Of the three generations of the Kuras family with whom this record deals, two have followed agricultural pursuits, and the third, John, is an ordained priest of the Roman Catholic church, being at present time rector of St Joseph's Church of that faith. The ancestral home is in Lithuania, where the grandfather of John Kuras was a farmer. He married Agatha Gustaidis, and had three children, Elisha, of whom further, Joseph and Agatha. Elisha Kuras was born in Galine, Lithuania, Russia, and resides there at the present time. The occupation of his father is his and he owns the land that he cultivates. He married Mary Straskauckiute, and has children: John, of whom further; Patronile, Vincent, Agatha, Anthony, deceased; Frank, Mary, Joseph, and Anna. John, Vincent, Frank, and Joseph reside in the United States.
Rev John Kuras was born in Galine, Lithuania, Russia, 27 Sep 1864. His early education was obtained in the public schools of Marianpol, and he studied theology in the seminary at Seiny. His studies completed, he was ordained to the priesthood at the Cathedral, 7 Oct 1887, Bishop Wierzbowski officiating at the ceremony. His first charge was as assistant priest in Rajgrod, Poland, where he remained for four years, and after passing two in the same capacity at Weigry came to the United States, and in 1894, the year of his arrival, was appointed pastor of the Lithuanian Congregation of Forest City, Pennsylvania. During the years that he labored with his people in this place he thoroughly organized the congregation, raising funds and building a new church and parsonage. Rev Kuras was appointed rector of St Joseph Church of Scranton in 1907, and since that time has served the congregation in that office. 2 He is the third pastor to have charge of St Joseph's Church since its organization in 1892, the first having been Michael Peza, the second Anthony Kaupas. The seven years that Rev Kuras has passed in his present position have been full of blessing and benefit to the church and people, and the unity with which they labor has been productive of excellent results.
Rev Kuras is the spiritual director of the following societies in his church: St Anthony's Society, St John the Baptist Society, St Francis Society, St Peter's Society, St Ann's Society, St George's Society, St Kaismar's Society, and the Lithuanian Catholic Alliance branches Nos 30 and 83.
[Remained pastor of St Joseph's until his death, 13 Mar 1937.] 3