User:Wyclowski

Lost Nobility of Poland - The Count of Karpacz.

Whilst researching my book, ‘Lost Nobility of Poland’, due to be published by Spanglar Press Boston Mass. in 2009 /10, I have received a number of enquiries regarding the title rights to the Count of Karpacz. An outline of my research into this obscure title so far is detailed below, but does require further examination and confirmation, which should be complete by the time the work does to press.

During the period of the three partitions of Poland, 1772 to 1795, and the dissolution of the Polish Monarchy, wiping the Kingdom of Poland-Lithuania from the map of Europe, it is widely assumed that hereditary titles had ceased to exist or be recognised. In fact during, and indeed after this period, hereditary titles under the three dividing powers of Russia, Prussia and Austria flourished as a means of manipulation and reward to Polish families of influence.

Following the 1st partition of Poland in 1772, Emperor Joseph II of Austria (March 13, 1741 - Feb. 20, 1790) acquired the lands in Southern Poland known as Galicia. Regarded widely as reforming and forward thinking, Joseph was in almost continual conflict with his Mother and co-regent Maria Theresia (May 13, 1717 – November 29, 1780) over his stewardship of these new territories. As a means of demonstrating his independence and much to the annoyance of his mother, he bestowed a number of titles to Polish families who would have otherwise have been considered unsuitable, for services rendered. Almost all of the families were small land owners or merchants in the Eastern regions centered on the environs of LwÓw. They were mainly Catholic, and assisted in keeping the Orthodox peasantry in check.

Between April and May 1774 a small localized yet bloody disturbance by the Orthodox community, just outside the town of Przemyśl, was put down with the assistance of local land owners, who had no desire to see the status quo upset, and their position over the Orthodox community jeopardized. In recognition and reward of this loyal, yet clearly ‘Self interest’ driven showing, Joseph II bestowed several titles, one of which was the purely titular Count of Karpacz.

Records of Joseph II’s bestowed honours during this period are somewhat sketchy, as the court of Maria Theresia was vehemently opposed to raising the lower classes in this way, and did much to disguise or destroy the records. Also the existing Polish aristocracy was not in favor of accepting these families into their ranks, and over the following 160 years until the outbreak of WW2 did their utmost to play down, conceal or disqualify these titles. WW2 itself brought further displacement and destruction of both people and records, making the task of tracing these titles even more difficult.

My research so far suggests the following: The family was from the environs of Przemyśl or one of the surrounding towns or villages. The family name was almost certainly either Zapala or Zaprzala. Existing records suggest the family remained in this geographical area until at least the period prior to WW2 and were then displaced. The family crest that was produced to accompany the title was a shield being white in the upper half and red in the lower two quadrants. It most probably had a Bison or Polish eagle incorporated and symbols to signify both Strength and Compassion, as the family motto appears to be ‘SUAVITER IN MODO, FORTITER IN RE’ (translated from the Latin – ‘Gentle in Manner, Firm in Deed’).

As to the whereabouts of any living direct descendants, I have had contact from several claimants bearing both of the probable family names residing in both USA and Canada, but on closer examination of their family records have discounted them as Primary linage at the present time. I do plan a visit to Europe late in 2008 to follow a number of lines of enquiry regarding this particular and several other ‘Lost’ titles, as early indications suggest that the title bearer, if the linage still exists, could be residing in either the modern day Ukraine, The United Kingdom, or possibly France.

Dr. S. Wyclowski, Boston Mass.