Here's one from Montana that I did research on for the Montana book. He was buried in 1918. His gravestone (if you click on the link) says: Born in Vodena, Macedonia. His name is Christ Hlebaroff.
The earliest I've seen with a gravestone that mentions their birthdate and being born in Macedonia was in the 1870s. I don't know if I can dig that up. But there are likely some that were born earlier who have Macedonia on their graves.
Niko's right that it's impossible to determine. About 5% of Macedonians who arrived in the US before World War I were born in the 1860s or earlier. So, perhaps there are a few stragglers out there. Many Macedonians died in Montana, the Dakotas, and out West working in the mines and on the railroads. Their gravestones would be hard to come around unless someone makes it their mission to find them.
Many scores of Macedonians were buried in the US before Stoyan. The Macedonian colony was already flourishing in Granite City with a couple thousand Macedonians there in 1906. (Actually, some of the largest banking institutions in the State of Illinois at that time were owned by Macedonians in 1908, an indicator of how many Macedonians were in the US then, as they had a wide Macedonian clientele). I would put my money on finding one from 1902 or 1903. I'll try to find some that are still in tact!
Since you are the resident expert on such matters I wanted to ask you something.
What is the earliest born person you know of who was buried in the US in line with what Niko is posting? He had one there from 1883 I believe.
What is the earliest born person you know of who was buried in the US in line with what Niko is posting? He had one there from 1883 I believe.
Niko's right that it's impossible to determine. About 5% of Macedonians who arrived in the US before World War I were born in the 1860s or earlier. So, perhaps there are a few stragglers out there. Many Macedonians died in Montana, the Dakotas, and out West working in the mines and on the railroads. Their gravestones would be hard to come around unless someone makes it their mission to find them.
But I think Stoyon Petroff who died 1906, is one of the first Macedonians who was buried in the USA, or is the oldest grave still intact
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