My family history is very interesting but somewhat convoluted so I'm
hoping someone out there might provide some ideas/clarification.....

This account was written by an elder of the REST family. He was born in
Plunge in 1923 and emigrated to Israel in 1958. There are a lot more
details but I'll give the basics--

The surname in Plunge, Lithuania (and surrounding area) was also
spelled RESHT-- this, presumably, because the family were previously
itinerants in Persia >from the town of Resht and took the last name when
they were required to have a last name for census records in Lithuania.

(I have found both REST and RESHT on the ALD and have received
research >from the Latvian archives on REST...very helpful! My next
move is to contact the Lithuanian archives).

The relative who wrote this account says that, (MY NOTES, COMMENTS,
AND QUESTIONS IN CAPITALS)

"documents >from Lithuania, written in Polish, indicate that the
pioneers of the REST family came to Plunge over 300 years earlier by
way of England by invitation >from the Prince Ozinsky who at that time
was the ruler of approximately 5 cities and 1200 villages in the area.
The prince invited the REST family because they were specialists and
knowledgable in the industry of wood and linseed linen and they also
erected windmills to grind wheat and erected saw mills on the river in
the area. They also used to float the logs for building and other
industrial uses to the present harbor of Libau that was approximately
80 km >from Plunge. Also they had thoroughbred horses that were unique
to the area and the horses were bred in the stables of Prince Oginsky.
This family used to bring these horses to the port of Libau and later
to Denmark and England. " (THIS MATCHES WITH THE ACCOUNTS OF PRINCE
OGINSKY AND HORSES THAT I HAVE READ ABOUT ON THE NET) ....HE THEN GOES
ON TO WRITE....

"...I know that the people in the REST family were very brave people,
very noble and very devoted to the business and matters of the family.
One of these people was also an officer in the army of the General
Koshusko. This general revolted against the Russian rule and he, along
with other Polish people participated in the War of Independence of the
U.S. (ANYONE HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF THIS CONNECTION WITH THE WAR OF
INDEPENDENCE? OR HOW I MIGHT RESEARCH THIS?) One of these people,
Elias REST was financial advisor to the Prince Oginsky -- that prince
who used to frighten the whole area because he was so powerful. "

The writer then goes on to discuss the close relationship between
Plunge and Libau....then he says,

"My mother, Emma REST, >from the House of Franc, was born in Libau and
finished her high school there." (ANY IDEAS ON THE "HOUSE OF
FRANK"?)...

HERE'S WHERE I GET CONFUSED...

"....the RESTS were Cohanim >from all the way back to when they were
expelled >from Spain and Portugal in 1492"

I'M TRYING TO PUT TOGETHER BEING EXPELLED >from SPAIN, GOING TO
PLUNGE.......WITH THE STATEMENT THAT THE FAMILY WAS INVITED >from
ENGLAND BY PRINCE OGINSKY....

I look forward to your comments.

Elaine Bush
Pleasant Hill, CA
USA


MODERATOR'S NOTE: Just a reminder that all capital letters should be used only for surnames.