The Obetkon family in the Pszczyna area

Thanks to having preserved its agricultural-artisanal character the area of Pszczyna has over centuries to a large extent resisted intensive industrial settlement. As a result of this, the above area has been chiefly inhabited by old local families whose histories have been closely bound up with this area which in the course of history has more than once changed its national allegiance. In the article, the author presents the history of one of such families - namely that of the Obetkon family; specifically the patrilineal line of one of its branches has been subjected to a detailed analysis. The description of eight generations of the family is the result of careful and insightful research studies of source documents to be found in the National Archives, the Archdiocesan Archives in Katowice, the District Court in Pszczyna and the Registry Office in Pszczyna; it contains information concerning spouses, children, occupations, possessed property and the course of military service. The article also presents the specific conditions relating to inheritance and the transfer of the property possessed by the family. The author also enriches the content of the article with an analysis of the origin of the family name Obetkon and information concerning the people who are currently using this name.