Open Collections

[between 1833 and 1898]

1 bookplate : intaglio printing ; 9 x 12 cm

Sir Casimir Stanislaus Gzowski was born in Russia in 1818 and educated among Polish nobility—the crest of this coat of arms reflects this Polish nobility. He was a Russian engineer until he was exiled from Poland, arriving in the United States in 1833 where he became a lawyer. He moved to Canada in 1841, and became a prominent engineer in the history of Ontario, notably expanding the transportation system. In addition, he received many accolades while in Canada, including Honorary Aide-de-Camp to Queen Victoria and Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (K.C.M.G.). He also served in various military and government positions, including Administrator of the Province of Ontario. The bookplate is listed on page 69 of "A List of Canadian Bookplates" (Toronto, Society of Bookplate Bibliophiles: 1919) with a brief biography of the owner.
References:
1) “Gzowski, C. S. (Casimir Stanislaus), 1813-1898.” Archives of Ontario Descriptive Database. Retrieved from: http://ao.minisisinc.com/scripts/mwimain.dll/144/ARCH_AUTHORITY/AUTH_DESC_DET_REP/SISN%206332?SESSIONSEARCH
2) Winward, Prescott, ed. “A list of Canadian bookplates : with a review of the history of ex libris in the Dominion.” Toronto: Society of Bibliophiles, 1919. Retrieved from https://archive.org/details/listofcanadianbo00pres

2017-04-24

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