Who lived here?

As of yet, I have not uncovered any records indicating that any of our ancestors resided in the village of Altmark itself. However, the parish church in Altmark was the place of worship for Joseph and Anna Zielinski (Lawrence's Great Grandparents) while residing in Tillendorf from at least 1832-1858. Joseph and Anna were married in the church at Altmark on October 21, 1832. Their 4 known children were all baptized there as well. Oldest son, Joseph, was married there on October 12, 1858.

John Zielinski and Elizabeth Witkowski (Lawrence's grandparents) moved to Gross Waplitz from Ellerbruch sometime after 1869. We know that son John F. was born there on November 2, 1881 and baptized on November 8, 1881 in the Catholic Church in Altmark. Daughter Johanna was also born in Gross Waplitz on May 8, 1884 and baptized in Altmark on May 11, 1884. Son Frank (Lawrence's dad) may have also been baptized in Altmark, but I have not been able to find his baptism record.

Altmark is the German name and means "Old Market". The Polish name of the town, and what it is known by today, is Stary Targ. It is in the Powiat (county) of Stuhm. Historically it was in the German province of West Prussia. Today it is in the Polish voivodeship (province) of Pomorskie, also known as Pomerania. Over the years, the village has also been known as Aldemork, Aldemarkt, and Starygrod.

The town was founded sometime between 1271 and 1276. In 1325, the Catholic Parish of Saints Simon and Jude was established and a church built. The church was destroyed and rebuilt several times over the years. The current church building dates to 1906.

In 1885, Altmark had 122 houses and 1052 inhabitants. Of these, 934 were Catholic, 99 Protestant, 11 Jewish, and 8 other. Of historical significance, the Truce of Altmark was signed here in 1629, which ended the 4th Polish-Swedish War of the 17th century. In 1920, Altmark was one of only a few towns where a majority voted to become part of Poland, rather than Germany.

Altmark Church before 1906	Altmark Church before 1906
Altmark Church after 1906	Altmark Church Today