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Copyright.    1918 

by 
S.  B.  G0ODK1ND 


JCU506975 


. 


^i;i 


ISP! 


m 


HE  PROPER  DEDICA- 
TION OF  A  BOOK  OF 
THIS  KIND  SHOULD  BE 
TO  NO  INDIVIDUAL 
BUT  TO  "THE  JEWS  OF 
AMERICA." 


q  WITH  NEW  HOPES  &  ASPI- 
RATIONS THEY  CAME  TO 
THESE  SHORES  FROM  LANDS 
BEYOND  THE  SEAS,  WHERE 
PERSECUTION  REIGNED,  TO 
SEEK  HOMES  IN  THE  LAND 
OF  LIBERTY  &  FREEDOM. 

q  THEY  CAME  FIRST  A  FEW, 
&THEN  A  MULTITUDE.  THEY 
WERE  STURDY,  SELF-RELI- 
ANT, HONEST  &  PROGRESSIVE. 

q  THIS  BOOK  IS  DEDICATED 
THEREFORE  TO  THE  JEWS  OF 
AMERICA,  WHO  HAVE  BEEN 
POTENT  FACTORS  IN  THE 
BUILDING  OF  OUR  GREAT 
NATION. 


as 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2010  with  funding  from 
The  Library  of  Congress 


http://www.archive.org/details/prominentjewsofaOOtole 


NTRO  - 

DUCTOBJ 

^JL.         Jt^         Jt^         Jt. 


THE   purpose  of   this  work  is  to 
perpetuate  in  the  minds  of  this  and 
coming  generations,  a  knowledge 
of    those    sterling    traits    of    character 
which  have  distinguished   the   Jewish 
race  since  the  first  dawn  of  civilization. 

C|  It  is  an  interesting  fact  that  they 
are  the  only  people  in  the  world  who 
have  been  able  to  mingle  with  all 
nations  without  being  absorbed  by  any 
of  them. 

•I  Although  loyal  to  the  various 
countries  of  their  adoption,  sending 
their  sons  forth  to  fight  their  battles; 
giving  with  lavish  generosity,  both  of 
time  and  money,  toward  the  promotion 
of  every  worthy  national  or  communal 


13 


m 


cause,  they  have  yet  maintained  a  dis- 
tinct racial  individuality,  which  is  the 
wonder  of  the  world. 

CJ  Without  organized  political  in- 
fluence, they  have  financed  Crowned 
heads  and  Kingdoms;  sent  forth  across 
an  uncharted  waste  of  waters  an  expe- 
dition which  opened  the  entire  western 
hemisphere  to  the  eyes  of  an  incredu- 
lous world.  For  it  is  an  established 
fact  that  it  was  Jewish  money  and  in- 
fluence which  enabled  Queen  Isabella 
to  send  forth  Christopher  Columbus 
upon  his  momentous  voyage  of  dis- 
covery. 

•J  The  Jew  is  essentially  a  lover  of 
liberty,  of  freedom  of  thought  and 
action,  and  is  always  ready  to  grant 
these  rights  to  others.  Small  wonder, 
then,  that  the  United  States,  the  most 
vigorous  exponent  of  freedom  of  all  the 
nations  of  the  earth,  should  have  at- 
tracted to  her  shores  a  large  body  of 


men  and  women  of  Jewish  nationality, 
seeking  to  escape  from  the  oppression 
of  old  world  tyranny. 

^  The  story  of  their  experiences 
forms  a  unique  chapter  of  national  his- 
tory—  a  brave  narrative  replete  with 
help  and  inspiration  for  the  struggling 
young  men  of  our  land. 

€J  Many  of  those  whose  biographies 
appear  in  this  volume  are  unknown  to 
fame  in  the  commonly  accepted  sense 
of  the  term.  Their  activities  have 
perhaps  been  confined  to  their  own 
communities,  and  only  their  immediate 
families  and  intimate  friends  realize 
fully  the  bitterness  of  the  cup  of  expe- 
rience which  their  lips  have  touched. 

^  Some  of  them  were  reluctant  about 
having  their  life  histories  included  in 
this  work,  actuated,  no  doubt,  by  a  sense 
of  modesty  regarding  their  achieve- 
ments, which  is  an  admirable  racial 
trait 


€fl  However,  in  the  life  story  of  each 
one  is  found  much  that  is  worthy  of 
perpetuation,  much  that  has  moulded 
the  commercial  and  religious  thought 
of  their  generation,  and  we  offer  this 
volume  as  a  record  and  tribute  to  those 
men  who  have  lived  simply,  nobly  and 
without  ostentation,  that  America  and 
the  Jewish  race  might  maintain  their 
dearest  traditions  of  liberty,  charity 
and  equality  among  men. 


o« 


■j* 


v* 


"Advance,  then,  ye  future  generations.  We 
would  hail  you  as  you  rise  in  your  long  succession  to 
fill  the  places  which  we  now  fill.  We  bid  you  Wel- 
come to  this  pleasant  land  of  the  fathers.  We  bid  you 
welcome  to  the  healthful  skies  and  the  verdant  fields 
of  our  wonderful  country.  We  greet  your  accession  to 
the  great  inheritance  which  we  have  enjoyed. " 

— Daniel  Webster. 


SAUL   ABENSON 

Mr.  Saul  Abenson  of  Miami,  Fla.,  is  still  on  the  right  side  of  thirty,  hav- 
ing been  born  on  the  15th  of  April,  1883.  His  cradle  stood  on  Russian  soil 
and  he  calls  Borisov,  in  the  old  government  of  Minsk,  his  birthplace.  He  is 
the  descendant  of  a  Rabbinical  family,  his  parents  being  Simeon  and  Elke  Eva 
Abenson,  both  dead  at  the  present  writing. 

Saul  Abenson  landed  in  New  York  during  the  year  1905.  Some  months 
afterwards  he  went  to  Philadelphia,  and  before  the  year  was  over  he  boarded 
a  trans-Atlantic  steamer  and  went  to  Norway,  and  before  another  year  he 
was  again  on  American  soil,  this  time  in  Georgia  peddling  merchandise  and 
then  engaging  in  the  grocery  business.  In  1908  he  first  went  to  Florida,  set- 
tling in  Miami  in  191 1. 

Mr.  Abenson  is  engaged  in  the  sale  of  dry  goods,  under  the  firm  name 
of  the  Chicago  Bargain  Store,  at  300  Avenue  G,  Miami,  Fla. 

When  Mr.  Abenson  first  arrived  in  America  he  was  on  the  Russian  army 
list,  having  been  just  ordered  to  the  front,  in  the  late  Russo-Japanese  War. 
When  he  attempted  to  cross  the  border,  twelve  bullets  were  fired  at  him,  and 
it  took  him  forty-five  days  to  land  on  these  shores. 

Mr.  Abenson  was  married,  on  the  10th  of  January,  1912,  to  Lena  Gelfman, 
born  in  Russia,  and  there  are  two  children  of  this  marriage,  Samuel  and  Gladys. 
He  is  a  Talmud  student  of  note  and  a  member  of  the  local  congregation. 


ABRAHAM   ABRICH 

At  432  Eddy  street,  Providence,  R.  L,  is  located  the  Rhode  Island  Paper 
Stock  Company,  an  institution  devoted  to  waste  material.  One  of  the  part- 
ners in  this  business  is  Mr.  Abraham  Abrich,  who  was  born  in  Minsker, 
Guberne,  Russia,  July  18,  1869,  the  son  of  Asher  Abrich,  a  merchant  of  his 
native  city. 

He  came  to  America  in  1891,  landing  in  New  York,  where  he  began 
working  as  a  shirt  operator.  For  the  first  four  weeks  he  received  no  pay,  as 
he  was  just  learning  the  trade.  Later  he  was  paid  $5  per  week,  but  only  re- 
mained four  months.  He  then  went  to  Cleveland,  and  began  peddling  fruit, 
later  turning  his  attention  to  dry  goods.  This  was  followed  by  a  variety  of 
experiences  in  a  foundry  as  moulder,  which  work  he  found  to  be  too  heavy ; 
then  in  a  cap  shop,  later  as  a  helper  in  a  furniture  store  and  finally  he  again 
turned  his  attention  to  peddling.  He  later  worked  in  a  rubber  factorv  for 
three  years,  but  not  finding  any  of  these  occupations  to  his  liking,  he  started  in 
the  present  line  of  business,  where  he  has  been  very  successful  in  every  way. 

Mr.  Abrich  was  married  in  Providence,  R.  I.,  in  March,  1900,  to  Miss 
Ida  Taber,  and  they  have  eight  children,  five  boys  and  three  girls,  all  of  whom 
are  going'  to  school  and  being  educated  in  music. 

Mr.  Abrich  is  a  member  of  the  B'nai  Zion,  B'rith  Abraham,  Zionists  Order 
of  Talmud  Torah  and  the  Hebrew  Free  Loan  Society.  He  also  contributes  to 
the  Denver  Hospital,  the  Immigration  Society  of  New  York,  all  the  Yshivis 
and  charities. 

He  is  Past  Treasurer  of  congregation,  charter  member  of  the  Free  Loan 
Society  mentioned  above,  and  a  Director  of  Talmud  Torah. 


RABBI    WILLIAM    ACKERMAN 

Rabbi  William  Ackerman,  of  Pensacola,  Fla.,  is  still  young  in  the  rabbin- 
ical profession,  having  been  graduated  from  the  Jewish  Theological  Seminary 
of  America  in  191 1,  but,  judging  from  the  popularity  he  has  acquired  and  the 
unwonted  energy  displayed  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties,  we  are  justified  in 
predicting  a  still  greater  future  for  his  remarkable  abilities, 

Rabbi  Ackerman  was  born  on  the  6th  of  December,  1886,  in  Kaschau, 
Hungary,  as  the  son  of  J.  and  Vilma  Ackerman.  He  is  the  descendant  of  a 
great  rabbinical  family,  and  when  still  at  home  he  received  a  good  education. 
.  He  studied  Talmud,  and  was  graduated  from  the  Royal  Gymnasium  at 
Kaschau.  When  he  arrived  in  America,  in  1905,  he  decided  to  take  up  the 
duties  of  a  rabbi,  and,  in  addition  to  a  course  he  took  up  in  Dr.  Schechter's 
Seminary,  lie  received  his  secular  education  at  Columbia  University. 

In  1913  he  came  to  Pensacola  as  the  rabbi  of  Congregation  Beth  El.  He 
was  previously  the  rabbi  of  Sinai  Congregation  at  Lake  Charles,  La. 

In  addition  to  his  rabbinical  duties,  he  is  prominently  connected  with  nearly 
every  phase  of  communal  activity.  He  is  the  president  of  the  I.  O.  B.  A.  Lodge 
of  Pensacola  and  a  member  of  the  General  Committee  for  the  Southern  District 
of  B'nai  B'rith  (No.  7),  comprising  seven  States.  He  is  the  chairman  of  the 
Child  Labor  Law  Committee  for  the  State  of  Florida,  and  is  a  member  of  the 
Executive  Board  of  the  Army  and  Navy  Life  Activities  Commission. 

In  personal  intercourse  Dr.  Ackerman  is  a  highly  pleasing  young  man, 
an  exceptionally  gifted  orator  and  undoubtedly  headed  for  a  national  reputation. 


BEN   ADLER 

As  an  illustration  of  the  fact  that  life  is  not  a  matter  of  years,  but  of 
achievement  and  accomplishment,  the  career  of  Mr.  Ben  Adler  of  San  Antonio, 
Texas,  is  highly  valuable. 

Mr.  Adler  was  born  on  August  29,  1889,  in  Des  Moines,  Iowa.  His  parents 
are  Israel  and  Yenta  Adler.  After  graduating  from  the  public  schools  and  the 
high  school,  he  left  his  native  city  and  came  with  relatives  to  San  Antonio, 
Texas.  This  was  in  1906.  For  several  years  after  his  arrival  in  that  city 
he  worked  in  a  wholesale  dry  goods  business  and  then  started  a  dry  goods 
store  of  his  own  at  Rockdale,  Texas.  Two  years  later  he  returned  to  San 
Antonio,  where  he  conducted  a  dry  goods  store  for  a  short  time,  and  then  con- 
nected himself  with  the  wholesale  and  retail  grocery  business  of  his  father-in- 
law,  Mr.  Joseph  S.  Hahn,  to  whose  daughter.  Miss  Dora  Hahn,  he  was  mar- 
ried on  April  16,  1913.  This  concern,  whose  firm  name  is  that  of  Joseph  S. 
Hahn,  and  whose  place  of  business  is  at  501  to  505  S.  Alamo  street,  has  im- 
measurably profited  by  Mr.  Adler's  connection  with  it  and  by  his  high  intelli- 
gence and  great  ability. 

Despite  the  fact  that  Mr.  Adler  is  still  a  very  young  man,  his  interests  and 
activities  in  the  Jewish  community  have  received  wide  recognition.  He  has 
held  the  position  of  president  of  the  Jewish  Literary  Society  for  several  years 
and  is  a  past  president  of  Edar  Lodge  211  of  the  Independent  Order  of  B'nai 
B'rith.  He  is  also  a  trustee  of  the  Agudath  Achim  Congregation  and  has 
served  as  secretary  of  the  local  Relief  Committee  for  Jewish  Sufferers  through 
the  war.  He  holds  membership  also  in  the  Zionist  organization  and  the 
Masonic  fraternity,  and  is  deeply  interested  in  all  works  and  endeavors  tending 
to  progress  and  human  advancement. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Adler  are  the  happy  parents  of  two  lovely  children,  Hortense 
and  Edyth. 


LAZAR   ADLER 

Austria-Hungary  has  given  to  Wilkes-Barre  one  of  its  best  citizens  and 
most  able  business  men  in  the  person  of  Mr.  Lazar  Adler. 

He  was  born  in  1867  and  came  to  America  May 
15,  1896.  Having  a  brother  in  Wilkes-Barre,  he 
came  direct  to  him,  where  he  worked  for  a  time  at 
the  small  wage  of  90  cents  per  day.  He  then  started 
buying  and  selling  junk,  which  he  continued  for  ten 
years.  His  next  venture  was  in  the  grocery  busi- 
ness, but,  not  finding  this  to  his  liking,  he  sold  out 
and  opened  a  junk  yard,  which  has  developed  into 
the  present  large  firm  operating  under  his  name. 

Mr.  Adler  was  married  in  Europe  in  1888  to 
Miss  Edith  Rosa  Simsaretch.  They  have  a  family 
of  six  children,  four  boys  and  two  girls,  the  oldest 
son,  Samuel,  being  in  business  with  his  father.  The}' 
are  all  living  at  home,  are  excellently  educated  and, 
being  talented  musicians,  form  a  delightful  family 
circle. 

In  matters  of  charity.  Mr.  Adler  is  exceedingly- 
generous,  contributing  to  the  Denver  Hospital,  Mercy  Hospital,  all  the  Yishivis 
and  the  Y.  M.  H.  A.     He  is  also  a  prominent  member  of  Congregation  Habra 
Anshe  Hungarian  Independent  Order  of  B'rith  Abraham  and  the  Odd  Fellows. 


MAX  ALDERMAN 
ABRAHAM  ALDERMAN 
WILLIAM  ALDERMAN 

The  Alderman  family,  prominent  in  Russia  as  merchants,  have  given  three 
business  men  to  the  new  world,  of  whom  New  Haven,  Conn.,  is  justly  proud. 

We  re'fer  to  the  Alderman  brothers.  Max,  Abraham  and  William.  These 
men  came  to  America  without  capital  and  by  hard  work  and  shrewd  business 
judgment  have  placed  the  firm  of  Alderman  Brothers  on  a  sound  financial  basis, 
and  a  position  of  prominence  among  other  industries  of  New  Haven. 

Their  experiences  in  America  all  bear  great  similarity,  as  they  began  work 
upon  very  small  salaries,  peddling  and  buying  and  selling  junk  in  order  to  gain 
experience  for  their  future  larger  activities. 

The  elder  brother,  Max,  was  born  in  1871,  while  Abraham  is  eight  years 
younger.  The}'  all  came  to  this  country  in  1892,  and  in  a  comparatively  short 
time  have  won  an  enviable  place  for  themselves  in  the  business  world. 

Max  Alderman  was  married  in  New  Haven,  Conn.,  in  1894  to  Miss  F.  N. 
Wiener,  and  they  have  five  children,  one  boy  and  four  girls,  all  going  to  school. 

Abraham  Alderman  was  married  in  New  Haven  in  1899  to  Miss  Mollie 
Carlson  and  they  have  three  children,  one  boy  and  two  girls,  who  are  attending 
high  school. 

William  Alderman  was  married  in  New  Haven  in  1906  and  their  five  chil- 
dren, two  boys  and  three  girls,  are  all  in  school. 

All  three  brothers  are  prominent  in  the  various  Jewish  organizations,  Max 
being  Past  Vice-president  of  Savas  Achem,  Past  Treasurer  Rambaum  Lodge, 
Director  of  Free  Loan  Association,  Director  of  the  Jewish  Aged  of  New  Haven. 
He  is  also  member  of  the  Knights  of  Israel.  Vilna  Society  and  Peddlers'  Asso- 
ciation. 

Abraham  Alderman  is  Treasurer  of  Hebrew  Free  Loan  Association  and 
President  of  Rambaum  Lodge.  He  is  also  affiliated  with  the  other  organiza- 
tions to  which  Max  Alderman  belongs. 

William  Alderman  is  Past  President  of  the  Vilna  Association  and  Director 
of  Jewish  Consumptive  Relief  Association  of  Denver,  Col.     He  is  also  affili- 


ated  with  the  Rambaum  Lodge,  Knights  of  Israel,  and  the  Hebrew  Free  Loan 
Association. 

All  three  brothers  are  very  public-spirited  and  generous  in  their  gifts  to 
charity. 


LEO    ALEXANDER 

"Tenacity  is  the  only  key  that  will  open  the  door  of  success."  Employers 
today  shun  shifters.  Find  your  sphere,  then  stick  to  it.  Even  a  postage  stamp 
knows  enough  to  stick  until  it  gets  there.  Had  our  forefathers  been  quitters, 
there  would  have  been  no  LJnited  States  today.  It  is  stick-to-it-iveness  that  has 
made  both  nation  and  individuals  great. 

Decay  and  decline  only  come  when  nations  or  individuals  cease  their  striv- 
ing, when  they  become  slack,  slothful  and  shiftless. 

Is  it  not  the  literal  truth  that  America,  as  we  know  it,  owed  its  discovery 
by  Christopher  Columbus  to  this  very  virtue  of  stick-to-it-iveness?  Without 
it  no  man  is  likely  to  climb  to  the  top  of  the  ladder — and  remain  there. 

Every  inch  an  American,  and  one  of  the  shrewdest  business  men  in  Niles, 
Ohio,  Leo  Alexander  is  a  fine  example  of  the  second  generation  of  the  Hebrew 
blood  infused  from  birth  with  the  spirit  of  freedom  and  progress.  He  was 
born,  raised  and  still  lives  in  the  city  of  Niles,  and  is  a  part  of  its  life  and 
activities  in  a  broad  sense. 

Mr.  Alexander  is  the  son  of  the  late  Abraham,  scrap  iron  dealer,  and  Rose 
Alexander,  of  Niles,  Ohio,  born  June  13,  1892. 

At  present  he  is  running  his  father's  business,  which  he  took  over  in  191 1 
when  his. father  departed  this  earth. 

But,  like  all  good  Jews,  let  us  mention  just  a  word  about  his  social  life. 
On  October  24,  19151  he  was  married  to  Miss  Kate  Lavine,  of  Cleveland,  Ohio, 
daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Barnett  Lavine.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Alexander  have  one 
daughter. 

Mr.  Alexander  is  a  Mason,  is  affiliated  with  the  K.  of  P.  lodge  and  Anshe 
Emeth  Congregation,  and  he  is  a  liberal  contributor  to  many  charities,  both 
local  and  national. 


MEYER    SOLOMON    ALPER 

In  this  day  of  superficiality,  when  less  attention  is  given  to  matters  of  reli- 
gion, it  is  indeed  edifying  to  find  a  Jew  of  the  old  school  who  has  not  only 
trained  his  own  son  thoroughly  in  the  beliefs  and  traditions  of  his  race,  but 
whose  grandchildren  are  also  receiving  a  thorough  Jewish  education.  We  refer 
to  Mr.  Meyer  Solomon  Alper,  of  Providence,  R.  I.,  who  is  a  prominent  and 
wealthy  wholesale  dealer  in  waste  paper. 

Mr.  Alper  was  born  in  Minsker,  Guberne  Russia,  in  the  year  1858.  He 
was  married  in  1876  and  five  years  later  came  to  America.  He  came  direct  to 
Providence,  R.  I.,  where  he  peddled  rags  for  the  first  two  years,  and  then 
opened  a  small  shop.  However,  Mr.  Alper  decided  that  his  best  future  would 
be  in  the  paper  business,  in  which  he  engaged,  and  they  have  today  an 
immense  plant,  employing  a  large  number  of  people  and  shipping  their 
products  to  all  sections  of  the  country. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Alper  have  one  son,  Benjamin,  who  is  in  business  with  his 
father.  He  was  married  to  Miss  Rachel  Abelson,  of  Providence,  and  they  have 
two  children,  one  boy  and  one  girl,  who  are  attending  school  and  are  at  the 
same  time  being  given  a  thorough  training  in  Jewish  literature. 

In  addition  to  Mr.  Alper's  business  responsibilities,  he  finds  time  for 
affiliation  with  all  the  prominent  religious  orders  of  his  race,  being  past  Vice- 
president  of  Avas  Sholom  Congregation,  Mannan  Avas  Lodge,  B'rith  Abra- 
ham, and  Talmud  Torah. 


His  wife  is  also  very  active  in  the  promotion  of  the  various  charities  of 
Providence,  and  both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Alper  are  liberal  in  their  contributions  not 
only  in  their  own  city,  but  also  to  the  support  of  institutions  in  other  sections 
of  the  country. 


OSCAR   H.    ALTSHULER 

Mr.  Oscar  H.  Altshuler,  although  still  a  young  man.  is  one  of  the  most 
successful  business  men  of  Youngstown,  Ohio.  He  was  born  in  Shavel,  Prov- 
ince of  Kovno,  in  August,  18S9,  and  is  the  son  of  Myer  Altshuler,  a  great 
Hebrew  scholar,  who  has  made  contributions  of  merit  to  the  important  field  of 
Jewish  learning  and  education.  He  was  brought  to  this  country  at  the  age  of 
ten  and  went  to  school  in  Akron  and  Youngstown.  In  1907  he  started  his  pres- 
ent business  of  manufacturing  preserved  food  products,  with  a  plant  at  Springs- 
boro,  Pa.,  and  headquarters  at  Youngstown,  Ohio,  under  the  firm  name  of 
Altshuler  Brothers.  The  Youngstown  establishment  is  located  at  Nos.  19-25 
Prospect  street. 

If  one  was  asked  to  define  in  one  word  Mr.  Altshuler's  chief  social  and 
spiritual  interest  in  life,  he  would  have  to  say  "Zionism.''  Zionism  was  his 
hobby  from  the  first.  He  came  to  the  conclusion  that  in  order  to  create  con- 
ditions that  would  place  our  race  in  the  foremost  ranks,  where  he  was  sure  we 
belonged,  an  adherence  to  Zionist  principles  was  more  than  essential,  it  was 
indispensable,  and  the  only  thing  worth  while.  Repeatedly  did  he  hold  office 
and  occupied  high  positions  in  the  Zionist  movement ;  at  the  present  writing  he 
is  Vice-president  of  the  Ohio  State  Zionist  organization  and  chairman  of  the 
local  committee  in  charge  of  the  preparations  for  a  Jewish  congress,  which  Mr. 
Altshuler  always  regarded  as  a  highly  important  movement  from  the  point  of 
view  of  Jewish  organization  and  unity.  In  addition,  Mr.  Altshuler  is  a  mem- 
ber of  the  executive  committee  of  the  Young  Men's  Hebrew  Association  of 
Youngstown  and  the  local  Talmud  Torah,  and  a  member  of  the  Congregation 
Emanu-El. 

Mr.  Altshuler's  Jewish  training  and  thorough  Hebrew  education  have 
fitted  him  pre-eminently  for  a  position  of  leadership  among  the  young  Orthodox 
Jewry  of  Youngstown.  He  is  a  thorough  nationalist  and  devoted  Zionist.  He 
represents  the  type  of  clean-cut  young  American  who  has  not  forgotten  his 
true  and  inborn  Jewish  idealism  in  the  turmoil  of  the  American  business  life. 
While  successful  in  his  vocation,  he  is  perhaps  more  interested  in  the  propa- 
ganda of  his  idealism  than  in  matters  of  daily  life  and  the  routine  of  his  every- 
day business.  It  is  that  high-mindedness  of  the  young  American  Jew  which 
enables  the  Zionist  movement  to  look  forward  with  great  hopefulness  and 
causes  men  of  Mr.  Altshuler's  type  to  assume  the  place  they  are  best  fitted  for 
as  leaders  and  masters  of  modern  American  Jewry. 


JACOB    AMRON 

The  high  cost  of  living  in  hotels  early  attracted  the  attention  of  a  young 
man  who  at  the  present  moment  is  the  proud  part  owner  of  the  Marlborough 
Hotel,  New  York  City.  This  young  man,  named  Jacob  Amron,  observed  an- 
other thing.  He  came  to  the  conclusion  that  the  high  cost  of  living  in  hotels 
was  due  to  a  leakage  in  the  various  departments  of  the  hotel  or  restaurant, 
creating  overhead  charges  which  must  needs  be  met  by  the  patron.  In  this  way 
it  is  not  the  high  cost  of  material,  but  lack  of  proper  administration,  that  caused 
the  high  cost  of  living.  Mr.  Amron  decided  to  organize  a  hotel  which  would 
accommodate  the  man  of  moderate  means  and  the  Marlborough  is  a  typical 
instance  of  this  endeavor. 

Jacob  Amron  was  born  in  Russia  in  1875,  and  was  brought  to  America 
at   the   age   of    eleven.     After   his   graduation    from    elementary    school,    he 


obtained  a  position  as  waiter  in  a  well-known  restaurant,  after  a  year's  time 

becoming  assistant  purchasing  agent.    He  then  took 

a  position  with  the  Waldorf-Astoria  Hotel,  where 

he  received  his  training  under  the  celebrated  maitre 

d'hotel  Oscar  Tschirky,  and  a  few  years  later,  when 

still  a  very  young  man  and  not  quite  twenty,  he 

accumulated  a  little  capital,  which  enabled  him  to 

go   into   business    for   himself.     His   first   business 

venture  was  an  establishment  known  as  The  Little 

Waldorf,  and  it   was  an  immediate   success.     This 

was  followed  by  the  taking  over  of  an  internation- 

ally  famous  house  which  had  been  run  as  a  gam- 
bling house  and  was  frequented  by  America's  most 

noted  men.     It  was  located  at  No.  33  West  Thirty- 
third  street  and  known  as  the  Bronze  Door. 

Mr.   Amron's  reputation  was  by  that  time   so 

well  established  that  he  was  sought  by  the  Manger 

Brothers,  who  induced  him  to  associate  himself  with    .  Ja<'ob  An,ro" 

them  in  the  building  up  of  their  several  hotels.     With  what  success  this  work 

was  accomplished  can  best  be  told  by  the  many  Xew  Yorkers  who  have  since 
become  his  patrons.  In  a  magic  manner  he  transformed  the  dying  old  Endicotl 
Hotel  restaurant  into  one  of  the  city's  most  attractive  places.  Other  hotels 
followed  suit  and  the  corporation  with  which  Mr.  Amron  was  associated  took 
over  the  Grand  Hotel  with  equal  success,  and  later  the  Netherland,  all  con- 
ducted in  the  manner  which  Mr.  Amron  has  made  his  principle  ever  since :  cater- 
ing to  the  masses  instead  of  the  classes. 

Mr.  Amron  soon  began  to  look  for  other  fields  and  selected  a  hotel  which 
once  had  been  known  from  coast  to  coast  and  was  the  headquarters  of  the  best 
traveling  element  of  the  country,  the  Marlborough  Hotel,  at  Thirty-sixth  street 
and  Broadway.  This  hotel  had  been  thoroughly  remodeled  and  reconstructed 
from  cellar  to  roof,  and  Mr.  Amron  saw  the  possibility  of  making  this  hotel 
again  as  popular  as  in  the  days  gone  by,  so  that  he  severed  his  connections  with 
all  other  interests  and  associated  himself  as  full  partner  with  Mr.  Charles  I. 
Ruhl.  His  judgment  and  wonderful  knowledge  of  the  restaurant  business  won 
for  him  again  a  phenomenal  success,  so  that  today  the  entire  country  is  singing 
the  praises  of  the  Marlborough  Hotel  and  its  unequalled  restaurant,  with  its 
high  class  of  attractions  and  vaudeville  features.  Above  all,  the  distinguishing 
feature  of  the  Marlborough  Hotel  is  its  marvelous  cheapness,  so  that  we  find 
all  high  class  features  of  the  great  restaurant  equalled  if  not  excelled  by  the 
Marlborough — and  at  just  one-quarter  of  the  price.  It  is  this  popularity  of 
management  and  a  truly  wonderful  business  genius  of  the  man  that  made  such 
conditions  possible.  As  stated  at  the  outset,  it  had  been  Mr.  Amron's  con- 
tention from  the  start  that  if  the  overhead  waste  could  be  eliminated  from 
enterprises  of  this  kind,  the  public  would  find  itself  in  the  position  of  enjoying 
all  the  benefits  of  a  high-class  hotel  and  restaurant  service  at  prices  meant  for 
the  man  cf  moderate  means.  The  results  have  more  than  proved  the  soundness 
of  this  view. 

Some  twenty  years  ago  Mr.  Amron  was  married  to  Miss  May  Propper,  of 
Xew  York  Citv,  and  they  have  two  sons  and  two  daughters. 

Mr.  Amron  is  a  member  of  a  number  of  charitable  organizations  in  the 
citv  and  contributes  to  every  worthy  cause.  His  tremendous  and  unrivalled 
success  stand  as  a  monument  to  human  perseverance,  energy  and  ability,  win- 
ning the  laurel  through  unceasing  adherence  to  a  noble  principle. 

Mr.  Amron  has  recentlv  purchased  the  Vogue  Restaurant,  at  Forty-eighth 
street  and  Broadway.  He  reorganized  the  place  in  accordance  with  his  well- 
tried  ideas,  changing  its  name  from  Vogue  to  Amron's,  and  we  can  easily 
expect  that  it  will  turn  out  the  success  he  had  been  fortunate  to  establish  in 
connection  with  his  other  great  undertakings. 


AARON   H.   ARONOVSKY 


The  path  to  success  in  business  is  invariably  a  route  punctuated  with  guide 
posts  of  perseverance  and  common  sense. 

Notwithstanding  all  that  has  been  said  about  luck,  the  success  that  endures 
is  never  achieved  by  accident.  It  is  wrested  from  a  reluctant  fortune  by  sheer 
will  power  and  ability. 

Such  is  the  life  story  of  Mr.  Aaron  H.  Aronovsky,  who  was  born  in 
Deritchen  Grodner  Guberne,  Russia,  in  1874,  and  came  to  America  in  April, 
1902. 

His  destination  was  Cleveland,  where  he  worked  for  an  electrical  company, 
and  in  this  way  accumulated  enough  money  to  go  into  business  for  himself, 
which  has  invariably  been  the  early  ambition  of  every  successful  man. 

Engaging  in  the  butcher  business,  he  made  some  money,  which  he  invested 
in  real  estate  and  became  so  thoroughly  interested  in  this  branch  of  his  inter- 
ests that  he  has  since  devoted  most  of  his  time  and 
capital  to  the  real  estate  business.     He  also  has  a 
very  profitable  interest  in  the  liquor  business  in  con- 
nection with  Mr.  Leveine. 

No  business  man  in  Cleveland  is  held  in  better 
repute  or  his  opinions  more  valued  than  are  those 
of  Mr.  Aronovsky.  His  policy  of  working'  hard, 
attending  to  business  and  doing  the  right  thing  by 
everybody,  may  well  be  emulated  by  every  young 
person  just  coming  face  to  face  with  the  problems 
of  life. 

His  generosity  is  well  known  to  charitable  in- 
stitutions all  over  the  country,  being  a  liberal  con- 
tributor to  Mount  Sinai  Hospital  and  Denver  Sani- 
tarium, as  well  as  those  of  his  own  city.  He  is  an 
active  member  of  Shara  Torah  Congregation,  Sco- 
vill  Avenue  Temple,  Brith  Sholem  and  a  staunch 
supporter  of  the  United  Benevolent  Association. 

His  wife,  who,  before  her  marriage,  was  Miss  Chaina  Bellia  Cherebnick, 
also  has  many  benevolences  which  she  loyally  supports. 

They  have  five  fine  children,  all  of  whom  are  receiving  a  liberal  educa- 
tion, and  will  be  finely  equipped  to  assist  their  father  in  the  care  of  his  multi- 
plicity of  business  and  charitable  interests. 


I.    LEONARD    ARONSON 


Mr.  Aronson.  a  successful  Pittsburgh  attorney,  was  born  and  spent  all 
his  life  in  his  native  town.  He  is  a  tremendous  power  for  good,  a  "live  wire" 
and  a  man  the  contact  with  whom  inspires  you  with  confidence,  and  is  refresh- 
ing in  every  way.  I.  Leonard  Aronson  was  born  on  May  30,  1877.  attended 
elementary  and  high  school  to  1898,  admitted  to  the  bar  in  the  same  year,  and 
has  been  engaged  ever  since  in  the  practice  of  the  law.  specializing  in  real 
estate,  banking  and  corporation  law.  While  in  college  he  workedhis  way 
"through"  by  a  position  as  bookkeeper  and  ever  since  took  a  great  interest 
in  modern  methods  of  correspondence  and  keeping  of  records. 

Under  the  firm  name  of  Aronson  &  Aronson,  four  enterprising  young 
lawyers  are  engaged  in  a  highly  interesting  practice.  The  members  of  the 
firm  are  Harry  M.,  Jacob  H.,  Harvey  Morton  and  I.  Leonard  Aronson,  and 
their  offices  are  located  at  the  Union  Arcade.     I.   Leonard   Aronson   is  the 


President  of  llie  so-called  Aronson  Realty  Company,  the  banking  company  of 
Aronson  Brothers,  the  Real  Estate  Auction  Company,  the  Commonwealth  In- 
vestment Company,  the  Aronson  Improvements  Company,  the  Lawyers'  Oil 
and  Gas  Company,  the  Standard  Construction  Company,  the  Real  Estate  Sav- 
ings and  Loan  Association,  the  Columbia  Realty  Company,  the  Garwood  Gas 
Radiator  Company,  the  Webster  Land  Company,  the  Apollo  Land  Company, 
and  his  own  law  linn.  In  addition,  Mr.  Aronson  is  a  Director  of  the  Pitts- 
burgh Realty  ( )wners'  Association,  the  Lrptown  Board  of  Trade,  the  Cleve- 
land and  Pittsburgh  Coal  Company  and  the  Continental  Coke  and  Coal  Com- 
pany.  Mr.  Aronson  is  a  man  of  temperate  habits,  economy  and  hard  work, 
and  his  unusual  success  is  undoubtedly  due  to  these  characteristics. 

Air.  Aronson  is  a  member  of  the  Congregation  Rodeph  Sholom,  but  he 
holds  no  office  in  the  organization. 

( )n  Line  30,  1912,  Air.  Aronson  was  married  to  Dora  Bernstein  of  Cleve- 
land, Ohio.  There  are  two  children  of  this  marriage.  Mr.  Harter  devotes 
much  of  his  time  to  public  and  social  affairs.  He  belongs  to  a  number  of 
Jewish  and  general  clubs  and  is  a  very  active  member  of  the  Pittsburgh  Cham- 
ber of  Commerce. 


WALTER    ARONSTEIN, 

The  "Morgan  of  the  Millinery  Industry" — A  Keen  Business  Man  With  An 

Excellent  Reputation 

Air.  Walter  Aronstein  is  a  manufacturer  of  ladies'  hats,  having  his  office  at 
5S0  Broadway,  New  York,  and  his  factory  in  his  own  immense  building  in  the 
Bronx,  but  he  is  not  the  ordinary  manufacturer,  as  are  so  many  others.  In 
trade  circles  he  is  known  as  "The  'Alorgan'  of  the  Millinery  Industry,"  and  all 
who  are  identified  with  this  industry  admit  that  he  is  the  leading  expert  in  the 
line.  He  is  considered  a  great  authority,  and  all  watch  his  movements  closely, 
in  order  to  imitate  what  Walter  Aronstein  does. 

Mr.  Aronstein  was  born  Alay  12,  1877,  in  Alezeritz,  Poland.  In  1895  he 
came  to  America  and  started  to  work  for  X.  H.  Bornstein.  who  was  then  in  the 
cap  business,  but  being  a  born  business  man,  he  was  not  satisfied  to  work  long 
for  others.  After  being  only  two  years  in  the  country  he  started  for  himself, 
then  he  took  a  partner.  Later,  for  some  time,  he  even  was  in  partnership 
with  his  former  boss,  X.  H.  Bornstein,  who  was  bv  that  time  his  brother-in- 
law  :  then  he  went  into  the  millinery  business,  together  with  his  brothers,  and 
now  they  constitute  the  firm  of  W.  Aronstein  &  Bros.  The  firm  has  a  verv  high 
standing  and  is  considered  one  of  the  most  successful  in  the  line. 

Air.  Aronstein  is  a  very  keen  and  extremelv  able  business  man.  In  his 
circles  he  is  considered  the  moving  spirit  of  his  trade,  and  it  is  no  wonder, 
because  Mr.  Aronstein  was  one  of  those  who  were  mainly  instrumental  in 
uniting  and  combining  the  millinery  manufacturers,  and  all  accord  him  due 
credit  for  having  raised  the  trade  to  its  present  stage.  At  the  organization 
banquet  of  the  Eastern  milliners,  he  delivered  an  address  which  was  considered 
a  "pathfinder"  in  that  line.  The  trade  journals  always  quote  his  opinions  as  an 
authority  and  as  a  man  who  can  show  the  way  to  others. 

Air.  Aronstein,  being  a  very  busy  man,  accepts  no  office  in  institutions,  but 
he  does  his  share  in  the  community,  contributing  to  the  Federation,  and  he  par- 
ticularly played  a  great  part  in  the  building  of  the  Alezeritzer  School  in  which 
he  was  instrumental,  combining  his  business  ability,  his  money  and  his  enter- 
prising spirit,  and  all  the  members  of  this  congregation,  of  which  Air.  Aron- 
stein is  still  a  member,  admit  that  the  building  of  the  svnagogue  would  never 


have  been  accomplished  were  it  not  for  Mr.  Aronstein's  great  energy.  He  is 
also  the  chairman  of  the  Mezeritzer  Relief  Committee,  who  have  already  for- 
warded over  $3,000  to  their  distressed  countrymen. 

The  writer  had  occasion  to  discuss  the  question  of  success  and  failure  in 
life  with  Mr.  Aronstein.  His  reply  to  the  query  as  to  what  is  the  most  essential 
element  for  a  young  man  to  succeed  in  life  was  quite  different  from  the  other 
responses  generally  given  to  this  question.  He  said :  "In  order  for  a  young 
man  to  succeed  in  life  he  should  not  look  for  an  easy  job.  At  the  moment 
when  a  boy  gets  an  easy  berth  and  everything  goes  smoothly  with  him,  he  kills 
his  future.  In  order  for  a  young  man  to  be  successful  he  requires  a  bitter  strug- 
gle. He  must  work  hard,  and  the  harder  he  works  the  better  are  his  chances  of 
success.  Economy?  This  is  not  the  fundamental  element  of  success.  I  do 
not  like  a  stingy  man,  because  he  is  of  no  value  to  the  community.  Let  a  young 
men  spend  liberally,  and  strive  to  earn  it.  It  is  work,  work  and  work  that 
leads  to  success." 

Mr.  Aronstein  generally  makes  a  very  pleasant  impression,  and  he  is  inter- 
esting in  conversation.  He  married  in  this  city  in  1902,  and  has  a  son  and 
daughter. 


BENJAMIN    BABCOCK 

Life  is  a  succession  of  lessons  which  must  be  lived  to  be  understood.  No 
amount  of  scholastic  knowledge,  however  valuable  it  may  be,  can  compensate 
for  the  training  one  gets  in  the  stern  school  of  experience,  where  the  high 
purpose  and  perseverance  of  so  many  of  our  best  citizens  have  been  tested. 

When  Benjamin  Babcock  came  to  America,  a  young  man  of  twenty-one, 
he  brought  with  him  plenty  of  enthusiasm,  but  little  capital  with  which  to  begin 
his  business  career. 

He  landed  in  Detroit  and  turned  to  the  first  honest  employment  which 
presented  itself,  a  job  in  a  metal  yard  at  $7.50  per  week. 

Seeing  the  great  possibilities  in  this  business,  he  served  a  hard  apprentice- 
ship of  about  five  years  and  then,  using  his  small  savings  to  purchase  a  horse 
and  wagon,  started  into  business  for  himself. 

His  business  has  grown  to  very  large  proportions,  but  success  has  not 
made  him  forgetful  of  the  land  of  his  nativity,  as  was  evidenced  by  his  recent 
gift  of  $1,000.00  to  the  war  sufferers  of  Russia. 

Benjamin  Babcock  was  born  in  Berjolitz,  Getuma,  Geberne,  Russia,  in 
1880.  His  father  was  a  merchant  and  he  doubtless  inherited  from  him  much 
of  his  business  ability. 

He  was  married  in  1900,  the  year  before  he  came  to  America,  to  Zlotta 
Karkofsky. 

They  have  four  fine  children,  three  girls  and  one  boy.  all  going  to  school 
and  displaying  remarkable  musical  ability. 

Mr.  Babcock  is  a  most  liberal  contributor  to  all  worthy  charities,  the  Old 
Age  Home  having  special  reason  to  be  grateful  to  his  beneficent  spirit.  He  also 
is  a  member  of  B'nai  Israel,  Talmud  Torah  and  President  of  Aguda  Achiem 


JOSEPH    BARNETT 

Seemingly  trivial  circumstances  are  often  fraught  with  weighty  and  far- 
reaching  results.  The  gods  of  chance  and  coincidence  sport  with  the  carefully 
laid  plans  of  men,  twisting  them  here,  defeating  them  there,  working  out  life's 
intricate  pattern  in  a  way  which  we  cannot  understand  until  its  final  purpose  is 
revealed. 

The  town  of  Pontiac,  Mich.,  owes  the  acquisition  of  one  of  its  most  valued 
citizens  to  the  fact  that  Joseph  Barnett  stopped  at  Pontiac  en  route  from 
Detroit,  where  he  had  gone  to  attend  a  wedding.  He  was  greatly  impressed 
with  the  thriving,  progressive  spirit  of  the  little  city  and  decided  that  here  would 
be  an  ideal  place  to  launch  a  new  business  enterprise.  From  that  resolution 
has  developed  a  business  that  has  been  of  inestimable  value  to  the  community. 

Joseph  Barnett  was  born  February  15,  1867,  in  Werberon,  Russia.  His 
father,  Aaron  Michael  Barnett,  was  a  successful  boat  manufacturer  and  a  great 
scholar. 

Coming  to  America  at  the  age  of  17,  Joseph  turned  to  the  first  employ- 
ment available,  and  for  five  years  sold  dry  goods  from  a  wagon  throughout  the 
length  and  breadth  of  New  Jersey. 

This  was  followed  by  several  business  ventures  in  Xew  York  and  Reading, 
Pa.,  but  owing  to  adverse  circumstances  and  the  condition  of  the  money 
market  they  were  not  a  success.  This  in  reality  was  the  transitional  period, 
the  preparation  for  the  larger  enterprise  which  was  to  become  his  life  work. 

He  was  married  in  New  York  June  8,  1891,  to  Rachel  Rogopsky,  and  they 
are  the  proud  parents  of  thirteen  fine  children,  four  boys  and  nine  girls. 

The  girls  have  shown  a  remarkable  aptitude  for  music  and  all  are  very 
proficient  at  the  piano. 

Mr.  Barnett  is  a  staunch  supporter  of  many  charities,  including  the  Old 
Folks'  Home,  Detroit,  Cleveland  Orphans'  Home,  Denver  Hospital,  City  Hos- 
pital of  Pontiac  and  all  Jewish  organizations. 

He  is  also  a  valuable  member  of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce. 

Mrs.  Barnett  is  President  of  the  Ladies'  Aid  of  Pontiac  and  finds  time  for 
many  other  benevolent  activities. 


SAMUEL   BARNETT 
New  York 

Abandoned  Rabbinical  Career — President  of  His  Industry 

Samuel  Barnett  was  born  in  Bialystock,  Russia,  on  March  2,  1881,  and 
came  to  America  when  but  three  years  old.  He  attended  the  Yeshibah  Etz 
Chaim  for  five  years,  went  to  Public  School  No.  2  (Henry  street),  and  later  to 
the  city  College,  but  was  compelled  to  leave  very  shortly  through  lack  of  funds. 
He  obtained  a  situation  in  a  muslin  underwear  factory  and  at  the  age  of  six- 
teen returned  to  college.  He  determined  to  study  for  the  rabbinate  and,  with 
the  assistance  of  Rabbi  Gustave  Gottheil  of  Temple  Emanu-El,  was  sent  to 
the  Hebrew  Lfnion  College  at  Cincinnati,  but  after  a  few  years  decided  that  a 
professional  career  was  not  to  his  liking,  and  returned  to  work  in  the  under- 
wear factory.  This  was  at  the  age  of  twenty-two.  Now  he  is  a  member  of  the 
large  firm  of  Harris  Brothers  &  Barnett,  at  Nos.  11-13  East  Twenty-sixth 
street,  New  York,  and  president  of  the  association  of  those  engaged  in  the 
muslin  underwear  industry. 

Mr.  Barnett  is  reserved  to  a  degree,  modest  and  retiring  and  a  serious- 
minded,  deep  thinker.  He  believes  a  maxim  for  business  success  is,  "Don't 
watch  the  clock."  He  is  a  believer  in  modern  orthodoxy  and  for  ten  years  has 
been  a  member  of  the  Jewish  Theological  Seminary.  On  July  24th  he  married 
a  daughter  of  Rabbi  Isaac  Margolis  and  in  consequence  is  a  brother-in-law  of 
Prof.  Margolis  of  Dropsie  College,  Philadelphia,  and  Rabbi  Elias  Margolis  of 
Mt.  Vernon. 

10 


SAMUEL   BARNETT 
Cleveland,   O. 

It  is  natural  for  us  to  believe  in  great  men,  just  as  we  like  to  believe  in 
truth  and  beauty ;  and,  by  the  same  token,  we  think  of  ugliness  as  an  accident 
of  nature,  and  a  lie  the  result  of  a  strange  mental  deformity. 

Mother  Nature  must  inevitably  claim  a  big  share  in  the  success  of  any  of 
her  children,  for  she  has  given  to  all  a  priceless  endowment  set  upon  the  shin- 
ing heights— the  lofty  example  of  her  favored  sons.  Thus  we  learn  that  "the 
gods  of  fable  are  but  the  shining  moments  of  great  men." 

We  move  forward  largely  upon  the  credit  derived  from  the  actions  of  hon- 
orable men,  and  every  community  is  exalted  by  the  presence  of  a  man  who 
always  keeps  faith  with  his  fellows. 

Such  a  course  of  action,  coupled  with  much  natural  ability,  has  placed 
Samuel  Barnett  in  the  foremost  rank  among  the  business  men  of  Cleveland,  O. 

He  was  born  in  Haradock,  near  Wilna,  Russia;  April  23,  1884,  and  came  to 
this  country  with  his  parents  at  the  age  of  six  years. 

His  father  engaged  in  the  iron  business  in  Wooster,  Ohio,  and  when 
eighteen  years  of  age  Samuel  commenced  to  assist  him. 

Wishing  to  have  a  business  of  his  own,  he  saved  as  much  of  his  earnings 
as  possible,  and  at  the  end  of  three  years  had  accumulated  $300.00,  which 
served  as  a  capital  for  his  business  venture. 

That  he  has  achieved  unqualified  success  goes  without  saying. 

There  is  not  a  man  in  Cleveland  whose  promises  are  more  respected,  and 
whose  business  integrity  is  better  regarded  than  Samuel  Barnett,  and  he  attrib- 
utes his  rapid  rise  to  these  qualities,  combined  with  a  strict  attention  to  business 
and  a  singleness  of  purpose  which  has  never  deviated. 

Someone  has  said  that  "Genius  is  an  infinite  capacity  for  hard  work,"  and 
Mr.  Barnett  believes  this  truism  can  well  be  adopted  in  any  line  of  endeavor. 

He  was  married  in  Cleveland,  August  17,  1909,  to  Miss  Sadie  Friedman, 
whose  family  was  one  of  the  most  prominent  in  the  city,  her  father  being  a 
successful  business  man,  and  very  active  in  all  Jewish  organizations. 

Mrs.  Barnett  is  a  liberal  contributor  to  the  Infants'  Home,  Old  Age  Home, 
Instant  Aid  Society,  and  Euclid  Avenue  Temple,  of  which  both  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Barnett  are  members. 

No  worthy  charity,  regardless  of  race  or  creed,  applies  in  vain  to  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Barnett. 

At  this  writing  they  are  still  young,  with  many  years  of  helpful  activity 
before  them. 

May  their  children  follow  in  the  shining  path  of  virtue  and  benevolence 
which  their  parents  have  so  plainly  indicated  to  them. 


SAMUEL  BAUM 

The  Talmudic  maxim  that  it  is  the  man  who  dignifies  his  calling,  and  not 
the  calling  which  reflects  honor  and  dignity  upon  die  man.  is  clearly  demon- 
strated in  the  career  and  experience  of  Mr.  Samuel  Baum.  of  Austin.  Texas. 

Mr.  Baum  has  carved  his  own  career  and  has  made  an  honored  place  for 
himself  in  the  cirv  and  community  in  which  he  lives  solely  through  his  fine  per- 
sonalitv  and  his  noble  qualities  of  heart  and  mind.  Hard  and  taxing  work 
from  the  time  he  was  eleven  years  old  has  not  robbed  him  of  a  most  cheerful 
disposition  nor  of  an  exceedingly  benevolent  and  optimistic  view  of  life.  He 
was  born  to  his  parents.  Jacob  and  Yetta  Baum.  in  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  on  October 
28.  187S.  After  attending  the  public  schools  of  his  native  city  until  he  was 
eleven  vears  of  age.  he  started  as  cash  boy  in  one  of  the  stores  and  later 
accepted  employment  as  cutter  in  a  shoe  factory,  where  he  worked  for  eight 
vears.  He  then  took  a  position  with  the  G.  Mathews  Metal  Company,  and 
after  serving  that  firm  most  faithfully  and  zealously  for  seven  years,  he  was 
sent  as  its  representative  to  Austin.  Texas,  where  he  established  a  similar  busi- 
ness enterprise  of  his  own  in  1906.  This  business,  which  has  now  been  in 
existence  for  twelve  vears  and  which,  under  the  name  of  the  Baum  Metal  Com- 
panv.  is  located  at  800  East  6th  street,  has  become  widely  and  favorably  known 
throughout  the  State  of  Texas. 

Despite  the  business  details  which  claim  Mr.  Baum"s  thought  and  attention. 
he  takes  an  active  and  leading  part  in  the  work  of  the  community  and  con- 
tributes liberally,  both  of  his  means  and  of  his  personal  sen-ice.  to  the  various 
Jewish  and  general  organizations  of  Austin. 

On  December  6.  1904.  Mr.  Baum  was  married  to  Miss  Bessie  Littman,  a 
popular  young  lady  of  Austin,  and  their  union  has  been  blessed  with  four 
bright  children.  Gerald,  Marcus,  Minette  and  Edward. 


SAM    BECKERMAN 

Success  is  a  fickle  goddess,  many  times  not  easily  won. 

It  is  onlv  to  those  who  have  the  necessary  qualities  of  self-discipline  and 
persistence  that  she  finally  turns  a  smiling  face. 

We  are  reminded  of  these  facts  in  connection  with  the  career  of  Mr.  Sam 
Beckerman.  who  was  born  in  Yolina.  Guberne.  Russia,  in  May.  1878.  His 
father.  Ben  Beckerman.  was  a  distinguished  scholar  and  successful  merchant 
of  his  native  city. 

Feeling  that  his  opportunities  would  be  greater  in  the  new  world.  Mr. 
Beckerman  came  to  America  in  June.  1901.  going  directly  to  Chelsea.  Mass., 
where  he  worked  in  a  rag  shop  at  S9  per  week.  Continuing  this  for  four  years, 
he  accumulated  sufficient  capital  to  go  into  the  grocery  business.  This  was  an 
unfortunate  venture,  and  he  was  obliged  to  go  to  work  again  where,  for  three 
vears.  he  continued  with  almost  superhuman  industry  in  his  efforts  to  save 
enough  capital  for  another  business  of  his  own.  but  success  was  not  yet  ready 
to  crown  his  efforts,  as  conditions  over  which  he  had  no  control  during  the 
panic  of  1907  swept  away  his  entire  capital.  With  sturdy  determination  and 
undaunted  purpose  he  again  went  to  work,  and  after  a  few  years  of  the  most 

-  economy  went  into  business  with  his  present  partners,  Mr.  Schechter  and 
Mr.  Weinstein.  This  business  venture  was  successful  from  the  start,  and  they 
are  todav  doing  an  immense  business  that  is  national  in  its  scope. 

Mr.  Beckerman  was  married  prior  to  his  coming  to  this  country  (in  the 
vear  1898 )  to  Miss  Bessia  Brandman.  They  have  four  children,  one  boy  and 
three  girls,  who  are  all  going  to  school  and  studying  music. 

Mr.  Beckerman  is  affiliated  with  all  of  the  prominent  charities  of  his  city, 
and  is  also  a  member  of  the  Orthodox  Congregation. 

12 


SAM    BECK 

In  these  perilous  days,  when  our  nation  in  the  first  time  in  its  history  has 
been  awakened  to  the  importance  of  conserving  its  meat  supply  that  we  may  be 
able  to  feed  not  only  our  own  nation,  but  our  allies  and  the  great  armies  depend- 
ing upon  us,  fish  has  become  a  prominent  article  of  diet  upon  many  an  Amer- 
ican table,  where  it  seldom  appeared  before. 

One  of  the  largest  dealers  in  this  line  of  food  products  is  Mr.  Sam  Beck,  of 
Cleveland,  Ohio,  who  only  sixteen  years  ago  landed  on  our  shores  with  no 
capital,  but  an  overwhelming  ambition  to  succeed  in  some  business  of  his  own. 

He  was  born  in  Lember,  Galicia,  in  1871,  the  son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Solo- 
mon Beck,  his  father  being  an  accomplished  Yiddish  scholar  and  a  very  success- 
ful dry  goods  merchant,  from  whom  he  undoubtedly  inherited  much  business 
ability. 

He  came  to  America  in  March,  1902,  and  found  his  first  occupation  in  a 
cloak  factory,  where  he  worked  for  six  months,  saving  every  penny  he  pos- 
sibly could  in  anticipation  of  embarking  in  a  business  venture  of  his  own. 

Shortly  after  he  went  into  the  waist  business  and,  while  he  was  very  suc- 
cessful, he  saw  bigger  opportunities  in  wholesale  fish,  so  he  turned  his  atten- 
tion to  this  line,  which  he  has  conducted  with  most  gratifying  results  to  the 
present  time. 

Mr.  Beck  is  now  proprietor  of  a  large  establishment  at  3322  Woodland 
avenue,  Cleveland,  O.,  where  he  does  a  flourishing  business. 

Mr.  Beck  was  married  in  Europe  in  April,  1889,  to  Miss  Bene  Schubert, 
who  has  been  a  most  devoted  wife  and  has  given  their  five  children  excellent 
home  training.  The  eldest  son  is  married  and  has  one  small  son  of  his  own, 
five  years  old.     The  balance  of  the  children  are  still  at  home. 

Like  all  self-made  men,  Mr.  Beck  has  a  definite  idea  of  the  qualities  which 
are  requisite  for  success  and  his  advice  is  worthy  the  careful  attention  of  all 
young  men  just  starting  out  on  a  business  career :  "Be  honest.  Save  your 
money,  and  go  into  business  for  yourself."  This  is  the  policy  which  has  placed 
Mr.  Beck  in  a  pre-eminent  position  among  business  men  of  Cleveland,  Ohio. 

Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Beck  are  beloved  for  their  liberality  and,  among  many 
other  benevolences,  they  are  staunch  supporters  of  Mt.  Sinai  Hospital. 


MAX    LEE   BEAR 

Pensacola,  Fla.,  can  by  no  means  be  considered  a  large  Jewish  center. 
But  the  place  contains,  among  its  population,  a  number  of  Jewish  citizens  who 
undoubtedly  deserve  to  be  presented  to  the  American  public. 

At  the  head  of  these  we  must  place  the  name  of  Mr.  Max  Lee  Bear,  who 
is  of  that  type  of  Jew  who  would  gain  the  attention  of  even  the  largest  Jewish 
communities. 

Mr.  Max  Lee  Bear  was  born  on  the  7th  of  January,  1872.  in  Greenville, 
Ala.,  the  son  of  Louis  and  Henrietta  Bear.  He  attended  the  public  schools  of 
his  native  city  and  Cincinnati,  and  later  he  obtained  a  higher  education  in  the 
Military  Academy  of  Staunton,  Va.,  from  which  he  graduated  in  1888.  He 
began  his  business  career  as  a  traveling  salesman  for  his  father's  firm,  of  which 
he  shortly  became  a  full-fledged  member. 

13 


What  Mr.  Bear  had  already  accomplished  at  this  early  age  can  be  seen  by  a 
perusal  of  his  business  connections.  He  is  a  part- 
ner in  the  large  wholesale  grocery  firm  of  D.  Lewis 
Bear  &  Co.,  located  at  the  corner  of  Palifox  and 
Main  streets :  he  is  president  of  and  owns  the  con- 
trolling interest  in  the  large  San  Carlos  Hotel.,  the 
only  first-class  hostelry  of  Pensacola  ;  he  is  Presi- 
dent of  the  Pensacola  Crockery  Company  and  is 
the  President  of  the  Ball  Book  &  Novelty  Com- 
pany. 

But  the  real  accomplishments  of  the  subject  of 
this  sketch  are  to  be  sought  elsewhere  than  in  the 
business  world,  where  he  has  become  so  large  a 
factor.  He  is  a  great  figure  in  the  Jewish  communal 
life  of  his  city,  and  is  part  and  parcel  of  the  social 
and  political  life  of  Pensacola.  For  the  last  thirteen 
years  (with  a  single  exception  of  three  years)  he 
has  been  the  President  of  the  Congregation  Beth-El. 
He  is  very  prominent  and  has  held  the  highest  offices  among  the  Elks,  Knights 
of  Pythias  and  the  Pensacola  Yacht  Club.  He  also  was  the  President  of  the 
Progress  Club,  a  member  of  the  City  Council  and  chairman  of  its  finance  com- 
mittee. He  is  the  only  Jew  who  was  ever  elected  king  of  the  carnival  which 
is  held  in  Pensacola. 

Mr.  Bear  is  a  gentleman  of  the  highest  type  and  is  generally  admired  and 
beloved  by  all. 

He  is  married  to  Bella  Rosenau.  born  in  Louisville,  Ky.  Thev  were  mar- 
ried on  the  12th  of  October,  1899,  and  they  are  the  parents  of  three  children, 
named  Leonia  Yetta.  Elise  Rosenau  and  Maxine. 

Mrs.  Baer  is  vice-president  of  the  Pearl  Eagar  Home,  an  institution  for 
orphans,  and  president  of  the  Beth-El  Guild. 


Max    Lee   Bear 


HARRY   BELENSKY 


The  life  historv  of  Mr.  Harry  Belensky  proves  conclusively  that  no  mat- 
ter how  humble  the  beginning,  success  is  bound  to  follow  hard  work  and  busi- 
ness ability  rightly  applied. 

Mr.  Belensky  was  born  in  Antonifka.  W'holvna,  Russia,  in  September. 
1876.  He  came  to  America  in  March.  1909,  landing  in  New  York  with  but 
$16  capital.  He  obtained  employment  as  a  machine  operator,  but  had  to  pay 
$10  of  his  meager  capital  for  the  privilege  of  learning  and  was  obliged  to  work 
for  a  month  without  pay.  He  decided  that  there  was  no  future  in  this  line,  so 
went  to  Detroit  and  began  working  in  a  rag  shop  for  $6  per  week.  He  was 
able  to  increase  this  salary  very  rapidly  and  in  two  and  one-half  years  had 
saved  $600  besides  supporting  his  family  in  Russia  and  assisting  his  brother. 
Investing  his  capital  in  a  business  of  his  own,  he  started  in  with  a  partner  and 
by  unceasing  work  gradually  established  their  business  on  a  firm  basis.  They 
then  planned  to  bring  their  families  from  Russia,  and  with  all  the  money 
available  sent  across  for  that  purpose.  However,  about  this  time  the  war 
started,  their  families  were  unable  to  cross  and  lost  all  the  money  which  was 
sent  them.  Although  this  was  a  great  disappointment,  they  kept  right  on  with 
their  business,  firm  in  the  belief  that  happier  days  were  to  come. 

14 


The}'  are  today  doing  a  very  large  business  at  253-261  Winder  street, 
Detroit,  Mich.,  and  are  hoping  that  conditions  will  soon  make  it  possible  for 
their  families  to  join  them  in  America. 

Mr.  Belensky  was  married  in  Russia  in  August,  1901,  to  Miss  Fannie 
Rabber,  and  they  have  four  children,  two  boys  and  two  girls,  as  above  stated, 
all  being  in  Russia  at  the  present  time. 

Although  Mr.  Belensky's  business  cares  are  very  arduous,  he  still  is  a 
devout  attendant  at  Beth  David  Congregation  and  is  a  member  of  Talmud 
Torah.  He  also  gives  most  liberally  to  charities,  not  only  in  his  own  city,  but 
also  to  institutions  of  national  importance,  such  as  Denver  Sanitarium.  ' 


SAM  BELLMAN 

Every  youth,  doubtless,  in  his  first  start  in  life,  purposes  to  have  a  definite 
object;  to  make  life  practical  and  useful.  In  this  epoch,  earnest  resolutions  are 
made  and  a  strict  line  of  conduct  is  marked  out.  However,  only  a  few  have  the 
strength  of  character  necessary  for  the  fulfillment  of  youthful  ideals. 

Mr.  Sam  Bellman,  of  Toledo,  Ohio,  has  to  his  credit  an  exceptionally 
brilliant  commercial  career,  which  may  largely  be  attributed  to  his  concentration 
upon  a  given  object,  doubtless  inherited  from  his  father,  who  was  also  success- 
ful in  the  same  line  of  business. 

Sam  Bellman  was  born  in  Toledo,  Ohio,  April  16,  1881,  the  son  of  Ben- 
jamin and  Sarah  Bellman,  his  father  being  engaged  in  the  grocery  business. 

He  was  educated  in  Toledo  until  fourteen  years  of  age,  when  he  com- 
menced helping  his  father  in  the  store  and  there  acquired  a  vast  amount  of 
knowledge  regarding  the  practical  management  of  the  business,  which  was  to 
serve  his  purpose  so  well  in  later  years. 

A  few  years  later  he  started  the  first  of  a  chain  of  grocery  stores  which 
are  now  to  be  found  in  various  parts  of  the  city,  and  which  speak  volumes  for 
the  business  ability  and  progressiveness  of  Mr.  Bellman. 

Mr.  Bellman  was  married  in  Toledo  in  1907  to  Miss  Hilda  Michale,  and 
they  have  one  son,  who  is  attending  school. 

A  prominent  member  of  B'nai  B'rith  and  the  Federation  of  Jewish  Chari- 
ties, Mr.  Bellman  overlooks  no  opportunity  to  assist  those  less  fortunate  than 
himself,  and  is  active  in  many  charitable  and  philanthropic  causes. 


CHARLES  BELSKY  AND  A.  GOLDBERG 

One  of  the  most  prosperous  business  houses  of  Holyoke,  Mass.,  is  that  of 
Belsky  &  Goldberg.  These  two  men,  whose  business  partnership  has  been  so 
successful,  were  both  born  in  Lumzer,  Guberne,  Russia,  Mr.  Belsky  on  April 
22,  1885,  and  Mr.  Goldberg  in  the  year  1876. 

Both  of  them  had  a  hard  struggle  to  establish  themselves  in  the  new  world, 
working  at  any  honest  employment  that  came  to  hand  until  they  established 
the  present  wholesale  junk  business,  which  has  been  successful  in  every  respect. 

Mr.  Belsky  was  married  June  11,  1912,  to  Miss  Esther  Cohen,  "and  they 
have  three  children,  two  boys  and  one  girl,  all  going  to  school. 

15 


Mr.  Goldberg  was  married  in  Russia  in  1896,  and  they  also  have  three 
children,  two  boys  and  one  girl,  who  are  in  school. 

Both  families  are  very  prominent  in  their  social  circle  and  are  noted  for 
their  generosity  in  gifts  of  charity. 

Messrs.  Belsky  and  Goldberg  are  members  of  Rotve  Sholam  Congregation, 
I.  O.  B.  A.,  Arbetier  Ring,  Talmud  Torah  and  Degel  Zion. 


ADOLF   BERCOVITZ 

In  the  year  1877,  when  Adolf  Bercovitz  was  born,  if  his  father  and  mother 
could  have  looked  forward  with  the  eye  of  prophecy,  they  would  have  been 
very  proud  of  the  prominent  position  in  business  which  their  son  was  destined 
to  fill  in  Providence,  R.  I. 

The  father  of  Mr.  Bercovitz,  Alter  Bercovitz,  was  a  brick  manufacturer 
in  Hertza,  Roumania.  Adolf  did  not  come  to  America  until  he  was  thirty 
years  old,  three  years  after  his  marriage  to  Miss  Toba  Aranovitz.  He  landed  in 
New  York  and  after  a  two  weeks'  stay,  during  which  time  he  was  unable  to 
find  any  profitable  employment,  he  went  to  Providence  and  landed  in  that  city 
with  but  $3  in  his  pocket.  With  this  meager  capital  he  began  buying  and  sell- 
ing junk,  continuing  for  two  years.  He  then  opened  a  yard,  which  since  has 
grown  into  the  large  establishment  at  29  Hilton  street,  and  he  is  today  consid- 
ered one  of  the  most  able  and  prosperous  business  men  in  the  city. 

The  Bercovitzs  have  four  children,  two  boys  and  two  girls,  all  going  to 
school,  and  studying  music. 

Among  the  organizations  with  which  Mr.  Bercovitz  is  connected  we  wish 
to  make  special  mention  of  the  Western  Star,  which  was  founded  by  him  and 
named  for  him,  in  appreciation  of  the  very  valuable  service  which  he  rendered. 

Mr.  Bercovitz  is  still  in  the  prime  of  life  and  it  is  to  be  hoped  will  have  a 
great  many  years  in  which  to  promote  the  business,  civic  and  philanthropic 
interests  of  the  city  of  his  adoption. 


MAX  BENSTOCK 

We  learn  to  appreciate  all  things  by  contrast ;  the  beauty  of  springtime 
after  bleak  winter  days ;  the  blessings  of  peace  after  war's  devastations ;  the 
companionship  of  friends  after  long  absence ;  the  smile  of  fortune  after  years 
of  struggle. 

The  fruition  of  Mr.  Max  Benstock's  labors  come  while  he  is  yet  in  the 
prime  of  life  and  able  to  enjoy  in  the  fullest  measure  the  success  which  has 
crowned  his  efforts. 

Born  in  Keltz,  Guberne,  Russia,  June  10,  1872,  he  embarked  for  America 
at  the  age  of  nineteen,  landing  in  New  York  City.  For  the  first  two  weeks  he 
worked  without  pay,  learning  to  be  a  presser.  As  his  subsequent  salary  was 
only  $2  per  week,  he  went  to  Niagara  Falls  and  worked  for  a  time  on  the 
tunnel  being  constructed  for  the  Niagara  power  plant. 

Some  time  later  he  came  to  Buffalo,  and,  after  several  other  small  business 

16 


ventures,  started  in  the  wholesale  iron  and  metal  business  with  his  present 
partner,  Mr.  Rosenberg,  which  business  has  been  an  unqualified  success. 

He  was  married  in  Buffalo,  January  26,  1896,  to  Miss  Sophie  Kallnisky. 
Mrs.  Benstock  is  a  charming  woman  who  has  always  been  very  active  in  dis- 
pensing help  to  all  worthy  charities.  She  is  a  member  of. the  Daughters  of 
Judea,  Ladies'  Aid  Society,  Auxiliary  of  the  Old  Age  Home,  Beth-El,  and  is  the 
executive  head  of  a  large  knitting  club. 

Mr.  Benstock's  charitable  connections  extend  from  coast  to  coast  and  also 
to  foreign  lands,  to  the  needy  of  every  creed.  He  is  a  member  of  Temple  of 
Beth-El,  B'nai  B'rith,  Khilah  of  Buffalo,  Buffalo  Hebrew  School,  Hebrew 
Benevolent  Loan  Association,  Manhattan  Social  and  Benefit  Society,  also  a 
member  of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce,  a  contributor  to  the  Old  Age  Home, 
Federation  of  Jewish  Charities,  Immigration  Charities  of  New  York,  Hospitals 
for  Consumptives  of  Denver,  Colo.,  Farm  School  of  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  and  all 
other  charities,  including  all  the  Yishivas  of  Europe,  Palestine  and  America. 

They  have  three  children,  one  boy  and- two  girls,  who  will  doubtless  emulate 
the  sterling  precepts  laid  down  by  their  parents. 


ELIAS    BEREN 

To  work  with  zeal ;  to  avoid  all  luke-warmness ;  to  have  the  genius  and 
inclination  to  do  things  perfectly ;  to  work  courageously,  remembering  that  in 
the  bright  lexicon  of  aspiring  youth,  there  is  no  such  word  as  "fail."  These 
are  the  great  secrets  of  success,  and  are  the  traits  of  character  which  distin- 
guish Elias  Beren  from  his  fellows. 

Mr.  Beren  was  born  in  Yitopsky,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  the  year  1856,  the 
son  of  Oscar  and  Etta  Beren.  He  was  raised  and  educated  in  Russia,  and  in 
1887  married  Miss  Leah  Yoffer. 

At  the  age  of  forty-two,  although  having  reached  the  age  when  less 
courageous  men  would  not  have  considered  starting  a  career  anew,  Mr.  Beren 
decided  to  try  his  fortunes  in  America.  He  landed  in  Baltimore,  Md.,  but 
came  direct  to  Ohio,  where,  with  only  $18  capital,  he  began  peddling.  He 
continued  for  six  months,  and  by  the  exercise  of  the  most  rigid  economy  man- 
aged to  save  enough  to  buy  a  horse  and  wagon.  After  about  three  years'  very 
hard  work,  he  decided  that  he  would  be  more  successful  in  some  other  line,  so 
went  to  Marietta,  Ohio,  and  engaged  in  the  oil  well  supply  business.  This 
modest  beginning  has  since  developed  into  the  Buckeye  Supply  Co.,  of  which 
Mr.  Beren  is  president,  and  in  which  he  has  accumulated  a  fortune. 

•Mr.  Beren  has  a  fine  family,  consisting  of  his  wife  and  five  children,  and 
is  also  the  proud  grandfather  of  eight,  the  children  of  his  sons  Jacob  and  Louis 
who  married  Miss  Mollie  Rievman  of  Baltimore  and  Miss  Rose  Gordon  of 
Cincinnati. 

Mr.  Beren  does  not  forget  his  early  struggles,  and  gives  liberally  to  every 
charity,  both  local  and  national,  besides  being  a  member  and  ardent  supporter  of 
Congregation  B'nai  Israel. 

His  advice  to  young  men  of  this  generation  is,  "Find  the  occupation  to 
which  you  are  adapted,  and  follow  that  line  square!}'  and  honestly." 


17 


HARRY    BEREN 

The  exalted  position  which  America  holds  among  the  nations  today  is 
largely  attributable  to  the  fine  class  of  immigrants  who  have  sought  her  shores. 
Oppressed  by  tyrannies  and  traditions  of  the  old  world,  these  free,  progressive 
spirits  have  come  under  the  protection  of  Liberty's  banner,  bringing  with  them 
a  priceless  heritage  of  self-reliance  and  love  for  the  land  of  their  adoption. 

Should  you  ever  be  in  Parkersburg,  W.  Va..  and  have  the  pleasure  of 
meeting  Mr.  Harry  Beren,  manager  of  the  Mountain  Iron  &  Supply  Co.,  you 
will  find  a  representative  of  the  fine  type  of  man  we  have  described  above. 

When  Mr.  Beren  came  to  America  the  sun  of  his  life  had  already  touched 
the  meridian.  He  had  attained  his  forty-fourth  year,  just  the  age  when  expe- 
rience has  ripened  the  mind  for  its  best  judgments. 

So,  while  his  business  career  started  in  humble  fashion,  his  subsequent 
movements,  actuated  by  a  concentration  and  fixity  of  purpose  which  would 
probably  have  been  impossible  in  a  younger  and  more  inexperienced  man. 

Harry  Beren  was  born  in  Itopsky,  Guberne,  Russia,  September  20,  i860. 
He  came  from  a  long  line  of  merchants,  his  father  being  of  that  occupation  in 
his  native  town. 

He  was  married  in  1894  to  Rachel  Arolowitz,  who  came  with  him  in 
September,  1904,  to  share  his  new  fortunes  in  America.  He  landed  at  Balti- 
more, Md.,  and  from  there  went  to  Central  Station,  W.  Va.,  where  he  started 
selling  dry  goods  from  a  pack.  This  action  was  consistent  with  his  strong 
conviction  that  a  man  should  do  anything  to  make  an  honest  living,  save  his 
money  and  go  into  business  for  himself. 

Four  years  later  we  find  him  in  partnership  with  his  brother,  opening  a 
metal  yard  and  specializing  in  oil  well  supplies.  This  business  has  been  very 
successful  and  Mr.  Beren  has  amassed  a  fortune,  a  large  per  cent  of  which  he 
delights  in  spending  for  the  uplift  of  his  less  fortunate  fellow  men. 

He  belongs  to  the  Congregation  B'nai  Jacob,  B'nai  B'rith,  is  a  most  liberal 
contributor  to  Denver  and  Los  Angeles  Sanitariums,  besides  many  other 
benevolent  societies  of  every  denomination. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Beren  have  four  children,  three  boys  and  one  girl,  all  going 
to  school  at  the  present  time  and  enjoying  the  privileges  which  their  father's 
wonderful  business  ability  has  made  possible  for  them. 

That  they  will  emulate  the  virtues  of  their  parents  and  prove  worthy 
custodians  of  the  fortune  he  is  amassing  is  a  foregone  conclusion,  as  their 
minds  are  thoroughly  inculcated  with  the  honorable  principles  which  have  con- 
tributed so  largely  to  their  father's  success. 


ABRAHAM    BERGER 

If  a  young  man  possesses  real  ambition  to  succeed  very  little  outside  assist- 
ance is  necessary,  as  is  proven  in  the  life  history  of  Mr.  Abraham  Berger,  owner 
and  manager  of  the  large  establishment  of  A.  Berger  &  Son,  located  at  104  Otis 
street,  Brockton,  Mass. 

Mr.  Berger  was  born  in  Volina,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  1869,  and  came  to 
America  in  1896.  He  landed  in  Boston  without  a  cent  and  went  to  his 
brother-in-law,  who  gave  him  an  opportunity  to  go  out  peddling  chair  bottoms. 
At  this  he  was  able  to  make  a  scant  living  and  managed  to  save  enough  money 
to  bring  his  family  over  from  Europe. 

Twelve  years  ago  he  went  to  Brockton  and  established  the  present  busi- 
ness, which  has  grown  to  be  the  largest  of  its  kind  in  that  section  of  the 
country. 

18 


Mrs.  Berger  before  her  marriage  in  Russia  in  -1892  was  Golda  Garnick. 
The  Bergers  have  three  sons,  the  eldest,  David,  being  in  business  with  his 
father.    The  others  are  still  going  to  school. 

David  was  married,  a  few  years  ago  to  Miss  Rose  Kruger  of  Brockton, 
and  they  have  one  baby  girl. 

Mr.  Berger  is  prominently  identified  with  a  number  of  organizations, 
being  past  President  of  Congregation  Anses  Schaad,  past  Vice  President  and 
past  Treasurer  of  the  I.  O.  B.  A.,  and  a  Director  of  the  Hebrew  Loan  Associ- 
ation. 

In  his  gifts  to  charity  he  is  not  prejudiced  regarding  race  or  creed,  but 
gives  liberally  to  all  worthy  causes,  both  local  and  national. 


HYMAN   BERKMAN 

Diamonds  are  chunks  of  coal  that  stuck  to  their  job.  If  it  has  taken 
millions  of  years  to  develop  mankind,  must  we  fret  if  it  takes  us  a  few  years 
to  rise  above  the  rank  and  file  of  mankind?  Must  we  quit  if  we  don't  get 
there  quickly  ?  Note  this :  There  is  not  one  major  figure  in  American  finan- 
cial, industrial  or  commercial  life  today  under  forty,  not  one. 

