Jakov Radja (M)
b. 24 October 1896, d. 27 October 1989
Pedigree
Family_Line=R
Res_Rqrd=Y

     Jakov Radja was born on 24 October 1896 at Ogorje Donje, Dalmatia, son of Grgo Rađa and Iva Rađa. The baptism certificate shows a birthdate of 24 October 1894. The Popis Osoba of Ogorje shows a birth 23 September 1896. Family legend has it that this discrepancy has something to do with what age he needed to be to emigrate to the United States in 1920.^3,4,5 He lived in Ogorje Donje (Lower Ogorje) with the rest of the Radja family in a two story house wherein the second story was built after Jakov left for America in 1921. The original Radja house had previously been knocked down to make room for this house. The house is on two acres or more of land with a brick barn on the same property. The barn was built after Jakov had left the Austro-Hungarian army and he helped build it. There are 2 or 3 bedrooms on the second story. The first floor was a kitchen and one room with a fireplace in the corner of the kitchen. There is a water well about fifty feet from the house and an outside privy. The privy was flushed with a bucket of water carried by the user. In the house five girls slept in one room and five boys slept in another.

The church in Ogorje is 'Svete Yuri' and has a cemetery next door with a gravestone for 'Josip Radja' Jakov's brother. Jakov has his name carved in the stone as one of the contributors 'odsutan' (in absentia). The church is a quarter mile from the Radja house towards Split.

There was a forty-five minute walk from this house to a pasture in the 'Sviliye' mountains where Jakov stayed overnight with goats & sheep and also grew potatoes.

His birthday is thought to have been really in 1894. Apparently he had to show younger age to be able to emmigrate to US. A babtism certificate, hand written in Split, dated 16 May 1921 shows a birthday of 23 October 1896.

The Radja house is about 19 miles from Split, an eight hour walk. Jakov is said to have made his way (walked?) to Sibenik to trade a sheep for fancy silver buttons for his dress jacket. Cousin Ivan Radja has one of those buttons and son James Eugene has another.⁶

He was stationed with the Austo-Hungarian army during World War I.. He served against the French in the eastern front in Albania, 'Duris', 'Skadar'. He was a horse groom living in tents, with a rank of private. During the war he was captured by the Allies and held in a camp in Africa. He became deathly ill with an unknown illness and feared for dying. Fellow captives were dying left and right. After the war he spent 1918-20 living on the farm in Orgorje.⁷

Nikola Malenica (cousin, son of father's sister)of 10801 Burley Avenue, Chicago, Illinois sent a registered letter (return address 909 Indianapolis Blvd Whiting, Indiana) to Jakov (in Ogroje Donje) containing a deposition dated 24 September 1920 wherein he swore that he would support Jacob Radja's entry into the United States. Nikola Malenica died in the early 1940s. The Rađa house in Ogorje had a cross engraved into one of its stone blocks shown in this photo. Jakov is said to have also had a cross tatooed on his forearm. Before leaving Ogorje for America, Jakov had a girlfriend; Marija Rađa.⁸

Jakov arrived as an immigrant aboard the SS Presidente Wilson from Trieste, Italy on 4 July 1921 at Ellis Island, New York, New York. The ship's manifest lists him as Jakob Radja, a single male 25 years old, farmer, able to read and write Croatian, nationality Jugoslavia, ethnicity Croatian, last permanent residence was Ogarje (sic), Jugoslavia, nearest relative in Jugoslavia is mother Jova Radja of Ogarje (sic), Jugoslavia P.O. Muc. Final destination is with cousin Nik. Malenice of 909 Indiannapolis Blvd Whiting, Indiana; does not have a ticket to final destination, ship passage was paid for by his self. Has $30 cash. Has never been in US before and intends permanent residence in the US. Height of 5ft 6in with fair complexion and brown hair and blue eyes. He is in good health with no identifying marks and was born in Jugoslavia, Ogorje. Words "Spec Ex" was written on his line item as well as on 13 others.

