They called him Kuman from Racławice. A simple peasant. A legend. This is the story of Bartosz Głowacki. His name echoes on this street bearing his name.
Bartosz Głowacki wasn’t born a hero. He was a peasant. He was born around 1758 possibly in Rzędowice. Some say Zakrzów near Skalbmierz. The exact date and location remain uncertain. His life was simple. He worked the land. He married Jadwiga Czernikowa. They had three daughters. They lived in a humble hut. A small farm. A life of toil.
Then came the Kościuszko Uprising. A call to arms for freedom. Bartosz answered. He joined the ranks of the peasant soldiers. The kosynierzy. Armed with scythes. Their simple tools turned into weapons.
At Racławice on April 4 1794 Bartosz found his moment. He displayed remarkable courage. He helped capture a Russian cannon. This act of bravery earned him a promotion. General Kościuszko personally promoted Bartosz to corporal. He gave Bartosz the surname Głowacki. A noble name. Replacing the peasant name.
The change of his surname is interesting. One theory suggests Kościuszko bestowed the name. Another points to his mother’s maiden name. The mystery lingers.
His heroism wasn’t over. He fought valiantly at Szczekociny. This was a fierce battle. The Polish forces were outnumbered. Bartosz fought bravely. He was mortally wounded.
He died between June 6 and 9 1794. Some accounts say on the battlefield. Others claim in a field hospital. He was buried in Kielce. A modest grave. For a hero.
Despite his humble beginnings Bartosz Głowacki became a symbol. A symbol of peasant courage. His story reminds us. Even ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things. He represents the spirit of the Uprising. A testament to the strength of the Polish people. A simple man. An unforgettable hero. His story lives on. Here on this street. In our hearts. Remember Bartosz Głowacki. The Kuman of Racławice.