Michael Dignowity
(1810-1875). Anthony Michael Dignowity, Czech-American writer and public official, was born in the mining city of Kutná Hora, Bohemia, on January 16, 1810, the tenth and last child of Wenzeslas (Václav) and Catharine Dignowity. Like many other Czechs who immigrated to the United States, he fled the Austrian conscription laws. He sailed from Hamburg for New York in 1832. In the United States he traveled from state to state, working at many different jobs. (read more from the Handbook of Texas Online.)

Dignowity Hill was the first exclusive residential area in San Antonio, preceding King William and Laurel Heights. Due to its high elevation, proximity to downtown, the size of the lots, and lack of water, which required residents to construct large water collecting systems, Dignowity Hill began as an upper-class residential area. Settled as estates with one house per block in the 1850s on an 80-foot hill overlooking downtown San Antonio, Dignowity Hill was named for Dr. Anthony Michael Dignowity. (read more from the City of San Antonio Historical Preservation.)