Jakov stayed on Ellis Island for 4-5 days because he had insufficient funds to proceed to Whiting. Money eventually came from Nikola Malenica . It is understood they roomed together until Jakov and Draga married in May of 1929.⁹
As of 1922, Jakov Radja also went by the name of Jack Radja. As of 1923, Jakov Radja also went by the name of Jake Radja. Believe we have a picture here of Jakov Radja with cousin Nikola Malenica. He sent $11.10 (1000 Dinars) to Iva and Jakova Radja in Ogorje, Dalmatia via the Union State Bank of South Chicago.
On 28 May 1923.¹⁰
Jakov received a letter about 16 June 1923, from Josip Rađa,brother of Jakov Radja, at Ogorje Donje. The letter expressed disappointment in not receiving letters from Jakov and refers to Nikola Malenica.¹¹
Jakov received a letter about 22 July 1923, from Josip Rađa,brother of Jakov Radja, at Ogorje Donje, Dalmatia. The letter talks about money Jakov has sent and land problems and refers to Nikola Malenica.¹²
Jakov received a letter about 11 November 1923, from Josip Rađa,brother of Jakov, at Split. The letter talks about money Jakov has sent.¹³
Jakov received a letter about 26 December 1923, from Ante Borozan at San Eduardo. Talks of life in Argentina and asks for help in getting to America.¹⁴
Jakov received a letter about 28 December 1923, from Josip Rađa,brother of Jakov, at Ogorje Donje. The letter talks about money Jakov has sent and possible land purchase. This letter needs more research.¹⁵ He was employed by Republic Steel, 116th St and Burley Ave, as a Conductor in the Transportation and labor Department with an hourly rate of $1.34 (Earnings: 1941 $2127.07, 1942 $2333.08, 1943 $3156.88, 1944 $3252.54 and 1945 $3976.40. In 1945 this translates to 57 hour work weeks. In mid '30s pay was around $0.35 an hour.)
He also worked at Interstate Steel (Republic Steel) until 10 June 1930 (twelve hour days, seven days a week at 42 cents per hour till 1923) then eight hour days seven days a week at 65 cents per hour. Earned about $17 per two weeks in mid-thirties. (Son James' birth certificate shows his job as Switchman at Interstate Iron & Steel Co.) In 1930 three days per week or one day till 1935 when it became full time five day weeks. The big steel strike came in 1937 when he lived in the mill for seventeen days straight as a strike breaker. Years 1938-9 were the worst years of the depression when there was no work and $8/week pay. He also worked at a paint factory in Roseland then worked the WPA in 1938 for 3-4 months at Calumet & Marquette Parks at ($.35 per hour) $58 per month for about 3 days per week road building.
In 1924.^16,17
Jakov received a letter about 1924, from Mate Rađa at Banja Luka, Bosnia. He's visiting a thermal springs.¹⁸
Jakov received a letter about 12 January 1924, from Josip Rađa at Ogorje, Dalmatia. He talks of receiving $30 and the birth of son Jakov.¹⁹
Jakov received a letter about 23 January 1924, from Josip Rađa,brother of Jakov, at Bračević, Dalmatia. The letter talks about money Jakov has sent and land problems and refers to Petar Koljanin and the Filip could be Filip Granić. Not sure we have the correct Josip here because he says he is not married yet. So this could be a Mate letter.²⁰
Jakov received a letter about 23 March 1924, from Josip Rađa,brother of Jakov, at Ogorje Donje. The letter mentions Jakov's asking about a house available in Ogorje. This letter needs more research.²¹
Jakov received a letter about 6 May 1924, from Mate Rađa.²²
Jakov received a letter about 28 June 1924, from Josip Rađa.²³
Jakov received a letter about 30 August 1924, from Josip Rađa. Mentions the death of son Grga.²⁴
Jakov received a letter about December 1924, from Mate Rađa.²⁵
Jakov received a letter about 15 December 1924, from Josip Rađa at Ogorje. The letter discussed family matters and the $50 he recently received.²⁶
Jakov received a letter about 20 January 1925, from Mate Rađa at Derventa, Bosnia. The family is concerned that they have not received letters from Jakov.²⁷
Jakov received a letter about 29 June 1925, from Josip Rađa.²⁸
Jakov received a letter about 8 July 1925, from Simun Borozan at Bračević, Dalmatia. A letter on family matters and looking for his brother Ante.²⁹
Jakov received a letter about 13 September 1925, from Josip Rađa.³⁰
Jakov received a letter about 31 October 1925, from Mate Rađa,Jakov's brother. Mato mentions his pension of 480 Dinars per month. Brother Josip added a note.³¹
Jakov received a letter about 1 January 1926, from Mate Rađa,Jakov's brother. Brother Josip Rada added a short greeting about sister Cvita getting married shortly.³²
Jakov received a letter about 20 March 1926, from Mate Rađa. Talks about Jakov's potential life back in Croatia.³³
Jakov received a letter about 16 July 1926, from Mate Rađa.³⁴
Jakov received a letter about 16 August 1926, from Mate Rađa at Ogorje, Dalmatia. Mate is not feeling well. Sister Cvita is now married to Jandrija Baković.³⁵
Jakov received a letter about 4 September 1926, from Mate Rađa.³⁶
Jakov received a letter about 5 September 1926, from Simun Borozan at Bračević. A letter on family matters. Simun is ashamed of his handwriting.³⁷
Jakov received a letter about 14 January 1927, from Mate Rađa.³⁸
Jakov received a letter about 23 March 1927, from Mate Rađa.³⁹
Jakov received a letter about 6 June 1927, from Mate Rađa at Ogorje Donje.⁴⁰
Jakov received a letter about 26 September 1927, from Mate Rađa at Ogorje Donje. Talks of prices of various items.⁴¹ He was naturalized on 23 December 1927 He never registered as an alien. His Naturalization Certificate was #2719771, Petition #42809, Vol 270. Naturalization Certificate issued by US District Court of Chicago, dated 23 December 1927 lists him as of brown hair and brown eyes living at 3537 East 106th Street Chicago, Illinois.⁴²

