Kryszak, Mary Olszewski (1875–1945)

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Kryszak, Mary Olszewski (1875–1945)

Polish-American leader and state legislator. Name variations: changed spelling of married name from Kryshak to Kryszak after divorce. Born July 27, 1875, in Milwaukee, WI; died July 16, 1945, in Milwaukee; dau. of Constantine Olszewski (rail-road worker) and Rozalia (Martyn) Olszewski; m. Anton L. Kryshak (cigar manufacturer), May 23, 1900 (div.); children: 2 daughters, 1 son.

The 1st woman legislator from Milwaukee County, worked as an assistant manager and bookkeeper for Milwaukee Polish-language daily Nowiny Polskie (1908–22); founded (1912) and served as president (until 1945) of St. Catherine Society, local lodge of Zwiazek Polek w Ameryce (Polish Women's Alliance of America); held seat in Assembly of WI state legislature (1928–45).