Polish patriot, translator, writer, the author of guide for Sudety
Rozalia, daughter of Abraham Juda Felix (approx. 1860-1833) and Fajga Filipina nee Enoch (approx. 1784-1835) was born in 1807 in Łask. There is not many inforamtion about her childhood, she came surely from a Jewish family, living at market square in Łask in apartament nr 60. Her father was a doctor, most likely a enlightenment concepts proponent. He surely provided an educational background for his daughter, it could be proven in her language skills.
Rozalia was married twice. First marriage with dr Jakub Juliusz Pauli, a doctor in Kępno, lastet barely two years (1826-1828). Around 1834-1838 she got married again - with Mikołaj Saulson, a merchant from Warsaw (1807-1858). Their marriage was childless. In Warsaw Rozalia was connected with reformed (progressive) synagogue on Daniłowiczowska street. During that time she has probably been working charitable for Jewish children education. She also developed literary activities in polish, dedicated not only for young readers and not only to Jews.
Most likely Rozalia was sickly. Probably for that reason, or trying to protect herself from cholera epidemic, in June 1849 she left Warsaw and went do Warmbrunn, that is Cieplice Śląskie-Zdrój [1]. Over three months stay in Cieplice guesthouse Verein (nowadays „Marysieńka”) enable her to prepare guide for Sudety: Warmbrunn i okolice jego w 38 obrazach zebranych w 12 wycieczkach przez Pielgrzymkę w Sudetach (Wrocław 1850) to printing. It should be emphasized, that this first Polish language guide was written by polish Jew and warsaw woman - but she published it anonimously. She dedicated this work to Walentyna and Aleksander Moldauer - her family members, also from Warsaw and companions during hikes in the mountains.
It can be assumed that Rozalia also used to stay in Wrocław, e.g. at her uncle (mother’s brother) - merchant Henry (Heinrich) Enoch and his wife. Enoch’s connections with Wrocław date back to the end of the XVIII age, when the other Fajga Filipina’s brother - Jakub Enoch (born 1780, doctor) - has studied there. Saulson’s uncles educational background, as well as her father, pointo to dual-ranging acculturation: knowledge of german language and culture, as well as polish ones. Jakub wrote his memoire fluently in polish [2], so did Rozalia.
Sauson primarily wrote her works in Polish, at least these are found. She counted Polish as her mother language. She published poetry and prose religious, educational, elevating-themed in after-enlightenment, romantic and positivistic current as well. Initially she transfered, e.g. prayeres from Hebraic into Polish: Ośmnaście kantyków (Kraków 1865). She translated famous G.E. Leissing’s work Nathan der Weise (in traduction: Natan. Poemat dramatyczny, Lipsk 1867) from German. Furthermore, she published in polish press, e.g. „Izraelit”, „Czas” and „Przyjaciel Dzieci”. She earned recognition primarily of her mentioned above guide Warmbrunn i okolice jego… and prayer book for women: Techynoth : modlitwy dla Polek wyznania Mojżeszowego… (Warsaw 1861).
Saulson’s literary work in Polish drew russian authoritie’s attention [3]. Most likely because of her activity in favour of Poland and resulted from this some czarit Okhrana’s harassments and probably because of family grounds Saulson left Warsaw and moved to Kraków. There is no information when exactly she did, in the latter part of 60s or 70s of XIX century.
In Kraków, in now non-existent house on Szczepański 2 street, used to live Rozalia’s sister - Anna Kirszbaum (1797-1881), then dr.med. Synaj Zygmunt Kirszbaum’s widow. At this house writer has spend another two or three decades of her life, until her death on 4 December 1896. She was 89. There is no information where is she buried (on 6 December the same year). Most likely on jewish cementary on Miodowa street. Rozalia’s matzevah wasn’t saved, neither Anna’s.
Rozalia’s literary and patriotic activities testament are her publication, few or her correspondence saved (e.g. with J.I. Kraszewski), obituary, and contemporary coverages tributed to her as well [4]. Writer, or rather her most famous work (Warmbrunn i okolice jego…), memoralizes a memorial at old guesthouse Verein’s building. However, in inscription the guide’s authors surname - Rozalia Saulson nee Felix, is not mentioned.