Jakov received a letter about 8 January 1928, from Mate Rađa at Ogorje Donje. Contains miscellaneous greetings.⁴³
Jakov received a letter about 30 April 1928, from Mate Rađa at Ogorje Donje. Contains miscellaneous greetings.⁴⁴
Jakov received a letter about 6 September 1928, from Mate Rađa at Ogorje Donje. Contains miscellaneous greetings.⁴⁵
Jakov received a letter about 22 December 1928, from Mate Rađa at Ogorje Donje. Contains miscellaneous greetings.⁴⁶ He and Draga Marasović lived in 1929 at Greenbay Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. The newlyweds lived in a room rented from a Mr. Celich for $25/Month. Lived there for five months (June through October) until they bought the house at 10216 Avenue L. Mr. Celich was angry when they moved since he expected long term renters.⁴⁷ A description of an engagement shower for Jakov and Draga appeared in an unknown local Croatian newspaper. The translation was made by Helena Strugar of Zagreb.

Jakov married Draga Marasović, daughter of Andrija Marasović and Ivanica Marasovich, on 4 May 1929 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Croatian Catholic Church, 2864 E. 96th Street, Chicago, Illinois. Wedding attendees included Andrija Marasović, Ivanica Marasovich, Edward Joseph Marasovic, Sister Mary Andrew Marasovich Order of Carmel, Joseph August Granich, Florence Barbara Granich, Marie Evelyn Granich, Genevieve A. Granich, Lorraine Rose Kovack, Unknown Padzich, Nikola Malenica, Marija Ivanica Kovack, Mate Kovačević, Zora Granich, Joseph Melvan, Joseph Komar, Joseph Hrstich, Mate Hrstich, Petar Koljanin, Mary Hrstich, Anna Hartman, Agnes Unknown, Antoinetta Prkić, Zorka Begich, Paul Begich, Philip Martin Granich, Dorothy Josephine Granich, James Kovack and Mary Furlan. Mr. Padzich was present at the wedding because he had a car. Miss Agnes was a girlfriend of Edward Marasovich. Uncle Nick Malenica presented a big radio as a wedding present. Anna Hartman was the bride's friend from St. Louis. The groom wore a rented tuxedo. The bride wore a $25 dress from Marshall Fields. After purchase of her wedding dress, Draga had to buy cleaning fluid to clean it since it had sat in store for a long time. After cleaning, the dress was hung in the attic to dry. It did not smell afterwards. A week before the wedding Jakov bought home furnishings from The Davis Company in the Chicago Loop: a dining room table and chairs for $205 and 3 rugs and pads for $139. The wedding was financed completely by them; including groceries worth $200. Draga didn't want a 'collection' of money gifts at the wedding reception. Reception was held for about 25 people at her parents' house. On 26 April 1929, Caroline ordered wedding reception rental plates(60), cups(30), utensils(50 sets), 36 chairs, etc. for a total of $22.24 (discounted to $20) for delivery on Friday 3 May to the Marasovich house. They needed about three gallons of wine belonging to her dad Andrija. Ivanica (Draga's mother) came over the next day seeking return of the three gallons. Andrija complained afterwards that the wine returned was not as good as the wine used. The wedding trip was to Benton Harbor, Michigan staying with the Miletich family. They had a room and meals for a week or two for about $20. Benton Harbor was then known as a health baths spa.

Radja cousins in Croatia say that Jakov wanted to move back to Croatia with his savings and buy a piece of land in Ogorje that Josip picked out for him. Plans changed when he met Dragica (Caroline).^48,49,6,50
The wedding party was described in a local Croatian newspaper.

Jakov received a letter about 29 June 1929, from Mate Rađa at Ogorje Donje. Contains miscellaneous greetings.⁵¹
Jakov received a letter about 20 July 1929, from Iva Borozan at Ogorje Donje. Three different people contributed to this one letter.⁵²
Jakov and Draga Marasović received a letter about 29 July 1929, from Iva Borozan at Ogorje Donje. Contains miscellaneous greetings.⁵³
Jakov and Draga Marasović received a letter about 29 July 1929, from Mate Rađa at Ogorje Donje. Contains miscellaneous greetings.⁵³ He and Draga Marasović lived from 17 October 1929 to 15 July 1989 at 10216 Avenue "L", Chicago, Illinois. Jakov and Draga bought the house and moved in that same day (paying the movers $5). The former owners were James and Emma Harris, who were getting a divorce after two years in the house. The Harris's father had bought the lot and built the house for them. Jakov and Draga paid $5,500 with a down payment of $4100, one hundred of which was in gold coins. (Jakov had saved $8,000 by time of marriage in 1929. He did this in eight years since landing at Ellis Island! Zora Granich had said that Ivanica had given Draga money for the house purchase since it was bought so soon after the marriage.) Home furnishings cost them $4,000. Also understand that she bought a $200 dining room set with her own money savings for the house since Jakov didn't want to spend the money. (However, she did have a wash machine with a wringer early in the 1930s.)

