History /
Potoccy Magnate Family in Politics and History [23]
I have done research, and I am aware that we had many Hetmans to the Crown! Much meddling in Politics, and my Great+ Grandfather Count Stanislaus Szczesny Potocki trying to take over Poland in the last 1700s. Evidently, he helped to lead to the downfall of the Lithuania-Polish Commonwealth, though I do believe in his own heart, he just wanted to keep the country the way it was - just with him as the King, basically. It was the only way. He was such a tragic love character, he won his way into my heart (I've not had luck at love myself, so I empathize; I suppose finding someone who is honorable, caring, and stand by you is something eternally in my family we dream for). I feel like I have inherited his curse.
Well, yes, Potocki family had meny members who took part in Polish politisc ans such and they gave much of their fortune, blood and heart to the country, but... Stanisław Szczęsny was not one of them. He was a traitor loyal to Russians, under death penalty after 1793. He never tried to be a king and he was never granted with a Count title, he was using it himself. All his family members are ashamed to be related with him and that is why their dhildren and grandchildren (and so long) were doing everything to atone for his crimes.
Anyway, Szczęsny was noone special as a person. His actions were one of the reasons that Poland was not existing on a map of Europe for over 120 years. So, I think it is nothing to be proud of.
Julie, I think you should read more about other Potocki family members, the one who made the family name fame for doing good, not bad. For example Anna z Działyńskich Potocka and her husband Stanisław, or Klaudyna Potocka, also called "Promienna". There are book about them and many others.
Take care!