My Genealogy Hound

Charles Choinski, a representative farmer, and one of the leading merchants of Pulaski County, was born in Poland, on November 17, 1858, and is a son of T. and L. Choinski. The father was born in Poland, and a graduate of two of Germany’s most famous universities, in one of which he was afterward a professor for a number of years. He took part in the struggle that Poland made to throw off the yoke of Russia, and after the war was over emigrated to America. He first settled in Milwaukee, Wis., in 1873, and after learning the English language, his superior knowledge upon other branches soon placed him as a teacher in the public schools of that city, and professor of German language in “Engelman’s Academy.” In 1876 he left Milwaukee and moved to Pulaski County, bringing with him a colony of 200 Polish families, who had left their native country on account of the dark cloud of Russian tyranny that hung over it and made them slaves. In 1847 he was married to Miss L. Dembinska, by whom he had ten children, seven of them yet living, Charles being the fifth child. The Choinski’s are of noble birth, their forefathers being among the leaders of the aristocracy in former days and favorites of the king. Charles Choinski came to Pulaski County with his parents when eighteen years old. He was educated in the public schools of Milwaukee, and instructed in the higher branches by his father, and before twenty years of age started in business for himself at Marche, and has been successful at every turn. In 1884 he was united in marriage to Miss Martha J. Ray, a daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Frazier) Ray, of Tennessee and Alabama, respectively. Three children were born to this union: Roy, Carrie and Josephine. Mr. Choinski rapidly made a reputation for himself and became widely known in the surrounding country. When only twenty-one years old, he was honored by the people of Pulaski County in being elected to represent them in the legislature, and served through the term of 1882 in a manner that won distinction for himself and gave satisfaction to his constituents. For a number of years he has been postmaster of Marche. In politics he is a strong Democrat, and in religious faith attends the Catholic Church.