2. Genesis of Janina clan.
Continuation.

According to King Bolesław Wstydliwy document assigned to Wachoń, the village administrator of Przeginia, Janusz was son of Klemens, Cracow Palatine (1).

Lets look at the genesis of some first names. Pełka, Sułko, Dersław, Wydzga and Bernard, typical for Janina clan, were used also by other clans of Małopolska: Topór, Starykoń, and Półkoza. The origin of these names may come from the tribal period, before the country of Poland was established, or nine century (2), the time of ruling by two major tribes: Polanie and Wiślanie. If the names were originated from the tribal times, than Wielkopolska clan Pałuki, the clan that used exactly same names, must in the past migrate out of Małopolska.

There is no slight historical evidence, that clan Janina and Lubowla originated from Starza clan, as presented by Piekosiński. Author presents Starza, as a noble clan, with traditions from pre-Piast era, whose properties rounded Cracow from South and West sides. The circle should be however closed with the statement that the North and South-East from Cracow were the properties of Janina and other clans.
Considering Długosz information, and Dzierżek document, it is clear, that Janina clan existed at the beginning of eleven century. It is very possible, that clans Starykoń and Topór originated from Starza clan. These two, against Piekosiński and Halecki theory, become independent clans long before the revolts of Małopolska magnates of 1273, 1282 and 1285. Many historians proofs the separation of Starykoń and Topór clans, dated from King Bolesław Krzywousty reign (3).

Oskar Halecki, one of the followers of Piekosiński theories, on the contrary states, that the old Starza clan split into two Topor, and Starykoń branches, as a result of 13th century noblemen rebellion against Cracow Prince, Leszek Czarny (4).

In 13th century very seldom documents described people clan description. Usually the documents supply first names, sometimes the relation to others, or the person function. Some historians used these very sketchy descriptions as the source of their theories. Some other historians used these theories as base of scientific theories, and later some others unfortunately used these theories as proven facts.

In very well written work "Przywileje prawa niemieckiego" Stanisław Kuraś analyses medieval document, and considers as a law document, and as a literature. According to author, medieval documents had two difficult to combine purposes. As a law document, should be clear and descriptive, but as a literature, suppose to teach, to moralize, to dazzle, and to entertain. As an extreme approach to historical true, the author mentions Wincenty Kadłubek chronicle, where as a sample, a Wawel castle dragon can be found.
On other hand, looks like Kuraś was overcritical: in hundreds documents dated from fourteen and fifteen century I had chance to review, the law content plays very major role. The statement that the document should entertain, is an overstatement, as well. The process of making documents created income for many clerks, and for the originators, it was the official way to deal with, or resolve important problems. The mentality of medieval people could not be so much different.

Now, lets go back to the time of Małopolska magnates' rebellion. With the information from Długosz and Maleczyński, have a look at the political parties. In 1241 Prince Konrad Mazowiecki took Małopolska. A year later in order to kill the rebellion against his rule, he imprisoned several knights, among them Andrzej, the son of Sułek of Miedźwiedź (Starykoń clan) (5,6). Halecki identification of Sułek is incorrect, because author mixes two different people. Another documents indicate Andrzej, son of Sułek, as an uncle of other Sułek, who was then a son of Krystyn of Miedźwiedź (7,8). A document signed by Władysław, the Prince of Opole, dated 1258 signed by Opole-Racibórz knights and brothers Krystyn and Imbram of Małopolska suppose throw a negative light on the political stability of both Małopolans. Halecki admits, that both brothers had properties in Silesia (Opole-Racibórz region), and that signing of this document was a political declaration against Cracow (9). These two, acting against Cracow ruler may be of Janina or Topór clan.
In 1273, Cracow Prince Bolesław Wstydliwy was backed by Sułek of Morawica, probably of Starykoń clan, the witness from Mogilno monastery document.

The leader of 1282 and 1285 rebellions against Prince Leszek Czarny was Janusz Wierzbięta of Janina clan (10), according to Piekosiński, the son of Nawój. Janusz was supported by members of Topór home: Żegota Lublin Castellan, Niemst, the son of Krzywosąd, and Otto, and Grzegorz of Balice. Prince Leszek was backed by Starykoń clan members: Sułek of Miedźwiedź, Sieciech, and his brother Bogsa, and Stanisław of Chrobrze.