At  fifty  Woodrow  Wilson  was  a  little-known  college  professor,  though  a 
student  of  politics  and  history. 

Washington  was  no  youngster  when  he  won  the  immortal  title  of  "Father 
of  His  Country." 

But  the}'  were  stickers.  They  conceived  their  goal,  and  pressed  on  cour- 
ageously, unflinchingly,  unswervingly,  hurdling  more  obstacles  than  we  are 
ever  likely  to  meet.     Find  your  sphere,  then  stick  to  it. 

We  move  forward  largely  upon  the  credit  derived  from  the  actions  of 
honorable  men,  and  every  community  is  exalted  by  the  presence  of  a  man  wdro 
always  keeps  faith  with  his  fellow  men. 

Such  a  course  of  action  has  placed  Mr.  Hyman  Berkman  among  the  lead- 
ing business  men  of  Canton.  O.  Hyman  was  born  in  Wilna,  Guberne.  Russia. 
February  15,  1885,  son  of  Simon,  horse  trader,  and  his  wife,  Goldie  Berkman. 

In  1902  he  was  married  to  Sarah  Gelman,  daughter  of  Abram  Gelman, 
of  Wolczin,  Russia. 

In  1906  we  find  Mr.  Berkman  in  New  York  City,  where  he  worked  in  a 
butcher  shop  at  $7  a  week  for  three  months.  This  being  but  a  very  meager 
salary,  he  started  to  peddle  with  paper  and  envelopes  in  Newark,  N.  J.,  which 
he  was  at  for  six  months.  He  then  came  to  Canton,  O.,  and  started  horse 
trading,  was  at  this  for  three  years,  then  desiring  a  change,  was  a  fruit  huck- 
ster for  three  years,  at  the  end  of  which  time  he  started  to  peddle  junk  for 
two  years,  gave  that  up  and  went  to  Cadiz,  O..  opened  a  yard  there  and  in  con- 
junction with  this  formed  a  partnership  with  Ben  Rudner  in  1917,  under  the 
firm  name  of  Rudner  Iron  &  Steel  Co. 

Now,  possessed  with  the  stick-to-itiveness  idea,  we  find  Mr.  Berkman 
doing  very  well,  contributing  to  all  charities  irrespective  of  race  or  creed. 

Like  all  good  Jews,  he  belongs  to  the  Congregation  of  Sherah  Torah  and 
B'rith  Sholom.  where  he  is  a  frequent  visitor. 


1'J 


WOLF   BERGER 

Mr.  Wolf  Berger  of  Boston,  sole  owner  of  the  Boston  Wrapper  Manu- 
facturing Company,  of  177  Blackstone  street,  is  a  strict  Sabbath  observer  and 
truly  orthodox  Jew.  From  his  native  place  of  Slobodka,  Kovno  Gubernia, 
Russia,  he  carried  away  impressions  which  are  bound  to  last  throughout  his 
life,  and  will  never  change  his  aspect  of  things.  He  comes  from  an  Orthodox 
family,  his  mother's  ancestors  being  all  rabbis  and  scholars.  Wolf  Berger 
was  born  on  October  8,  1866,  and  came  to  America  in  August,  1884,  when  but 
eighteen  years  of  age,  and  young  enough  to  fit  himself  into  the  new  life  he 
was  about  to  begin.  Having  no  trade  or  profession,  all  he  could  do  was  to 
start  peddling  in  the  streets  of  Boston,  which  he  did  until  1895,  when  finding 
himself  in  possession  of  a  few  hundred  dollars,  he  started,  at  the  age  of  twenty- 
two,  the  manufacturing  of  wrappers,  which  became  the  foundation  of  his 
present  successful  concern. 

In  the  Jewish  community  life  of  Boston  Mr.  Berger  is  a  conspicuous  fig- 
ure. He  was  a  Dirctor  of  the  Sheltering  Home  and  the  Hebrew  Immigrant 
Aid  Society,  a  Director  of  the  Federated  Jewish  Charities,  President  of  the 
Congregation  Beth  Israel  for  six  years,  and  is  life  Director  of  same.  He  is 
a  Director  of  the  Temple  Beth  El  and  belongs  to  all  charities,  making  no  dis- 
tinction of  race,  creed  or  religion. 

Mr.  Berger  is  a  modest  and  unassuming  man  and  it  was  no  easy  task 
to  obtain  from  him  a  statement  of  what  he  considered  the  most  essential  ele- 
ment of  success.  He  believes  in  honesty  in  one's  business  dealings  and  thor- 
ough reliability. 

In  June,  1884.  Mr.  Berger  was  married  to  Miss  Dora  Warshawsky,  and 
he  is  the  father  of  four  children,  Carlton  K.,  Jason  J..  Robert  and  Maud. 
Carlton  Berger  is  married  to  Eleanor  Solomon  and  Jason  J.  is  also  married. 


JULIUS    BERMAN 

The  peoples  of  all  nations  and  all  ages  have  worshiped  at  the  shrine  of 
courage  and  fortitude. 

Among  the  ancients  the  giant  of  physical  strength  and  the  stoic  shared  the 
popular  plaudits. 

Courage  has  moulded  public  opinion  and  reversed  the  decisions  of  kings. 
Thus  we  find  Nero  at  the  side  of  the  arena  with  thumbs  up,  saving  the  life  of 
a  gladiator  for  whom  he  felt  no  throb  of  pity  in  his  heart.  One  man's  courage 
swayed  the  sympathies  of  the  vast  throng,  and  Nero  the  merciless,  Nero  who 
fiddled  while  Rome  was  burning,  dared  not  oppose  the  mighty  wave  of  popular 
sentiment. 

In  the  Detroit  Free  Press  of  September  28,  1916,  there  appeared  a  picture 
of  Captain  Julius  Berman,  commanding  Company  C  (  Detroit)  and  an  indig- 
nant article  under  the  caption  "Detroit  Captain  Arrested  on  Border ;  Plight 
Result  of  Effort  to  Protect  Men  from  U.  S.  Army  Officer." 

Then  followed  an  account  of  the  arrest  of  several  men  in  Captain  Ber- 
man's  company  by  order  of  Captain  Caperon  of  the  regular  army. 

Captain  Berman  insisted  that  his  men  be  turned  over  to  him  for  trial, 
the  regular  army  officer  claiming  command  over  both  camps  by  right  of  senior- 
ity. After  a  heated  argument  Captain  Berman  was  arrested  and  confined  to 
quarters. 

Captain  Berman  steadfastly  maintained  his  position,  and  after  consultation 
with  several  other  officers  in  wdiich  he  was  told  to  stand  his  ground,  he  informed 

20 


Captain  Caperon  that  under  no  circumstances  would  he  consent  to  his  men 
heing  tried  unless  he  had  a  voice  in  the  hearing. 

After  twenty-four  hours'  confinement  Captain  Berman  notified  his  supe- 
rior officer,  and  the  testimony  of  all  interested  being  submitted,  the  decision 
was  rendered  that  Captain  Caperon  was  wrong,  as  the  law  declares  that  no 
National  Guardsman  shall  be  tried  for  an  offense  except  by  National  Guard 
officers,  and  Captain  Berman  was  completely  exonerated,  much  to  the  delight 
of  the  entire  command. 

Captain  Berman's  courage  won  for  him  the  admiration  and  gratitude  of 
every  man  in  his  company,  whom  he  saved  from  severe  treatment  at  the  hands 
of  Captain  Caperon. 

Capt.  Julius  Berman  was  born  January  14,  1880,  in  Russia,  and  came 
to  America  with  his  parents  in  1885. 

He  is  a  partner  in  the  firm  of  Berman  &  Dwyer,  who  conduct  a  large 
real  estate  business  at  1317  Dime  Bank  Bldg.,  Detroit. 

He  was  married  in  Detroit  to  Annie  Moscovich,  and  they  have  three 
promising  children. 

He  is  a  member  of  Sharra  Zedek,  Beth.  Abraham,  the  Board  of  Commerce 
and  is  Detroit  Armory  Corp.  Director. 

Although  Detroit  recognizes  in  Mr.  Berman  one  of  her  most  successful 
business  men,  she  likes  best  to  think  of  him  as  the  gallant  soldier  who  jeop- 
ardized his  own  position  in  defense  of  his  men. 

Captain  Berman  represents  a  type  of  army  officer  whose  moral  courage  is 
as  unflinching  as  his  physical  bravery. 


OSCAR    BERMAN 

Mr.  Oscar  Berman  is  the  founder  and  owner  of  the  Crown  Overall  Man- 
ufacturing Company,  Cincinnati,  Ohio.  All  who  know  him  and  who  deal 
with  him  agree  that  he  is  a  kind-hearted  and  noble  man,  and  it  does  not  re- 
quire more  than  a  look  into  his  eyes  to  conclude  that  here  is  a  good  man  whom 
even  the  exciting  battlefield  of  business  could  not  spoil. 

Mr.  Oscar  Berman  was  born  December  23,  1877,  in  Salant,  Kovno  Guber- 
nia,  the  son  of  Charles  Meyer  and  Sophia  Berman.  Both  parents  are  still 
living  in  Russia.  Mr.  Berman  belongs  to  an  aristocratic  family.  The  renowned 
Reb  Israel  Sallant  was  an  uncle  of  his,  and  a  younger  brother,  Jacob,  is  Chief 
Ralbi  of  Berditchev  and  has  been  recently  appointed  Chaplain  of  the  Russian 
Army. 

Mr.  Berman  came  to  America  in  1893.  For  one  year  he  attended  the 
public  schools  of  Cincinnati.  At  the  age  of  seventeen  he  took  employment 
in  a  wholesale  dry  goods  house  at  a  very  small  salary.  Then  for  a  time  he 
traveled  as  a  salesman  for  a  Cincinnati  firm  and  later  for  a  New  York  neck- 
wear house.  In  1903  he  became  interested  in  a  little  overall  business  which 
he  bought  out  shortly  afterwards  and  six  months  later,  with  a  capital  of  $2,000, 
he  started  the  firm  which  has  since  become  the  largest  overall  manufacturing 
concern  in  the  United  States.  Mr.  Berman  owns  two  plants  employing  over 
700  people,  and  he  is  now  erecting  a  giant  structure  of  five  stories  which  will 
occupy  an  entire  block  on  Plum  Street  from  Third  to  McFarland  streets.  After 
the  completion  of  this  building  Mr.  Berman  will  employ  over  2,000  people. 

Mr.  Berman  is  not  eager  for  honors  and  has  not  the  time  to  hold  public 
office.  But  he  is,  nevertheless,  active  in  many  charitable  organizations,  is  a 
Trustee  of  the  Raeding  Road  Temple,  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Governors 
of  the  Hebrew  Union  College  and  is  a  national  Director  in  several  national 
institutions.     He  is  a  member  of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce,  of  the  Business 

21 


Men's  Club,  of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce  of  the  United  States,  of  the  National 
Association  of  Manufacturers  and  is  Chairman  of  the  Executive  Board  of 
the  Union  Overall  Manufacturers'  Association  of  the  United  States  and  Can- 
ada. 

On  the  5th  of  December,  1900,  Mr.  Berman  was  married  to  Miss  Cora 
Frank  of  Cincinnati  and  they  are  the  parents  of  two  sons,  Benjamin,  aged  14, 
and  Arnold,  aged  9. 

Asked  what  he  considered  was  the  most  essential  to  success  in  business. 
Mr.  Berman  declared:  "Learn  to  thoroughly  understand  your  business,  give 
it  all  your  attention,  and  don't  be  afraid  of  hard  work." 


ISAAC    BERNER 

Mr.  Isaac  Berner  of  Tampa,  Fla.,  is  a  type  of  Jewish  immigrant  whose 
life  was  a  series  of  struggles,  and  whose  success  was  bought  after  many  sacri- 
fices. He  was  born  on  the  25th  of  September,  1876,  in  Tukan,  Courland,  the 
son  of  Harry  and  Rose  Berner.  He  came  to  America  in  1897.  For  six 
months  he  lived  in  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  peddling  matches,  writing  paper,  etc.  He 
then  went  South,  peddling  from  town  to  town  until  he  arrived  at  Savannah. 
Ga.,  where  he  settled  down  for  a  time.  When  the  Spanish-American  War 
broke  out,  he  enlisted  in  the  army  and  was  honorably  discharged  at  the 
termination  of  the  war. 

After  saving  up  a  little  capital  of  $350,  he  returned  to  Savannah,  where 
he  started  a  bakery,  in  which  he  lost  his  entire  fortune.  He  then  went 
into  the  dry  goods  business  in  a  small  town  in  Georgia.  In  1905  he  came  to 
Jacksonville,  Fla.,  where  he  found  employment  at  $15  per  week.  In  1909  he 
came  to  Tampa,  where  he  engaged  in  the  junk  business.  He  is  still  in  the 
business,  as  the  Tampa  Bag  Company,  with  main  offices  at  1407  Marion  Street, 
Tampa,  and  a  branch  office  at  Jacksonville.  He  is  also  an  owner  of  the  Royal 
Palm  Soap  Company  of  Tampa.  He  not  only  made  a  material  success,  but 
also  brought  over  to  this  country  his  brothers  and  sisters,  whom  he  well  pro- 
vided for  and  whose  fortunes  he  established.  He  has  gained  a  wonderful 
reputation  for  himself  by  his  untiring  and  devoted  work. 

Mr.  Berner  is  a  trustee  of  the  Congregation  Rodeph  Sholom  of  Tampa, 
f-.nd  he  belongs  to  many  other  Jewish  organizations. 

On  August  15,  1903,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Bessie  Abrams  of  Boston. 


PHILIP   G.   BLANCK 

Mr.  Philip  G.  Blanck,  the  owner  of  Blanck's  Department  Store  at  901-3-5 
Avenue  D,  Miami,  Fla.,  is  one  of  those  Jewish  young  men  who  have  made 
a  success  in  the  South,  and  who  have  achieved  a  high  reputation  and  kept  their 
connection  with  Jewish  interests. 

He  was  born  on  the  25th  of  April,  1885,  in  Kishineff,  Bessarabia,  Russia, 
as  the  son  of  Samuel  and  Sarah  Blanck.     Both  parents  live  in  New  York. 

Mr.  Blanck  came  to  America  in  1903.  He  spent  his  first  year  in  New 
York,  working  at  shirts.  But  the  position  did  not  appeal  to  him :  he  felt  a 
spirit  of  enterprise  within  him,  and  he  went  South,  opening  a  dry  goods  store 

22 


in  Key  West,  Fla.  In  1912,  when  he  noticed  that  Key  West  was  falling,  while 
Miami  was  rising  constantly,  Mr.  Blanck  moved  to  Miami,  opening  a  depart- 
ment store  which  proved  a  success  almost  from  the  beginning.  The  business 
is  run  very  methodically  and  with  a  perfect  system  which  is  largely  patterned 
after  Mr.  Blanck's  personal  ideas. 

But  not  only  is  Mr.  Blanck  a  successful  man  of  business :  above  all  he  is 
a  man  of  the  public  and  the  affairs  of  the  community,  particularly  the  Jewish 
community  of  his  town,  are  very  close  to  his  heart.  Every  spare  moment 
of  his  time  is  given  over  to  public  affairs.  While  in  Ke}'  West  Mr.  Blanck 
was  particularly  interested  in  the  life  of  the  Jewish  Congregation  of  the  place. 
In  Miami  he  is  the  Treasurer  of  the  Progressive  Social  Club,  which  is  the 
Jewish  club  of  Miami. 

Mr.  Blanck  received  in  his  youth  a  good  Jewish  education,  and  he  rep- 
resents the  type  of  the  Jewish  immigrant  which  combines  native  Jewish  intelli- 
gence with  American  methods  and  ideals. 

Asked  what  he  considered  the  chief  element  of  success  in  life,  Mr.  Blanck 
said :     "Be  conservative  in  all  your  enterprises  and  undertakings." 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Blanck,  who  was  Miss  Jenny  G.  Ripper,  were  married  in 
New  York  in  1906.  They  are  the  parents  of  three  children,  named  Minnie. 
Bernard  and  Saul. 


JACOB    BERNSTEIN 

Mr.  Jacob  Bernstein  is  one  of  the  best  known  and  most  respected  Jewish 
citizens  of  Savannah,  Ga.,  and  is  the  head  of  one.  of  the  most  representative 
families.  Personally,  he  is  a  man  of  noble  character  and  aristocratic  bearing 
of  the  patriarchal  Jewish  type.  In  his  youth  he  was  a  Talmudic  scholar  and 
now,  having  added  to  his  stock  of  Jewish  education  the  products  of  a  long 
life  experience,  he  presents  the  type  of  the  accomplished,  deep-thinking  man. 

Mr.  Bernstein  is  the  father  of  a  family  which  affords  him  great  pleasure 
and  enjoyment.  There  are  four  children.  His  oldest  son,  Morris  H.,  is  a 
practicing  attorney  in  Savannah,  where  he  is  recognized  as  one  of  the  ablest 
and  most  successful  young  lawyers  of  Georgia.  For  four  years  he  held  the 
post  of  Assistant  Solicitor  General  and  he  made  an  enviable  record  for  him- 
self in  this  position.  The  second  child,  Augusta,  is  pretty  and  highly  accom- 
plished, as  is  her  younger  sister,  Molly  Dorothy,  who  is  a  great  pianist 
and  a  composer  of  music.  At  concerts  given  by  her  in  Savannah  and  New 
York,  she  has  earned  favorable  criticism  and  high  admiration.  Mr.  Bern- 
stein's youngest  child,  Albert,  is  a  college  student  at  Athens,  Ga.  He  is  the 
manager  and  a  contributor  to  The  Georgian,  a  magazine  published  by  the 
University  of  Georgia.  He  shows  admirable  talent  as  a  writer  and  commands 
an  easy  and  very  pleasant  style. 

Mr.  Jacob  Bernstein  was  born  on  the  15th  of  November,  1866,  in  Brest- 
Litovsk,  Russia,  the  place  which  will  be  of  historical  importance  due  to  the 
peace  parleys  now  going  on  there  between  the  Central  Powers  and  the  present 
Russian  government.  He  is  the  son  of  Moses  Hirsh  and  Sarah  Bernstein,  and 
his  grandfather,  known  as  Reb  Benjamin  Chaim  Wilners,  was  renowned  as  a 
Dayan  and  late  Chief  Rabbi  of  Minsk. 

In  1889  Mr.  Bernstein  arrived  in  the  United  States,  and  for  the  first  six 
months  he  peddled  in  the  section  around  New  York,  when  he  decided  to  go 
South,  and  settled  in  Savannah.  Here  he  became  a  custom  or  installment  ped- 
dler. In  1898  he  went  into  the  wholesale  clothing  and  shoe  business,  working 
up  his  place  to  a  remarkably  successful  concern  and  now  his  business  reputa- 
tion stands  unrivaled.     Xot  only  has  he  never  had  any  business  troubles,  but 

23 


he  has  never  been  sued  and  never  brought  suit  against  any  one.  The  firm, 
known  as  Bernstein  &  Co.  (but  only  Mr.  Bernstein's  son  is  interested  in  the 
business),  now  has  its  headquarters  at  315  Congress  street  west.  Mr.  Bern- 
stein is  also  interested  in  real  estate  and  he  was  among  the  first  Jews  to  invest 
heavily  in  Savannah  real  estate. 

Mr.  Bernstein  belongs  to  and  is  a  liberal  contributor  to  every  worthy  cause 
in  the  city.  He  is  a  Director  of  the  Kehillah,  and  has  been  for  sixteen  years 
a  prominent  member  of  the  B'nai  B'rith  Jacob  Synagogue. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bernstein  (nee  Sarah  Leaf )  were  married  in  March.  1884. 


SAMUEL    ZELICK    BLASBERG 

Some  of  this  country's  best  citizenship  has  found  our  shores  because  of 
the  hatred  of  their  parents  for  European  military  systems.  The  more  intelli- 
gent class  of  Europeans  have  always  rebelled  against  the  militaristic  govern- 
ments, and  have  sought  for  their  children  opportunities  in  a  land  where  higher 
ideals  of  life  prevailed. 

These  thoughts  touched  the  career  of  Mr.  Samuel  Blasberg.  who  was 
born  in  Kovno,  Russia,  July  2,  1876,  the  son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Meyer  Blas- 
berg. He  came  to  America  at  the  age  of  thirteen,  his  father  having  preceded 
him  while  he  remained  on  a  farm  with  his  uncle.  Going  to  Cleveland,  Ohio, 
to  his  father,  he  started  peddling  matches  and  notions  and  sent  all  his  little 
savings  to  his  mother,  who  is  still  in  Russia.  Within  a  year,  however,  he  was 
able  to  buy  a  horse  and  wagon  and  peddled  fruit  for  the  next  year.  He  then 
went  through  the  country,  selling  dry  goods  and  picture  frames,  and  with  a 
hundred  dollars  which  he  was  able  to  save  in  two  years  he  went  into  business 
with  a  Mr.  Rose  of  Minneapolis,  under  the  firm  name  of  Ohio  Moulding  Com- 
pany, which  partnership,  devoted  to  the  manufacture  of  picture  frames,  existed 
for  five  years.  He  then  went  into  business  for  himself  in  Duluth,  Minn.,  and 
later  in  Toledo,  Ohio,  and  in  Cleveland.  After  a  few  years  he  went  to  Dayton, 
where  he  engaged  in  the  junk  business,  but  at  the  end  of  nine  years  their 
plant  was  much  damaged  by  the  flood,  and  he  came  to  Columbus,  Ohio,  where 
he  organized  the  Columbus  Waste  Paper  Company,  of  which  he  is  now  man- 
ager and  Treasurer,  and  which  has  been  an  unqualified  success. 

Mr.  Blasberg  was  married  in  Jul)',  1898,  to  Miss  Lilly  Cohen  of  Duluth. 
They  now  have  a  family  of  two  sons  and  two  daughters,  who  are  exceptionally 
talented.  Their  daughter,  Sara,  is  a  graduate  of  the  Columbus  High  School 
and  is  a  pianist,  who  has  made  many  very  successful  public  appearances.  She 
expects  to  study  later  for  an  operatic  career.  The  rest  of  the  children  are 
still  in  school. 

Mr.  Blasberg  is  a  member  of  Agudas  Acheim  Temple,  is  ex-President  of 
Western  Star,  Brith  Achim  Lodge  127,  and  is  prominent  in  the  Odd  Fellows 
and  Uniform  Rank,  Knights  of  Pvthias. 


24 


HARRY   B.    BLASBERG 

It  is  not  given  to  every  man  to  arrive  at  the  goal  of  his  ambitions  by  a 
straight  road.  Many  times  the  road  points  to  devious  paths,  and  we  cry  out 
that  we  have  lost  the  guiding  light  of  the  rainbow  that  leads  to  the  pot  of  gold. 

But  if  ambition  be  worthy  and  the  effort  sincere,  every  footprint  in  the 
snow,  every  tear  that  is  shed,  marks  in  indelible  characters  the  location  of 
another  milestone  on  the  map  of  the  march. 

So  it  was  with  Harry  B.  Blasberg,  who  followed  the  light  of  the  rainbow 
from  his  native  Russia,  to  find  the  treasures  buried  deep  beneath  difficulties 
which  would  have  crushed  a  less  dauntless  spirit. 

Harry  was  born  in  Kovna,  Guberna,  Russia,  October  6,  1883,  and  at  the 
age  of  nine  helped  his  parents  financially  by  selling  newspapers  and  shining 
shoes  after  school  hours.  Later  on  he  learned  the  cigarmaking  trade  and  had 
to  work  the  first  month  for  nothing,  then  he  received  a  salary  of  $3  a  week 
for  the  first  six  months,  which  money  he  turned  over  to  his  parents.  Also,  he 
spent  much  of  his  vacation  helping  his  father  peddle  junk  in  the  country, 
being  from  home  five  to  six  weeks  at  a  time.  After  this  Harry  and  his  father 
took  up  the  feed  business  for  one  year.  Then  he  came  to  Toledo,  Ohio,  where 
he  got  a  job  as  a  clerk  in  a  dry  goods  store  run  by  his  cousin,  Steinberg  Bros., 
and  where  his  salary  at  the  start  was  but  three  dollars  a  week,  but  gradually 
was  increased  until  he  was  getting  nine  dollars  a  week. 

Finding  the  dry  goods  business  not  to  his  liking  in  the  way  of  advance- 
ment, Harry  returned  to  his  home  town,  Cleveland,  Ohio,  and  entered  the 
employ  of  his  brother-in-law,  A.  Shaw,  who  was  in  the  scrap  iron  business, 
remaining  in  this  business  for  one  year.  He  again  became  restless  because  of 
a  seemingly  slow  advancement  and  always  feeling  the  great  urge  of  ambition, 
he  took  a  position  as  shipping  clerk  with  another  brother-in-law,  Mr.  S.  Silber- 
man,  who  was  in  the  waste  paper  business,  remaining  with  him  but  one  year 
in  order  to  become  acquainted  with  the  waste  business. 

This  business  sufficed  as  a  means  to  an  end,  as  Harry  was  saving  every 
cent  possible  from  his  meager  salary  and  at  the  end  of  the  year  he  had  accumu- 
lated $300,  so  he  decided  to  go  into  the  waste  paper  and  rag  business  with  his 
brother,  Wolfe,  Harry's  father  loaning  him  $200.  This  business  they  were  in 
one  year. 

Then  Harry  with  his  brother-in-law,  J.  A.  Jahl,  of  Dayton,  Ohio,  bought 
out  the  firm,  of  Morrisson  Iron  &  Metal  Co.,  of  Norwalk,  Ohio,  giving  this 
business  his  usual  one-year  trial. 

Thinking  they  were  not  making  proper  advancement,  Harry  then  went 
to  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  and  with  J.  A.  Jahl  organized  the  Queen  City  Rag  and 
Paper  Co.,  of  which  he  holds  the  active  secretaryship.  The  same  office  he 
holds  with  the  Columbus  Waste  Paper  Co.  of  Columbus,  Ohio. 

One  of  the  greatest  hardships  of  Harry's  life  was  his  unfulfilled  wish 
that  his  dear  mother  and  sister,  whom  he  loved,  should  be  at  his  wedding,  but 
that  was  not  to  be,  as  his  mother  died  when  Harry  was  but  20  years  of  age, 
and  two  years  after  this  his  sister,  Mrs.  A.  Shaw,  died.  Harry  was  engaged 
at  this  time,  but  the  event  was  postponed  until  after  a  year's  period  of  mourn- 
ing had  elapsed.  Mr.  Harry  Blasberg  was  married  to  Miss  Netti  Jahl  of  Day- 
ton, Ohio,  February  19,  1907,  and  together  they  have  dispensed  charity  to 
every  worthy  cause  in  Columbus  as  well  as  to  the  Jewish  hospitals  and  the 
Denver  Sanitarium. 

Why  relate  the  further  hardships  of  the  next  few  years,  the  deprivations 
for  the  sake  of  the  success  which  he  knew  would  ultimately  come  to  crown  his 
efforts  ?  It  is  the  old  story  of  the  sacrifice  which  has  been  written  in  every 
tongue ;  which  has  sunk  deep  into  the  hearts  of  men  who  have  lived  and  suf- 
fered to  accomplish  the  big  things  of  life. 

Mr.  Harry  Blasberg's  advice  to  the  younger  generation  is  this :  "Try  to 
have  a  good  education,  give  your  fellow  man  a  square  deal,  and  be  absolutely 
honest  and  you  are  bound  to  be  successful." 

Mr.  Blasberg  is  a  member  of  Tifereth  Israel  Cong.  B'nai  Brith  and  many 

25 


others.     Mrs.   Blasberg  is  particularly  active   in  works  of  benevolence  and 
devotes  much  of  her  time,  as  well  as  money,  to  their  promotion. 

They  have  one  boy  and  three  girls,  who  will  doubtless  inherit  their  par- 
ents" ability  and  sterling  qualities. 


ISRAEL   BLICKSTEIN 

There  has  always  existed  a  marked  distinction  between  the  old  European 
and  die  new  American  Jew.  Xot  only  is  this  difference  discernible  in  his 
social  life,  but  in  his  religious  and  national  life  as  well.  This  contrast  is  becom- 
ing more  noticeable  with  the  passing  of  the  years. 

The  European  Jew  is  inclined  to  be  more  devoted  to  his  religion,  and  in 
national  spirit  and  in  commercial  life  the  older  Jews  have  always  in  their  hum- 
ble way  and  submissive  attitude  been  willing  to  sacrifice  their  own  personal 
interests  that  the  Jews,  as  a  race,  might  be  strengthened  and  perpetuated 

Such  a  man  is  Israel  Blickstein  of  Zanesville.  Ohio,  who  came  to  this 
country  from  Russia  at  the  age  of  nineteen,  handicapped  by  poverty  and  with 
no  knowledge  of  the  language  and  customs  of  the  land  to  which  he  came.  All 
the  events  in  the  history  of  this  young  man's  struggle  toward  success  it  is  not 
possible  to  relate  in  a  brief  biography.  These  facts  are  only  known  to  his  imme- 
diate family  and  friends. 

He  was  born  in  Moledshna.  V.ilner.  Guberne.  Russia.  September  i,  1868. 
his  parents.  \Yoli  and  Mary  Blickstein.  being  very  prominent  in  their  native 
city.  Israel  won  his  uphill  fight  for  wealth  and  position  by  sheer  force  of  char- 
acter, which  is  so  often  the  outcome  of  hard  conditions  of  youth,  particularly 
when  the  young  man  possesses  a  fine  parentage. 

It  is  a  far  cry  from  the  first  years  of  Israel  Blickstein's  life  when  he  had 
to  pay  Sio  for  the  privilege  of  learning  to  be  a  tailor,  and  then  worked  the 
first  nine  months  at  the  small  salary  of  S3  per  week  until  today,  when  he  is 
known  as  one  of  the  largest  and  most  successful  dealers  in  scrap  iron  and 

.    in  the  state  of  Ohio. 

Mr.  Blickstein  was  married  in  Russia  to  Miss  Mary  Allem.  who  has 
always  ^iven  him  the  utmost  encouragement  and  assistance  during  the  years 
of  his  early  struggles  and  is  now  enjoying  with  him  the  success  which  he  has 
so  meritoriously  earned.  She  is  very  active  in  the  promotion  of  charities, 
xmtributing  liberally  both  of  her  time  and  her  money. 

Mr.  Biickstein  is  a  member  of  Congregation  Beth  Abraham.  Knights  of 
Pythias,  and  contributes  to  the  Denver  and  Los  Angeles  sanitariums,  as  well 
as  a  number  of  other  charir.r- 

?\Ir.  Biickstein's  advice  to  young  men  is  worthy  of  their  most  serious  con- 
sideration, as  he  says  that  honesty,  hard  work  and  strict  adherence  to  the 
Tew:-  .re  the  three  fundamentals  of  success. 


26 


ISRAEL  S.  AND  MARY  E.  BLATTNER 


McKeesport,  Pa.,  is  not  one  of  the  large  Jewish  communities  of  America, 
but  if  we  compare  the  work  done  for  our  race  by  that  community,  it  measures 
up  with  the  largest  Jewish  cities  in  the  country.  That  this  is  so  is  due  to  the 
fact  that  the  city  has  been  blessed  with  a  number  of  men  who  feel  a  Jewish 
responsibility  in  giving  away  a  part  of  their  time  and  energy  for  communal 
and  public-spirited  work. 

Among  the  most  active  Jews  of  the  city,  we  must  number  Mr.  Israel  S. 
Blattner  and  his  wife,  Mary  E.  Under  ordinary  circumstances  when  the  man 
is  interested  in  public  affairs  his  wife  protests  against  being  compelled  to  satisfy 
herself  merely  with  shreds  of  her  husband's  leisure  as  he  takes  it  away  from 
her  and  gives  it  to  social  pursuits.  In  this  case,  however,  both  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Blattner  are  united  in  their  hoi}-  endeavor  to  do  good  for  the  community. 
Let  us  begin  with  a  short  life  sketch. 
Mr.  Blattner  was  born  March  20.  1866,  in  Gal- 
sach,  Hungary,  the  oldest  son  of  Jacob  and  Lina 
Blattner.  who  were  the  parents  of  eleven  children. 
Both  parents  are  living  in  Pittsburgh.  At  the  age 
of  fourteen,  Israel  Blattner  came  to  America,  and 
almost  at  once  began  to  work  for  a  living.  He 
peddled,  worked  at  cigars  and  finally  went  into  busi- 
ness for  himself.  He  is  now  the  owner  of  a  large 
millinery  establishment  and  cloaks  and  suits  store 
at  Xo.  317  Fifth  avenue,  McKeesport,  Pa. 

His  wife,  Mary  E..  was  born  on  the  24th  of 
August,  1873,  in  the  same  place  where  her  husband 
was  born.  She  is  one  of  nine  children,  her  parents 
being  Morris  L.  and  Kate  Steinberger,  who  are  no 
longer  among  the  living. 

At  the  age  of  two,  she  was  brought  to  America. 
She  went  to  school  in  Pittsburgh  and  then  contin- 
ued in  Cincinnati,  where  her  parents  afterwards  had  moved. 

This  is  the  second  marriage  of  both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Blattner  and  both  have 

children  from  their  first  unions.     Mr.  Blattner  had  married  Miss  Anna  Lebow- 

ltz.  who  died,  leaving  him  with  four  children,  Sadie,  Rose,  David  and  Abraham. 

Mrs.  Blattner  was  also  married  and  became  the  mother  of  nine  children,  onlv 

two    of    whom    have    survived,    named    Leon    and 

Adolph.    When  war  against  Germany  was  declared, 

Adolph  voluntarily  enlisted  as  an  engineer  and  went 

to  France.     At  the  time  the  writer  of  these  lines 

interviewed  the  mother,  her  heart  was  sad  with  the 

news    that   the   young   man    was    wounded    and    a 

patient  in  one  of  the  army  hospitals  there. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Blattner  married  on  November  1. 
1906.  and  have  no  children. 

Mr.  Blattner  is  very  active  in  social  and  com- 
munal work.  He  was  the  founder  and  first  Grand 
Master  of  the  Independent  Order  Sons  of  David, 
of  which  he  is  now  Treasurer.  He  has  organized 
a  number  of  lodges  of  this  order,  as  the  Iron  City 
Lodge  of  Braddock.  Pa.,  etc.  He  was  one  of  the 
founders  and  many  times  President  of  the  Gmilos 
Chesed  Anshe  Ungarn.  He  served  as  President  of 
the  local  B'nai  B'rith  Lodge  and  was  a  director  of  the  Pittsburgh  Mosheb 
Skenim.  He  was  also  a  founder  and  director  of  the  Hebrew  Charities  of 
McKeesport  and  is  connected  with  some  twenty-odd  other  organizations  and 
institutions. 

No  less  active  in  social  life  is  Mrs.  Blattner.     She  is  the  President  of  the 
Hebrew  Ladies'  Beneficial  Society  of  McKeesport.  President  of  the  Ladies' 

27 


Auxiliary  of  B'nai  B'rith,  very  active  in  the  Columbia  Council  of  Jewish 
Women,  which  is  an  immigrants'  aid  society  in  Pittsburgh.  She  founded  the 
Jewish  Women's  Red  Cross  Auxiliary  of  McKeesport,  of  which  she  is  Vice- 
President,  and  she  brought  to  the  organization  forty-two  charter  members. 

The  environment  of  the  Blattner  family  is  very  sympathetic.  Mr.  Blattner 
is  a  serious  man  and  Mrs.  Blattner  makes  a  very  pleasant  appearance.  She  is 
of  the  American  intellectual  type  and  thoroughly  Jewish.  Mr.  Blattner's  chil- 
dren, whom  the  writer  chanced  to  see,  are  lovely  and  devoted  to  their  parents. 


HARRY   BLOOM 


One  of  the  tragedies  of  our  national  life  is  that  we  too  often  form  false 
ideas  of  that  which  constitutes  real  success  in  life.  To  every  man  the  word 
has  a  different  meaning.  To  one  it  may  mean  money,  to  another  political 
power,  to  another  opportunities  for  travel. 

In  reviewing  the  life  histories  of  men  whom  the  world  calls  successful, 
it  would  seem  that  Mr.  Harry  Bloom  has  struck  the  happy  medium  and  has 
found  that  which  represents  sane  and  lasting  success.  He  is  manager  of  a 
prosperous  business.  His  home  life  is  ideal,  surrounded  as  he  is  by  his  family 
to  whom  he  is  able  to  give  the  advantages  of  education  and  to  prepare  them 
for  lives  of  usefulness  and  good  citizenship. 

Mr.  Harry  Bloom  was  born  in  Minsk,  Guberne, 
Russia,  in  December,  1869,  the  son  of  Yail  and 
Anna  Bloom,  his  father  being  a  lumber  merchant 
and  also  a  man  of  recognized  scholarship. 

Mr.  Bloom  came  to  America  in  1904,  landing 
in  Baltimore,  Md.,  where  he  began  working  in  a 
bakery  for  the  small  sum  of  $5  per  week.  Here  he 
remained  for  two  years,  and  by  the  exercise  of  the 
greatest  economy,  he  managed  to  save  $290.  Going 
to  Lima,  Ohio,  he  started  in  the  junk  business, 
where  he  has  been  very  successful,  and  has  also 
accumulated  considerable  real  estate.  The  first  year 
in  which  Mr.  Bloom  was  in  business  for  himself 
he  sent  for  his  family,  whom  he  had  left  in  Russia 
until  he  became  established.  The  Blooms  have 
seven  children — two  boys  and  five  girls — all  of 
whom,  with  the  exception  of  the  oldest  daughter, 
are  going  to  school  and  are  being  educated  in  music.  The  oldest  daughter  is 
married  to  Mr.  A.  Miller,  of  Miller  Brothers,  Lima,  Ohio. 

Mr.  Bloom  is  a  member  of  Shaara  Zedek  Congregation  and  B'rith  Abra- 
ham Society,  and  is  a  liberal  contributor  to  all  charities. 


28 


MOSES  BOFF 

We  get  out  of  life  just  what  we  put  into  it.  The  greatest  geniuses  of  the 
wdrld  have  been  the  greatest  toilers.  Whether  it  be  business,  music  or  art, 
success  has  her  crown  for  the  brave  spirit  of  perseverance  which  has  been  the 
most  marked  characteristic  of  all  our  great  men. 

Moses  Boff  came  to  America  with  but  two  assets — a  boundless  courage, 
which  brooked  no  discouragements,  and  a  heritage  of  fine  intellect  from  his 
father — a  soldier,  arid  in  private  life  a  man  of  scholarly  attainments. 

Born  in  Suwalk,  Geberne,  Russia,  July  2,  1865,  he  came  to  America  in 
November,  1885,  and  went  direct  to  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  where  an  aunt  was  residing. 
Here  he  obtained  no  salary,  working  for  his  board  only. 

After  this  severe  apprenticeship  he  worked  for  two  years  at  $10  per  month 
and  board,  and  out  of  this  meager  salary  he  saved  enough  to  purchase  a  horse 
and  wagon.  This  humble  beginning  launched  a  business  career  that  has  been 
an  unqualified  success. 

He  was  married  in  Buffalo,  February  2,  1891, 
to  Anna  Sklarsky,  an  American-born  girl  of  high 
accomplishments,  who  has  been  of  the  utmost  assist- 
ance to  her  husband  at  every  turn  in  his  affairs. 

His  iron  and  metal  business  has  grown  to  enor- 
mous proportions,  which  enables  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Boff 
to  contribute  liberally  to  the  many  charitable  organ- 
izations which  have  enlisted  their  sympathies. 

They  are  members  of  the  Beth  Israel  Congre- 
gation, supporters  of  the  Denver  and  Los  Angeles 
Hospitals,  as  well  as  many  local  charities  which 
they  consider  worthy,  without  respect  for  creed  or 
religion. 

Mr.  Boff  is  a  member  of  the  Eagles,  Odd  Fel- 
lows and  Chamber  of  Commerce. 

Mrs.  Boff's  activities  in  the  promotion  of  social 
and  charitable  organizations  of  various  kinds  have  been  of  the  utmost  benefit  to 
their  community.     She  is  a  founder  and  President  of  the  Ladies'  Benevolent 
Society  and  a  charter  member  and  Sergeant  of  the  Maccabees. 

They  have  one  daughter  going  to  high  school  and  taking  special  instruction 
in  music. 


ISAAC    BLUMBERG 

I 
Mr.  Isaac  Blumberg,  of  Savannah,  Ga.,  is  still  a  very  young  man,  having 
been  born  on  the  7th  of  March,  1879.  He  has,  however,  accomplished  very 
much  in  business  already,  and  not  only  is  his  success  one  of  a  material  sort,  but, 
on  the  contrary,  he  had  become  one  of  the  standing  figures  of  Judaism  in  his 
town,  and  Savannah  is  proud  of  him  in  every  way.  Mr.  Blumberg  is  a  director 
of  the  Jewish  Educational  Alliance,  the  Congregation  B.  B.  Jacob,  and  played 
a  very  prominent  part  in  the  war  relief  work  of  his  city.  In  short,  there  is 
scarcely  any  activity  of  a  public  nature  which  he  has  not  been  engaged  in  and 
in  which  his  pecuniary  aid  and  wise  counsel  has  not  been  heard. 

Isaac  Blumberg  is  one  of  the  four  sons  of  Moses  and  Rebecca  Blumberg, 
who  live  in  Savannah.  His  father,  Moses  Blumberg,  is  one  of  the  oldest 
Jewish  residents  of  Savannah,  a  strictly  Orthodox  Jew  and  one  of  the  founders 
of  the  Congregation  B.  B.  Jacob. 

Isaac  was  born  in  Shavel,  Kovno  Government,  and  together  with  his  par- 

29 


ents  came  to  America  in  1891.  Here  he  attended  school  and  then  went  into 
business  with  his  father  and  brothers,  gaining  a  tremendous  success.  They  are 
all  at  present  located  at  113  to  119  Brothon  street,  West,  forming  the  firm  of 
Bliunberg  Brothers,  and  in  addition,  the  firm  of  M.  Blumberg  &  Sons,  108 
Brothon  street,  West,  both  stores  selling  men's  and  ladies'  ready-to-wear  arti- 
cles. They  also  own  and  control  the  firm  of  Blumberg  Brothers,  shirt  manu- 
facturers of  74  and  76  Leonard  street,  New  York  City.  The  family  started 
verv  modestly  but  by  dint  of  energy  and  perseverance  they  have  reached  their 
high  position  in  the  business  world. 

In  addition  to  his  Jewish  activity,  Mr.  Blumberg  is  also  a  320  Mason. 

On  January  6,  1914,  Mr.  Blumberg  was  married  to  Miss  Florence  Nuren- 
berger,  of  New  York.  Mrs.  Blumberg  is  one  of  the  most  respected  and  popular 
Jewish  women  of  Savannah,  Ga. 

Mr.  Blumberg  has  a  strong,  pleasing  personality  ;  he  is  a  kind-hearted  man 
and  a  great  Jew. 


SAM  BONART 

Sam  Bonart  was  born  December  25,  1869,  in  the  city  of  New  Orleans.  His 
father,  Hertz  Bonart,  was  born  in  Krakow,  Austria,  and  his  mother,  Bertha 
Cohan,  was  born  in  Scherwerin,  Germany. 

He  attended  the  public  schools,  started  to  work  at  the  age  of  fourteen, 
and  at  the  age  of  seventeen  embarked  in  a  small  way  in  business  for  himself, 
which  business  has  since  grown  to  the  large  establishment  at  corner  of  South 
Rampart  and  Poydras  streets 

Besides  being  President  of  the  Y.  M.  H.  A.,  he  is  also  Trustee  of  the 
Tewish  Federation  of  Charities,  Treasurer  of  the  Orthodox  Congregation  Beth 
Israel,  and  member  of  the  Playground  .Commission.  Also  President  of  the 
Cemetery  Congregation  Tememe  Derech. 

Mrs.  Bonart,  whose  maiden  name  was  Goldie  Spingarn,  takes  a  deep  inter- 
est in  all  Jewish  communal  work.  Their  daughters — Pauline,  Anna  and  Bertha 
— grace  their  pretty  home  at  1620  Napoleon  avenue. 

Mr.  Bonart  "was  twice  married.    His  first  wife  died  in  1901, 


JACOB  BOROWSKY 

One  of  the  most  modern  and  perhaps  the  largest  plant  in  the  State  of 
Massachusetts  devoted  to  iron  and  metal  scrap  is  that  owned  and  operated  by 
Mr.  Jacob  Borowsky.  His  success  is  another  example  of  what  may  be  accom- 
plished by  a  man  possessing  unusual  traits  of  determination  in  the  face  of 
obstacles. 

Mr.  Borowsky  was  born  in  Kovno,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  1868,  and  came  to 
America  in  1885.  When  he  landed  in  New  York,  the  first  employment  he 
found  was  in  a  grocery  store  at  $2  per  week.  He  then  worked  in  a  brickyard 
and  finally  started  out  peddling  tinware.  This  brought  him  to  Worcester, 
Mass.,  where  he  had  his  first  experience  in  buying  and  selling  junk.  Several 
years  later  he  opened  the  present  business  in  Fitchburg,  Mass.,  which  has  grown 
to  enormous  proportions. 

30 


Mr.  Borowsky  was  married  in  Fitchburg  in  1892  to  Miss  Sadie  Sarkins. 
They  have  three  children — two  boys  and  one  girl.  The  eldest  son,  Sam,  is  a 
graduate  of  business  college  and  is  in  business  with  his  father.  David  is  a. 
graduate  of  the  high  school  and  is  also  assisting  his  father.  The  daughter  is 
still  in  school. 

Mr.  Borowsky  has  the  distinction  of  being  the  founder  of  Congregation 
Harra  Augudohs  Achem,  of  which  he  was  first  President.  He  is  also  intensely 
patriotic  and  was  Captain  of  the  local  Liberty  Loan  Campaign. 

Among  the  man)-  charities  which  have  reasons  to  be  grateful  for  Mr.  Bor- 
owsky's  generosity,  we  might  mention  two  of  national  importance — the  Denver 
Hospital  and  the  Immigration  Society.  He  is  also  a  member  of  the  Zionist  - 
and  Bnai  Brith. 


SAMUEL  H.   BOROFSKY 

Born  April  30,  1865,  in  Wolkovishki,  Government  of  Savalki,  Russia,  edu- 
cated in  the  schools  of  his  native  city  and  Manchester,  England,  to  which  place 
he  was  taken  in  1875.  Mr.  Borofsky  came  to  the  United  States  in  1879  and  in 
1882  he  made  a  voyage  to  the  South  Pacific,  including  the  interior  of  Ecuador, 
the  Isthmus  of  Panama,  and  Jamaica,  West  Indies,  returning  to  Boston  in  the 
earlv  part  of  1884.  Shortly  thereafter  he  engaged  in  the  business  of  real  estate 
and"  insurance  which  he  continued  until  the  year  1902,  at  which  time  he  entered 
the  business  of  law  stationery  and  supplies. 

He  was  admitted  to  the  Massachusetts  Bar  in  February,  1908,  and  has 
continued  in  the  active  practice  of- the  law  with  offices  in  Barristers'  Hall,  where 
he  is  still  to  be  found. 

Mr.  Borofsky  was  a  member  of  the  Boston  City  Council  for  the  year  1898 
and  of  the  Massachusetts  Legislature  for  the  year  1900  and  1901. 

During  the  first  year  of  his  service  in  the  Legislature,  Mr.  Borofsky  intro- 
duced and  caused  to  be  enacted  the  "Five  Cent  Ice  Bill,"  making  it  compulsory 
for  ice  companies  to  sell  ice  in  five-cent  pieces  at  fair  value,  which  they  had 
refused  to  do  prior  to  the  enactment  of  the  law.  During  his  second  year  of 
service  he  introduced  the  "Seventh  Day  Sabbath  Bill,"  exempting  the  seventh 
day  observers  from  the  penalties  provided  for  violators  of  the  State's  "Lord's 
Day  Law." 

After  a  very  strenuous  campaign,  this  bill  was.  passed  by  the  House  of 
Representatives  but  was  ultimately  defeated  in  the  State  Senate.  Mr.  Borof- 
skv's  efforts  in  behalf  of  this  legislation  attracted  nation-wide  attention  and 
many  leaders  in  Judaism  from  other  sections  of  the  country  came  to  his 
assistance. 

A  physical  breakdown  caused  Mr.  Borofsky's  withdrawal  from  public  life 
for  a  time,  but  in  February,  1906,  he  accepted  an  appointment  as  a  member  of 
the  Board  of  Principal  Assessors  for  the  city  of  Boston,  in  which  capacity  he 
served  until  March  1,  1908,  at  which  time  he  entered  the  practice  of  law. 

During  the  Spanish-American  War,  Mr.  Borofsky  was  commissioned 
Captain  of  Infantry  of  the  Massachusetts  Provisional  Militia,  from  which  he 
was  honorably  discharged  on  the  declaration  of  peace. 

Mr.  Borofskv's  recent  activities  in  Liberty  Loan,  Red  Cross  and  shipbuild- 
ing drives  and  as  a  "Four  Minute  Speaker"  have  been  of  much  value,  and  his 
gifts  as  a  loyal  and  gifted  speaker  have  been  turned  to  good  account. 

Mr.  Borofsky  is  also  active  in  civic  affairs,  being  prominently  connected 
with  many  Jewish  and  non-Jewish  organizations  and  institutions. 

In  1898  he  organized  and  was  the  first  President  of  the  "Helping  Hand 
Home  for  Destitute  Jewish  Children"  ( now  Home  for  Jewish  Children)  ;  for- 

31 


mer  Secretary  of  the  Benote  Israel  Sheltering  Home ;  Director  of  the  Con- 
gregation Aduth  Jeshuam  of  Roxbury ;  Trustee  of  the  Federated  Charities  of 
Boston  ;  Organizer  and  first  President  of  the  Congregation  Ohel  Jacob  of  East 
Boston;  former  President  Corporation  Tifareth  Israel;  Treasurer  George 
Putnam  Home  and  School  Association ;  Director  Roxbury  Historical  Society, 
and  many  others. 

Mr.  Borofsky  was  married  January  6.  1886,  to  Miss  Ettie  Wilensky  and 
they  have  one  daughter,  Sarah  Rebecca,  who  is  now  attending  high  school. 

Mrs.  Borofsky  also  possesses  much  executive  ability  and  is  very  prominent 
in  the  organization  and  promotion  of  various  philanthropies. 

Bibliography :  "The  Wheel  of  Destiny,"  Richard  G.  Badger,  Publishers, 
1917,  and  contributions  to  several  periodicals  and  newspapers. 


HARRIS    AND    HYMAN    BOTWINIK 

If  you  were  to  go  to  New  Haven,  Conn.,  you  would  find  located  at_2l 
Sylvian  avenue  a  large  business  house  conducted  by  Botwinik  Brothers  and 
devoted  to  the  sale  of  machinery,  belting  and  scrap.  It  would  probably  be  inter- 
esting for  you  to  know  that  this  immense  concern  is  not  the  product  of  more 
than  one  generation  of  industry  and  commercial  ability,  but  has  been  reared 
unaided  within  the  last  twenty  years  by  two  men  who  came  to  our  shores  with- 
out capital,  speaking  a  strange  language,  and  knowing  nothing  of  American 
commercial  life. 

Harris  Botwinik,  the  elder  brother,  was  born  in  April,  1872,  in  Minsker, 
Guberne,  Russia,  and  his  brother  Hyman  in  the  year  1889.  They  were  the  sons 
of  Hyman  Botwinik,  who  was  a  man  of  great  scholarly  attainments,  being  a 
Rabbi  of  their  native  town,  and  also  a  successful  leather  merchant.  From  him 
the  sons  undoubtedly  inherited  much  of  the  business  ability  which  has  been  built 
into  the  fabric  of  the  present  large  firm  in  New  Haven.  Harris  Botwinik  came 
to  America  in  April,  1898,  and  for  four  years  peddled  junk.  He  then  worked 
for  three  years  in  a  bottle  shop,  saving  a  small  capital  with  which  to  go  into 
business  for  himself.  He  made  his  venture  shortly  after  and  in  the  meantime 
his  brother  Hyman  having  come  to  America,  he  gave  him  employment  for  three 
years,  affording  him  an  opportunity  to  learn  the  business,  and  then  took  him 
into  partnership.  The  business  has  flourished  remarkably,  and  they  are  today 
not  only  very  wealthy,  but  are  conducting  the  largest  business  in  their  city. 

Mr.  Harris  Botwinik  was  married  August  30,  1898,  to  Miss  Fannie  Kom- 
mier  of  New  Haven,  and  they  have  five  children,  four  boys  and  one  girl.  That 
they  have  inherited  the  scholarly  traits  of  their  forefathers  is  demonstrated  by 
the  remarkable  standard  of  scholarship  to  which  they  have  attained.  Louis  is 
attending  Yale  College ;  Sam  is  in  business  with  his  father ;  Mike  is  attending 
high  school,  and  Estelle  is  also  in  school.  All  of  the  children  are  receiving  ex- 
cellent musical  educations. 

Mr.  Hyman  Botwinik  was  married  June  25,  191 1,  to  Miss  Esther  Hirsh- 
berg  of  New  Haven,  and  they  have  two  children,  the  eldest  of  whom  is  already 
in  school. 

It  is  indeed  a  wise  Providence  that  gave  over  the  custodianship  of  such 
vast  interests  to  men  of  such  generosity  as  Botwinik  Brothers.  Both  themselves 
and  their  wives  are  most  generous  in  their  contributions  to  all  charities,  includ- 
ing the  Denver  Hospital,  the  Immigration  Society  of  New  York,  the  United 
Hebrew  Charities.  Talmud  Torah,  the  Hebrew  Institute,  the  Hebrew  Free  Loan 
Association,  Y.  M.  H.  A.,  Orphans'  Society,  the  Old  Age  Home,  and  all  the 
Yishivas,  as  well  as  the  Red  Cross  and  the  funds  for  the  benefits  of  war 
sufferers. 

32 


Mr.  Harris  Botwinik  is  Past  President  of  B'rith  Abraham,  Past  President 
of  Knights  of  Israel,  Past  President  of  Working-men's  Circle,  and  is  at  the 
present  time  Treasurer  of  B'rith  Abraham  and  a  Director  of  the  Hebrew  Free 
Loan  Association  and  the  Hebew  Orthodox  Association. 

Mr.  Hyman  Botwinik  is  also  prominent  in  nearly  all  of  the  above  men- 
tioned organizations,  being  Past  Treasurer  of  the  Workingmen's  Circle  and 
also  a  member  of  the  Odd  Fellows  and  the  Auto  Club.  He  is  Director  of  the 
Merchants'  Loan  Association  and  a  stockholder  in  the  Broadway  Bank  of  New 
Haven. 


BARNETT  BRICKMAN  AND  PHILIP  CUTLER 

Prominently  identified  with  the  business  interests  of  Chelsea,  Mass.,  is  the 
firm  of  Cutler  &  Brickman,  located  at  170-174  Second  street,  and  devoted  to 
the  sale  of  burlap. 

The  junior  partner,  Mr.  Brickman,  was  born  in  Volina,  Guberne,  Russia, 
in  the  year  1875,.  and  came  to  America  in  1900,  landing  on  our  shores  April  15. 
Going  to  Chelsea,  Mass.,  he  worked  in  a  junk  yard  for  the  small  remuneration 
of  $3  per  week,  as  he,  like  many  other  ambitious  young  men,  was  willing  to 
sacrifice  present  gain  for  future  benefits.  By  the  exercise  of  the  utmost  econ- 
omy he  managed  to  save  a  little  capital,  and  went  into  business  for  himself. 
This  he  continued  for  a  short  time,  and  then  joined  his  present  partner,  Mr. 
Cutler. 

Mr.  Brickman  was  married  in  Chelsea,  August  8,  1904,  to  Miss  Minnie 
Kleyman.  and  they  have  two  children,  both  of  whom  are  going  to  school  and 
are  studying  music. 

Mr.  Brickman  is  a  member  of  an  Orthodox  Congregation,  the  Knights  of 
Pythias  and  the  I.  O.  B.  A.  His  generosity  in  matters  of  charity  is  well  known 
throughout  the  entire  community. 

Mr.  Philip  Cutler  was  born  in  the  year  1872,  and  upon  landing  in  America 
when  a  very  young  man,  came  to  Chelsea,  Mass.,  and  found  his  first  employ- 
ment working  in  a  soda  water  factory.  He  then  started  out  peddling  and  later 
obtained  some  valuable  experience  in  a  junk  yard,  which  was  of  much  assist- 
ance to  him  when  he  went  into  business  with  his  present  partner. 

Mr.  Cutler  was  married  in  Russia  in  1897  and  has  four  children,  two  girls 
and  two  boys,  who  are  all  excellently  educated  and  accomplished  musicians. 


PHILIP    BROWARSKY 

The  instances  are  so  numerous  where  successful  men  who  have  in  their 
youthful  years  been  poor,  that  the  readers  of  biography  almost  invariably  look 
upon  that  condition  of  early  life  as  necessary  to  future  success. 

There  can  be  no  doubt  that  overcoming  difficulties  early  in  life  is  a  train- 
ing' which  no  amount  of  mere  scholastic  teaching  can  supply,  and  that  men 
who  are  consistently  persevering  and  progressive  can  attain  a  high  step  on  the 
ladder  of  success. 

So  it  was  with  Philip  Browarsky,  who  came  to  America  in  1883  from 
Suwalk,  Russian   Poland,   where  he  was  born  in   1867,   the  son   of   Hyman 

33 


Browarsky,  a  shoeman  by  trade,  but  recognized  as  a  man  of  considerable  intel- 
lectual attainments. 

Arriving  in  New  York,  with  but  little  money,  he  went  out  peddling  small 
merchandise  for  two  months,  and  then  went  to  Pittsburgh,  Pa.  Here  he  con- 
tinued peddling  for  five  years,  when  he  went  to  Xew  Orleans  and  from  there 
to  Toledo,  Ohio. 

Here  he  met  his  present  wife,  who  was  then  Miss  Rebecca  Urbansky,  to. 
whose  inspiration  and  assistance  a  large  measure  of  his  success  is  due.  They 
were  married  in  July,  1890,  and  Mr.  Browarsky  secured  a  position  which  paid 
but  seven  dollars  per  week.  Out  of  this  meager  sum  he  not  only  sustained  his 
family,  but  also  helped  his  parents  in  Europe.  In  a  short  time  he  started  ped- 
dling again,  and  in  the  year  1898,  having  been  able  to  save  a  little  money,  he 
went  to  Bucyrus,  Ohio,  and  engaged  in  the  junk  business. 

In  1905  he  had  the  misfortune  to  lose  everything,  but  being  so  well  and 
favorably  known  in  the  community,  his  credit  was  of  such  a  high  order  that 
he  was  again  able  to  start  into  business,  and  justified  the  confidence  of  his 
friends  by  paying  off  every  dollar  of  his  indebtedness,  together  with  6  per 
cent  interest.  Todav  he  is  doing  an  immense  business,  operating  under  the 
firm  name  of  the  Bucyrus  Iron  and  Metal  Company. 

He  is  also  a  director  of  the  Bucyrus  Rubber  Company,  a  stockholder  in 
the  Ohio  State  Insurance  Company,  the  Building  Corporation  of  Bucyrus,  the 
American  Clay  Machinery  Company  and  the  Allen  Motor  Company  of  Fos- 
toria.  He  is  a  stockholder  in  the  Carroll  Foundry  and  Machine  Company  and 
the  First  National  Bank  of  Bucyrus,  is  President  of  the  Bucyrus  Machine  and 
Tool  Company,  Inc.,  and  owns  90  per  cent  of  the  stock.  He  also  owns  a  large 
amount  of  property,  free  from  all  incumbrances. 

Mr.  Browarsky  belongs  to  both  Orthodox  congregations  of  Toledo,  is  a 
member  of  the  Federation  of  Jewish  Charities,  the  Red  Cross  in  Bucyrus,  Ohio, 
Knights  of  Joseph,  Maccabees,  Brith  Moraham  and  Chamber  of  Commerce. 

Not  wishing  to  wait  until  death  to  dispose  of  his  money,  Mr.  Browarsky 
delights  in  making  liberal  donations  to  the  Denver  hospitals,  Cleveland  Or- 
phans' Home.  Old  Age  Home  at  Cleveland,  Orphans'  Home  at  Erie,  Pa.,  and 
is  one  of  the  largest  contributors  to  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.,  Knights  of  Columbus  of 
Bucyrus  and  the  Red  Cross,  of  which  he  is  Director  in  his  city. 

Mr.  Browarsky  is  a  member  of  the  Masons  and  Elks  and  B'nai  B'rith.  Is 
also  National  Director  of  Consumptives'  Home  in  Denver,  Colo. 

The  Browarskys  have  three  sons  who  are  all  associated  with  their  father 
in  business. 


DR.  SIGMUND  SCHULEM  BURG 

Among  those  who  will  some  day,  when  the  Jewish  history  of  this  country 
will  be  written,  make  the  historian's  task  both  pleasant  and  full  of  contents 
and  meaning  is  Dr.  Sigmund  Schulem  Burg  of  San  Antonio,  Tex,  for  Dr.  Burg 
has  for  many  years  occupied  a  position  of  prominent  leadership  both  in  the 
Jewish  community  and  the  city  at  large.  He  was  born  on  April  15,  1861,  at 
Brody,  Galicia,  and  received,  in  addition  to  a  thorough  secular  education,  an 
excellent  Jewish  training,  which  his  parents,  Samuel  Eliezer  and  Esther 
Frumme  Burg,  provided  for  him.  His  great  aptitude  for  deep  studies  mani- 
fested itself  at  a  very  early  age,  so  his  parents  decided  to  have  their  young  son 
combine  Jewish  interests  and  general  scholarship  with  the  knowledge  and 
practice  of  medicine. 

And  Dr.  Burg  has  certainly  measured  up  in  his  activities  and  achieve- 
ments to  the  most  hopeful  expectations  of  his  parents.     He  took  up  the  study 

34 


of  medicine  at  the  University  of  Vienna,  from  which  he  was  graduated  in 
1887.  The  proficiency  he  made  in  his  studies  was  so  great  that  he  was  ap- 
pointed Sekundar-Arzt  in  the  K.  K.  Krakenhaus  "Wieden"  of  that  city.  In 
1889  he  came  to  this  country  and  settled  in  San  Antonio,  where  his  great  skill 
and  knowledge  have  resulted  in  immeasurable  benefits  to  the  city  and  com- 
munity. 

During  the  period  of  almost  three  decades  that  Dr.  Burg  has  resided  in 
San  Antonio,  he  has  occupied  many  positions  of  distinction  and  prominence. 
For  ten  years  he  has  served  as  Health  Officer  and  City  Physician ;  to  his  care 
and  skill  the  people  of  San  Antonio  entrusted  their  City  Hospital,  and  he  is 
at  the  present  time  Surgeon-in-Chief  of  the  Robert  B.  Green  Memorial  Hos- 
pital. He  also  represented  the  city  of  San  Antonio  at  the  International  Con- 
gress for  Tuberculosis  at  Washington,  D.  C.  and  held  the  office  of  National 
Medical  Examiner  in  the  Order  of  Hermansons. 

_  Numerous  and  prominent  as  have  been  the  positions  of  trust  and  respon- 
sibility which  Dr.  Burg  has  occupied  in  his  own  profession  and  in  the  city 
generally,  just  so  numerous  and  prominent  have  been  the  positions  he  has  held 
among  our  people,  both  in  the  city  of  San  Antonio  and  in  the  state  of  Texas. 
Already  as  a  young  man,  before  he  came  to  this  country,  his  interest  in  Jewish 
affairs  was  so  strong  that  he  took  a  leading  part  among  the  organizers  "of  the 
academical  Kadimah  Society  of  Vienna.  This  interest  he  has  quite  naturally 
retained,  and  the  great  success  and  the  high  standing  which  he  has  gained  have 
given  him  the  opportunity  of  accomplishing  many  noble  tasks  in  behalf  of 
his  people  and  their  cause.  Among  the  things  that  he  has  accomplished  in  that 
direction,  it  deserves  to  be  mentioned  particularly  that  he  organized  the  Zionist 
movement  in  the  state  of  Texas,  that  he  has  twice  been  chosen  to  the  presi- 
dency of  the  Texas  State  Zionist  organization,  that  he  heads  at  the  present  time 
the  San  Antonio  B'nai  Zion  Association,  that  he  has  founded  and  sub-edited 
the  monthly  magazine.  The  Jcwisli  Hope,  the  onlv  Zionist  publication  of  the 
South,  which  during  the  time  of  its  existence  had  a  marked  influence  in  the 
spreading  of  the  gospel  of  Zionism,  and  that  he  was  chosen  last  fall  to  repre- 
sent the  Jewish  population  of  his  city  and  vicinity  at  the  Jewish  Congress  that 
was  to  convene  in  Washington. 

Dr.  Burg,  whose  office  is  in  the  Moore  Building,  is  married  and  is  the 
father  of  four  highly  talented  children.  His  first  wife's  maiden  name  was 
Antonia  Scharfmesser  and  their  children  are :  Edward,  who  is  a  graduate  of 
the  State  University  and  is  studying  medicine  at  Galveston;  Beatrice,  who  is 
likewise  a  graduate  of  the  State  University  and  is  also  studying  medicine ;  Elsa, 
wdio  upon  graduation  from  the  State  University  has  taken  up  teaching  in  the 
public  schools,  and  Minna,  who  shares  the  great  prominence  and  popularity 
of  the  Burg  family.  In  his  second  marriage  Dr.  Burg  married  Mrs.  Molli'e 
Mindes,  a  popular  and  beautiful  lady  of  St.  Louis,  Mo. 


SAM  BURGIN 

A  man's  career  is  not  decided  in  one  lifetime.  He  comes  into  the  world, 
burdened  or  blessed  by  a  heredity  which  is  bound  to  strongly  influence  even- 
action  of  his  life.  The  deeds  of  men  live  after  them  in  the  lives  of  their  de- 
scendants and  in  the  hearts  of  their  associates. 

Many  years  ago  in  Russia  a  Jewish  Rabbi  labored  among  his  people  try- 
ing to  inculcate  principles  of  practical  business  integrity  as  well  as  the'Ortho- 
dox  doctrines  of  his  creed.  At  that  time  a  debt,  if  unpaid  for  seven  years, 
became  outlawed,  the  debtor  being  relieved  from  further  legal  responsibility. 

Rabbi  Burgin  saw  a  higher  moral  responsibility  than  the  law  imposed  and 

35 


was  influential  in  having  a  law  enacted  whereby  a  debt  was  never  outlawed, 
but  remained  a  personal  obligation  of  the  debtor  until  paid. 

In  Medina,  Ohio,  resides  the  grandson  of  this  man,  Mr.  Sam  Burgin, 
honorable  business  man,  philanthropist,  friend.  He  was  born  in  Vilna,  Gu- 
berne,  Russia,  in  September,  1869.  His  father,  adopting  the  profession  of  his 
father  before  him,  was  an  Orthodox  Rabbi,  and  a  most  accomplished  scholar. 
One  of  his  brothers  also  chose  the  church  as  his  life  work  and  rose  to  a  posi- 
tion of  great  distinction,  being  the  official  head  of  the  Church  of  St.  Peters- 
burg and  the  first  Rabbi  to  be  chosen  by  election  of  the  people  instead  of 
appointment  by  the  Czar. 

But  Sam  Burgin  heard  the  call  to  the  new  world  and  came  to  America  in 
July,  1892.  Landing  in  New  York  with  but  $5  in  his  pocket,  he  started  selling 
small  articles  from  a  basket,  this  being  the  only  honorable  employment  which 
immediately  came  to  hand.  Being  well  educated,  he  later  went  to  friends  in 
Louisville,  Ky.,  and  obtained  a  position  as  teacher  of  Talmud.  His  health 
failing  him,  he  was  advised  by  his  physician  to  leave  the  city,  and  he  went 
to  Medina,  Ohio,  engaging  in  the  iron  and  metal  business,  in  which  he  has 
been  wonderfully  successful. 

In  relating  the  incidents  of  his  successful  career,  we  must  not  overlook 
the  wide  influence  exerted  by  his  wife,  whom  he  married  in  Russia,  and  who 
has  been  of  the  utmost  assistance  to  him  in  every  important  event  of  his  life. 

They  have  five  children,  all  of  them  being  finely  educated  as  befits  t^eir 
distinguished  ancestry. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Burgin  are  both  actively  engaged  in  the  promotion  of  many 
charitable  organizations,  their  interests  not  being  confined  to  their  own  com- 
munity, but  extending  over  the  entire  nation.  Thev  are  liberal  contributors 
to  Denver  and  Los  Angeles  hospitals  and  are  members  of  the  Jewish  Congrega- 
tion in  Cleveland. 

Medina  is  fortunate  in  having  such  a  citizen  to  whom  it  can  turn  with 
all  enterprises  for  civic  betterment. 

As  the  influence  of  the  grandfather,  father  and  brother  has  broadened  the 
lives  of  their  community  and  nation,  so  Mr.  Burgin's  associates  have  never 
found  him  wanting  in  extending  his  influence  for  the  cause  of  mankind. 


JACOB  BURSTEIN  AND  LOUIS  EHRLICH 

The  firm  of  Burstein  &  Ehrlich  owes  its  success  to  the  two  partners,  both 
of  whom  came  to  America  and  unaided  fought  their  way  to  positions  of  inde- 
pendence and  affluence. 

They  were  both  born  in  Volina,  Guberne,  Russia,  Mr.  Burstein  in  1879 
and  Mr.  Ehrlich  in  1873. 

Mr.  Burstein  came  to  America  in  1904  and  his  partner  a  year  later.  They 
both  found  their  way  to  Chelsea,  Mass.,  where  they  spent  a  number  of  years 
in  hard  work  buying  and  selling  rags  and  junk,  until  they  joined  forces  in 
1916,  and  established  the  present  prosperous  business. 

Mr.  Burstein  was  married  four  years  prior  to  his  coming  to  America,  to 
Miss  Ida  Goldberg,  and  they  have  six  children,  four  boys  and  two  girls,  all 
going  to  high  school  and  studying  music. 

Mr.  Ehrlich  was  also  married  in  Russia,  in  1900,  to  Miss  Sarah  Green- 
field, and  they  have  four  children,  two  boys  and  two  girls,  all  in  school. 

Mr.  Ehrlich  is  a  member  of  the  Orthodox  Congregation  and  is  liberal  in 
his  gifts  to  charity.  The  Burstein  family  are  members  of  the  Russian  Ortho- 
dox Congregation,  and  Mr.  Burstein  is  also  prominent  in  a  number  of  organi- 
zations, being  past  Treasurer  of  I.  O.  V.  A.,  and  a  member  of  Talmud  Tohra, 

36 


Hasas  Sholomes,  Adas  Israel,  I.  O.  B.  A.,  United  Brothers  Lodge  of  Minxt, 
and  United  Hebrew  Charities  of  Boston.  His  wife  is  also  very  active  in  social 
and  charitable  matters  and  is  prominent  in  the  promotion  of  ladies'  charities. 


GUTMAN    CAPLAN 

Mr.  Gutman  Caplan  is  one  of  those  staunch  Russian  immigrants  whose 
success  in  the  new  world  is  unquestionably  due  to  the  "never  say  die"  attitude, 
and  who  in  their  chief  sojourn  in  this  country  have  actually  accomplished  won- 
ders, due  to  their  never-ceasing  zeal  and  energy. 

Born  sixty-three  years  ago  in  the  province  of  Vilna,  he  came  from  a 
famous  rabbinical  stock,  being  the  son  of  Reb  Nachum  and  Gitel  Caplan.  He 
came  to  America  in  1873  and  started  his  business  career  peddling  in  New  York 
City  and  other  places  until  fate  carried  him  to  St.  Paul,  Minn.  In  1881  he 
settled  in  Pittsburgh  and  started  a  general  bakery  and  a  bakery  for  Matzoth. 
This  venture  proved  the  opening  wedge  in  his  drive  for  success  and  power, 
for  the  Caplan  Baking  Company  of  75  Logan  street,  Pittsburgh,  is  known  far 
and  wide  for  the  delicious  quality  of  its  product. 

Mr.  Caplan  always  took  an  active  interest  in  the  doings  of  his  fellow  men 
and  when  in  St.  Paul  he  was  President  of  the  Congregation  Bnei  Jacob  and 
an  active  force  in  many  of  its  Jewish  and  general  organizations.  In  Pittsburgh 
he  belongs  to  a  large  number  of  societies  and  is  the  President  of  the  important 
Congregation  Beth  Jacob.  The  St.  Paul  congregation  was  built  mainly  by  his 
own  efforts  and  after  it  was  erected  he  was  made  first  Honorary  Secretary  and 
then  its  President,  staying  at  the  head  of  this  institution  until  he  came  to 
Pittsburgh. 

In  1 88 1  Mr.  Caplan  was  married  in  the  city  of  New  York  to  Rikla  Blum- 
berg,  and  they  have  six  children.  Moses,  Samuel,  Isaac  Elchanan,  Herman, 
Zola  and  Rachel  Caplan  are  all  highly  accomplished  and  follow  in  their  par- 
ents' footsteps.  Isaac  Elchanan  is  a  prominent  student  at  Harvard  LTniversity, 
Samuel  is  a  scholar,  a  graduate  of  the  L'niversity  of  Pittsburgh  and  now  in 
business  with  his  father.  Moses,  the  eldest  son,  is  also  a  scholar  and  now  in 
the  wholesale  grocery  business.  The  eldest  daughter  married  Mr.  Wolk,  while 
the  second  daughter  is  Mrs.  Joseph  Lando.  Mr.  Caplan  is  a  Shomer  Shabas 
and  as  a  former  Yeshiba  Bochur  he  gave  his  children  a  thorough  Jewish 
education. 


JULIUS    HARRY    CAPLAN 

While  many  have  succeeded  without  the  aid  of  educational  advantages, 
at  the  same  time  they  are  the  greatest  assets  which  a  young  man  can  possess. 
Certain  it  is  that  Mr.  Julius  Harry  Caplan  found  his  thorough  knowledge  of 
Hebrew  literature  to  be  of  great  assistance  to  him. 

Mr.  Caplan  was  born  in  Shedlitzer,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  March,  1880,  and 
came  to  America  April  10,  1900.  Plis  father  was  a  most  devout  Jew  and  ac- 
complished scholar,  being  the  Shocket  of  the  community,  and"  from  him 
young  Julius  obtained  much  of  the  knowledge  which  was  to  prove  so  valuable 
to  him  in  later  years. 

37 


Upon  landing  on  our  shores  he  came  to  Ansonia,  Conn.,  where  a  brother 
resided,  and  started  out  peddling.  He  then  went  to  Lebanon,  Pa.,  and  upon 
making  known  his  scholarly  accomplishments  was  given  a  position  as  Jewish 
butcher  by  the  local  Tews.  As  this  did  not  occupy  all  of  his  time,  he  was  able 
to  work  in  a  junk  yard  for  Luriah  Bros.,  where  he  had  an  opportunity  of 
learning  the  business.  After  about  eighteen  months  he  and  a  partner  opened 
a  yard  for  themselves,  and  this  continued  until  two  years  ago,  when  they  sold 
the  business  and  Mr.  Caplan  started  in  for  himself.  He  is  not  only  proprietor 
of  the  present  large  firm  of  J.  H.  Caplan,  but  is  also  President  of  the  Pennsyl- 
vania Rag  &  Metal  Co.,  of  Reading,  Pa.,  one  of  the  largest  businesses  of  its 
kind  in  the  state. 

Mr.  Caplan  was  married  June  7,  1902,  to  Miss  Elizabeth  YVolfson  of 
Lebanon.  They  have  four  children,  three  boys  and  one  girl,  all  receiving 
excellent  educations  as  befits  their  prominent  position  in  the  community.  The 
son,  Hyman,  has  made  a  remarkable  record  in  the  school,  as  he  will  graduate 
from  high  school  this  year,  although  he  is  only  thirteen  years  of  age,  and  is 
by  far  the  youngest  graduate  in  the  Lebanon  High  School.  The  children  are 
also  being  thoroughly  educated  in  music  and  in  the  literature  and  traditions 
of  their  race,  as  the  Caplans  are  firm  believers  in  the  teachings  of  their 
religion. 

Mr.  Caplan  is  a  prominent  member  of  Beth  Israel  Congregation  of  Leb- 
anon, is  past  Grand  Master  of  the  Odd  Fellows,  past  Chancellor  of  Knights 
of  Pythias,  and  a  member  of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce.  He  is  also  a  liberal 
contributor  to  Denver  Hospital.  Immigration  Society  of  New  York.  National 
Jewish  Hospital  of  Colorado,  National  Orphans'  Llome  of  New  York,  all  the 
Yishivis,  and  the  Red  Cross,  War  Sufferers'  Fund  and  also  all  other  local 
charities. 


ABRAHAM    CARNICK 

If  every  man  were  able  to  arrive  at  the  goal  of  his  ambitions  by  straight 
road,  much  of  the  fineness  of  character,  which  is  only  brought  out  by  adversity, 
would  be  lost  to  the  world. 

