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Dabrowski, Rev. Joseph
Educator, professor, writer. Born in Zoltance, Poland, on March 13, 1842. Received secondary education in Lublin; graduated from the University of Warsaw (biology and mathematics departments). In 1863, as a student, took part in the Polish insurrection against Russia. After the fall of the insurrection left Poland for Switzerland, studied mathematics in Luzerne and Bern. Went to Rome to study theology. Graduate from Gregorianum and was ordained on August 1, 1869 in Rome, Italy. On December 31, 1869 came to U.S., settling in Polonia, Wis., as pastor of Sacred Heart Parish until 1883.

In 1883 came to Detroit, Mich.; in 1884 founded the Theological Polish Seminary, with three divisions: High School, College and Theology. The dedication was made by Bishop Ryan of Buffalo, N. Y., in 1885. This seminary was later transferred to Orchard Lake, Mich. and has now (1943) three divisions: Academy (four years); College (four years); and theology (five years). On November 20, 1874 brought the Order of the Felician Sisters to U.S. and founded its cloister in Detroit, Mich. In 1875 founded a printing shop, being a printer himself. In 1891 founded a Polish weekly "Niedziela." Private life based on just two principles: truth and work. Kind, disciplined, pious, lover of flowers, was the most active man Polish immigration ever had in U.S. As a writer left several books: "Pierwsza polska czytanka," "Geografja polska," "Poczatki rachunkow." "Ogrodnictwo dla farmerow polskich," "Narzedzia i miejsca Meki Pana Jezusa," 1891. Died on February 15, 1903 in Detroit, Mich.

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

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