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Sobieski, John
(1842 - 1927)
Attorney-at-law. Born in Warsaw, Poland, Sept. 10, 1842. Son of John and Isabella (Bem) Sobieski direct descendant of John Sobieski, king of Poland (1674-1696), who turned back the invasion of Turks at Vienna, 1863; largely self educated; married Lydia Gertrude Lemen, of Salem, Marion County, Ill., June 3, 1879. At the age of four he lost his father, who was executed by Russians on account of leading last Polish uprising, 1846; accompanied mother, who was banished from Poland, and who died in England when son was about twelve years of age; came to America and enlisted as bugler in U.S.A., 1855; in Indian service until outbreak of Civil War, and then joined Army of Potomac, continuing to close of war; enlisted in Mexico against Maximilian and was chief of staff of General Escobedo, being present at execution of Maximilian, 1867. Returned to U.S., and settled in Minnesota. Member of Minnesota House of Representatives in 1868 (introducing the first bill of record advocating women suffrage); one of founder of Prohibition Party and its first nominee for office in U.S.; frequently candidate for governor and for other offices: admitted to practice law in 1870; and admitted to Supreme Court of Nebraska, 1881; platform lecturer since 1869. Baptist. Author:
"Personal Reminiscences of Col. John Sobieski," 1900; "Life of King John Sobieski, John the Third of Poland," 1915. Died Nov. 12, 1927, in Los Angeles, Cal.

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

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