świadkowie

Świadek is one witness and świadkowie is the plural. The phrase w obecności, in the presence of, introduces them in the narrative records kept in Russian Poland. A birth entry of this period typically names two witnesses, each with age, occupation and place of residence.

Entries often close by saying the record was read to the declarant and witnesses and signed only by the priest, because they could not write (pisać nie umieją). Their names are worth noting, since witnesses can lead you to relatives or neighbors.