Ludwik "Louis" August Sikorski

LOUIS SIKORSKI, one of the representative citizens of Winona, well deserving of representation in the history of his adopted county, was born in the province of Pommern, Germany, on the 8th of August, 1845, and was the third (son) in a family of four (sons) children, whose parents were John and Elizabeth (Klopotek) Sikorski. The father was a hotel-keeper and grocer in his native land.

After attending the common schools, the subject of this sketch entered college in Konitz. Prussia, where he pursued his studies for seven years, being then graduated from that institution. He was educated for the priesthood, but instead of entering the Catholic ministry, he embarked in business in the city where he attended college, there making his home until 1868. That year witnessed his emigration to America, and saw him located in Winona County, Minn. Later he opened a general merchandise store in Trempealeau, Wis., which he carried on for eighteen months, when he returned to Winona, and established here a grocery, which he conducted for two years alone. On the expiration of that period he admitted a partner into the business, and their connection continued for about two years, after which he was alone again for three years. He then sold out and began clerking in a dry-goods store, spending his time in that way for 5 four years; but preferring to engage in business for himself, he formed a partnership and opened a clothing establishment. After four years he bought out his partner and was sole proprietor for several years.

Mr. Sikorski was married, in 1872, to Josephine Ranswick, of Trempealeau County, Wis., and they are now the parents of four children, two sons and two, daughters: Rosie, who is clerking in a music store; and Tracy, Joseph and Harry, at home. Mr. Sikorski is a stanch Democrat in his political views, and in 1878 was elected City Treasurer of Winona, in which capacity he served for two years. In 1881 he was elected to represent his district in the State Legislature, and so ably did he fill the office that he was chosen his own successor. During his first term of service he was a member of the Standing Committee of the House, and served on the Committees on Insurance, Temperance, Schools for Deaf Mutes, Public Parks, Universities and University Lands. In 1893 he was a member of the Committees on Public Accounts and Expenditures, Military Affairs, State Prison and Reformatory, State Reform Schools, Soldiers Home and Geological and Natural History. While thus serving, the three public buildings above mentioned were all enlarged. Mr. Sikorski has done good work in the House and has labored earnestly for the best interests of the community which he represents. At both elections lie received the largest majority of any man on his ticket, as he can control the Polish vote, which is very strong in the city of Winona, his fellow countrymen having great confidence in him and his fidelity to their interests. In connection with his other business cares, Mr. Sikorski is a clerk for the Minneapolis Brewing Company of Minneapolis. He is a member of the Catholic Church, belongs to St. .Joseph's Catholic Society of Winona, to the Polish Legion and is widely recognized as one of the most prominent and influential citizens of Winona County. [Portrait and biographical record of Winona County, [Minnesota; containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county (1895)] https://archive.org/details/portraitbiographwcm00chic

1880 census Louis Secorske (born 1845 Germany), Josephine Secorske (born 1855 Germany), Rose Secorske (born 1873 Minnesota), Theresia Secorske (born 1878 Minnesota) & Joseph Secorske (born 1880 Minnesota) are living at Winona, Winona County, Minnesota.

1885 census Louis Sikorski (born 1846 Germany), Josephine Sikorski (born 1856 Germany), Roza Sikorski (born 1873 Minnesota), Tracy Sikorski (born 1878 Minnesota) & Joseph Sikorski (born 1880 Minnesota) are living at Winona, Winona County, Minnesota.

1900 census Louis Sikorski (born August 1845 Germany Pol - immigration: 1860) was a boarder, living at Election Districts 4 & 6 Minneapolis city Ward 1, Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States, with the Oscar E. Johnston family.

Elected & served two terms in the Minnesota State Legislature (1/6/1891-1/7/1895).