The  striving  toward  worthy  ambitions  tempers  the  fine  metal  of  the  moral 
fiber  which  enables  men  to  achieve  the  seemingly  impossible. 

So  it  was  with  Abraham  Carnick,  who  was  born  in  Wilner,  Guberne, 
Russia,  on  the  15th  day  of  August,  1892.  and  at  the  age  of  fifteen  came  to 
America,  the  land  of  equal  opportunity  for  all.  His  father,  John  Carnick,  was 
a  Jewish  scholar  of  considerable  prominence,  and  his  mother,  Mollie.  was  a 
woman  of  noble  character  and  strong  personality. 

When  he  arrived  in  America  he  seized  upon  the  first  opportunity  which 
presented  itself,  going  to  his  brothers  in  Franklin,  Pa.,  where  he  entered  a 
cigar  factory,  and  gradually  worked  himself  up  to  a  salary  of  fifteen  dollars 
a  week.  He  continued  in  this  line  for  the  following  three  years,  when  he 
decided  to  go  to  work  for  his  brothers,  who  were  in  the  scrap  iron  business, 
in  order  that  he  might  learn  thoroughly  all  the  details  of  the  business.  After 
working  for  one  and  one-half  years,  he  was  made  manager  of  his  brother's 
yard  in  Franklin,  Pa.,  which  responsible  position  he  still  holds. 

We  do  not  feel  that  it  is  necessary  to  relate  the  hardships  of  his  first 
years,  or  the  sacrifices  which  he  made  in  order  to  gain  the  success  which  he 
knew  ultimately  would  crown  his  efforts.  It  is  the  old  story  known  too  well 
to  every  man  who  has  been  obliged  to  face  adversity  in  a  strange  land.  Suffice 
it  to  say  that  it  has  taught  Mr.  Carnick  the  secret  of  success  which  he  passes 

38 


on  to  the  younger  generation  in  this  hrief  advice :  Find  the  work  you  are  best 
fitted  for,  attend  strictly  to  business,  and  give  every  man  a  square  deal. 

Mr.  Carnick  is  a  member  of  the  Orthodox  Congregation  of  Oil  City,  Pa., 
the  Young  Men's  Hebrew  Association,  and  is  a  liberal  contributor  to  every 
worthy  cause,  regardless  of  race,  creed  or  religion. 

Prominent  among  the  institutions  to  which  he  makes  liberal  contributions 
are  the  hospitals  of  Denver  and  Los  Angeles. 


SAMUEL    CAPLAN 

Samuel  Caplan  is  not  accustomed  to  think  that  the  difficulties  he  encoun- 
tered in  early  life  really  retarded  his  progress ;  he  realized  the  truth  that  those 
who  accomplish  anything  great  in  the  world  must  depend  upon  themselves, 
and  not  upon  circumstances.  Necessity  is  a  stern  master,  but  it  is  probably 
the  best. 

Samuel  was  born  in  Vilna,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  1873,  son  of  Joseph, 
farmer,  and  Elume  Caplan.  At  the  time  of  McKinley's  election  he  came  to 
Baltimore,  from  where  he  went  to  Canton,  Ohio,  worked  in  a  junk  vard  for 
five  weeks  for  $6  a  week.  But  being  an  enterprising  young  man,  and  realizing 
it  is  best  to  start  out  for  oneself,  no  matter  how  hard  the  efforts  may  be,  he 
did  so  with  no  assets  but  his  good  name,  and  today  is  one  of  the  leading  men 
of  East  Liverpool,  where  he  owns  property  valued  at  $40,000.  In  conjunction 
with  his  junk  yard  he  has  a  ladies'  ready-to-wear  business  which  does  about 
$50,000  worth  of  business  yearly. 

Rich  in  business  success,  he  is  still  richer  in  his  home  life,  having  a  wife 
and  four  children.     He  was  married  in  Russia  to  Sahra  Rudner. 

Besides  contributing  to  all  charities,  including  the  Los  Angeles  and  Denver 
sanitariums,  Mr.  Caplan  was  one  of  the  founders  and  the  first  President  of 
Congregation  of  Jacob  in  East  Liverpool,  now  one  of  the  Trustees,  also  is  a 
member  of  the  B'nai  Brith  and  Brith  Shalom  of  Philadelphia. 

Thus  we  see  the  future  holds  in  store  much  that  is  good  for  one  of  cour- 
age and  integrity  who  makes  it  a  rule  to  accomplish  the  purpose  for  which  he 
sets  out. 


JACOB    CARNICK 

Opportunity  is  a  precious  thing  justly  celebrated  in  poem  and  proverb, 
but  absolutely  useless  unless  people  are  prepared  to  pay  the  price  in  hopes  long 
deferred  and  in  earnest  endeavor. 

Perhaps  no  young  man  ever  started  a  career  with  more  handicaps  than 
Jacob  Carnick,  who  within  the  space  of  a  few  short  years  has  attained  a  posi- 
tion of  prominence  in  the  business  and  civic  life  of  Youngstown.  Ohio. 

Jacob  Carnick  was  born  in  Vilna,  Guberne,  Russia,  June  <).  1887,  and 
came  to  America  at  the  age  of  sixteen.  The  first  years  of  his  life  in  this 
country  were  a  continual  struggle  against  seemingly  insurmountable  handicaps, 
and  only  those  of  his  immediate  family  and  his  most  intimate  friends  know 
of  the  difficulties  which  he  encountered  and  overcame. 

From  Oil  City,  Pa.,  where  he  had  worked  at  the  cigarmaking  trade  for 

39 


four  months,  he  came  to  Franklin,  Ohio,  where  he  started  a  scrap  iron  yard 
with  his  brother  Robert.  They  also  opened  one  in  Youngstown,  Ohio,  which 
they  are  now  operating  under  the  firm  name  of  Carnick  Brothers,  and  doing 
a  very  large  business. 

Mr.  Carnick  was  married  October  31,  1916,  to  Miss  Dora  Cohen,  a  popu- 
lar young  lady  of  Corry,  Pa.,  and  they  are  not  only  prominent  in  the  social  life 
of  Youngstown,  but  are  also  well  known  for  their  kindly,  charitable  deeds. 

Mr.  Carnick  is  a  prominent  member  of  the  Masons,  Talmud  Torah  and 
B'nai  Brith. 


ROBERT    CARNICK 

The  most  important  history  of  any  nation  or  community  is  that  relating 
to  its  business  interests. 

Business  provides  the  means  for  the  conduct  of  wars ;  it  opens  the  door 
to  the  fine  arts,  it  sets  in  motion  the  harmonies  of  wonderful  music,  it  is  the 
supreme  educator  of  our  times. 

The  life  history  of  every  successful  business  man  is  then  a  partial  history 
of  the  entire  progress  of  his  community  and  it  is  a  great  pleasure  to  chronicle 
the  events  in  the  career  of  Mr.  Robert  Carnick  of  Youngstown,  Ohio. 

He  was  born  in  Vilna,  Guberne,  Russia,  January  14,  1881.  and  came  to 
America  at  the  age  of  eighteen.  Landing  in  New  York,  where  he  stayed  only 
a  short  time,  he  went  to  Boston,  Mass.,  Berlin,  N.  H.,  and  finally  to  Franklin, 
Pa.,  before  he  found  an  opening  which  suited  his  liking. 

Here  he  joined  forces  with  Mr.  S.  Cohen,  whose  daughter  Fanny  he  later 
married.  Eight  months  later  Mr.  Cohen  retired  and  his  interest  was  taken 
over  by  Mr.  N.  Cohen  of  Corry,  Pa.  About  a  year  later  Mr.  Carnick  took  over 
the  Cohen  interest  and  went  into  partnership  with  his  brother  Jacob,  which 
partnership  exists  in  Youngstown  today,  under  the  name  of  Carnick  Brothers. 
He  also  has  another  iron  and  metal  yard  in  conjunction  with  Mr.  N.  Cohen  at 
Corry,  Pa. 

The  Carnick  Brothers  married  two  daughters  of  Mr.  Nathan  Cohen. 

Mr.  Robert  Carnick  and  wife  have  three  sons  who  will  doubtless  succeed 
their  father  in  the  conduct  of  the  immense  business  interests  which  he  has  so 
successfully  developed. 

Mr.  Carnick  is  not  at  any  time  unmindful  of  those  in  less  fortunate  cir- 
cumstances than  himself  and  is  a  liberal  subscriber  to  all  charities. 

He  is  also  a  member  of  the  Elks  and  B'nai  B'rith. 


BERNARD   CHAIMOWITZ 

There  are  men  who  were  born  for  social  work,  just  as  there  are  such  who 
were  gifted  by  nature  with  some  peculiar  talent  or  capability,  or  fit  for  poetry 
or  music.  A  social  worker  who  was  born  to  the  manner  will  naturally  find  his 
life  work  in  helping  his  fellow  man,  in  philanthropy. 

Such  a  one  is  Mr.  Bernard  Chaimowitz  of  McKeesport,  Pa.  His  life 
story  as  a  whole  is  one  endless  chain  of  philanthropic  activity. 

He  was  born  on  the  17th  of  November,  1873,  in  Savene,  Roumania,  as  the 

40 


son  of  Elijah  Chaim  and  Pearl  Chaimowitz.  His  father,  who  is  a  "Lamdan" 
and  former  Shochet,  is  now  at  Palestine.  His  brother  is  a  Rabbi  in  'Browns- 
ville and  there  are  many  Rabbis  in  his  family. 

Mr.  Chaimowitz  came  to  America  on  the  18th  of  January,  1900.  He 
landed  in  New  York,  where  he  worked  for  a  time  at  suspenders,  earning  as  a 
married  man  the  munificent  wage  of  $2.50  per.  He  then  went  to  Pittsburgh, 
where  for  a  few  months  he  was  employed  in  the  cigar  trade.  Afterwards  he 
accepted  a  position  as  manager  in  Kaplan's  bakery,  and  he  kept  this  position 
for  three  and  a  half  years. 

As  soon  as  Mr.  Chaimowitz  found  his  "basis''  in  the  new  country,  he  took 
an  interest  in  social  work.  He  became  the  protecting  spirit  of  every  newly 
arrived  immigrant  from  his  native  Roumania.  He  became  the  Pittsburgh  rep- 
resentative of  the  Industrial  Removal  Office.  He  was  also  at  the  same  time 
assistant  manager  of  the  United  Hebrew  Charities  of  Pittsburgh  and  superin- 
tendent of  the  B'nai  B'rith  Employment  Bureau  for  western  Pennsylvania. 

At  the  same  time  he  continued  in  other  social  activities.  He  was  respon- 
sible to  a  very  large  extent  in  the  building  up  of  the  Roumanian  congregation 
in  Pittsburgh,  of  which  he  was  Secretary  and  Vice  President.  He  was  the 
founder  and  President  of  the  Lebanon  Roumanian  Beneficial  Society.  He  or- 
ganized a  number  of  Roumanian  Lebanon  B'nai  B'rith  lodges,  of  which  he  had 
been  President  and  Treasurer ;  and  he  organized  the  David  Wolfsohn  Lodge 
of  the  Independent  Order  B'rith  Abraham. 

In  191 5  he  bought  a  hotel  in  McKeesport,  Pa.,  and  here  he  also  continues 
as  social  worker,  being  the  Vice  President  of  the  McKeesport  Society  of  Jew- 
ish War  Sufferers.  He  is  the  Vice  President  of  the  Dorschei  Zion  Society  of 
McKeesport  and  was  recently  appointed  a  member  of  the  Soldiers'  and  Sailors' 
Welfare  League  of  Allegheny  County. 

In  his  social  and  philanthropic  work  Mr.  Chaimowitz  can  point  with  pride 
to  the  assistance  of  his  wife,  whose  maiden  name  was  Dora  Eger. 


ISIDOR    M.  CASSEL 

We  are  pleased  to  be  able  to  include  in  this  work  a  brief  sketch  of  the 
life  of  a  young  man  whose  years  have  not  yet  touched  the  meridian,  as  real 
success  should  be  measured  by  earnestness  of  purpose,  and  accomplishment, 
rather  than  by  years. 

Mr.  Cassel  represents  a  fine  type  of  young  American  business  man,  pos- 
sessed of  a  modest,  unassuming,  but  at  the  same  time,  magnetic  personality. 
He  was  born  at  114  Orchard  street,  New  York  City,  October  14,  1887,  the 
son  of  Morris  Cassel,  who  died  when  Isidor  was  but  two  years  of  age,  and 
of  Ray  Cassel,  who  now  resides  at  Miami,  Fla. 

Mr.  Cassel  attended  the  public  schools,  then  the  Morris  High  School,  from 
which  he  graduated,  and  also  had  considerable  work  as  a  student  at  the  Tal- 
mud Torah,  of  East  Broadway,  New  York. 

When  he  had  finished  school,  a  business  career  appealed  to  him,  and  he 
obtained  employment  with  Kaufman  Mandel,  whose  biography  appears  in 
volume  one  of  this  work,  and  was  later  in  the  employ  of  Oshinsky  &  Valentine, 
a  well-known  shirt  manufacturing  concern  of  New  York.  He  remained  with 
this  firm  for  nine  years,  gaining  much  valuable  experience  which  fitted  him  for 


41 


the  management  of  a  business  of  his  own.  This  he  established  and  continued 
for  a  year  and  a  half,  when  his  brother-in-law  purchased  the  New  York  De- 
partment Store  at  Miami,  Fla.,  and  he  entered  into  the  management  of  the 
store.    This  business  is  in  a  most  flourishing  condition. 

Mr.  Cassel  has  a  deep  appreciation  of  the  artistic  side  of  life,  and  has 
displayed  considerable  ability  as  a  musician.  He  finds  an  unfailing  source  of 
pleasure  and  relaxation  from  business  cares  in  his  work  at  the  piano. 

He  is  a  past  Chancellor  Commander  of  the  Knights  of  Pythias. 

His  daily  life  is  an  inspiring  example  of  unostentatious,  earnest  endeavor 
which  is  well  worthy  of  emulation. 


DAVID    CHESNEY 

One  of  the  most  prosperous  business  houses  in  Pittsfield,  Mass.,  is  the 
Pittsfield  Junk  Company,  owned  and  managed  by  Mr.  David  Chesney. 

Mr.  Chesney  was  born  in  Volina,  Guberne,  Russia,. in  January,  1878,  the 
son  of  Kolman  and  Zelda  Chesney.  He  grew  up  in  an  atmosDhere  of  intellect 
and  refinement,  as  his  father  was  a  Rabbi  and  a  great  scholar  in  the  commu- 
nity. 

Coming  to  America  in  December,  1904,  he  found  his  way  to  Pittsfield, 
Mass.,  where  he  spent  six  years  working  in  a  junk  yard  in  order  to  master 
every  phase  of  the  business.  He  then  went  into  business  for  himself,  which 
has  resulted  in  the  present  prosperous  establishment. 

Mr.  Chesney  was  married  in  Russia  October  1,  1897,  to  Miss  Rebecca 
Zemal,  and  they  have  four  children,  one  boy  and  three  girls,  all  going  to  school. 

No  worthy  charity  ever  appeals  in  vain  to  Mr.  Chesney,  as  he  is  a  liberal 
contributor  to  all,  regardless  of  race  or  creed,  although  he  is  a  member  of  the 
Orthodox  Congregation,  and  a  regular  observer  of  all  the  rites  of  his  religion. 


HARRY    COHEN. 

About  forty  years  ago  in  the  village  of  Osterlanikz,  Lomzer,  Guberne, 
Russia,  Mr.  Harry  Cohen  first  saw  the  light  of  day.  His  father,  Eli,  was  a 
tailor  and  his  mother,  Frumene.  was  always  ready  to  make  any  sacrifice  for 
the  welfare  of  her  son. 

On  April  1,  1893,  Mr.  Cohen  first  saw  the  Statue  of  Liberty  in  the  harbor 
of  New  York,  the  symbol  of  freedom. 

After  setting  foot  on  American  soil  he  began  learning  the  trade  of  tailor 
at  a  small  salary  of  only  $3  per  week.  There  he  remained  for  four  years 
and  then  coming  to  Cleveland,  he  learned  to  be  an  operator,  earning  from  $15 
to  $18  per  week,  and  after  three  years  of  persistent  labor  and  with  exceptional 
ability  he  became  a  designer  of  cloaks,  earning  a  salary  of  $35  per  week.  With 
money  saved  from  his  labor,  he  opened  a  retail  store,  then  became  a  manufac- 
turer, which,  not  proving  a  success,  he  again  opened  a  retail  store,  where  he 
remained  for  six  years,  then  he  came  to  Dayton,  where  he  went  into  partner- 
ship with  his  brother-in-law  in  the  iron  and  metal  business  under  the  name  of 
Dayton  Iron  &  Metal  Co. 

On  May   14,   1901,  at  Cleveland,  Ohio,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Lilian 

42 


Levy,  and  they  have  one  child,  a  daughter.  Their  domestic  life  is  full  of 
happiness  and  joy. 

Mr.  Cohen  is  active  in  the  B'nai  B'rith,  a  member  of  the  Anshe  Emeth 
Temple  of  Cleveland  and  a  liberal  contributor  of  all  worthy  charities. 

He  is  known  by  all  as  industrious,  honest  and  versatile,  and  always  strives 
to  do  the  right  thing  at  the  right  time. 

Air.  Cohen's  home  environment  is  all  that  can  be  expected,  his  wife  and 
daughter  are  his  pride  and  joy  and  he  furnishes  them  with  all  the  comforts 
of  life. 

Mr.  Cohen  is  a  consistent  worker  for  all  noble  enterprises,  giving  his  time, 
labor  and  monev  towards  their  success. 


HARRY    I.   COHEN 

The  path  of  success  in  business  is  invariably  a  high  road  lined  with  guide 
posts  of  common  sense,  honesty  and  perseverance. 

Notwithstanding  all  that  has  been  said  about  luck,  the  best  good  fortune 
in  every  man's  life  is  not  that  which  comes  by  accident.  The  only  good  things 
which  we  are  justified  in  hoping  for  are  those  which  we  are  capable  of  creating 
for  ourselves. 

The  above  is  the  substance  of  a  conversation  held  with  Mr.  Harry  I. 
Cohen,  one  of  the  wealthiest  and  most  influential  Jews  of  Detroit,  and  his  advice 
carries  with  it  the  utmost  value  to  young  people  just  starting  out  on  a  business 
career,  inasmuch  as  Mr.  Cohen  has  won  his  way  in  the  world  unaided  by 
anything  but  his  wonderful  ability  and  intense  application. 

He  was  born  in  Shiclava.  Grodna,  Russia,  December  15,  1883,  and  prob- 
ably inherited  considerable  adeptness  for  business  from  his  father,  who  was 
a  successful  dry  goods  merchant  in  his  native  city. 

He  came  to  America  when  only  a  small  child 
and  attended  public  school  until  the  age  of  13 
when  he  was  obliged  to  assume  the  responsibilities 
of  earning  his  own  living. 

Business  history  furnishes  few  instances  of 
harder  apprenticeship  than  that  served  by  this 
young  boy  who  worked  in  a  dry  goods  store  12 
hours  a  day  and  received  the  mere  pittance  of 
$1.50  per  week.  By  dint  of  much  hard  work  he 
finally  had  his  salary  raised,  step  by  step,  to  $15 
per  week.  Had  young  Mr.  Cohen  been  possessed 
with  less  ambition  and  foresight  he  probably  would 
have  remained  indefinitely  at  this  salarv,  but  real- 
izing that  he  had  about  exhausted  the  opportunities 
which  this  business  offered,  he  resigned  to  accept  a 
nosition  of  more  responsibilitv  with  S.  Sarasohn  & 
Co. 

He  remained  with  them  four  years  and  during  that  time  gained  their 
complete  confidence  as  to  his  high  integrity  and  ability,  when  the  smouldering 
ambition  to  be  in  business  for  himself  took  definite  form,  and  he  notified  his 
employers  of  his  intention. 

Rather  than  lose  his  valued  services,  they  offered  to  open  a  branch  store 
and  make  him  an  equal  partner.  This  offer  "he  accepted  and  for  three  years 
operated  same  as  Sarasohn  &  Cohen  Co.  This  partnership  was  dissolved',  but 
in  the  absence  of  his  able  management  the  store  did  not  prove  a  success,  and 
he  was  asked  to  take  it  over.    This  he  did,  taking  as  partner  Mr.  D.  Robinson, 

43 


which  partnership  still  exists  and  has  proved  a  remarkable  mutual  success,  as 
the  Robinson-Cohen  Co.,  is  konwn  today  as  Detroit's  largest  east  side  depart- 
ment store. 

Mr.  Cohen  was  married  to  Miss  Rae  Goldstick,  and  they  have  two  fine 
children  going  to  school. 

Notwithstanding  the  fact  that  Mr.  Cohen  is  one  of  Detroit's  most  wealthy 
and  influential  Jewish  citizens  their  home  life  is  very  simple  and  free 
from  ostentation,  as  both  himself  and  wife  prefer  to  spend  a  large  share  of 
their  income  in  bringing  happiness  to  others.  Their  liberality  in  all  charitable 
and  philanthropic  enterprises  is  so  well  known  that  they  need  no  elucidation 
here. 

Mr.  Cohen  is  a  member  of  the  Knights  of  Pythias,  Beth  Jacob,  and  Shar- 
rey  Zedek. 


JACOB    M.  COHEN 

It  was  an  old  maxim  among  the  Jews  that  he  who  did  not  bring  up  his 
son  to  some  honest  calling,  brought  him  up  to  be  a  thief.  True  it  is  that  the 
teachings  and  environoment  surrounding  a  man's  early  years  are  bound  to 
strongly  influence  his  future  actions. 

We  can  easily  picture  Jacob  Cohen,  Rabbi  and  prominent  Talmudist  of 
Yilna,  Guberne,  Russia,  peering  into  the  future  to  the  time  when  the  son,  who 
was  also  his  namesake,  should  go  forth  into  a  great  new  world,  and  arming 
him  with  the  strongest  weapons  which  a  young  man  can  possess,  absolute  hon- 
esty and  concentration  of  purpose. 

Jacob  Cohen,  Jr.,  was  born  in  Vilna,  Guberne,  Russia,  November  14,  1872, 
and  came  to  America  in  the  summer  of  1892. 

Landing  in  New  York  with  practically  no  money,  he  sought  an  uncle,  who 
urged  him  to  become  an  operator  in  the  cloak  business.  Finding  in  this  occu- 
pation very  little  to  satisfy  his  rising  ambition,  he 
embarked  in  a  number  of  other  ventures,  which 
took  him  from  New  England  to  the  Gulf.  Coming 
back  to  New  York,  he  finally  located  permanently  at 
Olean,  opening  an  iron  and  metal  yard,  where  he 
has  enjoyed  the  prosperity  which  his  unswerving 
diligence  and  integrity  so  richly  merit. 

He  was  married  in  1899  to  Miss  Rosa  Sink- 
man  of  New  York  City,  an  accomplished  girl  who 
has  made  an  ideal  wife  and  mother. 

They  have  four  daughters,  who  are  all  being 
liberally  educated  in  music  as  well  as  their  regular 
scholastic  training.  Two  of  them  are  going  to  high 
school,  while  the  younger  ones  are  yet  in  the  grades. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cohen  have  always  been  most 
generous  in  their  support  of  all  worthy  charities 
and  have  taken  great  pleasure  in  assisting  those  less 

fortunate  than  themselves,  whom  they  have  found  deserving  of  their  help  and 
sympathy. 

Mr.  Cohen's  advice  to  young  people  just  starting  out  in  life  is  the  sum  total 
of  his  own  experience  : 

"Find  out  your  vocation,  follow  it  honestly  and  success  will  follow." 


44 


JOSIAH   COHEN 

When  the  biography  of  the  Honorable  Josiah  Cohen  will  be  written  in  the 
future,  it  will  probably  have  a  sub-title,  "An  Essay  on  Ideal  Americanism." 
Such  biography  will  no  doubt  be  scrutinized  by  the  generations  to  come,  who 
will  seek  therein  the  leitmotif,  the  key  to  a  useful  life;  for,  in  truth,  biography 
must  be  subjected  to  the  same  scientific  determinism  as  is  any  other  branch  of 
human  knowledge. 

Here  is  an  immigrant  boy  who  comes  into  an  American  community,  pro- 
vided with  naught  of  worldly  goods,  with  only  a  will  to  do  and  serve;  then 
this  boy  marks  out  a  path  for  himself  which  leads  him  to  a  place  far  above  his 
fellow  men,  to  a  place  of  eminence  and  distinction. 

What  one  phase  of  this  man's  character,  we  are  moved  to  ask,  is  it  that 
served  as  the  motive  force?  Or  is  it  perhaps  a  happy  combination  of  qualifi- 
cations that  produced  this  career  of  leadership?  For  three  generations  men 
have  loved  Josiah  Cohen  because  they  recognize  in 
him  that  something — indescribable,  perhaps,  but  it 
is  there,  just  the  same — which  puts  him  at  once  at 
the  head  of  the  procession,  be  that  in  the  sphere  of 
politics  or  in  religious  activity  or  in  philanthropy. 

Born  in  Plymouth,  England,  November  29, 
1 841,  Josiah  Cohen  spent  his  boyhood  there,  where 
his  ancestors  had  lived  for  generations  and  prior  to 
that  had  settled  in  Cornwall.  In  1857  he  came  to 
America  with  his  parents,  Henry  and  Rose,  and  set- 
tled in  Pittsburgh,  Pa.  Soon  "after  his  arrival  be 
became  active  in  the  work  of  the  synagogue,  having 
been  employed  as  a  teacher  in  English  to  the  Ger- 
man-Jewish immigrants  who  arrived  about  that 
time.  Rabbi  L.  Naumburg,  whose  daughter,  Car- 
rie, Josiah  Cohen  later  (1870)  married,  was  at  that 
time  the  Rabbi  of  the  Rodef  Shalon  Congregation, 

and  the  services  were  conducted  in  Hebrew  and  in  German.  Soon,  howevt.  ,,, 
order  to  attract  the  younger  generation  to  the  synagogue,  Mr.  Cohen  was  en- 
gaged to  deliver  English  sermons  supplementary  to  those  delivered  by  the 
Rabbi  in  German.  Later  he  studied  law  at  the  office  of  Kirkpatrick  &  Mellon  ; 
apparently  a  very  fortunate  step  in  his  career,  for  in  the  dual  role  of  teacher 
and  jurist  this  man  was  destined  to  play  his  part  so  excellently. 

In  January,  1866,  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar.  The  practice  of  law  soon 
brought  him  m  contact  with  the  city  administration.  Very  early  his  unusual 
oratorical  ability  was  recognized  and  for  a  generation  he  served  on  the  plat- 
form in  the  interest  of  the  Republican  Party  of  Allegheny  County  In  188' 
he  was  chairman  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  the  party.  In  the  year  1884 
he  was  one  of  the  presidential  electors  for  the  state  of  Pennsylvania. 

In  recognition  of  an  able  and  honorable  legal  career,  Josiah  Cohen  re- 
ceived in  1901  the  appointment  of  Judge  of  the  Orphans'  Court.  This  marked 
the  beginning  of  an  even  more  able  and  honorable  judicial  career.  Tudge 
Cohen  brought  to  play  a  fine  personality,  an  attitude  of  sympathy  and  kindli- 
ness, a  demeanor  bespeaking  elemental  justice.  It  is  a  delicate  task  to  sit  in 
judgment,  day  in  and  day  out,  over  human  beings  who  are  accused;  and  at 
the  same  time  to  enjoy  universal  recognition  as  a  righteous  judge.  In  1907 
he  was  elected  for  a  term  of  ten  years  in  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas,  and 
in  1917,  at  a  ripe  age,  but  nevertheless  young  in  spirit,  he  again  placed  his  name 
in  the  primaries  before  the  electors  of  Allegheny  County  for  the  nomination 
to  the  same  office  and  received  a  more  signal  honor  than  was  ever  received 
by  any  judicial  candidate  in  so  closely  a  contested  election.  That  a  Jew  should 
receive  such  a  distinction  in  a  popular  election  makes  the  occasion  epoch- 
making  in  modern  history.  Of  the  15  candidates  for  five  vacant  positions  in 
the  Common  Pleas  Court,  Judge  Cohen  received  79,043  votes,  about  80  per 

45 


v'er,  in 


cent  of  all  the  votes  cast,  heading  the  list  in  the  number  of  votes  polled  and 
receiving  11.453  votes  more  than  the  next  highest  candidate. 

Thus  he  discharged  the  obligations  of  a  citizen.  He  did  not,  however,  stop 
there,  realizing  that  one  has  other  obligations,  namely,  those  of  a  neighbor 
and  of  a  fellow  Jew.  This  brought  him  into  the  field  of  philanthropy.  He 
was  connected  with  all  charitable  undertakings  in  Pittsburgh,  particularly  those 
ministering  to  the  poor  Jew.  In  the  work  of  the  Hebrew  Relief  Association 
or  in  that  of  the  Gusky  Orphanage,  or  in  that  of  the  Home  for  the  Aged,  no 
public  undertaking  could  be  expected  to  succeed  if  the  services  of  Judge  Cohen 
had  not  been  enlisted.  To  this  day  he  is  a  member  of  the  Executive  Board  of 
the  Federation  of  the  Jewish  Philanthropies.  For  many  years  he  has  been  a 
Director  of  the  Allegheny  General  Hospital.  As  far  back  as  1862  he  was 
President  of  the  Allegheny  County  Teachers'  Association.  To  this  day  he  is 
a  member  of  the  directorate  of  the  Union  of  American  Hebrew  Congrega- 
tions. He  was  on  the  Board  of  the  Western  Pennsylvania  Reform  School  at 
Morganza.  From  the  very  beginning  he  devoted  a  great  deal  of  his  attention 
to  the  Rodef  Shalom  Temple,  into  which'  he  came  when  it  was  in!  its  infancy 
and  which  he  helped  to  build  up,  making  it  one  of  the  most  important  religious 
institutions  in  this  part  of  the  country.  He  was  Vice  President  of  the  con- 
gregation until  19 10,  when  he  was  elected  President,  succeeding  the  late 
Abraham  Lippman  to  the  office.  As  a  public  man  he  served  not  alone  his  local 
community.  Active  in  the  B'nai  B'rith,  he  became  President  of  District  No.  3, 
I.  O.  B.  B.  He  was  one  of  the  organizers  of  the  Hebrew  Union  College  lo- 
cated in  Cincinnati.  For  a  long  time  he  was  on  the  directorate  of  the  Jewish 
Publication  Society  of  America.  He  was  connected  with  the  National  Jewish 
Hospital  for  Consumptives  located  in  Denver.  For  many  years  he  has  been 
a  life  member  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  Carnegie  Institute  of  Pittsburgh. 

Here  is  indeed  a  busy  and  fruitful  life,  that  affords  the  newer  generation 
a  criterion,  a  model  for  emulation.  The  personality  of  Judge  Cohen,  while 
it  suggests  primarily  that  of  the  patriarch  and  jurist,  blends  with  it  the  type 
of  the  scholar  and  the  man  of  affairs.  He  is  well  read,  a  forceful  speaker, 
revealing  extreme  earnestness.  Loyal  in  friendship,  he  evidently  has  in  him 
that  quality  which  inspires  steadfast  attachment  and  devotion  in  return. 

A  sketch  of  the  life  of  this  man  would  be  incomplete  without  some  ref- 
erence at  least  to  the  public  activity  of  his  wife,  Mrs.  Carrie  Naumberg 
Cohen.  Her  field  has  been  charity.  For  half  a  century  she  has  ministered 
to  the  poor  of  the  city  of  Pittsburgh  with  a  kindliness  and  genuine  warm  human 
sympathy  which  is  rare  and  which  makes  Jewish  charity  an  ideal  for  the  high- 
est. In  the  Ladies'  Aid  Society  she  was  associated  for  two  generations  with 
Mrs.  Rosalia  Rauh  of  sainted  memory.  This  society  amalgamated  in  1880 
with  the  Hebrew  Benevolent  Society,  the  two  forming  the  present  United 
Hebrew  Relief  Association.  Mrs.  Cohen  carried  her  activity  into  the  United 
Hebrew  Relief  Association,  in  which  she  is  still  serving  as  Vice  President. 
She  has  been  connected  with  the  Board  of  the  J.  M.  Gusky  Orphanage  and 
Home  of  Western  Pennsylvania  since  its  inception.  She  has  been  a  true  Big 
Sister  to  the  girls  who  have  been  raised  in  that  institution.  For  years  it  has 
been  her  hobby  to  select  those  orphans  who  had  an  aptitude  for  music  and 
to  see  to  it  that  the  proper  education  in  that  direction  has  been  provided.  Not 
alone  in  Jewish  charity  has  Mrs.  Cohen  been  active ;  for  many  years  she 
served  on  the  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Pittsburgh  Association  for  the  Im- 
provement of  the  Poor,  and  as  a  member  of  the  Relief  Committee  of  that 
association  has  been  devoting  herself  untiringly  to  this  very  day. 


46 


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k^    \ 

MAX     COHEIV 
Cleveland,    Ohio 


MAX    COHEN 
Cleveland,  O. 

All  of  the  characteristics  of  the  successful  foreign-born  Jew  in  America 
seem  to  be  embodied  in  Max  Cohen,  of  Cleveland,  a  man  of  sterling  moral 
worth,  business  integrity  and  unusual  benevolence.  Like  many  young  Russian 
Jews  who  have  emigrated  to  this  country,  poor  in  pocket  but  rich  in  dreams 
and  determination,  Mr.  Cohen,  on  his  arrival  in  New  York  at  the  age  of  18, 
began  his  uphill  but  persistent  fight  for  money  and  position  and  won  out  by 
sheer  force  of  character,  the  character  which  is  so  often  the  outcome  of  hard 
conditions  in  youth,  particularly  when  given  a  background  of  good  parentage. 
Born  of  Meyer  Cohen,  a  Jewish  scholar  and  agriculturist,  and  Annie,  his  wife, 
in  Walkowisk,  Suwalker,  Guberne,  Russian  Poland,  October  10,  1854,  Mr. 
Cohen's  only  handicap  on  his  arrival  in  America  was  poverty,  the  poverty  of 
struggling  youth  in  a  strange  land.  Just  how  this  lad  of  18  "made  good''  is  a 
brave  tale,  beyond  the  scope  of  a  brief  biography,  and  only  the  hundreds  of 
people  he  has  succored  and  his  own  immediate  family  and  friends  can  possibly 
know  of  the  true  worth  of  this  good  man. 

It  is  a  far  cry  from  the  first  barren  years  of  Max  Cohen's  life  as  a  worker 
in  men's  clothing  at  $7  a  week  in  New  York  to  the  big,  prosperous  iron  busi- 
ness conducted  under  the  name  of  M.  Cohen  &  Sons  Co.,  at  1252  East  55th 
street,  in  Cleveland,  Ohio,  of  which  he  is  the  head,  a  business  of  millions  a 
year,  which  has  made  him  rich  beyond  his  boyhood's  dream  and  enabled  him 
to  exercise  to  the  full  his  natural  tendency  to  charitableness. 

After  four  years  in  New  York,  when  but  22  years  of  age,  Max  went  into 
business  for  himself  in  Cleveland  and  prospered.  He  had  but  little  money. 
Today  he  is  known  as  one  of  the  most  successful  men  in  that  city,  owner  of 
an  entire  business  block  downtown  and  actively  identified,  at  the  age  of  63, 
with  the  great  iron  interests  which  is  one  of  its  chiefest  industries. 

Like  all  good  Jews,  however,  Max  Cohen's  private  life  is  the  better  part  of 
him.  He  has  a  large  family,  three  boys  and  five  girls.  His  wife.  Sarah 
Bialowsky,  to  whom  he  was  married  in  1875,  and  who  has  shared  his  earl}' 
vicissitudes  and  later  successes,  is  well  known  in  Cleveland  societv  as  a  charitv 
worker.  She  is  the  organizer  and  director  of  a  Jewish  Infants'  Home,  and 
like  her  husband,  gives  liberally  to  numerous  benevolent  institutions.  This 
worthy  couple  belong  to  every  charity  in  and  around  Cleveland,  some  26 
societies  in  all,  and  also  contribute  to  the  Max  Nathan  Home  in  Chicago,  the 
Jacob  Joseph  Rabbinical  Home  in  New  York,  Mt.  Sinai  Hospital,  both  Denver 
sanitariums,  all  the  Ishives  in  Russia  and  all  the  institutions  in  Jerusalem, 
Mr.  Cohen  is  a  member  of  the  Congregation  of  Anshe  Ames,  and  has  been  a 
member  of  Beis  Medresh  Agadmel  for  41  years.  He  has  held  almost  every 
office  in  this  organization.  He  organized  the  Talmud  Torah  34  years  ago  and 
is  still  a  Director,  also  the  Old  Home,  Free  Loan,  Jewish  and  Hebrew  Relief 
societies,  and  is  a  director  and  member  of  many  other  organizations  and  Jew- 
ish charities — a  list  too  long  to  enumerate,  but  indicating  his  character  as  noth- 
ing else  could  do. 

"When  I  landed  in  New  York,''  said  Mr.  Cohen,  "all  I  had  was  a  capital 
of  $6  in  German  money  and  I  have  never  vet  had  any  assistance  from  anv- 
body." 

His  advice  to  the  young  is.  "Work  hard.  Be  strictly  honest.  Trv  to  get  an 
education,  and  you  will  find  many  opportunities  open  to  you." 

All  of  Mr.  Cohen's  children  are  successfully  married,  except  one  son, 
Abner  L.,  who  has  been  in  business  with  his  father,  but  is  now  drafted  for 
service  in  the  great  world  war. 


47 


MAX    COHEN 
Harrisburg,  Pa. 

Rough  treatment  gives  to  the  characters  of  men  as  well  as  to  precious 
stones  their  lustre.  The  more  the  diamond  is  cut  the  more  brightly  it  sparkles, 
and  the  trials  which  beset  the  souls  of  men  work  progressively  from  tribula- 
tion to  patience,  from  patience  to  experience  and  from  experience  to  hope. 

This  is  exemplified  in  the  life  of  Mr.  Max  Cohen,  who  landed  in  Harris- 
burg, Pa.,  with  but  two  cents  in  his  pocket. 

He  was  born  in  Kavna,  Gurberne,  Russia,  in  March,  1864,  and  came  to 
America  in  July,  1893.  Without  friends  or  money,  he  obtained  a  pack  of 
goods  on  credit  and  started  out  selling  them  from  house  to  house.  He  con- 
tinued tliis  for  five  years  and  then  deciding  that  the  most  profit  lay  in  the 
iron  and  metal  business,  he  opened  a  small  yard,  which  was  the  beginning  of 
a  wonderful  success  which  has  crowned  all  his  efforts  since  that  time. 

The  business  soon  grew  to  such  large  proportions  that  he  was  compelled 
to  have  assistance,  so  he  took  into  partnership  with  him  his  two  sons,  who  still 
assist  their  father  in  the  conduct  of  their  enormous  business. 

Mr.  Cohen  was  twice  married  and  has  10  fine  children,  to  whom  he 
has  given  good  educations,  and  they  are  all  serving  useful  purposes  in  the 
world.  Three  daughters  who  have  all  graduated  from  high  school  are  at  home, 
one  is  still  in  school  and  one  is  cashier  for  her  father.  His  daughter  Lena  is 
married  to  Mr.  Solomon  of  Harrisburg. 

Jacob  and  Lewis  Cohen  are  the  two  sons  associated  with  their  father  un- 
der the  name  "Max  Cohen  Sons  Co.  Harry  is  still  in  College  and  Mose  is  al- 
ready in  business  for  himself. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cohen  are  devoted  to  the  promotion  of  many  charities 
which  are  not  regulated  by  creed  or  locality.  Many  distant  cities  are  recipients 
of  their  kindness,  one  of  the  most  prominent  being  the  Denver  Hospital. 

Thev  are  exceedingly  liberal  when  called  upon  to  aid  any  local  philan- 
thropic or  religious  enterprise,  and  contribute  liberally  to  Casar  Israel  and 
Hishka  Mina  Congregations,  also  Breth  Abraham,  Breth  Sholoni  and  Liberty 
Lodge. 

Harrisburg  is  indeed  fortunate  in  having  within  its  gates  a  family  of  such 
sterling  worth  to  the  community. 


MAX    COHEN    AND    HYMAN    RUBENSTEIN 
Chelsea,  Mass. 

It  is  our  pleasure  to  relate  the  life  histories  of  two  prominent  business 
men  of  Chelsea.  Mass.,  whose  interests  have  been  identified  for  many  years. 
We  refer  to  Mr.  Max  Cohen  and  Mr.  Hyman  Rubenstein.  of  the  firm  of  Cohen 
&  Rubenstein,  located  at  215-17  Second  street. 

Mr.  Cohen  was  born  in  Kavno.  Guberne,  Russia,  in  September,  187S,  his 
father,  Solomon  Cohen,  being  a  Rabbi  of  his  native  town,  and  also  a  very 
learned  Hebrew  scholar. 

Mr.  Cohen  came  to  America  in  May,  1899.  landing  in  Boston.  Here  he 
met  Miss  Lena  Sander,  and  the  following  year  they  were  married,  going  from 
Boston  to  Chelsea,  Mass..  where  thev  began  their  new  life  with  the  small  sum 
of  $12.  This  Mr.  Cohen  invested  in  a  horse  and  wagon,  and  started  out  to 
peddling  vegetables.  After  the  first  season  he  turned  his  attention  to  junk, 
and  in  a  short  time  was  able  to  open  a  vard,  where  he  continued  until  1908. 
After  a  few  years  in  the  liquor  business,  where  he  was  unsuccessful,  he  sold 
this  interest  and  again  engaged  in  the  wholesale  junk  business  with  his  present 
partner,  where  they  have  been  highly  successful. 

The  Cohens  have  five  children,  two  boys  and  three  girls,  all  going  to 

4S  s 


school  and  well  educated  in  music.  Mr.  Cohen  is  prominent  in  many  fra- 
ternal organizations,  being  past  President  of  I.  O.  B.  A.  and  United  Hebrews 
of  America,  past  President  of  Hoves  Achem  and  Anses  Ford  Congregation. 
He  is  also  on  the  Board  of  Directors  of  these  congregations  and  is  a  prominent 
member  of  the  Foresters,  Knights  of  Pythias,  Odd  Fellows. and  Y.  M.  H.  A. 

His  partner,  Mr.  Hyman  Rubenstein,  was  born  in  Kavno,  Guberne,  Rus- 
sia, in  1877,  and  upon  coming  to  America,  found  his  first  employment  in  a  junk 
yard.  During  the  several  years  in  which  he  bought  and  sold  junk  and  rags, 
he  accumulated  a  valuable  fund  of  knowledge  which  he  brought  to  the  busi- 
ness partnership  formed  later. 

He  was  married  in  Chelsea,  Mass.,  in  1901,  and  has  three  children,  all 
girls,  who  are  being  excellently  educated. 

The  Rubensteins  belong  to  the  same  congregations  as  the  Cohens,  and 
both  families  are  exceedingly  generous  in  their  gifts  to  charitable  organiza- 
tions. 


SAMUEL    COHEN 

Independence  of  spirit  is  a  quality  which  is  bound  to  prove  a  big  asset 
to  any  young  man  just  embarking  upon  a  commercial  career,  and  it  is  one  of 
the  distinguishing  features  of  Jewish  character. 

We  have  a  fine  example  in  the  life  history  of  Mr.  Samuel  Cohen,  who 
was  born  in  Vilna,  Gurberne,  Russia,  in  the  year  1865.  He  was  the  son  of 
Mr.  Max  Cohen  of  that  city,  who  was  engaged  in  the  buying  and  selling  of 
waste  material.  Twenty  years  later  the  family  decided  to  move  to  America, 
and  young  Samuel's  first  experience  in  the  new  world  was  in  New  York, 
where  he  took  up  any  employment  which  offered  in  order  to  make  a  living. 
After  one  year  he  went  to  Philadelphia,  where  he  spent  two  years  peddling, 
and  then  went  to  Lowell,  Mass.,  and  devoted  several  years  to  the  same  occupa- 
tion. In  the  meantime  his  father  had  established  a  waste  material  business  in 
Lowell  and  the  son  decided  to  join  him.  Under  the  able  management  of  father 
and  son,  the  business,  which  is  located  at  61-81  Suffolk  street,  has  attained 
great  prosperity  and  both  partners  are  very  wealthy. 

Mr.  Cohen  was  married  in  1887  to  a  daughter  of  his  own  native  Russia, 
and  they  have  a  lovely  family  of  eight  children,  seven  boys  and  one  girl. 

Like  many  families  during  the  last  year,  the  Cohens  have  been  called 
upon  to  give  a  son  to  the  service  of  their  country,  and  Max  is  now  in  France 
serving  under  the  flag  of  the  United  States.  Alex  is  learning  the  garment 
business  and  Leo  is  working  for  his  father.  The  rest  of  the  children  are  going 
to  school. 

Mr.  Cohen  is  quite  prominent  in  the  Montefero  Society,  the  Hebrew  Free 
Loan  Society,  I.  O.  B.  A.,  and  the  Odd  Fellows.  He  is  also  past  President 
of  the  Jewish  Congregation  of  Lowell.  Both  himself  and  wife  are  always 
counted  upon  for  generous  contributions  to  all  charities,  as  they  are  unfailing 
in  their  liberality. 


49 


SOL.    COHEN 

While  many  men  have  achieved  success  without  having  the  advantages  of 
cultural  and  educational  influences  in  the  home,  the  boy  who  enjoys  these 
advantages  certainly  is  possessed  of  a  valuable  asset  which  will  carry  him  far 
in  any  business  or  profession  he  may  choose. 

The  earliest  remembrances  which  Sol.  Cohen  has  of  his  father  are  asso- 
ciated with  his  profound  knowledge  of  Hebrew,  to  the  study  of  which  he 
devoted  his  entire  life,  and  who  can  say  how  largely  this  educational  atmos- 
phere served  to  mould  the  plastic  mind  of  his  young  son? 

Solomon  Cohen  was  born  in  Suwalker,  Guber,  Russia,  in  1878,  the  son 
of  Benjamin  and  Bashe  Cohen.  Here  he  received  his  education,  but  finding 
little  opportunity  to  gratify  his  rising  ambition  for  a  business  career,  he  said 
good-bye  to  his  parents  and  sailed  for  America  in  1899. 

Landing  in  New  York,  his  first  venture  was  the  sale  of  notions.  Later 
he  engaged  in  the  installment  business,  but  finally  came  to  Franklin,  Pa.,  where 
he  is  now  the  leading  grocer  of  his  city. 

A  few  years  after  Sol.  came  to  America  his  parents  followed  him.  His 
tather  died  in  1914  at  the  age  of  84,  and  his  mother  still  resides  at  Titusville, 
Pa.    ■ 

Mr.  Cohen  was  married  October  11,  1903,  to  Miss  Rebecca  Lieberman  of 
New  York  City,  who  has  been  a  most  charming  and  capable  wife  and  mother. 

They  have  three  children,  two  boys  and  one  girl,  all  going  to  school. 
Doubtless  their  brilliant  academic  education  will  sustain  the  Cohen  standard 
of  scholarship. 

Mr.  Cohen  is  a  man  of  wide  influence  in  his  community,  both  himself 
and  wife  devoting  much  time  and  money  to  the  promotion  of  welfare  and 
philanthropic  work. 

Mr.  Cohen  is  chairman  of  the  Society  for  Assistance  of  Jewish  War  Suf- 
ferers, and  an  ardent  supporter  of  the  Jewish  Emigration  Society.  He  is 
.one  of  the  national  directors  of  the  Denver  and  Pittsburgh  Orphans'  Homes 
and  a  valued  member  of  the  Board  of  Trade.  Also  a  member  of  Orthodox  Oil 
City  Shule. 


ISAAC    COLP 

In  the  village  of  Vilna,  Guberne,  Russia,  October  25,  1870,  was  an  event 
of  no  small  significance  for  Toria  and  Yenta  Colp,  when  there  was  born  to 
them  a  son  whom  they  named  Isaac. 

Isaac  left  his  native  town  in  1891,  and  landed  in  New  York.  From  there 
he  came  to  Springfield,  Ohio,  where  he  peddled  junk  for  10  years,  being 
quite  successful.  The  eagerness  with  which  he  entered  into  his  work  soon 
brought  him  more  success.  He  went  to  Jamestown,  Ohio,  opened  another 
yard,  which  was  running  for  14  years. 

It  is  true,  success  or  no  success,  we  all  get  the  craving  for  a  change. 
Mr.  Colp  moved  to  Xenia,  Ohio,  and  opened  a  yard  under  the  firm  name  of 
Xenia  Supply  Co.,  where  he  owns  his  own  home  and  business  property  and  is 
doing  very  well. 

Mr.  Colp's  advice  to  young  men  is  this,  "Be  honest,  develop  a  good  char- 
acter and  work  hard." 

Mr.  Colp  was  married  in  1889  in  Europe  to  Miss  Ida  Toben,  and  together 
they  have  dispensed  charity  to  every  worthy  cause,  as  well  as  to  the  local 
hospitals  and  the  Denver  and  Los  Angeles  sanitariums. 

They  have  three  promising  children,  one  son  and  two  daughters.  Jacob 

50 


and  Rebecca  in  business  with  their  father,  and  Sara  married  to  Joseph  Kastner 
of  Piqua,  Ohio. 

Mr.  Colp  is  also  a  member  of  B'nai  B'rith.  Masons  and  K.  of  P. 


SAMUEL    COOKE 

Our  Jewish  nation  seems  destined  to  go  down  in  history  as  one  which  has 
shown  its  great  versatility  in  many  lines  of  endeavors.  Xever  has  any  race 
seemed  so  able  to  adapt  itself  to  the  needs  and  circumstances  of  the  times  as 
our  own  Jewish  race.  The  Jew  has  ever  been  known  as  a  believer  in  justice 
and  right.  Back  through  the  times  of  persecution  by  the  Pharaohs  and  down 
through  the  ages  until  the  present  day,  the  Jew's  existence  has  not  always  been 
the  most  pleasant.  It  was  a  constant  struggle  for  self-existence ;  and  all 
through  this  the  Jew  was  taught  the  moral  lessons  of  what  it  means  to  suffer 
for  one's  faith.  Thus  has  the  Jew  fought  with  all  his  soul  where  justice  was 
at  stake. 

At  the  present  day  we  are  again  engrossed  in  such  a  struggle  where  democ- 
racy and  freedom  are  at  stake,  and  the  American  Jew,  although  his  race  has 
had  no  part  in  any  war  confabs,  has  seen  the  justice  of  the  course  of  the 
United  States  and  has  freely  given  his  all  to  do  what  little  he  could.  What  a 
proud  day  it  must  have  been  for  Emanuel  and  Anna  Cooke  when  three  of 
their  sons  left  for  the  army  in  the  cause  of  democracy,  and  with  what  mis- 
givings did  their  fourth  son,  Samuel,  stay  behind  because  of  physical  dis- 
abilities. 

Born  in  the  Battersea,  a  suburb  of  London,  England,  on  December  24, 
1876,  Samuel  Cooke  came  to  Xew  York  in  the  summer  of  1884.  destined  to 
enter  a  new  life  in  a  new  country.  As  our  modern  hero  he  began  his  adven- 
tures bv  selling  newspapers  on  the  Bowery,  later  doing  various  kinds  of  work 
at  the  Saratoga  race  tracks,  at  Long  Branch,  and  at  Jerome  Park.  His  spirit 
for  venture  lured  him  on  and  he  subsequently  became  a  jockey  under  an 
assumed  name,  for  fear  his  parents  would  not  consent  to  his  new  profession. 

This  same  spirit  later  took  him  to  Cleveland,  where  he  engaged  in  the 
manufacture  of  cigars,  keeping  a  pool  parlor  in  connection  with  his  cigar 
establishment.  Samuel  Cooke  also  found  time  to  settle  down  and  enjoy  family 
life.  His  daughter  Ada  seems  destined  for  a  business  career,  having  graduated 
with  high  honors  from  Spencerian  College.  She  is  also  well  known  among 
Cleveland's  music  admirers,  for  she  has  for  several  years  studied  music  under 
various  masters,  the  latest  one  being  Mr.  B.  Landino.  Mr.  Cooke's  son,  Ed- 
ward, a  young  man  of  seventeen,  is  at  present  enrolled  at  Annapolis  with  a 
view  of  becoming  a  naval  officer. 

At  the  present  time  Mr.  Samuel  Cooke  is  located  at  1350  Ontario,  with 
a  cafe  and  restaurant,  known  as  Cooke's  Inn.  He  has  ever  found  himself 
ready  and  willing  to  partake  in  the  Jewish  affairs  of  his  city,  having  served 
successfully  as  officer  in  the  various  societies  with  which  he  has  been  con- 
nected. The  Bnei  Jeshurun  Temple,  the  B'nai  B'rith,  the  Bais  Abraham  and 
the  Hungarian  Aid  Society  feel  highly  honored  with  the  membership  of  the 
benevolent  Air.  Samuel  Cooke,  who  is  also  an  active  member  of  the  Odd  Fel- 
lows, Eagles  and  the  Moose. 


51 


SAMUEL    COOPER 

The  dealer  in  waste  materials  has  at  last  come  into  his  own.  Not  only 
is  he  able  to  make  handsome  profits  at  the  present  time,  but  his  business  has 
gained  importance  and  recognition  since  the  beginning  of  the  war,  such"  as  it 
had  never  acquired  before.  This  is  due  to  the  fact  that  conservation  is  the 
watchword  of  the  hour  and  is  one  of  the  elements  which  is  helping  us  win  the 
war. 

Prominent  among"  the  dealers  in  waste  metal  and  iron  is  the  firm  National 
Smelting  &  Refining  Co.,  represented  by  Cooper  &  Temchin,  located  at  No. 
119  Illinois  street,  Detroit,  Mich.  Mr.  Cooper,  the  senior  member  of  the  firm, 
was  born  in  Rovna,  Valina,  Russia,  in  September,  1879,  and  came  to  America 
in  July,  1910.  He  landed  in  Detroit  and  began  working  in  the  junk  business  for 
$4.50  per  week.  He  remained  one  year  and  from  his  meager  earnings  saved  $75 
besides  sending  money  for  the  support  of  his  family  in  Russia.  He  then  went 
into  business  and  after  four  years  of  very  hard  work,  during  which  time  he  got 
the  business  established  in  a  fair  way  towards  success,  he  joined  forces  with 
his  present  partner,  Mr.  Temchin,  and  their  progress  has  been  very  rapid. 

Mr.  Cooper  was  married  in  Russia  to  Miss  Zipa  Schnei,  and  they  have 
four  children,  all  girls,  who  are  still  in  Russia. 

Mr.  Cooper  is  very  active  in  religious  and  educational  affairs,  being  one 
of  the  founders  of  Beth  Amadrash  Agudal  School  and  was  the  first  President 
of  same  for  five  years.  This  institution  is  today  considered  one  of  the  finest 
schools  in  the  city.  Mr.  Cooper  is  also  active  in  a  number  of  other  organiza- 
tions and  is  most  liberal  in  his  gifts  to  charity. 


ISRAEL    CORMAN 

Although  Mr.  Israel  Corman,  one  of  the  older  residents  of  Massachusetts, 
has  retired  from  active  service,  he  is  still  a  prominent  figure  in  the  business 
life  of  the  community,  as  through  his  efforts  the  American  Bag  &  Burlap 
Company  was  built  up  into  the  large  and  successful  concern  which  his  sons 
are  so  ably  managing  at  the  present  time,  in  Chelsea,  Mass. 

Mr.  Corman  was  born  in  Volina,  Guberne,  Russia,  and  came  to  America 
many  years  ago.  He  began  working  in  a  factory  for  three  dollars  per  week, 
and  later  in  a  junk  yard  for  six  dollars  per  week.  Then  he  decided  to  go  into 
business  for  himself,  and  started  out  peddling  junk,  but  not  being  very  suc- 
cessful, he  went  to  work  in  a  bag  shop,  but  the  desire  for  being  in  business 
for  himself  was  still  within  him,  and  he  started  peddling  again  with  his  son 
Samuel.  This  venture  was  more  successful  and  they  soon  saved  enough  money 
to  start  the  nucleus  of  the  present  business.  After  a  while  business  progressed 
and  Louis  and  Benjamin  were  also  taken  into  the  business,  and  today  Samuel, 
Louis  and  Benjamin  are  the  active  managers  of  the  institution.  The  three 
daughters  and  youngest  son  are  all  attending  school. 

We  feel  that  a  word  should  be  spoken  regarding  Mrs.  Corman,  who  is 
very  active  socially  and  an  ardent  promoter  of  the  various  charities,  to  which 
the  entire  family  are  liberal  contributors.  They  are  all  members  of  the  Russian 
Orthodox  Congregation,  and  Mr.  Corman  is  Treasurer  of  the  Vischiritz  Relief 
Society. 


52 


JOSEPH    CORMAN 

Few  things  are  impracticable  in  themselves.  It  is  usually  from  want  of 
application,  not  of  opportunity,  that  men  fail  of  success. 

When  we  have  before  us  so  many  instances  of  men  coming  to  our  shores 
friendless,  in  a  strange  land  without  money,  surrounded  by  new  faces  and  an 
unknown  language,  yet  conquering  all  these  obstacles  by  sheer  tenacity  of 
purpose,  we  should  be  ashamed  to  ever  acknowledge  discouragement. 

Such  is  the  life  story  of  Joseph  Corman,  son  of  Zelik  and  Fanny  Corman, 
who  was  born  in  Rorchonsk,  Russia,  September  15,  1885. 

"  He  came  to  America,  landing  in  Cleveland  during  the  winter  of  1906, 
and  for  a  short  time  worked  in  a  clothing  shop.  However,  the  calling  of  his 
father,  who  was  a  dealer  in  iron  and  metal,  made  a  strong  appeal  to  him,  so 
he  started  in  this  line  of  business  in  a  small  way.  Seven  years  later  he  came 
to  Canton,  Ohio,  where,  with  Mr.  Heller,  he  opened  an  iron  and  metal  ware- 
house under  the  name  of  Corman  &  Heller,  which  is  the  business  he  is  engaged 
in  today,  and  which  has  proven  very  successful. 

He  was  married  January  2,  1908,  to  Miss  Bessie  Schwartz  of  Cleveland, 
Ohio,  who  has  been  of  wonderful  assistance  to  her  husband  and  is  giving  their 
two  children  a  home  training  that  will  be  of  the  utmost  benefit  to  them  during 
their  whole  lives. 

He  is  a  member  of  Old  Schule  and  very  liberal  to  all  charities  appealing 
to  him  for  aid. 


JACOB   M.   COUSINS 

Jacob  M.  Cousins,  whose  great  success  in  life  may  be  attributed  to  his 
unceasing  industry  and  perseverance,  was  born  in  Suwalk,  Guberne,  Russia, 
May  15,  1876,  son  of  Sam  and  Freda  Cousins. 

While  yet  very  young,  Jacob  was  sent  to  America,  the  land  of  gold,  landed 
in  New  York  in  April,  1894,  began  working  at  his  trade  of  blacksmithing  at 
$2  per  day,  remaining  at  it  for  six  months,  but,  not  being  afraid  of  work  and 
realizing  $2  but  a  meager  salary,  he  came  to  Toledo  and  with  a  partner  went 
into  the  meat  business.  This  being  out  of  his  line,  and  young  as  he  was,  he 
showed  much  of  the  business  skill  which  was  to  make  him  rich  in  later  days. 
He  left  this  business  and  began  peddling  junk  and  for  three  years  he  did  well 
at  that. 

Now  fairly  embarked,  he  advanced  on  the  road  to  fortune  steadily,  ex- 
hibiting great  exactness,  fairness  and  energy  in  all  that  appertained  to  busi- 
ness. He  then  came  to  Kenton,  Ohio,  and  opened  a  yard,  was  there  for  two 
years,  then  sold  out  and  came  to  Mansfield,  Ohio. 

In  1908  he  met  with  reverses  through  failure  of  several  firms  in  which 
he. was  interested  and  although  left  penniless,  he  had  something  of  more 
value,  a  good  name.  He  began  again  at  the  beginning  and  todav  is  doing  the 
biggest  business  in  the  territory  and  considered  very  wealthy,  besides  being 
Treasurer  of  Kenney  Foundry  Co.,  stockholder  of  the  Hughes-Keenan  Co., 
American  Clay  Products  Co.,  photoplay  houses  in  Toledo,  and  many  others. 

His  wife,  who  was  Gussie  Eppstein,  daughter  of  Julius  and  Lottie  Epp- 
stein,  of  Toledo,  has  always  been  active  in  his  business,  and  being  highly  edu- 
cated, always,  even  to  thio  day,  manages  the  finances  of  his  business,  besides 
being  very  active  in  the  Red  Cross,  Ladies'  Aid  Society,  Eastern  Star  and 
K.  of  P.  " 

Let  me  say  here,  her  brother,  Joseph  O.  Eppstein,  of  Toledo,  was  the 
youngest  member  of  the  House  of  Representatives  from  this  state,  being  at  that 

S3 


time  only  22  years  of  age,  and  is  now  Assistant  District  Attorney  General  of 
Ohio. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cousins  contribute  to  all  charities,  including  Denver  and 
Los  Angeles  hospitals,  Orphans'  and  Aged  Home  in  Cleveland,  and  while 
they  have  no  children  of  their  own,  they  raised  one  girl,  who  married  one  of 
the  Eppstein  boys  of  Toledo  and  are  now  bringing  up  a  boy  who  bids  fair 
to  follow  the  footsteps  of  his  adopted  parents  and  become  a  pride  to  them. 

Mr.  Cousins  is  a  member  of  Temple  in  Mansfield,  Ohio,  B'nai  B'rith, 
Elks,  Masons,  K.  of  P.,  Odd  Fellows,  Foresters,  Moose,  Chamber  of  Com- 
merce and  Auto  Club. 

"Hard  work,  integrity  and  perseverance''  is  his  advice  to  the  younger 
generation. 


JOSEPH    COUSINS 

If  experience  is  the  best  teacher,  she  is  also  a  most  exacting  task  mistress. 
She  teaches  us  that  the  road  to  success  is  not  to  be  traversed  in  a  day.  We  pass 
slowly,  step  by  step,  learning  life's  lesson  bit  by  bit.  This  is  the  only  way  to 
wisdom ;  the  only  way  to  wealth ;  the  only  way  to  honor. 

So  it  was  with  Joseph  Cousins,  who  learned  the  value  and  uses  of  iron 
in  the  foundry  where  it  comes  white  hot  and  molten  to  be  welded  or  moulded 
into  a  thousand  purposes  for  mankind. 

Where  men  sweat  and  toil  in  an  inferno  of  heat  that  we  may  enjoy  the 
modern  conveniences  of  civilization. 

Joseph  Cousins  was  born  in  Toledo,  Ohio,  June  6,  1885,  where  his  father, 
Samuel  Cousins,  was  engaged  in  the  iron  and  metal  business. 

Young  Joseph,  being  of  a  very  independent  disposition,  did  not  go  to 
work  for  his  father,  but  decided  to  serve  his  apprenticeship  in  a  foundry 
where  he  could  obtain  a  first-hand  knowledge  of  metals. 

He  first  worked  in  his  native  city,  then  in  Ft.  Wayne,  Ind.,  and  finally 
went  to  Lima,  Ohio,  where  he  was  employed  by  M.  Bernstein  &  Co. 

His  technical  knowledge  and  unusual  executive  ability  soon  made  his 
services  very  valuable  to  his  employers,  who  made  him  a  member  of  the  com- 
pany, where  he  has  remained  ever  since. 

'Mr.  Cousins  is  yet  a  very  young  man,  with  the  best  years  of  life  before 
him.  and,  judging  by  the  brilliant  achievements  of  his  earlier  years,  will  yet 
become  a  national  figure  in  the  business  world. 

He  is  a  prominent  member  of  the  Elks. 


SAMUEL    CREMAR 

Versatility  is  the  greatest  asset  which  a  business  man  can  possess. 

The  capacity  to  direct  one's  energies  to  the  accomplishment  of  any  task 
which  comes  to  hand  has  carried  many  a  man  swiftly  up  to  the  summit  of 
success  and  has  held  him  there  against  tremendous  odds. 

When  Samuel  Cremar  landed  in  New  York  he  was  only  19  years  old 
and  had  absolutely  no  preconceived  ideas  regarding  a  business  career.  Going 
to  his  brother  in  Bangor,  Me.,  he  was  given  credit  for  the  purchase  of  a  few 

54 


notions  which  he  started  out  to  sell  as  a  means  of  livelihood.  His  next  occu- 
pation, radically  different  from  the  first,  was  that  of  house  painting,  and  this 
he  pursued  with  the  same  diligence  for  the  following  eighteen  months. 

But  the  strong  desire  to  be  in  business  for  himself,  which  is  inherent  in 
every  progressive  spirit,  led  him  to  Canton,  Ohio,  where  he  started  an  iron 
and  metal  business.  From  there  he  went  to  Newark,  Ohio,  and  finally  to 
Parkersburg,  W.  Ya.,  where  he  joined  his  present  partner  in  the  business  which 
they  are  now  conducting  so  successfully. 

He  was  married  in  1903  to  Miss  Shara  Friedman  of  Norwich.  Conn.,  and 
to  her  sympathetic  co-operation  he  attributes  much  of  his  success.  They  have 
five  children,  four  boys  and  one  girl,  who  are  being  thoroughly  educated  in 
musical  as  well  as  along  academic  lines. 

Mr.  Cremar  is  a  member  of  B'nai  Jacob,  B'nai  B'rith,  and  is  also  affiliated 
with  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America  and  the  Moose. 

His  liberal  contributions  to  the  Denver  and  Los  Angeles  hospitals,  the 
Old  Age  and  Orphans'  Home  and  the  many  local  charities  which  never  appeal 
to  him  in  vain  have  been  the  means  of  alleviating  much  suffering  and  has 
brightened  the  lives  of  thousands  who  have  been  recipients  of  his  beneficence. 


OSCAR   CUTLER 


The  great  mistake  which  many  American-born  young  men  make,  is  that 
thev  are  not  willing  to  serve  the  severe  apprenticeship  which  seems  almost 
necessary  to  a  successful  business  career.  This  accounts  largely  for  the  fact 
that  many  young  immigrants  have  outdistanced  them  in  the  race  to  a  business 
success. 

We  have  such  an  example  in  the  life  of  Oscar  Cutler,  who  was  born  in 
Yolma,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  1870,  the  son  of  Wolf  and  Hanna  Cutler.  He 
came  to  this  country  in  1899,  and  started  working  in  a  junk  shop  in  Chelsea. 
Mass.,  for  $3  per  week  and  board.  While  Mr.  Cutler  realized  that  this  was  a 
very  meager  salary  and  that  he  could  make  a  great  deal  more  money  in  some 
other  way,  he  wisely  continued  for  two  years,  ac- 
quiring an  intimate  knowledge  of  the  business 
which  proved  most  valuable  to  him  when  he 
started  in  for  himself.  He  is  today  conducting  one 
of  the  largest  establishments  in  Chelsea,  handling 
all  kinds  of  metals  and  rubber.  His  plant  is  located 
at  46  Arlington  street,  where  he  owns  the  entire 
building  and  all  equipment. 

Mr.  Cutler  was  married  in  1891  to  Miss  Bessie 
Levine,  and  they  have  five  children,  three  boys  and 
two  girls,  who  are  all  being  fitted  to  occupy  useful 
and  prominent  positions.  The  eldest  son.  Xathan. 
was  in  business  with  his  father  until  our  country 
became  engaged  in  the  war,  at  which  time  he  patri- 
otically shouldered  arms  in  his  country's  cause. 
Benny  is  studying  Medicine  in  Tuft  College.  The 
one  daughter  is  a  high  school  graduate  and  a 
younger  son  and  daughter  are  still  in  school. 

Mr.  Cutler  is  very  prominent  in  all  charitable  activities  and  is  past  Treas- 
urer of  the  Anses  Schwat  Congregation,  of  which  he  is  also  one  of  the  found- 
ers.    He  is  also  very  active  in  f.  O.  B.  A. 


BENNY  CUTTLER 

The  career  of  Mr.  Benny  Cuttler  is  one  which  should  inspire  every  young 
man  to  renewed  effort  in  the  face  of  .discouragement,  as  it  is  another  exempli- 
fication of  the  old  truism,  "Where  there  is  a  will,  there  is  a  way." 

Mr.  Cuttler  was  horn  in  Kiev,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  March,  1876,  and 
came  to  America  in  the  year  1907.  Finding  his  way  to  Chelsea,  Mass.,  he 
worked  in  a  blacksmith's  shop  for  about  eight  months,  at  which  time  the  town 
suffered  a  severe  fire,  and  Mr.  Cuttler  worked  on  the  streets  clearing  away 
debris  for  30c  per  day.  Later  he  received  $1  per  day,  and  was  able  to  save 
$12,  with  which  he  began  buying  and  selling  junk. 

He  was  so  successful  that  he  saved  $1,000  the  first  eight  months,  and 
then  decided  to  go  into  the  teaming  business.  Prior  to  this  time  he  had  been 
sending  money  back  to  Europe  for  the  support  of  his  family,  but  he  now  felt' 
justified  in  sending  for  them.  However,  just  before  they  arrived  he  was  so 
unfortunate  as  to  lose  his  horses  and  had  to  start  all  over  again. 

Obtaining  employment  at  only  $9  per  week,  and  with  his  family  just 
arrived  from  Russia,  they  were  all  obliged  to  endure  extreme  privation,  during 
which  time  Mr.  Cuttler  supported  them  by  digging  ditches  or  any  other  hard 
labor  which  came  to  hand,  until  he  had  saved  $150,  with  which  lie  went  into 
business,  and  this  was  the  first  step  toward  the  big  success  which  he  has 
achieved  in  wool  scrap  and  burlap. 

The  Cnttlers  have  eight  children,  three  boys  and  five  girls.  Morris  is  in 
business  with  his  father.  Paul  is  going  to  Burdett  College.  The  balance  of 
the  children  are  all  in  school  and  are  accomplished  in  music. 

The  Cuttlers  are  liberal  in  their  gifts  to  Charities,  and  Mr.  Cuttler  is 
Treasurer  of  Orthodox  Congregation.  He  is  also  prominent  in  Talmud  Torah, 
Liberty  Lodge  and  Progressive  Society. 


HYMAN    CUTTLER 

Prominent  in  the  business  life  of  Chelsea,  Mass.,  is  the  firm  of  H.  Cuttler 
&  Co.,  of  which  Mr.  Hyman  Cuttler  is  the  directing  genius. 

Mr.  Cuttler  was  born  in  Volina,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  August,  1870,  the  son 
of  Morris  Cuttler,  a  prominent  mill  owner  and  scholar. 

A  good  demonstration  of  the  qualities  of  initiative  and  courage  which 
Mr.  Cuttler  possesses  is  the  fact  that  he  was  36  years  old  at  the  time  he  came 
to  America,  an  age  when  a  less  bold  spirit  would  hardly  consider  starting  in 
upon  a  new  career. 

Mr.  Cuttler  came  to  America  in  1906,  and  coming  direct  to  Chelsea,  Mass., 
started  in  a  rubber  shop  at  the  small  salary  of  $6  per  week,  in  order  to  have 
an  opportunity  of  learning  the  business.  After  three  months  he  went  into 
business  for  himself  and  has  been  successful  in  the  highest  degree. 

Mr.  Cuttler  was  married  in  April,  1900,  to  Miss  Bessie  Cutler.  They 
have  six  children,  three  boys  and  three  girls,  who  are  all  being  excellently 
educated. 

In  addition  to  the  excellent  home  training  which  Mrs.  Cuttler  has  given 
her  children,  she  has  found  time  for  activity  in  many  prominent  social  affairs, 
and  devotes  a  great  deal  of  time  and  money  to  the  promotion  of  charities. 
Mr.  Cuttler  is  prominent  in  both  the  Orthodox  Congregation  and  the  United 
Hebrews  of  America.    He  is  also  a  member  of  the  Foresters. 


56 


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3ttj 

WOLF  DANIELS 

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1 


MYER    DANA 

Mr.  Myer  Dana,  who  is  one  of  the  leaders  in  real  estate  and  banking  in 
Boston,  started  life  very  humbly.  He  came  to  America  some  twenty-seven 
years  ago  from  a  little  village  near  Vilna,  Russia,  practically  without  a  cent. 
Arriving  in  Boston,  he  became  a  peddler ;  at  first  he  sold  matches,  then  dry 
goods  and  later  on  all  sorts  of  merchandise  on  the  intallment  plan.  In  1895 
he  found  himself  with  an  accumulated  capital  of  $1,200,  which  was  just  suffi- 
cient to  buy  the  first  lot.  He  started  in  the  real  estate  business  by  building  his 
first  house.  The  net  proceeds  of  his  first  two  years  in  this  venture  brought 
him  large  returns.  He  opened  a  real  estate  office  in  partnership  with  a  Mr. 
Levin  under  the  firm  name  of  Dana  &  Levin,  continuing  it  under  this  title 
until  191 1,  when  the  partnership  was  dissolved  and  he  started  in  business  on 
his  own  account.  His  office  is  at  present  located  at  the  Pemberton  Building  of 
Boston  and  his  business  has  been  remarkably  successful. 

The  Congregation  Adath  Yeshurun  numbers  Mr.  Dana  among  its  most 
active  members.  He  is  one  of  the  organizers  of  this  important  Jewish  relig- 
ious center  and  during  the  construction  of  the  building  was  Vice  President. 
Financial  Secretary  and  a  member  of  the  Building  Committee.  He  is  one  of 
the  charter  members  of  Beth  Israel  Hospital,  was  Chairman  of  its  Building 
Committee  and  is  now  Vice  President  and  Chairman  of  the  Finance  Commit- 
tee. Mr.  Dana  is  also  active  in  the  order  B'nai  B'rith,  to  which  he  has  be- 
longed for  many  years,  and  the  Boston  Hebrew  Educational  Alliance,  to  which 
institution  he  presented,  at  a  banquet  given  in  October,  19 16,  a  mortgage 
which  he  held. 

Mr.  Dana's  wife,  nee  Etta  Finn,  comes  from  the  government  of  Suvalk. 
Russia,  and  is  the  daughter  of  Chain  Finn,  one  of  the  most  prominent  Jews 
of  his  native  place.  Her  grandfather  was  the  renowned  Rabbi  Elimelech  Meir 
Shapiro  of  Kovno  and  her  ancestors  were  all  high  in  the  Jewish  councils  of 
learning.  The  marriage  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Dana  took  place  on  May  24,  1896, 
and  the  marriage  was  blessed  with  three  highly  accomplished  children  :  Ger- 
trude, the  oldest  daughter,  is  a  graduated  of  the  Boston  High  School  and  of 
the  local  seminary  and  is  now  a  student  at  Seamen's  College ;  Herman  gradu- 
ated from  the  grammar  school  at  the  age  of  eleven,  completed  his  studies  at 
the  Boston  Latin  School  at  15,  and  now,  at  the  age  of  nineteen,  has  already 
obtained  his  Bachelor  of  Arts  degree  from  Harvard  College.  While  at  the 
Latin  School  he  received  every  prize  awarded,  including  the  Franklin  medal, 
at  his  graduation.  In  Harvard  he  made  a  very  creditable  record  and  he  is  a 
thorough  Hebrew  scholar.  Lesta,  the  youngest  daughter,  is  in  the  Boston  Latin 
School  and  has  also  studied  Hebrew.  As  a  matter  of  fact,  all  of  Mr.  Dana's 
children  have  received  a  Hebrew  education.  He  is  a  modern  Orthodox  and 
himself  a  Talmudic  scholar. 

Mrs.  Dana  belongs  to  nearly  every  charitable  institution  in  Boston  and  is 
also  a  member  of  the  B'nai  B'rith. 


WOLF    DANIELS 

It  is  one  of  the  strange  paradoxes  of  human  nature  that  ease,  opportunity 
and  early  advantages  often  invite  slothfulness,  while  hardships  and  privation 
bring  out  the  fine  gold  of  character. 

In  the  person  of  Mr.  Wolf  Daniels  we  find  one  of  the  older  generations 
of  Jews,  who  had  a  hard  struggle  for  all  the  advantages  he  and  his  children 
now  enjoy.  He  was  born  March  15,  1855,  in  Suwalker,  Guberne,  Russia,  and 
came  to  America  in  1882.    During  the  first  six  years  he  peddled  junk,  and  later 

57 


opened  a  small  yard  of  his  own,  which  under  his  able  management  grew  to 
such  proportions  that  after  ten  years  he  sent  for  his  brother-in-law,  Mr.  Miller, 
and  took  him  into  the  firm.  They  are  now  operating  under  the  name  of 
Daniels  &  Miller,  and  are  one  of  the  largest  concerns  of  the  kind  in  the  state. 
The  city  of  Greenburg,  Pa.,  has  reason  to  be  proud  of  this  institution,  as  it 
affords  employment  for  a  number  of  people. 

Mr.  Daniels  was  married  in  Russia  in  1871  to  Miss  Anna  Miller,  and  they 
have  a  fine  family  of  five  boys  and  six  girls.  Four  of  his  children  are  mar- 
ried, while  two  sons  are  today  serving  their  country  in  the  great  war.  The 
entire  family  have  been  well  educated,  both  in  musical  and  commercial  lines. 

Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Daniels  are  liberal  contributors  to  Denver  and  Los 
Angeles  hospitals  and  the  Old  Age  and  Orphans'  Home  of  Pittsburgh  and  the 
Orphans'  Home  of  Erie,  Pa. 

Mr.  Daniels  is  a  member  of  Congregation  B'nai  Israel,  B'nai  B'rith  and  the 
Protected  Home  Circle. 

His  advice  to  aspiring  young  men  is,  "Work  hard,  be  persevering  and 
honest  in  all  your  dealings." 


MAX    A.    DANIEL 

Although  Mr.  Max  A.  Daniel  is  still  a  comparatively  young  man,  he  has 
arisen  to  a  position  of  great  prominence  in  the  business  world  without  outside 
assistance. 

He  was  born  in  Kovno,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  June,  1880,  and  came  to 
Boston,  Mass.,  with  his  parents  in  1891.  As  his  father  was  having  a  severe 
struggle  to  establish  himself,  young  Max  was  obliged  to  not  only  earn  his 
own  living,  but  to  contribute  something  to  the  sup- 
port of  his  family.  This  he  continued  for  six  years 
or  more,  when  he  found  employment  in  an  iron 
and  metal  yard,  spending  a  year  and  learning  all 
the  details  of  the  business.  He  then  opened  an  es- 
tablishment of  his  own  in  Boston,  where  he  re- 
mained until  1910. 

At  that  time  he  built  a  plant  in  Chelsea,  Mass., 
and  in  1915  discontinued  the  house  in  Boston,  as  he 
wished  to  concentrate  his  business  in  one  location. 
He  is  today  a  verv  wealthy  man  and  conducting  one 
of  the  largest  plants  in  the  country. 

Mr.  Daniel  was  married  in  Boston.  Mass.,  in 
October,  1905,  to  Miss  Amelia  Levine.  They  have 
one  son,  who  is  going  to  school,  and  is  being  edu- 
cated in  Hebrew. 

Among  Mr.  Daniel's  man}'  patriotic  and  fra- 
ternal affiliations  may  be  mentioned  his  membership  on  the  Liberty  Loan  Com- 
mittee, Deputy  Grand  Chancellor  Knights  of  Pythias,  Board  Director  Congre- 
gation Adath  Yeshurine  and  Master  of  Exchequer  of  Knights  of  Pythias.  He 
is  also  a  member  of  I.  O.  B.  A.,  Odd  Fellows,  Talmud  Torah,  Y.  M.  H.  A., 
and  the  Hebrew  Free  Loan  Association,  of  which  he  is  a  life  member.  He  is 
a  liberal  patron  of  the  Denver  Hospital,  Immigration  Society  and  the  Federated 
Jewish  Charities  of  Boston,  as  well  as  the  Old  Age  Home  and  the  Children's 
Home  of  Boston. 

Mrs.  Daniel  is  very  prominent  socially,  and  is  also  a  member  of  all  of 
the  prominent  women's  organizations. 


SAMUEL    DANNEL 

In  Reading,  Pa.,  at  707  Molino  street,  is  situated  the  Reading  Rag  &  Metal 
Company,  one  of  the  leading  industries  of  the  city.  This  business  is  conducted 
by  two  brothers,  of  whom  Samuel  Dannel  is  the  senior  partner. 

Mr.  Samuel  Dannel  was  born  in  Vilna,  Guberne,  Russia,  January  15, 
1870,  the  son  of  Abraham  and  Sahra  Dannel.  His  father  was  engaged  in  the 
world's  most  ancient  and  honorable  occupation — agriculture — and  was  a  very 
accomplished  Jewish  scholar  as  well. 

In  the  spring  of  1899  Mr.  Dannel  decided  to  come  to  America,  and  came 
direct  to  Reading,  Pa.,  where  an  uncle  resided.  He  began  working  in  a  junk 
yard  and  was  there  seven  3'ears,  during  which  time  he  not  only  accumulated 
a  small  capital,  but  also  all  necessary  knowledge  of  the  business.  He  then 
started  into  business  with  his  brother  Danil,  which  partnership  has  proved 
exceedingly  successful,  as  is  very  obvious  to  any  one  looking  over  their  fine 
plant  in  Reading. 

Mr.  Dannel  was  married  November  8,  1904,  to  Miss  Katie  Gittleson  of 
Reading,  and  they  have  five  children,  two  boys  and  three  girls,  three  of  whom 
are  old  enough  to  go  to  school. 

Mr.  and  Airs.  Dannel  are  most  generous  contributors  to  all  charities  and 
are  also  prominently  connected  with  the  B'nai  Chean  Congregation.  Mr. 
Dannel  is  also  prominent  in  Kasher  Israel. 


JACOB    DAVIDSON 

To  one  who  has  made  a  careful  study  of  biography,  one  of  the  most 
impressive  features  is  the  fact  that  so  few  men  find  their  true  vocation  in  life 
until  they  have  passed  through  many  experiments  and  failures. 

However,  we  occasionally  find  a  man  who  through  strong  tendencies  of 
heredity  or  being  gifted  with  an  unusually  keen  power  of  self-analysis,  is  able 
to  select  his  life  work  at  an  early  age  and  pursue  it  with  success. 

Such  is  the  first  chapter  in  the  life  history  of  Jacob  Davidson,  which  we 
esteem  it  a  great  pleasure  to  record. 

He  w-as  born  in  Divinisky,  Russiar  July  7,  1891.  His  father  was  a  man 
of  scholarly  attainments  and  also  a  successful  merchant,  so  his  son  came  into 
the  world  well  endowed  with  a  strong  mentalitv  and  adeptness  for  his  future 
career. 

He  came  to  America  in  1906  and  secured  a  position  as  clerk  for  M.  D. 
Shannon.  Cleveland,  Ohio,  at  the  small  salary  of  $4  per  week.  However,  he 
was  gradually  raised  to  $12  per  week,  which  he  was  receiving  at  the  expiration 
of  three  years. 

At  this  time  he  made  the  fortunate  decision  that  his  future  interests  could 
he  best  served  in  a  business  of  his  own,  so  he  started  out  buying  out  bankrupt 
stores  and  job  lots  of  goods,  disposing  of  same  at  a  profit. 

This  he  continued  for  six  years,  when  he  opened  his  present  store  at  5634 
Broadway,  where  business  has  been  rapidly  increasing  for  the  past  two  years. 

Possessed  as  he  is  of  such  natural  ability  and  true  merchandising  in- 
stinct, together  with  a  seemingly  limitless  power  of  concentration  upon  the 
business  at  hand,  Mr.  Davidson  has  before  him  a  brilliant  future  which  his- 
torians of  Cleveland  will  be  glad  to  follow. 

While  care  and  consideration  for  the  poor  and  unfortunate  are  attributes 
which  we  usually  associate  with  more  mature  vears.  Mr.  Davidson  is  most 
zealous  in  his  contributions  to  the  various  charities  of  his  city,  and  he  makes 
no  distinction  in  race  or  creed.     All  share  alike  in  his  beneficence. 

59 


SAMUEL    DAVIS 


No  man  is  liberally  educated  unless  he  has  obtained  a  thorough  knowledge 
of  human  nature.  It  is  a  business  asset  for  the  lack  of  which  no  amount  of 
academic  training  can  possibly  compensate.  That  this  is  best  acquired  by  first- 
hand dealing  with  men  of  all  walks  of  life  has  been  amply  proven  in  the 
histories  of  some  of  our  foremost  business  men.  One  whom  we  have  in  mind 
is  Mr.  Samuel  Davis  of  Jamestown,  N.  Y.,  who  has  felt  the  keen  edge  of  many 
vicissitudes,  and  who  has  the  distinction  of  having  overcome  these  difficulties 
after  reaching  middle  life. 

Born  in  Negrosht,  Roumania,  in  December,  1865,  he  remained  in  his  native 
land  until  June,  1906,  when  he  came  to  America. 

Landing  in  New  York  with  but  a  few  dollars,      

he  spent  three  weeks  searching  for  work,  but  with- 
out success.  When  his  small  fund  had  dwindled  to 
to  only  one  dollar  he  came  to  Jamestown  and  found 
employment  in  an  iron  and  metal  yard  at  $6  per 
week,  which  small  wage  after  a  number  of  months 
was  gradually  increased  to  $9  per  week.  In  the  fol- 
lowing year,  by  the  exercise  of  the  greatest  econ- 
omy, he  was  able  to  save  enough  money  to  send  for 
his  wife  and  family,  whom  he  had  left  in  Roumania 
until  such  time  as  he  was  established  in  America. 

Feeling  that  his  energies  could  best  be  directed 
toward  the  establishment  of  a  business  of  his  own, 
he  set  about  collecting  waste  paper,  and  four  years 
later  opened  a  yard  for  the  handling  of  this  busi- 
ness on  both  a  wholesale  and  retail  basis.  This 
business,   under   his   remarkable   management,   has 

grown  to  enormous  proportions,  and  from  the  profits  of  same  he  has  also  ac- 
quired a  considerable  amount  of  real  estate. 

His  wife,  who  was  before  her  marriage  Miss  Pessa  Lewis,  Iras  been  a 
wonderful  wife  and  mother  and  has  trained  their  boys  in  such  a  manner  as 
to  make  them  worthy  custodians  of  the  multiplicity  of  interests  which  their 
father  will  some  day  turn  over  to  them. 

Four  of  the  boys  are  already  assisting'  their  father  in  the  conduct  of  the 
business,  while  the  youngest  child  is  still  in  school. 

Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Davis  have  devoted  much  of  their  time  and  wealth 
to  the  promotion  of  the  various  charitable  interests,  not  only  of  their  city  but 
throughout  the  nation,  prominent  among  them  being  the  Denver  and  Los 
Angeles  hospitals,  all  the  Yishivas,  the  Hebrew  Beth  El  and  Cemetery  Asso- 
ciation. 

Mr.  Davis  is  a  prominent  member  of  the  Odd  Fellows  and  Eagles,  and" 
his  various  beneficent  activities  have  woven  themselves  into  the  lives  of  many 
people  in  Jamestown,  who  have  reason  to  be  grateful  for  his  able  assistance. 


BEN    DUBERSTEIN 

The  shaping  of  our  lives  is  our  own  divinely  appointed  task.  We  may 
make  them  things  of  beauty  or  ugliness,  just  as  we  will.  No  opposition  is 
too  difficult,  no  handicap  too  great,  if  the  fine,  free  spirit  of  the  man  goes  forth 
bravely  to  meet  them. 

In  Minsker,  Guberne,  Russia,  forty-two  years  ago  there  began  a  life  that 


60 


was  to  develop  into  a  shining  example  of  accomplishment  under  difficulties 
which  would  have  completely  overwhelmed  a  less 
dauntless  spirit. 

Ben  Duherstein's  father,  although  a  successful 
merchant  and  a  man  of  considerable  scholarship, 
early  found  that  the  narrow  confine  of  their  native 
town  did  not  provide  sufficient  scope  for  the  activi- 
ties of  his  ambitious  son,  so  in  1900  we  find  Ben  on 
his  way  to  America  with  no  money,  but  a  high  hope 
and  determination  to  succeed. 

Landing  in  New  York,  he  suffered  all  the  pangs 
of  poverty  and  disillusionment  which  it  has  ever 
been  the  lot  of  an  alien  to  meet,  but  Ben  saw  riches 
in  material  which  other  men  cast  aside,  and  com- 
ing to  Dayton,  Ohio,  he  commenced  collecting  old 
iron,  first  with  a  push  cart,  then  with  a  wagon. 
Accumulating  a  little  money,  he  started  a  metal 
brokerage  business,  and  here  began  the  phenomenal 
success  that  has  marked  every  step  of  his  progress 
present. 

He  was  married  just  before  he  came  to  America,  to  Dora  Simonowitz, 
who  accompanied  her  husband  to  the  new  land  of  opportunity,  and  has  bravely 
stood  beside  him  at  every  precarious  moment  of  hiscareer. 

They  have  five  children,  three  boys  and  two  girls,  all  going  to  school. 

Mr.  Duberstein  is  a  member  of  Beth  Jacob,  President  of  Talmud  Torah. 
Vice  President  of  B'nai  B'rith,  an  active'  member  of  the  Odd  Fellows  and 
Zionist  Society.  Both  himself  and  wife  subscribe  to  the  Los  Angeles  and 
Denver  hospitals  and  Mrs.  Duberstein  is  a  staunch  supporter  of  the  Auxil- 
iary of  Talmud  Torah. 


lieu    Diilterstein 

from  that  time  to  the 


NATHAN    DEZEN 

Generations  are  to  eternity  as  a  fleeting  moment  is  in  the  lives  of  men. 
From  father  to  son  comes  a  great  heritage  of  the  world's  unfinished  work 
which  he  in  turn  must  push  a  little  further  toward  completion.  There  is  no 
pause  in  the  mighty  progress  of  development,  never  a  time  when  our  labors 
can  quite  be  laid  down. 

So  it  was  with  Nathan  Dezen.  who  came  with  his  parents  from  their 
native  Russia  to  find  new  opportunities  in  the  western  world.  He  was  born 
July  5,  1889,  in  Padolsky,  Guberne.  Russia,  where  his  father  conducted  a 
wholesale  business  in  dried  fruits. 

When  Nathan  was  only  eleven  years  old  his  parents  came  to  America, 
landing  in  New  York,  but  shortly  removing  to  Rhode  Island.  His  father,  fully 
realizing  the  value  of  an  education  as  equipment  for  a  successful  business 
career,  sent  him  to  school  for  six  years  and  then  took  him  into  the  iron  and 
metal  business,  which  he  in  the  meantime  had  established. 

Here  he  gained  a  world  of  practical  experience,  and  six  years  later,  having 
saved  sufficient  capital,  he  started  into  business  for  himself  at  Wellsburg, 
W.  Va.  After  four  years,  which  were  successful  in  every  particular,  he  came 
to  Steubenville,  Ohio,  where  he  has  remained  ever  since,  his  brother-in-law, 
Mr.  Harry  Fisher,  and  himself  having  bought  the  firm  of  Berger  &  Jones. 
They  are  doing  a  wonderful  business  and  furnish  employment  for  a  large 
number  of  men. 


61 


Mr.  Dezen  was  married  July  4,  1908,  to  Miss  Theresa  Fisher,  and  they 
have  four  lovely  children,  three  of  whom  are  old  enough  to  go  to  school. 

Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Dezen  are  active  in  all  charitable  movements  in  their 
city  and  also  contribute  liberally  to  the  Los  Angeles  and  Denver  hospitals. 
Mr.  Dezen  is  a  member  of  the  Maccabees,  the  Congregation  B'nai  Israel  of 
Steubenville  and  B'nai  B'rith. 


JOSEPH    DUNN 


Russia,   August   2,    li 


Every  man  whose  life  has  been  unusually  successful  owes  to  posterity 
and  to  the  world  at  large  a  history  of  his  success  and  how  he  achieved  it. 
Thus  the  study  of  biography  becomes  one  of  the  most  instructive  and  inspiring 
studies  which  can  possibly  be  presented  to  the  youth  of  our  country. 

It  is  with  great  pleasure  that  we  are  able  to  publish  the  life  story  of  one 
who  had  to  meet  and  overcome  many  discouragements  and  misfortunes ;  who 
tried  many  vocations  before  finding  the  one  work  to  which  he  was  adapted, 
who  pushed  forward  with  unfaltering  faith  in  the  ultimate  victory  of  perse- 
verance over  adverse  conditions. 

Joseph  Dunn  was  born  in  Grodna,  Guberne, 
and  remained  in  his  native  country  until  1898,  when, 
having  accumulated  a  small  capital,  he  decided  to 
try  his  fortune  in  America.  He  did  not  come  di- 
rectly to  the  United  States,  but  went  to  England  and 
from  there  to  St.  John,  New  Brunswick,  Canada, 
landing  on  western  soil  with  $1,800.  His  first  busi- 
ness venture  netted  him  a  loss  of  $600.  Selling  out, 
he  came  to  Boston,  Mass.,  and  thence  to  Lowell, 
Mass.,  where  he  lost  all  his  money  in  the  cattle 
business.  Penniless  and  friendless,  he  went  to  New 
York  and  walked  the  streets  looking  for  work.  All 
that  presented  itself  was  a  job  in  a  butcher  shop  at 
$3  per  week,  which  he  accepted.  He  only  remained 
two. weeks,  however,  until  he  had  an  opportunity 
to  go  to  work  in  a  packing  house  at  $4.50  per  day. 
Here  his  business  ability  found  due  recognition  and 
the  firm  put  him  in  charge  of  a  shop  at  Hartford, 
Conn.,  where  he  was  very  successful. 

However,  he  was  not  content  unless  engaging  in  a  business  of  his  own,  so 
he  tried  several  other  ventures  with  indifferent  success  until  he  engaged  in 
the  iron  and  metal  business. 

This,  together  with' the  large  commission  business  to  which  he  now  de- 
votes his  energies,  have  proven  successful  in  every  way,  proving  the  truth  of 
the  old  maxim,  "If  at  first  you  don't  succeed,  try,  try  again." 

He  was  married  in  1903  to  Miss  Rosa  Faverman,  and  they  have  two 
children,  a  boy  and  a  girl,  who  not  only  go  to  school,  but  are  being  thoroughly 
educated  in  music,  both  attending  t  he  conservatory,  where  Carrie  studies  piano 
and  Meyer  the  violin. 

Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Dunn  are  very  charitable  and  do  not  confine  their 
activities  along  this  line  to  local  organizations,  as  many  worthy  causes  all  over 
the  country  are  recipients  of  their  generosity. 


02 


BENJAMIN    DUSHMAN 

The  human  temperatment  at  best  has  somewhat  the  same  consistency  as 
a  rubber  ball ;  the  harder  it  falls,  the  higher  it  rebounds. 

This  accounts  for  the  ultimate  success  of  so  many  men  who,  laboring 
under  the  most  adverse  circumstances,  emerge  finally  triumphant  over  seem- 
ingly overwhelming  difficulties. 

Such  dearly  won  achievements  stand  as  mighty  beacon  lights  of  inspira- 
tion to  the  youth  of  our  land. 

Such  is  the  story  of  Benjamin  Dushman,  who,  at  the  age  of  19,  landed 
at  the  gates  of  our  country  without  money,  friends  or  influence  of  any  sort 
whatsoever. 

He  was  born  in  Vilna,  Guberne,  Russia,  December  22,  1863,  and  came  to 
America  in  the  summer  of  1882,  landing  in  Philadelphia,  where  he  worked 
at  odd  jobs  for  six  months,  which  only  averaged  about  $3  per  week.  We  next 
find  him  in  Pittsburgh  selling  chair  bottoms  and  working  in  an  iron  foundry, 
and  from  his  meager  earnings  he  managed  to  help  his  father  in  Russia  and 
save  $160,  with  which  he  went  to  Canada.  This  venture,  while  a  failure 
financially,  was  one  of  the  happiest  moves  of  his  career,  as  he  here  met  Miss 
Racheal  A.  Newman,  who  later  became  his  wife  and  has  been  a  wonderful 
help  and  inspiration  to  him  in  all  the  subsequent  events  of  his  life. 

From  Canada  he  came  to  Baltimore,  Md.,  but  there  met  with  severe 
reverses  which  left  him  with  practically  nothing  but  an  excellent  reputation 
for  business  integrity,  which,  after  all,  is  a  man's  best  asset.  His  last  and 
finally  successful  enterprise  developed  into  the  flourishing  iron  and  metal 
business  which  he  is  conducting  today  in  Huntington,  W.  Va. 

Mr.  Dushman  states  that  the  first  requisite  in  business  is  absolute  hon- 
esty ;  the  next,  finding  the  vocation  for  which  you  are  best  adapted. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Dushman  have  five  children,  two  married  and  three  still  in 
school. 

That  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Dushman  never  forgot  those  less  fortunate  than  them- 
selves is  evidenced  by  their  liberality  in  the  matter  of  charities. 

Among,  some  of  the  more  prominent  organizations  grateful  for  their 
beneficence  may  be  mentioned  the  Jewish  Congregation  in  Huntington,  B'nai 
B'rith,  Denver  and  Los  Angeles  hospitals.  Orphans'  homes  in  Cleveland,  Ohio, 
and  Erie,  Pa.,  and  the  Immigration  Aid  Society. 


HERMAN  EICHNER 

At  No.  577  Hastings  street,  Detroit,  Mich.,  is  located  the  office  of  a  man 
whose  ability  has  helped  to  shape  some  of  the  principal  industries  of  Detroit, 
and  whose  identity  is  associated  with  the  .remarkable  growth  of  the  city's  vast 
real  estate  interest  during  the  last  decade. 

We  refer  to  Mr.  Herman  Eichner,  prominent  real  estate  man,  who  has 
closed  some  of  the  largest  transactions  in  the  history  of  Detroit. 

He  was  born  in  Torna,  Hungary,  March  26,  1880,  and  was  given  a  thor- 
ough education,  graduating  from  the  leading  college  in  Hungary.  He  was 
most  fortunate  in  having  a  father  of  great  scholarly  attainments  who  realized 
the  value  of  education,  regardless  of  the  business  to  which  a  young  man  might 
devote  himself  in  later  life. 

He  came  to  America  in  July,  1905,  landing  in  New  York  City,  where  he 
began  working  in  a  bottle  yard  at  $10  per  week.  After  the  first  year  he  went 
to  Detroit,  arriving  in  that  city  with  but  $4  in  his  possession. 

His  first  employment  was  with  a  construction  gang,  digging  a  tunnel  un- 

63 


der  the  Detroit  River  for  the  Michigan  Central  Railroad.  Later  he  secured  a 
position  with  a  bottling  company,  and  then  with  Dodge  Bros.,  where  he  worked 
in  the  capacity  of  expert  millwright. 

His  next  venture  was  in  the  business  which  was  to  prove  his  future  suc- 
cess— real  estate.  His  exceptional  sales  ability  while  with  the  Flint  Land 
Co.,  Ltd.,  soon  earned  for  him  the  position  of  head  salesman,  and  in  January, 
1914,  he  was  presented  with  a  fine  gold  watch  in  recognition  of  his  valuable 
service,  and  honoring  him  as  the  best  salesman  on  their  large  force. 

In  the  meantime  Mr.  Eichner  had  been  conducting  a  business  of  his  own, 
which  had  grown  to  such  large  proportions  that  he  felt  the  necessity  of  devot- 
ing all  of  his  time  to  these  interests,  consequently  he  severed  his  connection 
with  the  Flint  Land  Co.  and  opened  an  office  at  his  present  location,  where  he 
has  been  wonderfully  successful. 

On  February  7,  1905,  but  a  few  months  before  his  coming  to  America, 
Mr.  Eichner  was  married  to  Miss  Goldstein,  and  they  now  have  a  fine  family 
of  five  children,  three  boys  and  two  girls,  all  going  to  school. 

In  addition  to  Mr.  Eichner's  many  business  interests  he  finds  time  for 
some  valuable  work  in  various  religious  and  fraternal  organizations.  He  is 
now  serving  his  fourth  term  as  President  of  the  First  Hungarian  Hebrew 
Congregation ;  he  is  ex-President  of  Independent  Order  B'nai  B'rith  Abraham 
and  is  also  an  active  Mason.  Both  himself  and  wife  are  liberal  contributors 
to  many  charities. 


MORRIS    M.    EIDELMAN 

Mr.  Morris  M.  Eidelman  of  Youngstown,  Ohio,  is  still  a  very  young  man, 
having  been  born  in  the  year  1880,  but  belongs  to  the  class  known  as  "promis- 
ing young  men.''  He  has  a  noble  and  sincere  character,  is  hard  working  and 
serious  minded  and  his  splendid  qualities  fit  him  for  a  leading  role  among  the 
Jews  of  Youngstown. 

Mr.  Eidelman  was  born  in  Barbrowitz,  Russia,  the  son  of  Isaac  and  Han- 
nah Eidelman.  His  father,  who  is  still  living,  is  one  of  the  most  prominent 
Jewish  scholars  of  Youngstown. 

Mr.  Eidelman  came  to  America  in  1891.  He  began  his  career  as  a  news- 
boy in  Pennsylvania.  He  then  worked  in  the  cotton  mills  of  New  Jersey  and 
in  Norwich,  Conn.,  and  has  made  a  remarkable  success  in  this  field,  earning 
the  reputation  of  the  best  cotton  spinner  in  America.  Arriving  in  Youngs- 
town, he  became  an  agent  for  Swift  &  Co.,  was  later  employed  by  Ozersky 
Brothers  and  as  soon  as  he  felt  that  he  had  the  means  of  going  into  business 
on  his  own  account,  he  did  so,  buying  a  meat  market  at  1426  West  Federal 
street,  which  he  is  still  conducting  today,  with  a  remarkable  success. 

He  is  a  member  of  the  order  B'rith  Abraham  and  Congregation  Emanu 
El,  of  the  Orphan  Asylum,  the  Los  Angeles  Sanitarium,  the  Zionist  Lodge 
and  many  other  organizations. 

On  December  4,  191 1,  Mr.  Eidelman  was  married  to  Miss  Frume  Stern, 
and  they  are  the  proud  parents  of  two  children,  Harold  and  Pearl. 

Mr.  Eidelman  is  very  religious  and  like  a  true  Jew,  he  performs  his 

prayers  three  times  a  day.     After  his  mother's  death  in  1910  he  would  insist 

on  a  Jewish  "Minyan"  morning  and  night,  and   as  he  would  gather  large 

throngs  for  the  purpose,  within  a  short  time  the  Jewish  population  of  Youngs- 

'  town  learned  how  to  pray. 


64 


NATHAN    J.    EISENDRATH 

Mr.  Nathan  J.  Eisendrath  was  born  in  Chicago,  111.,  on  the  iSth  of  Janu- 
ary, 1874,  and  is  the  son  of  Julius  and  Regina  Eisendrath  of  that  city,  who 
emigrated  to  the  United  States  with  fifteen  out  of  twenty-three  grown-up 
children.  It  is  a  family  tradition  that  all  sons  bear  the  letter  "J"  as  their  middle 
name. 

Nathan  went  to  public  and  high  school  in  Blue  Island,  111.,  selling  news- 
papers on  trains  between  Chicago  and  Blue  Island.  He  took  a  course  in  busi- 
ness college  which  fitted  him  for  a  position  as  assistant  bookkeeper  with  Calm 
Wampold  Company  and  then  Straus  Eisendrath  &  Co.  He  then  started  to 
manufacture  shirtwaists,  but  was  not  very  successful  in  that.  He  went  into 
the  fur  business  in  Calumet,  Mich.,  but  when  an  epidemic  of  spinal  meningitis 
broke  out  in  the  place,  he  went  back  to  Chicago  and  took  a  position  as  repre- 
sentative and  later  manager  of  Reed  Bros.  &  Co.  of  Cleveland,  Ohio,  continu- 
ing there  for  eight  years. 

His  next  step  was  to  start  in  the  commission  business  fpr  New  York  lines, 
in  which  business  he  was  very  successful  and  kept  up  for  two  years.  He  then 
embarked  in  the  paradise  and  aigrette  feather  importing  business,  which 
brought  him  good  returns  until  the  government  decided  to  stop  further  im- 
portations. 

Not  knowing  what  to  do  next,  he  went  into  the  millinery  line,  and  having 
opened  some  eighteen  departments  in  various  department  stores,  he  lost  prac- 
tically all  he  ever  made  and  found  himself  absolutely  without  funds.  Even 
though  he  had  wealth}'  brothers  who  would  have  gladly  helped  him,  he  never 
asked  their  assistance,  but  was  determined  to  win  in  the  line  he  had  chosen.  He 
took  over  the  Fair,  a  concern  selling  millinery  and  general  merchandise,  and 
started  in  to  make  good.  The  Fair  in  due  time  became  the  Eisendrath  Com- 
pany, and  is  today  doing  a  splendid  and  unimpeachable  business. 

Mr.  Eisendrath  is  a  member  of  the  Congregation  Roileph  Sholom  and  for 
the  last  twelve  years  was  a  member  of  the  Executive  Committee  and  Board 
of  Trustees  of  Temple  Emanuel  of  Chicago. 

On  October  11,  1900,  Mr.  Eisendrath  was  married  to  Miss  Clara  Oester- 
reicher,  whose  father  was  a  great  philanthropist  in  Chicago.  Three  children 
have  blessed  their  union,  named  Juliette,  Morris  and  Arthur. 


SAMUEL    ELKINS 

Mr.  Samuel  Elkins  of  Mount  Clemens,  Mich.,  owes  his  success,  strange 
as  it  might  seem,  to  his  physical  disability,  rheumatism.  It  was  rheumatism 
that  made  him  go  to  Mount  Clemens,  and  in  due  time  become  the  owner  of  the 
well-known  Elkins  Hotel.  And  his  hotel  has  become  an  institution  and  its 
owner  almost  a  national  figure. 

Mr.  Elkins  treats  his  guests  not  as  customers,  but  as  close  personal  friends, 
and  they  seem  to  appreciate  it,  for,  when  some  years  ago  Mr.  Elkins  was  in 
bad  financial  straits  and  sorely  in  need  of  funds,  he  made  a  tour  over  the 
country,  where  he  knew  many  of  his  guests,  and  in  a  short  time  raised  the 
money. 

He  was  born  on  the  19th  of  October.  1879,  in  Grodno,  Russia,  the  son  of 
Nachman  and  Rose  Elkins.  His  father  was  a  "Lamdan"  of  note,  and  among 
his  forbears  Mr.  Elkins  numbers  such  distinguished  Jewish  scholars  as  Rabbi 
Eliezer  of  Tiktin  and  Rabbi  Samuel  of  Grodno.  At  the  age  of  thirteen  he 
came  to  America  and  immediately  went  to  work  as  a  shirt  operator,  sending 
home  to  Russia  every  cent  he  could  spare.     He  then  went  to  Hartford,  where 

65 


he  worked  in  a  furniture  store  until  he  fell  ill  with  rheumatism  and  was 
obliged  to  go  to  .Mount  Clemens  for  his  recovery. 

Here  he  opened  a  little  grocery  store,  then  a  boarding  house,  and  finally 
his  present  hotel,  which  is  so  prominently  known  to  many  American  Jews. 

At  the  age  of  eighteen  Mr.  Elkins  was  married  to  Miss  Ethel  Adelman. 
who  died  only  two  years  ago  i  iqi6).  There  were  four  children  of  this  mar- 
riage, of  whom  one  died  in  1015  at  the  age  of  fifteen.  The  other  children  are 
Max.  aged  twenty:  Joe.  aged  fourteen,  and  William,  aged  seven. 


ABRAHAM   ENGLER 

Among  the  successful  and  popular  Jewish  business  men  of  Florida,  one 
cannot  omit  die  name  of  Mr.  Abraham  Engler  of  Miami.  He  is  a  man  who 
has  been  materially  successful,  but  has  not  paid  for  it  with  his  good  name  or 
popularitv.  as  is  frequently  the  case.  In  addition  to  his  money  he  has  a  splen- 
did reputation  and  is  beloved  and  admired  by  all  with  whom  he  comes  in 
contact. 

Mr.  Engler  has  been  Vice  President  of  the  Miami  Congregation,  takes  an 
interest  and  is  actively  engaged  in  every  Jewish  movement  in  the  city,  and 
whenever  or  wherever  opportunity  presents  itself,  is  ready  with  his  purse  or 
his  enlightened  counsel  based  on  a  varied  life  experience  and  a  sound  business 
-  -  Mr.  Engler  is  an  intelligent  man  and  an  interesting  personality.  He 
is  a  great  student  and  devoted  reader  and  supporter  of  Jewish  literature. 

Abraham  Engler  w-as  born  on  the  25th  of  February.  1869.  in  Yassy.  Rou- 
mania.  the  son  of  Isaac  and  Xachmah  Engler.  His  mother  lives  in  Xew  York. 
Mr.  Engler  came  to  America  during  the  Spanish- American  War  and  settled  at 
Kev  West.  Fla.,  where  he  engaged  in  a  grocery  business.  He  then  decided 
to  become  a  farmer  and  purchased  a  farm  in  Rensselaer  County,  Xew  York, 
which  he  cultivated  for  three  years.  He  soon  became  tired  of  the  tedious  and 
unexciting  life  of  a  farmer  and  in  1913  established  himself  at  Miami,  where 
he  conducts  a  large  wholesale  and  retail  grocery  business  at  206  Avenue  G. 
still  retaining  his  farm  in  Xew  York  state. 

!  [r  Engler  was  married  in  March.  1905,  to  Miss  Anna  Schechtman.  who  is 
[  7:oumanian  ancestry.  They  are  the  parents  of  a  girl  named  Rebecca, 
who.  though  '  ut  eleven  years  of  age.  shows  remarkable  abilities. 


SAMUEL   EMERMAN 

If  vou  were  to  ask  the  majority  of  successful  business  men  what  they 
considered  the  most  essential  feature  contributing  to  a  rapid  rise  in  the  world, 
they  will  tell  you  that  next  to  honesty  and  application  to  business,  finding  your 
true  vocation  is  most  important, 

Manv  voung  men  are  unable  to  settle  upon  the  career  to  which  they  are 
-  i  idapted  and  all  their  ability  and  effort  are  practically  wasted. 

T  -  -  the  substance  of  the  remarks  made  by  Mr.  Samuel  Emerman,  an 
r~.il  :__s:_.is;  ~in  ::  Z'e__£.:re.    .hi:. 

.  £r.  Emerman  —as  bom  in  Kotus.  Guberne.  Russia.  December  27,  1872. 
whert  his  father  was  a  cattle  dealer  and  also  a  Jewish  scholar  of  considerable 

r_rr.tr.~s. 

66 


His  first  business  experience  in  America  was  in  Canton,  Ohio,  where  an 
uncle  gave  him  enough  financial  assistance  to  enable  him  to  go  out  peddling 
with  a  pack.  After  one  year  he  purchased  a  horse  and  wagon  and  succeeded 
so  well  that  eight  years  later  he  was  able  to  engage  in  the  iron  and  metal  busi- 
ness, in  which  he  has  prospered  and  has  given  his  two  older  sons  an  oppor- 
tunity of  going  in  with  their  father,  where  they  are  at  present  assisting  in  the 
management  of  his  large  interests. 

Mr.  Emerman  was  most  fortunate  in  his  marriage,  as  his  wife  is  a  very 
accomplished  woman,  the  daughter  of  Morris  Rosen  of  Cleveland,  a  promi- 
nent scholar  and  Schochet. 

They  have  seven  children,  the  two  sons,  Nathan  and  Israel,  being  in 
business  with  the  father,  and  the  others,  with  the  exception  of  the  youngest, 
still  in  school. 

As  might  be  expected  of  a  woman  of  Mrs.  Emerman's  ability,  she  is  very 
philanthropic  and  gives  much  time  and  money  to  the  promotion  of  charities. 
Among  the  organizations  to  which  she  is  particularly  devoted  might  be  men- 
tioned Ladies'  Aid  Society,  Red  Cross,  Relief  Committee  for  War  Sufferers 
and  Woman's  Auxiliary. 

Mr.  Emerman  belongs  to  Aggudas  Achem,  Independent  Order  Western 
Star  and  is  President  of  Jewish  War  Sufferers'  Relief  Committee. 

Both  contribute  liberally  to  all  local  charities  and  to  the  Denver  and  Los 
Angeles  hospitals. 


PHILIP    ETTINGER 

If  there  is  one  thing  in  the  world  that  a  young  man  should  be  more  grateful 
for  than  another,  it  is  the  poverty  which  necessitates  his  starting  in  life  under 
great  disadvantages.  Here  lies  one  of  the  best  tests  of  human  character  and 
a  triumph  over  such  adverse  circumstances  is  like  graduating  with  honors  at 
West  Point.  It  demonstrates  stamina  and  willpower.  It  is  the  certificate  of 
labor  well  performed. 

These  thoughts  remind  us  of  the  career  of  Mr.  Philip  Ettinger.  owner 
and  manager  of  the  Standard  Roofing  Company  of  Detroit. 

He  was  born  in  Lemberg,  Galicia,  December  10,  1873,  the  son  of  Marcus 
and  Rosa  Ettinger.  His  father  was  a  farmer  and  also  a  scholar  of  some 
prominence.  Mr.  Ettinger  came  to  America  in  July,  1900,  and  finding  his  way 
to  Cleveland.  Ohio,  began  working  at  the  roofing  trade  for  $5  per  week.  He 
continued  two  months  and  then  found  a  more  profitable  job,  where  he  remained 
for  two  years.  He  then  accepted  a  position  as  traveling  agent,  installing  work 
in  various  localities,  and  after  having  saved  a  capital  of  $600,  went  into  busi- 
ness for  himself  in  Cleveland,  where  he  remained  for  four  years.  He  then 
sold  this  business  to  his  brother  and  w;ent  to  Detroit,  Mich.,  where  he  opened  a 
similar  business  at  his  present  address,  732  Rivard  street. 

This  venture  has  been  very  successful  and  has  placed  Mr.  Ettiiiger  in 
the  front  ranks  of  Detroit  business  men. 

He  was  married  in  his  native  town  in  March,  1897,  to  Miss  Freda  Fisher. 
They  have  six  children,  one  boy  and  five  girls.  The  son,  Adolph,  although 
but  nineteen  years  of  age,  is  in  business  with  his  father.  The  eldest  daughter, 
Molly,  seventeen  years  of  age.  has  already  graduated  from  the  high  school. 
The  rest  of  the  girls  are  all  going  to  school  and  are  also  being  thoroughly  edu- 
cated in  music. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ettinger  take  a  great  interest  in  matters  of  charity,  being 
liberal  contributors  to  all  worthy  causes.     Mr.  Ettinger  is  a  member  of  the 

67 


Builders  and  Traders'  Exchange,  the  Employes'  Association,  Talmud  Torah, 
B'rith  Sholom,  Miskin  Israel  Congregation  and  a  patron  of  the  Denver  Hos- 
pital. 

This  family  presents  an  ideal  which  might  well  be  emulated  by  native-born 
Americans. 


ISIDORE    FADER 

Mr.  Isidore  Fader  is  still  a  young  man,  having  been  born  on  the  25th  of 
December,  1885,  at  Kolomea,  Galicia.  But  when  one  stops  to  consider  the 
success  he  has  attained  in  the  business  and  social  world  one  must  needs  con- 
clude that  he  will,  in  all  likelihood,  become  a  prominent  figure  in  the  near 
future. 

Mr.  Fader  was  recommended  as  a  man  fit  to  be  included  among  the 
"Distinguished  Jews  of  America."  The  writer  spent  some  time  with  him  and 
found  him  a  very  engaging  young  man. 

In  business  Mr.  Fader  has  already  gained  recognition.  He  arrived  on 
these  shores  in  1902.  Having  taken  up  carpentry  in  the  old  country,  he  took 
to  the  same  trade  upon  landing  here.  For  three  years  he  was  a  wage-earner, 
and  then  realized  that  one  cannot  acheive  success  working  for  another.  The 
deed  followed  the  thought,  and  he  ventured  into  the  carpentry  business  on 
his  own  hook.  In  1912  he  started  the  manufacture  of  iron-sheathed,  or  fire- 
proof, doors.  At  present  he  and  his  brother,  David,  are  the  owners  of  the 
firm,  Eastern  Fireproof  Sash  and  Door  Co.,  located  at  No.  109  Cook  street, 
Brooklyn. 

Although  Mr.  Fader  made  an  unusual  success  in  business,  he  has  not. 
like  a  good  many  others,  given  his  life  to  it  to  the  exclusion  of  all  else.  He 
gave  his  part  time  to  communal  work.  He  was  President  of  the  Austrian 
Talmudical  School  in  Morrell  street  and  is  Vice  President  of  the  Hebrew 
Burial  Association  of  Brooklyn. 

He  is  a  member  of  the  Brooklyn  Federation  of  Charities,  Hebrew  Immi- 
grant Aid  Society,  Hebrew  Home  and  Relief  for  Consumptives,  and  many 
other  institutions.  He  is  also  a  prominent  member  of  the  Odd  Fellows  and 
various  other  organizations. 

Mrs.  Fader,  nee  Victoria  Lindenbaum,  was  married  to  Mr.  Fader  on  the 
25th  of  December,  1910.  She  takes  an  active  interest  in  social  work  and  is 
very  charitable.  She  is  on  the  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Bikur  Cholim  Ladies' 
Kosher  Hospital  in  Brooklyn,  a  woman's  organization  that  called  forth  admi- 
ration from  all.  This  organization  is  the  largest  and  most  active  in  Greater 
New  York,  having  accomplished  wonders,  and  Mrs.  Fader,  as  Director,  is  one 
of  the  most  active  members  and  gives  her  life  and  soul  to  the  work. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Fader  have  one  child,  Ruth,  five  years  old,  an  unusually 
precocious  child.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Fader  are  popular  in  their  circle  and 
have  a  host  of  admiring  friends. 


6H 


BENJAMIN  FEALK 

It  was  written  of  one  of  America's  foremost  business  men  that  not  by 
extraordinary  talents  did  he  succeed,  but  because  he  had  a  capacity  on  a  level 
for  business  and  not  above  it. 

To  a  man  with  a  natural  business  instinct,  no  task  is  too  menial,  no  path 
too  steep,  if  it  but  leads  him  into  a  fuller  experience  along  the  lines  he  has 
chosen. 

Benjamin  Fealk,  a  prominent  and  wealthy  business  man  of  Detroit,  Mich., 
won  his  way  to  success  in  just  this  way. 

Born  in  Beroswitz,  Volina,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  April,  1882,  he  came  to 
America  in  September,  1901,  landing  in  Boston,  Mass. 

He  went  from  there  to  Claremont,  N.  H.,  where  his  brother  resided,  and 
earned  his  first  money  in  the  new  land  by  peddling. 

After  three  months  he  came  to  Detroit  and  much  against  his  inclination  he 
worked  six  months  in  an  automobile  factory  in  order  to  accumulate  money 
enough  to  buy  a  horse  and  wagon. 

Then  began  again  the  independence  of  working  for  himself,  always  keep- 
ing before  him  a  vision  of  big  achievements  which  should  crown  his  years  of 
perseverance. 

And  after  nine  years  the  opportunity  came,  when  he  opened  an  iron  and 
metal  yard,  which  has  enabled  Mr.  Fealk  to  realize  all  his  dreams  of  wealth 
and  success. 

He  was  married  January  2,  1910,  to  Miss  Bertha  Ferguson  of  Cleveland. 
a  young  lady  eminently  fitted  to  share  her  husband's  wealth  and  social  position. 

They  have  two  fine  children- — one  boy  and  one  girl — who  have  brilliant 
careers  before  them,  with  the  opportunities  which  their  parents  are  able  to 
provide. 

Mr.  Fealk  is  a  member  of  Congregation  Bereth  Xitze  and  neither  him- 
self nor  wife  are  ever  appealed  to  in  vain  when  a  worthy  charitable  cause  is  in 
need  of  assistance. 


ISRAEL  FEALK 

Russian  history  contains  many  dark  pages  wherein  are  recorded  deeds  of 
frightfulness,  of  oppression  and  sorrow.  But  through  it  all  runs  a  thread  of 
gold  which  beautifies  and  vitalizes,  for  Russia  has  given  to  the  world  a  great 
commercial  talent  if  she  did  not  furnish  the  opportunity  for  its  exercise.  From 
her  shores  young  men  have  peered  across  the  waste  of  waters  into  other  lands 
of  opportunity  and  following  the  vibrant  flame  of  progress  have  come  to  estab- 
lish themselves  where  their  great  gifts  could  expand  and  have  proper  devel- 
opment. 

Thus  we  find  Israel  Fealk  seeking  America  when  only  twenty  years  of  age. 
Without  money  or  influential  friends,  he  began  the  -struggle  toward  success, 
and  Detroit,  Mich.,  is  richer  today  in  the  possession  of  such  a  public-spirited 
citizen  possessed  with  a  remarkable  talent  for  business. 

He  was  born  in  Beroswitz,  Yolina,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  April,  1885.  His 
father,  Scholom  Fealk,  was  a  successful  merchant  and  was  also  a  man  of  con- 
siderable scholarly  attainments  from  whom  his  son  undoubtedly  received  a  rich 
heritage  of  mentality  and  business  acumen. 

Mr.  Fealk  came  to  America  in  April,  1905,  and  spent  seven  years  in  the 
East,  where  he  was  fortunate  in  only  one  particular.  1  le  met  and  married 
Miss  Fannie  Fishman,  of  Manchester,  N.  H.,  a  charming  girl  who  is  admirably 
fitted  to  share  the  success  which  crowned  her  husband's  later  efforts. 

69 


Coming  to  Detroit  Mich.,  shortly  after  his  marriage,  he  arrived  in  the  city 
with  but  50  cents  in  money  but  a  firm  determination  to  wrest  success  from 
reluctant  fortune.  Then  began  the  upward  climb,  not  spectacular,  it  is  true. 
but  die  healthy,  persistent  progress  which  lays  a  firm  foundation  for  the  future. 
Mr.  Fealk  had  no  friends  or  influence  to  aid  him.  He  wrought  the  fabric  of 
his  entire  fortune  with  his  own  hands  and  brain.  I  lo  is  today  operating  a 
re  iron  and  metal  business  from  which  he  is  amassing  a  fortune. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.   Walk  have  two  children — a  hoy  and  a  girl,  who  are  just 
entering  school. 

.  ences  if  Detroit  and  other  cities  as  well  have  had  frequent  cause 
to  be  grateful  for  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Fealk's  prosperity  as  they  are  most  generous 
in  their  contributions  whenever  assistance  is  needed. 


SAM  FEALK 

The  lews  are  the  world's  greatest  merchants.  They  have  also  taught  us 
some  valuable  lessons  in  conservation.  That  we,  as  a  nation,  have  still  a  great 
deal  to  learn  is  evidenced  yearly  by  the  immense  fortunes  they  are  amassing 
from  material  which  has  been  cast  away. 

Such  is  the  business  history  of  Sam  Fealk.  who  was  born  in  Beros- 
witz.  Volina,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  December,  1874.  He  inherited  much  of 
his  business  instinct  from  his  father,  who  was  a  successful  merchant  and 
a  very  learned  man. 

He  did  not  come  to  America  until  May.  1903,  when  he  landed  in  Xew 
York,  with  practically  no  money  and  a  wife  and  family  dependent  upon  him. 

Going  to  New  Hampshire,  he  received  sufficient  assistance  from  a  Jewish 
friend  to  enable  him  to  begin  peddling,  which  he  continued  for  six  years. 
Coming  to  Detroit,  he  started  in  business  for  himself,  but  was  very  unfortunate 
as  the  panic  of  1007  swept  away  his  entire  savings. 

With  the  invincible  will  which  characterizes  so  many  of  his  brethren,  he 
started  peddling  again,  bravely  defying  an  unkind  fate  in  his  effort  for  a  new 
start  in  life. 

Two  years  later  he  opened  an  iron  and  metal  yard  at  his  present  place  of 
business.  174  Clinton  street,  where  success  crowned  his  efforts. 

Mr.  Fealk  was  twice  married:  once  in  Russia,  and  his  wife  dying  after 
he  came  to  this  country.  He  was  again  married  in  1000  to  Miss  Gittle  Ginda, 
daughter  of  Josel  and  Lea  Ginda  of  Xew  York. 

Mr.  Fealk  is  the  father  of  eight  children,  all  of  whom  are  going  to  school 
with  the  exception  of  David,  who  is  in  business  with  his  father. 

He  is  a  member  of  Tefereth  Israel  Congregation  and  other  Jewish  organ- 
izations. 

Roth  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Fealk  are  very  generous  in  their  assistance  of  the  poor 
and  unfortunate  and  contribute  most  liberally  to  all  charities  who  ask  their 
assistance. 


70 


WILLIAM    FELDMAN 

In  the  life  of  Mr.  William  Feldman  of  New  Orleans  we  have  a  striking 
example  of  a  self-made  man  whose  youth  was  beset  with  many  difficulties  and 
such  instances  prove  conclusively  that  a  young  man  who  cannot  stand  this  test 
is  not  worthy  a  place  in  the  great  battle  of  life.  If  he  cannot  feel  his  will 
hardened  as  the  yoke  of  poverty  presses  upon  him,  and  his  pluck  rise  with  every 
new  difficulty  which  is  thrown  in  his  way,  he  may  as  well  withdraw  from  the 
conflict  at  once,  as  his  defeat  is  already  assured. 

Poverty  saves  a  thousand  more  men  than  it  ruins,  for  it  ruins  only  those 
who  are  not  worth  saving. 

Mr.  Feldman  was  born  in  Hungary  on  June  20,  1875,  the  son  of  Judah 
and  Libbe  Feldman,  who  are  still  living  and  residing  in  Scranton,  Pa. 

At  the  age  of  seven  he  was  brought  to  America  by  his  parents,  and  being 
one  of  a  very  large  family,  was  obliged  to  do  something  toward  his  own  sup- 
port, as  his  father  was  having  a  hard  struggle  to  gain  a  foothold  in  the  new 
country,  and  at  the  same  time  take  care  of  his  family. 

Mr.  Feldman  sold  papers  on  the  streets  of  New  York  and  did  many  other 
odd  jobs,  which  unconsciously  contributed  to  his  mercantile  experience  and 
future  success.  While  still  in  his  early  'teens  he  crossed  the  ocean  ten  times 
as  cabin  boy  and  then  went  to  California.  A  few  months  later  he  went  to 
Marshall,  Texas,  and  opened  a  dry-goods  store,  but  became  very  ill  and  had 
to  give  it  up.  After  his  recovery  he  traveled  considerably,  selling  merchandise 
to  pay  his  expenses,  and  after  a  brief  business  venture  in  Marion,  Ala.,  came 
to  New  Orleans.  That  was  nineteen  years  ago,  and  since  that  time  he  has 
built  up  a  fine  business  at  437  Royal  street  as  a  dealer  in  antiques  and  general 
merchandise.  He  not  only  does  a  retail  business,  but  conducts  a  factory  as 
well. 

Mr.  Feldman  was  married  twenty  years  ago  to  Miss  Flora  Asher  of 
Nashville,  Tenn.,  and  they  have  seven  children,  all  of  whom  have  received  a 
thorough  Jewish  education.  Mrs.  Feldman  is  very  prominent  socially  and  is 
Jictive  in  the  promotion  of  all  worthy  charities.  Mr.  Feldman  is  President  of 
the  Congregation  Agudath  Achim  Anshe  Afarad  and  has  been  a  member  of 
the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  order  B'nai  B'rith  for  fifteen  years.  He  organized 
the  United  Brothers  Love  Association  of  New  Orleans  and  was  its  first  Presi- 
dent. He  is  also  ex-President  of  Sonech  Nophlem,  and  is  a  Director  of  the 
Rittenberg  Synagogue,  the  Orphans'  Home  and  is  Past  Grand  Patriarch  of 
the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  having  the  dis- 
tinction of  being  the  only  Jew  who  ever  held  that  office  in  the  state.  He  is  also 
a  prominent  Mason.  Mr.  Feldman  organized  the  Ezra,  a  Jewish  relief  fund, 
of  which  he  is  President.  He  is  also  an  ardent  Zionist  and  has  served  as  a  dele- 
gate to  a  number  of  conventions. 


70a 


SAMUEL  FELDSTEIN 

Samuel  Feldstein  was  born  in  Roumania  and  came  to  the  United  States 
when  but  a  child  of  five  years.  Having  the  benefit  of  a  common  school  educa- 
tion, he  began  life  as  a  clerk.  Through  manifesting  real  business  principles  he 
was  soon  accepted  as  a  partner  in  the  dry  goods  business  of  his  father. 

In  T902,  Mr.  Feldstein  became  associated  with  the  late  Leopold  Bieber, 
who  wa$  then  conducting  the  Cold  Spring  House  at  Tannersville,  N.  Y.  Under 
Mr.  Feldstein's  able  management,  the  business  rapidly  improved,  making 
extensive  alterations  necessary.  Mr.  Feldstein  with  Mrs.  Yetta  Bieber,  the 
widow  of  Leopold,  are  now  conducting  the  beautiful  Hotel  Majestic  at  Lake- 
wood,  N.  J.  Mr.  Feldstein  is  very  outspoken  in  regard  to  those  who  have 
assisted  in  his  success.  He  highly  praises  Mrs.  Feldstein,  who  was  formerly 
a  Miss  Bieber  and  one  of  the  right  bowers  in  the  business  of  her  late  father, 
Leopold  Bieber.  "Mrs.  Feldstein,"  he  says,  "has  not  only  proven  a  devoted 
friend,  a  good  wife  and  a  good  mother,  but  her  true  womanly  companionship 
causes  her  to  be  eagerly  sought  by  the  women  and  girl  guests  of  the  hotel." 

Mr.  Feldstein  wishes  also  to  go  on  record  as  saying  that  he  is  peculiarly 
blessed  in  having  an  absolutely  perfect  mother-in-law,  for  he  realizes  that  his 
success,  in  a  very  great  measure,  is  due  not  only  to  her  great  knowledge  of 
the  culinary  arts,  but  of  all  the  minutest  details  which  count  in  the  successful 
management  of  a  large  hotel.  In  details  which  count  in  the  assembling  of  a 
large  number  of  guests,  it  requires  great  skill  and  tact  to  satisfy  the  many  and 
varied  tastes  of  each  patron,  but  Mrs.  Yetta  Bieber  always  rises  to  the  occasion, 
and  with  a  sang-froid  that  is  really  remarkable,  causes  the  cherished  dish  to 
immediately  appear.  The  fame  of  Mrs.  Yetta  Bieber  as  an  expert  in  conduct- 
ing a  hotel  where  the  strict  dietary  laws  are  observed  has  spread  from  one  end 
of  the  country  to  the  other,  and  the  privilege  of  spending  a  few  weeks  at  a 
hotel  with  Mrs.  Yetta  Bieber  as  the  hostess  is  one  for  which  all  are  willing 
to  pay. 

While  the  Majestic  Hotel  is  patronized  by  some  of  the  foremost  repre- 
sentatives of  the  Jewish  clergy  and  laymen  alike,  it  is  known  as  a  popular  resort 
for  the  younger  element,  for  the  parents  know  that  their  children  are  well 
chaperoned  and  receive  the  very  best  of  care  under  the  motherly  guidance  of 
Mrs.  Bieber  who,  as  a  true  Jewish  woman,  knows  how  to  cater  to  the  individual 
wants  of  both  young  and  old. 

Regular  services  are  conducted  in  the  synagogue  of  the  hotel,  and  during 
Passover  and  the  High  Holiday  season,  it  is  necessary  to  secure  rooms  in 
advance,  so  great  is  the  demand. 

In  1897,  Mr.  Feldstein  married  Miss  Sadie  Bieber.  They  have  four  chil- 
dren— three  girls  and  one  boy.  Irene,  aged  nineteen,  is  a  high  school  graduate ; 
the  others  are  Alex,  sixteen,  Ruth,  twelve,  and  Helen,  eight  years,  respectively. 
All  of  the  children,  in  addition  to  their  regular  schooling,  are  receiving  the 
benefit  of  a  thorough  Jewish  training. 


LYMAN   FELHEIM 

In  these  tempestuous  days  when  the  world  trembles  before  the  tread  of 
mighty  war  lords  ;  when  deeds  of  military  valor  are  chronicled  on  every  hand : 
when  the  energies  of  the  entire  world  seem  bent  upon  destruction  that  out  of 
the  awful  cataclysm  a  great  reconstruction  shall  follow,  it  is  a  pleasure  to 
record  the  events  of  a  life  lived  in  an  era  of  progress  and  peace — a  life  now 
at  the  zenith  of  its  usefulness  and  activity. 

We  refer  to  Lyman  Felheim,  successful  business  man,  honored  citizen 
of  Erie,  Pa.,  and  a  thorough  American,  both  by  birth  and  sympathies. 

71 


Lyman  Felheim  was  born  in  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  November  7,  i860.  His 
father,  Solomon  Felheim,  was  a  thoroughly  educated  man,  being  a  teacher  of 
German.  Like  many  another  prominent  man,  Mr.  Felheim  acquired  his  first 
business  experience  selling  papers  on  the  streets,  where  the  life  of  the  city 
passed  by  him  in  its  multiplicity  of  fascinating  phases,  where  he  learned  that 
the  most  interesting  study  of  mankind  is  man. 

He  was  twelve  years  old  when  he  started  selling  papers  and  later  spent 
one  year  clerking  in  a  store.  Having-  the  opportunity  of  working  for  an  uncle 
in  Cleveland,  he  went  to  that  city,  where  he  remained  for  six  years,  finally 
going  to  Erie,  Pa.,  where  he  located  permanently,  engaging  in  the  lumber 
business. 

Since  that  time  his  business  interests  have  extended  into  many  other  indus- 
tries of  Erie,  in  several  of  which  he  is  a  stockholder  and  director. 

Mr.  Felheim  became  very  interested  in  the  Boy  Scout  movement  and  is 
First  Vice-President  of  the  Boy  Scouts  for  his  section.  He  is  also  a  prominent 
Mason,  being  Past  Honorary  Priest  and  Past  Master  of  the  Blue  Lodge.  He 
also  is  a  member  of  the  Elks. 

Mr.  Felheim  was  married  twenty  years  ago  to  Miss  Laura  Lasalle,  of 
Toledo,  Ohio,  a  woman  charmingly  fitted  to  grace  the  prominent  position 
attained  by  her  husband.  They  are  members  of  the  Temple  and  contribute 
most  liberally  to  all  charitable  institutions,  both  national  and  local.  They  are 
also  patrons  of  the  Jewish  Immigration  Society,  the  German  Turner  and  Ger- 
man Singing  Society. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Felheim  have  two  -fine  boys,  one  of  whom  is  still  in  high 
school,  while  the  other  is  attending  Exeter  College,  New  Hampshire. 


HERMAN  B.  FERGUSON 

A  fine  example  of  a  splendid  personality,  uniting  in  himself  the  noblest 
traits  of  the  Jewish  race,  a  native  born  intelligence  and  shrewdness  with  the 
most  thorough-going  education,  a  man  of  remarkable  success  in  the  world  of 
business  and  who  had,  in  the  course  of  his  life,  accumulated  the  most  won- 
derful experience  vouchsafed  to  any  man — such  in  brief  is  the  career  of  Mr. 
Herman  B.  Ferguson,  one  of  the  leading  manufacturers  of  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 

He  was  born  in  the  city  and  province  of  Suvalk,  Russia,  as  the  son  of 
Benedict  and  Esther  Ferguson,  both  living.  His  family  is  among  the  most 
prominent  of  Russia  and  his  father  was  connected  with  the  well-known  Union 
Bank  of  Libau. 

Herman  B.  Ferguson  was  born  on  October  17,  1872,  and  came  to  America 
in  1891.  Being  a  well-bred  aristocratic  boy,  there  was  no  apparent  need  for 
his  going  to  America,  but  he  went  simply  because  "he  took  a  notion,"  as 
a  boy  ordinarily  would.  He  was  nineteen,  of  good  address  and  education,  and 
he  had  no  difficulty  in  finding  a  position  very  soon  after  he  landed  on  these 
shores.  He  became  a  bookkeeper  for  the  American  Stamping  Company  of 
Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  exchanging  this  occupation  for  that  of  a  traveling  salesman 
of  tinware  some  time  later.  About  six  years  after  his  arrival  in  this  country 
he  settled  in  Pittsburgh  with  a  capital  of  a  few  hundred  dollars  and  he  became 
a  jobber  in  shirts.  Two  years  later  he  went  into  the  manufacturing  of  shirts 
and  he  has  been  in  the  business  ever  since.  At  the  present  writing  he  is  among 
the  giants  in  the  industry,  operating  five  factories,  one  at  Ninth  and  Market 
streets,  McKeesport,  Pa. ;  two  in  Louisville,  Ky. ;  one  in  Indianapolis,  and  one 
in  Columbus,  Ohio,  all  under  the  firm  name  of  H.  B.  Ferguson  &  Company. 
His  total  of  employes  is  around  one  thousand  people. 

Mr.   Ferguson  was  one  of  the  first  directors  of  the  Federated  Jewish 

72 


Charities  in  Pittsburgh.  He  was  greatly  instrumental  in  the  building  of  the 
Montefiore  Hospital,  being  the  Secretary  of  its  Board  of  Directors  and  the 
Chairman  of  its  Building  Committee.  In  addition,  Mr.  Ferguson  is  a  member 
of  the  Temple  Rodeph  Sholom  and  of  every  Jewish  institution  of  importance. 

As  has  been  stated,  Mr.  Ferguson  received  a  thorough  education.  He  was 
considered  a  great  mathematician  and  he  carried  away  in  school  every  prize 
given  in  mathematics,  expecting  to  make  it  the  subject  of  his  special  interest 
later  in  life.  On  his  arrival  in  this  country  he  went  to  night  school  and  took 
an  interest  in  literature.  He  is  Americanized,  a  studious  and  omnivorous  reader 
of  books  and  of  a  most  remarkable  intelligence.  Of  a  family,  in  which  we  find  a 
brother,  Max,  a  famous  pianist  in  Paris  and  a  graduate  of  the  Paris  Conserva- 
tory of  Music,  and  another,  Joseph,  living  in  Germany,  a  graduate  of  the 
Leipzig  Handels-Schule — we  do  not  wonder  that  Herman  B.  could  not  but  live 
up  to  traditions. 

On  the  14th  of  April,  1913,  Mr.  Ferguson  was  married  to  Miss  Mary 
Coblins. 


ABRAHAM   FIELD 

It  is  indeed  fortunate  for  mortal  man  that  an  all  wise  Providence  hung  a 
veil  between  the  present  and  the  future  through  which  he  cannot  peer. 

Thus  we  live  only  in  the  present,  hoping  the  best  for  tomorrow,  and  when 
tomorrow  comes  it  is  but  another  today  with  the  golden  light  of  still  another 
tomorrow  beckoning  us  just  ahead. 

When  Abraham  Field  landed  in  America  he  was  but  twenty-one  years  old, 
with  no  capital  but  plenty  of  ambition  and  determination  to  succeed.  Had  he 
known  the  discouragements  he  was  to  encounter  it  would  have  been  a  severe 
test  of  even  his  high  courage. 

He  was  born  in  Podalsky,  Guberne,  Russia,  March  4,  1884.  His  father 
was  a  lumber  merchant  and  also  a  man  of  considerable  education. 

At  the  age  of  twenty-one,  he  came  to  America,  landed  in  New  York,  going 
from  there  to  Fort  Wayne,  Ind.  He  went  out  peddling  general  wares  for  six 
months.  This  was  followed  by  sixteen  months'  buying  and  selling  rags,  after 
which  he  went  to  Plymouth,  Ind.,  and  opened  a  yard.  He  was  unfortunate  in 
the  time  selected  for  this  venture  as  it  was  in  1907,  the  year  of  the  panic,  and 
he  was  unsuccessful,  so  he  returned  to  Fort  Wayne  and  startea  peddling  again. 
After  a  year  and  a  half,  with  two  partners  he  started  in  the  junk  business  and 
continued  for  three  years,  when  he  dissolved  partnership  with  them  and  his 
entire  capital  after  the  dissolution  amounted  to  $500. 

Being  rather  discouraged  with  the  result  of  this  business  venture,  he 
started  traveling  as  salesman  and  continued  for  several  years. 

But  the  ambition  to  be  in  business  for  himself,  which  is  ever  present  in 
the  mind  of  a  man  with  true  business  ability,  led  him  to  give  up  his  position 
and  start  a  general  junk  yard. 

After  a  year  of  successful  business  he  decided  to  specialize  on  paper  mill 
supplies,  which  he  is  still  doing  today,  and  has  been  immensely  successful. 

He  was  married  December  27,  1908,  to  Miss  Clara  Rotter  of  Milwaukee 
and  they  have  three  small  daughters,  the  eldest  of  whom  is  in  school. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Field  are  very  charitable,  being  members  of  B'nai  Jacob 
Congregation  and  the  Federation  of  Jewish  Charities.  He  is  also  a  prominent 
member  of  the  committee  appointed  to  secure  funds  for  Jewish  war  sufferers 
and  Jewish  welfare  work  among  soldiers. 

Mrs.  Field  not  only  contributes  much  money  but  devotes  a  great  deal  of 
time  to  the  Ladies'  Aid  Society,  Daughters  of  Israel,  and  Auxiliary  of  Parents', 
Teachers'  and  Mothers'  Association. 

73 


HARRY  FICKSMAN 

There  is  hardly  an  organization  in  Chelsea,  Mass.,  with  which  Mr.  Harry 
Ficksman  is  not  in  some  way  prominently  identified.  All  of  these  responsibili- 
ties are  assumed  in  addition  to  large  business  interests  which  he  owns  and 
controls. 

Mr.  Ficksman  was  born  in  Yolinsky,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  April,  1885,  and 
came  to  America  at  the  age  of  fifteen,  landing  in  Boston,  where  he  peddled 
drygoods  for  several  years.  He  then  went  into  the  fruit  business,  but  not 
finding  it  to  his  liking,  started  buying  and  selling  metal  scrap,  which  has 
resulted  in  the  large  plant  he  is  operating  today.  He  is  also  Treasurer  of  the 
Brennen  Grain  Company,  another  prosperous  concern. 

Mr.  Ficksman  was  married  in  Chelsea,  Mass.,  in  1906  to  Miss  Goldie 
Rosenblatt,  and  they  have  three  children — two  boys  and  one  girl,  the  eldest  two 
being  in  school. 

Among  Mr.  Ficksman's  many  civic  and  fraternal  interests  we  wish  to  men- 
tion the  following:  He  is  Secretary  of  the  Finance  Committee  of  Jewish  War 
Relief ;  Board  Member  of  Liberty  Loan  and  Red  Cross  Committees ;  President 
of  I.  O.  B.  A.  of  Chelsea,  and  District  Deputy  of  Grand  Lodge ;  Second  District 
Deputy  of  Independent  Hebrews  of  America ;  President  of  Ward  Four,  Citi- 
zens' Club  of  Chelsea ;  Director  of  Talmud  Torah ;  ex-Treasurer  and  Board 
Member  of  Elm  Street  Congregation ;  member  Board  of  Governors  of  Y.  M. 
H.  A.  and  member  of  the  Committee  appointed  to  purchase  the  new  home  of 
the  Y.  M.  H.  A.  He  is  also  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  the  Metal  Deal- 
ers' Association,  and  the  Free  Loan  Association. 

His  wife  is  also  very  prominent  in  social  and  charitable  matters,  being 
connected  with  the  Federated  and  Ladies'  Charities. 


SAM   FINE  AND   SAMUEL   NURENBERG 

,  The  city  of  Brockton,  Mass.,  boasts  no  better  business  men  than  the 
partners  in  Brockton  Iron  and  Metal  Co.,  Mr.  Sam  Fine  and  Mr.  Samuel 
Xurenberg. 

Mr.  Nurenberg,  the  senior  partner,  was  born  in  Kiev,  Guberne,  Russia,  in 
1886  and  came  to  America  in  1901.  Landing  in  Boston,  he  started  working 
in  a  coat  factory  at  eight  dollars  per  week,  where  he  showed  such  wonderful 
proficiency  that  at  the  end  of  two  years  he  was  making  fifty-five  dollars  per 
week.  However,  he  was  fired  with  the  ambition  to  go  into  business  for  him- 
self, so  gave  up  his  position  and  started  in  the  soda-water  business.  He  was 
very  successful  in  this  line  for  six  years,  but  owing  to  some  unfortunate  in- 
vestments in  real  estate,  he  lost  nearly  all  of  his  money.  Going  to  Vermont,  he 
engaged  in  the  junk  business,  but  having  had  no  experience  in  this  line,  he 
lost  the  balance  of  his  savings  and  decided  to  go  to  Maiden,  Mass.  Here  he 
worked  in  the  express  business  for  a  short  time  and  then  went  to  Brockton, 
where  he  joined  his  present  partner  and  has  since  been  wonderfully  successful. 

Mr.  Xurenberg  was  married  December  2,  1912,  to  Miss  Rose  Adelstone. 
and  they  have  two  young  sons. 

The  junior  member,  Mr.  Sam  Fine,  was  born  in  Kishinif,  Guberne,  Rus- 
sia, June  23,  1889.  He  came  to  America  with  his  father  and  went  to  school 
until  at  the  age  of  twelve  years  it  became  necessary  for  him  to  make  his  own 
living.  He  found  employment  in  a  box  factory,  where  he  remained  for  three 
years,  and  then  started  out  peddling  fruit.  His  next  venture  was  in  the  junk 
business,  in  which  he  is  continuing  today,  and  although  a  very  young  man,  has 
a  business  career  to  his  credit  which  many  an  older  man  might  envy. 

74 


Mr.  Fine  was  married  in  Providence.  R.  I.,  in  March,  1910.  to  Miss  Rosa 
Kessler.  and  they  have  one  daughter  going"  to  school. 

Mrs.  Fine  is  very  popular  socially,  and  is  Secretary  of  the  Ladies'  Benev- 
olent Society. 

Doth  the  Xurenbergs  and  Fines  are  members  of  the  Russian  Orthodox 
Congregation  and  are  liberal  contributors  to  all  charities.  Mr.  Fine  also  is 
a  member  of  the  Knights  of  Pythias  and  I.  O.  B.  A. 


LOUIS  FINE 

Mr.  Louis  Fine  of  Miami.  Fla..  belongs  to  the  class  of  Jews  who  are 
largely  responsible  for  the  development  of  a  Jewish  spirit  in  this  country. 
Whatever  he  is  engaged  in  or  wherever  he  goes,  he  always  bears  in  mind  the 
interests  of  his  race  and  class.    Judaism  and  his  own  career  go  hand  in  hand. 

He  had  been  a  Yeshiba  Bochur,  He  is  an  Orthodox  in  the  strictest  sense 
of  the  word  and  a  Jew  of  the  idealistic  sort  who  would  never  give  up  his 
idealism  for  any  material  ends.  When  Mr.  Fine  arrived  in  America  in  1887  he 
settled  at  Yyseport,  Pa.,  where  he  took  to  peddling  for  a  living,  but  at  the  same 
time  he  started  to  build  a  Jewish  center  in  the  place,  establishing"  a  ritual 
"Shochet"  and  arousing  the  town  to  an  interest  in  Jewish  affairs.  When  three 
years  later,  after  a  short  sojourn  in  Texas,  he  settled  in  Key  West.  Fla..  he 
went  into  the  grocery  business,  then  into  the  drygoods  line  and  also  took 
employment  as  an  agent  of  the  Houston  Ice  &  Brewing  Company,  but  with 
all  these  vocations  he  assiduously  worked  for  the  interests  of  Judaism.  For 
eighteen  years  he  had  occupied  the  post  of  President  of  the  Congregation 
Rodeph  Sholom  in  Key  West.  He  then  moved  to  Miami,  where  he  resides 
today,  and  established  the  Modern  Grocery  at  101S  Avenue  D,  a  business 
which  he  had  established  for  his  two  sons.  But  at  the  same  time  he  again 
cave  his  attention  to  Jewish  interests.  He  again  obtained  a  ritual  '"Shochet" 
for  the  city  and  took  a  place  on  the  Congregation  Building  Committee,  inspiring 
all  with  a  Jewish  consciousness. 

Mr.  Fine  is  also  a  National  Director  of  the  Denver  Sanitarium  and  con- 
nected with  nearly  every  form  of  Jewish  activity  in  and  outside  of  the  city 
where  he  resides.  While  he  lived  in  Key  West  he  played  a  prominent  part  in 
the  Committee  which  sought  to  create  the  independence  of  Cuba,  sending  men 
and  ammunition  out  of  the  United  States,  and  he  lost  one  of  his  trade  vessels 
on  this  occasion.  He  saw  in  this  a  part  of  Jewish  vengeance  against  Spain,  the 
old  persecutor  of  the  race. 

Louis  Fine  was  born  on  the  27th  of  November,  1866.  in  Smorgon,  Gov- 
ernment of  Yilna.  the  son  of  Reb  Abraham  Pinucs  and  Ittee  Fine.  His  father 
is  a  prominent  Jewish  scholar  and  his  grandfather  was  the  distinguished  Rabbi 
Leib  Masirer.  the  rabbi  of  his  native  town.  In  iSS^  he  was  married  to  his> 
wife.  Cadie  who  is  the  daughter  of  Reb  Chaim  Yankel  Shwirsky.  They  are 
the  parents  of  two  accomplished  sons.  Joseph  M.  and  Isidore,  and  of  a  daugh- 
ter. Ida.  who  is  married  to  Nathan  Goldman,  a  highly  intellectual  and  truly 
Jewish  young  man  who  is  likewise  in  business  in  Miami  and  comes  from  a 
much  respected  Rabbinical  family. 


SAMUEL    FINE 

The  average  young  man  of  today  knows  very  little  of  the  severe  hard- 
ships endured  by  those  pioneers  of  commerce  who  came  from  Europe  to  seek 
their  fortunes  in  the  new  world.  In  fact,  very  few  of  them  would  have  suffi- 
cient perseverance  to  pass  through  the  fires  of  adversity  which  their  elders 
were  obliged  to  endure. 

In  the  person  of  Mr.  Samuel  Fine  we  have  an  instance  of  a  strong  char- 
acter which  was  able  to  cope  with  the  most  difficult  situations  and  attain 
wealth  and  independence. 

Mr.  Fine  was  born  in  Kovno,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  1878,  and  was  married 
in  the  year  1894  to  Miss  Jennie  Sodnisky.  Five  years  later  he  decided  that 
America  would  offer  a  better  field  for  his  endeavors 
and  leaving  his  family  in  Russia,  came  to  East  Bos- 
ton, where  he  was  obliged  to  work  at  first  for  only 
$1.50  per  week.  After  eight  weeks  he  began  buying 
and  selling  junk,  which  he  continued  for  three 
months.  He  then  worked  in  an  ice  factory  until  he 
had  money  enough  to  buy  a  horse  and  wagon.  But 
'a  short  time  after  he  suffered  the  misfortune  of  los- 
ing his  horse  and  was  obliged  to  go  to  work  again  in 
order  to  replace  the  animal.  As  soon  as  it  was  pos- 
sible for  him  to  buy  another  horse  he  again  em- 
barked in  the  junk  business  and  it  was  not  long 
before  he  had  accumulated  sufficient  funds  to  send 
for  his  family.  After  their  arrival,  he  opened  a 
junk  yard  on  a  very  small  scale  and  under  his  able 
management  it  has  grown  into  an  immense  business, 

1        •  ,1  c  1  Samuel    Fine 

employing  a  great  number  of  people. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Fine  are  the  parents  of  eight  children,  three  boys  and  five 
girls.  The  girls  are  all  going  to  school  and  are  being  well  educated  in  music. 
The  son,  Joe,  is  a  very  fine  scholar,  having  graduated  with  honor  medals  from 
the  Boston  Latin  School  and  is  now  attending  Harvard.  Harry  is  a  civil 
engineer. 

In  addition  to  the  many  duties  incident  to  rearing  her  family,  Mrs.  Fine 
has  found  time  to  engage  in  many  social  and  charitable  enterprises,  in  which 
she  assumes  a  very  prominent  and  helpful  part.  Although  both  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Fine  are  very  loyal  to  all  organizations  of  their  own  religion,  they  are  not 
biased  in  their  philanthropy  by  creed  or  nationality,  and  give  liberally  to  all 
worthy  causes. 

Mr.  Fine  is  a  member  of  all  congregations  in  East  Boston,  the  Knights  of 
Pythias,  I.  O.  B.  A.,  Balkemeier  Society,  Millis  Haseb,  Federation  of  Jewish 
Charities,  Havre  Tillim,  Talmud  Torah  and  Beth  Israel  Hospital. 


HARRIS    T.    FEINBERG 

One  of  the  most  interesting  stories  in  the  business  history  of  Chelsea, 
Mass.,  is  that  of  Harris  T.  Feinberg,  prominent  woolen  scrap  dealer  of  that 
city.  He  was  born  in  1859  in  Sualker,  Guberne,  Russia,  the  son  of  Isaac  and 
Leah  Feinberg,  his  father  being  a  prominent  horse  dealer.  He  came  to 
America  in  1888,  landing  in  New  York  City,  where  he  began  peddling  small 
merchandise  and  later  went  to  Shenandoah,  Pa.,  where  he  sold  dry  goods  for 
one  year.  He  then  spent  a  short  time  in  Elmira,  N.  Y.,  and  in  Keene,  N.  H. 
After  he  had  been  in  America  six  years  he  had  accumulated  enough  to  bring 

76 


his  family  over  from  Europe  and  to  start  into  business  for  himself  in  a  modest 
way.  However,  he  was  unfortunate  in  losing  all  of  his  money  and  was  obliged 
to  go  back  to  Keene,  N.  H.,  where  he  peddled  for  one  year.  He  then  went  to 
Worcester,  Mass.,  where  he  remained  for  eleven  years  in  the  junk  business, 
after  which  he  permanently  established  himself  at  Chelsea,  Mass.,  opening  up 
his  business  on  Auburn  street,  where  he  has  been  exceedingly  successful. 

Mr.  Feinberg  was  married  in  Russia  in  1878  to  Miss  Pauline  Kabotchnik, 
and  they  have  four  children,  three  boys  and  one  girl.  The  boys  are  all  in 
business  with  their  father. 