For many years, as a rule, the members of Janina and Topór clans had common interests. Both clans collaborated in 13th century, and later, at King Władysław Łokietek, and King Kazimierz Wielki reigns.

Lets take a look at Wierzbięta branch. Jan, the son of Janusz started his carrier as Czchów castellan. In 1300 according to Niesiecki, Jan Wierzbięta becomes Cracow Palatine. Because the sources present Mikołaj as Cracow Palatine in 1306, probably the same time Jan Wierzbięta become Cracow castellan. The big step from a minor castellan position to the highest one in civilian hierarchy, may be explained as a result of backing by his father, but also as the reward for a loyal service to King Łokietek. The documents present Jan, as Cracow castellan in 1309, and 1310 (11,12). According to Długosz, Jan Wierzbięta, Cracow Castellan in 1306 accompanied King Władysław Łokietek in his trip to Gdańsk. Four documents (13,14,15,16) proof Długosz findings. The first one signed in Gdańsk, in 1306, and the second signed in 1307 in Cracow, present Jan as mediator, chosen by Gerward, Kujavian bishop, to judge a dispute with son of Świeca, Gdańsk Palatine.

In 1341 Bernard, son of Jan Wierzbięta of Małoszów, for military merits, from King Kazimierz Wielki received properties in Sącz, and in 1355 other properties (17). Bernard Wierzbięta according to document (18), in 1355 was a General Captain. In 1357 Kazimierz Wielki let Wierzbięta to sell part of Brzeźna and Podrzecze properties to Unisław of Brzeźna (19). In 1364 King Kazimierz ratified sale of the part of Bonowice and Trzemieśnia properties to Wierzbięta of Małoszów, who most likely was a son of Bernard (20). According to the same document, Wierzbięta also bought two mountains: Burletka and Bodzęta. One year later, Kazimierz Wielki granted him Łętownia property (21). In 1379 Bernard's son sold Świnna Poręba property to Pietrasz of Klecza (22).
Wierzbięta of Janina home also inherited properties in Książ Wielki. Zofia of Książ, around 1350 married Jan of Melsztyn (23). Their children were Spytko of Melsztyn, later Cracow Castellan, and Jadwiga, a godmother of King Władysław Jagiełło. In 1375 Wierzbięta still owned part of Książ properties (24). In 1419 Jan of Małoszów bought a pond in Przybienice. Two years later, he resigned of his claims to Birowa, Przybenice, Bonowice and Trzemieśnia properties (25). In the middle of fifteenth century, Wierzbięta of Przyszowa, of Janina clan (26) married daughter of Wiernek of Gabań (Janina clan). Later, at the beginning of fifteenth century Wierzbięta family owned properties in Sącz County.

Interesting rendering of heraldry presents J. Gadomski and J. Łojko (27). The sets of king, provincial and knights coats of arms, located in churches in Wiślica, Stopnica, and Sandomierz, are explained as political propaganda of king successes. According to Łojko, knight's coats of arms represented government dignitaries. The grounding of this theory is based on the fact, that churches were use for civilian courts, and the king chamber members were the same time canonics at these churches. The Janina is one of the seventh coats of arms located in Stopnica church. In the book, Łojko presents some well-known dignitary representatives, but lacks to present the Janina clan members. The officials name list should be extended to include Bernard Wierzbięta, a general Captain, Pełka of Przezwody and Kuchary, a provincial judge and Piotr of Tur, Łęczyca Castellan.

In the middle of fourteen century, a large group of clam members owned properties in Sandomierz Province. This area bordered from the West with Lubusz bishops of Opatów, from the South with Topór clan properties, and from the East with Vistula River.

In fourteenth and beginning of fifteenth centuries following clan members used a seal with Janina coat of arms: Pełka of Kuchary and Przezwody, Sandomierz Province Judge (1379) (28,29), Jan of Drzewica (1419), Maciej of Suchodoły (1425), Lublin Province Judge, Piotr of Wyszmontów (1435), and Stanisław of Gorzyce, Zawichost Castellan (1438).

