Page 1289

CHARLES A. SMOROWSKI - Charles A. Smorowski, now deceased, was secretary of the Illinois Watch Company and was classed with the leading and representative men of Springfield in which city he took up his abode in 1865. Born in Berlin, Germany, on the 15th of February, 1846, he is a son of Sylvester and Fredericka Smorowski, the former a native of Poland and the latter of Berlin. The father engaged in the clothing in Berlin for many years and both he and his wife died in Bavaria.

Charles Smorowski acquired a good education, attending the common schools, but afterward becoming a student in the Royal College at Berlin, where he was graduated with the class of 1863, and he had the honor of being the youngest graduate thereof. He remained at home until 1867, when attracted by the business opportunities of the new world, he crossed the Atlantic, making his way direct to Chicago, Illinois. There he entered the employ of R. G. Dun & Company, with whom he remained for more than two years and in 1870 he came to Springfield, where he secured a position in the freight department of the Wabash Railroad office. During seven years he filled that position in a capable manner and on its expiration he became private secretary for Jacob Bunn, who was then president of the Illinois Watch Company. He had been connected with this company only a few years when he was made secretary and acted in that capacity until 1887, when on account of ill health he retired. He never regained his former strength and vigor, but remained in an invalid condition for six years and died on the 9th of November, 1893.

In 1874 Mr. Smorowski was united in marriage to Miss Christina Moore, who was born in Sangamon county and is a daughter of peter and Christina (Spindley) Moore. In the maternal line she is a representative of one of the early families of Sangamon county, established here in 1839. Mr. Moore also came to Central Illinois at a very early epoch in its development and was engaged in merchandising in Richland up to the time of his death. His wife also passed away in that city.

Mr. Smorowski never held or desired public office. In his political views he was independent, supporting the men whom he regarded as best qualified for the duties of the various public positions without regard to party affiliation. Socially he was connected with the American Legion of Honor, belonging to Amity Chapter, No. 409, of Springfield. His life was characterized by untiring and well directed activity and it was his close application to business and his unabating diligence that undermined his health, but he won through honorable methods the unqualified confidence of those with whom he had business relations and through his many admirable characteristics he gained a large circle of friends. Mrs. Smorowski is a member of St. Agnes church in Springfield. She has recently erected a fine residence at No. 224 East Capitol avenue. It is built of granite and is one of the most beautiful homes in that portion of the city.