Silas adopted Maria Golden Csordas and she was renamed Maria Golden Wood. Silas and Mame had four more children: Silas Jr. (1949), Cherry (1951), Ross (1953-1980) and Charles (1954).

Maria Golden Wood graduated from Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL in 1966, majoring in Home Economics. Maria never married and she unfortunately passed away on 18 Feb 2025, before I could make contact with her. Her obituary is as follows:

"Maria Golden Wood, 80, of Asheboro, North Carolina, formerly of Naples and Homestead, Florida, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2025. Born on October 31, 1944, in Miami, Florida, Maria was the daughter of Silas Rhuel Wood II and Mame Golden Wood.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her oldest brother, and one of her younger brothers. Maria is survived by her sister, her youngest brother, her sister-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

After graduating from Florida State University with a degree in Home Economics, Maria’s professional journey took off as a buyer for Jordan Marsh, a role that showcased her exceptional eye for color and style and allowed her to travel the world, collecting treasures along the way. She truly found her passion working for her dear friend Louise Appelman as a sales representative for multiple companies, ensuring small stores were well-stocked and later caring for the team in administrative roles. Her dedication and meticulous nature shone through in both her work and in the strength of her workplace relationships. Remarkably, Maria continued her work up until July 31, 2025 [error for 2024?]. 

Maria’s passion for orchids was unparalleled. She not only cultivated award-winning orchids but also shared her knowledge enthusiastically, teaching others about their care. She was an active participant in orchid shows, fairs, and plant sales across Florida, earning numerous accolades for her exquisite plants. 

Maria’s love for life was evident in her vibrant celebrations of every holiday. She adorned her home, yard, and even her golf cart with festive decorations. One year, her Christmas tree glowed with all pink lights and ornaments; another year, it shimmered with clear lights or traditional colors. Her affection for flamingos, the color pink, poodles, and Siamese cats further highlighted her lively spirit. 

Generosity was at Maria’s core. She had an innate ability to find the perfect gift for anyone, often surprising loved ones with thoughtful tokens. When her mother expressed a desire for chickens, Maria built a coop and introduced three hens to the family. Her adventurous side led to memorable moments, like the time she and her sister explored an unknown road, only to get their golf cart stuck in soft sand. 

In her community, Maria was a beacon of kindness. She frequented the local food pantry, not for herself, but to gather supplies for neighbors in need. Serving on the HOA board, she organized holiday gatherings and warmly welcomed newcomers, fostering a sense of unity and belonging. 

Maria’s warmth, laughter, and unwavering generosity touched the lives of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by her family, friends, and community."

Joseph A. Csordas then met Dora Jean Wright and they filed a marriage license application on 9 Sep 1948 in Pittsburgh, PA; it was issued on 14 Sep 1948. Their marriage license application states Joseph was back to residing at 29 Third St., in Heilwood, PA, with his father Stephen Csordas. Dora was a cab driver residing at 304 South Ave., in Verona, PA. She was born as Alberta Hines on 20 Oct 1924 in Pittsburgh, PA, and was adopted by John Wright and Sarah Salton. The marriage license application specifically states Joseph was previously divorced, which also contained the final decree of divorce mentioned above. They were married on 18 Sep 1948 in Verona, PA by minister William H. Hughes.

On 16 Feb 1950, Joseph Anthony Csordas filed an application with the World War II Veterans’ Compensation Bureau. This was for compensation to honorably discharged veterans or any person still in service. He received a total of $500, which was approved on 24 May 1950. At the time, Joseph was residing at 565 Center Ave., in Verona, Allegheny County, PA.

Joseph Anthony Csordas and Dora Jean Wright went on to have two children; both still currently reside in Pennsylvania:

1. Bonnie Csordas (m. Ronald Bradley)

2. Joseph Csordas

A letter from Bonnie Csordas Brandley dated 23 Dec 2004:

“My aunt Irene and her daughter, Kathy, came to visit in October. We got my Aunt talking about her mother [Emma Hido] and found out some interesting info. It seems she was a bootlegger. She must have been quite the character. My Aunt says, “she was mean”. When we asked what she said she just says the same thing, “she was mean”. She was only 33 when she passed away. My Aunt told us how she would get word of the Feds coming and she would get these fellows to carry the still down over the hill from the barn where it was set up. The Feds would try to bribe my Aunt [Irene] when she was a little girl to tell them where the still was. She said she just kept her mouth shut.”

An email from Bonnie Csordas Bradley dated 8 Mar 2011:

“Sophie and Andrew Hido are also buried at Mount Zion Cemetary as are her brother Alex Hido, Steve and Emma Csordas and Julie Csordas (my dad's youngest half-sister).  Irene is still living in Cherry Tree, PA. Was your grandfather a coal miner? Steve Csordas was and all the boys worked in the mines until they closed, except my dad when he joined the Army.”

An email from Bonnie Csordas Bradley dated 4 Jan 2015:

“Since we last made contact I have lost my dad's sister, Irene, and her husband Paul Repik.  If you would like exact dates I can get them for you from my cousin.  Otherwise Joe and I have been doing well. I really don't know much about my mothers family.  She was adopted as an infant.  All I know is her birth name was Alberta Hines (don't even know if the spelling is right)  and when she passed away things had to go through orphans court.  The adoption was arranged through a friend of her adoptive parents.  She told me once that she tried to pursue searching briefly but couldn't find out anything.”

Another email from Bonnie Csordas Bradley dated 17 Jan 2025:

"Mom died in November, 1995 and Dad in January, 1997.  Both from heart attacks.  They were both cremated so there is no burial info.  They had sold their home and had a big motor home and were in Texas when she passed.  Joe and I fly down and brought Dad and the motor home back to Joes.  Dad stayed with Ron and Brian and I until Christmas when he went to live with Joe until he passed."