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Poniatowski, Village of

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Author:
Mary Moltzan

Location:
T. 29 N. - R. 4 E., Sec. 14, Township of Rietbrock

Founded:
1880

Background:

The village of Poniatowski was named after General Josef Poniatowski, a calvary officer and son of the last king of Poland. A group of Polish settlers wanted to name the village after Frederik Rietbrock. However, Rietbrock would not allow the settlers to name their town after him, instead convincing them to name it after their great patriot, Poniatowski.

The village of Poniatowski is very near the center of the northern half of the western hemisphere. This center is located in the northwest corner of Section 14 or one-half mile west of Poniatowski, on County Highway U and one-quarter mile north on the town road. This spot is indicated by a geological marker and a small park.

See Reitbrock Township

Post Office Established:
June 24, 1881

First Postmaster:
Joseph Chesak

About The Post Office:

The P.O., located in the SE 1/4 of Section 14, was closed on February 15, 1907 with service from Edgar.

Churches:

Holy Family Catholic Church - a log structure was built in 1879 on land donated by Fred Reitbrock.

Holy Trinity Catholic Church - located about one-fourth mile from Holy Family and built in 1899 for the German-speaking immigrants.  The first church was replaced by a brick-veneer church in 1905.  It was razed in 1954.

Schools:

Holy Family Catholic School, a frame building, was built in 1903, and a brick school was built in 1910. This school was closed in 1970.

Business:

See Reitbrock Township

Industry:

See Reitbrock Township

Farming:

See Reitbrock Township.