The Ipavec Family

Once in a Lifetime Smiles Apollo

Abstract

The treatise deals with the rise of the Ipavec family which played a remarkable role in Slovene culture in the 19th century. The family appeared relatively late on the scene of the stories of good and evil on Earth. Until the 18th century its history is veiled in mystery, and only the sumame points to Vipava where the oldest family roots could be traced. Jurij, the oldest member of the family whose name is known, appears in historic documents in 1742 as a healer in Gradac in Bela krajina (White Carniola). His son Matija continued his work, but moved to the larger town of Celje where he became known as a healer and an army surgeon. He became one of the most affluent town inhabitants. According to the family tradition, rationally inclined Matija corresponded even with Benjamin Franklin.