There was a $1400 mortgage with payments of $50 per month for 3 years. Cousin Nikola Melenica gave a $300 radio wedding present to the newlyweds. The mortgage was bought in 1930 by Mr. Julius Lencioni who rescued them from default as the Great Depression started by allowing interest only payments. But according to Draga, they didn't pay the interest either. They finally defaulted on interest payments in 1934. But Mr. Lencioni was very kind and did not evict them. Small home loans were bought by the US government in 1934. To get the US loan the government wanted certain repairs and painting but contractors wanted exorbitant prices which they said could be passed off to the government. The government reps told Jakov to do the work himself.

The US home mortgage is documented in their Certificate of Title in Cook County Illinois (Volume 612 Page 6 No. 303010) to Jakov Radja, et ux dated 2 August 1934. The mortgage was for $1750 (Homeowners' Loan Corporation of Washington, D.C.) with 15 years of monthly payments of $13.85 starting July 1934 with an interest rate of 5%. The home was appraised at $4806. Of the loan $1400 was due to Mr. Lencioni's mortgage and the other $350 due for repairs, appraisal, attorney fees recording, etc. On obtaining this new mortgage, Mr. Lencioni forgave the outstanding interest of $186. In 1938 they couldn't pay even the $13.85. The loan was finally paid off on 3 March 1944 (Draga's 41st birthday) as shown on the title certificate.^54,55,56,57
He and Carolyn Radja bought property at Chicago from James Harris and Emma Harris on 17 October 1929. The Radja's bought the property from the Harris's.⁵⁸
Jakov received a letter about 30 October 1929, from Josip Rađa.⁵⁹ At age 33, Jakov became the father of James Eugene Radja on 9 February 1930 at South Chicago Community Hospital, Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Titzel came to the house at first sign of birth pain and took Carolyn to the hospital and waited until the baby was born at 2:22 AM. Carolyn stayed in the hospital for eleven days at a cost of $4/day plus miscellaneous items for a total of $60.50. James weighed eight pounds & fourteen ounces.^60,61

Jakov Radja is shown as head of household on the US census of 22 April 1930 at Chicago as Jakov Radja. Listed as 33 years old, married at age 32 years, owns his $4,000 home with a radio, born in Yugoslavia, father born in Yugoslavia, mother born in Yugoslavia, can read and write and speak English, native language is Croatian. Immigrated in 1921, not naturalized, employed as a switchman in a railroad yard. Enumerated with the head of household was/were Draga Marasović and James Eugene Radja.⁶²

