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Niemcewicz, Julian Ursyn
Writer, poet. Born Feb. 16, 1757 in Skoki, Poland. In 1770 joined the military academy "Korpus Kadetow" in Warsaw. From 1783 to 1787 traveled in many European countries; Aide-de-camp to Kosciuszko in the heroic struggle for liberty in 1794, wounded and captured at the battle of Maciejowice, remained for a long time in a Russian prison (1794-1796). Released from the prison on Nov. 17, 1796, together with Thaddeus Kosciuszko, passing England, came to U.S. in 1797 settling at first in Philadelphia, Pa. From 1797 to 1807 remained in America. Made an extended tour of the country; spent two weeks at Mount Vernon as Washington's guest. Lived in Elizabeth, N. J. Married Elizabeth Lewinston Kean and for seven yrs. lived a quiet life as a farmer in New Brunswick N. J. In 1804 became citizen of U.S. When Napoleon created the Grand Duchy of Warsaw in 1806, returned to Poland in 1807 and devoted the rest of his life to the Polish cause. From 1807 to 1831 Secretary of State of the Grand Duchy of Warsaw. Following the revolution in 1830-1831 spent his last years in Paris as a political refugee (1831-1841). Some of his writings are: "Pamietnik z pobytu w Ameryce," "Biography of Washington," (Krotkie Wiadomosci o zyciu i sprawach generala Washingtona), "Spiewy Historyczne," "Powrot Posla," and others. Died May 21, 1841 in Paris, France.

From: "Who's Who in Polish America" by Rev. Francis Bolek, Editor-in-Chief; Harbinger House, New York, 1943

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