Jan Sztwiertnia (1850-1912). Działacz narodowy i społeczny ze Śląska Cieszyńskiego

Jan Sztwiertnia (1850-1912) remains forgotten in the regional historiography. He descendent from a peasant family which lived in Cieszyn Silesia for generations. Was active both in the local community (32 years as mayor of Kisielowo) as well as in the affairs of the entire region. A member of the administration of the Silesian Catholic Association (ZŚK), School Society of the Cieszyn Duchy (Macierz Szkolna Księstwa Cieszyńskiego) and the Agricultural Association of the Cieszyn Duchy (Towarzystwo Rolnicze Księstwa Cieszyńskiego), also an associate of the Polish National Movement. Twice a candidate to the State Council in Vienna, in both cases running against the candidates from ZŚK. In 1901 lost in second round against the socialist Petr Cingr, who had the support of some of the Polish parties. In 1907 supported by „Silesia”, a newspaper of German liberals. Sztwiertnia then lost to priest Józef Londzin from ZŚK. His career demonstrates that although clearly supported by the Catholic wing of Polish national movement, at the turn of the century he was able to win the support which transcended national and religious boundaries in Cieszyn Silesia.