Mr.  Feinberg  is  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Directors  of  Congregation 
Agudas  Acham,  and  is  also  prominent  in  the  Sons  of  Abraham  and  I.  O.  B.  A. 
He  is  also  a  most  liberal  contributor  to  all  charities. 


M.  FINGER 


The  Tew  is  essentially  a  business  man,  and  is 
seldom  content  unless  he  is  engaged  in  business  for 
himself.  This  is  true  of  Mr.  M.  Finger,  prominent 
iron  scrap  dealer  of  Lynn,  Mass. 

He  was  born  in  Austria  in  1881  and  came  to 
America  in  1897.  Going  to  Haverhill,  Mass.,  he 
worked  in  a  mill  for  several  years,  and  then  came  to 
Lynn,  where  he  went  into  the  present  line  of  busi- 
ness, and  has  been  very  successful. 

He  was  married  in  Haverhill  in  1903  and  has 
three  children,  two  boys  and  one  girl,  all  of  whom 
are  going  to  school. 

Mr.  Finger  is  prominent  in  fraternal  organiza- 
tions of  Lynn,  being  President  of  I.  O.  B.  A.  and 
also  a  member  of  Knights  of  Pythias,  Odd  Fellows 
and  Havas  Sholom  Congregation. 

He  has  unselfishly  shared  his  prosperity  with 
those  less  fortunate  than  himself,  and  is  much  rever 
generosity  in  matters  of  charity. 


ed  for  his  kindness  and 


BENJAMIN    FINKELHOR 

Mr.  Benjamin  Finkelhor  of  Pittsburgh,  Pa.,  has  had  a  very  interesting 
and  varied  career.  Born  in  Niemen,  near  Vilna,  Russia,  on  January  1,  1870, 
he  is  the  son  of  Max  and  Hannah  Finkelhor,  and  came  to  America  at  the 
age  of  sixteen.  His  first  occupation  was  to  work  on  knee  pants  in  New 
York,  soon  exchanging  this  to  making  white  goods.  All  that  was  only  a  tem- 
porary makeshift,  and  the  poor  boy  tried  to  help  himself  as  best  he  could. 
A  few  years  later  he  went  to  Pittsburgh  and  went  into  the  manufacturing  of 
white  goods,  which  did  not,  however,  turn  out  a  success. 

Mr.  Finkelhor  returned  to  New  York,  where  he  applied  himself  to  the 
sample  card  business  with  a  relative,  and  for  six  months  was  busily  engaged 
in  trying  to  make  it  a  success.     But  the  hoped-for  success  never  came.     Mr. 

77 


Finkelhor  went  out  selling  white  goods,  and  went  to  Pittsburgh  again,  later 
on  clerking  in  Connellsville  and  Greensberg,  Pa.  He  then  started  a  clothing 
business  with  his  brother,  which  in  1903  was  given  over  to  the  brother,  while 
he  himself  went  out  on  the  road  as  a  salesman  of  pants.  He  was  very  suc- 
cessful and  covered  a  large  part  of  the  country,  and  then  located  in  Beaver 
Falls,  Pa.,  where  he  started  manufacturing  on  a  comparatively  large  scale. 
The  business  went  on  well,  and  after  three  years  he  found  himself  in  a  posi- 
tion to  return  to  Pittsburgh,  where  he  became  a  jobber  of  clothes  under  the 
firm  name  of  Finkelhor  Brothers,  his  brother  Samuel  being  with  him.  This 
is  the  business  he  is  engaged  in  at  the  present  time,  at  928  Penn  avenue,  with 
a  factory  under  the  same  name  at  1 13  University  place,  New  York  City. 

Among  his  many  charitable  connections  we  must  mention  Mr.  Finkel- 
hor's  membership  in  the  Jewish  Home  for  the  Aged  of  Pittsburgh,  where  he 
is  a  charter  member  and  Director.  He  is  also  a  Director  of  the  Montefiore 
Hospital  and  a  charter  member  and  former  Director  of  the  Pittsburgh  Federa- 
tion of  Jewish  Charities.  Fie  is  an  ardent  Socialist  and  though  he  owns  a 
factory  and  possesses  "capital,"  he  would  resent  being  called  a  "capitalist." 
He  once  financed  a  Socialist  paper  named  "Justice,"  and  is  firmly  convinced 
that  Socialism  is  the  creed  of  the  future  and  will  finally  win  as  a  political 
system.  He  is  an  idealist  and  supports  all  possible  Jewish  organizations  and 
charities.    He  retains  a  membership  in  the  famous  Congregation  Tree  of  Life. 

Married  in  1893  to  Miss  Sarah  Samuels,  there  are  six  children  of  this 
union,  named  Leonard,  Nathan,  Herbert,  Morris,  Howard  and  Eugene. 


NEAL    FINKELSTEIN 


When  the  state  of  Florida  was  called  upon  to  select  a  delegate  to  the 
Jewish  Congress,  a  large  majority  chose  Mr.  Neal  Finkelstein  of  Jacksonville, 
which  was  an  expression  of  general  recognition  accorded  to  a  man  who  is 
considered  the  leader  of  the  Orthodox  community  in  Jacksonville  and  perhaps 
in  the  state  of  Florida  as  well. 

Mr.  Finkelstein  is  a  man  of  very  high  reputation.  He  is  the  Chairman  of 
the  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Young  Men's  Hebrew  Association  of  Jackson- 
ville and  was  formerly  Treasurer  of  the  Orthodox  Congregation.  He  is  a 
Director  of  the  United  Hebrew  Charities,  is  a  national  Director  of  the  Hebrew 
Immigrant  Aid  Society  and  also  of  the  Denver  Sanitarium  for  Consumptives. 
He  is  a  member  of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce  of  Jacksonville  and  a  Past 
Master  of  the  local  Masonic  Lodge.  In  the  business  world  of  the  town  his 
name  stands  very  high,  and  whoever  in  Florida  is 
approached  will  certainly  mention  the  name  of 
Neal  Finkelstein  with  great  respect  and  reverence 
as  a  leading  citizen  of  Jacksonville. 

Asked  by  the  writer  of  these  lines  what  he 
considered  the  reason  for  his  unusual  success  in 
life,  Mr.  Finkelstein  stated  that  "honesty  and 
hard  work"  brought  about  the  result.  It  is  un- 
doubtedly true  in  that  it  required  the  strictest 
honesty  at  all  times  to  gain  in  the  world  of  busi- 
ness such  an  enviable  name  as  that  enjoyed  by 
Mr.  Finkelstein. 

Mr.  Neal  Finkelstein  was  born  on  the  26th 
of  August,    1873,   in    Pussolat,    Government   of 

Kovno,  Russia.    His  parents,  Gabriel  and  Sarah  Finkelstein  are  both  living  in 
Jacksonville.    Mr.  Finkelstein  is  a  descendant  of  a  prominent  Rabbinical  fam- 

78 


ily  and  bears  the  name  of  his  great-grandfather,  who  was  a  well-known  Rabbi, 
while  his  grandfather,  Reb  Hillel  Kundes,  was  also  a  renowned  Rabbi. 

Mr.  Finkelstein  came  to  America  in  1888.  He  settled  in  Fernandino, 
Fla..  where  he  began  his  career  by  peddling  and  working  as  a  clerk.  He  then 
made  a  trip  through  Georgia  and  Texas  and  in  1899  he  came  to  Jacksonville, 
where  he  started  a  pawnbrokerage  and  general  merchandise  business,  which 
rapidlv  rose  to  great  importance  until  today  it  is  a  gigantic  concern  located  at 
Bay  and  Broad  streets,  affording  its  owner  not  only  material  success  but  also 
a  great  name. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Finkelstein,  who  was  Miss  Mary  Smith,  were  married  on 
August  23,  1901,  and  they  are  the  parents  of  four  sons,  named  Harold,  Leon- 
ard, Malvern  and  Chester. 


JACOB    FIRSTENBERG 

Born  in  Zirado,  Russia,  in  1889,  Mr.  Firstenberg  came  to  the  United  States 
in  1906.  After  receiving  a  common  school  education  he  worked  as  an  errand 
boy  in  Trenton,  N.  J.  His  salary  was  $16  per  month,  but  it  was  understood 
that  he  was  not  to  receive  pay  for  the  first  month.  He  then  worked  as  a  shipping 
clerk  for  $5  per  week,  devoting  every  moment  of  his  spare  time  to  the  study 
of  salesmanship,  business  and  elementary  drawing,  at  which  he  was  quite 
an  adept.  On  July  14,  1910.  Mr.  Firstenberg  made  a  design  for  a  calendar 
which,  he  felt  sure,  would  take  among  business  people.  His  entire  capital  on 
that  day  was  twenty-five  cents,  but  he  was  by  no  means  daunted.  It  is  easy, 
he  says,  for  an)'  one  to  start  business  with  a  bank  account,  but  it  is  a  greater 
trick  to  start  with  nothing;  it  requires  courage  and  determination  and  confi- 
dence ;  and  any  one  possessing  these  qualifications  is,  he  thinks,  bound  to 
succeed. 

A  little  room  in  a  tenement  house  was  the  first  scene  of  Mr.  Firstenberg's 
business  activities,  where  his  venture  was  an  immediate  success,  so  that  its 
owner  moved  in  a  very  short  time  to  larger  quarters  in  a  loft  at  302  East 
Forty-eighth  street. 

Determined  to  illustrate  that  there  was  a  real  demand  for  his  creations, 
Mr.  Firstenberg  went  on  the  road  as  his  own  salesman.  It  was  on  this  trip 
that  he  laid  the  foundation  for  his  extensive  business,  which  now,  in  truth, 
covers  every  part  of  the  United  States,  with  resident  salesmen  in  many  of  the 
larger  cities.  Mr.  Firstenberg  is  today  one  of  the  largest  jobbers  in  adver- 
tising calendars  in  the  United  States,  and  his  large  warehouse  at  332  East 
Forty-eighth  street,  New  York,  is  a  veritable  hive  of  industry. 

Mr.  Firstenberg  is  a  Director  in  the  Calendar  Jobbers'  Association  of 
New  York,  of  which  he  was  offered  the  presidency.  He  is  a  firm  believer 
in  all  of  the  principles  of  Judaism,  is  an  active  worker  in  the  institution  for 
Jewish  blind  children,  and  a  generous  contributor  to  many  charities.  He  is 
well  known  for  his  firm  devotion  to  Socialistic  principles. 

On  November  9,  1916,  Mr.  Firstenberg  was  married  to  Rose  Levitt,  a 
native  of  Minsk,  Russia.  Mrs.  Firstenberg  is  of  a  most  amiable  and  loving 
disposition,  always  ready  to  share  in  the  joys  and  sorrows  of  her  husband 
and  believes  that  the  greatest  boon  a  woman  can  bring  to  a  man  is  compan- 
ionship. Mr.  and  Mrs.  Firstenberg  modestly  compare  their  success  to  the 
saying  of  Josh  Billings  and  the  postage  stamp,  whose  success  lay  in  its  ability 
to  stick  to  one  thing  until  it  got  there. 


79 


JACOB    FISHER    AND    ISAAC    KURNITSKY 

It  is  interesting  to  relate  the  history  of  two  men  who,  although  born  in 
different  towns  in  Russia  and  not  knowing  each  other  until  some  time  after 
they  had  landed  on  American  soil,  had  at  the  same  time  experiences  almost 
identical.  We  refer  to  Mr.  Jacob  Fisher  and  Mr.  Isaac  Kurnitsky,  members  of 
the  prosperous  firm  of  Fisher  &  Kurnitsky,  located  at  68-70  Liberty  street, 
Springfield,  Mass. 

Mr.  Fisher  was  born  in  Kovno,  Guberne,  Russia,  and  Mr.  Kurnitsky  in 
Vilna,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  the  years  1876  and  1877,  respectively.  They  came 
to  America  within  two  years  of  each  other,  Mr.  Fisher  landing  in  1896  and 
Mr.  Kurnitsky  in  1898.  Both  came  to  New  Haven,  Conn.,  and  found  their 
first  employment  in  junk  yards,  where  they  received  but  scant  remuneration 
for  their  services.  Shortly  after  they  went  to  Springfield,  Mass.,  and  joining 
forces,  went  into  the  iron,  metal  and  waste  paper  business. 

That  they  are  both  exceedingly  capable  business  men  is  attested  by  their 
rapid  rise  and  flourishing  condition  of  the  large  business  which  they  are  con- 
ducting today.  Mr.  Fisher  was  married  in  1901  to  Miss  Eva  Kalvinsky  of 
Worcester,  Mass.,  and  they  have  four  children,  two  boys  and  two  girls,  all 
going  to  school.  He  is  a  member  of  Congregation  Kesser  Israel  and  I.  O. 
B.  A. 

Mr.  Kurnitsky  was  married  in  Holyoke,  Mass.,  in  1902  to  Miss  Ida  B. 
Barowsky.  Their  family  consists  of  six  children,  five  boys  and  one  girl.  The 
older  children  are  in  school.  Mr.  Kurnitsky  is  a  member  of  Congregation 
Israel,  I.  O.  B.  A.,  Minsker  Unterstizung  Ferein,  all  Hebrew  charities  and 
Talmud  Torah,  of  which  he  was  one  of  the  founders  and  now  holds  the  office 
of  Treasurer. 

There  are  no  citizens  of  Springfield  whose  business  ability  and  integrity 
are  more  respected  than  Mr.  Jacob  Fisher  and  Mr.  Isaac  Kurnitsky. 


ABRAHAM  FISHMAN 

Some  of  the  best  citizenship  of  which  our  country  boasts  has  been  mus- 
tered from  the  ranks  of  those  who  were  born  in  the  old  country,  but  who 
loved  freedom  of  thought  and  action  sufficiently  to  leave  their  old  environ- 
ment and  seek  the  fulfillment  of  their  ideals  in  the  new  world. 

Such  a  man  is  Mr.  Abraham  Fishman.  He  was  born  in  Gradno,  Guberne, 
Russia,  in  1881,  the  son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hirsh  Fishman,  his  father  being- 
engaged  in  the  milk  business.  He  came  to  America  in  1906  and  finding  his 
way  to  Center  Falls,  R.  I.,  began  peddling  junk,  which  he  continued  for  four 
years.  He  then  went  into  business  with  a  partner  and  this  arrangement  con- 
tinued for  six  years,  when  the  partnership  was  dissolved  and  he  continued 
business  for  himself.  He  is  today  owner  of  a  fine  modern  iron  and  metal 
plant  at  16  Water  street,  Pawtucket,  R.  I. 

Mr.  Fishman  was  married  in  Worcester,  Mass.,  in  August,  1900,  to  Miss 
Rachel  Lea  Tittlebaum.  They  have  five  children,  two  boys  and  three  girls, 
all  going  to  school  and  being  thoroughly  educated  in  music. 

In  addition  to  Mr.  Fishman's  arduous  business  activities,  be  finds  time 
for  a  number  of  fraternal  affiliations,  in.  which  he  holds  prominent  offices.  He 
is  President  of  Talmud  Torah,  Treasurer  of  the  I.  O.  B.  A.,  Twin  City  Lodge, 
Secretary  oi  Free  Loan  Association  and  Secretary  of  Avas  Sholom  Congrega- 
tion.   He  is  also  prominent  in  the  Zion  Society  and  the  Sons  of  Zion. 

The  accomplishments  of  Mr.  Fishman  are  really  remarkable  in  view  of 
the  few  years  he  has  devoted  to  the  development  of  his  business  and  civic 
associations. 

SO 


SAMUEL    I.    FOGELMAN 

A  distinguished  judge,  upon  being  asked  what  contributed  most  to  his 
success,  replied:  "Some  succeed  by  great  talent,  some  by  the  influence  of 
friends,  some  by  a  miracle,  but  the  majority  by  commencing  without  a  shilling.'' 
Poverty  is  uncomfortable,  but  nine  times  ovit  of  ten  the  best  that  can  happen 
to  a  young  man  is  to  be  tossed  overboard  and  compelled  to  sink  or  swim  for 
himself. 

These  sentiments  may  be  most  consistently  applied  to  the  career  of  Samuel 
Fogelman,  who  started  working  as  parcel  boy  for  $2  per  week  and  from  this 
humble  beginning  has  developed  an  immense  business,  the  prosperity  of  which 
is  due  largely  to  his  efforts. 

Samuel  I.  Fogelman  was  born  in  Reading,  Pa.,  December  22,  1890,  his 
parents  being  Jacob  and  Sarah  Fogelman. 

In  very  early  years  Samuel  began  earning  money  working  for  a  local  dry 
goods  store  as  parcel  boy  for  $2  per  week.  Later  he  was  allowed  to  take  up 
the  selling  end  and  his  salary  was  raised  to  $5  per  week.  Seeing  little  oppor- 
tunity of  further  advancement,  he  decided  to  go  to  Toledo,  Ohio,  where  he 
became  the  bookkeeper  for  a  local  scrap  iron  concern.  After  remaining  there 
for  two  years,  he  went  to  Detroit,  Mich.,  accepting  a  position  as  bookkeeper 
in  a  similar  line  of  business  at  $100  per  month. 

Here  lie  remained  three  years  and  displayed  such  marked  business  ability 
that  upon  the  death  of  a  member  of  the  Wayne  Scrap  Iron  and  Metal  Co.  he 
was  offered  an  opportunity  to  buy  his  share  and  pay  for  it  from  the  profits. 
This  offer  he  accepted  and  as  President  and  General  Manager  of  the  firm,  he 
has  more  than  doubled  their  business.  Mr.  Fogelman  is  still  a  very  young 
man  with  a  brilliant  business  career  already  to  his  credit  and  the  future  roseate 
with  the  promise  of  further  success. 

He  was  married  in  Toledo,  Ohio,  July  21,  1910,  to  Miss  May  Horowitz, 
and  they  have  three  lovely  children,  two  boys  and  one  girl.    . 

Besides  being  a  prominent  member  of  the  Elks  and  Knights  of  Pythias, 
Mr.  Fogelman  is  affiliated  with  Temple  Beth  El  and  Congregation  Mogen 
Aorom.  Both  himself  and  wife  are  most  generous  in  their  contributions  to 
various  charities,  making  no  discrimination  against  those  of  creed  or  religion 
other  than  their  own. 

In  Mr.  Fogelman  and  wife,  Detroit  possesses  two  most  progressive,  phil- 
anthropic and  valued  citizens,  whose  time,  talents  and  money  are  ever  at  the 
command  of  all  worthy  causes. 

Mr.  Fogelman's  advice  to  the  young  man  or  woman  just  starting  out  in 
business  typifies  the  manner  in  which  he.  himself,  achieved  his  present  envia- 
ble position,  "Give  everybody  a  square  deal,  work  hard  and  save  your  money." 


MORRIS    FOX 

The  true  test  of  a  man's  character  is  shown  in  the  amount  he  is  willing 
to  sacrifice  for  the  sake  of  principle. 

Civilization  has  overruled  the  old  laws  of  seizure  and  conquest  by  those 
of  kindness  and  charity,  yet  we  find  men  blindly  striving  for  happiness  through 
selfish  means. 

That  the  selfish  way  is  not  the  best  way  is  exemplified  in  the  remarkable 
life  history  of  Mr.  Morris  Fox,  one  of  Buffalo's  wealthy  and  successful 
citizens. 

When  a  man  will  give  up  a  prosperous,  flourishing  business  for  the  sake 
of  his  principles,  his  soul  posesses  qualities  of  nobility  which  are  bound  to 
find  due  recognition  and  result  in  a  happy,  successful  career. 

81 


Morris  Fox  was  born  in  Gorod,  Gishin,  Kamenetz,  Podolsky,  Guberne, 
Russia,  March  15,  1861.  His  father,  Xathan  Fox,  was  a  successful  produce 
merchant  of  that  city. 

He  came  to  America  in  December.  1887,  his  destination  being'  Buffalo, 
N.  Y.,  where  he  began  peddling  rags  with  a  push  cart.  A  few  months  later 
he  obtained  employment  in  a  tailor  shop  at  $8  a  week,  and  finally  opened  a 
tailor  shop  of  his  own.  This  was  followed  bv  a  venture  in  the  grocery  busi- 
ness, which  was  not  very  successful,  so  borrowing  $500  from  a  friend,  he 
started  a  dry  goods  store,  where  he  was  doing  a  fine  business.  Here  came 
the  critical  point  in  Mr.  Fox's  career. 

He  was  continually  obsessed  with  the  thought  that  his  profits  were  com- 
ing from  the  meager  earnings  of  the  poor  because  of  buying  dry  goods  from 
the  rich  and  selling'  to  the  poor  peddler,  while  in  the  rag  business  he  was 
buying  from  the  poor  and  selling  at  a  profit  to  the  rich,  so  he  gave  up  his 
dry  goods  business  and  started  buying  and  selling  rags.  This  has  prospered 
to  such  an  extent  that  he  now  has  a  branch  firm  in  England  managed  by  his 
son  Harold,  and  the  business  in  Buffalo  is  now  one  of  the  largest  in  the  coun- 
try, giving  employment  to  over  100  people. 

Mr.  Fox  was  twice  married,  and  has  fifteen  children,  all  of  whom  are 
starting  successful  careers  either  in  business  or  in  college.  They  have  all  been 
highly  educated  and  are  accomplished  musicians. 

His  older  sons  are  connected  in  important  capacities  in  the  diamond  and 
precious  stone  business  with  some  of  the  largest  mercantile  houses  in  this 
country  and  Europe. 

His  charitable  activities  are  as  varied  and  as  liberal  as  might  be  expected 
from  such  a  generous  nature. 

He  is  a  member  of  Beth  Israel  Congregation  and  Reformed  Temple,  also 
the  Kehillah  of  Orthodox  and  many  other  institutions. 

Mrs.  Fox.  who  is  also  a  great  promoter  of  charitable  enterprises,  is  a 
patroness  of  the  Immigration  Society  of  Xew  York,  the  Denver  and  Los  An- 
geles sanitariums,  and  the  Federation  of  Jewish  Charities.  Thev  also  sub- 
scribe liberallv  to  all  the  Yishivas  of  Europe  and  America. 


LOUIS  FRANKS 

Love  of  family  is  one  of  the  finest  traits  of  Jewish  character  and  is  very 
strongly  distinguishable  in  many  of  the  Jews  who  have  come  to  this  country 
from  Europe.  In  the  case  of  Mr.  Louis  Franks  there  was  no  occupation  too 
menial,  no  hours  too  long,  in  his  determination  to  save  enough  money  with 
which  to  bring  his  family  to  their  new  home  in  this  country. 

Mr.  Franks  was  born  in  Pavolskv,  Russia,  in  1868,  the  son  of  Morris 
Franks,  a  grain  merchant  of  that  city,  and  also  a  man  of  considerable  scholar- 
ship. He  came  to  America  in  1895  and  going  direct  to  YVardentown.  N.  J., 
worked  in  a  factory  for  two  years  at  $4  per  week.  He  then  went  to  Phila- 
delphia, peddling  toys,  and  later  worked  in  the  cotton  mills  in  Wardentown. 
He  next  went  to  the  woolen  mills,  where  he  worked  for  $6  per  week  for  two 
years.  Then  came  the  glad  day  when  he  found  his  savings  were  sufficient  to 
go  back  to  Russia  and  bring  his  family  to  America  with  him. 

Returning,  he  began  work  in  the  mills,  where  he  continued  for  one  year 
and  then  started  peddling.  After  having  saved  a  modest  capital,  he  opened 
;■  small  iron  and  metal  yard  which,  since  that  time,  has  grown  to  enormous 
proportions  and  is  now  located  on  the  Bay  State  Road  at  Lawrence.  Mass. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Franks  have  six  children — four  boys  and  two  girls.  The 
st>ii  Joe  is  in  business  with  his  father  and  the  balance  are  going  to  school  with 


the  exception  of  the  daughter  Pearl,  who  is  married  to  Mr.  Harry  Young,  of 
Lawrence,  Mass. 

In  addition  to  Mr.  Franks'  strenuous  business  activities,  he  finds  time  for 
several  fraternal  affiliations,  prominent  among  them  being  the  Knights  of 
Pythias  and  the  I.  O.  B.  A.  He  is  also  a  member  of  the  Russian  Orthodox 
Congregation  and  is  most  generous  in  his  contributions  to  all  benevolent 
organizations. 


HENRY  FREEDBERGER 

The  life  story  of  Henry  Freedberger  is  a  wonderful  demonstration  of  the 
resourcefulness  which  is  sometimes  developed  by  misfortune. 

At  the  age  of  eight  he  found  himself  bereft  of  the  protection  and  guidance 
of  his  father.  After  his  death  the  mother  bravely  assumed  the  burden  of 
rearing  her  children,  but  a  year  later  she  also  was  called  by  death  and  the  six 
children — three  daughters  and  three  sons — were  left  orphaned. 

Henry,  the  subject  of  our  sketch,  at  this  crisis  demonstrated  those  remark- 
able qualities  of  initiative  which  have  distinguished  his  entire  later  career. 

Three  years  after  the  death  of  his  mother,  Henry,  then  a  young  lad  of 
only  twelve  years,  decided  to  try  his  fortune  in  America  and  bravely  sailed 
alone.     Later  three  others  of  the  family  followed. 

At  first  Henry  did  some  peddling,  then  took  up  work  in  a  shop,  until  he 
entered  the  employ  of  a  big  furniture  store  at  $7  per  week,  where  he  stayed 
for  fifteen  years,  until  he  advanced  himself  to  the  position  of  secretary- 
treasurer  of  the  concern.  During  this  time,  by  dint  of  hard  and  ceaseless  work, 
he  was  able  to  save  up  a  little  fortune,  or  at  least  what  he  thought  to  be  a  little 
fortune,  and  with  $1,000  he  opened  a  small  furniture  store  at  434  Grand  street, 
New  York,  where  he  stayed  for  four  and  a  half  years.  Business  began  to  in- 
crease rapidly  and  he  was  compelled  to  move  to  a  larger  place.  In  May,  1905, 
he  took  his  present  place  of  business  at  6-8  Avenue  A,  a  building  of  six  stories, 
where  he  made  a  singular  success.  He  struggled  very  hard,  worked  day  and 
night,  never  thought  of  himself  but  had  the  interest  of  his  customers  at  heart, 
pleasing  them  by  giving  them  the  best  money  could  buy,  until  he  had  established 
a  business  reputation  hardly  equalled  by  anyone. 

The  business  is  arranged  in  the  following  manner :  There  is  a  warehouse 
at  49  First  street ;  the  main  floor  of  the  building  is  devoted  to  an  assortment 
of  suites ;  the  second  floor  contains  dining  room  suites ;  the  third  floor  consists 
of  living  room  and  library  suites ;  on  the  fourth  floor  we  find  bedroom  suites 
and  all  kinds  of  bedroom  furniture ;  the  fifth  floor  is  given  over  to  carpets  and 
rugs.  The  business  is  conducted  under  the  firm  name  of  Freedberger  &  Kosh 
and  employs  twenty-four  people. 

Mr.  Freedberger's  marriage  on  June  10,  1900,  to  Miss  Augusta  Kosch  was 
a  big  event  in  the  Norfolk  Street  Synagogue.  Mrs.  Freedberger  is  the  daugh- 
ter of  the  late  Philip  Kosch.  who.  was  an  Orthodox  religious  observer  and 
prominent  in  the  paint  business. 

The  First  Federation  of  Hungarians  in  New  York  counts  Mr.  Freed- 
berger as  one  of  its  charter  members.  Mr.  Freedberger  is  also  actively  con- 
nected with  the  Temple  Shaari  Zedek,  of  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.  He  is  the  Treasurer 
of  the  Religious  Sunday  School  of  Brooklyn,  a  member  of  the  Akiba  Lodge, 
No.  173,  I.  O.  B.  A.,  and  a  good  many  others. 

Mrs.  Freedberger  is  also  very  conspicuous  in  all  social  and  charitable 
activities. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Freedberger  are  the  parents  of  two  children — a  son,  Leo- 
pold, attending  high  school,  and  a  daughter,  Natalie,  attending  public  school. 

Some  of  Mr.  Freedberger's  rules  of  life  are :  "Get  a  good  education,  learn 
a  business,  start  in  at  a  young  age,  work  hard,  be  honest,  and  save;  and  you 
will  surely  succeed." 

83 


MOSES  B.  FREEDMAN 

Moses  B.  Freedman  was  born  in  Hungary,  Rosch  Chodesh  Ab,  1857,  the 
son  of  Joel  and  Ziporah  Freedman.  His  father  was  a  great  philanthropist  in 
Hungary,  and  his  family  is  one  of  rabbis  and  men  of  letters ;  a  nephew  of  his 
father's  was  chief  rabbi  of  Troppau,  Silesia.  However,  all  this  availed  him 
of  nothing  when  he  landed  in  the  United  States  in  1877,  and  he  had  to  start 
life  from  the  very  bottom,  as  a  peddler  of  merchandise.  He  then  moved  to 
Cincinnati,  where  he  started  a  Minian,  becoming  later  connected  with  a  con- 
gregation in  the  town.  He  accepted  a  similar  position  in  Zanesville,  Ohio, 
where  he  also  organized  a  Jewish  Knights  of  Pythias  lodge,  known  as  King 
David  Lodge. 

Removing  to  Cleveland,  he  went  into  manufacturing  and  established  the 
firm  of  Freedman  Brothers,  wholesale  manufacturers  of  clothing,  707  St.  Clair 
street,  where  he  is  successful.  There  is  now  little  time,  however,  which  he 
could  give  to  public  affairs  and  all  he  could  give  to  his  community  is  the  presi- 
dency of  a  very  large  congregation  in  Cleveland,  B'nai  Jeshurun,  where  he 
has  held  the  office  for  six  years.  The  congregation  is  the  largest  of  its  kind  in 
the  United  States  and  is  connected  with  a  Talmud  Torah.  In  addition,  Mr. 
Freedman  is  a  member  of  nearly  every  important  charitable  organization  in 
the  city. 

Mr.  Freedman  was  married,  in  1888,  in  Cincinnati,  to  Miss  Emma  Loeb. 
Their  daughter,  Florence  May,  married  Mr.  M.  B.  Koblitz,  of  the  firm  of 
Koblitz  &  Son. 

He  is  Orthodox  in  his  religious  views  and  is  particularlv  interested  in  the 
education  of  children.  He  believes  that  by  giving  them  two  hours  of  daily 
Hebrew  instruction,  with  a  cantor  to  give  them  fifteen  to  twenty  minutes  of 
chanting,  if  applied  to  children  between  six  and  twelve,  will  produce  a  lasting- 
influence  and  make  them  so  profoundly  religious  that  nothing  on  earth  will 
ever  change  them.  In  his  Talmud  Torah,  situated  in  Scovill  avenue  and  East 
55th  street,  1,600  seats  are  provided  for  the  children,  who  receive  their  Hebrew 
instruction  in  the  method  "Ibrit  b'Ibrith,"  with  services  on  Friday  evening  and 
Saturdav  morning  and  afternoon. 


WOLF  FREEDMAN 

To  the  young  man  first  starting  out  in  life  the  world  seems  full  of  com- 
plexities. 

As  time  passes  the  mists  clear  away  and  he  sees  before  him  a  shining  light 
of  simple  duty  leading  to  the  goal  of  all  great  and  worthy  ambition. 

When  Wolf  Freedman  landed  in  New  York  he  had  but  $100  with  which 
to  start  his  career  in  the  new  world.  Confronted  with  new  customs,  a  strange 
language  and  people,  the  task  was  one  that  would  have  easily  discouraged  a 
less  dauntless  spirit. 


84 


He  was  born  in  Karno,  Guberne,  Russia,  December  15,  1872,  and  came  to 
America  at  the  age  of  eighteen.  Realizing  that  he  must  conserve  his  meager 
capital,  lie  bought  a  small  stock  of  merchandise  and  started  peddling,  journey- 
ing all  the  way  from  Philadelphia.  Pa.,  to  Harrisburg,  Pa.,  on  foot,  selling  his 
wares  as  he  went.  This  he  continued  for  three  years,  when  he  had  an  oppor- 
tunity to  go  in  the  rag  business  with  Air.  Williams.  This  partnership  is  exist- 
ing at  the  present  time  and  has  proved  very  successful. 

Thev  have  also  taken  on  a  line  of  iron  and  metal  and  both  have  grown 
very  wealth}'. 

Mr.  Freedman  was  married  in  December,  1893,  to  Miss  Rachel  Cohen, 
who  has  been  an  ideal  wife  and  mother,  besides  taking  a  very  prominent  part 
in  the  various  social  and  charitable  activities  of  their  city. 

Either  Mr.  or  Mrs.  Freedman  are  affiliated  with  every  prominent  organiza- 
tion in  Harrisburg,  among  which  may  be  mentioned  both  Jewish  Congrega- 
tions. B'nai  B'rith,  Independent  Order  of  Brith  Abraham,  Ahanas  Israel,  Odd 
Fellows  and  Modern  Woodmen  of  the  World. 

They  contribute  to  the  Denver  Hospital,  the  Immigration  Society  of  Xew 
York,  Orphans'  Home  of  Erie,  Pa.,  the  Philadelphia  Farm  School,  and  others 
too  numerous  to  mention. 

Mr.  and  Airs.  Freedman  have  seven  fine  children.  The  two  boys  are  in 
high  school,  while  Mollie  is  assisting  her  father  in  the  office.  The  other  girls 
are  still  in  school,  and  are  all  well  educated  in  music. 


ABRAHAM  W.  FREDLAND 

Mr.  Fredland,  of  Pittsburgh,  is  a  descendant  of  a  prominent  Rabbinical 
family,  and  Judah  Leib  Eger,  the  famous  Gaon  of  Posen,  was  a  direct  lineal 
ancestor.  Abraham  W.  was  born  in  Kedan  in  June,  1864.  and  he  was  brought 
up  in  the  old  city  of  Riga,  so  well  known  for  its  great  spiritual  life  and  the 
wonderful  caliber  of  men  it  gave  to  the  world.  At  a  comparatively  early  age, 
some  thirtv  years  ago,  he  decided  to  emigrate  to  the  Xew  World,  and  as  he 
was  a  tailor  by  trade,  he  came  directly  to  Pittsburgh,  where  he  obtained  work 
in  his  chosen  line  and  started  to  make  good. 

Merchant  tailoring  brought  in  good  money  and  Mr.  Fredland  was  soon 
making  a  success.  He  then  opened  a  men's  furnishings  store ;  a  clothing  store ; 
for  a  time  plunged  into  real  estate  (  1905-6-7),  and  is  now  back  again  at  his 
well  tried  trade  of  merchant  tailoring,  his  place  of  business  being  located  at 
the  Oliver  Building,  Pittsburgh. 

Air.  Fredland,  like  his  father  before  him,  is  a  member  of  many  organiza- 
tions. He  has  been  a  member  of  the  Congregation  Tree  of  Life  for  over 
twenty  years.  He  belongs  to  the  B'nai  B'rith  and  other  charitable  institutions 
and  is  as  active  in  communal  Jewish  affairs  as  time  and  circumstances  will 
permit. 

Abraham  W.  Fredland  had  the  good  fortune  to  marry  Miss  Becky  Abel- 
son,  whose  family  comes  from  Courland.  They  were  married  on  the  other 
side  in  the  month  of  Ab,  1884,  when  Mr.  Fredland  was  but  twenty  years  of 
age.  Six  children  have  blessed  this  union,  namely:  Louis  (married),  Max 
(married),  Anna  (Airs.  Rubin),  Alorris  (married).  Ike  is  in  the  Army  of  the 
LJnited  States  and  Jacob,  the  youngest,  is  with  his  father.  Air.  Fredland  is  an 
Orthodox  in  religious  matters  and  he  gave  his  children  a  thorough  Jewish 
education.    His  daughter  was  a  Hebrew  school  teacher  before  her  marriage. 


85 


HENRY  L.  FREYMAN 

When  the  honorable  Mr.  Francis,  ex-Governor  of  Missouri  and  ambassa- 
dor to  Russia,  decided  to  use  his  influence  toward  the  staging  of  a  world's  fair 
in  the  United  States,  he  little  realized  what  a  varied  assortment  of  talent  would 
be  necessary  to  make  the  fair  a  success.  Not  only  was  it  necessar}?  to  have  all 
nations  represented  in  the  arts  and  sciences,  but  the  financial  success  of  the 
project  also  had  to  be  assured.  The  men  who  conducted  successfully  the 
various  concessions,  where  merchandise  of  all  kinds  was  sold,  contributed  very 
largely  to  the  success  of  the  gigantic  enterprise. 

Prominent  among  them  was  Mr.  Henry  L.  Freyman,  who  was  born  in 
Koenigsberg,  Germany,  October  12,  1876.  His  father  was  a  merchant  and  a 
Jewish  scholar,  prominent  in  his  native  town.  He  came  to  America  July  3, 
1891,  and  went  to  Albany,  N.  Y.,  where  an  uncle  gave  him  a  basket  of  small 
merchandise  and  matches  to  peddle.  He  continued  this  three  months,  and  then 
found  employment  as  clerk  in  a  clothing  store.  Eight  months  later  he  went  to 
Xew  York,  working  in  the  same  capacity,  and  developed  such  a  high  degree  of 
salesmanship  that  his  salary  was  advanced  to  $20  per  week. 

His  next  connection  was  with  a  collar  and  cuff  factory,  and  being;  desirous 
of  learning  the  business  he  took  the  only  position  available — that  of  a  sweeper 
at  a  salary  of  $5  per  week.  His  rise  was  very  rapid,  however,  and  the  firm 
soon  sent  him  on  the  road  as  salesman  at  a  salary  of  $40  per  week.  Later  he 
opened  an  office  as  commission  salesman,  handling  a  number  of  other  lines, 
and  became  a  familiar  figure  among  the  selling  fraternity  from  coast  to  coast. 

Then  came  the  St.  Louis  World's  Fair,  where  he  remained  until  the  close, 
and  then  went  back  to  Cleveland,  looking  for  a  good  opportunity  and  location 
for  a  clothing  store.  He  finally  opened  one  at  Conneaut,  Ohio,  and  later  at 
Lorain,  but  finally  came  back  to  Cleveland,  where  he  started  a  hardware  and 
tool  store  at  21 16  Ontario  street.  His  business  grew  so  rapidly  that  he  was 
soon  forced  to  take  larger  quarters  and  located  on  Prospect  avenue,  where  he 
is  today  successfully  managing  the  Freyman  Tool  Company. 

Mr.  Freyman  was  married  in  Cleveland,  September  15,  T908,  to  Miss 
Evelyn  Krohn,  and  they  have  two  small  children — one  boy  and  one  girl. 

Mr.  Freyman  is  connected  with  every  charitable  organization  in  Cleveland 
and  also  a  number  of  national  institutions.  He  contributes  to  the  Federation 
of  Jewish  Charities,  Mount  Sinai  Hospital,  B'nai  B'rith,  and  the  Hebrew  Free 
Loan  Association.  He  is  a  valued  member  of  the  Hebrew  Working  Men's 
Association. 


DAVID    FREID 

Much  of  the  Jew's  success  in  America  is  due  to  his  ability  to  adapt  himself 
to  conditions,  and  the  career  of  David  Freid  is  perhaps  as  interesting  a  narra- 
tive of  thrift  and  resourcefulness  as  it  is  possible  to  compile.  He  was  born  in 
the  Province  of  Poltova,  November  12,  1867,  and  after  serving  four  years  in 
the  Russian  Army,  was  rewarded  by  being  expelled  from  Russia.  He  came  to 
America,  his  intended  bride  coming  with  him,  for  he  had  an  older  brother  here 
who  was  married  to  the  sister  of  his  bride-to-be.  He  worked  at  a  newsstand 
from  5  a.  m.  to  7  p.  m.  for  $2.50  per  week,  then  became  a  cloak  presser,  and 
when  the  big  strike  threw  him  out  of  employment,  he  shovelled  snow.  Later 
he  found  work  in  a  laundry,  as  did  his  faithful  Kollah  ;  they  saved  some  money, 
married,  and  purchased  a  delicatessen  store  at  61  Bleecker  street,  Xew  York. 

.Mr.  Freid,  quick  to  discern  the  lack  of  variety  in  the  establishment,  grad- 
ually developed  it  into  a  large  restaurant.     Most  of  his  customers  were   fur 


manufacturers  of  the  vicinity  and  while  continuing  the  restaurant,  he  sold 
trimmings  to  his  customers  as  a  side  line,  and  marvelous  to  relate,  in  seven 
years  made  over  $55,000  through  his  thrift  and  ability.  When  the  furriers 
moved  uptown,  he  moved  with  them,  engaging  in  the  trimming  business.  Liter 
shifting  to  silks  and  satins  at  his  present  establishment,  .106  West  27th  street. 
He  is  a  man  of  high  standing  in  the  commercial  world  and  a  contributor  to 
many  institutions.  He  is  a  founder  and  the  first  member  of  the  Rostover 
Society,  organized  twenty-one  years  ago.  He  has  four  sons,  Abraham,  the 
oldest,  a  very  bright  young  man,  being  in  business  with  him. 


CHARLES  FRIEDBERG 

America  is  the  land  of  the  self-made  man.  Here  an  inheritance  of  worldly 
goods,  a  wealthy  and  prominent  family  circle  counts  for  something  in  the 
career  of  the  young  man.  But  infinitely  more  does  character  count  and  the 
native  ability  to  overcome  obstacles,  to  fight  against  odds  successfully.  The 
latter  type  is  well  represented  by  Mr.  Charles  Friedberg  of  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 

He  was  born  in  Meritz,  Province  of  Vilna,  Russia,  Maich  14,  1874,  the 
son  of  Simon  and  Tillie  Friedberg.  His  maternal  grandfather  was  a  rabbi 
(a  "Dayin"  to  be  exact)  in  the  little  town  in  which  he  was  born,  and  scholarly 
traditions  were  long  cherished  in  the  family  and  handed  down  to  the  children. 
At  the  age  of  eight  he  journeyed  with  his  parents  to  America.  Quite  early  in 
life,  Mr.  Friedberg  was  obliged  to  earn  his  own  living  and  maintain  himself. 
Young  Charles  went  to  school  every  morning  and  sold  papers  in  the  after- 
noons and  Sundays. 

It  has  been  noted  frequently  that  selling  papers  on  the  streets  of  a  great 
city  is  often  an  excellent  preparatory  school  and  a  fortification  for  the  success- 
ful fight  in  the  battle  of  life.  Here  there  is  no  room  for  the  weakling;  only  he 
who  has  courage  and  stick-to-itiveness  will  win  out.  As  Charles  Friedberg 
grew  older,  and  as  his  weekly  income  increased,  he  entered  Duff's  College  and 
took  up  a  course  in  preparation  for  commercial  life  and  a  business  career.  For 
some  time  he  was  employed  by  the  firm  of  D.  Avner  as  bookkeeper ;  subse- 
quently he  held  a  similar  position  with  M.  Levy,  a  merchant  at  51  Wylie 
avenue.  Even  then  he  supplemented  his  income  by  giving  lessons  in  English 
in  the  evening.  Mr.  Friedberg  records  as  a  matter  of  pride  that  he  always 
was  able  to  support  himself  as  long  as  he  remembers.  At  the  age  of  17  he 
became  interested  in  the  business  of  tobacco  and  cigars,  and  three  years  later, 
about  the  year  1895,  he  entered  the  shoe  business,  first  by  establishing  a  chain 
of  retail  stores,  and  subsequently  by  confining  himself  to  the  wholesale  trade. 
At  the  present  time  he  is  the  head  of  the  Penn  Shoe  Company,  710  Penn 
avenue,  Pittsburgh. 

Men  of  the  type  of  Mr.  Friedberg  are  not  satisfied  with  material  success 
alone.  At  the  first  opportunity  he  showed  an  inclination  for  public  service. 
The  Jewish  philanthropic  organizations  of  the  city  first  claimed  his  attention. 
He  is  of  a  charitable  disposition  and  is  always  anxious  to  do  that  which  is 
humane  and  constructive.  A  few  years  ago,  when  the  Hebrew  Institute  of 
Pittsburgh  was  founded  by  the  well-known  philanthropist,  Mr.  Louis  I.  Aaron, 
Mr.  Friedberg  was  one  of  the  most  active  workers  in  the  cause  and  has  to  this 
day  remained  one  of  the  life  members,  also  Director  in  the  Jewish  Home  for 
the  Aged.  For  five  years  he  has  been  treasurer  of  the  Congregation  B'nai 
Israel.  In  addition  he,  of  course,  contributes  to  all  worthy  Jewish  causes.  In 
connection  with  the  synagogue  above  mentioned,  he  became  enthusiastically 
interested  in  collections  for  war  relief  purposes.  The  fact  that  this  congrega- 
tion holds  a  prominent  place  among  the  synagogues  of  the  city  in  the  amount 

87 


of  money  contributed  to  the  relief  of  the  Jews  stricken  in  the  war  zone,  is  due 
largely  to  the  untiring  efforts  of  Mr.  Friedberg.  For  nineteen  years  he  has 
been  affiliated  with  the  Masonic  Lodge,  and,  of  course,  belongs  to  a  number 
of  Jewish  lodges  in  his  community. 

Such  is  the  story  of  an  American  Jewish  citizen,  self  respecting,  willing 
to  do  and  to  serve,  of  modest  pretensions,  kindly  by  nature ;  he  certainly  merits 
recognition  on  the.  part  of  his  fellowmen.  Charity  and  religious  precepts,  Mr. 
Friedberg  holds,  are  principles  not  to  be  displayed  on  public  occasions  for  self- 
gratihcation  ;  one  must  introduce  them  into  one's  daily  mode  of  living  and 
make  them  a  factor  in  one's  business  career. 

On  March  14,  1809,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Rebecca  Kirstein,  of  New 
York.  Fie  is  the  father  of  two  children,  Esther  and  Mulford.  Mrs.  Friedberg 
is  a  member  of  the  Council  of  Jewish  Women  and  is  prominently  connected 
with  the  Ladies'  Auxiliary  of  B'nai  Israel  Synagogue,  and  she  shows  the  same 
interest  in  Jewish  public  affairs  which  distinguishes  Mr.  Friedberg  to  so 
remarkable  a  degree  in  both  Jewish  public  life  as  well  as  the  civic  affairs  of 
his  community. 


HYMAN  ALBERT  FRIEDMAN 

Of  all  tt-.c  world's  teachers,  experience  is  at  once  the  most  thorough  and 
the  most  stern.  She  turns  to  her  pupils  an  uncompromising  countenance  with 
the  trials  she  imposes,  endowing  her  pupils  with  that  supreme  confidence  which 
is  a  characteristic  of  most  self-made  men. 

Such  is  the  history  of  Flyman  Albert  Friedman,  who  was  born  in  Skodvil, 
Kovno,  Guberne,  Russia,  January  15,  1881,  and  came  to  America  with  his 
parents  in  September,  1890. 

His  first  experience  was  in  the  schools  of  Pittsburgh,  which  he  attended 
until  he  was  fourteen.  Most  boys  of  fourteen  at  the  present  time  would  con- 
sider it  a  great  hardship  if  they  were  obliged  to  earn  their  own  living,  but 
young  Hyman  went  at  the  task  with  a  stout  heart  and  a  firm  determination  to 
succeed. 

His  first  employment  was  found  in  a  clothing  store  where  he  clerked  for 
$5  per  week,  but  his  small  remuneration  was  the  least  of  the  advantages  he 
derived  as  he  was  gaining  valuable  experience,  which  was  to  be  of  the  utmost 
assistance  in  future  years. 

After  continuing  here  for  five  years  he  went  to  Braddock,  Pa.,  and  opened 
a  store  which  he  conducted  successfully  for  fifteen  years.  Selling  out,  he 
moved  to  Franklin,  Pa.,  where  he  again  started  the  drygoods  store  which  he 
is  conducting  on  a  large  scale  at  the  present  time. 

Mr.  Friedman's  advice  to  the  young  is  the  rule  which  he  has  followed 
with  such  remarkable  success:  "Work  hard,  be  honest,  and  give  your  fellow- 
men  a  square  deal." 

He  was  married  June  21,  1910,  to  Miss  Anna  Cohen  of  Corry,  Pa.,  a 
woman  who  has  assumed  a  most  prominent  place  in  the  various  social  and 
benevolent  activities  of  Franklin,  Pa. 

Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Friedman  are  patrons  of  all  charities,  including  the 
Jewish  Orphanage. 

Mr.  Friedman  is  also  a  member  of  Orthodox  Shule,  B'nai  B'rith  and  the 
Elks. 

They  have  two  small  daughters,  who  will  be  given  every  educational 
advantage. 


JACOB   FRIEDMAN 


The  best  argument  against'  any  attempt  to  restrict  immigration  to  this 
country  is  such  a  career  as  that  of  Mr.  Jacob  Friedman,  of  Birmingham,  Ala. 

Mr.  Friedman  was  born  on  July  4,  1869,  in  the  Province  of  Subalki,  Rus- 
sian Poland,  the  son  of  Isaiah  and  Pesha  Friedman,  and  came  to  this  country 
at  the  age  of  fifteen.  After  spending  two  years  in  New  York  City,  where  he 
worked  in  a  cigar  factory,  he  went  to  Chattanooga,  Tenn.,  and  entered  the 
business  of  a  brother  in  that  city.  Representing  his  brother's  firm,  he  removed 
1889  to  Alabama,  spending  one  year  at  Talladega,  and  then  he  spent  two  years 
in  Pulaski,  Tenn.,  and  three  years  in  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.  In  1897  he  decided  to 
go  into  business  for  himself  and  came  to  Birmingham,  Ala.,  where  he  estab- 
lished the  clothing  firm  of  J.  Friedman  &  Company,  which  is  located  at  1908 
First  avenue.  This  business  has  now,  through  his  able  management  and  the 
fine  reputation  he  bears  in  the  city  and  community  for  integrity,  intelligence 
and  charitableness,  grown  to  be  a  most  substantial  en- 
terprise in  the  commercial  field  of  Birmingham. 

Yet,  the  great  measure  of  success  which  Mr. 
Friedman  has  gained  in  the  business  world  is  but  in 
keeping  with  the  success  and  standing  that  he  has  at- 
tained in  other  fields  of  human  endeavor.  He  is  very 
prominent  and  popular  in  the  Jewish  community  which 
he  is  serving  as  Vice  President  of  the  Federation  of 
Charities,  the  organization  which  he  has  helped  to  estab- 
lish, and  is  holding  the  position  of  Treasurer  in  the  local 
B'nai  B'rith  Lodge.  He  is  also  a  Director  of  Temple 
Emanuel  and  is  at  present  engaged  in  organizing  the 
"Kehillah"  of  Birmingham  in  order  to  bring  about  a 
closer  relationship  and  a  truer  co-operation  between  the 
German  and  the  Russian  Jews  of  that  city.  Along  the 
lines  of  general  endeavor  he  has  achieved  prominence 
and  popularity  through  the  Masonic  order,  in  which  he 
has  held  a  number  of  distinguished  positions.     He  is 

a  Past  Master  of  the  Blue  Lodge  and  the  Lodge  of  Perfection ;  he  is  Chairman 
of  the  Blue  Lodge  Committee  of  the  Whole  and  of  the  Relief  Committee  of 
King  Solomon  Lodge ;  he  is  a  Board  Member  of  the  Masonic  Temple  organ- 
ization and  is  serving  on  the  Scottish  Rite  Standing  Committee. 

On  February  16,  1896,  Mr.  Friedman  was  married  to  Miss  Ida  Rose,  who, 
to  the  great  sorrow  of  the  community  in  whose  charities  she  had  long  been 
most  active  and  prominent,  departed  this  life  on  August  30,  1916. 


JOSEPH    FRIEDMAN 


Not  only  is  Mr.  Joseph  Friedman  one  of  the  most  successful  young  attor- 
neys in  Youngstown,  but  he  enjoys  another  distinction,  perhaps  equally  impor- 
tant, but  certainly  very  pleasing  to  himself.  He  is  generally  idolized  by  the 
Jewish  population  of  the  city  and  is  extremely  popular  with  the  order  B'nai 
B'rith,  to  which  he  devotes  so  much  of  his  time  and  energy.  Joseph  Friedman 
is  one  of  those  young  men  whose  very  presence  is  inspiring  and  who,  for  this 
reason  alone,  even  if  he  were  not  possessed  of  remarkable  ability,  which  he  is, 
must  make  a  success  of  whatever  they  undertake. 

Born  in  the  city  of  Berzevicze,  Baros,  Hungary,  February  15,  1882,  he 
came  to  this  countrv  all  by  himself  when  but  thirteen  and  a  half  years  of  age. 
Started  work  in  a  cigar  factory  in  New  York,  at  the  same  time  attending  night 


school  for  the  double  purpose  of  learning  the  language  of  the  country  and 
preparing  himself  to  pass  the  regents'  examinations  with  a  view  of  taking  up 
the  study  of  a  profession.  He  then  took  a  collegiate  entrance  examination  for 
Baldwin  University  and  took  up  the  study  of  law  at  the  Cleveland  Law  School. 
Working  his  way  through  college,  he  was  graduated  in  July  1908,  and  at  once 
commenced  the  practice  of  law  at  Youngstown,  Ohio. 

Mr.  Friedman's  office  is  located  at  the  Stambaugh  Building,  and  he  is 
undoubtedly  one  of  the  best  liked  practitioners  in  the  city.  He  was  President 
of  the  local  lodge  and  is  now  the  Acting  Secretary  of  the  B'nai  B'rith  Lodge, 
a  member  of  the  Federal  B'rith  Sholom  Lodge  and  a  member  of  the  Federated 
Charities  of  Youngstown.  He  takes  an  active  part  in  all  Jewish  affairs  and 
contributes  to  all  possible  charities.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Temple  Rodeph 
Sholom  and  the  Children  of  Israel  and  is  a  modern  Orthodox  in  his  religious 
views,  having  himself  been  a  Yeshiba  Bochur  in  his  early  days.  Air.  Friedman 
was  married  in  1910  in  Cleveland,  Ohio,  to  Mabel  E.  Krohngold,  and  they  are 
the  parents  of  two  children,  Reta  and  Arthur. 


LOUIS  FRIEDMAN 

The  business  world  has  great  heed  of  men  of  unquestioned  integrity  and 
honor. 

The  entire  commercial  fabric  is  built  upon  confidence  and  the  ability  of 
men  to  meet  and  sustain  the  obligations  which  they  assume. 

Thus,  we  feel  that  while  the  ministry  sustained  a  great  loss  when  Louis 
Friedman,  forsook  that  profession,  the  business  world  was  made  richer  and 
has  given  Mr.  Friedman  equal  opportunities  to  be  of  service  to  mankind. 

He  was  born  in  Sagone,  Kovno,  Guberne,  Russia,  September  25,  1861. 
His  father,  Mendel  Friedman,  was  a  rabbi  and  excellent  Jewish  scholar. 

Mr.  Friedman  came  to  America  when  a  very  young  man  and  after  work- 
ing for  an  uncle  for  three  or  four  years,  went  to  Cincinnati  and  spent  one  year 
studying  for  the  ministry.  But  the  call  to  a  business  career  was  more  insistent 
and  he  went  to  Du  Bois,  Pa.,  the  scene  of  his  first  venture,  where  he  remained 
for  over  ten  years. 

Selling  out,  he  came  to  Bradford  and  opened  the  store  which  has  since 
developed  into  the  splendid  business  in  general  furnishings  of  which  he  is  the 
head  today. 

He  was  married  April  15,  1886  to  Miss  Rose  Asch,  and  they  have  a  fine 
family  of  eight  children — four  boys  and  four  girls — all  of  whom  are  high 
school  graduates. 

Mr.  Friedman  is  prominent  in  many  Jewish  organizations,  the  principal 
ones  being  Orthodox  Schule,  of  which  he  is  Treasurer,  and  the  Western  Star, 
of  which  he  is  Secretary,  the  Beeker  Home  and  Achnoses  Orchinn. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Friedman  are  among  the  most  influential  citizens  of  their 
city  and  are  both  noted  for  their  kindness  and  liberality. 


90 


MAX   FRIEDMAN 

Someone  has  said  that  the  Jew  is  the  Pilgrim  of  Commerce,  trading  with 
all  nations,  yet  blending  with  none  of  them.  They,  thrive  wherever  they  go. 
They  are  able  to  oblige  the  rulers  of  their  country  with  loans.  They  never  beg, 
yet  the  needy  rarely  appeal  to  them  in  vain.  And  best  of  all,  they  keep 
together. 

When  interviewing  Mr.  Max  Friedman,  of  Cleveland,  Ohio,  we  were 
much  impressed  with  the  fact  that  the  above  very  nearly  expressed  Mr.  Fried- 
man's sentiments  regarding  his  people,  as  when  asked  what  advice  he  would 
give  to  the  young  people  of  his  race,  he  said:  "Be  a  Jew  first,  last  and  all  the 
time.  Iiring  up  vour  children  to  be  good  Jews  ;  have  all  Jewish  movements  at 
heart  and  never  intermarry.  Be  strictly  honest  and  honorable  in  your  dealings 
and  give  everybody  the  same  treatment  you  would  like  to  receive  yourself." 

Such  a  course  of  action  conscientiously  followed  has  placed  Mr.  Friedman 
in  the  enviable  position  of  wealthy  business  man  and  exemplary  citizen  which 
he  today  occupies  in  the  city  of  his  adoption. 

He  was  born  in  Berditshiva,  Russia,  May  10,  1884,  and  came  to  America 
about  eighteen  years  ago.  He  first  learned  the  cloak  and  suit  trade,  working 
without  pay  for  four  weeks.  His  first  salary  was  $5  per  week  and  in  four 
years  he  was  advanced  to  $40  per  week.  This  enabled  him  to  save  $200,  which 
was  sufficient  capital  for  his  first  business  venture. 

Obtaining  a  horse  and  wagon,  he  started  buying  and  selling  scrap  iron 
and  prospered  so  rapidly  that  he  soon  owned  three  wagons.  From  this  first 
success,  it  was  but  a  short  step  to  his  ownership  of  a  yard,  where  he  is  today 
doing  an  immense  business. 

He  was  married  in  Cleveland,  April  10,  1910,  to  Miss  Eva  Rosenberg,  of 
Columbus,  Ohio,  daughter  of  Philip  and  Goldi  Rosenberg,  of  that  city,  and 
they  have  two  lovely  children,  one  boy  and  one  girl. 

Mr.  Friedman  is  very  generous  to  various  charities  calling  upon  him  for 
assistance  and  his  wife  is  a  gracious  lady,  amply  qualified  in  every  way  to 
assist  him,  in  addition  to  the  promotion  of  various  philanthropic  projects  in 
which  she  is  particularly  interested. 

Among  the  organizations  with  which  they  are  affiliated,  the  most  prominent 
are:  B'nai  Ishurim  Temple,  Independent  Aid  Society,  K.  of  P.,  B'nai  B'rith. 
the  Zionists,  Mount  Sinai  Hospital,  Old  Age  Home,  Orphan  Asylum  and 
Infants'  Home. 


PAUL    FRIEDMAN 

It  is  not  given  to  every  man  to  arrive  at  the  goal  of  his  ambition  by  a 
straight  road. 

Many  times  the  way  points  through  devious  paths,  and  we  cry  out  that  we 
have  lost  the  guiding  light  of  the  rainbow  that  leads  to  the  pot  of  gold. 

But  if  ambition  be  worthy,  and  the  effort  sincere,  every  footprint  in  the 
snow,  every  tear  that  is  shed,  marks  in  indelible  characters  the  location  of  an- 
other milestone  in  the  map  of  the  march. 

So  it  was  with  Paul  Friedman,  who  followed  the  light  of  the  rainbow 
from  his  native  Russia,  to  find  the  treasure  buried  fathoms  deep  beneath  diffi- 
culties which  would  have  crushed  a  less  dauntless  spirit. 

He  was  born  in  Mochnoka,  Russia,  July  16,  1886,  and  at  the  age  of  thir- 
teen left  school  to  assist  his  father,  who  was  a  grain  merchant  and  a  Jewish 
scholar  of  considerable  prominence  in  his  native  town. 

91 


At  the  age  of  eighteen  he  came  to  America  and  seized  upon  the  first  op- 
portunity which  presented  itself — the  trade  of  cigarmaking. 

This  sufficed  as  a  means  to  an  end,  as  Paul  was  saving  every  cent  possible 
from  his  meager  salary  and  at  the  end  of  two  years  had  accumulated  $120. 

With  $90  of  this  small  capital  he  purchased  a  horse  and  wagon,  reserving 
$30  as  cash  in  hand  with  which  to  do  business. 

Why  relate  the  hardships  of  the  next  few  years?  The  deprivations  for 
the  sake  of  the  success  which  he  knew  would  ultimately  crown  his  efforts? 
It  is  the  old  story  of  sacrifice  which  has  been  written  in  every  tongue,  which 
has  sunken  deep  into  the  hearts  of  men  who  have  lived  and  suffered  to  accom- 
plish the  big  things  of  life. 

At  the  expiration  of  five  years,  his  business  being  fairly  established,  he 
entered  into  partnership  with  his  brother,  and  they  opened  a  scrap  iron  yard, 
where  with  a  limited  capital  they  marked  out  the  roads  to  success  even  in  the 
first  year.  As  a  result  of  their  continued  efforts  they  have,  year  by  year, 
enlarged  their  business  until,  at  the  date  of  writing,  they  are  foremost  in  their 
line,  in  Cleveland,  Ohio. 

Mr.  Friedman's  advice  to  young  men  is  this :  "Find  the  work  which  you 
like  and  for  which  you  are  best  fitted,  and  stick  to  it,  regardless  of  the  obstacles 
which  seem  to  beset  your  way.  Make  your  every  act  earn  for  you  a  reputation 
for  honesty  and  reliability." 

Mr.  Friedman  was  married  January  27,  1909,  to  Helen  Manilov  of  Phila- 
delphia, and  together  they  have  dispensed  charity  to  every  worthy  cause  in 
Cleveland,  as  well  as  to  the  .local  hospitals  and  the  Denver  Sanitarium. 

Mrs.  Friedman  is  particularly  active  in  works  of  benevolence,  and  de- 
votes much  of  her  time,  as  well  as  money,  to  their  promotion. 

They  have  two  promising  boys,  who  will  doubtless  inherit  their  parents' 
ability  and  sterling  qualities. 

Mr.  Friedman  is  also  a  member  of  and  a  liberal  contributor  to  Congrega- 
tion Anshe  Emeths,  Independent  Order  B'nai  B'rith. 


WILLIAM   FRIEDMAN 

There  has  always  existed  a  marked  distinction  between  the  old  European 
and  the  new  American  Judaism.  Not  only  is  the  difference  discernible  with 
regard  to  the  social  life  of  the  Jew,  but  in  his  religious  and  national  life  as 
well.  And  this  contrast  is  not  at  a  standstill ;  it  is  becoming  more  and  more 
noticeable  with  the  passing  of  time. 

The  European  Jew  was  at  all  times  more  devoted  to  his  religion  than  is 
his  American  brother.  In  national  spirit  and  in  his  commercial  life,  the  Ori- 
ental Jew  has  always  in  his  own  humble  manner  and  submissive  attitude  sacri- 
ficed his  well-being  that  the  Jew  as  a  race  might  be  strengthened  and  perpetu- 
ated. He  was  first  of  all  a  Jew,  rejoicing  in  their  festivities  and  weeping  in 
their  sorrows,  born  a  Jew,  raised  among  Jews  and  among  his  co-religionists  he 
preferred  to  die. 

Quite  different,  however,  are  the  facts  concerning  tile  American  Jew.  The 
ordinary  masses  as  well  as  some  of  the  middle  class  still  remember  that  they 
originate  from  Jewish  parentage ;  that  it  is  becoming  and  proper  for  Jew  and 
Jew  to  mingle,  to  pass  the  time  of  day  with  him,  to  live  in  his  neighborhood, 
to  take  an  active  interest  in  Jewish  affairs  and  to  inquire  into  his  welfare.  The 
more  successful  American  Jews,  and  especially  those  in  professional  voca- 
tions, are  for  the  most  part  so  absorbed  in  their  daily  routine,  are  so  bewildered 
by  their  temporary  prominence,  that  they  forget  their  origination,  their  creed 
and  even  their  Maker. 

92 


who  stands  out  a5  a  marked  exception  to  the  foregoing  condition  is 

.Mr.  William  Friedman,  a  prominent  and  influential  attorney  at  Detroit,  Mich. 
While  horn  on  American  soil,  far  from  the  influences  of  the  European  Jewish 
life.  Mr.  Friedman  is  a  )cw  to  the  core,  ever  ready  and  willing  to  render  assist- 
ho  appear  worthy,  and  is  devoting  a  large  part  of  his  life  to 
the  betterment  and  uplifting  of  his  co-religionists. 

Born  in  Detroit.  April  r.  )88o.  his  father,  Samuel  Friedman,  a  retired  and 
well-known  merchant,  and  his  mother,  Celia  Friedman,  both  took  an  active  in- 

t  in  their  son's  future.     He  was  sent  to  the  public  and  high  schools  of 

oit,  graduating  from  the  latter  with  high  honors.  Young  Friedman  then 
followed  up  his  high  school  education  with  an  academic  training,  attending 
both  the  Detroit  College  of  Law  and  the  University  of  Michigan,  obtaining  high 
honors  and  the  degree  of  LL,   B. 

Shortly  after  this.  Mr.  Friedman  married  Florence  R.  Blumrosen,  the 
daughter  of  Moses  and  Jennie  Blumrosen  of  Detroit.  Jn  [910,  however,  his 
wife  died  and  Friedman  became  at  once  the  providing  father  and  tender 
mother  to  his  only  daughter. 

While  his  law  business,  located  at  1517  Dime  Bank  Building,  is  steadily 
increasing  and  demanding  more  and  more  of  his  time,  yet  Mr.  Friedman  is 
always  active  in  social  work  and  i-  not  infrequently  found  to  be  the  instigator 
and  the  head  01'  the  most  vital  and  important  undertakings  of  his  community. 
Besides  being  Trustee  of  the  L'nited  Jewish  Charities  and  the  Shaarey  Zedek 
Congregation,  Mr.  Friedman  is  an  active  member  of  the  Talmud  Torah,  the 
House  of  Shelter,  the  B'nei  B'rith,  the  K.  of  I'.,  the  Elks,  the  Masons,  the 
Lawyers'  Club,  the  Detroit  Bar  Association,  the  Phoenix  Club  and  several 
others.  He  is  highly  respected  and  honored  for  his  sound  judgment,  his  kind 
heart,  his  integrity  and  perseverence  and  his  never-failing  efforts  to  further 
the  interest  of  the  Jew  wherever  possible. 


SAM    FRIEDMAN 

Success  in  life  is  largely  governed  by  a  man's  willingness  to  "pay  the 
price."  Jt  takes  effort,  concentration  and  hard  knocks,  but  if  these  are  boldly 
withstood,  he  will  eventually  rise  to  the  realization  of  his  highest  ambition. 
These  characteristics  are  most  apparent  in  the  career  of  Mr.  Sam  Friedman, 
who  was  born  in  Atsombar,  Galicia,  March  15,  1864,  the  son  of  Louis  and 
Esther  Friedman.  His  father  was  a  farmer  and  real  estate  man,  who  pos- 
sessed a  large  amount  of  native  shrewdness. 

Mr.  Friedman  came  to  America,  landing  in  Xew  York  in  August.  1893, 
where  he  began  working  in  a  factory  as  an  operator.  He  received  no  pay  at 
first.  In  fact,  he  was  obliged  to  pay  twenty  dollars  for  the  privileges  of 
instruction  and  contributed  his  services  for  six  months.  At  the  end  of  that 
period  he  went  to  Scranton,  Fa.,  and  secured  a  job  as  a  day  laborer  in  a  factory 
at  75  cents  a  day.  He  continued  five  years,  during  which  time  he  received 
several  small  increases  in  pay. 

From  there  he  went  to  Pittsburgh,  Pa.,  then  to  McKeesport  and  Browns- 
ville, but  was  unable  to  find  employment.  Being  entirely  without  funds,  he 
walked  to  Charleroi,  where  he  found  work  in  a  grocery  store.  As  soon  as 
he  had  saved  enough  money,  he  sent  for  his  wife  in  Galicia,  who  before  her 
marriage  was  Miss  Rosa  Friedman.  After  her  arrival  he  saved  enough  money 
to  buy  a  horse  and  wagon,  and  began  peddling  fruit.  A  year  later  he  went 
into  the  junk  business,  and  with  the  able  co-operation  of  his  wife,  who 
assisted  him  in  every  manner  possible,  they  managed  to  save  a  thousand  dol- 

93 


lars,  which  proved  a  stepping  stone  to  the  large  fortune  which  the)'  have  since 
amassed. 

Aside  from  Mr.  Friedman's  iron  and  metal  business  he  is  interested  in 
three  banks  in  Charleroi,  of  which  he  is  one  of  the  directors,  and  also  controls 
a  large  amount  of  real  estate. 

Mr.  Friedman  is  a  liberal  contributor  to  all  charities,  and  is  a  member  of 
the  congregation  in  Monnessen,  Pa.,  as  well  as  the  Eagles  and  Moose. 


JACOB    FRUMAN 

Every  new  industry  carries  with  it  a  number  of  allied  businesses  which 
develop  in  proportion  to  the  public  need.  Thus  we  find  that  the  giant  industry 
of  automobile  building  has  developed  a  new  line  in  the  junk  business,  and  to 
the  handling  of  automobile  scrap  we  find  one  of  the  best  business  men  in 
Chelsea,  Mass.,  devoting  his  time  and  attention. 

Mr.  Jacob  Fruman,  whose  place  of  business  is  located  at  104  Spruce 
street,  was  born  in  Valina,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  1873.  He  came  to  America 
in  1902,  landing  in  Boston,  where  he  worked  in  a  blacksmith  shop  for_seven 
and  one-half  years.  He  then  decided  to  go  into  business  for  himself,  and  in 
addition  to  a  regular  junk  yard  has  developed  a  highly  specialized  line  of  auto- 
mobile scrap,  and  is  today  doing  an  immense  business. 

Mr.  Fruman  was  married  in  Russia,  in  igoo,  to  Miss  Vittle  Yassin.  They 
have  one  daughter,  who  is  at  the  present  time  going  to  school. 

Mr.  Fruman  and  wife  are  both  very  public-spirited  and  generous  in  their 
contributions  to  various  charities,  in  the  promotion  of  which  they  are  ever 
occupying  prominent  place.  They  are  members  of  Congregation  Beth  Jacob, 
and  Mr.  Fruman  is  also  affiliated  with  the  I.  O.  B.  A.  and  the  Boston  United 
Hebrews  of  America. 


ABRAHAM    GASH 

One  of  the  best  known  bean  and  rice  importers  in  the  country  is  Mr. 
Abraham  Gash,  whose  place  of  business  located  at  No.  7  Worth  street,  New 
York  City,  is  almost  internationally  known.  Its  owner  is  one  of  those  rare 
characters  with  whom  one  naturally  desires  to  make  friends  in  any  capacity. 

Born  on  March  7,  1877,  in  the  province  of  Warsaw,  he  is  the  son  of 
Chaskel  and  Gittel  Gash,  both  in  Warsaw.  The  father  was  in  the  leather 
business,  and  after  his  death  in  1887  the  family  moved  to  Poltusk,  where 
Abraham  became  a  "prikashchick,"  or  general  clerk,  for  his  uncle,  Yokel 
Brenn,  who  was  a  contractor  for  the  government.  But  at  the  age  of  nineteen 
and  facing  military  service,  he  made  up  his  mind  to  leave  home  and  start  anew 
in  the  country  of  opportunity.  He  arrived  here  in  189S,  and  like  many  others 
of  his  race,  began  his  career  by  becoming  a  customer  peddler. 

His  first  step  was  to  act  as  canvasser  for  another,  but  very  soon  he  bought 
out  his  boss  and  continued  the  business  for  himself.  However,  he  did  not  stay 
in  the  business  a  long  time  before  he  became  aware  that  he  was  not  par- 
ticularly attached  to  it,  and  he  went  into  the  dry  goods  business  with  a  partner, 
opening  a  place  at  121  Division  street,  under  the  firm  name  of  A.  Gash  &  Co. 

94 


At  length  the  partnership  was  terminated  and  he  opened  a  business  for  him- 
shelf  at  34  Henry  street,  but  soon  found  the  place  too  small  and  in  1906  he 
moved  to  Xo.  30  Henry  street.  After  being  there  for  several  years,  with 
business  constantly  expanding,  he  went  in  191 1  to  2J  Roosevelt  street.  Busi- 
ness kept  on  increasing  and  Mr.  Gash  was  compelled  to  look  for  larger  quar- 
ters, which  he  found  at  his  present  business  address.  Xo.  7  Worth  street, 
where  he  occupies  the  entire  building,  doing  an  import  and  export  business, 
and  having  the  reputation  of  being  one  of  the  largest  rice  and  bean  houses  in 
the  country. 

Mr.  Gash  is  prominentlv  identified  with  a  good  many  charitable  institu- 
tions and  organizations,  such  as  the  Chesed  Shel  Ernes  and  Gmiloth  Chesed  of 
Xew  York  and  Brooklyn,  the  Zion  Hospital  of  Bensonhurst  and  the  Orthodox 
"Schul"  located  at  Bay  22,  Bath  Beach,  and  he  donates  to  everything  worth 
while.  He  also  belongs  to  a  number  of  Talmud  Torahs  and  fraternal  associa- 
tions. 

He  was  married  in  the  city  of  New  York  in  May.  1004.  to  Ida  Cooper,  who 
comes  from  a  well-known  Rabbinical  family  of  the  Kovner  "Gaon."  and 
they  have  three  children,  named  Selma,  Chester  and  Freda.  All  children  attend 
public  school  and  study  Hebrew  and  Yiddish  at  home.  The  home  life  of  the 
Gashes  is  an  ideal  picture  of  Jewish  traditional  life,  and  it  is  maintained  on 
the  principle  of  strict  Orthdoxy  and  Kashruth.  Mrs.  Gash  was  one  of  the 
first  organizers  and  a  Director  of  the  Jewish  Maternity  Hospital,  where  she 
still  retains  her  membership  on  the  Board. 

Abraham  Gash's  father  was  not  only  a  great  Talmudist,  but  also  a  thor- 
ough Polish.  Russian  and  German  scholar.  The  son  believes  in  keeping  up 
Judaism  under  all  conditions  and  that  "Honesty  is  the  best  policy,"  sticking 
to  one's  business  with  all  zeal. 


ISAAC   GENDELMAN 

Some  one  has  said  that  there  is  in  the  growth  of  a  tree  from  its  earliest 
sprouting  to  its  vigorous  maturity  a  beautiful  example  of  patience,  endurance, 
steadfastness  of  purpose  and  often  the  determination  and  strength  to  overcome 
obstacles  that  the  Creator  of  all  has  given  us  that  should  guide  us. 

As  trees  grow  upward,  their  roots  grow  downward  and  outward,  and  age 
and  increasing  grandeur  give  them  corresponding  deep-rooted,  unfailing 
security. 

We  might  liken  this  growth  to  a  business  such  as  has  been  created  and 
developed  by  Mr.  Isaac  Gendelman  of  Detroit.  Mich.  Mr.  Gendelman  was 
born  in  Olersk,  Yolina.  Guberne,  Russia,  in  May,  1873.  the  son  of  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Abraham  Gendelman,  and  came  to  America  in  December,  1907.  He  re- 
mained in  Xew  York  but  three  weeks  and  then  went  to  Detroit,  wdiere  he 
worked  in  a  junk  yard  for  $5  per  week.  He  then  started  to  peddle  on  his  own 
account  and  with  his  small  savings  was  able  to  buy  and  sell  to  such  advantage 
that  five  years  later  he  had  $5,000  with  which  to  establish  a  yard.  He  joined 
his  partner.  Mr.  Morris  Levin,  and  they  started  in  business  at  their  present 
location  on  Brady  street,  operating  under  the  firm  name  of  East  Side  Scrap 
Iron  &  Metal  Company,  where  they  have  attained  a  most  remarkable  success. 

Mr.  Gendelman  was  married  in  Russia  in  June,  1897.  to  Miss  Rose  Levit, 
and  they  have  five  children,  one  boy  and  four  girls.  Their  eldest  son,  Joe,  is 
in  business  college.  Anna  is  working  in  the  store,  while  the  younger  children 
are  still  going  to  school. 

Mr.  Gendelman  finds  time  for  a  number  of  interests  outside  his  business 
and  is  a  prominent  member  of  the  B'nai  Jacob.  Michigan  Lodge,  Progress  of 

95 


West,  Tu  rover  Unterstitzning  Ferein,  Talmud  Torah  and  contributes  to  all 
charities,  including  the  Denver  Hospital  and  Home  of  Shelter. 

Mr.  Gendelman  is  a  fine  type  of  foreign-born  Jew,  who  possesses  all  the 
traits  of  generous,  progressive  Americanism. 


LOUIS    GINSBURG 

"Life,"  said  one  of  our  great  philosophers,  "is  a  voyage  in  which  our 
scenes  are  constantly  changing." 

