Kiolbasa, Peter
Public official. Born Oct. 13, 1837 in Swibie, Poland. Came to U.S. in 1855, settling in Panna Mana, Texas, where he was a first Polish teacher and organist. In 1862 joined the Union Army as cavalryman. In 1865 received a captain's rank. On May 1, 1865, discharged with honors, and soon elected president of the Polish Society "Gmina Polska" in Chicago, Ill. Organized the first Polish parish in 1867 in Chicago, Ill. From 1866 to 1869 sergeant on the police force in Chicago. Elected assemblyman in 1870 and re-elected in 1877 to the state legislature from Chicago. First city treasurer of Chicago to return interest on city funds to the treasury, this being contrary to the old practice of keeping it for private use while in office. Collector of Federal Revenue in Chicago. In 1898 elected councilman of Chicago. Commissioner of public works in Chicago,1902-1904. Married Pauline Dziewoz. Known in Chicago as "Honest Pete." Died June 23, 1905.From: "Who's Who in Polish America" by Rev. Francis Bolek, Editor-in-Chief; Harbinger House, New York, 1943