Roman Czerwinski

Milwaukee City Comptroller from 1890-1894. He was the first of a long line of Milwaukee City Comptrollers of Polish descent. So consistent was this trend that the position became known as the "Polish mayor".

Roman Czerwinski was born in Bługowo, Poland in 1861. He and his family came to Milwaukee in 1868. His successful career as a clothing merchant started in 1868. During that time, he was also a Captain in the Kosciuszko Guards. He resigned that post shortly before taking office as Milwaukee City Comptroller. He later became a cashier in the registry department of the post office after being strongly considered for the job of Postmaster.

He died suddenly of a heart attack at the age of 45 while on his way to the Waukesha Beach with his family. His wife was to survive him by 54 years, not dying until 1960.

As an interesting note, Roman Czerwinski did not become a naturalized citizen until after first being elected to the position of Milwaukee City Comptroller.

Sources

"Czerwinski Now a Citizen", Milwaukee Journal, April 11, 1890

"Fine Military Companies", Milwaukee Journal, July 5, 1890

"He Died Suddenly in an Electric Car", Milwaukee Journal, June 19, 1906.

"Mrs. Czerwinski", Milwaukee Journal, July 15, 1960

Pienkos, Donald, Politics, Religion and Change in Polish Milwaukee, 1900-1930 , published in the Wisconsin Magazine of History vol. 61, no. 3, Spring, 1978, pp. 178-209, at pg. 184 (at page 8 of the pdf file)