Jakov and Draga received a letter about 1 May 1930, from Mate Rađa at Ogorje Donje. Contains miscellaneous greetings.⁶³
Jakov and Draga Marasović received a letter about 26 November 1930, from Iva Borozan at Ogorje Donje. Contains miscellaneous greetings.⁶⁴
Jakov and Draga Marasović received a letter about 26 November 1930, from Mate Rađa at Ogorje Donje. Contains miscellaneous greetings.⁶⁴ The Dalmatinska Sloga (Dalmatian Concord) of South Chicago, with its 134 members became affiliated with the Croatian Fraternal Union in January 1931. For over fifty six years, CFU Lodge 17 continued to label itself as "Dalmatinska Sloga CFU Lodge 17" on 28 January 1931. Carolyn Radja did not join until March 1936. On 11 November 1987, Lodge 17 was transferred to Lodge 229 of South Chicago.^65,66
Jakov and Carolyn Radja received a letter about 13 February 1931, from Iva Rađa at Ogorje. Sent some photographs and mentions a family breakup plus hello from a Granic person.⁶⁷
Jakov received a letter about 10 May 1931, from Mate Rađa at Ogorje Donje. Contains miscellaneous greetings.⁶⁸ At age 34, Jakov became the father of Dolores Marie Radja on 17 September 1931.
Jakov and Draga Marasović received a letter about 4 December 1931, from Iva Borozan at Ogorje Donje. Contains miscellaneous greetings.⁶⁹
Jakov received a letter about 4 March 1932, from Mate Rađa at Ogorje Donje. Contains miscellaneous greetings.⁷⁰
Jakov received a letter about 14 July 1932, from Mate Rađa at Derventa, Bosnia.⁷¹
Jakov and Draga Marasović received a letter about 18 July 1932, from Iva Borozan at Ogorje Donje. Contains miscellaneous greetings.⁷²
Jakov received a letter about 18 July 1932, from Mate Rađa at Ogorje Donje. Contains miscellaneous greetings.⁷²
Jakov and Draga Marasović received a letter about 30 August 1932, from Iva Borozan at Ogorje Donje. Family news. The year date of this letter is a guess.⁷³
Jakov and Draga Marasović received a letter about 30 August 1932, from Mate Rađa at Ogorje Donje. Family news. The year date of this letter is a guess.⁷³ He was elected as Recording Secretary (Per.) of Dalmatinska Sloga Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 17 for calendar year 1934 in 1933 at Chicago, Illinois. Note the following translations of offices: P = President, T = Secretary (handling funds as well as the Treasurer), Per = Recording Secretary, B = Treasurer, Pob = President of the Sick Committee and Pno = President of the Board of Trustees.⁷⁴
Jakov received a letter about 1933, from Mate Rađa.⁷⁵
Jakov received a letter about 13 May 1933, from Mate Rađa at Ogorje Donje. Contains miscellaneous greetings.⁷⁶
Jakov received a letter about 6 August 1933, from Mate Rađa at Ogorje Donje. Contains miscellaneous greetings.⁷⁷
Jakov and Draga Marasović received a letter about 16 November 1933, from Mate Rađa.⁷⁸
Jakov received a letter about 31 December 1933, from Mate Rađa at Ogorje Donje. Contains miscellaneous greetings.⁷⁹
Draga and Jakov received a letter about circa 1934, from Mate Rađa at Ogorje. They would like to send a photgraph but it's too hard. Greetings from many family members.⁸⁰ He was re-elected as Recording Secretary (Per.) of Dalmatinska Sloga Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 17 for calendar year 1935 in 1934 at Chicago.⁸¹ Note that the Lodge meeting was held every first Wednesday ("Svake prve srijede") of the month at 7PM.⁸² Rađa family donated Ogorje land for a school building.⁸³ He and Carolyn Radja obtained a home mortgage for $1,750 on 9 June 1934 at Chicago. Payments were monthly at $13.85 at an interest rate of 5% per year. The loan document seems to indicate that Mr Julius Lencioni of 7601 Clyde Avenue, Chicago put up $1,400 in bondsand cash to guarentee this loan. This latter confirms conversations with Jakov and Draga.^84,85,6 At age 37, Jakov became the father of Donna Jean Radja on 28 August 1934.
Jakov received a letter about 20 November 1934, from Mate Rađa at Ogorje Donje. Contains miscellaneous greetings.⁸⁶
Jakov received a letter about 13 December 1934, from Mate Rađa at Ogorje Donje. Contains miscellaneous greetings.⁸⁷ He was re-elected as Recording Secretary (Per.) of Dalmatinska Sloga Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 17 for calendar year 1936 in 1935 at Chicago.⁸²
Jakov and Draga Marasović received a letter about 13 October 1935, from Mate Rađa at Ogorje Donje. Contains miscellaneous greetings.⁸⁸ He was re-elected as Recording Secretary (Per.) of Dalmatinska Sloga Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 17 for calendar year 1937 in 1936 at Chicago.⁸⁹ He was re-elected as Recording Secretary (Per.) of Dalmatinska Sloga Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 17 for calendar year 1938 in 1937 at Chicago.⁹⁰ He was re-elected as Recording Secretary (Per.) of Dalmatinska Sloga Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 17 for calendar year 1939 in 1938 at Chicago.⁹¹
Jakov and Draga Marasović received a letter about 6 January 1938, from Mate Rađa at Ogorje Donje. Contains miscellaneous greetings.⁹² He was re-elected as Recording Secretary (Per.) of Dalmatinska Sloga Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 17 for calendar year 1940 in 1939 at Chicago.⁹³
