Józef Kowalewski

In 1862 he was allowed to return to Poland (then a part of the Russian Empire); he refused to support the January Uprising and did not oppose Russification of Polish education, for which he became the dean of the Philological and Historical Faculty of the University of Warsaw.

The reference books (including Polish publications of the 19th century) usually indicated the village of Vyalikaya Byerastavitsa, Grodno Governorate, on the territory of modern Belarus.

After the Western Belorussian territories entered the Russian Empire, Kowalewski's uncle - Leon - failed to confirm his nobility, and was included in the clergy.

[7] This was favored by the fact that the uniate priest enjoyed traditional economic privileges, had a certain income from demands for correction, and could also keep tenants or serfs on his lands.

[9] During the French invasion Svisloch was occupied by the Saxon units of Schwarzenberg, looters plundered the gymnasium, and Józef Kowalewski lost his chest along with all his poor property.