Mike Petska came to the United States, from old Bohemia in about 1875 and found work in a Marble Factory in Chicago, Illinois.
In Chicago, he met Miss Kathryn Zindell, who had also come to Chicago, to be with an older sister. Though they both came from the same town they were not acquainted. They were married and came to Missouri, where they purchased a farm in a location which is now northwest Marceline, near the airport.
Later they purchased a farm 4 miles south of Marceline, where they lived until 1918 when they sold their farm and moved to 110 West Howe Street, Marceline. Mr. Petska died in 1919 and Mrs. Petska in 1943. To this union seven children were born. Two children, Guss of Denver, Colorado and Albert of Marceline are living.
The Petskas did their trading in Bucklin and Lingo before Marceline was established.