Jakov and Draga Marasović received a letter about 26 March 1939, from Mate Rađa at Ogorje Donje. Contains miscellaneous greetings.⁹⁴ He was re-elected as Recording Secretary (Per.) of Dalmatinska Sloga Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 17 for calendar year 1941 in 1940 at Chicago.⁹⁵ At age 43, Jakov became the father of Thomas Gregory Radja on 3 October 1940 at Chicago. He earned a total of $14,845.97 from 1941 to 1945 at Republic Steel, 116th St and Burley Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. His hourly wage was $1.34 per hour. Jakov has been an employee since 1 March 1924 and at present is a Conductor in the Transportation and Labor Department. "This man has always been a steady and reliable employee and his position is considered permanent." says the letter forwarding these earned wages. Based on this rate his 1945 hours were 2,967.5 which shows 887 hours of overtime.¹⁶
Jakov received a letter about 26 January 1941, from Mate Rađa at Ogorje Donje.⁹⁶ He witnessed the First Holy Communion of Jimmy Radja and Dolores Marie Radja on 11 May 1941 at St Francis DeSales Catholic Church, 102nd Street and Ewing Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, The pastor at St Francis would not allow those receiving First Communion to wear a white dress unless they were students at the St Francis elementary school. So, before taking the picture shown she had to go home and change clothes. After Jimmy and Dolores received First Communion the family walked over to the Marasovich grandparents home to celebrate.⁹⁷ He was elected as President, Board of Trustees (Pno.) of Dalmatinska Sloga Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 17 for calendar year 1943 in 1942 at Chicago.⁹⁸ He and Carolyn Radja obtained 'Certificate of Title' upon paying off their mortgage on 3 March 1944 at Chicago. The mortgage was for $1,750.^85,57 Note that the Dalmatinska Sloga (Dalmatian Concord) of South Chicago, with its 134 members became affiliated with the Croatian Fraternal Union of America in January 1931. For over fifty years, CFU Lodge 17 continued to label itself as "Dalmatinska Sloga CFU Lodge 17".⁶⁵
Jakov received a letter about 12 January 1945, from Jandra Rađa,Jakov's sister, at Ogorje Donje, Dalmatia. She mentions the death of brother Mate. Also a comment from sister Marta Bijuk.⁹⁹
Jakov received a letter about 18 July 1945, from Mate Rađa at Ogorje Donje.¹⁰⁰
Jakov and Carolyn Radja received a letter about 5 December 1945, from Josip Rađa at Ogorje. The letter discussed the recent death of brother Mate and cousin Nikola Malenica. He also discusses the recent war and other family matters.¹⁰¹
Jakov received a letter about 29 December 1945, from Grgo Rađa at Viš, Dalmacija. Writes an introductory letter.¹⁰²
Jakov received a letter about 7 May 1946, from Mate Rađa. Describes his life in Jugoslavia and his strong desire to come to America.¹⁰³ On 24 July 1946, Republic Steel Corporation (116th St and Burley Ave) certified that:
Jakov has been in their employ since 1 March 1924 and then was working as a Conductor. His hourly pay then was $1.34/hour and earnings for last several years were:
     1941     $2127.07
     1942     $2333.08
     1943     $3156.08
     1944     $3252.54
     1945     $3976.40.
Jakov received a letter about circa September 1946, from Mate Rađa. He writes about life in Jugoslavia and asks for some materials.¹⁰⁴ He was an attendee when Andrija Marasović and Ivanica Marasovich were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary with family members on 2 March 1947 at 10732 Avenue "O", Chicago, Illinois.¹⁰⁵
Jakov and Carolyn Radja received a letter about 16 March 1947, from Josip Rađa at Ogorje Donje.¹⁰⁶
Jakov received a letter about 23 April 1947, from Josip Rađa. Letter on various family matters.¹⁰⁷
Jakov received a letter about 26 May 1947, from Josip Rađa. Describes various family matters.¹⁰⁸
Jakov received a letter about 1 September 1947, from Josip Rađa. Various family matters.¹⁰⁷
Jakov received a letter about 16 November 1947, from Josip Rađa. Contains miscellaneous greetings.¹⁰⁹
Jakov received a letter about 8 December 1948, from Ivan (Ivec) Rađa at Split. He has a sick daughter who needs a prescription filled.¹¹⁰
Jakov and Draga Marasović received a letter about 19 March 1949, from Mate Rađa at Split. Talks about family matters and needs some combs. Advises them not to visit Jugoslavia at this time.¹¹¹
Jakov and Carolyn Radja received a letter about 14 April 1949, from Marta Rađa,describing her family's condition, at Ogorje Donje.¹¹²
Jakov received a letter about 7 August 1949, from Mate Rađa at Bracevic, Dalmatia. The letter was written for him by M. Zmiric.¹¹³
Jakov received a letter about 27 November 1949, from Simun Borozan at Bračević. Simun's son has tuberculosis and needs medicine that maybe Jakov can supply.¹¹⁴
Jakov received a letter about 26 December 1949, from Mate Rađa at Dukljanska 10, 3rd Floor, Split, Dalmatia. Mentions that he was in the army recently and discusses the status of various family members.¹¹⁵
Jakov and Draga received a letter about 31 December 1949, from Josip Rađa. Contains miscellaneous greetings.¹¹⁶