Interesting story from fourteen presents Bielski's chronicle (30). During the wars between Poland and Lithuania (before the unification), the member of Janina clan, Piotr of Krzyżaków, and Otto of Szczekociny, of Topór clan, decided to help Lithuanians to cross the Vistula River. During the night, in vicinity of Zawichost, they mark the broad with wooden sticks. The same night fishermen, who discovered the sticks, afraid that Lithuanian forces may want to cross Vistula River, moved the sticks into the deep water. In the morning, the front Lithuanian forces drowned, the expedition was canceled, and Pszonka was beheaded. The memory of this event lasted out for many years. After 35 years Polish King Władysław Jagiełło of Lithuanian descent assigned Pszonka properties to Lublin district.

As shown above, the representatives of Janina clan were loyal to Piasts dynasty: to King Władysław Łokietek, and his son, King Kazimierz Wielki. After the death of King Kazimierz, his party divided into two groups. One was backing Hungarian Anjou dynasty, and the second, was Piast succession group. The members of Janina clan did not play major role in any of these groups, but two clan members, Piotr Tur, Łęczyca Castellan, and Pełka Sandomierz Province Judge supported Ludwik Anjou. Pełka took a part in Hungarian-Polish expedition to Ruthuania in 1377 (31).

During the period of unification between Poland and Lithuania, as the result of Horodło Treaty, the heraldic system was expanded eastward. At the 2nd October of 1413, boyar Wojsztyn Danejkowicz was acquired to Janina clan, and received Janina coat of arms. At the ceremony, the clan represented Maciej, Bishop of Przemyśl, Piotr Tur, Judge of Łęczyca region, and Mikołaj of Suchodół, a Judge of Lublin region (32).

Historical sources present also clan members, from the time of Jan of Bidziny, the progenitor of Bidziński, Kaszowski and Guliński branches. Piotr of Wyszmontów was assigned by King Władysław Jagiełło as administrator of Łysa Góra monastery, responsible for monastery financial transactions. Piotr, in 1438 the secondary provincial judge, and in 1440 the primary judge was a son of Piotr, primary Sandomierz Province judge, or son of Marcisz of Wyszmontów, present in sources in 1380 (33). Another representative was Maciej, bishop of Latin denomination in Przemyśl, and chancellor of Queen Jadwiga (34). Several church, state, administrative, and private financial documents portray his activities between 1392 and 1420 (35,36,37). Unfortunately, none of these presents Maciej home branch.

Jan Długosz in his heraldic work "Klejnoty", characterizes members of medieval clans. According to his short note, Janina home is an original Polish clan, and the members supposed to be peaceable and uniform (38). The estimation of Długosz findings can be find in Marian Fridberg work "Klejnoty długoszowe", where author emphasis on independent Długosz thinking, bright observance and the precision in written description of the coats of arms.

Józef Krzepala in Małopolskie rody ziemiańskie informs about the roots of some Janina clan branches. According to him, the Sącz group contains Gabański, Stroiński and Wierzbięta families (39), Wiernek, Wierzbięta and Bielski makes a Bielsko Group (40), the Lublin Group is represented by Pszonka, Jawicki and Strzeszkowski families (41), and the Sandomierz Group are: Przezwocki, Użazowski (Usazowski), Wydzga and Zaduski families (42).

His information can be refined now. Sącz Group contains Wiernek, Gabański and Wierzbięta. They are progenitors of Bielski and Stroiński families. Wierzbięta of Małoszów (Cracow Province) make another group. Turski makes Łęczyca Group, Korzeniowski and Kołaczkowski, most likely are descendants of Wit and his brother Dzierzek (Wiślica Group). Pszonka, who moved from Sandomierz to Lublin area, is a progenitor of Jawicki and Strzeszkowski branches. In surrounding of Sandomierz, besides single families, the major conglomeration of clan members was in Opatów-Sandomierz region. The following families belongs to this group: Przezwodzki, Bidziński, Usarzowski, Podlodowski and Wyszmuntowski.

Due to a small amount of documents, as I mentioned before, the presentation of the whole clan is impossible, so this only fragmentary information is presented here.

Significant sentence about the history presented historian Paweł Jasienica: "Our knowledge of the past is always handicapped, even vestigial. Can not be broad, because among the documents and historical monuments governed fate and blind accidents,
and they still govern."