The Capal Kopstein Family Tree

The Kopstein family came to America around 1882.  Maria Kopfstein (nee Klapkova / Klapk), my great grandfather’s mother, immigrated to the US from Bohemia.  She arrived in New York on September 5, 1882 aboard the ship Neckar.  She came alone with her 3 children: Elizabeth, Francis, and Maria.  Her husband Frank, my great great grandfather, came to the US before them some time in 1882.  It is unknown at this time if Frank's father, my great great grandfather, John came to America.  The name of my great great grandmother is unknown.

My great grandfather Stephen (spelled with a “ph”) Kopstein was born on December 25, 1883 in Haverstraw, New York. 

I assume Maria Kopstein, my great great grandmother, died in or before the year 1892.

By 1892, Stephen Kopstein’s family had made the move from New York to Chicago, Illinois.  His father Frank Kopstein married Francisco Werstadt on September 20, 1892.  On their marriage license they listed their residence and place of marriage ceremony as # 59 Hastings Chicago, IL. 

According to the 1900 census record for Frank Kopstein, his family resided at 27 W. 16th St. in Chicago, Illinois. 

Frank Kopstein died at the age 59 on March 28, 1903 in Cook County, Illinois.  His second wife Frantska Kopstein died at age 55 on March 31, 1906 in Cook County, Illinois.

According to Frank Kopstein’s obituary, Frank Kopstein was born in Lisov, Czech Republic about 1844.  His occupation was a cabinet maker.  His brother Jan (John) and 4 children are mentioned in his obituary: Stephen, Marie, Francis, and Elizabeth.

Maria Kopstein, James Stephen’s sister, married Frank Chyska.  This marriage was assumed based on previous research.

Francis Kopstein, another sister, married Frank Pavek.  Francis and Frank Pavek had at least 3 children: Emil, Henry, and Harry.

Elizabeth Kopstein, another sister, married Emil Ciner.  Elizabeth and Emil Ciner had at least 3 children: Charles, Emil, and Sylvia.

Steve Kopstain married Emma Valenta in February 1906.  This is the exact way their names were spelled on their marriage license. Their marriage license states they were married by Frank B Zomber a minister at the Congregation Bohemian Faithiuray.

In 1907, Steven and Emma Kopstein resided at 378 W. 20th Place in Chicago, IL, and Steven worked as a tailor.

In 1909, Steven and Emily Kopstein’s son Steven James was born.  At this time, their family resided at 2719 Spaulding Ave in Chicago, Illinois.

According to a 1910 census record, Steven Kopstein was living on South Turner Ave. in Chicago with his first wife Emma and two children Steven and James.  James’s occupation is listed as a tailor in a coat shop.

In 1911 Steven Kopstein resided at 1527 W. 18th St. Chicago, Illinois.

In 1912 Steven Kopstein resided at 1713 W. 18th St. Chicago, Illinois.

Between the years 1913-1917 it is unknown where Steven Kopstein resided.

By 1917, Steven Kopstein changed his last name to Capal and moved to Cincinnati without his wife and children.

In 1917 Steven Capal married Anna Schmidt in Newport, Kentucky.

Steven also went by the name James Capal.

James and Anna Capal had 6 boys: James, Raymond, Robert, Frank, Melvin, and Daniel.

James and Anna Capal’s first son died premature in 1917.  At the time of the baby’s death, they resided at 832 Saratoga in Newport, Kentucky.  On the death certificate James Capal signed his name Stephen J. Capal. 

In 1926 my grandfather Frank Capal was born.  His place of birth and residence listed on his birth record was 123 Ward St. Bellevue, Kentucky. 

James Capal’s occupation was listed as tailor in both the 1920 and 1930 census records.

According to the 1930 census record for James and Anna Capal they resided at 403 10th St. in Dayton, Kentucky.

James Stephen Capal died on May 2, 1936 in Campbell County, Kentucky.  He is buried in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Alexandria, Kentucky.  His last place of residence was 403 10th Street in Newport, Kentucky.

After James Stephen Capal’s death, Anna and her boys lived at the following addresses in Newport and Dayton Kentucky: 315 Terrace Ave, 623 Eighth Street, and 943 Walnut Street.

Anna raised her boys on her own.  She is described as a hard worker.  She bought and sold real estate and cleaned for extra money to provide for her boys.

Anna Capal died on October 4, 1952 in Dayton, Kentucky.  She is buried by her husband side in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Alexandria, Kentucky.  

On June 26, 2006 it was confirmed that Steven Kopstein changed his name to James Steven Capal.  I received his birth record.  All of James Steven Capal’s personal information matched Steven Kopstein’s.