Sometimes  our  bark  floats  placidly  along  between  flower  strewn  shores : 
sometimes  tempest  tossed  it  lies  helpless  and  broken  upon  the  rocks  of  adver- 
sity. But  through  every  storm  there  still  shines  the  guiding  star  of  hope  for 
every  soul  brave  enough  to  look  upward  and  seek  it. 

The  life  history  of  Louis  Ginsburg  is  a  story  of  many  vicissitudes 
bravely  endured  and  overcome.  He  was  born  in  Little  Guberne,  Russia, 
February  II,  1881,  his  father  being  a  prominent  Talmudist  and  scholar  of 
that  community.  At  the  age  of  twenty-two  he  came  to  America,  going  direct 
to  Clarksburg,  W.  Va.,  where  his  older  brother  resided. 

His  first  business  venture  was  peddling  small  wares  from  a  basket,  which 
he  continued  for  six  months,  when  he  bought  a  horse  and  wagon  and  began 
buying  and  selling  scrap  iron  and  metal.  This  business  led  him  into  the  oil 
fields  of  Illinois,  where  he  saw  wonderful  possibilities,  not  only  in  the  oil 
well  supplies,  which  was  allied  to  his  business,  but  also  in  the  oil  producing 
end,  and  he  became  interested  in  several  large  producing  companies.  He 
also  has  some  excellent  investments  in  the  fields  of  Ohio  and  West  Virginia. 

Returning  to  Ohio,  he  opened  an  oil  well  supply  business  at  Marietta, 
Ohio,  where  he  has  been  exceedingly  successful,  and  is  at  present  engaged  in 
business,  the  name  of  his  firm  being  Producers'  Supply  and  Tool  Co. 

He  was  married  in  Marietta,  March  8,  1908,  to  Miss  Dora  Brachman, 
and  they  have  three  fine  boys,  two  of  whom  are  old  enough  to  go  to  school. 

Mrs.  Ginsburg  is  a  charming  woman,  well  fitted  to  grace  the  prominent 
position  which  her  husband  holds  in  the  various  activities  of  the  community. 
She  is  identified  with  many  charities  and  does  not  confine  herself  to  local 
projects,  as  the  Ginsburgs  are  also  liberal  contributors  to  the  National  Jewish 
Hospital  of  Denver  and  the  Los  Angeles  Sanitarium. 

Mrs.  Ginsburg  is  Secretary  of  Congregation  B'nai  Israel,  President. 
Local  Jewish  War  Sufferers'  Relief  Society,  and  member  and  director  of  the 
Hebrew  Immigration  Society.  The  Red  Cross  and  Talmud  Torah  also 
receive  generous  contributions. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ginsburg  not  only  give  liberally  of  their  money,  but  also 
devote  much  of  their  time  to  the  promotion  of  these  worthy  projects,  identify- 
ing themselves  inseparably  with  all  works  of  kindness  and  mercy.  The  city  of 
Marietta  is  indeed  fortunate  in  having  them  identified  with  her  business,  civil 
and  social  interests. 


96 


MOSES    GLOSSER 

Biographies  of  good  men  whose  souls  possessed  patience,  fortitude  and 
charity  are  the  richest  pages  in  history.  From  them  we  learn  the  great  lessons 
of  life  which  they  have  painfully  gleaned  from  the  stern  school  of  experience. 

The  events  which  we  here  chronicle,  incident  to  the  success  of  Mr.  Moses 
Glosser  have  many  pathetic  sidelights,  which  mere  words  can  never  properly 
express.  Only  the  near  relatives  and  friends  of  Mr.  Glosser  can  appreciate 
to  the  full  the  remarkable  fortitude  which  sustained  him  through  the  trying 
days  of  his  struggle. 

He  was  born  in  Grodna.  Guberne,  Russia,  in  January,  i860,  his  father 
being  a  shoemaker  by  trade,  but  a  man  of  considerable  scholarly  attainments. 

He  was  married  at  the  age  of  23  to  Miss  Darimos  and  later  events  in  his 
career  proved  that  he  was  indeed  fortunate  in  his  selection  of  a  wife,  as  she  has 
been  an  exemplary  mother  and  her  cheerful,  brave  spirit  and  willing  assistance 
has  sustained  her  husband  through  the  dark  days  when  failure  seemed  inevit- 
able. 

Coming  to  America  in  April,  1890,  he  landed  with  his  family  in  Philadel- 
phia with  only  $4.00.  The  immediate  necessity  of  finding  employment  led  him 
to  start  peddling  tinware.  Later  he  took  up  a  line  of  notions  and  for  three 
vears  was  a  familiar  figure  in  various  Pennsylvania  towns. 

He  then  purchased  a  horse  and  wagon  and,  locating  in  Williamsport,  Pa., 
began  buying  and  selling  old  iron  and  metal.  Just  as  success  seemed  smiling 
upon  him,  he  was  so  unfortunate  as  to  meet  with  a  serious  accident,  breaking 
his  leg,  which  confined  him  in  a  hospital  for  ten  weeks.  After  he  left  the 
hospital,  he  was  badly  crippled  for  a  year  and  a  half  and,  unable  to  work,  was 
given  assistance  by  his  older  children. 

Later  he  opened  a  grocery  store,  but,  starting  with  too  small  capital,  he 
found  himself,  after  six  months,  $350.00  in  debt,  besides  owing  on  his  home, 
which  he  had  bought  prior  to  his  accident. 

His  health  being  somewhat  improved,  he  left  the  grocery  to  the  manage- 
ment of  his  wife  and  children  and  started  out  buying  and  selling  junk,  and  was 
so  successful  that  within  a  short  time  he  had  paid  off  his  indebtedness  and  had 
saved  money  enough  to  open  a  yard  from  which  business  he  and  his  sons, 
whom  he  has  taken  in  with  him  as  they  grew  up,  have  accumulated  a  large 
fortune. 

The  Glossers  have  five  children,  four  boys  and  one  girl.  The  daughter  is 
a  highly  educated  young  lady  and  is  a  teacher  of  English  in  the  public  schools. 
Manuel  is  in  the  iron  business  in  McKeesport,  Pa.  David  is  going  to  school, 
while  Sol  and  Nathan  are  in  business  with  their  father,  although,  at  the  present 
writing,  Nathan  has  answered  his  country's  call  and  is  serving  as  First  Ser- 
geant in  the  U.  S.  Army. 

Mr.  Glosser  is  a  member  of  Congregation  Rudof  Sholom,  Zionist,  and 
Order  B'rith  Abraham.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Glosser  are  exceedingly  phil- 
anthropic and  take  great  delight  in  passing  their  prosperity  along  to  those  in 
unfortunate  circumstances.  Among  some  of  the  national  institutions  of  which 
they  are  patrons  are  Denver  and  Los  Angeles  Hospitals,  Immigration  Society 
of  New  York  and  all  the  Yishivas. 

Mr.  Glosser  is  also  a  prominent  member  of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce. 


97 


WOLF    LOEB    GLOSSER 


A  few  years  ago  the  civilized  world  believed  that  the  age  of  conquest  and 
bloody  battles  was  over.  That  the  only  generals  the  world  needed  were  those 
giants  of  commerce  who  keep  the  wheels  of  industry  moving;  who  provide 
those  conveniences  and  comforts  which,  during  a  long  era  of  peace  and  pros- 
perity, have  come  to  be  almost  essential. 

Now  that  the  world  is  in  the  throes  of  the  most  gigantic  struggle  in  his- 
tory, it  is  to  these  men  that  we  turn  for  money,  for  equipment,  for  their  sons. 

So  it  is  with  Mr.  Wolf  Loeb  Glosser,  whose  sons  Saul  and  Simon  have 
answered  the  call  and  have  gone  forth  to  battle  that  his  country  and  the 
oppressed  shall  be  free.  Simon  Glosser  enlisted  in  the  Jewish  Legion  after 
being  rejected  by  the  U.  S.  Army  and  Saul  Glosser  is  with  the  American 
National  Army,  at  present  stationed  at  Camp  Lee. 

Wolf  Loeb  Glosser  was  born  in  Grodno,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  August,  1854. 
He  did  not  come  to  America  until  March,  1902,  and 
landed  in  New  York  with  his  family  and  but  27 
cents  in  the  world.  He  succeeded  in  borrowing  a 
dollar,  with  which  he  immediately  started  peddling 
junk.  This  he  continued  very  successfully  for  two 
3'ears,  when  he  went  to  Johnstown,  Pa.,  and  en- 
gaged in  the  clothes  cleaning  and  pressing  business. 
By  the  exercise  of  the  utmost  diligence  and  economy 
he  saved  enough  capital  to  open  a  small  store  arid 
this  venture  has  grown  into  the  large  establishment 
of  which  he  is  the  guiding  genius  today.  The  firm 
name  is  Glosser  Brothers,  handling  ladies'  and 
gentlemen's  ready-to-wear  apparel. 

Mr.  Glosser  was  married  in  Russia  in  April, 
1877,  to  Miss  Pesha  Greenberg  and  they  have  a  fine 
family  of  seven  children,  four  boys  and  three  girls, 
all  of  whom  reflect  credit  upon  the  superior  home 
training  which  they  have  received. 

Nathan  is  in  business  for  himself  in  Detroit,  Mich.,  while  David  and  Solo- 
mon are  engaged  in  business  with  their  father.  Simon  was  in  business  for 
himself  prior  to  his  entry  into  the  army. 

The  two  elder  daughters  are  married  and  live  in  Europe,  while  the  younger 
daughter  is  at  home.  She  is  a  graduate  of  the  high  school  and  a  very  accom- 
plished musician. 

Mrs.  Glosser's  accomplishments  and  usefulness  do  not  cease  with  her  ideal 
wifehood  and  motherhood.  She  finds  time  for  many  social  and  charitable 
activities,  as  well ;  in  fact,  she  is  the  leader  in  all  such  movements  in  Johns- 
town. 

Mr.  Glosser's  affiliations  are  with  Congregation  Radof  Sholom,  Inde- 
pendent Order  of  B'rith  Abraham,  and  Chamber  of  Commerce.  He  con- 
tributes liberally  to  Denver  and  Los  Angeles  Hospitals,  Immigration  Society 
and  all  the  Yishivas. 


98 


JACOB    GOELL 

Brownsville  is  an  important  accomplishment  of  the  Jews  of  New  York. 
i  in  the  site  where  Brownsville  is  now  built  there  was,  a  few  years  ago,  nothing 
but  wilderness,  and  the  Jews  have  turned  it  into  a  livelj  and  thrifty  community. 
The  historian  of  Jewish  activitj  in  New  York  will  have  to  take  note  of  Mr. 
Jacob  i  •< nil.  the  real  creator  of  modern  Brownsville. 

Mr.  Goell  was  horn  Jul)    15,  1871,  in  Poswel,  in  the  Province  of  Kovna, 

omes  of  a  prominent  family.  His  father  was  Reb  Jechiel  Michael  Goell, 
a  famous  Lamdan  and  Maskel.  Hi*  mother,  tiinda,  who  at  present  resides  in 
Brooklyn,  is  a  very  pious  woman.  I  li*  grandfather  was  Reb  Simcha  Linkiver, 
who,  as  an  intimate  friend  of  the  Ra\  of  Linkiva,  taught  mathematics  to  the 
rabbi's  son.  who  later  became  Hirshel  Rabinowitz,  famous  Maskel  and  editor. 
I  Ms  uncle  was  Reb  Nute  ('bar it'.  Schochet  in  Kupishik,  Province  of  Kovna. 

Mr.  Goell,  who  in  early  youth  was  brought  up  at  Dineburg,  at  present 
Dwinsk,  came  to  America  in  December,  1890.  \t  r u—t  he  worked  a*  a  car- 
penter at  $5  per  week,  later  lie  became  a  building  contractor,  and  in  1901 
to  Brownsville,  where  he  started  his  real  estate  activities.     Even  though 

hi*   friends  predicted   failure,  he  dared  to  undertake  the  enterprise  of  building 

modern  apartment  houses  in  that  section  of  the  city,  lie  had  a  keener  in*i}dit 
into  conditions  than  his  friends  thought,  ami  before  many  months  had  passed 
his  success  was  assured,  for  other  builders  followed  hi*  example.  Brownsville 
developed,  and  Mr.  Goell  grew  with  it.  until  todaj  he  own*  over  fifty  houses  in 
that  part  of  the  city.  Mr.  Goell  himself  lives  with  his  family  in  a  beautiful 
home  at    I  541 '  I  'nioii  street. 

Mr.  <  loell  i*  an  intelligent  man  of  high  moral  character  and  i*  held  in  high 
esteem  in  the  community,  lie  believes  in  helping  others,  and  practices  this 
belief.  Ih-  participates  in  ever)  good  enterprise,  and  contributes  to  all  fewish 
charitable  institutions  in  Brooklyn  and  to  some  in  Xew  York,  lie  is  president 
of  \da*  Israel  of  Brownsville,  and  was  vice-president  of  the  Stone  Avenue 
Talmud  Torah,  to  which  institution,  next  to  hi*  business  and  family,  he  devotes 

much  of  hi*  time. 

lie  was  the  first  to  propose  the  erection  of  the  new  Talmud  Torah  on 
Stone  avenue,  which  he  built,  lie  i*  a  modern  orthodox,  maintaining  a 
Strictly  Jewish  home.  1  te  believes  that  the  Jews  ought  to  appreciate  the  liberty 
and  opportunity    that  this  country  affords,  hut  yet  he  also  feels  that  every  Jew 

ought  to  adhere  strictly  to  traditional  Judaism, 

Mr.  Goell  has  a  younger  brother,  Charles,  who  attended  Yeshiva  in  Europe. 
Charles  i*  now  prominent  in  the  building  trade  and  Jewish  charity  in  the  Flat- 
bush  section  of  Brooklyn. 

1  hi  March  2,  1899,  Mr.  Goell  married  Mi**  Marj  Samowitz,  daughter  of 
the  well-known  builder,  Samuel  Samowitz,  and  they  have  five  accomplished 
children. 


ABRAHAM    GOLDBERG 
Of  The  Art  Cloak  Co.,  Cleveland.  O. 

It  i*  the  misfortune  of  man)  young  1  ersoris  toda)  that  the)  begin  life  with 
too  mam  advantages.  Ever)  possible  want  of  their  many-sided  nature*  i- 
supplied  before  it*  need  i*  consciously  felt:  hook*,  teachers,  mental  and  relig- 

training,  amusements,  clothes  and  food,  all  of  the  best  quality  and  un- 
stinted in  quantit)  :  in  short,  the  choice  of  the  world'*  good  thin-*  are  lavished 

upon  them  until  all  ambition  is  extinguished. 

What   motive  has  a   young  man.  under  such   circumstances,   to  exert   llilll- 

self?    Like  a  hothouse  plant,  grown  weak  through  tin,  much  shelter  and  watch- 

99 


nig",  he  needs  nothing  so  much  as  to  be  set  in  the  open  air  of  the  world  and 
to  grow  strong  by  struggling  for  existence. 

These  are  the  sentiments  of  Mr.  Abraham  Goldberg,  who  knows  what  it 
is  to  fight  repeated  failure  until  the  goal  of  success  is  reached. 

Mr.  Goldberg  was  born  in  Lutz-K,  Russian  Poland,  April  23,  1881,  and 
came  to  America  in  September,  1903.  He  first  learned  to  be  a  cutter  at  $2 
per  week  and  gradually  worked  himself  up  until  he  was  able  to  save  a  capital 
of  $500.  with  which  he  started  in  business  in  the  manufacture  of  skirts.  How- 
ever, competition  was  very  keen  and  after  a  hard  year's  fight,  Mr.  Goldberg- 
lost  his  business. 

He  then  went  to  Cleveland,  Ohio,  and  worked  as  assistant  designer  for 
about  a  year.  Then  followed  a  partnership  with  Abraham  Goble,  in  the  manu- 
facture of  cloaks.  After  about  one  and  one-half  years  his  present  partner,  Mr. 
Max  Eppstein,  bought  out  the  Goble  interest,  and  the  business  is  continued  in 
this  way  at  the  present  time,  under  the  firm  name  of  Art  Cloak  Company,  one 
of  the  best  known  concerns  in  the  business. 

Mr.  Goldberg  was  married  June  21,  1914,  to  Miss  Gittle  Kochman  of 
Cleveland,  and  they  have  two  small  children,  one  boy  and  one  girl. 

Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Goldberg  are  very  public-spirited  and  generous  and 
are  popular  in  their  social  circle. 

Mr.  Goldberg  believes  that  the  principles  upon  which  all  permanent  suc- 
cess is  founded  are  honesty,  hard  work  and  economy. 


ABRAHAM    GOLDBERG 
Corset   Manufacturer,   Cleveland,   O. 

Carlyle  says,  "He  who  has  battled,  were  it  only  with  poverty  and  toil, 
will  be  found  stronger  and  more  expert  than  he  who  would  stay  at  home  from 
the  battle.''  So  we  say  that  it  is  of  decided  advantage  for  a  man  to  be  under 
the  necessity  of  struggling  with  poverty  and  conquering  it.  It  is  not  prosperity 
so  much  as  adversity,  not  wealth  so  much  as  poverty,  that  stimulates  strong 
and  healthy  natures,  rouses  their  energy  and  develops  character. 

In  an  interview  with  Mr.  Abraham  Goldberg  the  story  of  his  early  strug- 
gles reminds  us  of  these  words  of  Carlyle.  Mr.  Goldberg  was  born  in  Chumsk, 
Russia,  April  15,  1879,  and  although  his  father  was  a  land  owner  and  a  Jewish 
scholar,  when  the  boy  decided  to  start  his  career  in  the  new  world,  he  landed  in 
New  York  with  no  funds  of  consequence  and  with  little  mercantile  experience. 

He  first  found  employment  where  he  learned  to  be  a  vest  maker,  starting 
in  at  a  salary  of  $3  per  week.  He  later  went  to  Cleveland,  working  at  the 
same  trade,  but  finally  became  a  cloak  and  suit  operator,  where  he  commanded 
a  salary  of  $35  per  week.  Saving  a  little  money,  he  went  into  the  manufacture 
of  corsets,  starting  in  a  modest  way  with  only  two  machines.  His  business  had 
a  steady  and  healthy  growth  and  today  he  is  one  of  the  best  known  manufac- 
turers in  the  business,  the  product  of  his  shop  going  to  all  parts  of  the  country. 

Mr.  Goldberg  was  married  to  Miss  Sarah  Abramowitz,  and  they  have  one 
boy  and  one  girl.  The  daughter,  Roseline,  who  is  eighteen  years  old,  is  a  most 
accomplished  musician,  being  manager  of  the  Troubador  Troupe  of  players, 
engaged  in  concerts  for  commercial  purposes. 

Mr.  Goldberg  is  a  loyal  supporter  of  various  charities  of  not  only  local 
but  national  scope,  contributing  to  the  Denver  Sanitarium.  He  is  also  a 
member  of  the  Knights  of  Joseph.  We  feel  that  any  advice  to  the  young 
coming  from  him  is  of  the  utmost  value,  so  asked  him  what  he  considered 
requisites  for  success.  His  reply  was,  "Find  the  vocation  for  which  you  are 
best  fitted,  work  hard,  be  honest  and  success  will  follow.'' 

100 


ABRAHAM    GOLDBERG 
Columbus,  Ohio. 

Although  the  ancient  Jews  were  much  devoted  to  agriculture,  the  later 
generations  seem  more  adapted  to  success  in  commercial  life. 

As  an  example  we  are  pleased  to  relate  the  events  in  the  life  of  Mr.  Abra- 
ham Goldberg,  of  Columbus,  Ohio. 

He  was  born  in  Musistz,  Wolinsker,  Guberne,  Russia,  the  son  of  Isaac 
Goldberg,  who  was  the  leading  Rabbi  and  Talmudist  of  that  community. 

Mr.  Goldberg  came  to  America  at  the  age  of 
twenty,  and  went  to  Wichita,  Kans.,  where  he  was 
given  a  government  allotment  of  160  acres  of  land. 
He  remained  about  nine  months,  but  did  not  find 
farming  to  his  liking,  so  he  went  to  Columbus,  Ohio, 
and  started  peddling  junk.  The  first  year  he  saved 
a  little  money,  with  which  he  opened  a  small  scrap 
iron  and  metal  yard,  and  this  small  beginning  has 
grown  into  one  of  the  largest  establishments  of  the 
kind  in  the  city. 

Mr.  Goldberg  was  married  prior  to  his  coming 
to  America  to  Miss  Toba  Hurwitz,  and  they  have 
a  family  of  six  children,  three  boys  and  three  girls, 
nearly  all  of  whom  are  married.  The  son  Harry  is 
connected  with  his  father  in  the  business. 

Mr.  Goldberg  is  a  member  of  Beth  Jacob,  is 
President  of  the  Congregation  Agudas  Acheim, 
Knights  of  Joseph,  B'nai  B'rith,  and  the  Columbus  Home  Lodge,  Knights  of 
Pythias.  He  is  also  director  of  the  Denver  Sanitarium  and  President  of 
Talmud  Torah. 

Both  himself  and  wife  contribute  liberally  to  every  worth}'  charity. 


SAMUEL  GOLDBERG 

Mr.  Samuel  Goldberg  is  one  of  the  most  successful  Jews  of  Cincinnati,. 
Ohio.  He  is  a  retail  merchant  and  very  few  of  his  class  have  reached  as  high 
a  position  as  has  Mr.  Goldberg. 

"To  what  do  you  attribute  your  success?"  the  writer  of  these  lines  asked 
Mr.  Goldberg.  Mr.  Goldberg1  did  not  take  long  to  think  it  over,  but  straight- 
way replied:     "Hard  work  and  economy;  these  are  my  watchwords!" 

Mr.  Goldberg  was  born  on  the  28th  of  January,  1875,  in  Marienpol,  Poland, 
as  the  son  of  Lipman  and  Peshe  Goldberg,  who  live  in  Bialystok.  Mr.  Gold- 
berg's grandfather,  Reb  Shebach  Altshuler,  was  the  Rabbi  of  Mariampol,  and 
Rabbi  Motel  Altshuler,  an  uncle  of  his,  was  one  of  the  best  known  scholars  of 
Suvalk. 

In  1892  Mr.  Goldberg  came  to  America.  He  landed  in  New  York,  where 
he  worked  for  a  number  of  weeks  in  a  brush  factory.  He  then  went  to  Wash- 
ington for  a  short  time,  working  in  a  store,  and  afterwards  he  settled  in  Cincin- 
nati (in  1899),  opening  a  cloak  and  suit  store,  where  without  any  extensive 
speculation  he  became  very  successful,  due  to  simple  and  steady  work  and  a 
gradual  rise  in  the  scale  of  life. 

Mr.  Goldberg  is  the  owner  of  the  Main  Cloak  &  Suit  Co.,  11 16  Main  street, 
and  of  the  Princess  Cloak  #-  Suit  Company,  at  1115  Main  street,  Cincinnati, 
Ohio. 

Mr.  Goldberg  divides  his  success  with  many  charitable  and  philanthropic 
institutions.     He  belongs  to  nearly  every  organization  of  importance,  is  a  direc- 

101 


tor  of  the  Orthodox  Home  for  the  Aged,  Vice-president  of  the  Talmud  Torah, 
and  a  former  treasurer  of  the  Avondale  Schul.  He  is  a  respected  member  of 
the  Chamber  of  Commerce,  of  the  Automobile  Club  and  of  many  other  organ- 
izations. 

On  March  7,  1895,  Mr.  Goldberg  was  married  to  Miss  Birdie  Scheingold, 
of  Cleveland,  and  they  are  the  happy  parents  of  an  accomplished  daughter, 
Lucille.  Mr.  Goldberg  is  a  very  sympathetic,  friendly  man,  and  enjoys  a  won- 
derful reputation  in  Cincinnati. 


ISAAC    LEO    GOLDBERG 

Many  prominent  men  can  trace  their  success  back  to  some  display  of  ability 
or  act  of  honesty  which  revealed  to  their  elders  the  promise  of  a  wonderful 
fruition  in  the  best  of  all  gardens,  a  noble  character. 

To  such  young  men  a  helping  hand  is  always  waiting  at  the  appointed  time, 
and  it  was  so  in  the  case  of  Isaac  Leo  Goldberg,  the  subject  of  our  sketch. 

He  was  born  in  Wrlick,  Russia,  July  17,  1885,  and  was  brought  to  America 
by  his  parents  when  only  five  years  of  age. 

At  a  very  early  age  he  began  to  sell  matches  on  the  streets  of  Columbus, 
Ohio,  where  his  intelligent  appearance  and  ability  were  so  evident  that  he 
attracted  the  special  attention  of  many  of  his  customers,  and  this  led  to  their 
helping  him  establish  himself  in  the  iron  and  metal  business.  This  led  to  a 
partnership  with  his  father  under  the  firm  name  of  Capital  City  Iron  and  Metal 
Company.  He  later  organized  the  Central  Market  Paper  Company  in  connec- 
tion with  a  Mr.  Ornstine,  and  eleven  months  later  merged  his  interests  with 
Topper  Brothers'  Iron  &  Metal  Company,  the  firm  name  under  which  they  are 
operating  today. 

Such  is  the  business  history  of  one  of  the  foremost  business  men  of  Colum- 
bus, Ohio,  and  it  should  hold  out  nothing  but  hope  and  inspiration  to  any  young 
man  who,  with  nothing  but  honesty  and  ability  as  assets,  is  struggling  to  make  a 
place  for  himself  in  the  world. 

Mr.  Goldberg  was  married  in  Columbus,  Ohio,  December  20,  1910,  to  Miss 
Sophia  Topper,  a  very  prominent  young  lady  of  that  city,  who  is  as  charmingly 
fitted  to  occupy  a  brilliant  social  position  as  her  husband  is  in  the  business 
world. 

They  are  both  most  generous  in  their  contributions  to  charity  and  are 
prominent  in  every  worthy  cause  in  their  own  and  other  cities. 

Mr.  Goldberg  is  an  active  and  valued  member  of  Agudas  Acheim,  Knights 
of  Joseph,  B'nai  B'rith  and  the  Athletic  Club. 

He  is  still  a  very  young  man  with  a  long  career  of  useful  activity  before 
him. 

May  the  golden  bow  of  promise  continue  to  shine  on  into  the  sunset  of  life 
with  a  splendor  and  refulgence  that  shall  infuse  hope  and  new  impetus  into  the 
lives  of  those  with  whom  he  is  associated. 


102 


MORRIS  GOLDENBERG 

Failure  is  often  the  sharpedged  tool  with  which  fate  etches  some  of  the 
finest  lines  of  character.  It  is  not  the  failure  itself,  but  the  resilience  with 
which  man  rebounds  to  renewed  effort  that  is  the  true  test  of  calibre  and  moral 
courage. 

When  Morris  Goldenberg  landed  in  America  he  came  to  the  new  land  with 
high  hopes  and  noble  ambitions,  as  had  others  of  his  people  before  him.  That 
he  never  ceased  to  strive  against  the  adverse  circumstances  that  surrounded 
him,  that  he  never  wavered  in  his  firm  belief  that  his  expectations  would  be 
realized,  is  largely  accountable  for  his  marked  success. 

Mr.  Goldenberg  was  born  in  Konis  Padalsky  Guberne.  Russia,  in  October. 
1879.  His  father  and  mother,  Samuel  and  Esther  Goldenberg.  came. to 
America  sometime  before  their  son,  settling  in  Newark,  Ohio.  Mr.  Goldenberg 
was  married  in  Russia  April  4,  1902,  to  Tuba  Erlichman.  and  four  years  later 
came  with  his  wife  to  America.  He  landed  in  New  York,  but  immediately 
went  on  to  Newark,  Ohio,  where  his  father  resided. 

Finding  no  opening  there,  he  went  to  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  then  to  Carbin,  Ky., 
where  with  the  capital  he  had  brought  with  him  from  Russia,  he  went  into  the 
furniture  business.  Not  being  satisfied  with  results,  after  five  months'  effort, 
he  sold  out  and  went  to  Somerset,  Ky.,  where  he  opened  another  furniture 
store.  Meeting  with  no  better  success,  he  sold  the  store,  and,  coming  back  to 
Newark,  Ohio,  he  invested  his  money  with  his  father  in  the  iron  and  metal 
business  ;  but,  owing  to  unfortunate  circumstances  for  which  he  was  not  in  any 
way  responsible,  he  lost  all  his  money  in  this  venture  and  was  forced  to  start 
in  peddling  again.  Finally,  after  another  unfortunate  experience  in  the  furni- 
ture business,  he  invested  his  small  savings  in  the  Parkersburg  Junk  Co.,  and 
under  his  management  the  business  has  prospered  until  it  is  the  largest  of  the 
kind  in  Parkersburg,  W.  Ya. 

The  Goldenbergs  have  three  children,  who  are  receiving  splendid  educa- 
tions and  are  also  being  educated  in  music,  for  which  they  have  shown  remark- 
able talent. 

Mr.  Goldenberg  is  secretary  and  treasurer  of  Congregation  B'nai  Israel, 
vice-president  Local  Order  B'nai  B'rith,  and  is  a  prominent  member  of  Modern 
Woodmen  of  America.  He  is  a  liberal  contributor  to  all  charities,  both  local 
and  national,  and  gives  most  liberally  to  Denver  and  Los  Angeles  Hospitals. 


HARRIS    GOLDMAN 

One  of  the  most  firm  believers  in  the  efficacy  of  close  application  to  duty  is 
Mr.  Harris  Goldman,  of  Easton,  Pa. 

Mr.  Goldman  was  born  in  Kovno.  Guberne,  Russia,  in  the  year  1872. 
Flis  father  was  a  merchant  and  prominent  scholar  of  that  city.  In  1891  Mr. 
Goldman  came  to  America,  landing  in  New  York,  where  he  worked  as  an 
operator.  He  then  obtained  a  position  in  a  milk  store,  where  he  put  in  very 
long  hours,  working  sometimes  fourteen  and  fifteen  hours  a  day.  He  then 
went  to  Easton,  Pa.,  and  began  buying  and  selling  junk,  later  opening  a  yard  on 
a  small  scale.  In  1905,  his  brother  in  the  meantime  having  come  to  America, 
they  engaged  in  the  wholesale  scrap  iron  business,  which  has  grown  to  im- 
mense proportions  and  is  today  being  operated  under  the  firm  name  of  Gold- 
man Brothers. 

Mr.  Goldman  was  married  in  1894  to  Miss  Bertha  Cohen,  of  Easton,  and 
they  have  three  sons.  Phillips  is  in  business  with  his  father,  and  Herman  is 
attending  the  Lehigh  College. 

103 


Although  the  business  affairs  of  Mr  Goldman  occupy  a  great  deal  of  Mns 
time  he  is  still  mindful  of  his  duty  to  suttenng  humanity,  and  is  a  liberal  lot, 
tributor  to  all  charities,  including  the  Denver  Sanitarium,  the  Immigration 
Soc  ety  of  New  York,  and  the  Y.  M.  H.  A.  In  his  gifts  to  benevolence,  Mr 
Go  dman  "lakes  no  distinction  between  Jewish  and  Gent,  e  orgamzations.  He 
is  also  a  prominent  member  of  Congregation  Children  ot  B  nai  Abraham. 


DR.    MICHAEL    GOLLAND 

Dr.  Michael  Golland,  of  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  is  known  to  almost  every  Jew  of 
importance  who  ever  went  there,  because  his  house  is  the  headquarters  of  Jew- 
ish hitellectual  life  of  St.  Louis.  Dr.  Golland  is  himself  a  Talmudic  scholar 
a  Hebrais  an  Orthodox,  and  a  great  social  character  and  whenever  a  speaker 
or  any  public  man  of  importance  comes  to  St.  Louis,  he  becomes  the  guest  of 
Dr  Gofland  Not  only  is  Dr.  Golland  so  well  disposed  towards  everything 
Sat  favors  of  Jewish  public  life,  but  his  wife.  Mrs.  Bertha  ( Greenburg )  Gol- 
and  Is  a  devoted  Jewish  daughter  and  a  splendid  hostess.  She  is  the  President 
of  the  Women's  Proclamation  League,  of  the  Daughters  of  Israel,  which  is  an 
auxiliary  of  the  Congregation  B'nai  Emunoh,  and  active  m  every  Jewish  and 

^tSSTthe  ist  of  April,  xKa,  at  Wolkowisk,  Russia 

the  son  of  Abraham  and  Breine  Golland.     He  received  a  good  Jewish  and 

general  education  and  when  he  came  to  America  he 

took  up  the   study  of  medicine.     In   1891   he  con- 
tinued   his    study    at   the   Washington   University, 

from  which  he  was  graduated  in  1895.     Since  that 

time  he  has  continued  the  practice  of  medicine  in  a 

very  successful  manner.     His  offices  are  located  in 

the' Chemical  Building. 

Dr.  Golland  is  not  the  type  of  man  who  seeks 

office  or  publicity,  as  his  professional  duties  would 

scarcely  give  him  time  for  that.     But  he  can  not 

refuse  to  give  his  time  and  attention  to  the  Zionist 

movement,  which  is  his  life-ideal,  and  for  the  last 
ten  years  he  has  been  chairman  of  the  St.  Louis 
Zionist  Council.  He  also  was  chairman  of  the 
local  relief  committee,  obtaining  $30,000  m  the 
space  of  eighteen  months,  and  was  also  elected  a 
delegate  to  the  American   Jewish   Congress      Mr. 

and  Mrs.  Golland,  whose  marriage  took  place  in  September.  1884.  are  t  lie 
parents  of  one  daughter,  Sophia,  now  Mrs.  Greenberg  who  in  turn  is  the 
mother  of  two  children,  William  and  Leslie.  Dr.  Golland  is  a  devoted  Ortho- 
dox and  his  home  is  truly  Jewish  and  kosher. 


104 


ISRAEL    GOLDMAN 

Elsewhere  in  this  volume  we  have  briefly  outlined  the  career  of  Mr.  Harris 
Goldman.  It  is  now  our  privilege  to  relate  the  events  in  the  life  of  his  younger 
brother,  Israel,  whose  business  career  has  been  very  closely  associated  with  him. 

Israel  Goldman  was  born  in  May,  1880,  in  Kovno,  Guberne,  Russia,  and 
came  to  America  July  11,  1900.  As  his  brother  was  already  established  in 
Easton,  Pa.,  he  came  to  that  city  and  immediately  started  out  to  peddling  dry 
goods,  continuing  this  for  two  years,  he  opened  an  iron  and  metal  yard,  which 
was  wonderfully  successful.  In  1905  the  two  brothers  consolidated  their  busi- 
ness interests  and  have  continued  since  that  time  under  the  firm  name  of  Gold- 
man Brothers. 

Mr.  Goldman  was  married  in  March,  1907,  to  Miss  Ida  Burgen,  of  Easton, 
and  they  have  five  children,  one  boy  and  four  girls,  all  going  to  school,  and 
studying  music. 

Mr.  Goldman's  ideas  regarding  philanthropy  are  very  broad  and  his  con- 
tributions are  equally  generous  to  Jews  and  Gentiles.  He  is  a  member  of  Con- 
gregation Children  of  B'nai  Abraham  and  a  liberal  contributor  to  the  Immi- 
gration Aid  Society  of  New  York,  the  Y.  M.  H.  A.,  the  Denver  Sanitarium,  and 
all  local  charities. 


HARRY    GOODMAN 


Although  some  of  our  greatest  statesmen,  professional  and  business  men 
have  achieved  fame  without  the  aid  of  much  education,  none  knows  better  than 
they  the  tremendous  handicap  under  which  they  labored. 

Some  such  thought  must  have  been  in  the  mind  of  Mr.  Harry  Goodman, 
prominent  business  man  of  Bradford,  Pa.,  in  a  recent  interview,  when  he  laid 
much  emphasis  upon  the  importance  of  a  young  man  obtaining  a  good  educa- 
tion before  embarking  on  a  business  career. 

Mr.  Goodman  was  born  in  Galb,  West  Preusen, 
Germany,  in  December,  1884.  His  father  was  en- 
gaged in  the  fur  manufacturing  business,  but  de- 
cided to  try  his  fortunes  in  the  new  world.  He 
landed  in  Toronto,  Canada,  and  Harry,  then  but 
thirteen  years  of  age,  was  allowed  to  go  to  school 
for  a  short  time  only,  as  his  father  was  having  a 
hard  struggle  to  re-establish  himself  in  business. 
So  he  began  peddling  with  a  push  cart,  which  he 
continued  for  about  a  year  and  a  half. 

After  a  number  of  years'  hard  work  devoted 
to  the  buying  and  selling  of  iron  and  metal,  he  and 
his  brothers  decided  to  open  a  yard,  and  came  to 
Bradford,  Pa.,  where  they  have  been  remarkably 
successful. 

The  father,  now  retired,  lives  with  his  son 
Harry. 

Mr.  Goodman  devotes  much  time  and  money  to  the  promotion  of  char- 
itable enterprises,  and  is  affiliated  with  a  number  of  such  organizations,  promi- 
nent among  them  being  the  Denver  and  Los  Angeles  Hospitals. 

He  is  a  member  of  Bradford  Orthodox  Congregation,  the  Order  of  West- 
ern Star,  Herva  Veke  Holam  of  Bradford,  and  the  Moose. 

He  is  a  thorough  American  and  active  in  all  patriotic  movements. 


105 


THEODORE   GOODMAN 

It  is  certainly  a  great  pleasure  to  be  able  to  record  the  histories  of  two 
brothers  who  came  to  the  new  world  together,  and  during  the  first  years  of 
their  struggle  upward  toward  affluence  kept  their  interests  almost  identical. 

Elsewhere  in  this  volume  we  have  related  the  events  of  Harry  Goodman, 
the  younger  brother  of  Mr.  Theodore  Goodman,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Mr.  Theodore  Goodman  was  born  in  Galb,  West  Preusen,  Germany,  June 
14,  1879,  and  came  to  America  with  his  father  and  brother  Harry  when  a  very 
young  man. 

He  started  working  immediately,  buying  and  selling  old  metal,  and  gradu- 
ally accumulated  the  necessary  capital  with  which  to  engage  in  business  for 
himself. 

Then  followed  the  establishment  of  the  iron  and  metal  business  in  Brad- 
ford, Pa.,  which  was  successfully  conducted  in  partnership  with  his  brother 
Harry  until  about  a  year  ago,  when  he  removed  to  Tulsa,  Okla.,  where  he  is 
prominently  connected  with  the  Indiana  Supply  &  Junk  Co.,  dealers  in  oil  field 
supplies. 

He  was  married  March  28,  1905,  to  Miss  Mary  Baltimore,  of  Elmira, 
N.  Y.,  a  young  lady  who  has  been  a  great  acquisition  to  their  resident  city, 
and  who  is  an  exemplary  wife  and  mother.  They  have  four  children,  two  of 
whom  are  old  enough  to  go  to  school,  and  also  take  piano  lessons. 

Mr.  Goodman  is  identified  with  many  prominent  organizations,  including 
the  Knights  of  Pythias,  the  Moose,  and  the  order  of  Western  Star.  Both 
himself  and  wife  are  very  public. spirited  and  contribute  liberally  not  only  to 
all  local  charities,  but  also  to  Denver  and  Los  Angeles  Hospitals,  and  many 
others  too  numerous  to  mention. 


SAMUEL    GOLDSTEIN 

No  man  with  true  commercial  instinct  is  ever  content  to  work  for  some- 
one else.  He  will  endure  any  hardships  or  privations  in  order  to  accumulate 
enough  capital  with  which  to  make  a  start  for  himself.  The  history  of  the  big 
commercial  heads  in  this  country  all  coincide  on  this  one  point.  It  is  indicative 
of  an  independence  of  spirit  which  is  one  of  the  chief  attributes  of  success. 

Samuel  Goldstein,  of  Detroit,  Mich.,  is  no  exception  to  the  rule. 

Born  in  Onopol,  Volina,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  1870,  he  came  to  America 
at  the  age  of  twenty-six  and  began  working  for  an  iron  and  metal  dealer  for 
$3.00  per  week. 

He  was  advanced  rapidly  and  in  a  few  years  had  accumulated  enough  for 
his  first  business  venture. 

This  was  made  in  Providence,  R.  I.,  where  he  stayed  seven  years  and 
accumulated  a  small  fortune.  However,  he  was  very  unfortunate  in  having  a 
great  deal  of  illness  in  his  family  and  was  obliged  to  use  his  accumulated  sav- 
ings in  an  effort  to  restore  them  to  health. 

Going  to  Detroit,  he  again  worked  on  a  salary  and  by  the  exercise  of  the 
utmost  economy  gradually  saved  enough  capital  to  go  into  business  for  him- 
self. 

This  venture  has  resulted  in  the  large  iron  and  metal  yard  at  318  Clinton 
street,  where  he  is  doing  a  wonderful  business  at  the  present  time. 

He  was  married  in  April,  1893,  to  Miss  Nahama  Gircherman,  at  Anapol, 
Russia.  Mrs.  Goldstein  came  to  America  with  her  husband  and  has  been  an 
unfailing  aid  and  comfort  to  him  during  the  dark  days  of  his  struggle  toward 
affluence. 

106 


They  have  eight  children,  five  girls  and  three  boys,  all  of  whom  are  being 
given  excellent  educations,  and  will  doubtless  be  of  much  assistance  to  their 
father  in  later  j'ears. 

Mr.  Goldstein  is  a  member  of  B'nai  Israel  and  is  a  generous  patron  of 
other  Jewish  and  philanthropic  organizations.  His  wife  is  also  very  charitable 
and  an  active  worker  in  various  organizations. 


DAVID    GOLDSTEIN 

A  community  owes  much  to  those  substantial  citizens  who,  coming  into  its 
midst  and  winning  their  way  to  fortune,  take  up  their  permanent  abode  and 
enter  whole-heartedly  into  the  various  social,  civic  and  philanthropic  activities 
in  which  it  is  engaged. 

Such  a  man  is  Mr.  David  Goldstein,  for  forty  years  a  resident  of  Toledo, 
Ohio,  and  one  of  the  most  useful  and  loyal  citizens  of  which  that  city  boasts. 

He  was  born  in  Peterkopf,  Guberne,  Russia,  sixty-eight  years  ago,  and 
probably  inherited  much  of  his  aptitude  for  business  from  his  father,  Itzhok 
Goldstein,  who  was  a  successful  merchant  of  his  native  town. 

.    He  sailed  for  America  in  the  summer  of   1882,  and  came  directly  from 
New  York  to  Toledo,  where  he  has  resided  for  nearly  forty  years. 

The  first  fifteen  years  of  his  business  life  in  America  were  beset  with  many 
difficulties,  as  he  was  without  money  or  influence  to  assist  him. 

But  his  heart  was  in  his  work  and  his  courage  was  invincible  and  at  the 
end  of  that  time  he  had  accumulated  enough  to  start  an  iron  and  metal  yard, 
in  which  business  he  is  engaged  today,  and  which  has  grown  to  enormous 
proportions. 

He  was  married  in  1876  to  Miss  Sora  Gittle,  a  young  lady  of  his  native 
town  of  Peterkopf,  who  came  with  her  husband  to  America,  and  has  been  of  the 
utmost  assistance  to  him  throughout  his  entire  career. 

They  have  a  fine  family  of  nine  children,  four  boys  and  five  girls,  who 
will  doubtless  inherit  the  fine  integrity  and  ability  of  their  parents. 

All  local  charities  have  been  recipients  of  liberal  contributions  from  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Goldstein,  as  well  as  the  hospitals  of  Denver  and  other  cities,  and  the 
Kovna  Charity. 

Mr.  Goldstein  is  a  trustee  of  B'nai  Israel  and_also  prominent  in  B'nai 
B'rith  and  Western  Star. 


HENRY    GOODMAN 

A  perusal  of  some  of  the  pages  of  business  history  which  have  to  do  with 
the  achievements  of  Jewish  business  men,  should  certainly  cause  the  younger 
generation  to  point  with  pride  to  their  Jewish  ancestors. 

Among  the  hundreds  of  men  who  have  distinguished  themselves  in  the 
commercial  world  few  have  attained  more  prominence  against  great  odds  than 
Mr.  Henry  Goodman,  of  Zanesville,  Ohio. 

Mr.  Goodman  was  born  in  Lubatin,  Hungary,  December  5,  1865,  the  son 
of  Joseph  and  Rachel  Goodman,  his  father  being  a  well-known  Jewish  scholar. 
Mr.  Goodman  came  to  America  when  quite  young  and  spent  a  number  of 

107 


years  peddling  in  Cleveland,  Springfield,  Richmond  and  Chillicothe,  where  he 
eventually  opened  a  junk  yard.  He  remained  about  two  years,  then  went  to 
Columbus,  Ohio,  and  engaged  in  business  with  a  partner  under  the  firm  name 
of  Shonthal-Goodman  Company.  This  business  was  quite  a  success  until  the 
panic  of  1901,  when  they  lost  the  entire  business, 
and  Mr.  Goodman  went  to  Zanesville,  where  he 
bravely  made  another  start.  This  time  success 
crowned  his  efforts,  and  the  history  of  his  business 
has  been  one  of  continual  prosperity. 

Mr.  Goodman's  home  life  is  ideal.  He  was 
married  to  Miss  Anna  Goldberger,  of  Zanesville, 
December  31,  1890,  and  they  have  a  fine  family  of 
six  children.  The  daughter  Rachel  is  married  to 
Walter  Kaufman,  a  prominent  manufacturer  of 
Cleveland ;  Isadore  Goodman  is  married  to  Miss 
Ella  Bayer,  of  Cleveland ;  Abe  is  in  business  with 
his  father ;  Bertha  has  displayed  considerable  busi- 
ness ability  and  is  taking  up  a  special  commercial 
course  in  Lash  High  School ;  Helen  also  goes  to 
high  school,  and  the  girls  have  also  been  educated 
in  music,  as  they  have  displayed  considerable  talent  Henry  Goodman 

along  this  line. 

Mrs.  Goodman  is  very  prominent  in  Zanesville  society,  and  is  a  charity 
worker  who  always  has  every  good  cause  at  heart.  She  is  a  member  of  the 
Ladies'  Beth  Abraham  Auxiliary,  of  which  organization  she  is  at  the  present 
time  treasurer.  Mr.  Goodman  is  vice-president  of.  the  Beth  Abraham  Congre- 
gation at  Zanesville,  a  member  of  B'rith  Abraham  Lodge,  and  a  liberal  con- 
tributor to  all  charities,  both  national  and  local. 


ISADORE  GOODWIN 

The  city  of  New  Haven,  Conn.,  is  proud  of  its  business  interests,  promi- 
nent among  which  may  be  mentioned  the  firm  of  I.  Goodwin,  located  at  231 
Washington  avenue.  Mr.  Goodwin  was  born  in  Minsker,  Guberne,  Russia,  in 
October,  1883,  and  came  to  America  at  the  age  of  seventeen.  Landing  in  New 
York,  he  began  working  as  an  operator  in  a  factory  for  $1  per  week.  During 
the  three  years  in  which  he  continued  this  employment  his  rise  was  very  rapid, 
the  salary  being  increased  to  $18  per  week.  Deciding  to  go  into  business  for 
himself,  he  went  to  Waterbury,  Conn.,  where  he  peddled  dry  goods  for  six 
months,  but  finding  this  unprofitable  he  obtained  employment  in  a  factory  and 
worked  for  four  years,  saving  his  money  with  the  idea  of  establishing  a  busi- 
ness of  his  own.  During  this  time  he  was  married  to  Miss  Sarah  Levin,  of 
New  Haven. 

Shortly  after  his  marriage  he  opened  a  grocery  store  and  meat  market,  but 
he  did  not  find  this  business  to  his  liking  and  transferred  his  interests  to  the 
clothing  business.  After  six  months  in  this  line  he  again  sold  out  and  went  to 
New  Haven.  After  five  months'  preliminary  experience,  he  opened  an  iron 
and  metal  yard,  which  was  to  prove  the  field  for  his  big  success.  He  has  con- 
tinued this  business  most  successfully  up  to  the  present  time.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Goodwin  have  three  children,  all  boys,  two  of  whom  are  old  enough  to  be  in 
school. 

Mrs.  Goodwin  is  very  active  in  social  circles  and  is  identified  with  the 
promotions  of  many  charities,  including  Denver  Hospital,  Immigration  Society 
of  New  York,  Fund  for  War  Sufferers,  and  the  Red  Cross.  Mr.  Goodwin  is 
prominent  in  the  Y.  M.  H.  A.,  Independent  Order  of  B'rith  Abraham.  B'nai 
B'rith,  Masons,  Odd  Fellows,  and  Moose,  and  is  the  director  in  the  Hebrew 
Free  Loan  Society  of  New  Haven.  Conn. 

108 


HARRY    M.    GORDON 

Under  another  heading  in  this  volume,  we  have  outlined  the  events  in  the 
career  of  Mr.  Jacob  Levy.  It  is  now  our  pleasure  to  be  the  narrator  of  the  life 
of  his  business  partner  and  friend  for  many  years.  Mr.  Harrv  M.  Gordon. 

Mr.  Gordon  was  born  in  Koneman,  Guberne.  Russia,  in  October,  1874,  the 
son  of  Israel  and  Fannie  Gordon,  the  former  a  Jewish  scholar  of  prominence 
in  their  community. 

He  came  to  America  in  August,  1891,  landing  in  Xew  York. 

Like  all  young  men  of  earnest,  ambitious  tendencies,  he  took  the  first 
honest  employment  which  came  to  hand  and  this  happened  to  be  a  job  in  a 
butcher  shop,  which  paid  $5.00  per  week  and  board  free.  This  he  continued 
for  a  year  and  a  half,  and  then  went  to  Ironton.  where  an  uncle  resided.  Here 
he  began  peddling  with  a  pack,  and  although  the  start  was  humble,  he  was  at 
last  in  business  for  himself.  Two  months  later  he  secured  a  horse  and  wagon 
and  continued  in  this  manner  for  about  two  years,  when  he  went  to  Circleville. 
Ohio,  and  bought  and  sold  old  iron  and  metal  for  six  vears. 

At  this  time  the  partnership  between  himself  and  Mr.  Lew  was  formed 
which  has  existed  amicably  until  the  present  time.  Mr.  Gordon  is  still  actively 
engaged  in  the  junk  business,  both  in  buying  and  sales  departments,  and  in  the 
handling  of  correspondence,  although  he  also  devotes  part  of  his  time  to  the 
management  of  a  large  grocery  store. 

Mr.  Gordon  is  a  firm  believer  in  an  education  as  a  big  asset  in  a  com- 
mercial career,  and  that  even-  young  man  should  go  into  business  for  himself 
as  soon  as  possible,  as  the  attendant  responsibilities  are  bound  to  develop 
strength  of  character  and  initiative. 

Mr.  Gordon  was  married  in  Circleville.  Ohio,  in  July.  1896,  to  Miss  Yetta 
Dolsky,  and  they  are  the  parents  of  ten  fine  children,  seven  boys  and  three 
girls,  all  of  whom  are  going  to  school. 

Among  the  fraternal  organizations  with  which  Mr.  Gordon  is  connected 
may  be  mentioned  the  Odd  Fellows  and  the  Knights  of  Pythias.  He  is  a  mem- 
ber of  Aguodohos  Congregation  and  of  several  charitable  organizations.  He 
is  also  a  prominent  member  of  the  Ohio  Retail  Grocers'  Association. 


SOL   ENGEL    GORDON 

Mr.  Sol  Engel  Gordon  of  Beaumont.  Texas,  is  still  a  very  young  man, 
having  been  born  on  January  24,  1884.  In  addition  he  is  the  child  of  immi- 
grants. He  was  born  in  Marienpol,  Poland,  and  came  to  America  with  his 
parents,  Isaac  and  Deborah,  when  he  was  a  child  of  four. 

There  are,  therefore,  lacking  in  Mr.  Gordon's  case  the  usually  conceded 
circumstances  that  tend  to  establish  a  man's  success  as  a  wealthy  and  influential 
family,  which  helps  so  much.  And  yet,  with  all  these  disadvantages,  Mr.  Gor- 
don managed  to  become  a  very  prominent  figure  in  Beaumont,  and  to  a  certain 
extent  in  the  State  of  Texas  in  general.  He  is  well  liked  and  everybody  sings 
his  praises,  foretelling  for  him  a  great  future. 

Mr.  Gordon  comes  from  very  remarkable  stock.  His  grandfather  was  the 
Rabbi  of  Marienpol  and  the  whole  Gordon  family  was  prominent  in  Jewish 
life,  numbering  among  its  members  some  of  the  most  conspicuous  Jewish  schol- 
ars and  Rabbis. 

Sol  Engel  Gordon  received  his  primary  and  high  school  education  in  the 
public  schools  of  Beaumont.  He  then  entered  the  A.  &  M.  College  of  Texas, 
taking  a  course  in  civil  engineering.  Afterwards  he  became  a  student  of  the 
Lniversity  of  Texas,  taking  a  general  college  course  and  a  course  of  law  in 

109 


its  law  department,  from  which  he  graduated  in  1904,  being  admitted  to  the 
bar  in  the  same  year.  From  that  time  he  practiced  in  general  law  in  Beaumont, 
with  main  offices  in  the  Perlstein  Building.  His  firm  is  known  as  Lipscomb  & 
Gordon. 

Mr.  Gordon  held  the  office  of  Judge  of  the  City  Court,  which  position  he 
resigned  after  a  year,  as  he  could  not  spare  the  time  from  his  private  practice. 
He  gained  great  prominence  in  the  state,  when,  as  a  special  attorney  for  the 
state,  he  prosecuted  the  moving  picture  trust  for  violation  of  anti-trust  laws, 
achieving  the  conviction  of  the  guilty. 

Socially,  Mr.  Gordon  is  very  active.  He  is  a  thirty-second  degree  Mason 
and  a  Shriner.  He  is  prominent  in  the  Elks  and  the  Knights  of  Pythias,  is 
a  Zionist,  a  member  of  the  B'nai  B'rith,  having  at  one  time  been  their  Delegate 
to  the  state  convention. 

Mr.  Gordon  was  married  on  June  9,  1909,  to  Pauline  Mayer,  who  was 
brought  up  in  Waco,  Texas.  They  are  the  parents  of  two  children,  Julius  and 
Beverly. 

Mr.  Gordon's  is  a  noble  and  sympathetic  personality,  which  qualities  tend 
to  explain  much  of  his  unusual  success. 


ISRAEL    GORMAN 

In  1903  a  young  man  of  twenty-seven  found  difficulty  in  obtaining  em- 
ployment. He  was  a  recent  immigrant  from  Russia  and  the  large  metropolis 
of  New  York  offered  little  to  the  uncouth  stranger.  He  brought  with  him  a 
knowledge  of  dyeing  and  cleaning,  but  the  market  for  such  service  seemed 
overcrowded  and  Israel  Gorman  decided  that  New  York  was  not  the  place  in 
which  he  could  achieve  the  wished-for  success. 

He  went  West  and  located  in  Kansas  City,  Mo.  Here  he  opened  a  clean- 
ing establishment  and  met  with  a  success  from  the  start.  For  the  last  nine 
years  he  has  stood  at  the  head  of  the  Gorman  Cleaning  &  Dyeing  Company  of 
1213-1215  Brooklyn  avenue.  Kansas  City,  Mo.,  and  he  is  among  the  most 
successful  and  reliable  in  his  line. 

Israel  Gorman  is  the  son  of  David  and  Libe  Gorman,  both  living  in  Kansas 
City,  and  was  born  in  Pikoff,  Podolia,  on  the  9th  of  January  (Russian  style), 
1876.  He  is  a  Poale-Zionist  and  belongs  to  many  organizations.  He  became 
a  Zionist  after  a  German  employer  once  told  him  that  Jews  have  no  home  and 
are  no  better  than  dogs.  Mr.  Gorman  is  a  man  full  of  heart  and  sentiment ; 
an  idealist  of  the  purest  quality  and  one  whose  purse  always  stands  open  to  all 
who  apply  for  it ;  a  man  one  would  like  to  meet  anywhere  and  to  make  friends 
with,  and  a  staunch  and  ardent  son  of  his  race.  For  a  time  he  was  connected 
with  the  Socialist  movement,  but  he  gave  it  up  and  became  an  Orthodox,  doing 
his  share  in  the  erection  of  the  magnificent  Beth  Hamidrash  Hagodol.  But 
somehow  or  other  Orthodoxy  did  not  appeal  to  his  imaginative  disposition  and 
he  did  not  feel  at  home  in  all  the  splendor  of  the  Beth  Hamidrash  he  helped  to 
erect.  His  final  goal  became  Poale-Zionism,  and  he  is  truly  devoted  to  its 
great  principles. 

In  1903,  when  still  struggling  and  fighting  to  gain  a  foothold  in  the  new 
land,  he  was  married  to  Jennie  Gitteman,  of  Kishineff,  Bessarabia,  Russia. 
They  have  two  children,  named  Pearl  and  Samuel. 


110 


JACOB    GOREN 

The  growth  of  the  acorn  into  the  sturdy  oak  is  a  mild  comparison  to  the 
phenomenal  development  of  Goren's  Bag  Company,  located  at  204  Maple 
street,  Chelsea,  Mass. 

Mr.  Jacob  Goren.  owner  and  manager,  was  born  in  Podolsky,  Russia,  in 
1878,  and  came  to  America  in  April,  1905.  Going  to  Lynn,  Mass.,  he  worked 
in  a  factory  for  $6  per  week  for  six  months,  and  then  obtained  a  better  position 
in  Plymouth,  Mass.  He  then  came  to  Chelsea,  where  he  worked  at  any  honest 
employment  that  he  could  find,  until  he  had  accumulated  enough  capital  to  go 
into  business  on  a  very  small  scale.  His  rise  has  been  steady  and  exceedingly 
rapid,  until  today  he  has  a  fine  modern  plant,  employing  a  large  number  of 
people. 

Mr.  Goren  was  married  in  Russia  two  years  prior  to  coming  to  this  country 
to  Miss  Esther  Soponas.  They  have  four  children,  one  boy  and  three  girls,  all 
going  to  school,  and  being  educated  in  Hebrew. 

Mr.  Goren  is  prominent  in  a  number  of  fraternal  organizations,  and  is 
also  most  generous  in  his  gifts  to  charity. 


DAVID    AARON    GRAFF 

Success  is  measured  by  many  standards.  Sometimes  by  wealth,  often  by 
social  position,  or  political  power. 

The  ideal  of  success  handed  down  to  the  true  Jew  by  the  teachings  of 
the  Talmud  is  measured  by  the  degree  of  usefulness  to  his  fellow  men,  which 
a  man  has  achieved. 

It  is  not  strange,  then,  that  the  Jews  should  have  attained  guardianship 
of  more  worldly  treasures  according  to  their  numbers  than  any  of  the  other 
nationalities  of  the  world. 

A  fine  representative  of  the  Jewish  race  is  Mr.  David  Aaron  Graft"  of 
Kalamazoo,  Mich.  He  was  born  in  Russia  in  1853  and  came  to  America  in 
18S9,  where  he  started  at  the  lowest  rung  of  the  financial  ladder,  peddling  dry 
goods  from  a  pack.  From  this  humble  beginning  he  has  developed  an  im- 
mense business  operated  today  under  the  firm  name  of  D.  Graff  &  Sons,  where 
he  employs  over  125  people.  This  institution  is  devoted  to  papermakers' 
supplies. 

.  Mr.  Graff  was  married  forty-one  years  ago  to  Miss  Hanna  Lepgold  and 
they  have  five  children.  The  sons  are  engaged  in  the  same  line  of  business 
as  their  father  and  one  daughter  is  married  to  Mr.  David  Friedland,  of  the 
Friedland  Iron  &  Metal  Company,  Lansing,  Mich. 

In  the  matter  of  charities  Mr.  Graff  is  equally  liberal  to  all  institutions 
applying  to  him  for  aid.  A  large  portion  of  his  wealth  is  devoted  to  the 
assistance  of  the  sick  and  unfortunate  of  all  creeds  and  denominations. 

He  is  a  fine  representative  of  successful  business  man,  useful  citizen  and 
philanthropist. 


Ill 


HARRY    S.    GRANT 

In  a  new  country  a  man  should  possess  at  least  three  strongly  accentuated 
virtues,  if  he  is  to  really  succeed. 

First  of  all,  he  must  be  honest,  as  honesty  raises  a  mighty  bulwark  about 
his  self-respect;  and  self-respect  begets  self-confidence  without  which  no  con- 
spicuous achievement  has  been  attained. 

The  second — a  generosity  of  mind  which  overlooks  petty  or  superficial 
criticism. 

Third — a  high  courage  to  sustain  him  through  dark  days  when  every  face 
seems  turned  against  him ;  to  enable  him  to  toil  toward  the  ultimate  goal  with 
infinite  patience  and  unclouded  vision. 

All  of  these  characteristics  are  possessed  to  a  marked  degree  by  Harry  S. 
Grant,  who  was  born  in  Byalostock  Grodno,  Russia,  September  22,  1879,  and 
came  to  America  in  March,  1896. 

The  story  of  his  adventures  began  in  Detroit,  where  he  arrived  with  only 
forty  cents  in  his  pocket. 

Receiving  some  slight  assistance  from  his  uncle,  he  obtained  a  small  stock 
of  picture  frames  which  he  sold  from  house  to  house  for  about  a  year. 

We  next  find  him  in  Indianapolis,  serving  a  hard  apprenticeship  in  the 
junk  business,  where  he  remained  for  about  one  and  one-half  years.  This  was 
followed  by  a  year  in  Ft.  Wayne,  Ind.,  where  he  was  engaged  as  traveling  sales- 
man for  a  hide  and  fur  company.  This  position  was  far  from  satisfactory,  and 
Mr.  Grant  was  convinced  that  his  talents  should  be  directed  to  the  develop- 
ment of  the  iron  trade,  so  he  returned  to  Detroit  and  obtained  a  position  with 
Harold  Ginsberg  Sons  Co.,  at  that  time  the  largest  house  of  the  kind  in  Detroit. 

His  experience  as  traveling  salesman  for  this  firm  and  a  subsequent  short 
business  venture  of  his  own  in  South  Bend,  Ind.,  admirably  fitted  him  for  the 
larger  undertaking  in  which  he  was  soon  to  engage  in  Detroit. 

Shortly  after  his  marriage  in  1903  to  Miss  Edna  Roth,  he  started  in  busi- 
ness at  his  present  location  on  Franklin  street,  having  with  him  until  1910  two 
business  associates,  whose  interests  he  acquired. 

For  the  past  seven  years  the  business  has  been  conducted  exclusively  by 
Mr.  Grant  under  the  title  Grant  Iron  &  Metal  Co.,  and  it  has  grown  at  an 
unbelievably  rapid  rate. 

Mr.  Grant  has  also  accumulated  some  valuable  real  estate,  and  gives  gen- 
erously to  those  in  less  fortunate  circumstances. 

He  is  a  liberal  subscriber  to  the  Denver  and  Hot  Springs  Hospitals,  and 
makes  no  creed  distinctions  in  his  philanthropy,  as  all  Jewish  benevolences  and 
non-sectarian  charities  as  well,  have  many  reasons  to  be  grateful  for  his  kind- 
ness. 

He  is  an  active  Mason,  being  a  member  of  the  Shrine  and  Scottish  Rites. 
Is  also  prominent  in  the  Knights  of  Pvthias  and  B'nai  B'rith. 

Mrs.  Grant  comes  of  a  very  highly  connected  and  charitably  inclined  fam- 
ily, her  mother  being  the  founder  of  Talmud  Torah  and  the  Old  Folks'  Home  in 
Detroit. 

His  father,  Benjamin  Grant,  was  a  highly  educated  man,  and  a  student  of 
all  European  languages. 


112 


HARRY   M.    GREENBERG 

The  histories  of  all  self-made  men  are  of  vital  interest.  To  a  much  greater 
degree  do  we  pause  in  admiration  of  a  man  who,  without  money,  in  a  strange 
land  and  feeling  the  absolute  necessity  of  constant  work,  still  holds  to  his  reli- 
gious convictions  and  sacrifices  one  day  each  week  on  the  altar  of  his  belief. 

Such  is  the  life  story  of  Mr.  Harry  M.  Greenberg,  who  was  born  in  Lecha- 
vith  Muisk,  Guberne,  Russia,  November  7th,  1879,  and  came  to  America  with 
his  father  at  the  age  of  sixteen. 

Landing  in  New  York,  they  went  direct  to  Detroit,  where  Harry  began 
peddling  matches.  Later  he  sold  dry  goods,  and  for  six  months  made  chair 
bottoms  in  the  evening,  and  selling  them  during  the  day.  Although  this  necessi- 
tated long  hours  of  labor,  he  never  deviated  from  his  purpose  of  keeping  Satur- 
day, the  Jewish  Sabbath,  and  never  did  any  work  on  that  day. 

After  about  a  year  he  and  his  father  went  to  Albany,  Ind.,  starting  with  a 
capital  of  $300.00. 

In  1908,  prosperity  having  crowned  their  efforts,  occurred  one  of  the 
happiest  incidents  of  their  lives,  as  they  were  able  to  bring  the  mother  and 
family  to  America.  His  brother,  Ray,  also  came  from  Alaska,  and  the  two 
brothers  started  in  the  iron  and  metal  business  in  Detroit,  Mich.  Here  they 
have  been  remarkably  successful,  and  have  accumulated  a  large  fortune.  The 
brother  died  sometime  since  and  the  business  has  been  carried  forward  ex- 
clusively by  Harry. 

Mr.  Greenberg  was  married  in  Detroit  January  19th,  1902,  to  Sylvia 
Singer  and  they  have  five  fine  children. 

Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Greenberg  are  very  active  in  promoting  charitable 
enterprises  not  only  in  their  own  city,  but  hospitals  in  Western  cities  as  well. 

Mr.  Greenberg  belongs  to  Shara  Zedik,  Beth  Jacob,  and  Morgan  Abraham. 


PETER    GREENBERG 

One  of  the  most  public-spirited  and  reliable  business  men  in  Springfield, 
Mass.,  is  Mr.  Peter  Greenberg,  who  was  born  in  Kieve,  Guberne,  Russia,  in 
March,  1872,  the  son  of  a  prominent  wheat  merchant  of  that  community. 

He  landed  in  America  May  28,  1903,  and,  going  to  Springfield,  Mass., 
worked  in  a  junkshop  for  five  and  a  half  years  in  order  to  thoroughly  familiar- 
ize himself  with  all  details  of  the  business.  He  then  formed  a  partnership 
with  Mr.  Skvirsky  and  they  are  still  in  business  together  operating  the  large 
plant  at  270  Sharon  street.  Their  business  is  exclusively  wholesale  and  is  one 
of  the  largest  of  its  kind  in  the  state. 

Mr.  Greenberg  was  married  in  Russia  in  1890  to  Miss  Lena  Greenberg  and 
they  have  five  children,  four  boys  and  one  girl,  who  are  all  being  well  edu- 
cated. Sam  is  attending  a  college  of  pharmacy  in  Boston,  Israel  and  Sol  are 
in  business  with  their  father,  Harry  has  just  graduated  from  school,  and  the 
daughter,  Nellie,  is  the  wife  of  M.  K.  Greenberg  of  Fairview,  Mass. 

We.  feel  that  a  word  should  be  spoken  regarding  the  social  activities  of 
Mrs.  Greenberg  and  her  untiring  efforts  in  the  cause  of  charity,  to  which  they 
are  most  liberal  contributors. 

Mr.  Greenberg  is  past  president  of  Sons  of  Israel,  past  treasurer  United 
Hebrews  of  America,  and  is  a  prominent  member  of  the  I.  O.  B.  A.,  Talmud 
Torah  and  the  Hebrew  Charities  of  Springfield. 


113 


MAX    GREENBEKG 


Although  handicapped  by  a  lack  of  school  education,  Mr.  Max  Greenberg 
managed  to  educate  himself  through  incessant  reading.  Born  in  Bessarabia, 
on  March  6,  1876,  Mr.  Greenberg  is  the  son  of  Lazar  and  Hinda  Greenberg, 
who  are  still  living,  and  the  grandson  of  a  Chossidic  rabbi.  He  learned  the 
trade  of  a  tinsmith,  and  spent  his  youth  in  Roumania,  and,  as  his  father  was 
an  invalid,  he  was  the  provider  of  the  family  at  an  early  age.  At  eighteen  he 
went  to  Canada,  where  he  worked  at  his  trade  for  two  years.  From  there  he 
went  to  New  York,  and  thence  to  the  South.  After 
a  few  years  he  came  to  Cincinnati,  where  '--e  ad- 
vanced himself  by  reading. 

He  moved  to  Cleveland  in  igoo,  where  he  en- 
tered the  roofing  business,  becoming  in  due  time  the 
general  manager  and  shareholder  in  the  Complete 
Roofing  Company,  at  471 1  Payne  avenue,  Cleve- 
land. 

Mr.  Greenberg  holds  the  office  of  treasurer  in 
the  Gotthold  Ephraim  Lessing  Lodge.  He  is  an 
active  worker  and  held  various  offices  in  the  Odd 
Fellows,  being  at  present  treasurer  of  their  encamp- 
ment. He  is  a  member  of  the  Congregation  Oheb 
Zedez  and  belongs  to  many  charity  institutions.  He 
is  about  to  organize  all  the  lodges  of  the  Independ- 
ent Order  of  B'rith  Abraham  in  the  state  and  he 
takes  an  unusual  interest  in  everything  pertaining 
to  Jewish  organization  or  charity. 

.Mr.  Greenberg  was  married  in  1899  to  Miss  Sadie  Moskowitz.    They  have 
one  child,  Eleanor. 

"Live  a  straightforward  life  and  be  economical  in  order  to  be  honest,"  is 
bis  advice  to  the  young. 


BEN  GREENBLATT 


One  of  the  principal  business  houses  in  New  London.  Conn.,  is  the  East- 
ern Iron  &  Metal  Co.,  145  Howard  street.  If  you  were  to  call  upon  this  con- 
cern, you  would  find  in  charge  Mr.  Ben  Greenblatt  who  has  attained  such  a 
remarkable  business  success  that  we  feel  this  volume  would  be  incomplete 
without  his  life  history. 

Mr.  Greenblatt  was  born  in  Kovno.  Russia,  in  the  year  1870  and  at  the 
age  of  twenty  years  came  to  America.  Lie  went  direct  to  New  London,  Conn., 
and  for  five  years  made  his  living  peddling.  At  the  same  time  he  was  ac- 
cumulating a  small  capital  and  at  the  expiration  of  the  five  years  went  into 
business  at  his  present  location,  where  he  has  now  a  very  flourishing  trade. 

Mr.  Greenblatt  was  married  February  14,  1893,  to  Miss  Mary  King,  of 
New  London,  and  they  have  six  children,  four  girls  and  two  boys,  all  of  whom 
are  receiving  excellent  educations.  That  they  show  a  great  aptitude  for 
scholarship  is  not  surprising,  inasmuch  as  Mr.  Greenblatt's  father  was  a  rabbi, 
and  a  most  accomplished  Hebrew  scholar.  The  son  Morris  is  a  graduate  of 
Ann  Arbor,  Mich.,  having  qualified  as  an  electrical  engineer.  The  rest  of  the 
children  are  all  receiving  high  school  educations,  and  are  also  studying  music. 

Mr.  Greenblatt  is  very  liberal  in  his  contributions  to  charities,  being  a  sub- 
scriber to  the  Denver  Hospital,  the  Immigration  Society,  the  National 
Orphans'  Home  and  many  others. 

114 


SAMUEL    GREENSTEIN 

Mr.  Samuel  Greenstein  is  one  of  the  most  successful  Jewish  business  men 
in  Brooklyn.  He  has  climbed  from  the  lowest  to  the  highest  rung  of  the  ladder 
of  success,  acquiring  during  his  time  not  only  wealth  but  also  a  high  reputa- 
tion in  the  business  world.  He  is  especially  interesting,  not  only  for  his  busi- 
ness success,  but  mainly  because  of  his  unusual  intelligence.  In  his  youth  he 
was  a  Talmudical  student  and  at  the  present  time  he  is  a  diligent  reader  of 
Jewish  literature. 

Mr.  Greenstein  was  born  September  17,  1862,  in  Bialystok,  Russia.  He 
came  to  America  in  the  year  1890,  bringing  along  a  "capital"  of  $1.53.  His 
landsleute  who  knew  him  from  the  old  country  did  not  think  that  it  was 
advisable  for  him  to  work  in  a  factory,  and  they  furnished  him  with  a  basket 
of  merchandise  and  sent  him  out  peddling. 

Mr.  Greenstein  was  very  ambitious  to  bring  to  this  country  and  support 
his  wife  and  five  children,  and  for  a  few  days  he 
tried  hard  to  succeed  in  his  peddling,  but  he  could 
not  make  things  go  his  way.  During  that  time  he 
met  a  friend  who  was  selling  matches  successfully, 
and  this  friend  advised  him  to  follow  his  example, 
and  Mr.  Greenstein  made  an  investment  of  seventy 
cents  for  a  supply  of  matches. 

He  looked  for  a  field  where  competition  would 
not  be  so  keen,  and  he  invested  his  last  nickel  in 
carfare,  going  to  a  fine  section  of  the  west  side. 
The  first  day  was  a  day  of  bitter  experience,  a  day 
which  put  an  end  to  his  aspirations  toward  success 
in  peddling. 

In  the  fine  section  Mr.  Greenstein  met  with 
special  difficulties  which  were  very  discouraging  and 
depressing.  One  whole  day  he  walked  about  without 
making  a  penny's  sale ;  the  fine  ladies  and  gentlemen  of  that  section  took  no 
notice  of  the  poor  peddler.  The  day  was  nearly  over  and  Mr.  Greenstein  had 
done  no  business  and  did  not  have  five  cents  for  food  or  carfare. 

He  went  into  a  saloon  with  the  determination  to  sell ;  he  made  up  his 
mind  to  sell  a  ten-cent  package  of  matches  for  seven  cents.  The  saloonkeeper 
accepted  the  offer  and  gave  him  a  dime  in  payment  for  the  matches.  Mr. 
Greenstein  did  not  have  three  cents  in  change  and  the  saloonkeeper  in  the 
usual  American  liberality  told  him  to  keep  the  change.  This  was  the  last  drop 
in  Mr.  Greenstein's  cup  of  bitter  experience.  Before  he  was  under  the  im- 
pression that  he  was  a  merchant,  but  the  attitude  of  the  finer  class  ot  that 
section  toward  the  "poor  peddler"  and  finally  the  saloonkeeper's  offer  of  three 
cents  insulted  his  pride.  He  took  the  few  cents  and  went  home  with  the  deter- 
mination to  have  no  more  of  peddling.  Never  again  did  he  peddle.  And  so 
the  city  of  New  York,  through  the  liberality  of  a  saloonkeeper,  lost  a  peddler 
of  matches. 

He  went  to  work  in  an  upholstering  shop.  In  order  to  earn  his  little  pay 
he  had  to  work  hard,  often  carrying  couches  on  his  shoulder.  However,  he 
learned  a  trade  and  as  soon  as  he  had  fifty  dollars  saved  up,  being  at  that  time 
about  two  years  in  this  country,  he  started  business  for  himself,  occupying  a 
part  of  the  cellar  at  90  Eldridge  street,  where  he  paid  $8  per  month  rent. 

And  so  he  gradually  worked  up  to  the  present  stage  of  success.  He  is  now 
the  owner  of  two  big  factories  in  Brooklyn,  producing  the  finest  parlor  furni- 
ture. 

In  addition  to  his  standing  in  the  business  world,  Mr.  Greenstein  is  an. 
important  figure  in  Jewish  social  life.  He  was  prominently  active  in  the  Bialy- 
stoker  Society,  and  was  instrumental  in  bringing  about  a  union  of  both  the  two 
Bialystoker  organizations.  This  union  made  possible  the  purchase  of  the  big 
church  on  Willard  and  Grand  avenues,  which  was  converted  into  Beth 
Hakneses  Anshe  Bialystok,  of  which  Mr.  Greenstein  was  the  President  a  few 

115 


years.  Mr.  Greenstein  also  took  an  active  part  in  the  Meserole  Street  Talmud 
Torah,  having  been  the  Chairman  of  the  Building  Committee.  He  is  promi- 
nently connected  with  the  Biker  Cholim  Kosher  Hospital  movement.  He 
belongs  to  a  great  many  other  institutions  and  he  is  a  devoted  Zionist.  He  was 
one  of  the  first  members  of  the  order  Benei  Zion.  Some  years  ago  he  went  to 
the  Zionist  Congress  at  The  Hague  with  Dr.  Blaustein,  where  he  had  occasion 
to  meet  Dr.  Nordau  and  others  interested  in  the  Zionist  movement. 

His  wife,  Sarah,  is  descended  from  a  very  prominent  family  in  Russia. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Greenstein  do  not  share  the  modern  tendency  towards  small 
families,  for  they  are  the  proud  parents  of  nine  children.  Two  of  his  six  sons 
are  with  him  in  business,  and  the  other  four  sons  will  get  their  share  of  the 
business  when  they  are  married.  One  of  his  three  daughters  is  married,  an- 
other is  his  private  secretary  and  the  third  is  a  student  of  fine  arts  at  Columbia 
University. 

One  of  the  most  practical  bits  of  advice  that  Mr.  Greenstein  gives  to  the 
young  is  to  make  no  hasty  step,  but  to  give  every  idea  a  second  consideration. 


