Lawrence Gromowski

Lawrence & Mary Gromowski resided at 914 E Howard in Winona throughout their lives in Winona. However, Lorenz disappeared from the records several times over the years. He does not appear on the 1900 and 1910 census, as Mary is listed as the head of the family, but “married”. He reappears on the 1920 census as the head of the family. In the City Directories for 1910, 12 & 14, Mary is listed as his widow. But he is listed in the 1911 directory and later in 1921 and 1925. A listing for a Lawrence Gromowski appeared in the Milwaukee directory for1922.

Articles appeared in the Winona newspapers in 1904 and 1905 regarding a Lawrence Gromowski being committed to the insane asylum in Hastings MN for drunkenness. It stated he became mentally unstable and violent when he drank. If this was him, it might account for some of his absences. He is not listed on the 1905 MN Census with wife Mary & children.

Census & City Directories: 1885 Winona MN State Census: Lorenz 36, Mary 37, Joseph II 7, Leon 4, Julia 1 (evidently Joseph I, Franciska and Anton deceased) 1886 - working at Empire Lumber; residing at 914 E Howard 1888 - residing at 914 E Howard 1895 Winona MN State Census: living at 914 E Mark St: Lawrence 44, Mary 45, Joseph 16, Leon 14, Julia 12, John 8, Helena 2 1900 US Census: Lawrence not accounted for, but Mary (51) listed as married. Leo 19, Julia 17, John 14, Helen 7. Living at 914 E Howard. 1910 US Census: Lawrence not listed, but Mary (61) listed as married. Helen 17. 1920 US Census: Lawrence 70, Mary 71, daughter Julia Bruski 37, along with 5 of Julia’s children

Obituary: July 24, 1925 Winona Rep-Herald lists his age as 71 (s/b 73 based on birth date). Survivors: wife Mary, 2 sons - John & Joseph of Winona, 2 daughters - Mrs Frank Bruski, St Paul, and Mrs Frank Burton (?), Chicago. MN Death Index lists birth as 1855 and age 70.