Jakov and Carolyn Radja received a letter about 5 January 1950, from Ante Rađa at Split, Dalmatia.¹¹⁷
Jakov received a letter about 14 January 1950, from Simun Borozan at Bračević. A repeat of the last letter from Simon concerning his son with tuberculosis.¹¹⁸
Jakov and Draga Marasović received a letter about 21 January 1950, from Mate Rađa at Sinj, Dalmatia. Asks for a coat.¹¹⁹
Jakov and Draga Marasović received a letter about 8 April 1950, from Mate Rađa at Sinj. Says hello to all the kids.¹²⁰
Jakov received a letter about 6 May 1950, from Ante Rađa at Split.¹²¹
Jakov and Draga Marasović received a letter about 15 May 1950, from Mate Rađa at Split.¹²²
Jakov received a letter about 5 September 1950, from Iva Rađa at Ulica Šantića B116, Stanišić, Serbia. Discusses her status in life.¹²³
Jakov received a letter about 5 October 1950, from Iva Delić at Stanišić. Moved to Serbia in 1946. Mentions that sister Pera is living with her family because Iva needs help.¹²⁴
Jakov received a letter about 6 October 1950, from Mate Rađa at Split. Complains of not receiving answers to his many letters.¹²⁵
Jakov and Draga Marasović received a letter about 1 February 1951, from Mate Rađa at Split.¹²⁶
Jakov received a letter about 21 February 1951, from Josip Rađa. Contains miscellaneous greetings.¹²⁷
Jakov and Carolyn Radja received a letter about 1 May 1951, from Iva Rađa at Stanišić. Gave thanks for packages received and asked for more old clothing. Includes a thanks from her sister Pera for earrings.¹²⁸ He attended the graduation of James Eugene Radja on 4 June 1951 at US Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland.¹²⁹
Jakov received a letter about 6 October 1951, from Mate Rađa at Split. Needs letter of recommedation to travel to America.¹³⁰
Jakov and Draga Marasović received a letter about 15 March 1952, from Mate Rađa at Split. Anxious about planned trip to America.¹³¹ He attended the marriage of Dolores Marie Radja and S. David Frost on 17 October 1953 at St Francis deSales Catholic Church, 102nd Street & Ewing Avenue, Chicago, Illinois.⁹⁷ He attended the marriage of Caroline Elizabeth Gould and James Eugene Radja on 29 August 1954 at North Island Chapel, San Diego, California.¹³² He attended the marriage of Donna Jean Radja and John Quirke on 11 October 1958 at St Francis deSales Church. He received his pension plan letter from the Republic Steel Corporation on 22 April 1963. His pension would be $149.94 per month starting 1 July 1963.¹³³
Jakov and Draga Marasović received a letter about 8 February 1965, from Josip Rađa.¹³⁴ He attended the marriage of Jeanne Scott and Thomas Gregory Radja on 21 August 1967 at First Congregational Church, 1047 Curtiss Street, Downers Grove, Illinois.¹³⁵ In 1970 he suffered an enlarged prostate which required hopitalization at South Chicago Hospital.¹³⁶
Jakov and Carolyn Radja received a letter about 8 April 1972, from Pera Rađa. She speaks of family matters.¹³⁷ He and Carolyn Radja endorsed a will on 26 July 1972 at Chicago. The will left all of their estate to their four children equally divided.¹³⁸ He and Draga Marasović travelled by airplane in August 1972 to Dalmatia. This was their first and only visit to their native land. Draga kept putting off the trip because of fear of flying. Jakov threatened to go with son Tom instead of her. On their visit to Ogorje Donje, they took along a newly purchased refrigerator to help one of Jakov's relatives.^129,132
Jakov received a letter about 12 November 1972, from Josip Rađa. Recognizing recent trip to Jugoslavia.¹³⁹
Jakov and Carolyn Radja received a letter about 27 December 1972, from Ante Rađa at Split.¹⁴⁰
Jakov and Draga Marasović received a letter about 3 January 1973, from Josip Rađa.¹⁴¹ He witnessed the change of command of James Eugene Radja and Carol Radja on 1 June 1973 at US Navy Electronics Engineering Center, Portsmouth, Virginia.¹²⁹
Jakov and Draga received a letter about 27 June 1973, from Pera Rađa at Split. Talks about marriage of daughter Ankica.¹⁴²
Jakov and Carolyn Radja received a letter about 4 July 1973, from Josip Rađa.¹⁴³
Jakov and Draga Marasović received a letter about 5 August 1973, from Jela Rađa at Split. Jela remebers Jakov & Draga's visit last year. Part of the letter is from Jela's mother Marija who thanks Jakov for gifts.¹⁴⁴
Jakov and Carolyn Radja received a letter about 23 January 1974, from Josip Rađa.¹⁴⁵
Jakov and Draga Marasović received a letter about 29 July 1974, from Josip Rađa. Most of the letter dictated to one of Jozo's sons.¹⁴⁶
Jakov and Draga Marasović received a letter about 25 August 1974, from Josip Rađa.¹⁴⁷ He and Carolyn Radja were receiving medical insurance from Republic Steel in 1975.¹³⁶
Jakov and Carolyn Radja received a letter about 8 January 1976, from Dragica Rađa,and sister Nada Rađa, at Solin, Dalmatia.¹⁴⁸
Jakov and Carolyn Radja received a letter about 3 April 1976, from Ivan Rađa at Split. Notifies of the death of his father Josip.¹⁴⁹
Jakov and Carolyn received a letter about 9 September 1976, from Ivan Rađa at Split. Mentions that his mother is sick and that no one lives in Ogorje any more.¹⁵⁰
