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The Grave of Book Smuggler J. O. Širvydas (1875–1935) in Jūžintai Cemetery

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Juozas Otonas Širvydas (1875–1935), a prominent book smuggler and educator, was a key figure in Lithuania's cultural resistance. Born in Dauliūnai village, he actively participated in activities during the press ban era, smuggling Lithuanian publications from East Prussia and publishing a handwritten newspaper, Triūsas mužikėlio (The Peasant's Toil). Despite threats from authorities, he continued his educational mission. In 1900, Širvydas founded the Žvaigždė (Star) educational society in Panemunėlis, which was shut down in 1902, forcing him to emigrate to the United States. There, he edited the newspaper Vienybė (Unity). Upon returning to Lithuania, he became deeply involved in national movements and worked on creating a Lithuanian dictionary. Juozas Otonas Širvydas is buried in Jūžintai Cemetery.

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Rokiškis Tourism Information Center

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Juozas Otonas Širvydas was a remarkable figure in Lithuanian history, known for his dedication to education and cultural preservation. Born in Dauliūnai near Jūžintai, he was committed to advancing knowledge and freedom from an early age. Defying strict press bans, he smuggled Lithuanian publications, distributed prohibited literature, and published Triūsas mužikėlio. For his activities, Širvydas was arrested multiple times, imprisoned in Panevėžys, and exiled to Latvia, yet he never abandoned his mission. In 1900, in collaboration with priest Jonas Katelė, Širvydas established the Žvaigždė society in Panemunėlis to educate young

people. The society's cultural evenings and plays were widely popular, but it was disbanded in 1902, prompting Širvydas to emigrate to the United States. There, he edited Vienybė and engaged with Lithuanian emigrant communities. After returning to Lithuania, Širvydas settled in Jūžintai, continuing his educational endeavors and dedicating himself to compiling a comprehensive Lithuanian dictionary, a task he believed would take more than a century to complete. Until his death in 1935, he remained an active participant in national movements. Juozas Otonas Širvydas is remembered as a cultural pioneer and rests in Jūžintai Cemetery.

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