2303 Union

In 1882 Jacob Gorny, a railroad carpenter, bought 2 lots (7 and 8) on the southwest corner of Union and Taylor.  Two houses face Union on those lots, and Jacob Gorny and his wife lived in both.  The 1910 census says that they were born in Poland and spoke German; the 1920 census says that they were born in Prussia and spoke Polish.  They probably spoke both languages.  They immigrated separately and were married in Harris Co. in 1881.  Jacob Gorny probably built the three-bay center hall cottage with an applied Folk Victorian porch at 2303 Union in about 1883.  He was living there in 1884-85.

In 1926 the executor of Anges Gorney's estate sold the two lots to Gaetano Ligotino and his son Sam.  Gaetano Ligotino, commonly known as Joe Ligotino, was an Italian immigrant who was initially a street vendor of fruits and vegetables and then had his own real estate business.  The 4 houses on lots 7 and 8 were rental property during the Ligotino ownership and later until at least 2006.  Ligotino heirs sold them in 1979.

For additional historical details click here.