Jakov and Carolyn Radja received a letter about 24 May 1978, from Pera Rađa,daughter of brother Josip, at Split. She discusses various family activity.¹⁵¹ He and Carolyn Radja celebrating their fiftieth wedding anniversary in May 1979 at Chicago.¹²⁹ Jakov used to pull his own teeth and had few left in the eighties. In his later years Tom occasionally shaved his dad. Jakov avoided doctors except in emergencies.¹³⁶
Jakov and Draga Marasović received a letter about 1 April 1980, from Jakov Rađa at Solin. Providing lots of family news.¹⁵²
Jakov and Draga Marasović received a letter about 23 October 1980, from Pera Rađa at Split. Discusses family matters and deaths from disease.¹⁵³
Jakov and Draga Marasović received a letter about 15 December 1981, from Pera Rađa at Split. She talks of Melissa or Carol Radja's and David Frost's visits to Jugoslavia. The year of the letter is available from the envelope.¹⁵⁴
Jakov and Draga Marasović received a letter about 8 March 1982, from Pera Rađa at Split. Her mother has just died.¹⁵⁵
Jakov and Carolyn Radja received a letter about 6 April 1982, from Pera Rađa at Split. Mentions possible visit of David Frost.¹⁵⁶
Jakov and Draga Marasović received a letter about 24 January 1983, from Pera Rađa at Split. She talks of family matters and the impending visit of Dolores Frost. Year of the letter read from the envelope.¹⁵⁷ Jakov Radja and Carolyn Radja was visited by Gregory Andrew Radja who travelled in 1983 to Chicago.¹²⁹
Jakov and Draga Marasović received a letter about 27 May 1985, from Pera Rađa at Split. Talks about family matters.¹⁵⁸
Jakov and Draga Marasović received a letter about 5 October 1985, from Pera Rađa at Split. She would like their children to visit Jugoslavia.¹⁵⁹ Jakov Radja and Draga Marasović was visited by Jandra Rađa who travelled from Croatia in May 1986 to Chicago. Vinko Rađa accompanied them.¹⁶⁰ He and Carolyn Radja celebrated his ninetyth birthday in September 1986 at Chicago. The family from all over the country participated. Attendees included James Eugene Radja, Carol Radja, James Herdman Scott, Jeanne Radja, Thomas Gregory Radja, Paul Radja, Melissa Stewart Radja, Nicole B. Radja, Dolores Marie Frost, S. David Frost, David J. Frost, Karen Frost, Mary Frost, Donna Jean Quirke, John Quirke, Sharon Quirke, Michael Joseph Quirke, Sheila M. Quirke, Gregory Andrew Radja, Melinda Ann Radja, Mary Cecile Quirke, Kieren Therese Quirke and James Eugene Radja Jr.¹²⁹ In 1987 CFU Lodge 17 merged with CFU Lodge 229. So the Radja's ended over fifty years relationship with Lodge 17. Lodge 17 was founded in 1895 according to the CFU computer database.¹²⁹
Jakov and Draga Marasović received a letter about 8 January 1988, from Pera Rađa at Split. Talks about family matters.¹⁶¹
Jakov and Carolyn Radja received a letter about 10 January 1988, from Jakov Rađa at Solin. Expresses thanks for a letter received. Mentions status of his family.¹⁶²
Jakov and Draga Marasović received a letter about 17 May 1988, from Pera Rađa at Split. Talks about family matters.¹⁶³ He was confined at a nursing home because of wandering. In 1989 at Lansing, Illinois.¹²⁹
Jakov and Draga Marasović received a letter about 12 January 1989, from Pera Rađa at Split. Talks of David Frost's visit from Dubrovnik.¹⁶⁴ Jakov Radja, Draga Marasović, Donna Jean Quirke, John Quirke, Carol Quirke, Michael Joseph Quirke and Sheila M. Quirke attended the wedding of Philip J. Reece and Sharon Quirke on 16 September 1989 at St Jude The Apostle Church, 880 East 154th Street, South Holland, Illinois.¹²⁹ He died of respiratory failure and acute pulmonary embolism on 27 October 1989 at St Margaret Hospital, Hammond, Indiana, at age 93.¹⁶⁵ On Jakov's death the house in Chicago was sold to Manuel D. and Maria E. Munoz for $40,000; settled 20 November 1989. He was buried in October 1989 in the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery located in Calumet City, Illinois. Attendees included Carolyn Radja, James Eugene Radja, Dolores Marie Frost, Donna Jean Quirke and Thomas Gregory Radja The following contributed floral arrangements: Jim & Carol Radja, Dave & Dolores Frost, the Frost children, Kathy Frost Duffner children, Jack & Toots Barnes, John & Donna Quirke and children, Tom & Jeanne Radja and children.¹⁶⁶ In memory of Jakov, four chalices were donated to St Francis DeSales Catholic church in the East Side. Funds used were donated by many family friends and relatives including: Mr & Mrs John Melvan, Genevieve Rassel & family, Mr & Mrs Paul Begich, Mr & Mrs Otto Melvan, Bob and Sara Koenig, John Botich, Mr & Mrs Frank Plesha, Mr & Mrs John Chavka, Mr & Mrs Matthew Waclawwik, Mr & Mrs Tom Bender, Mr & Mrs Jack Leahy, Mr & Mrs Frank Plesha, Mr & Mrs Steve Drozda and James Kovack.¹⁶⁷ On 27 December 2004 a Washington Post article describes attempts to preserve some history of Chicago steelmaking.¹⁶⁸ RADM and Mrs. S.D. Frost made a contribution towards the renovation of the Naval Academy's Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in honor of Mr & Mrs J. Radja. A seat plate with the inscription: "MR. AND MRS. J. RADJA TRUE NAVY PARENTS THE FROSTS" will be at Seat 21 Row 31, Section 5.¹⁶⁹

Last Edited=27 Jul 2009