ISAAC    GRODIN 

Every  inch  an  American,  and  one  of  the  shrewdest  financiers  of  Cleve- 
land, Ohio,  Mr.  Isaac  Grodin  is  one  of  the  finest  examples  of  the  second  gen- 
eration of  Jewish  blood  infused  by  birth  of  the  spirit  of  freedom  and  progress. 

He  was  born,  raised  and  still  lives  in  the  big,  hustling  lake  city  of  Cleve- 
land, and  is  a  part  of  its  life  and  activities  in  a  broad  sense. 

Grodin  Bros.,  whose  headquarters  are  on  East  Thirty-eighth  street,  Cleve- 
land, do  a  gigantic  business  in  scrap  metal  and  rubber.  At  present  this  is  a 
two-man  concern,  as  Joseph  Grodin  is  the  other  member. 

Still  a  young  man,  since  the  date  of  his  birth  is  November  22,  1872,  Mr. 
Isaac  Grodin  has  many  years  before  him  in  which  to  further  extend  his  busi- 
ness. 

The  first  rung  of  the  commercial  ladder  up  which  he  has  climbed  to  suc- 
cess taught  him  alertness  and  resourcefulness,  for  he  began  life  as  a  newsboy. 
Later  he  laid  the  basis  of  his  business  career  by  taking  a  commercial  course, 
which  included  bookkeeping,  and  at  the  age  of  17  he  started  to  work  for  L.  A. 
Stone  as  a  bookkeeper  and  an  all-round  man  at  a  weekly  salary  of  $5.  This, 
however,  was  gradually  increased  until  this  lad  was  receiving  a  $15  salary.  He 
kept  this  up  for  the  next  six  years,  and  having  saved  every  cent  of  his  meager 
salary,  he  entered  into  a  partnership  with  Mr.  L.  A.  Stone  and  the  firm  name 
was  Stone  &  Grodin.  This  partnership  lasted  until  1899,  when  they  dissolved 
and  Isaac  entered  into  another  partnership,  this  time  with  his  brother  Joseph, 
and  together  they  have  seen  their  business  grow  wonderfully.  His  name  today 
stands  on  the  honor  roll  in  the  scrap  metal  business  of  this  country  and  with 
an  eye  for  still  greater  development  of  this  business,  it  is  not  uncommon  to  see 
Mr.  Isaac  Grodin  work  late  into  the  night,  though  he  is  in  a  position  where  he 
can  take  things  very  easy. 

Mr.  Isaac  Grodin  is  a  Director  of  the  Euclid  Avenue  Temple,  a  member 
of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce  as  well  as  the  Credit  Men's  Association,  member 
of  B'nai  B'rith,  and  subscribes  to  all  charities,  local  as  well  as  national,  irre- 
spective of  race,  color  or  creed.. 

Rich  in  business  success,  he  is  still  richer  in  his  home  life,  having  a  wife 
and  four  very  charming  children,  to  whom  he  is  devotedly  attached.  He  was 
married  in  Detroit  to  Lowlis  Applebaum.  daughter  of  Isaac  Applebaum.  a 
prominent  Jew  of  Detroit,  on  the  8th  day  of  March,  1899,  and,  like  her  hus- 

116 


band,  Mrs.  Grodin  is  an  ardent  chrarity  worker  and  contributes  both  time  and 
money  to  any  worthy  cause. 

Air.  Grodih's  advice  to  the  younger  generation  is.  "Find  the  work  which 
you  like  and  to  which  you  are  best  fitted,  and  stick  to  it,  regardless  of  the 
"obstacles  which  seem  to  beset  your  way,  make  your  every  act  earn  for  you  a 
reputation  for  honesty  and  reliability." 


DR.    GASTON    J.    GREIL 

When  a  man  who  has  achieved  a  great  measure  of  success  and  a  high 
degree  of  distinction  in  his  own  profession  still  finds  the  time  and  has  the 
inclination  to  interest  himself  wholeheartedly  and  soulfully  in  the  affairs  and 
activities  of  his  city  and  community,  it  merits  more  than  passing  comment  and 
commendation.  Such  a  man  is  Dr.  Gaston  J.  Greil  of  Montgomery,  Alabama. 
He  was  bom  in  that  city  January  21,  1878,  the  son  of  Jacob  and  Mena  Greil. 
His  father  emigrated  to  this  country  from  Bavaria  at  the  age  of  fourteen,  set- 
tling in  Montgomery  a  few  years  later.  He  enlisted  in  the  Confederate  army  at 
the  beginning  of  the  war  between  the  states  and  served  throughout  the  four 
years  of  conflict.  Afterward  he  did  much  to  upbuild  his  section  of  the  South 
in  both  civic  and  business  affairs. 

Dr.  Greil  received  his  early  education  in  the  public  and  private  schools  of 
Montgomery,  after  which  he  entered  the  Alabama  Polytechnic  Institute,  which 
conferred  upon  him  the  degree  of  B.  S.  in  1897. 

He  thereupon  went  to  New  York  City  and  entered  the  College  of  Physi- 
cians and  Surgeons,  Columbia  University,  from  which  he  graduated  in  1901. 
Though  equipped  with  a  thorough  general  education  and  a  fine  preparation  for 
his  chosen  profession,  Dr.  Greil  was  determined  to  obtain  the  highest  degree 
of  skill  possible  before  taking  up  the  practice  of  medicine.  For  this  reason 
he  spent  two  years  in  Bellevue  Hospital  and  then  went  abroad,  where  he  spent 
a  year  in  the  leading  hospitals  and  clinics  of  Europe.  Upon  his  return  in  1905 
he  began  the  practice  of  medicine  in  Montgomery,  where  he  has  since  been 
devoting  his  vast  knowledge  and  high  skill  to  his  chosen  profession,  specializ- 
ing in  pediatrics. 

It  goes  without  saying  that  Dr.  Greil's  services  are  much  sought  in  his 
city  and  community.  Yet,  he  finds  time  for  active  participation  in  works  of 
charity  and  philanthropy,  in  which  fields  of  human  endeavor  he  is  justly  recog- 
nized as  a  leader.  Thus  he  served  for  four  consecutive  years  as  City  Health 
Officer  and  has  founded  a  number  of  institutions  from  which  have  accrued 
many  and  invaluable  services  to  his  city.  Among  these  are  the  City  Labora- 
tory, the  City  Clinic  for  Children  and  the  Montgomery  Anti-Tuberculosis 
Camp,  all  of  which  institutions  he  has  established.  In  fraternal  circles,  too, 
he  is  both  active  and  prominent.  He  is  a  thirty-second  degree  Mason  and  holds 
the  position  of  Chief  Physician  to  the  hundred  children  in  the  Masonic  Or- 
phans' Home  at  Montgomery.  Among  Dr.  Greil's  literary  activities  it  may  be 
mentioned  that  he  is  a  contributor  to  various  medical  journals,  and  besides  be- 
ing closely  identified  with  the  Jewish  community  in  its  various  institutions  and 
organizations,  he  is  a  member  of  the  county,  state,  Southern  and  American 
Medical  associations. 

On  October  9.  1912,  Dr.  Greil  was  married  to  Miss  Cecile  Loeb,  the 
daughter  of  the  late  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Jacques  Loeb.  Mrs.  Greil  is  a  young  woman 
of  rare  accomplishments  and  attainments,  and  is  actively  interested  in  literary 
and  communal  work  of  a  Jewish  and  general  character.  She  is  President  of  the 
Jewish  Literary  Society,  known  as  the  Sesame  Club,  and  holds  the  position  of 
Secretary  to  the  Mothers'  Club. 

Dr.  and  Mrs.  Greil  are  the  parents  of  two  lovely  children,  Jaerueline  and 
Gaston,  Jr. 

117 


OSCAR    GROSBERG 

The  Eagle  Cloak  Company  at  484-576  Washington  street,  Boston,  Mass., 
is  owned  by  -Mr.  Oscar  Grosberg,  whose  life  story  and  rise  from  humble 
beginnings  to  a  position  of  affluence  and  influence  among  the  Jewry  of  the  Mas- 
sachusetts capital  is  as  remarkable  as  it  is  interesting.  He  was  born  in  the 
month  of  Tebeth,  1866,  near  Kovno,  Russia,  and  comes  from  Rabbinical  stock. 
1  1c  arrived  in  America  on  January  1,  1887,  and  started  as  a  peddler  in  Boston. 
Within  a  year  he  saved  up  enough  to  go  into  the  manufacturing  of  cloaks,  and 
finally  he  went  into  the  retail  business,  starting  in  due  time  his  present  concern. 

Having  established  for  himself  a  real  success,  Mr.  Grosberg  gave  much 
thought  and  attention  to  those  "poorer  than  ourselves,"  whose  cause  he  began 
to  champion.  In  a  most  interesting"  manner  and  by  a  perseverance  which  is 
as  great  as  it  is  unusual,  he  started  a  house-to-house  canvass  to  raise  the  sum 
of  $50,000  for  the  Home  of  Jewish  Children,  in  which  institution  he  was  in- 
terested from  the  start  and  which  actually  owes  its  existence  to  this  first  col- 
lection of  $50,000  which  Air.  Grosberg  arranged.  He  was  made  Treasurer  of 
the  home  and  a  better  selection  could  never  be  made.  He  organized  a  very 
efficient  financial  system,  a  good  Membership  Committee  and  a  businesslike 
system  of  keeping  accounts,  making  the  home  a  model  institution,  which  is 
steadily  referred  to  by  other  organizations  of  similar  type  throughout  the 
country  as  the  "home  that  knows  how  to  do  business."  Mr.  Grosberg  is  also 
a  Director  of  the  Federated  Charities  and  of  the  Beth  Israel  Hospital.  As 
Treasurer  of  the  Home  for  the  Aged  he  saw  through  its  financial  difficulties 
and  arranged  for  the  paying  off  of  their  first  mortgage. 

Mr.  Grosberg  was  married  in  Boston  on  October  27,  1890  to  Miss  Celia 
Richman,  and  is  the  father  of  one  son,  Caspar  M.,  who  is  associated  with  him 
in  business  and  married  to  Sarah  Azoos. 

Mr.  Grosberg  is  a  modern  Orthodox,  who  studied  Hebrew  and  Talmud 
and  was  a  Yeshiba  Bochurt  in  his  native  town.  His  son  has  received  a  Jewish 
education  and  his  wife  is  an  active  charity  worker.  Caspar  M.  Grosberg  is  a 
graduate  of  Harvard  College. 


MAX    GROSS 

The  real  optimist  is  the  man  who  never  allows  the  shadows  of  today's 
evening  to  darken  the  brightness  of  tomorrow.  Each  day  is  a  closed  book,  and 
the  next  brings  another  beginning,  a  new  opportunity. 

Such  an  attitude  toward  life  begets  self-confidence,  without  which  real 
success  is  impossible. 

This  trait  is  one  of  the  strongly  accentuated  features  of  Mr.  Max  Gross' 
character,  and  without  it  he  would  have  been  unable  to  surmount  the  difficulties 
which  beset  his  early  career. 

He  was  born  January  2,  1877,  in  Liska,  Tolave,  Hungary,  his  father,  Mor- 
ris Gross,  being  a  very  prominent  Jewish  scholar.  Being  more  ambitious  than 
the  majority  of  his  fellow  townsmen,  he  decided  to  seek  his  fortune  in  the  new- 
world,  and  arrived  in  New  York  when  he  was  only  sixteen  years  old.  He 
started  work  in  a  pipe  factory,  where  he  only  made  $2.50  per  week,  but  he 
persevered  and  at  the  end  of  six  months  found  employment  in  a  tin  shop  in 
Brooklyn  at  $6  per  week.  For  twelve  years  he  struggled  along  in  this  way 
and  finally  went  to  Girard,  Ohio,  where  he  arrived  with  but  sixteen  cents  in  his 
pocket.  Deciding  that  a  business  of  his  own  was  the  only  solution  to  a  more 
successful  career,  he  started  to  peddle  junk,  and  after  five  years  had  accumu- 
lated enough  money  to  open  a  grocery  store.     This  he  is  still  running  on  a 

118 


large  scale,  where  he  has  heen  so  successful  that  he  has  accumulated  a  large 
amount  of  real  estate. 

Mr.  Gross  was  married  June  7,  1902,  to  Miss  Katy  Kline  of  New  York, 
and  to  her  assistance  Mr.  Gross  attributes  considerable  of  his  success,  as  she 
is  a  woman  possessed  of  rare  business  ability.  They  have  two  daughters,  both 
attending  school. 

Mr.  Gross  is  a  member  of  Congregation  Children  of  Israel,  Odd  Fellows, 
Knight  of  Pythias,  is  the  Federal  Lodge  starter  of  B'rith  Sholum,  and  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Young  Friends'  Society  of  New  York,  with  which  organization  he 
has  been  connected  actively  for  the  past  twenty-five  years. 


SAMUEL  L.  GRUNDSTEIN 

Of  all  the  nations  which  the  world  has  known,  the  commercial  instinct 
is  strongest  and  most  fully  developed  in  the  Jew.  He  never  sacrifices  future 
opportunity  for  present  gain.  No  salary,  however  attractive,  can  compensate 
for  the  satisfaction  which  he  feels  in  conducting  a  business  for  himself.  So 
thought  young  Samuel  Grundstein  when,  as  a  young  boy,  he  worked  himself 
up  from  $2.00  per  week  to  $18.00  per  week  in  six  short  months  and  then 
having  saved  enough  money  to  buy  a  horse  and  wagon,  gave  up  his  position  and 
started  in  for  himself. 

Samuel  Grundstein  was  born  in  Nieblyec,  Austria-Hungary,  May  14, 
1886,  and  probably  inherited  a  great  deal  of  commercial  ability  from  his  father, 
who  was  a  successful  merchant  of  his  native  place. 

He  came  to  America  in  January,  1903,  and  his  first  employment  was  found 
in  Cleveland,  where  he  started  as  office  boy  at  $2.00  per  week.  His  rapid  rise 
would  have  been  sufficient  inducement  to  have  kept  most  boys  satisfied  with 
their  progress,  but  Samuel's  one  ambition  was  to  be  in  business  for  himself 
and  subsequent  events  proved  the  wisdom  of  his  decision. 

After  buying  and  selling  metal  for  three  years,  he  accumulated  money 
enough  to  go  into  the  commission  business,  which  he  established  at  Medina, 
Ohio.  Here  he  was  very  successful,  but  deciding  that  his  best  future  lay  in 
the  junk  business,  he  sold  out  and  started  a  yard,  which  is  the  business  that 
he  is  so  successfully  conducting  today,  at  Ashland,  Ohio. 

Mr.  Grundstein  was  married  May  3,  1915,  to  Miss  Sofie  Messing  of 
Cleveland,  Ohio,  and  they  have  one  young  son  who  will  doubtless  inherit  the 
remarkable  business  talent  which  seems  to  be  a  distinguishing  trait  of  the 
Grundstein  family. 

Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Grundstein  are  very  charitable  and  do  not  confine  their 
activities  to  local  charities,  as  the  Denver  and  Los  Angeles  Hospitals,  the 
Orphans  and  Old  Age  Homes  of  Cleveland,  and  many  others  have  been 
recipients  of  their  support. 

Mr.  Grundstein  belongs  to  Bnai  Brith,  the  Moose,  Eagles  and  is  an  active 
member  of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce. 


119 


MORRIS   GROSSMAN 

The  making  of  wine  is  one  of  the  oldest  occupations  in  the  world.  Small 
wonder  then  that  the  Jews,  the  world's  most  ancient,  civilized  race,  should 
have  produced  many  men  adept  in  the  art  of  wine  making,  and  with  a  thor- 
ough knowledge  of  the  commercial  value  of  spirits. 

Such  a  man  is  Mr.  Morris  Grossman,  who  was  born  in  Opelhead,  Hun- 
gary, March  16,  1876,  the  son  of  Marcus  and  Eva  Grossman. 

His  father  was  an  extensive  land  owner,  wine  manufacturer  and  Jewish 
scholar,  and  young  Morris  had  opportunity  from  his  earliest  childhood  to 
absorb  much  knowledge  of  the  business  which  proved  later  to  be  of  inestimable 
value  to  him. 

At  the  age  of  seventeen  the  spirit  of  adventure  and  the  longing  for  bigger 
opportunities  prompted  Morris  to  come  to  America,  where  he  landed  May  4, 
1893.^ 

For  the  first  five  years  he  peddled  fruit  in  Cleveland,  but  finally  decided  to 
try  out  the  opportunities  in  the  liquor  business,  and  in  order  to  gain  experience, 
accepted  a  position  as  bartender  at  $9  per  week.  He  continued  this  for  five 
years  and  then  went  into  business  for  himself,  where  he  has  been  very  success- 
ful, and  is  now  operating  at  No.  2259  Ontario  street,  under  the  title  "Gross- 
man's Liquor  House.''  He  also  owns  no  acres  of  land  from  his  father's 
estate  in  Hungary. 

Mr.  Grossman  was  married  December  1,  1901,  to  Miss  Hannah  Gottlieb 
of  Cleveland,  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Jacob  Gottlieb.  They  have  three 
daughters,  who  are  not  only  being  well  educated,  but  have  also  displayed 
remarkable  talent  for  music.  This  is  being  fostered  and  developed  by  then- 
parents,  and  the  two  older  girls  are  already  displaying  great  proficiency  on 
the  piano  and  violin. 

Mr.  Grossman,  like  all  successful  men,  has  a  strict  business  code,  to  the 
adherence  of  which  he  attributes  much  of  his  good  fortune,  rather  than  to  luck 
or  favorable  circumstance. 

Honesty,  charity  and  a  strict  attention  to  business  are  the  three  qualities 
which  he  deems  essential  to  a  successful  career.  In  the  matter  of  charity,  Mr. 
Grossman  has  a  record  of  which  any  man  might  feel  justly  proud.  Not  only 
is  he  most  liberal  in  bis  contributions  to  all  local  institutions,  but  he  extends 
his  benevolences  to  every  section  of  the  country,  including  the  Hungarian 
Benevolent  Association,  the  Federation  of  Jewish  Charities  and  the  Denver 
Sanitarium. 

He  is  a  prominent  member  of  Congregation  Bnei  Ishurim,  Beth  Abraham 
and  Greisses  Temple,  Montifiore  Lodge. 


AARON    GUBER 

At  143  East  Cambridge  street,  East  Cambridge,  Mass.,  is  located  a  flour- 
ishing concern  devoted  to  metals  and  rubber,  and  owned  and  managed  by  Mr. 
Aaron  Guber. 

Mr.  Guber  was  born  in  Volina,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  August,  1873,  and 
came  to  America  in  1897.  He  landed  in  Boston  and  in  order  to  learn  the  busi- 
ness worked  in  a  junk  yard  for  a  very  small  salary.  He  then  went  into  busi- 
ness for  himself  and  is  today  one  of  the  most  successful  business  men  of 
Cambridge. 

Mr.  Guber  was  married  in  July,  1896,  to  Miss  Ida  Shultz  and  they  have 
three  children,  one  boy  and  two  girls,  all  going  to  school. 

120 


Mrs.  i  iubi  i  in  her  social  circle  and  is  a  pr inent  worker  in 

miit.  ritii        rhej  an   members  of  the  Orthodo  ;ation,  and 

ii  supporters  of  Jewish  Charities,  and  thi    Hi  hool.     Mr.  Gubcr  is 

i  i  promim  nl  member  i  il  Reth  Israel. 


ELY  DAVID  GUREVITZ 

i  Ine  of  England's  greatest  poets  has  written: 
"I  am  master  of  my  fate, 
I  am  captain  of  my  soul." 

'I'lu -i-  words  are  most  appropriately  applied  to  those  brave  spirits  who 
have  come  from  Europe,  determinedly  facing  poverty  and  working  oul  their 
■  li  stinies,  surrounded  by  strange  faces,  language  and  customs. 

Such  :i  man  was  Mr.  Eh  David  Gurcvitz,  who  was  born  in  Rorisoff, 
Russia,  March  15,  1879.  His  father  was  a  grain  merchant,  and  at  the  age 
of  thirteen  he  started  to  assist  him.  Feeling  thai  Russia  offered  few  oppor- 
tunities, at  tlir  age  of  twenty  the  young  man  decided  to  come  to  America, 
and  found  his  first  occupation  in  a  tailor  shop  in  New  York  City,  which  trade 
In  had  learned  while  still  in  Russia.  Here  his  services  proved  very  valuable, 
and  In-  was  soon  making  a  splendid  salary,  which  average  1  nearly  one  hundred 
di  illai  -  a  w  eek. 

1 1 <■  next  went  to  Columbus,  and  after  working  as  a  tailor  for  about  three 

years,  opened  a  tailoring  shop  under  the  firm  nana-  of  the  1  >hio  Coat  Makers, 

where  he  spent  the  next  seven  years.    He  then  decided  that  the  junk  business 

offered  more  opportunity,  so  he  opened  a  yard,  where  he  has  been  exceedingly 

rous. 

Mr.  Gurevitz  was  married  January  13,  1909,  to  Miss  Dora  Marion  of 
1  olumbus,  '  ihio,  and  they  have  a  fine  family  of  two  boys  and  one  girl,  all 
going  to  school. 

Mr.  ( lure\  iiz  i-  a  member  of  Congregation  Beth  Jacob,  the  Hungarian 
Shule,  Brith  Abraham,  and  the  Knights  of  Joseph.     He  is  also  a  liberal  con 
tributor  to  the  Denver  Sanitarium",  and  man)  other  charities. 

When  asked  li i>  advice  to  the  young,  Mr.  Gurevitz  said,  put  your  ver)  best 
efforts  in  whatever  you  undertake  to  do,  give  your  fellowman  a  square  deal. 
and  be  honest  and  upright  at  all  times. 


LOUIS  HALBERSTEIN 

Thrift  and  the  ability  to  -axe  has  put  many  a  man  on  the  high  road  to 
success. 

1  ine  of  our  great  financiers  lias  said  that  the  reason  most  nun  do  not  acquire 
wealth  is  because  they  lack  the  stability  of  purpose  which  would  enable  them 
in  save  the  first  thousand  dollars. 

In  the  life  of  Mr.  Louis  Halbefstein  we  have  an  example  of  perseverance, 
thrift  and  ability  which  ha-  placed  him  in  tin-  foremost  rank  of  business  men 
at  Sidney .  <  Ihio. 

Horn  in  Lublina,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  1882,  he  was  the  son  of  Joseph  and 

121 


Hannah  Halberstein,  prominent  people  in  their  native  town,  where  his  father 
was  owner  of  a  mill,  and  was  also  recognized  as  an 
authority  as  a  Jewish  scholar. 

Louis  decided  to  try  his  fortunes  in  America 
and  came  to  this  country  January  I,  1905. 

Beginning  the  new  year  and  the  new  life  to- 
gether, he  met  with  the  usual  discouragements 
which  fall  to  the  lot  of  the  young  emigrant,  but 
finally  found  employment  in  a  factory  in  Cincinnati 
at  $10.00  per  week.  During  the  four  years  that  he 
continued  there  he  managed  to  save  enough  money 
to  start  a  small  store,  and  deciding  that  Sidney. 
Ohio,  would  be  a  good  place  for  his  venture,  opened 
his  store  there. 

His  success  has  been  all  that  could  be  desired, 
and  he  is  today  conducting  one  of  the  largest  stores 
in  the  city. 

Mr.  Halberstein  was  married  prior  to  his  com- 
ing to  America,  his  wife  having  been  before  her  marriage  Miss  Rosa  Falk, 
and  she  cheerfully  shared  all  the  hardships  and  discouragements  that  fell  to 
the  lot  of  her  husband,   secure  in  her  belief   in  his  ability  to  overcome  all 
obstacles. 

They  have  three  children  who  are  all  in  school  at  the  present  time. 

Like  all  good  Jews,  Mr.  Halberstein  is  most  devout  in  his  belief  and  is  a 
regular  attendant  at  the  Brith  Abraham  Congregation  of  Dayton,  Ohio. 

Both  himself  and  wife  are  conscientious  and  liberal  contributors  to  the 
charities  appealing  to  them  for  help,  including  the  Denver  and  Los  Angeles 
Sanitariums. 


SOLOMON    HARRIS 


Some  one  has  said  that  salesmen  are  born,  not  made.  While  the  art  of 
salesmanship  can,  of  course,  be  greatly  developed,  a  review  of  the  careers  of 
the  selling  fraternity  would  indicate  that  native  adaptability  has  a  great  deal 
to  do  with  success  along  this  line. 

That  Solomon  Harris,  at  the  age  of  sixteen,  should  have  shown  a  marked 
degree  of  talent  along  selling  lines  makes  the  after  events  of  his  career  less 
surprising  to  those  who  have  followed  him  closely  and  interestedly. 

He  was  born  December  15,  1882,  a  native  of  Suwalk,  Russia,  but  spent 
practically  all  of  his  life  in  America,  as  he  was  brought  to  New  York  at  the 
age  of  four.  He  attended  the  public  schools  and  the  Yieshibah  Etz  Chaim,  and 
while  still  quite  young  started  to  work  in  a  jewelry  factory. 

At  the  age  of  sixteen  the  desire  for  a  selling  career  sent  him  on  the  road 
with  a  line  of  muslin  underwear  and  today  he  is  the  best  known  and  most 
successful  salesman  in  that  line  in  America,  having  distinguished  himself  by 
taking  the  largest  single  orders  ever  entered,  and  has  more  sales  to  his  credit 
than  anv  man  in  the  industry. 

It  is  also  a  well-known  fact  among  the  trade  that  Mr.  Harris  has  never 
failed  to  book  an  order  on  any  day  of  his  travels. 

Mr.  Harris  is  today  but  thirty-four  years  of  age,  having  already  attained 
the  position  of  senior  member  of  Harris  Brothers  &  Barnett,  manufactures 
of  muslin  underwear,  their  location  being  11-13  East  Twenty-sixth  street,  New 
York  City. 

Mr.   Harris  is  a  man  of  quick  decisions,  who  rarely  makes  an  error  of 

122 


judgment  and  possesses  a  firm  belief  that  whatever  a  man  purposes  to  do  he 
can  accomplish.  He  has  traveled  abroad  a  great  deal  and  is  a  familiar  figure 
in  Europen  markets,  being  a  member  of  the  St.  Gall  (Switzerland)  Merchants' 
Club. 

Although  being  obliged  to  be  away  from  New  York  a  good  share  of  the 
time,  he  has  not  lost  interest  in  local  and  charitable  activities  and  is  also  an 
active  member  of  the  West  End  Congregation.  He  is  a  Mason  and  was  re- 
cently appointed  as  a  member  of  the  grand  jury  upon  the  recommendation  of 
Judge  Rosalsky. 

Mr.  Harris  was  married  March  29,  1903,  to  Miss  Frances  Lipman.  They 
have  two  fine  children  and  their  home  life  is  ideal  in  every  respect. 


JOSEPH    HAYMAN 

When  the  writer  recently  had  the  pleasure  of  interviewing  Mr.  Joseph 
Hayman,  prominent  scrap  metal  dealer  and  salvage  broker  of  Dayton,  Ohio; 
he  was  much  interested  in  Mr.  Hayman's  code  for  a  successful  career.  Ex- 
pressed in  a  few  brief  words,  it  is  as  follows :  "Never  give  up,  no  matter 
how  discouraged  you  may  become.     Work  and  win  is  my  motto." 

Then  Mr.  Hayman  went  on  to  relate  how  when  he  first  landed  in  America 
he  worked  as  a  laborer  for  $3  per  week  for  seven  weeks,  when  he  was  raised 
to  $5.  On  this  meager  salary  he  married,  and,  given  this  new  incentive  for 
greater  effort,  opened  a  grocery  store  after  he  had  saved  $250.  All  this  oc- 
curred in  Buffalo  prior  to  his  removal  to  Dayton  in  1913. 

He  arrived  in  that  city  just  before  the  flood  and  conditions  immediately 
after  were  very  propitious  for  his  line  of  work.  During  all  of  this  time  Mr. 
Hayman  worked  as  hard  as  any  of  his  help  and 
had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  his  business  steadily 
gaining  in  volume.  He  is  now  owner  and  man- 
ager of  the  larger  establishment  at  638-40  Rich- 
ards street,  where  his  daughter  acts  as  bookkeeper. 
His  son  is  in  the  Ohio  State  University. 

Mr.  Hayman  was  born  in  Botoschani,  Rou- 
mania,  September  15,  1870,  and  when  only  sixteen 
years  old  owned  a  grocery  store  in  Europe,  so  we 
may  well  believe  that  his  remarkable  business  abil- 
ity developed  at  a  very  early  age.  He  came  to 
America  September  2,  1889. 

When  one  reviews  the  life  history  of  such  a 
man  as  Mr.  Hayman,  it  hardly  seems  credible  that 
young  people  enjoying  advantages  of  our  country 
should  ever  be  discouraged  in  the  upward  climb 
towards  success,  as  he  has  achieved  an  enviable 
position  by  sheer  force  of  character  and  strict  ap- 
plication to  business. 

He  is  a  prominent  Zionist  and  member  of  B'nai  B'rith  and  gives  liberally 
to  the  Hebrew  Institute,  the  Jewish  Federation  and  the  Denver  Sanitarium. 


123 


HARRY  HELPER 

It  is  a  pleasure  to  believe  that  at  some  future  time  monuments  will  no 
longer  be  erected  to  men  whose  chief  distinction  was  that  desolation  and 
human  slaughter  marked  their  pathway.  When  the  hour  strikes  and  the  new 
era  dawns,  the  monuments  we  unveil  will  carry  with  them  no  suggestion  of 
orphan's  tears,  wrecked  cities  or  a  starving  people.  Peace  and  industry  shall 
come  into  her  own  and  with  them  due  recognition  of  the  sterling  traits  of 
such  men  as  Mr.  Harry  Helper  of  Bay  City,  Mich. 

Born  in  Yilna,  Guberne,  Russia,  May  10,  1884,  he  was  brought  to  America 
by  his  parents  at  the  age  of  three  years,  and  until  ten  years  of  age  was  allowed 
to  attend  the  public  schools.  At  this  time  it  seemed  necessary  for  him  to 
contribute  to  the  support  of  the  family  so  he  started  peddling  with  his  father 
and  continued  for  the  next  nine  years. 

He  then  went  to  Bay  City,  Mich.,  and  his  brother  Sam  and  himself  pooled 
their  little  savings  and  opened  a  junk  yard.  They  put  fourteen  years  unceasing 
industry  and  much  natural  ability  into  their  efforts,  and  today  are  rewarded 
by  having  one  of  the  most  thoroughly  equipped  modern  plants  in  the  country 
and  an  immense  .annual  business. 

Mr.  Helper  was  married  in  June,  191 3,  to  Miss  Esther  Rosenberg  and 
they  have  one  small  daughter  of  whom  the)'  are  very  proud. 

Although  both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Helper  are  very  reticent  regarding  their 
charitable  activities,  we  do  not  feel  that  this  biography  would  be  complete 
without  making  mention  of  same,  as  they  are  both  exceedingly  generous  in 
their  devotion  of  both  time  and  money  to  all  worthy  causes. 

Mr.  Helper  was  one  of  the  original  founders  of  the  Temple  Abraham  of 
Bay  City  and  devoted  much  time  and  money  to  insure  its  successful  com- 
pletion. At  the  present  time  he  holds  the  office  of  Treasurer.  He  is  also 
active  in  B'nai  B'rith,  the  Elks  and  the  Chamber  of  Commerce. 

The  Old  Age  Home  of  Detroit  and  the  Orphans  Home  of  Cleveland  are 
also  receiving  much  assistance  from  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Helper  as  are  various  insti- 
tutions in  Los  Angeles,  Denver  and  Chicago. 

The  true  test  of  a  really  great  man  is  the  measure  in  which  he  passes 
his  own  good  fortune  on  to  others,  whom  the  buffeting  winds  of  adversity 
have  almost  swept  from  their  moorings,  and  in  this  Mr.  Helper  has  never  been 
found  wanting. 


LOUIS  HERMAN 

There  is  a  story  told  of  an  eminent  painter  who  was  asked  what  he  mixed 
his  colors  with  to  produce  certain  extraordinary  effects,  and  his  reply  was 
"I  mix  them  with  brains,  sir." 

This  anecdote  very  aptly  illustrates  the  methods  by  which  the  Jews  of 
our  nation  have  reached  the  prominent  positions  they  occupy  today,  as  various 
causes  for  many  centuries  have  conspired  to  set  aside  their  ambitions  and 
nullify  their  efforts.  Yet  despite  these  hindrances,  the  Jew  is  steadily  forging 
to  the  front  with  little  assistance  but  his  own  remarkable  resourcefulness. 

A  remarkable  instance  of  this  kind  is  exemplified  in  the  life  of  Mr.  Louis 
Herman  who  was  born  in  Chumsk,  Russia,  April  24,  1876,  where  his  father 
was  quite  a  prominent  land  owner  and  Jewish  scholar. 

At  the  age  of  seventeen,  young  Louis  being  very  ambitious  and  feeling 
that  the  western  world  offered  more  opportunities,  came  to  America  and 
landed  in  New  York,  where  his  first  employment  was  in  a  vest  factorv.  So 
closely  did  he  apply  himself  that  within  two  years  he  became  proprietor  of 

124 


llic  shop,  enjoying  the  distinction  of  being  tlie  youngest  owner  of  an  exclusive 
vest  miking  shop  in  New  York.  And  this  was  all  accomplished  through  his 
own  efforts,  as  he  had  no  capital  except  his  savings  which  he  accumulated 
while  learning  the  trade. 

He  very  successfully  conducted  this  business  for  eight  years,  during  which 
time  he  became  the  leading  manufacturer  of  this  particular  line,  but  deciding 
that  the  household  installment  business  offered  more  opportunity,  he  sold  his 
business  and  went  into  the  new  line  at  Elizabeth,  X.  J.  Here  he  enjoyed  three 
very  successful  years,  when  he  met  with  a  terrible  misfortune.  His  store  was 
destroyed  by  fire,  and  as  he  had  no  insurance,  he  became  penniless. 

Discouraged  but  still  undaunted,  he  came  to  Cleveland  and  began  working 
in  a  cloak  and  suit  factory  at  $12.00  per  week,  and  after  seven  years'  hard 
work  accumulated  a  little  capital.  This  he  invested  with  a  partner  in  a 
theater,  which  continued  two  years,  after  which  he  opened  up  a  garage,  which 
he  still  owns. 

In  May,  1917,  he  bought  the  lease  of  the  Royal  Theater  and  so  successful 
has  this  venture  proven  that  he  is  building  another  theater  which  will  soon  be 
in  operation.  This  will  have  a  seating  capacity  of  2,000.  He  has  also  acquired 
considerable  real  estate  which  occupies  a  part  of  his  time. 

Mr.  Herman  is  married  and  has  two  fine  boys,  both  nearly  through  school, 
who  will  doubtless  be  of  much  assistance  to  their  father  in  the  management  of 
his  various  interests. 

Both  himself  and  wife  are  most  liberal  in  their  contributions  to  charities 
and  give  to  all  regardless  of  creed  or  religion. 


MAX  HERMAN 

To  the  casual  observer  it  would  seem  that  Mr.  Max  Herman  had  never 
experienced  an  unpleasant  day  in  his  life,  now  that  he  has  attained  a  state  of 
affluence  and  plenty.  But  this  is  far  from  being  the  actual  case.  Like  every 
other  pious  European-born  Jew  who  emigrates  to  America  with  a  view  of 
making  this  country  his  future  home,  Mr.  Herman  encountered  many  diffi- 
culties. Primarily  it  was  a  struggle  for  an  existence,  since  he  landed  on  Amer- 
ican soil  with  exactly  seven  dollars  with  which  to  support  himself  and  his 
family,  but  in  that  battle  for  his  livelihood  was  involved  also  another  grave 
question  ;  one  which  appears  only  in  the  life  of  the  truly  Orthodox  and  pious 
Jew  of  Eastern  birth  and  training.  It  was  the  serious  problem  of  maintaining 
the  strong  ties  of  his  religion,  to  which  he  was  brought  up  from  childhood  and 
for  which  hs  even  now  would  sacrifice  his  fortune,  his  liberty,  and  his  life. 
Such  was  the  influence  of  father  upon  son,  that  when  Mr.  Herman  came  to 
Cleveland,  Ohio,  on  July  3,  189 1,  he  accepted  employment  as  a  bottle  sorter, 
at  a  salary  of  six  dollars  per  week,  with  the  privilege  of  observing  his  Sabbath, 
rather  than  to  work  at  a  higher  wage  without  that  privilege.  For  four  years 
he  struggled  along  at  various  occupations  until  he  had  accumulated  sufficient 
capital  with  which  to  enter  into  business  for  himself. 

In  1913  Mr.  Herman  commenced  his  present  business  of  Wholesale  Bottle 
Assorting,  but  on  a  very  limited  scale.  In  the  course  of  a  short  time  the  new 
venture  outgrew  his  small  capital  and  a  corporation  was  formed  under  the 
name  of  The  Advance  Bottle  Company,  witli  headquarters  at  2670  East  51st 
street,  Cleveland,  Ohio,  and  with  numerous  branches  throughout  the  city  to 
accommodate  their  steadily  increasing  trade. 

Mr.  Max  Herman  was  born  at  Skulian,  Russia,  in  1876.  His  father, 
David  Herman,  was  a  very  wealthy  and  influential  lumber  merchant  and 
Jewish  scholar  of  considerable  fame.     As  is  the  custom  in  that  part  of  Russia, 

125 


young  Herman  was  taught  neither  trade  nor  profession,  but  instead  devoted 
his  earty  life  to  securing  a  sound  knowledge  of  the  Talmud  and  Bible,  in  which 
he  became  thoroughly  proficient. 

During  the  year  of  1902  Mr.  Herman  left  for  Kishineff,  Russia.  There  he 
married  Miss  Zippa  Sidekursky,  the  daughter  of  Fival  and  Frumme  Sidekur- 
sky,  a  very  prominent  family  of  Kishineff.  .A  short  time  after  his  marriage, 
however,  the  war  broke  out  between  Russia  and  Japan,  and  Max  Herman 
together  with  his  young  wife,  both  left  for  Austria,  leaving  behind  their 
wealth  and  well  established  home.  Here  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Herman  lived  through 
a  very  critical  period.  Not  knowing  the  language  and  possessing  no  pro- 
fession, it  was  some  time  before  he  secured  employment,  and  when  he  finally 
did  obtain  a  position,  it  was  accompanied  by  a  compensation  of  twenty-five 
dollars  a  month.  Upon  this  meager  income  Mr.  Herman  managed  to  exist 
until  1910,  when  he  came  to  Cleveland.  But  even  here  he  was  destined  to 
struggle  and  soon  became  resigned  to  his  fate.  Formulating  some  well  laid 
plans  for  his  future,  Mr.  Herman  immediately  commenced  to  work,  with  the 
result  that  today  he  is  Vice-President  and  guiding  spirit  of  the  vast  enterprise 
previously  mentioned,  and  the  owner  of  real  estate  which  is  estimated  to  be 
worth  approximately  twenty  thousand  dollars. 

Mr.  Herman  is  Secretary  of  the  Agudath  Bnei  Israel,  Anshe  Svard  Con- 
gregation, first  President  and  founder  of  the  Bass  Arabier  Yerband,  a  char- 
itable organization  of  prominence  in  Cleveland,  and  an  active  member  of  the 
Yilno  Unterstitzung  Verein.  Besides  these  he  is  chairman  of  the  Board  of 
Directors  of  the  Yashivath  Adath  Bnei  Israel,  and  is  one  of  the  directors  of 
the  Hebrew  Free  Loan  Association.  Both  Mr.  Herman  and  his  wife  are  very 
charitably  inclined,  donating  annually  to  the  Denver  and  Los  Angeles  Con- 
sumptive Sanitariums,  and  to  Mt.  Sinai  Hospital  of  Cleveland.  They  also 
contribute  liberally  to  all  of  the  Cleveland  charities  and  are  quite  active  in 
social  work. 

Unlike  a  great  majority  of  successful  Jewish  business  men,  Mr.  Herman 
still  observes  his  religion  as  in  days  of  old,  and  it  is  his  one  great  ambition 
in  life  to  train  his  three  voung  sons  to  do  likewise. 


MORRIS  HERMAN 

In  recording  the  incidents  of  a  successful  well  lived  life,  it  cannot  be 
doubted  that  such  biography  is  potent  for  good  in  moulding  the  character  and 
fitting  the  vouth  of  this  and  succeeding  generations  for  the  important  duties 
that  pertain  to  good  citizenship.  It  is  not  too  much  to  believe  that  this  will 
be  one  of  the  strongest  agencies  which,  through  the  outstretched  years,  will 
inspire  the  young  with  loftier  ideals  of  the  duties  that  life  holds. 

That  they  may  be,  as  one  of  our  great  English  statesmen  has  said.  "In- 
spired with  the  belief  that  life  is  a  great  and  noble  calling ;  not  a  mean  and 
groveling  thing  that  we  are  to  shuffle  through  as  we  can,  but  an  elevated  and 
lofty  destiny." 

We  believe  that  the  following  life  story  of  Morris  Herman  will  fill  such 
a  mission  as  it  is  the  story  of  a  self-made  man  who  has  found  success  without 
losing  that  keen  human  sympathy  which  is  the  finest  attribute  of  man. 

Morris  Herman  was  born  in  Lackovitz  Minsk,  Guberne,  Russia,  July  1, 
1875,  the  son  of  Moses  and  Ida  Herman,  his  father  being  a  merchant  of  his 
native  city  and  a  scholar  of  recognized  ability. 

Mr.  Herman  came  to  America  in  August,  1902,  landing  on  our  shores 
with  but  14  cents  in  his  pocket.  He  worked  his  way  to  Albany,  Ind.,  where 
lie  found  employment  in  a  junk  yard  at  $4.00  per  week.     After  six  weeks  of 

126 


this  work,  he  took  his  very  small  savings  and  invested  them  in  a  stock  of 
dry  goods  which  he  peddled  for  four  months.  By  this  time  he  had  accumu- 
lated enough  to  buy  a  horse  and  wagon  and  began  handling  junk. 

In  April,  1900,  two  years  prior  to  his  coming  to  America,  he  had  been 
married  to  Miss  Mary  Kapelansky,  but  for  financial  reasons  was  unable  to 
bring  his  family  with  him  to  America.  By  this  time,  he  had  accumulated  suf- 
ficient money  to  send  for  them  and  it  was  a  happy  reunion  when  they  landed 
in  America. 

He  also  bought  a  junk  yard  shortly  after,  which  he  conducted  for  six 
years.  Then  sold  out  and  moved  to  Detroit  where  he  embarked  in  the  shoe 
business.  This  venture  was  unsuccessful  and  Mr.  Herman  sold  the  business. 
Being  a  man  of  the  most  scrupulous  honor,  he  settled  in  full  with  his  cred- 
itors and  had  practically  nothing  left  for  himself.  However,  he  cheerfully 
went  to  work  again  in  the  junk  business  and  success  has  rewarded  his  honesty 
and  hard  effort,  as  he  is  today  owner  of  a  large  and  prosperous  business  with 
modern  equipment. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Herman  have  five  children,  all  of  whom  are  in  school  and 
being  educated  in  music.  Their  son,  Bennie,  although  only  eleven  years  old, 
sings  in  the  choir  of  Beth  Jacob  Congregation  and  gives  much  promise  of 
vocal  ability  of  a  high  order. 

In  addition  to  their  church  membership,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Herman  contribute 
liberally  to  Denver  Hospital,  Old  Folks'  Home  and  Talmud  Torah.  Mr. 
Herman  is  also  a  member  of  the  Knights  of  Pythias  and  a  promoter  of  the 
Free  Loan  Association. 


NATHAN  HIRSH 

Born  in  Roumania  some  forty-five  years  ago,  Mr.  Nathan  Hirsh  of  the 
Pioneer  Film  Corporation,  126-130  West  46th  street,  New  York,  came  to 
America  at  the  tender  age  of  thirteen.  His  father  was  already  dead,  and  he 
landed  here  with  his  mother  and  sister.  He  secured  a  job,  learning  the  sus- 
pender trade,  and  though  he  was  only  receiving  a  wage  of  fifty  cents  per  week, 
in  the  early  weeks  of  his  apprenticeship,  he  learned  his  trade  so  well,  that  at 
the  age  of  nineteen  he  had  a  goodly  sum  of  money  saved  and  he  ventured  into 
business  on  his  own  hook.  Though  only  nineteen  years  old,  he  brought  to 
his  work  such  mature  views  and  understanding  that  he  was  well  on  the  road 
to  success  when  the  panic  of  1907  came  and  swept  all  before  it. 

He  paid  all  his  creditors  and  dissolved  his  little  business  in  1908.  Then, 
realizing  that  the  motion-picture  business  was  the  coming  industry,  and  with 
the  assistance  of  his  father-in-law,  he  built  a  motion  picture  theater  at  125th 
street  and  Lenox  avenue,  and  after  conducting-  it  for  a  time,  he  sold  it  at  a 
profit.  .  He  kept  on  building  theaters  for  moving  pictures  and  selling  them 
at  a  profit,  until  1914,  when  he  organized  his  present  company,  the  Pioneer 
Film  Corporation. 

Mr.  Hirsh  is  President  of  the  company,  and  the  corporation  procures 
state  rights  of  the  best  pitcures  produced,  leasing  them  to  all  big  theaters 
throughout  the  states  of  New  York  and  New  Jersey.  Some  of  the  most 
remarkable  pictures,  such  as  "Civilization,"  "The  Garden  of  Allah,"  "The 
Submarine  Eye,"  "Today,"  and  many  others  are  controlled  by  this  concern. 

Mr.  Hirsh  is  a  Master  Mason  and  for  twenty-five  years  has  been  a 
member  of  Darcy  Lodge  No.  187.  He  has  organized  the  Temple  Penill  of 
Washington  Heights  and  is  its  Treasurer  and  he  belongs  to  every  Jewish  and 
non-Jewish  charity  in  town. 

Married  twentv  years  ago  to  Augusta  Monheimer,  he  is  the  father  of 

127 


two  children,  a  son  named  Melvin  and  a  daughter  Sylvia.  Mrs.  Hirsh  is  as 
active  socially  as  her  husband  and  is  Vice-President  of  Temple  Peni  El's 
sisterhood. 

Mr.  Hirsh  attributes  his  success  to  his  hard  efforts  and  tireless  ambition 
to  make  good.  Both  of  his  children  received  a  good  secular  and  Jewish 
education. 


FRANK  HOLTSBERG 

We  do  not  believe  that  this  biographical  work  of  prominent  Jews  of 
America  would  be  complete  without  mention  being  made  of  representatives 
in  a  charming  little  city  at  the  extreme  southern  boundary  of  our  country, 
Key  West,  Florida. 

Here  resides  Mr.  Frank  Holtsberg,  prosperous  owner  and  manager'  of  the 
dry  goods  store  which  bears  his  name.  He  came  to  America  at  the  age  of 
nineteen,  having  been  born  in  Roumania,  May  15,  1869.  The  first  years  in 
this  country  he  spent  peddling,  and  during  the  course  of  his  travels  found 
his  way  to  Key  West,  Florida.  He  was  so  delighted  with  the  charming 
environment  that  he  decided  to  make  it  his  permanent  home  and  opened  a 
small  dry  goods  store. 

This  modest  beginning  has  developed  into  the  present  large  establishment 
which  is  operated  under  his  name  and  which  is  considered  one  of  the  finest 
mercantile  enterprises  in  the  city. 

■Mr.  Holtsberg  was  married  March  11,  1909,  to  Miss  Anna  Goldin  and 
both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Holtsberg  are  very  active  in  the  social  life  of  their  com- 
munity. They  take  a  great  interest  in  civic  affairs  and  are  most  generous  in 
their  gifts  to  all  worthy  charities. 

They  are  Orthodox  in  their  religious  beliefs  and  are  notable  examples  of 
upright  and  loyal  citizenship. 


THEODORE  HOLTSBERG 

The  writer  of  these  lines  had  paid  a  visit  to  Key  West,  the  magnificent 
city  in  the  extreme  South,  the  foot  of  Florida,  to  secure  some  interviews  for 
the  "Distinguished  Jews  of  America."  Key  West  is  one  of  the  most  charming 
places  in  the  sunny  South,  and  perhaps  anywhere  in  the  world.  The  very 
sun  of  Key  West  seems  to  shine  with  a  peculiar  splendor  of  its  own,  appearing 
as  he  does  in  all  his  fascinating  beauty,  and  his  rays  deeply  penetrate  the 
earth,  exhaling  a  vigorous  and  refreshing  radiance. 

We  frequently  meet  people  in  life  whose  lives  and  characters  act  as  reac- 
tion against  nature's  charms ;  it  happens  quite  often  that,  while  nature  is  most 
bounteous  in  the  exhibition  of  its  gifts,  the  people  whom  she  thus  favors  de- 
serve it  least.  But  the  writer  was  most  fortunate  in  finding  on  his  first  visit  a 
man  whose  great  characteristic  and  qualities  of  heart  and  mind  beautifully 
harmonize  with  the  charming  surroundings  of  Key  West. 

Mr.  Theodore  Holtsberg  is  one  of  the  oldest  Jewish  inhabitants  of  the 
city  and  his  family  is  as  though  to  the  manner  born.  All  of  its  members  are 
brilliant  and  charming  and  full  of  interest.    It  consists  of  Mr.  Theodore  Holts- 

128 


berg,  the  father,  a  man  of  great  intelligence,  grounded  with  an  intimate  knowl- 
edge of  the  Talmud,  which  he  studied  in  his  youth,  and  moulded  by  the  sun- 
shine and  rain  of  life's  practical  experiences ;  Mrs.  Holtsberg,  who  was  Elka 
Berenson,  a  pleasing  type  of  a  truly  Jewish  house-mother;  Morris  Holtsberg, 
Mr.  Holtberg's  only  son,  an  intelligent  young  man  of  the  type  which  unites 
native  Jewish  virtue  with  the  refinement  of  American  culture  and  training : 
his  young  wife,  formerly  Miss  Rose  Halperin,  a  charming  young  woman  of 
unexhausted  life  strength  and  interest ;  Ethel,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Theodore  Holts- 
berg's  only  daughter,  a  beautiful  girl,  of  rare  intelligence  and  wit ;  Herman, 
a  little  three-year-old  boy,  the  only  child  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Morris  Holtsberg. 
The  family  occupies  one  house,  and  we  can  plainby  see  there  the  joy  and  un- 
bounded affection  of  Jewish  patriarchal  and  family  life. 

Mr.  Theodore  Holtsberg  was  born  in  July,  1857,  in  Hussy,  Roumania,  the 
son  of  Mendel  and  Hannah  Holtsberg.  In  1890  he  came  to  America.  Two 
years  later  he  returned  to  his  native  land,  but  after  another  period  of  seven 
years  he  again  landed  on  these  shores,  making  his  new  home  in  Florida,  where 
he  began  as  a  peddler  in  Key  West,  and  in  due  time  developed  a  dry  goods 
business  located  at  present  at  512  Duval  street,  under  the  firm  name  of 
T.  Holtsberg  &  Son,  the  son  being  a  partner. 

Mr.  Holtsberg  has  achieved  a  prominent  position  in  the  community,  gain- 
ing for  himself  a  name  which  will  remain  a  source  of  pride  to  posterity  for 
generations  to  come.  He  also  was  one  of  the  founders  of  the  Congregation 
B'nai  Zion. 

Mr.  Holtsberg  while  in  Roumania  followed  the  occupation  of  a  general 
storekeeper  in  a  small  way  and  was  a  competitor  of  Mr.  Halperin,  whose 
daughter  married  Mr.  Holtsberg's  son.  The  children  had  known  one  another 
from  their  earliest  youth,  and  Rose  Halperin,  though  brought  up  in  New  York, 
left  this  center  of  humming  life  to  find  her  happiness  in  the  quiet  of  Key 
West  as  the  wife  of  Morris  Holtsberg,  the  companion  of  her  youthful  days. 


JACOB   AND    HARRY    HOFFMAN 

Never  before  in  the  history  of  our  country  has  the  junk  business  assumed 
such  prominence  in  the  eye  of  the  public  as  at  the  present  time,  when  our 
national  resources  are  being  strained  to  the  utmost  in  order  to  win  the  world 
war. 

Thousands  of  tons  of  steel  have  been  available  for  use  because  of  the  far- 
sightedness of  those  greatest  of  all  conservationists — the  iron  and  scrap  metal 
dealers,  the  majority  of  whom  are  Jews. 

Prominent  in  this  line  of  industry  may  be  mentioned  Jacob  and  Harry 
Hoffman  of  Coshocton,  Ohio.  They  were  born  in  Vilna,  Guberne,  Russia, 
Harry  in  1881  and  Jacob  in  August,  1885,  the  sons  of  Leo  and  Liba  Hoffman. 

Upon  coming  to  America  they  encountered  all  of  the  privations  usual  to 
the  life  of  an  immigrant  who  lands  upon  our  shores  without  money  or  influ- 
ence to  assist  him.  Jacob  worked  in  New  York  as  a  laborer  for  one  year,  and 
during  the  first  two  months  received  only  sixty-five  cents  per  day.  His  father 
having  been  a  tailor,  he  decided  to  learn  that  trade,  and  worked  for  two  weeks 
for  nothing.  He  then  received  a  small  salary,  but  after  six  months  decided 
that  the  indoor  work  was  not  suited  to  his  constitution,  so  he  went  to  Buffalo, 
where  he  peddled  with  a  push  cash  for  two  months.  He  then  went  to  Cleve- 
land, Ohio,  where  he  peddled  with  a  cart  until  he  had  saved  enough 
money  to  buy  a  horse  and  wagon.  He  finally  found  his  way  to  Coshocton, 
Ohio,  and  having  acquired  considerable  valuable  business  experience,  he  joined 
forces  with  his  brother  and  together  they  opened  a  yard,  where  they  have  been 
exceedingly  prosperous. 

129 


Harry  Hoffman's  experience  was  in  some  ways  identical  with  that  of  his 
brother,  inasmuch  as  he  worked  in  a  New  York  clothing  shop  for  nothing  while 
learning  the  trade,  but  decided  that  his  future  lay  in  another  line,  consequently 
joined  his  brother  in  the  junk  business. 

Both  brothers  are  married  and  each  family  has  a  baby  boy.  Jacob  Hoff- 
man was  married  to  Miss  Annie  Lenson  of  Cleveland,  Ohio,  September  24, 
1914,  and  Harry  Hoffman  was  married  to  Miss  Bertha  Lewin  of  Cleveland, 
October  27,  1914. 

Both  families  are  very  charitable  and  are  connected  with  the  principal 
organizations  of  Coshocton. 


ROBERT  G.  HOROWITZ 


Orthodoxy  is  by  no  means  a  dead  issue  in  this  country.  Here  is  a  young 
man,  born  on  the  15th  of  September,  1891,  who  is  the  type  of  modern  Ortho- 
doxy with  all  that  it  stands  for.  Robert  G.  Horowitz  was  born  in  the  Govern- 
ment of  Vilna,  as  the  son  of  Gedalia  and  Mary  Horowitz,  and  if  anything,  he 
exceeds  in  religious  zeal  and  devotion  any  of  his  predecessors.  He  attends 
Schul  every  morning  and  is  a  strict  Sabbath  observer.  Not  only  is  his  factory 
closed  on  Saturdays  and  holidays,  but  he  pays  his 
workmen  double  wages  for  every  holiday  week. 

Mr.  Horowitz  came  to  America  in  1906 ;  he 
attended  the  public  school  and  high  school,  and  was 
employed  for  a  time  as  inside  worker  and  salesman 
in  the  clothing  line.  A  few  years  ago  he  went  into 
business  for  himself  in  New  York  City  and  has 
accomplished  a  splendid  success  and  unimpeachable 
reputation,  due  to  his  strict  and  honest  business 
methods. 

Business  does  not  devour  all  of  Mr.  Horowitz's 
attention,  not  even  most  of  it.  He  is  very  actively 
engaged  in  social  and  charitable  work.  He  is  a 
Director  and  very  active  member  of  the  Hebrew 
Institute,  where  he  had  also  been  an  effective  mem- 
ber on  its  building  committee.  He  is  a  member  of 
the  Beth  David  Hospital,  the  Free  Loan  Association 

and  other  Jewish  institutions  all  over  the  country.     He  also  indulges  to  a 
considerable  extent  in  practical  private  charity  wherever  he  goes. 

On  the  third  of  June,  1917,  Mr.  Horowitz  was  married  to  Miss  Lillian 
Schainuck,  the  accomplished  only  daughter  of  Mr.  Benjamin  Schainuck,  a 
renowned  man  of  wealth  in  Pittston,  Pa.  And  although  Mrs.  Horowitz  is 
American  by  birth  and  had  graduated  in  high  school  with  distinciton,  she  is 
thoroughly  Jewish  and  as  orthodox  as  her  father  and  husband. 


I  Jill 


LOUIS  HORN 

Mr.  Louis  Horn  of  Pittsburgh,  Pa.,  is  not  only  a  highly  successful  mer- 
chant, but  he  is  one  of  the  most  interesting  personalities  one  is  apt  to  meet 
in  any  relation  in  life.  He  is  just  fifty  years  of  age,  having  first  seen  the 
light  of  day  in  the  city  of  New  York  on  July  31,  1867.  He  is  of  German 
stock,  his  father,  still  living  and  eighty-five  years  of  age,  having  settled  here 
after  he  left  Germany  fifty-six  years  ago.  Louis  attended  public  school  in 
New  York  and  started  to  work  at  the  age  of  twelve.  He  at  first  took  to  the 
occupation  of  selling  newspapers  in  the  streets,  then  went  to  peddling,  and  at 
the  age  of  twenty-three  he  went  to  live  in  Pittsburgh. 

At  first  he  opened  a  retail  dry  goods  store  on  Fifth  avenue ;  gradually 
developing,  he  went  into  the  wholesale  line,  so  that  within  ten  years  he  had 
added  different  articles,  like  silks,  velvets,  hosier)'  and  underwear  to  his  line 
of  merchandise.  His  place  of  business  at  the  present  writing  is  located  at  "jj 
Chatham  street,  under  the  firm  name  of  Louis  Horn  &  Son. 

Mr.  Horn  belongs  to  a  number  of  fraternal  organizations,  including  the 
Masons,  Moose,  Knights  of  Pythias,  and  others.  He  is  active  in  the  Young 
Men's  Hebrew  Association  of  Pittsburgh,  and  for  the  last  twenty-five  years 
has  been  a  member  of  the  Tree  of  Life  Congregation. 

In  1889  Mr.  Horn  was  married  to  the  late  Rebecca  Dribble  of  New  York. 
Eight  children  have  blessed  this  union,  named  Leo,  Hanna,  Jacob,  Harry,  Mor- 
ris, Albert,  Joseph  and  Elizabeth.  Leo  Horn  was  married  on  November  5, 
1916,  to  Bertha  Bildhauer.  Harry  and  Morris  have  enlisted  in  the  United 
States  army. 

Mr.  Horn  is  of  the  opinion  that  hard  work,  clean  life  and  a  vigorous 
ambition  to  succeed  will  lead  us  wherever  we  want  to  go.  He  believes  in  regu- 
lar school  attendance  and  a  religious  spirit.  He  strongly  emphasizes  the  need 
of  a  thorough   Tewish  education. 


HARRY  HURWITZ 

To  a  young  man  with  a  definite  ambition  to  succeed,  no  occupation  is 
too  humble,  provided  it  is  honest  and  is  likely  to  prove  a  stepping  stone  to 
future  success. 

This  seems  to  have  been  the  sentiment  of  Mr.  Harry  Hurwitz  who  was 
born  in  Hulick,  Russia,  September  25,  1889,  the  son  of  Ishiah  Hurwitz,  a 
prominent  Jewish  scholar  of  that  town. 

Mr.  Hurwitz  came  to  America  during  the  winter  of  1905,  and  coming  to 
Columbus,  Ohio,  peddled  small  wares  for  about  three  years,  meeting  with  only 
a  very  moderate  success.  He  began  working  as  conductor  on  a  street  car, 
where  he  continued  for  four  years.  His  next  venture  was  in  the  junk  busi- 
ness, and  having  little  capital  he  peddled  with  a  wagon  until  1915  when  he 
came  to  Newark,  Ohio,  and  opened  a  yard  with  his  brother  Sam.  The  fol- 
lowing year  he  suffered  the  great  misfortune  of  losing  his  brother  by  death, 
and  since  that  time  has  been  running  the  business  by  himself. 

The  firm  is  very  prosperous  and  is  still  operated  under  the  old  name  of 
Hurwitz  and  Hurwitz,  where  all  sorts  of  scrap  iron  and  rubber  are  handled. 

In  reading  the  life  history  of  Mr.  Hurwitz  it  would  seem  that  young 
people  should  receive  much  inspiration  owing  to  the  fact  that  few  young  men 
have  started  with  less  opportunities.  The  same  perseverance,  hard  work,  and 
steadfast  determination  to  succeed  will  place  others  in  the  enviable  position 
which  Mr.  Hurwitz  occupies  amongst  his  business  associates  today. 

Mr.  Hurwitz  is  very  public  spirited,  contributing  liberally  to  various 
charities  including  the  Denver  Sanitarium  and  is  also  a  most  prominent 
member  of  the  Knights  of  Joseph  and  the  National  Jewish  'Working  Alliance. 

131 


NATHAN    I.    ISAACSON 


The  photo  cut  herewith  is  a  reproduction  of  Mr.  Isaacson,  the  only  son 
of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Herman  B.  Isaacson  of  New  York,  who  passed  from  this 
life  on  October  29,  1913,  at  the  age  of  thirty-eight  years. 

Mr.  Isaacson  was  one  of  the  most  accomplished  Jewish  young  men  in  the 
local  Orthodox  community,  was  a  scholar,  pious  and  beautiful  both  in  body 
and  character,  and  was  born  September  1,  1876. 

His  accomplishments  made  his  parents  happy 
and  he  was  beloved  by  all  who  mingled  in  his  circle, 
but  the  unfortunate  young  man  who  had  to  leave 
this  world  so  early  in  life  endured  years  of  bitter 
suffering. 

Nine  years  before  his  death,  when  apparently 
healthy  and  extremely  handsome,  he  suddenly  be- 
gan to  complain  of  pains  in  his  leg,  which  pains 
became  more  and  more  acute,  necessitating  in  a 
short  time  amputation.  A  year  before  his  death  he 
developed  a  tumor  in  his  head.  He  was  operated 
upon  four  times,  and  at  the  end,  after  having  suf- 
fered for  an  entire  year,  and  after  his  parents  had 
expended  a  fortune  to  save  him,  he  departed  from 
this  life,  leaving  an  eternal  and  incurable  wound  in 
the  hearts  of  his  parents,  his  wife  and  four  children, 
who  under  their  mother's  tutelage  are  receiving  ex- 
cellent Jewish  education. 


MAX  LOUIS  ISRAEL 


In  every  community  you  will  find  successful  men  in  all  walks  of  life  who 
in  consistency  with  their  altruistic  nature,  are  only  content  when  doing  some- 
thing to  elevate  their  fellow-men. 

In  the  city  of  Dayton,  Ohio,  you  will  need  to  make  but  few  inquiries  to 
find  that  Mr.  Max  Israel  is  one  of  these  men  who,  for  his  noble  deeds,  his 
wide-awake  civic  interests,  his  accomplishments  for  the  common  good,  is 
known  in  every  home  of  the  community. 

Born  on  the  fifth  day  of  April,  1874,  in  the  beautiful  village  of  Torin, 
Germany,  amidst  enviable  home  surroundings,  he  was  reared  by  his  father, 
Benjamin,  and  his  mother.  Bertha,  in  a  wholesome  atmosphere  which  pre- 
pared him  to  meet  the  later  vicissitudes  of  life. 

In  1881,  in  company  with  his  parents,  he  immigrated  to  this  country  from 
his  native  land  to  enjoy  the  blessings  of  liberty  and  to  take  advantage  of  the 
wonderful  opportunities  this  country  offered.  At  the  age  of  eighteen  he 
entered  his  father's  iron  and  steel  business,  from  which  his  father  retired  in 
1905,  and  of  which  he  is  today  Vice-President  and  Treasurer.  The  firm  is 
operated  under  the  title  "The  Israel  Bros.  Iron  &  Steel  Co."  Mr.  Israel's 
wisdom,  energy  and  good  judgment  has  made  this  firm  one  of  the  best  known 
and  most  successful  in  the  country. 

On  January  10,  1900,  he  married  Miss  Gussie  Wolf,  of  Athen,  Ga.,  who, 
upon  coming  to  Dayton  as  the  bride  of  Mr.  Israel,  charmed  and  delighted  all 
who  had  the  pleasure  of  coming  within  the  radius  of  her  remarkable  per- 
sonality. This  marriage  has  been  blessed  with  two  children,  one  boy  and  one 
girl,  who  are  destined  to  follow  the  footprints  of  their  parents. 

Mr.  Israel  is  fortunate  in  the  companionship  and  love  of  his  brothers,  five 

132 


in  all,  and  three  sisters.  One  brother,  Mr.  Harry  Israel,  is  now  a  representa- 
tive of  the  firm  at  Columbus,  Ohio. 

Mr.  Israel  has  always  taken  an  active  interest  in  civic,  fraternal  and  com- 
munal affairs,  and  many  times  has  been  repeatedly  honored  by  various  organ- 
izations, although  he  is  of  a  very  modest  disposition  and  very  reticent  about 
speaking  of  these  matters. 

He  is  connected  with  all  worthy  institutions  and  organizations  of  Dayton, 
is  Vice-President  of  the  Federation  of  Jewish  Charities,  a  member  of  the 
Board  of  Directors  of  the  Temple.  As  Director  of  the  Jewish  War  Sufferers 
of  Dayton,  he  was  instrumental  in  raising  the  huge  sum  of  ten  million  dollars 
for  the  alleviation  of  suffering  among  the  war  stricken  Jews.  He  is  Vice- 
Chairman  of  the  Traffic  Board  of  Greater  Dayton  Association,  a  member  of 
the  B'nai  B'rith,  U.  C.  T.,  Knights  of  Pythias,  the  Brotherhood  of  Elks,  and 
other  fraternal  and  social  organizations. 

He  is  a  director  in  many  large  commercial  institutions,  among  which  he  is 
Vice-President  of  the  Dayton  Bronze  Bearing  Co.  and  takes  an  active  interest 
in  all  his  business  connections.  His  career  can  well  be  studied  by  the  younger 
generation  as  an  ideal  worthy  of  emulation. 


WILLIAM  JACKSON 

Although  the  Jew's  have  perhaps  won  most  recognition  as  leaders  in  com- 
merce and  merchandising,  at  the  same  time  they  have  contributed  much  to 
science  and  invention.  We  are  told  that  many  of  our  so-called  modern  inven- 
tions were  in  use  by  the  Jews  many  years  before  our  western  civilization  began. 

Histroy  does  not  state  whether  or  not  they  knew  anything  of  harnessing 
that  greatest  of  all  modern  servants,  electricity,  but  certain  it  is  that  her  possi- 
bilities are  well  known  and  applied  by  the  Jews  of  today. 

One  of  the  best  electricians  in  Detroit  is  Mr.  William  Jackson,  who  was 
born  in  Dalena,  Austria,  October  21,  1880,  his  father  being  a  large  owner  of 
flour  mills  and  like  many  of  the  older  Jewish  business  men,  a  man  of  great 
learning.  He  came  to  New  York  in  1902  and  obtained  his  first  employment 
in  a  plumbing  shop. 

Remaining  only  a  short  time,  he  went  to  work  in  the  electrical  machine 
business,  where  he  remained  until  1907,  after  which  he  went  with  the  West- 
inghouse  Electric  Company  as  road  repair  man.  Two  and  one-half  years  later 
he  went  with  The  Illinois  Steel  Co.  at  Gary,  Ind.,  where  he  was  foreman  of 
the  electrical  department,  a  position  of  great  responsibility. 

Two  and  one-half  years  later  he  returned  to  Detroit  as  superintendent  of 
the  Amature  Motor  Works  and  was  there  over  three  years  when  he  joined 
his  present  firm,  The  Spaulding'  Electrical  Co.,  at  a  handsome  salary. 

Mr.  Jackson  was  married  July  22,  1903,  to  Miss  Pauline  Kirshenbaum 
of  New  York. 

They  have  three  children,  two  girls  and  one  son.  The  eldest  daughter, 
Bella,  is  going  to  school  and  taking  piano  lessons. 

Mr.  Jackson  is  a  32nd  degree  Mason  and  is  also  a  member  of  the  Shrine. 

Both  himself  and  wife  are.  most  generous  in  their  contribution  to  chari- 
ties and  are  public  spirited,  useful  citizens. 


133 


MAX  JACOBS 

To  those  who  have  ever  doubted  the  inestimable  value  of  Jewish  immigra- 
tion to  this  country,  a  most  casual  investigation  of  their  activities  in  business, 
in  science,  in  literature  and  music  would  convince  that  they  are  bringing  to 
our  shores  unparalleled  examples  of  concentration,  ability,  industry,  courage 
and  patriotism. 

In  our  schools  they  will  find  the  children  of  Jews  standing  high  in  their 
classes,  maintaining  the  honor  of  those  ancestors  who  gave  to  the  world  its 
first  court  of  justice  and  its  first  literature,  including  the  great  Book  of  Books. 

This  reminds  us  of  the  life  history  of  Mr.  Max  Jacobs  and  his  fine  family 
of  eight  children,  all  of  whom  are  occupying  honorable  and  responsible  posi- 
tions in  life. 

Mr.  Jacobs  was  born  in  Lidvonvoi,  Russia,  September  21,  1864.  His 
father,  Gaziel  Jacobs,  was  a  bottle  merchant  and  engaged  in  the  real  estate 
business.     He  was  also  a  Talmudic  scholar  of  considerable  attainments. 

Mr.  Jacobs  came  to  America  in  July,  1880,  landing  in  Baltimore,  but 
went  to  Detroit  where  he  worked  for  a  tailor  for  about  a  week,  after  which 
time  he  started  peddling  junk. 

The  next  five  years  were  very  hard  ones,  as  he  had  to  resort  to  any  occu- 
pation by  which  he  could  make  an  honest  living.  During  this  time  he  was 
much  benefited  by  the  advice  given  him  by  an  older  brother,  and  at  the  expira- 
tion of  five  years  went  into  the  bottle  business,  which  has  netted  him  a  large 
fortune. 

Of  his  eight  children  four  of  the  sons  are  in  business  with  their  father 
under  the  title  of  M.  Jacobs  &  Sons. 

All  of  his  children  have  excellent  educations,  and  are  occupying  positions 
of  prominence  and  responsibility. 

Mr.  Jacobs  is  a  prominent  member  of  Beth  Jacob,  having  held  every  office 
in  that  organization.  He  is  also  a  member  of  Chered  Zakek  and  is  at  the 
present  time  trustee  of  Beth  Abraham.  He  is  also  affiliated  with  the  Odd 
Fellows  and  the  Knights  of  Pythias. 

His  contributions  to  charity  are  exceedingly  liberal,  embracing  all  local 
organizations,  as  well  as  those  of  national  scope,  including  the  Denver 
Sanitarium. 

His  influence  and  usefulness  are  of  far  reaching  importance  and  it  is  a 
pleasure  to  have  this  opportunity  of  recognizing  them  while  he  is  still  in  active 
business  life  so  he  may  know  in  what  high  esteem  he  is  held  by  his  con- 
temporaries. 


HYMAN  S.  JACOBS 

Mr.  Hyman  S.  Jacobs  of  Atlanta,  Ga.,  and  Jacksonville,  Fla.,  is  a  young 
rnan,  very  young  in  fact,  having  been  born  on  the  15th  of  March,  1882,  in 
Rassin,  Government  of  Kovno,  but  he  has  distinguished  himself  already  not 
only  in  the  field  of  business  but  also  in  the  realm  of  philanthropy  and  social 
work. 

Mr.  Jacobs  is  the  son  of  Abraham  and  Rose  Jacobs,  who  live  in  Atlanta, 
Ga.  His  father  is  a  strict  Orthodox.  Young  Jacobs  came  to  America  in  1891  ; 
he  attended  school  in  Atlanta  until  1898.  He  began  his  business-career  work- 
ing for  an  uncle  at  Pensacola,  Fla.  For  a  time  he  was  employed  in  the  furni- 
ture business  at  Columbus,  Ga. ;  he  then  went  into  the  wholesale  liquor  busi- 
ness, conducting  it  in  many  sections  and  places.  He  now  owns  a  large  business 
in  that  line  at  No.  1127  West  Forsyth  street,  Jacksonville,  Fla.     Outside  of 

134 


that  he  is  interested  in  real  estate  in  Atlanta  and  is  a  Director  and  former 
President  of  the  Mutual  Savings  Company  of  Atlanta. 

But  the  most  interesting  feature  of  Mr.  Jacob's  career  is  that  wherever 
he  comes  for  business,  he  becomes  interested  and  is  active  in  social  work. 
In  Atlanta  he  was  the  President  of  the  Y.  M.  H.  A.,  he  was  their  Secretary 
for  seven  years  and  is  now  an  honorary  Director  of  the  Jewish  Educational 
Alliance ;  he  is  a  Director  of  the  Atlanta  Hebrew  Orphan  Home,  and  he  was 
also  Vice-President  of  the  Congregation  Ahabath  Achim.  In  Columbia,  Ga., 
he  was  the  Treasurer  of  the  War  Sufferers'  Relief  Fund :  in  Chattanooga, 
Tenn.,  he  was  a  Director  of  the  Y.  M.  H.  A. ;  and  in  Jacksonville  he  is  a 
Director  of  the  Orthodox  Congregation  of  the  United  Jewish  Charities,  of  the 
Jewish  Soldiers'  Welfare  League,  of  the  Y.  M.  H.  A.  and  is  the  Treasurer 
of  the  Jewish  Relief  Fund. 

His  wife  Sadie  (Saul),  to  whom  he  was  married  on  the  30th  of  December, 
1908,  is  a  devoted  Zionist,  and  active  in  the  Hadassah  organization. 


SAMUEL  JACOBSON 

When  one  stops  to  consider  how  many  of  our  eminent  men  have  at  one 
time  been  newsboys,  it  seems  that  it  is  almost  a  physical  impossibility  to  make 
one's  place  in  the  world  without  having  been  through  a  course  in  selling  news- 
papers, the  benefits  of  which  have  never  been  realized  to  such  an  extent  from 
any  course  which  the  modern  college  has  to  offer.  The  very  experiences  which 
the  newsboy  encounters  are  such  as  to  make  him  able  to  cope  with  the  prob- 
lems of  life  which  he  must  sooner  or  later  experience.  From  the  scorching 
summer  days  to  the  "below-zero"  weather  of  our  northern  winters  he  is  always 
on  the  jump  to  add  whatever  he  can  to  his  small  store,  in  order  that  he  may 
rise  to  higher  things.  The  very  qualities  which  the  young  newsboy  displays 
argue  well  for  success.  And  in  this  respect  the  life  story  of  Mr.  Samuel  Jacob- 
son  rings  true  to  the  core.  When  Rachel  Jacobson,  wife  of  Mr.  Morris 
Jacobson,  a  grain  and  forest  merchant  of  Vilna,  Russia,  and  one  of  its  most 
renowned  Jewish  scholars,  gave  birth  to  Sam,  little  did  she  think  of  how  he 
was  destined  to  make  his  way  in  the  new  world. 

From  the  age  of  thirteen,  when  he  set  foot  on  American  soil,  to  the  ripe 
age  of  twenty-one,  Samuel  sold  newspapers  in  Cleveland  for  a  livelihood.  Not 
that  he  especially  cared  for  that  particular  profession,  but  that  he  might  be 
allowed  the  opportunity  of  attending  Spencerian  College,  where  fie  was  to  pre- 
pare himself  for  his  new  career.  Sam,  evidently  desiring  to  make  the  most  of 
his  twenty-four  hours,  kept  books  for  a  number  of  firms,  day  and  night,  in 
order  to  work  up  some  available  capital  with  which  to  enter  into  business  for 
himself. 

Soon  the  time  was  at  hand,  and  he  launched  forth  into  business  with  what- 
ever capital  he  could  bring  together  and  formed  several  partnerships.  But  his 
individual  enterprise  soon  led  him  on  into  new  fields  where  he  not  only  saw 
an  opportunity  for  self-remuneration  but  also  the  means  to  employ  business 
methods  in  the  reclamation  of  material  which  had  formerly  been  a  loss  to  the 
men  who  were  interested  in  installing  modern  plumbing  in  our  present  building 
schemes. 

As  a  result,  Sam  Jacobson  is  today  the  principal  owner  of  the  successful 
plumbing  supply  company  known  by  his  name,  and  located  at  215-221  St.  Clair 
avenue,  Cleveland. 

His  wife,  formerly  Miss  Dorothy  Gimp,  the  daughter  of  Herman  and  Anna 
Gimp,  has  been  of  the  greatest  assistance  to  him  in  establishing  himself  as  a 

135 


man  of  respect  in  the  Jewish  community,  while  his  two  small  sons  are  already 
beginning  to  show  signs  of  inheriting  their  father's  ability. 

