Jozef Bozek (1782-1835), a brilliant inventor from Těšín Silesia, although he remains an almost forgotten figure in mainstream technical history, his achievements were ahead of his time. In particular, financial constraints stood in the way, which significantly affected the possibilities of developing his innovative projects.

The question of Jozef Bozek's nationality often arouses interest among researchers. Available sources indicate that he came from the family of a miller from Bier in Cieszyn Silesia, now part of Poland, but at the time part of the Austrian monarchy. According to Czech researchers, the family was said to have Czech roots; in Poland, Polish or Silesian roots are more often indicated. Thus, there is no unanimity as to Brożek's origin - there are voices describing him as a constructor of Czech or Polish origin, sometimes Silesian roots are also indicated. However, it seems that unequivocally attributing a national identity to Brożek is impossible and ahistorical. He came from Těšín Silesia, he probably used the Těšín dialect in his family home, his roots were in Silesia. He was educated and worked mainly in Czech-Austrian circles. Due to his place of origin, he was also partly connected to Polish culture, which is why his tombstone is listed in the catalogue of Polish monuments, without any indication of his nationality.

Educated first in Bielsko and from 1795 in Cieszyn, he studied and implemented his designs in Bohemia, first in Brno and then in Prague, contributing to the history of Czech technical thought and Czech construction. While attending grammar school, Jozef Božek developed his technical skills in parallel. During this period, he created a series of models of various mechanisms, including an authentic model of a mill, for the collection of Rev. Leopold Jan Szersznik (Scherschnik), the director of the grammar school. These models later enriched the gymnasium's collection. Thanks to Szersznik's recommendation, Bożek went to Brno in 1803, where he continued his education, focusing on mathematics and mechanics. In Brno he also created a model of a cloth shearing machine, which has been preserved to this day.

In 1804 Jozef Božek decided to move to Prague, where on the one hand he earned money by working, among other things, as a watchmaker and later as a teacher for the children of Count K. J. Clam-Martinic, and on the other hand he continued his education at the Faculty of Philosophy of Prague University, focusing on mathematics and mechanics. His talent did not escape the attention of the famous Professor F. J. Gerstner, who took him under his wing and offered him a position as a mechanic and master watchmaker in the newly established polytechnic workshops.

The decision to work under Professor František Josef Gerstner (1756-1832) was to be a turning point in Bozek's career. He hoped it would allow him to devote himself fully to his passion for design and to realise ambitious projects. Faced with these challenges, Bozek decided to abandon his previous occupation and education to concentrate fully on his work in the polytechnic workshops. However, this employment did not bring Bozek sufficient income, and Gerstner's domineering personality often limited his creativity and real opportunities for development, but this did not bring him the expected satisfaction and financial stability.

Starting work in the polytechnic workshops, Jozef Bożek had the opportunity to participate in the design of the first steam engine in the Czech Republic. In his work for the polytechnic, he created numerous models and devices, including various clock mechanisms and complex clocks, which can now be admired in the collections of the National Technical Museum. His work includes a precision clock for the Astronomical Institute built in 1812. He also gained considerable recognition as a developer of innovative orthopaedic aids. His designs, including an artificial hand for General Alexandros Ipsilantis (1792-1828), who lost a limb in the Battle of Chlum, and prostheses for Fedor Danielovsky, a Russian officer deprived of both legs below the knees as a result of the fighting at Dresden, were widely acclaimed for their functionality and comfort. His other works include a lens grinding machine or an autonomous weaving workshop.

The greatest recognition, but also the greatest disappointment in Józef Bozek's career, came from his steam engine projects. Technically, these were advanced designs that initially attracted interest and financial support. Nevertheless, they did not develop into the expected financial success. His steam vehicle, sometimes also referred to as a car or locomotive, was shown in Prague in 1815; it was only the third of its kind in the world, and its design was smaller and lighter - so it did not need to run on tracks, and one person was sufficient to operate it. The builder's situation deteriorated significantly in 1817 when he unveiled an improved steam vehicle and boat at a presentation on 1 June. A storm broke out during the demonstration and, as a result of the confusion, the constructor was robbed of all the money he had collected. This event significantly worsened his already difficult economic situation and ultimately led to the destruction of the prototypes and the abandonment of further experiments with steam engines.

During this period, Jozef Bozek also founded the company "Jozef Bozek and Sons". After the disappointment of 1817, he limited his interest in steam engines, only constructing a few small steam engines for selected customers, no longer undertaking more ambitious projects in this field. During this time he concentrated his activities on the design and manufacture of precision clockwork, industrial machinery and waterworks equipment. He was also involved in the design of railway carriages, responding to the growing needs of the newly established Czech railway lines, and constructed a draisine.

Unfortunately, during maintenance work on the old water supply system in the Svitkov tower, Bożek contracted pneumonia. This illness proved fatal and led to his premature death on 21 October 1835, when he was 53 years old. He left behind his wife Josephine and two sons who, like their father, gained recognition as outstanding constructors.

Józef Bożek was the hero of one of the short stories by Zofia Kossak-Szczucka and Gustaw Morcinek. A commemorative plaque was placed in Biera.

His modest tombstone in the Olšany cemetery in Prague has been preserved in the form of a cross on a pedestal and base, preceded by a gravestone. The cross is simple on its own two-stage moulded plinth. The first and second steps of the plinth cuboidal. On the first step a panel on the front with a plaque of black stone - magmatic rock, possibly diorite. The second step with two panels in the lower and upper, analogous plaques as on the first step. All letters filled in with gold paint. The plinth moulding transitions to a wider, hipped canopy. The plaque on the first step commemorates Joseph Bożek, on the second step at the top there is an inscription:

Joseph Bożek / k. Ständ. polytechn. u k.k. landesbesugl. Mechanikus / starb am 21. Okt. 1835 im 54. Jahreseines rechtlich / ihantigen Lebens. //.

Below a plaque from 1952 with a ritual inscription:

K UCTĚNÍ PAMÁTKY / PRŮKOPNÍKA PARNI DOPRAVY / VE STŘEDNÍ EVROPĚ. / OBNOVENO ROKU 1952 2. VYŠŠI PRŮMYSLOVOU / ŠKOLOU STROJNICKOU V PRAZE I. A NÁRODNÍM / TECHNICKÝM MUSÉEM //.

A plaque with a cross made in relief, the whole framed by a cast-iron fence with geometrised forms.