Frank Kubatzki

Frank Kubatzki (May 12, 1877 – ?) was an American blacksmith from Milwaukee who served three terms as a Democratic member of the Wisconsin State Assembly representing the 8th Milwaukee County District (8th Ward of the City of Milwaukee).^[1]

Background

Kubatzki was born in the part of Poland within the German Empire on May 12, 1877, and came to America with his parents at the age of two, the family locating in Milwaukee. He was educated in a parochial school and night school, and became a blacksmith by trade. He served in the Army's First Wisconsin Volunteers from the outbreak of the Spanish–American War until he was mustered out in October 1898. Returning home, he returned to his trade until he lost the use of two limbs due to a disease contracted while in the service, and had to dispose of his business.^[2] He would eventually be awarded a monthly pension of $72 in 1926, apparently as a result of lobbying by Congressman John C. Schafer.^[3]

Legislative service

He was elected to the assembly in 1914 and was re-elected in 1916 and 1918, receiving 1,147 votes at the 1918 general election to 756 for Socialist Frank Cieszynski. He was defeated for re-election in 1920 by Socialist Walter Polakowski.^[4] In 1922 he attempted to re-gain his old seat, but came in third, losing to Polakowski's younger brother John Polakowski, who received 2,191 votes to 1,471 for Republican Louis Polewczwnski and 856 for Kubatzki.^[5]

References

1. Cannon, A. Peter, ed. Members of the Wisconsin Legislature: 1848–1999. State of Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau Informational Bulletin 99-1, September 1999; p. 72
2. Paul F., ed. The Wisconsin Blue Book, 1919 Madison: Democrat Printing Co., State Printer, 1919; p. 493
3. "Schafer Aids Widow Of Vet" Milwaukee Sentinel December 23, 1926; p. 3, col. 4
4. The Wisconsin Blue Book, 1921 Madison, 1921; p. 279
5. The Wisconsin blue book, 1923 Madison: 1923; pp. 630