Although  one  more  devoted  to  the  Jewish  cause  can  hardly  be  found, 
Mr.  Samuel  Jacobson's  contributions  to  charity  have  not  been  limited  by  race, 
creed  or  religion.  The  Mt.  Sinai  Hospital  has  been  the  recipient  of  many  kind 
gifts  from  him,  while  the  war  sufferers,  both  Jewish  as  well  as  Gentiles,  have 
felt  the  kindness  and  good  will  of  this  youthful  sympathizer.  Besides  being 
a  member  of  the  Anshe  Emeth  Congregation,  Mr.  Jacobson  is  a  member  of 
several  prominent  social  organizations  in  Cleveland  and  is  very  highly  regarded 
by  a  large  circle  of  acquaintances. 


ABRAHAM    JAFFA 

A  community  is  successful  or  otherwise  largely  because  of  the  nature  of 
the  industries  it  contains. 

One  of  the  principal  business  houses  of  Gardner,  Mass.,  is  the  Gardner 
Metal  &  Iron  Company,  of  which  one  of  the  active  partners  is  Mr.  Abraham 
Jaffa. 

Mr.  Jaffa  was  born  in  Minsk,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  1872,  and  came  to 
America  in  1904.  He  found  his  way  directly  to  Gardner,  Mass.,  where  he 
worked  in  a  junk  yard  for  two  years  at  a  very  small  salary.  Then  followed 
a  year  and  a  half  during  which  he  bought  and  sold 
junk  in  a  small  way,  after  which  he  opened  a  yard 
which  has  grown  into  the  present  immense  business, 
giving  employment  to  a  number  of  people. 

Mr.  Jaffa  was  married  in  Russia  in  1898  to 
Miss  Mollie-  Sorodnitzky,  and  they  have  one  daugh- 
ter who  is  going  to  school  and  also  being  educated 
in  music. 

The  Jews  are  noted  for  their  generosity  in  mat- 
ters of  charity,  as  it  is  one  of  the  fundamental  prin- 
ciples of  their  religion,  and  Mr.  Jaffa  is  no  excep- 
tion in  this  respect.  He  is  most  generous  in  his 
gifts  to  all  charities,  regardless  of  nationality  or  re- 
ligion, and  is  also  a  faithful  attendant  at  the  Avas 
Sholom  Congregation,  of  which  he  is  President. 
He  is  also  Past  President  and  Treasurer  of  I.  O. 
B.  A. 


WILLIAM    JOFFE 

For  many  centuries  the  Jew  has  been  the  leader  in  finance — the  factor 
which  has  supplied  money  to  many  nations.  Yet  in  all  his  transactions  he 
has  proven  himself  a  creator  rather  than  a  destructionist,  as  with  few  excep- 
tions the  Jews  have  built  their  fortunes  along  lines  of  conservation  or  as  manu- 
facturers and  merchants. 

The  men  who  cause  the  waste  of  our  country  to  be  gathered  up  and 
diverted  to  new  uses  are  the  greatest  of  all  constructionists. 

136 


Such  a  man  is  Wm.  Joffe,  who  was  born  in  Kovna,  Guberne,  Russia, 
October  10,  1885,  his  father,  Mr.  Loeb  Joffe,  being  a  great  scholar  and  suc- 
cessful merchant. 

Deciding  to  come  to  America  after  being  told  by  friends  of  the  opportuni- 
ties which  the  new  world  offered,  he  left  his  native  land  in  July,  1907,  and 
after  landing,  came  direct  to  Sidney,  Ohio,  and  started  to  buy  and  sell  junk. 
This  he  continued  four  years,  when  he  went  to  Hartford,  Conn.,  and  engaged 
in  the  drygoods  business.  Here  he  was  very  unsuccessful,  and  out  of  over 
$5,000  capital  invested,  left  Hartford  with  but  $6.70.  Coming  back  to  Sidney, 
he  again  began  peddling  junk,  and  in  seven  weeks  cleared  $410.  His  sister 
having  married,  he  sent  her  $150  as  a  wedding  present,  and  with  $253,  his  entire 
capital,  went  to  Van  Wert,  Ohio,  and  opened  a  junk  yard,  which  he  still  owns, 
although  he  has  a  manager  to  look  after  his  interests,  as  he  is  also  in  partner- 
ship with  his  brother-in-law,  Mr.  Jacob  Solomon,  under  the  firm  name  of 
Sidney  Iron  and  Metal  Co.,  and  here  he  devotes  his  time  as  financial  manager, 
Mr.  Solomon  being  business  manager. 

He  also  has  interests  in  various  other  companies  and  considerable  real 
estate. 

Mr.  Joffe  is  a  member  of  the  Wayne  Avenue  Congregation  of  Dayton, 
the  Immigration  Society  of  New  York  and  the  Misnuch  Society  of  New  York. 
He  subscribes  liberally  to  all  charities,  including  the  Denver  and  Los  Angeles 
sanitariums. 

The  Joffe  family  are  very  prominent  in  their  native  country,  the  grand- 
father and  uncle  being  Rabbis  and  very  learned  men. 


MAX    KAHNE 

Although  Mr.  Max  Kahne  did  not  come  to  America  until  he  was  thirty- 
five  years  of  age,  a  time  of  life  when  most  men  consider  that  they  must  have 
their  careers  very  definitely  outlined,  he  has  accomplished  more  than  many 
native-born  business  men  who  have  had  twice  the  number  of  advantages 
which  were  allotted  to  him. 

He  was  born  in  Sulzberg,  Baden,  Germany,  September  2,  1846,  the  son 
of  Marks  Kahne,  a  prominent  Jew  of  that  locality.  He  came  to  America  at 
the  age  of  thirty-five  and  seized  the  first  employment  which  came  to  hand, 
which  happened'  to  be  in  a  tannery  in  New  York.  Here  he  remained  for  two 
years  and  then  went  to  Baltimore,  Md.,  where  he  remained,  for  about  the 
same  length  of  time.  Deciding  that  the  West  offered  more  opportunity,  he 
bought  a  ticket  for  Chicago,  but  on  his  way  was  compelled  to  remain  over 
night  at  Ashtabula,  Ohio.  The  next  morning  he  found  some  old  friends,  who 
persuaded  him  to  remain  in  Ashtabula  and  found  employment  for  him  in  a 
tannery.  Here  he  remained  for  six  months,  when  he  decided  to  go  into  busi- 
ness for  himself  and  opened  a  cigar  store  with  newspaper  and  magazine  stand 
attached.  He  continued  this  business  on  a  large  scale  until  the  time  of  his 
death,  which  occurred  in  Ashtabula,  February  10,  1918,  and  on  that  day 
Ashtabula  lost  a  public-spirited  citizen  of  sterling  moral  worth,  business  integ- 
rity and  unusual  benevolence,  a  man  who  was  a  loyal  Jew,  a  patriotic  American 
and  whose  every  action  reflected  credit  upon  his  race.  He  was  also  a  great 
Talmudist  and  gave  to  his  children  a  rich  heritage  of  Hebrew  knowledge. 

Mr.  Kahne  was  married  in  Constant,  Germany,  October  24,  1871,  to  Miss 
Emma  Bernheim,  and  both  have  dispensed  charity  to  every  worthy  cause,  irre- 
spective of  race  or  creed.  They  have  two  sons,  one  of  whom  is  a  prominent 
doctor  in  Cleveland,  Ohio ;  the  other  taking  complete  charge  of  his  father's 
business. 

Mrs.  Kahne  is  still  very  active  in  works  of  benevolence  and  devotes  a 
great  deal  of  time,  as  well  as  money,  to  their  promotion. 

137 


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Js^v..  ^9H 

BENJAMIN  F.  KAHN 

The  Union  Square  Theatre,  situated  at  Fourteenth  street  and  Broadway. 
New  York  City,  is  in  many  respects  one  of  the  finest  and  cleanest  amusement 
places  of  its  kind.  Clean  and  wholeome  burlesque,  with  a  change  of  program 
ever)'  Monday,  is  what  its  owner,  Mr.  Benjamin  F.  Kahn,  had  striven  to  give 
his  public  for  some  time  past,  and  he  can  proudly  state  that  the  theatre  he  oper- 
ates is  the  only  burlesque  theatre  in  the  city  where  the  "ladies  can  feel  at 
home,"  and  one  can  find  at  each  performance  as  many  women  as  men — a  condi- 
tion not  found  in  any  other  burlesque  house. 

Mr.  Benjamin  F.  Kahn  was  born  in  Bavaria  in  the  month  of  May,  1872, 
and  was  brought  to  this  country  as  a  child  of  eleven.  His  father,  Elias  Kahn, 
established  himself  in  the  meat  business,  and  the  boy  helped  after  school  hours, 
running  errands  for  him.  At  the  age  of  sixteen  Benjamin  secured  a  position 
as  stock  boy  in  a  wholesale  hothouse,  where  he  remained  five  years,  advancing 
himself  to  the  position  of  traveling  salesman.  At 
the  age  of  twenty-one,  Mr.  Kahn  entered  the  em- 
ploy of  Sullivan,  Harris  &  Woods  as  a  so-called 
advance  agent,  and  after  four  years  he  decided  to 
enter  the  theatrical  field  in  his  own  right. 

Acting  on  this  impulse,  he  immediately  leased 
from  Sullivan,  Harris  &  Woods  a  few  successful 
plays  such  as  "The  Fatal  Wedding,"  "Wedded  and 
Parted,"  "At  Cripple  Creek,"  "Tangled  Relations" 
and  other  productions,  touring  the  country  for  a 
number  of  years.  The  venture  proved  a  tremen- 
dous success,  and  towards  the  close  of  1906  he 
became  a  manager  for  the  various  vaudeville  thea- 
tres operated  by  the  B.  F.  Keith  combination. 
While  managing  Keith's  Union  Square  Theatre, 
B.  F.  Keith's  lease  expired  and  Mr.  Kahn  saw  that 
his  employers  were  not  going  to  renew  it.     In  1914 

he  renewed,  the  lease  for  himself,  remodeled  the  entire  theatre  and  today  he 
owns  one  of  the  most  splendid  amusement  places  in  New  York  City.  He 
conceived  the  idea  and  originated  "The  Family  Stock  Burlesque,"  housing  the 
same  comedians  the  entire  season  and  giving  the  public  clean  and  wholesome 
burlesque.  The  theatre  is  very  comfortable  and  courtesy  is  shown  to  its 
patrons  even  by  the  least  important  clerk  and  emplove. 

There  is  a  green  room,  richly  provided  with  literature,  where  employes 
can  lounge  around  and  spend  their  leisure  time.  Mr.  Kahn  gives  his  personal 
attention  to  the  wants  of  his  patrons,  and  can  be  found  at  the  theatre  every 
day  in  the  week  from  9  o'clock  in  the  morning  until  11  o'clock  at  night. 

A  really  bright  spot  in  the  whole  undertaking  is  Mr.  Kahn's  devotion  to 
the  wants  of  his  employes.  Every  year  he  arranges  a  ball  for  their  benefit. 
At  the  beginning  of  the  war  he  volunteered  his  services  to  the  government, 
but  as  he  is  above  military  age,  he  could  not  be  accepted  into  the  army.  He 
therefore  organized  the  Union  Square  Home  Defense  League,  which  consists 
of  his  male  employes,  with  Mr.  Kahn  as  their  captain.  They  hold  regular 
drills  at  the  Sixteenth  Precinct  Police  Station. 

Mr.  Kahn  is  a  member  of  the  Mount  Neboh  Temple  and  a  liberal  con- 
tributor to  charities.  He  is  a  Master  Mason,  an  Elk,  a  Knight  of  Pythias,  and 
belongs  to  the  orders  B'nai  B'rith  and  the  Eagles.  He  is  married,  his  wife 
being  the  former  Miss  Sadie  Seigler  of  Nashville,  Tenn.,  to  whom  he  was  mar- 
ried in  April,  1906.    They  have  one  son,  Edgar. 

Among  his  documents  Mr.  Kahn  treasures  a  letter  from  the  police  depart- 
ment, in  which  we  find  the  statement  that  during  its  existence  never  was  there 
any  trouble  at  the  theatre  of  any  kind  which  would  necessitate  the  interference 
of  the  police. 


I.W 


HENRY  ELI  KAHN 


A  man  who  has  attained  high  standing,  success  and  distinction  in  some 
particular  field  of  his  chosen  profession  is  not  always  one  from  whom  a  com- 
munity may  expect  much  service  or  ready  co-operation.  Mr.  Henry  Eli  Kahn 
of  Houston,  Texas,  has,  however,  the  happy  faculty  and  the  generous  dispo- 
sition to  combine  the  work  of  a  busy,  well-known  and  widely-extended  law 
practice  with  the  interests  and  activities  of  a  highly  commendable  religious, 
social  and  civic  nature. 

Mr.  Kahn  was  born  to  his  parents,  Pauline  and  Anselm  Kahn,  on  June 
26,  1876,  at  Schirhoffen,  Alsace.  His  grandfather,  Samuel,  was  the  Rabbi  of 
his  native  town,  and  Mr.  Kahn  accordingly  was  imbued  with  the  ideal  of  edu- 
cation from  his  earliest  childhood.  At  the  age  of  eleven  he  came,  accompanied 
by  his  sister,  to  this  country,  and  went  to  Gainesville,  Texas,  where  his  two 
brothers  resided.  Upon  his  arrival  there  he  at  once  entered  the  public  schools 
and  within  a  period  of  eight  years  he  acquired  a  thor- 
ough knowledge  of  English.  Upon  his  graduation, 
June  16,  1895,  he  was  admitted  to  the  University  of 
Texas,  and  four  years  later,  on  June  16,  1899,  he  was 
graduated  as  a  lawyer.  His  admission  to  the  bar  by 
the  Supreme  Court  of  Texas  immediately  followed  his 
graduation,  as  did  also  his  license  to  the  state  courts 
and  to  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States. 

With  a  thorough  preparation  for  his  chosen  field 
of  labor,  Mr.  Kahn  entered  into  partnership  with  an- 
other well-known  attorney  of  Houston,  and  helped 
greatly  to  make  the  law  firm  of  Meek  &  Kahn,  whose 
offices  are  in  the  Hoffman  Building,  famous,  not  only 
in  Houston,  but  throughout  Texas.  And,  while  his 
firm  does  a  general  practice,  Mr.  Kahn  has  gained  a 
wide  and  favorable  reputation  through  his  able  han- 
dling of  criminal  cases.  . 

Aside  from  the  high  standing  Mr.  Kahn  enjoys  in  his  profession,  he 
occupies  also  a  place  of  prominence  in  the  Jewish  community  of  Houston  and 
in  the  city  generally.  With  the  former  he  is  affiliated  through  his  interests  and 
activities  of  a  religious  and  charitable  character,  while  with  the  latter  he  is 
prominently  connected  through  the  services  which  he  has  rendered  in  various 
civic  movements  of  a  progressive  and  altruistic  character.  He  is  particularly 
popular  and  highly  esteemed  in  fraternal  circles,  having  held  the  position  of 
Chancellor  Commander  in  the  order  of  Knights  of  Pythias  and  having  filled 
offices  of  similar  honor  and  distinction  in  the  Woodmen  of  the  World  and 
many  other  organizations. 

On  December  28,  1910,  Mr.  Kahn  was  married  to  Miss  Lottie  Beatrice 
Schermann,  an  accomplished  and  charming  young  lady  of  Goshen,  Ind.,  and 
their  union  has  been  blessed  with  a  lovely  child,  Betty  Rose. 


LEON   I.    KAHN 


In  the  thriving  and  flourishing  city  of  Shreveport,  La.,  the  citizens  have 
for  several  years  been  in  the  habit  of  judging  the  worth  and  value  of  any  new 
enterprise  along  civic  lines  by  the  approval  or  disapproval  of  Commissioner 
Leon  Isaac  Kahn. 

Mr.  Kahn  was  born  in  Shreveport,  November  21,  1870.  His  parents, 
Isaac  and  Fannie  Kahn,  came  originally  from  Alsace.  He  received  his  educa- 
tion in  private  schools  of  his  home  town  and  later  attended  the  Soule  College 

139 


of  New  Orleans  and  the  Thatcher  Military  School.  Upon  leaving  school,  he 
took  up  a  business  career  and  is  at  present  connected  with  the  Levy  Realty 
and  Planting  Co.  His  chief  interests^and  activities  are,  however,  to  be  found 
along  civic  and  progressive  lines.  And  it  is  here  that  he  has  established  an  en- 
viable record  for  public-spiritedness,  political  integrity  and  intelligent  leader- 
ship. 

To  what  extent  the  citizens  of  Shreveport  have  acquired  a  feeling  of 
implicit  trust  and  confidence  in  Mr.  Kahn's  ability  and  integrity  may  be  gauged 
by  the  fact  that  they  placed  him  at  the  head  of  public 
utilities  and  made  him  Commissioner  of  the  water  and 
sewerage  department,  which  position  he  has  filled  with 
honor  and  credit  since  1914.  Since  his  election  to  the 
position  of  Commissioner  many  progressive  measures 
have  been  adopted  by  the  city  administration  chiefly 
through  the  effort  and  instrumentality  of  Mr.  Kahn. 
Among  these  may  be  mentioned  the  successful  han- 
dling by  his  department  of  a  bond  issue  of  $1,250,000, 
which  enabled  the  city  to  acquire  its  efficient  water 
and  sewerage  system  ;  the  establishment  of  the  Shreve- 
port Municipal  Market,  which  has  proved  of  inesti- 
mable benefit  both  to  the  farmers  of  Caddo  Parish 
and  the  households  of  Shreveport;  the  organization  of 
a  Municipal  Employment  Bureau,  whereby  the  prob- 
lem of  unemployment  has  to  a  large  measure  been 
solved  and  the  preventable  cases  of-  poverty  and  unrest  I'effln  *•  Kahn 

among  the  unemployed  have  been  greatly  checked ;  and  the  institution  of  public 
instruction  and  practical  demonstrations  in  the  art  of  canning  fruits  and  vege- 
tables, which  has  promoted  to  a  very  high  degree  the  habit  of  thrift  and  indus- 
try on  the  part  of  the  Shreveport  housewives. 

Aside  from  the  various  positions  Mr.  Kahn  occupies  in  a  political  way, 
he  has  rendered  valuable  services  also  to  numerous  organizations  of  a  pureiy 
charitable  or  civic  character.  Thus  he  is  at  the  present  time  the  Vice  President 
of  the  Southwestern  Water  Works  Association,  which  includes  among  its 
membership  distinguished  men  from  seven  southwestern  states ;  he  is  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Advertisers'  Club  of  America,  a  Director  and  officer  of  the  Lions' 
Club,  a  charter  member  of  the  Elks,  a  member  of  the  League  of  American 
Municipalities,  a  member  of  the  American  Water  Works  Association,  a  Di- 
rector of  the  War  Savings  Stamps  Committee  and  Chairman  of  the  Campaign 
Committee  of  the  War  Camp  Community  Recreation  Fund.  In  the  Jewish 
Community,  too,  Mr.  Kahn  has  always  taken  an  active  interest.  He  is  promi- 
nently identified  with  the  local  congregation  and  the  B'nai  B'rith  Lodge  and 
holds  the  position  of  President  of  the  Columbia  Club. 

Mr.  Kahn  is  pleasantly  domiciled  with  his  wife,  who  was  Miss  Juliette 
Levy,  the  daughter  of  the  late  Captain  Simon  Levy,  to  whom  he  was  married 
on  June  15,  1898,  and  his  daughter,  Leona  Fannie,  in  their  beautiful  home  at 
528  Travis  street. 

That  the  city  of  Shreveport  is  cognizant  and  appreciative  of  Mr.  Kahn's 
services  may  be  seen  from  a  tribute  which  appeared  recently  in  the  local  daily 
press  and  in  which  a  prominent  citizen  summarizes  Mr.  Kahn's  work  ana 
worth  in  the  following  paragraph  : 

"Shreveport  is  to  be  congratulated  upon  having  the  services  of  Mr.  Kahn, 
and  I  believe  I  have  voiced  the  sentiments  of  the  majority  of  our  citizens  in 
saying  to  him  that  we  deeply  appreciate  his  untiring  efforts  in  our  city's  behalf." 


140 


ISAAC    KAMINSKY 

If  one  wants  to  acquaint  himself  with  the  Jewish  immigrant  who  has 
achieved  success  in  this,  the  greatest  Jewish  community  in  the  history  of  Jewry, 
he  cannot  afford  to  overlook  Mr.  Isaac  Kaminsky,  the  head  of  the  well-known 
cloak-making  establishment  bearing  his  name  at  No.  15  to  19  East  Twenty- 
sixth  street,  New  York.  Mr.  Kaminsky  should  not  be  overlooked,  because  of 
his  standing  and  importance  in  the  community,  and  furthermore,  because  of 
the  extremely  interesting  story  which  his  upward  climb  on  Fame's  ladder 
furnishes. 

Mr.  Kaminsky  first  saw  the  light  of  day  on  November  1,  1873,  in  Elie, 
Province  of  Minsk,  where  his  father  was  a  lumber  dealer  of  prominence. 
.By  a  peculiar  coincidence  he  landed  in  this  glorious  land  of  liberty  on  Inde- 
pendence Day,  1889.  That  he  is  not  a  parvenu  or  one  whose  head  has  been 
turned  by  material  success  is  evidenced  by  the  feeling  of  pride  with  which  he 
recounts  his  earlier  struggles  and  his  trials  and  tribulations.  Accompanied  by 
his  mother  and  a  younger  sister  he  arrived  in  New  York  with  barely  enough 
money  with  which  to  send  a  telegram  to  his  brother.  He  had  a  sister  living 
in  Newark,  but  lacked  the  necessary  funds  with  which  to  send  her  a  telegram 
apprising  her  of  his  arrival.  When  he  came  over  here,  most  of  the  immigrant 
Jewish  population  was  more  or  less  directly  concerned  with  the  cloak  and  suit 
industry,  and  when  he  landed  the  first  great  strike  of  workers  in  that  industry 
was  then  in  an  advanced  stage,  and  he  found  poverty  and  troublous  conditions 
everywhere:  and  when  he  heard  of  the  struggles  of  the  workingmen,  little  did 
he  dream  that  at  some  future  day  he  himself  would  be  one  of  the  wealthy 
manufacturers. 

Seeing  that  his  brother  could  do  nothing  for  him,  he  sought  out  his  sister 
in  Newark,  taking  his  mother  and  his  other  sister  with  him,  determined  to 
make  his  way  for  them.  In  Newark  the  same  deplorable  conditions  greeted 
him.  His  brother-in-law  was  out  of  work  and  his  sister  eked  out  a  miserable 
existence  in  a  very  small  shop.  While  in  the  store  Mr.  Kaminsky  noticed  that 
quite  a  few  people  purchased  fly-paper,  and  thought  it  would  be  a  good  idea 
to  go  out  and  peddle  this  article.  His  sister  laughed  at  the  idea,  but  Mr. 
Kaniinsky's  natural  business  instincts  prevailed  and  he  went  out  and  made 
12  cents  as  the  fruit  of  his  first  day's  efforts.  Then  he  sold  matches,  and  later 
carried  a  stock  of  dry  goods  and  chair  seats  on  his  back,  going  from  house  to 
house.  When  the  strike  was  settled,  he  worked  at  cloakmaking,  and  before 
two  years  had  passed  he  went  into  business  for  himself,  with  a  capital  of  $350. 
His  first  shop  was  on  East  Broadway,  where  he  paid  $14  a  month  rent,  and  his 
progress  .may  be  gleaned  by  his  several  successive  moves  and  the  increased 
rent  he  pays — $10,500  per  year — in  his  present  premises,  where  he  has  350 
people  on  his  payroll.  He  is  also  financially  interested  in  another  large  cloak 
concern,  is  the  President  of  a  prominent  realty  company,  and  the  Treasurer  of 
a  large  moving  picture  corporation. 

Mr.  Kaminsky  is  a  member  of  the  Congregation  Poel  Zedek  Anshei  Elie 
on  Forsyth  street,  of  which  his  brother  is  President.  His  charities  are  innu- 
merable and  he  gives  with  a  free  hand  wherever  and  whenever  his  aid  is  called 
upon.  He  is  one  of  the  standing  figures  in  the  Bronx,  where  he  resides,  and  is 
a  member  of  the  Congregation  Kehillath  Israel.  He  is  a  firm  advocate  of  the 
Young  Men's  Hebrew  Association,  to  which  he  once  belonged,  and  which  he 
advises  every  young  man  to  affiliate  with.    He  is  also  a  Free  Mason. 

He  married  in  1895  and  is  a  son-in-law  of  the  famous  Rabbi  of  Wolk- 
owishk.  He  has  five  children  and  has  provided  the  best  of  education  for 
them.  His  oldest  daughter,  Mollie  S.,  was  married  on  the  6th  of  March,  1917, 
to  Mr.  Irving  Stein,  wdiose  father  is  the  owner  of  the  well-known  establish- 
ment of  Stein  &  Blane,  high-class  ladies'  tailors  and  furriers. 


HI 


HARRY  KANDER 

The  Jew  has  been  subjected  to  centuries  of  persecution,  yet  through  all 
the  weary  years  the  hunger  for  knowledge  has  ever  been  a  salient  character- 
istic. No  matter  how  humble  the  home,  it  still  contains  within  its  walls  the 
treasures  of  Jewish  literature  which  are  conned  by  the  evening  lamp  after  the 
day's  work  is  done  and  handed  down  from  father  to  son  as  a  priceless  heritage. 

In  reviewing  the  life  history  of  Mr.  Harry  Kander,  one  is  much  im- 
pressed by  the  manner  in  which  he  took  advantage  of  the  meager  advantages 
open  to  him  and  made  the  most  of  adverse  circumstances. 

He  was  born  in  Kovno,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  April,  1884,  the  son  of 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Mordcha  Leib  Kander,  farmers  in  their  district.  He  came  to 
America  in  the  summer  of  1894  and  landed  in  New  York.  Having  a  brother 
in  Toledo,  Ohio,  he  went  direct  to  that  city.  Here  he  went  to  school  and  sold 
papers  on  the  streets  after  school  hours. 

Two  years  later  he  was  obliged  to  end  his  school  days  and  start  upon  the 
more  serious  problems  of  finding  his  life  work.  His  beginning  was  humble 
as  has  been  the  experience  of  many  men  who  have  won  marked  success  in  life. 

The  first  employment  he  obtained  was  in  a  junk  yard  at  $3  per  week.  By 
steady,  persistent  industry,  in  five  years  he  had  been  advanced  to  $10  per 
week  and  had  saved  $200.  Feeling  that  a  smaller  town  offered  him  more 
opportunity,  he  went  to  Bowling  Green,  Ohio,  and  invested  his  small  capital 
in  the  iron  and  metal  business.  He  was  successful  from  the  beginning,  and 
now  does  a  very  large  business  under  the  firm  name  of  H.  Kander  &  Co. 

He  was  married  in  August,  19.13,  to  Miss  Bessie  Kander,  and  they  have 
one  young  son. 

Mr.  Kander's  advice  to  young  persons  just  starting  out  in  the  world  is  a 
brief  summary  of  the  policy  which  is  so  successfully  operating  in  his  own 
career.  He  says,  "Get  a  job,  work  hard,  save  your  money,  go  into  business 
and  be  honest." 

Mr.  Kander  is  a  member  of  the  Congregation  of  Toledo,  Ohio,  B'nai 
B'rith,  Knights  of  Pythias  and  Odd  Fellows,  and  both  himself  and  wife  con- 
tribute most  generously  to  all  charities,  prominent  among  which  should  be. 
mentioned  Denver  and  Los  Angeles  sanitariums. 


JACOB   KAPLAN 

The  first  principle  underlying  all  Jewish  law  was  that  of  liberty.  Accord- 
ing to  their  jurisprudence,  all  men,  heathen  or  Israelite,  were  equal  before  the 
tribunal,  and  no  caste  distinctions  were  ever  made. 

It  is  not  strange,  therefore,  that  America,  the  land  where  liberty  is  founded 
upon  these  same  Judaic  dispensations,  should  become  a  haven  for  this  op- 
pressed people. 

Some  such  feeling  probably  unconsciously  guided  young  Jacob  Kaplan 
when  he  made  his  decision  to  come  to  the  land  of  the  free. 

He  was  born  in  Odessa,  Russia,  December  25,  1874,  his  father  being 
Moshe  Kaplan,  Twei  Socher  Jewish  scholar. 

He  came  to  America  in  the  summer  of  1885,  working  for  two  seasons  on 
a  sugar  plantation  near  New  Orleans  for  60  cents  per  day.  He  then  went  to 
St.  Louis,  where  he  was  with  the  police  department  for  twentv-one  years. 
Deciding  that  this  held  no  further  opportunities  for  him,  he  decided  to  go  into 
business  for  himself,  so  went  to  Los  Angeles,  where  he  ran  a  commission 
house,  handling  fruits.  He  then  went  to  Toledo,  Ohio,  and  engaged  in  the 
same  business.  Later  he  opened  an  iron  and  metal  yard,  where  he  has  been 
most  successful  and  has  accumulated  considerable  wealth. 

142 


Mr.  Kaplan  was  twice  married:  In  St.  Louis,  May  5,  1891,  to  Miss 
Rachel  Applebaum,  and  nine  years  ago  in  Los  Angeles  to  Miss  Chai  Saksi. 
They  have  three  children,  two  boys  and  one  girl,  all  of  whom  will  receive 
excellent  educations. 

Mr.  Kaplan  is  very  prominently  connected  with  various  Jewish  organiza- 
tions, being  President  of  Anshe  Scwort,  President  of  Montefore  Society,  the 
American  Jewish  Aid  Society  and  is  active  in  every  Jewish  movement. 

He  contributes  liberally  to  all  charities  and  is  a  fine  type  of  active,  useful 
citizen. 


BENJAMIN   KAPLAN 

The  watchword  of  all  modernism  is  "Progress"  ;  from  time  immemorial 
the  Jew  has  been  its  chief  exponent.  This  is  to  a  considerable  extent  accounted 
for  from  the  fact  that  education  is  given  so  much  attention  and  is  so  universal 
among  the  Jews. 

Their  literature  and  laws  have  come  through  repression  and  persecution, 
from  antiquity,  to  feel  again  the  breath  of  life  breathed  from  a  modern  era. 
This  was  true  in  the  case  of  the  Kaplan  family,  where  scholarship  has  ever 
been  regarded  as  a  first  consideration. 

The  subject  of  our  biography,  Mr.  Benjamin  Kaplan,  was  born  in  Volna, 
Guberne,  Russia,  March  3,  1867.  His  father,  Mr.  Abraham  Kaplan,  was  a 
wine  merchant  of  his  native  town  and  was  very  well  educated. 

He  was  married  in  1888  to  Miss  Edith  Birrenbaum,  and  a  few  years  later 
when  he  decided  to  try  his  fortunes  in  America,  she  remained  behind  in  the 
old  home  to  care  for  her  children  until  such  time  as  her  husband  could  become 
established  and  send  for  her. 

When  Mr.  Kaplan  landed  in  New  York  he  began  working  in  a  shirt  fac- 
tory for  $3  per  week,  where  he  continued  for  eighteen  months.  Going  to 
Cleveland,  he  spent  the  next  year  and  a  half  in  peddling  brooms  and  other 
commodities,  saving  up  enough  monej'  to  send  for  his  wife  and  children. 

It  was  surely  a  happy  and  fortunate  day  for  the  Kaplans  when  the  wife 
and  mother  landed  in  America,  as,  in  all  the  after  years,  she  was  not  only  of 
the  utmost  assistance  to  him  in  conducting  the  business,  but  was  also  a  con- 
stant source  of  inspiration  and  sympathy,  and  he  attributes  much  of  his  subse- 
quent success  to  her  unceasing  efforts. 

After  the  arrival  of  his  wife,  he  went  to  Monroeville,  Ohio,  where  he 
engaged  in  the  junk  business.  He  also  tried  the  grocery  business  in  Cleveland, 
but  a  fire  destroyed  his  entire  stock,  on  which  he  had  no  insurance,  and  he 
was  obliged  to  start  over  again  with  no  assets  excepting  his  reputation  for 
honesty  and  ability. 

Coming  to  Upper  Sandusky,  Ohio,  he  started  in  the  junk  business,  where 
he  has  been  located  ever  since,  and  where  he  has  been  unusually  successful. 

The  Kaplans  have  six  children,  who,  true  to  the  family  ideals,  have  all 
been  well  educated. 

Mr.  Kaplan  advises  every  progressive  young  man  to  work  hard,  save  his 
money,  and  go  into  business  for  himself.  This  is  the  policy  upon  which  his 
own  success  was  founded. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kaplan  are  very  charitable,  contributing  to  Los  Angeles 
and  Denver  sanitariums  as  well  as  all  local  philanthropies. 


143 


ISAAC   KAPLAN 

During  times  of  national  stress,  such  as  we  are  passing  through  today, 
many  of  us  are  brought  to  realize  the  difficulties  which  have  been  met  and 
overcome  by  men  who  have  acted  as  pioneers  in  the  development  of  certain 
industries.  Conservation  is  now  the  watchword  which  is  helping  us  win  the 
war,  and  to  the  dealers  in  scrap  iron  and  metal  we  owe  much  of  our  present 
ability  to  handle  the  vast  problems  which  are  confronting  us. 

Prominent  in  this  group  of  men  we  wish  to  mention  the  name  of  Air. 
Isaac  Kaplan  of  Detroit,  Mich.,  owner  and  manager  of  the  National  Smelting 
and  Refining  Company  at  ng  Illinois  street. 

He  was  born  in  Russia,  September  27,  1865,  the  son  of  Harry  and  Esther 
Kaplan,  his  father  being  a  teacher  and  highly-  educated  man. 

He  came  to  America  nineteen  years  ago,  and  brought  with  him  a  valuable 
experience,  having  bought  metal  in  Russia.  As  soon  as  he  landed  on  our 
shores  he  engaged  in  the  same  line,  and  the  first  five  years  were  very  hard 
ones,  as  he  was  unable  to  bring  his  family  to  this  country  until  the  expiration 
of  that  time. 

His  first  experience  was  in  St.  Louis,  where  he  peddled  and  collected 
junk  for  three  years.  He  then  went  to  Detroit  and  continued  in  the  same  way 
for  two  years,  when  he  brought  his  family  from  Russia,  and  having  exhausted 
his  entire  finances,  borrowed  fifty  dollars  from  a  friend  and  started  in  business 
at  181  Clinton  street.  Shortly  after  the  business  of  the  country  was  para- 
lyzed by  a  panic  and  during  this  time  the  business  only  netted  himself  and 
his  daughter  seven  dollars  a  week,  and,  by  the  way,  we  feel  that  his  daughter, 
Eva,  is  worthy  of  special  mention,  as  she  has  assisted  her  father  since  she  was 
eleven  years  old  and  is  possessed  of  such  remarkable  business  ability  that  she 
is  the  active  head  of  the  business  during  all  of  his  absences. 

He  continued  on  Clinton  street  for  seven  years,  his  business  showing  a 
steady  and  healthy  growth,  and  has  been  at  his  present  location  for  about  five 
years,  where  he  has  been  exceedingly  successful. 

Some  time  ago  he  was  forced  by  ill  health  to  temporarily  retire,  and  is 
spending  this  winter,  accompanied  by  his' family,  in  Asheville,  N.  C. 

Mr.  Kaplan  was  married  to  Miss  Sarah  Mendelsohn,  and  they  have  nine 
children,  three  boys  and  six  girls. 

Mr.  Kaplan  is  very  active  in  charities,  having  purchased  a  house  on  East 
Warren  avenue,  where  he  formed  a  society  which  maintains  the  building  as 
a  kindergarten  and  school  for  small  children.  Hebrew  is  taught  here  as  well 
as  regular  course  of  study.  He  is  also  a  member  of  the  Michigan  Lodge,  O. 
B.  A.,  and  although  he  is  active  in  five  different  Jewish  societies,  he  is  best 
known  by  his  intimates  as  the  friend  of  all  men,  whether  Christian  or  Jew. 


JOSEPH    KARP 

Mr.  Joseph  Karp,  who  is  the  owner  of  the  Ohio  Auto  Company,  East 
Fifty-fifth  street  and  Euclid  avenue,  in  Cleveland,  Ohio,  is  a  typical  example 
of  devotion  which  has  raised  him  above  the  ordinary  level  of  a  successful 
merchant  and  has  made  his  reputation  among  his  many  friends  a  thing  of  more 
than  passing  regard. 

Mr.  Karp  was  born  and  reared  in  the  city  of  Tulzen,  Russia,  some  thirty- 
five  years  ago,  the  son  of  Moses  and  Rachel  Karp.  His  mother  still  lives  in 
Europe.  In  his  early  manhood  he  went  to  South  Africa,  where  in  the  course 
of  ten  years  he  made  a  creditable  fortune.  But  his  place  of  residence  was 
not  satisfactory,  so  he  decided  to  give  up  his  business  connections  and  settle 

144 


in  the  United  States.  He  came  to  Cleveland  with  a  capital  of  $12,000  in  cash, 
and  went  into  the  grocery  and  real  estate  business,  in  which  he  stayed  just  long 
enough  to  lose  his  fortune.  It  was  a  severe  blow,  but  it  did  not  crush  his 
spirit,  as  Joseph  Karp  was  made  of  the  stuff  which  will  not  admit  of  reverses 
standing  in  the  way  of  future  success.  He  decided  to  start  life  anew ;  little 
by  little  his  money  came  back  to  him  until  he  became  the  owner  of  the  above- 
mentioned  Ohio  Auto  Company,  and.  in  addition,  is  interested  in  the  scrap 
iron  and  metal  business  and  considered  a  wealthy  man. 

All  this  came  in  a  remarkably  short  time.  Mr.  Karp  has  always  retained 
the  esteem  and  regard  of  his  friends  and  business  associates  and  he  is  again 
in  a  position  to  contribute  freely  to  all  causes  that  demand  his  aid  and  attention. 

In  1005  Mr.  Karp  was  married  to  Miss  Anna  Goldstein,  and  the  couple 
are  the  parents  of  three  children.  Morton.  Ruth  and  Sanford. 

Asked  what  he  considered  the  principle  of  success  in  life.  Mr.  Karp 
answered:  "Honesty.  I  have  traveled  all  around  the  world  and  have  experi- 
enced much.     I  am  convinced  that  only  honesty  will  vield  a  true  reward.-' 


EENJAMIN  KARPF 


Some  people  require  decades  to  achieve  a  prominent  success.  Others 
acquire  the  greatest  success  in  a  short  time,  even  though  the  circumstances 
under  which  thev  work  offer  an  equal  handicap.  YVe  can  find  a  strong  proof 
of  this  axiom  in  Mr.  Benjamin  Karpf,  of  346  Broad  street.  Savannah,  Ga.  Mr. 
Karpf  arrived  in  this  country  in  1904,  at  a  time 
when  many  Jewish  immigrants  who  could  not 
achieve  a  success  have  positively  declared  that 
"America  is  already  played  out."  and  that  the  "good 
days  of  yore  are  gone  forever."  But  all  these  say- 
ings did  not  deter  Mr.  Karpf  from  trying,  and  that 
trying  has  its  advantages  can  easily  be  demonstrated 
by  the  fact  that  Mr.  Karpf  is  one  of  the  most  suc- 
cessful business  men  of  Savannah  and  is  reputed  to 
lie  of  great  wealth. 

Mr.  Karpf  was  born  on  the  15th  of  February. 
1886,  in  Soklow.  Galicia.  the  son  of  Simon  and 
Frume  Karpf.  He  comes  from  a  wealthy  and  re- 
spectable Galician  family  and  received  a  good  Jew- 
ish education. 

When  Mr.  Karpf  came  to  America,  he  settled 
in  Xew  York  and  stayed  there  for  three  years,  en- 
gaged as  a  salesman  of  eggs.  He  then  went  to  Savannah,  where  he  engaged  in 
the  business  of  ladies'  "readv-to-wear,"  and  he  made  a  tremendous  success  in 
his  new  undertaking.  He  is  also  a  director  in  The  Mercantile  Bank  and  Trust 
Company,  a  former  director  of  the  Hebrew  School  of  Savannah,  and  generally 
interested  in  every  Jewish  movement  in  the  city. 

Mr.  Karpf  was  married  on  June  30.  iqoS.  to  Miss  Gussie  Rabhen,  who 
had  helped  him  to  his  success,  and  the  couple  are  the  proud  parents  of  three 
children.  Svlvia,  Lucia  and  Beatrice. 


MAX    KARPEL 

It  was  Lincoln  who  said,  "All  that  I  am  or  hope  to  be  I  owe  to  my  angel 
mother."  Many  a  man  in  later  life  has  been  able  to  trace  a  large  share  of  his 
success  to  the  early  influence  of  his  mother's  strong  character  and  personality. 

Mr.  Max  Karpel,  whose  education  was  largely  attained  within  the  walls 
of  his  home  and  in  the  great  world  of  business,  feels  that  he  is  largely  in- 
debted to  his  mother's  intelligence  and  influence. 

Mr.  Karpel  was  born  in  Charkow,  Hungary,  April  8,  1871,  his  father, 
Jacob  Karpel,  being  an  agriculturist.  At  the  age  of  nineteen  he  came  to 
America,  landing  in  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  where  he  peddled  notions  for  two 
years.  He  then  went  to  Cleveland,  Ohio,  and  opened  a  grocery  'store,  which 
he  continued  for  three  years.  Selling  the  grocery,  he  went  to  Ashtabula,  Ohio, 
and  during  the  first  year  peddled  dry  goods.  Deciding  to  invest  his  small 
capital  in  a  business  of  his  own,  he  opened  a  men's  clothing  and  general  fur- 
nishings store,  which  has  grown  into  the  large  institution  he  is  so  successfully 
managing  at  the  present  time. 

Mr.  Karpel  was  married  in  Cleveland,  Ohio,  November  2,  1909,  to  Miss 
Mollie  Strauss,  whose  father,  Albert  Strauss,  is  one  of  the  most  prominent 
Jews  in  Ashtabula.    They  have  two  children. 

Never  forgetting  his  early  struggles  and  the  fact  that  he  for  some  time 
was  obliged  to  do  without  everything  but  the  bare  necessities  of  life,  Mr.  Kar- 
pel is  always  mindful  of  those  in  less  fortunate  circumstances  than  himself, 
and  it  is  one  of  his  greatest  pleasures  to  help  others  to  a  new  start  in  life.  He 
belongs  to  that  class  of  citizens  who  represent  the  best  assets  of  a  community. 

Among  his  fraternal  connections  may  be  mentioned  the  Elks  and  Masons. 
He  is  also  an  a.rdent  supporter  of  all  Jewish  organizations,  although  he  con- 
tributes indiscriminately  to  charities  regardless  of  race  or  religion. 

While  Mr.  Karpel  has  succeeded  without  the  aid  of  much  scholastic 
training,  it  has  caused  him  to  feel  a  keen  appreciation  of  the  advantages  he 
was  not  able  to  enjoy,  and  he  advises  every  young  man  to  obtain  all  the  educa- 
tion possible.  The  next  step  towards  success  is  to  find  out  what  his  abilities 
best  fit  him  for  and  then  attend  strictly  to  business.  These  principles  Mr. 
Karpel  regards  as  the  secrets  of  success. 


ABE  KASLE 

One  of  the  great  problems  confronting  the  young  man  of  today  is  that 
of  selecting  a  permanent  vocation  suitable  to  his  abilities. 

I  recall  a  little  advertisement  which  read  "There  is  gunpowder  in  every 
man,"  and  this  does  not  apply  to  the  explosive  element  which  is  being  used 
with  murderous  intent  upon  the  fields  of  battle-torn  Europe.  It  means  that 
latent  force  hidden  within  the  mental  faculties  of  the  human  being  which 
needs  but  the  spark  of  definite  ambitions  to  ignite  it.  That  so  few  men  have 
found  their  real  mission  in  life  is  largely  due  to  a  lack  of  earnestness  of 
purpose. 

This  quality  we  do  not  find  lacking  in  Mr.  Abe  Kasle  who  came  to 
America  without  money  or  other  unusual  opportunities. 

Mr.  Kasle  was  born  in  Wollin,  Russia,  April  1,  1895,  and  when  but  four- 
teen years  of  age,  came  to  America  where  he  had  a  brother  residing.  On 
July  21,  1909,  we  find  him  transplanted  to  American  soil  where  he  imme- 
diately started  to  peddle  junk.  After  nine  months  of  very  hard  work  he  was 
able  to  repay  every  cent  of  his  indebtedness  to  his  brother,  and  continued 
profitably  in  this  line  for  two  years.     He  then  decided  to  try  the  cigar  making 

146 


trade,  but  did  not  find  it  to  his  liking  so  he  moved  to  Toledo,  where  he  worked 
for  his  brother  in  the  junk  business  for  two  years.  After  another  short  period 
spent  in  Detroit,  he  decided  to  return  to  Toledo,  and  invested  his  savings  in 
the  Kasle  Iron  &  Metal  Company  where  he  remained  for  eighteen  months. 
He  then  decided  to  go  into  the  wholesale  scrap  and  iron  business,  in  which  he 
has  been  exceedingly  successful. 

Mr.  Kasle  was  married  February  14,  1914,  to  Miss  Pearl  Silverstein,  and 
they  have  one  son  and  one  daughter. 

Mr.  Kasle  is  a  member  of  the  Anshe  Sfard  Congregation  of  which  he  is 
also  second  Trustee,  and  is  most  generous  in  his  contributions  to  charities. 


SAMUEL  KASLE 

In  the  history  of  every  business  success,  the  big  share  of  credit  is  due 
the  man  who,  with  practically  no  assistance,  surmounts  obstacles  and  arrives 
at  the  realization  of  his  ideals.  These  are  the  men  to  whom  the  business  world 
is  ever  ready  to  pay  homage. 

Thus  it  is  that  we  find  Mr.  Samuel  Kasle  occupying  a  very  prominent 
position  in  the  business  interests  of  Toledo,  Ohio.  Mr.  Kasle  was  born  in 
Wollin,  Russia,  January  8,  1887,  the  son  of  Hyman  and  Fanny  Kasle.  When 
but  nineteen  years  of  age  he  left  his  native  land  and  arrived  in  New  York, 
where  he  worked  for  four  weeks  as  a  buttonhole  maker.  He  did  not  find  this 
occupation  to  his  liking  so  he  went  to  Monroe,  Mich.,  and  in  order  to  gain 
experience  in  the  business  that  was  to  prove  his  future  life  work,  he  peddled 
junk  for  one  year.  At  the  expiration  of  this  time  he  opened  a  yard  where  he 
remained  four  years.  In  the  meantime  he  had  been  sending  to  Europe  for 
his  brothers  whom  he  wished  to  give  an  opportunity  to  share  in  his  success, 
and  they  then  came  to  Toledo,  Ohio,  where  he  opened  a  small  retail  scrap  yard. 
This  modest  venture  grew  into  the  present  large  wholesale  business,  which  is 
one  of  the  largest  in  the  city. 

We  do  not  think  this  biography  would  be  complete  without  reference  to 
Mr.  Kasle's  home  life,  which  is  ideal  in  every  respect.  He  was  married  June 
27,  191 1,  to  Miss  Hannah  N.  Tuschman  of  Toledo,  Ohio,  and  they  have  two 
fine  children,  one  boy  and  one  girl. 

Mr.  Kasle  never  fails  to  remember  the  early  days  of  his  struggle  toward 
affluence  and  is  consequently  most  generous  to  those  in  less  fortunate  circum- 
stances than  himself,  contributing  most  liberally  to  the  various  charities  which 
come  to  his  attention.  He  is  Treasurer  of  Anshe  Scfort  Congregation  where 
his  services  and  liberal  contributions  are  much  appreciated. 


SAMUEL  KATZENSTEIN 

There  is  a  hidden  chord  in  every  man's  nature  which,  if  touched  by  just 
the  right  influences,  will  vibrate  to  the  urge  of  half-remembered  dreams  and 
ambitions.  Motives  scarcely  possible  of  self-analysis  have  sent  many  a  man 
to  the  ends  of  the  world  in  search  of  opportunities  which  never  cease  beckoning 
them  on. 

Thus  we  find  Samuel  Katzenstein  at  the  age  of  nineteen  bidding  farewell 
to  his  native  land  and  coming  to  America. 

He  was  born  in  Achenhausen.  Germany,  May  25,  1847,  tne  son  °f  Joseph 

147 


and  Sarah  Katzenstein,  his  father  being-  a  grain  merchant  of  his  native  com- 
munity. 

Like  many  other  young  immigrants,  Mr.  Katzenstein  had  a  hard  struggle 
for  the  first  few  years,  finally  coming  to  Alliance,  Ohio,  where  he  found  em- 
ployment clerking  until  he  embarked  in  the  general  dry  goods  business  with  a 
Mr.  Seidenbach  under  the  firm  name  of  Seidenbach  &  katzenstein.  This  part- 
nership lasted  for  three  years,  when  Mr.  Katzenstein  bought  over  the  entire 
business  and  conducted  it  most  successfully  for  forty  years.  In  1916  he 
retired  from  active  service  and  his  brothers  are  now  conducting  the  business. 

An  interesting  sidelight  on  the  character  of  Mr.  Katzenstein  is  the  fact 
that  upon  his  arrival  in  Alliance  he  found  there  was  no  Jewish  Sunday  school, 
so  he  organized  one,  that  the  Jewish  children  of  Alliance  might  have  the  bene- 
fits of  Hebrew  teaching.  The  memory  of  this  Sunday  school  which  he  con- 
ducted so  long  and  so  successfully  is  one  of  the  most  pleasant  incidents  of  his 
life. 

He  was  married  in  1876  to  Miss  Marie  Hecht  of  New  York,  a  woman  of 
charming  and  kindly  personality. 

Mr.  Katzenstein  is  a  member  of  Rabbi  Woolsey's  Temple,  Temple  of  Israel, 
B'nai  B'rith,  Chamber  of  Commerce  and  in  1898  was  elected  to  the  city  coun- 
cil.   He  is  also  the  original  organizer  of  the  Ladies'  Auxiliary. 

His  advice  to  young  men  is  "to  be  a  good  Jew,  respect  your  elders  and 
give  every  one  a  square  deal." 


JOSEPH  M.  KASTNER 

In  former  years  it  was  deemed  quite  necessary  that  every  young  man 
should  be  taught  some  trade,  regardless  of  whether  or  not  he  chose  to  follow 
it  in  later  life. 

While  this  old  fashioned  principle  had  its  disadvantages  when  the  time 
spent  in  learning  it  was  taken  into  consideration,  at  the  same  time  it  has  been 
the  means  to  an  end  for  many  a  struggling  young  man. 

When  Joseph  Kastner  landed  in  America  he  had  many  vague,  half-formed 
longings  for  a  commercial  career,  but  no  capital  with  which  to  begin,  so, 
having  been  taught  the  trade  of  a  cabinet  maker,  he  at  once  turned  to  this 
as  a  means  of  support  and  also  saved  enough  money  for  his  later  venture. 

He  was  born  in  Potolsky,  Guberne,  Russia,  October  25,  1889,  his  father 
being  a  grain  dealer  of  his  native  city. 

He  came  to  America  August  14,  1907,  landing  in  Baltimore,  Md.  He  did 
not  remain  there,  however,  but  went  direct  to  Dayton,  Ohio,  and  began  work- 
ing at  his  trade  of  cabinet  maker. 

Later  he  spent  a  year  in  Chicago  working  at  the  same  trade,  and  again 
four  years  in  Dayton. 

By  this  time  he  had  accumulated  a  small  capital  which  he  decided  to  invest 
in  some  business,  so  he  went  to  Piqua,  Ohio,  and  bought  an  iron  and  metal 
yard,  where  he  has  been  very  successful. 

He  was  married  March  29,  1914,  to  Miss  Sarah  Colp  of  Xenia,  Ohio, 
and  we  feel  that  this  biography  would  be  incomplete  without  special  mention 
of  the  charitable  activities  of  the  lady  who,  by  her  generous,  although  unos- 
tentatious giving,  has  done  an  untold  amount  of  good  in  Piqua. 

The  charitable  activities  of  the  Kastners  are  not  confined  to  their  home 
town,  as  they  are  liberal  contributors  to  Denver  and  Los  Angeles  Hospitals. 

The  Y.  M.  C.  A.  and  Red  Cross  have  also  received  a  generous  share  of 
their  philanthropy. 

Mr.  Kastner  is  a  prominent  man  in  fraternal  organizations,  being  identi- 
fied with  the  Knights  of  Pythias  and  the  Masons.  He  is  also  a  member  of  the 
Jewish  Congregation  of  Piqua  and  B'nai  B'rith. 

148 


EDGAR  J.  KAUFMANN 

The  name  Kaufmann  has  for  two  generations  been  associated  in  the 
minds  of  the  people  of  western  Pennsylvania  with  merchandising  on  a  large 
scale.  Before  coming  to  America  in  the  middle  of  the  nineteenth  century,  the 
Kaufmann  brothers  resided  in  Mannheim,  Germany,  where  their  father  was 
well  known  as  a  cattle  dealer.  In  Pittsburgh  these  four  ( Isaac,  Jacob,  Henry 
and  Morris )  created  "The  Big  Store,"  which  has  sold  "Everything  under  the 
sun"  to  a  greater  clientele  than  any  other  store  between  New  York  and  Chi- 
cago. This  wonderful  institution . is  now  largely  in  the  hands  of  one  of  the 
younger  representatives  of  the  Kaufmann  family,  Edgar  J.  Kaufmann,  a  son 
of  Morris" 

Edgar  J.  Kaufmann  was  born  November  i,  1885,  in  Pittsburgh,  Pa.,  his 
parents  being  Morris  (deceased  in  the  fall  of  1917)  and  Betty  (Wolf).  He 
received  his  education  in  the  public  schools  of  Pittsburgh  ;  he  attended  a  college 
preparatory  school  in  Ithaca,  N.  Y.,  and  later  studied  at  Yale  University.  His 
business  career  started  at  the  age  of  twenty,  when  he  entered  actively  a  num- 
ber of  departments  of  "The  Big  Store."  Today  Mr.  Kaufmann  is  Secretary 
and  Treasurer  of  the  company,  and  in  the  short  time  he  has  served  in  this 
capacity  he  revolutionized  the  system  under  which  it  is  run,  making  it  a 
cosmopolitan  institution,  a  unique  establishment,  with  hardly  another  like  it  in 
the  country. 

The  personality  of  the  man  is  what  chiefly  interests  the  chronicler,  for 
after  one  is"  in  Mr.  Kaufmann's  presence  but  a  few  moments  one  is  impressed 
with  a  certain  personal  charm  of  his  which  is  almost  inexplicable.  He  gives 
all  who  associate  with  him  the  feeling  that  he  is  master  of  the  situation.  One 
realizes  in  his  presence  a  certain  nervous  tension  and  a  certain  mental  activity, 
which  is  unusual  and  which  is  a  recognized  characteristic  of  leaders  of  men. 

Sons  of  rich  men  have  often  been  known  to  conduct  themsleves  as  if  their 
sole  task  in  life  was  to  spend  their  father's  fortune.  Others,  however,  and  of 
whom  there  are  too  few,  similarly  endowed,  have  regarded  their  inheritance 
as  a  public  trust,  as  a  responsibility  and  as  a  social  duty.  They  have  shown 
themselves  to  be  possessed  of  vision,  of  imagination,  and  of  an  appreciation  of 
the  principles  of  co-operation.  Mr.  Kaufmann  belongs,  beyond  a  doubt,  in  the 
second  group.  He  has  an  inordinate  capacity  for  hard  work  and  enthusiasm 
for  getting  results. 

It  is  not  important  to  record  the  variety  of  activities  of  Mr.  Kaufmann,  nor 
their  extent;  that  would  serve  no  end  in  itself,  unless  perhaps  as  indication  of 
what  may  be  expected  from  this  comparatively  young  man  in  the  future,  in 
commerce  and  industry,  and  in  civics  and  philanthropy.  In  addition  to  his 
being  associated  with  the  department  store  business,  Mr.  Kaufmann  is  inter- 
ested in  the  automobile  business,  steel  manufacturing,  and  in  the  theatre  busi- 
ness. Mr.  Kaufmann  is  an  honorary  Director  of  the  Y.  M.  H.  A.  of  Pitts- 
burgh, one  of  the  Trustees  of  the  Irene  Kaufmann  Settlement  and  a  member  of 
the  Hebrew  Institute.  He  is  actively  connected  with  and  a  life  member  of  the 
Chamber  of  Commerce,  of  the  Civic  Club  and  also  of  the  Americus  Club.  He 
is  a  life  member  of  the  Loyal  Order  of  Moose.  He  belongs  to  the  City  Ath- 
letic Club  of  New  York,  the  Yale  Club  of  New  York,  the  Excelsior  Club  of 
Cleveland,  the  Athletic  Club  of  Chicago,  the  Athletic  Club  of  Detroit.  He  is 
affiliated  with  the  Chamber  of  Commerce  of  the  United  States,  and  supports 
in  addition  to  the  local  charities,  the  Hebrew  Union  College  of  Cincinnati,  the 
National  Jewish  Hospital  for  Consumptives  of  Denver. 

During  the  industrial  depression  of  1913  and  1914,  when  hundreds  of 
workmen  were  thrown  out  of  employment  and  immediate  relief  was  a  great 
necessity,  Mr.  Kaufmann  was  active  Chairman  of  the  Bundle  Day  Committee. 
The  energy  and  enthusiasm  which  Mr.  Kaufmann  usually  displays  in  his  busi- 
ness he  threw  into  this  campaign.  Two  hundred  and  eighty  thousand  bundles 
of  discarded  clothing  were  collected  and  distributed  among  the  poor.  When 
the  following  year  a  campaign  was  launched  in  Pittsburgh  in  behalf  of  Belgian 
relief,  again  Mr.   Kaufmann  showed  his  wonderful   organizing  ability.     He 

149 


was  responsible  for  the  slogan,  "A  sack  of  flour  for  Belgium"  ;  282,000  sacks 
of  flour  were  thus  collected. 

Early  in  1917  there  was  in  American  Jewry  an  agitation  for  an  American 
,  Jewish  Congress  to  be  held  in  Washington.  The  purpose  was  to  bring  to  the 
notice  of  the  powers  the  fact  that  the  Jew  as  an  international  figure  deserves 
recognition  when  the  treaty  of  peace  is  to  be  signed.  Some  elements  of  the 
community  were  rather  lukewarm  to  the  whole  proposition,  the  Yiddish-speak- 
ing element  was  the  sole  sponsor  of  the  congress  movement.  It  is  regarded 
today  as  a  fortunate  thing  in  the  history  of  the  Jewish  community  of  Pitts- 
burgh that  Edgar  J.  Kaufmann  decided  to  place  his  name  before  the  qualified 
electors  of  the  city  for  the  office  of  delegate  to  the  Jewish  Congress,  and  fur- 
thermore, to  work  hard  to  secure  such  election.  He  injected  an  interest  into 
the  movement,  a  universal  interest  as  was  never  known  before  in  the  communal 
life  of  the  Jews  of  Pittsburgh.  Here  again  Mr.  Kaufmann's  peculiar  genius 
for  magnitude  and  for  "doing  things  big"  was  evident.  His  personal  popular- 
it}',  his  friendship  with  hundreds  of  persons  in  every  walk  of  life,  the  essential 
democracy  in  his  personality,  and  the  method  of  compaigning  in  person 
"brought  out  the  vote,"  to  use  a  common  political  phrase.  He  helped  to  give 
serious  import  to  a  phase  of  Jewish  life  which  heretofore  received  scant 
recognition.    Thousands  of  people  voted,  thanks  to  Edgar  J.  Kaufmann. 

On  June  22,  1909,  Mr.  Kaufmann  married  his  first  cousin,  Lillian  S. 
Kaufmann,  the  only  daughter  of  Isaac,  mentioned  above.  They  have  one 
child,  a  son,  Edgar,  Jr.,  aged  eight.  Mrs.  Kaufmann  is  an  intellectual,  well- 
read  woman,  in  all  respects  a  fitting  companion  to  her  husband.  Mr.  Kauf- 
mann is  a  member  of  the  Rodef  Shalom  Synagogue,  of  the  Westmoreland 
Country  Club  and  of  the  Concordia  Club. 


HENRY  KEMPER 

Any  young  man  who,  without  special  educational  advantages,  can,  at  the 
age  of  twenty-five,  attain  a  prominent  place  for  himself  in  the  business  life 
of  his  community,  is  worthy  of  a  place  in  a  biographical  work  of  this  kind. 

Henry  Kemper  was  fortunate  in  one  respect.  He  was  born  in  America, 
and  did  not  have  to  start  life  with  the  handicap  of  a  foreign  language  and 
strange  customs,  but  aside  from  that  he  was  obliged  to  overcome  as  many 
obstacles  as  the  average  immigrant  Jew  seeking  fortune  at  our  gates. 

He  was  born  in  Pittsburgh,  Pa.,  January  1,  1893,  an(l  attended  the  public 
schools  until  fourteen  years  of  age,  which  enabled  him  to  complete  his  grammar 
grades. 

At  that  time  it  became  necessary  for  him  to  earn  his  own  living,  so  he 

obtained  employment  peddling  junk,  as  he  was  anxious  to  learn  the  business 

.  and  also  to  save  some  money  with  which  he  might  go  into  business  for  himself. 

Within  four  years  he  had  accomplished  both  purposes,  and  going  to  Nor- 
walk,  Ohio,  he  opened  an  iron  and  metal  yard,  where  he  has  since  remained, 
and  is  today  firmly  established  in  the  commercial  life  of  the  community,  doing 
a  big  business  and  supporting  his  parents. 

Many  pages  of  history  and  biography  have  been  devoted  to  the  advice 
which  those  of  advanced  years  and  deep  experience  have  to  offer  to  the 
young,  and  the  writer  was  anxious  to  know  what  would  be  the  point  of  view 
of  a  successful  young  business  man  such  as  Mr.  Kemper.  His  reply  proves 
that  he  must  have  early  realized  the  necessity  of  hard  work  and  square  business 
methods,  as  he  said: 

"Be  industrious,  always  honest,  and  live  up  to  all  obligations." 

These  principles,  coupled  with  much  natural  ability,  have  placed  Mr. 
Kemper,  at  the  age  of  twenty-five,  well  on  the  high  road  to  success. 

The  future  with  its  brilliant  opportunities  lies  before  him,  and  it  is  safe 
to  predict  that  he  will  yet  lie  a  national  power  in  the  country's  financial  life. 

150 


OTTO  KAUFMANN 

There  are  few,  if  any.  Jews  in  America  whose  popularity  and  importance 
can  in  any  way  be  compared  with  that  of  Otto  Kaufmann  of  Youngstown, 
Ohio.  Xot  only  is  Mr.  Kaufmann  a  representative  citizen  of  the  highest  type, 
but  in  the  domain  of  philanthropy  and  social  work  his  is  a  tremendous  power 
for  good  and  an  unwonted  and  never-ceasing  energy. 

He  was  born  in  Ladenburg.  Germany,  on  the  24th  of  October,  1866,  the 
son  of  Ferdinand  and  Fannie  Kaufmann.  and  came  to  America  in  1885,  when 
but  nineteen  years  of  age.  He  was.  therefore,  young  enough  to  effect  a  com- 
plete assimilation  to  American  ideals  and  methods  of  thinking,  and  young 
enough  to  give  up  any  or  all  of  his  old  world  traits.  On  the  other  hand,  he 
was  old  enough  to  amalgamate  his  European  training  to  the  opportunities  of 
America,  creating  within  himself  a  sweet  and  harmonious  synthesis. 

Mr.  Kaufmann's  first  job  in  the  new  world  was  to  become  a  clerk  in  New 
York  at  $6  per  week.  Ten  years  ago  he  came  to  Youngstown.  and  in  due 
time  became  a  manufacturer  of  gas  mantles  and  lamps,  organizing  the  Block 
Gas  Mantle  Company,  and  becoming  its  President.  His  venture  proved  a  tre- 
mendous success  and  made  it  possible  for  Mr.  Kaufmann  to  devote  time  and 
energy  to  the  interests  of  his  fellow  men  "less  fortunate  than  ourselves." 

Mr.  Kaufmann  is  the  active  head  of  the  War  Sufferers'  Committee  of 
Youngstown.  a  Trustee  in  the  Temple  and  member  of  many  charity  organiza- 
tions. 

He  was  married  to  Miss  Rose  Haber  of  Xew  York  City  and  four  children 
have  blessed  their  union,  named  Edward  S..  who  is  in  the  army ;  "William  D., 
Ferdinand  J.,  and  Theodore  A. 

In  religion  Mr.  Kaufmann  is  a  Reformer.  He  had  received  a  Talmudic 
education,  and  his  children  have  all  been  trained  in  the  essentials  of  the  Jewish 
faith. 


MAX    KESSELMAN 

Most  men  are  well  content  if  thev  have  achieved  a  fair  success  by  the  time 
they  have  readied  or  passed  the  prime  of  life.  It  is  only  in  exceptional  cases 
that  we  are  able  to  record  the  historv  of  a  self-made  man  who  arrived  at  a  posi- 
tion of  wealth  and  eminence  before  he  is  yet  thirty  years  of  age. 

Such,  however,  is  the  experience  of  Mr.  Max  Kesselman.  who  was  born  in 
Yalina.  Guberne,  Russia,  Februarv  25.  1894,  and  came  to  America  in  1910. 
Finding  his  way  to  Shelby.  Ohio,  he  obtained  his  first  employment  as  appren- 
tice to  a  printer,  for  which  he  received  S5.50  per  week.  Being  very  ambitious 
for  a  business  of  his  own,  he  started  peddling  junk,  but  having  no  capital,  he 
decided  to  continue  the  printing  business  until  he  had  saved  up  enough  to  start 
in  on  a  larger  scale.  He  then  went  to  Marion,  Ohio,  and  started  buying  and 
selling  in  a  modest  way,  and  the  experience  he  had  previously  gained  proved 
verv  valuable  to  him  at  this  time.  By  hard  work  and  the  application  of  his 
unusual  abilities  he  has  built  up  the  large  institution  known  as  the  Marion 
Junk  Company,  which  is  doing  a  most  flourishing  business. 

Mr.  Kesselman.  although  a  very  young  man.  is  most  thoughtful  for  others 
and  is  a  liberal  contributor  to  the  Denver  and  Los  Angeles  sanitariums,  as  well 
as  many  other  charitable  organizations.  He  is  also  a  devoted  son  to  his  aged 
parents,  upon  whom  he  bestows  all  comforts  which  his  prosperity  makes  pos- 
sible. 

At  this  writing  he  is  serving  his  countrv  in  the  army,  where  he  will  doubt- 
less make  a  record  as  creditable  as  that  which  he  has  achieved  in  civilian  life. 

151 


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OTTO    KAIFMAKN 


MORRIS    KINGSBACHER 

At  637  Liberty  avenue,  Pittsburgh,  is  located  the  wholesale  jewelry  estab- 
lishment of  Mr.  Morris  Kingsbacher.  Upon  entering  his  place  of  business, 
which  bears  every  evidence  of  able  management  and  modern  ideas,  one  might 
expect  to  find  it  the  product  of  at  least  more  than  one  generation  of  the  best 
type  of  American  business  man.  However,  this  is  not  the  case,  as  the  owner 
and  proprietor,  Mr.  Kingsbacher,  did  not  see  our  shores  until  he  was  nineteen 
years  of  age. 

Morris  Kingsbacher  was  born  in  Thalheim,  YVittenburg.  in  1847,  and 
came  to  America  in  1866,  the  first  years  representing  a  bitter  struggle  for  a 
foothold,  but  he  persevered  and  was  finally  able  to  start  a  small  business  of 
his  own,  which  has  developed  into  the  present  prosperous  establishment  known 
as  Kingsbacher  Brothers. 

Xot  only  is  Mr.  Kingsbacher  a  successful  business  man.  but  he  also  finds 
time  for  connection  with  many  philanthropic  organizations,  prominent  among 
which  is  the  Jewish  Federation.  He  is  also  most  generous  in  his  gifts  to 
hospitals  and  never  turns  a  deaf  ear  to  a  worthy  appeal  for  assistance. 

Mr.  Kingsbacher  was  married  in  Xew  York  in  1882  to  Miss  Sophie 
Friedenheit,  and  they  have  three  daughters  and  one  son,  all  of  whom  are 
married.     The  son  is  at  the  present  time  in  the  employ  of  the  governmnt. 

Their  family  is  a  fine  representation  of  ideal  American  citizenship,  which 
might  well  be  emulated  by  many  native-born  sons  and  daughters  of  our 
republic. 


IGNATZ    KLEIN 

Klein's  restaurant,  located  at  736  Prospect  street,  Cleveland,  Ohio,  is 
very  popular  because  the  food  is  always  excellent  and  the  service  perfect. 

The  owner  of  this  establishment,  Mr.  Ignatz  Klein,  is  a  thorough  stu- 
dent of  human  nature,  a  courteous  and  enterprising  business  man,  who  has 
made  it  a  principle  to  give  everybody  a  square  deal,  and  has  always  lived  true 
to  his  precepts. 

Mr.  Klein  was  born  in  Hungary  on  August  16,  1873.  the  son  of  Israel 
Klein,  who  was  a  supervisor  of  the  government  forest  lands  in  the  county  of 
Berger. 

When  thirty  years  of  age.  Mr.  Klein  first  landed  on  our  shores,  the  date 
of  his  arrival  being  November  10,  1903.  He  first  found  employment  as  a 
waiter  at  S6  per  week,  and  after  having  saved  a  few  hundred  dollars,  he 
opened  a  restaurant  of  his  own  in  Cleveland,  where  he  has  since  remained, 
and  where  his  rapid  rise  is  regarded  as  most  remarkable  in  business  circles. 

Having  established  a  prosperous  business,  Mr.  Klein  turned  his  attention 
to  those  in  less  fortunate  circumstances  than  himself,  and  contributes  to  even- 
charity  that  applies  to  him  for  aid.  He  is  most  generous  in  his  gifts  to 
the  Mount  Sinai  Hospital.  St.  Luke's  Hospital,  the  Denver  Sanitarium,  the 
Federation  of  Jewish  Charities  of  Cleveland  and  other  similar  organizations. 

Mr.  Klein  also  finds  time  for  affiliation  with  a  number  of  fraternal  orders, 
among  which  we  wish  to  prominently  mention  Independent  Order  B'nai 
B'rith.  the  Odd  Fellows.  Baron  de  Hirsch  Society  and  the  Hungarian  and 
Independent  Aid  associations.  He  is  also  a  prominent  member  of  Congrega- 
tion B'nai  Yeshurun. 

On  September  2.  1906.  Mr.  Klein  was  married  to  Miss  Ethel  Unger  of 
Xew  York,  and  they  are  the  parents  of  two  sturdy  bovs.  both  of  whom  are 
attending  school. 

152 


Mrs.  Klein  is  a  woman  possessed  of  much  executive  ability  and  is  very 
actively  interested  in  the  work  of  the  Temple  to  which  she  belongs. 

Mr.  Klein's  advice  to  the  voung  is  as  follows:  "Be  honest  and  always 
(jO  the  right  thing."  And  his  own  life  is  an  excellent  example  of  the  success 
which  is  to  be  achieved  through  adherence  to  these  principles. 


SIMON    KLEIN 

In  the  life  of  Mr.  Simon  Klein  we  have  another  example  of  a  man  who 
sees  opportunity  in  that  which  the  ordinary  individual  passes  by.  As  Mr.  Con- 
noil}',  the  popular  lecturer,  has  said,  "There  are  acres  of  diamonds  all  about  us 
if  we  could  but  see  them." 

Mr.  Klein  was  born  in  Kavno,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  the  year  1859,  and 
was  married  to  Miss  Fanny  Price  of  his  own  native  country  in  1883.  In  1892 
he  decided  to  try  his  fortunes  in  the  new  world,  and  came  to  New  York.  He 
immediately  saw  a  big  opportunity  in  the  buying  and  selling  of  waste  materials 
and  engaged  in  this  line  without  delay.  After  spending  one  year  in  New  York, 
he  went  to  Providence,  R.  I.,  and  established  the  business  of  which  he  is  sole 
proprietor  today,  located  at  108  Chalkstone  street,  and  is  one  of  the  most 
prosperous  institutions  in  the  city. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Klein  have  a  fine  family  of  nine  children,  two  boys  and 
seven  girls.  The  two  sons,  Max  and  Abe,  are  in  business  with  their  father. 
The  daughter  Annie  is  married  to  Mr.  David  B.  Isenberg,  a  prominent  insur- 
ance man  of  Worcester,  Mass.  Jennie  is  the  wife  of  Harry  D.  Bellan,  one  of 
the  leading  attorneys  of  Providence,  R.  I.  Max  married  Miss  Fenistein  of 
Providence,  and  Abe,  Miss  Bender  of  the  same  city. 

Like  all  good  Jews,  Mr.  Klein  is  very  conscientious  regarding  the  observ- 
ance of  all  the  rights  of  his  church  and  is  past  President  of  both  the  Congrega- 
tion and  B'rith  Abraham.  He  is  also  a  prominent  member  of  Avas  Sholom 
Congregation  and  I.  O.  B.  A.,  and  is  most  generous  in  his  contributions  to  all 
other  charities. 


LOUIS    V.    KLEINE 

Perhaps  no  line  of  business  demands  in  its  management  a  more  thorough 
and  sympathetic  knowledge  of  human  nature  than  the  hotel  business.  To  be 
successful  in  this  line  a  man  must  not  only  be  thoroughly  proficient  in  business, 
but  also  must  be  keenly  alive  to  the  demands  of  the  public.  He  must  be  of 
genial  personality  and  possess  an  unusual  capacity  for  organization. 

Such  a  man  is  Mr.  Louis  V.  Kleine,  owner  and  manager  of  Gettys  Square 
Hotel,  located  at  Gettys  Square,  Yonkers,   New  York. 

Mr.  Kleine  was  born  in  Hungary  in  February,  1868,  the  son  of  Mr.  Wm. 
and  Rebecca  Kleine.  He  came  to  America  in  1889  and  during  the  first  months 
experienced  the  usual  hardships  of  the  emigrant,  working  in  various  restau- 
rants on  the  east  side  of  New  York,  and  finally  as  salesman  in  department 
stores,  and  men's  furnishings. 

He  then  started  in  the  hotel  business,  for  which  he  seems  to  have  been 
peculiarly  adapted,  and  has  been  very  successful. 

Mr.  Kleine  is  prominent  in  fraternal  organizations,  being  a  member  of  the 

153 


Masons  and  Elks,  and  is  also  most  generous  in  his  gifts  to  charities,  and  is 
affiliated  with  the  Federation  of  Charities  of  New  York. 

He  was  married  in  New  York  in  1891  to  Miss  Caroline  Tepper,  who  is 
also  very  popular  in  their  social  circle. 

Mr.  Kleine  is  a  fine  representative  of  prosperous  useful  citizenship  and  is 
one  of  the  most  popular  men  in  Yonkers. 


SIMON  KLOTZ 

By  far  the  most  respected  member  of  the  Jewish  community  of  Birming- 
ham and  one  of  the  most  conspicuous  Jews  of  America  is  Mr.  Simon  Klotz, 
French  Consul  at  Birmingham  and  for  many  years  a  strong  link  binding  France 
with  this  country.  He  was  born  in  Nancy  (France)  on  the  16th  of  December, 
1855,  and  he  comes  from  a  family  which  has  contributed  very  greatly  to  the 
making  of  America. 

When  Simon  Klotz  arrived  on  these  shores,  he  sought  out  a  town  in 
Lousiana  where  other  members  of  his  family  resided.  This  happened  in 
1872.  He  went  to  Klotzville,  a. town  named  after  his  uncle  and  brother  who 
had  served  the  cause  of  the  South  and  the  Confederacy  in  the  Civil  War. 
Twelve  years  later  he  went  to  Birmingham,  Ala.,  where  he  resides  today  and 
where  he  engaged  in  business,  first  as  a  partner  with  Caheen  Brothers  (his 
brother-in-law),  and  then  for  himself.  He  conducts  his  business  today  in  the 
Brown-Marx  Building  of  Birmingham  under  the  firm  name  of  S.  Klotz, 
insurance  and  real  estate. 

As  can  well  be  expected,  Mr.  Klotz  is  a  very  busy  and  occupied  man 
and  his  community  places  upon  him  manifold  cares  and  responsibilities.  There 
are  many  offices  and  dignities  which  his  fellow-citizens  have  bestowed  upon 
him  and  will  in  the  future.  Mr.  Klotz  stands  exceptionally  well  with  his 
Gentile  fellow-citizens,  and,  as  has  been  remarked,  the  government  of  his 
mother-land  saw  fit  to  appoint  him  to  the  responsible  position  of  French 
Consul  at  Birmingham,  Ala.,  an  honorary  life-position  which  he  has  held  with 
great  dignity  for  the  last  twenty-three  years.  The  French  government  has 
also  bestowed  a  decoration  on  him  when  he  visited  that  country  at  the  begin- 
ning of  the  present  war. 

Mr.  Klotz  is  the  organizer  and  President  of  the  Birmingham  Federation 
of  Jewish  Charities,  and  it  was  his  idea  to  do  away  with  unnecessary  flower- 
offerings  at  the  death  of  relatives  and  friends  and  to  send  the  money  thus 
saved  to  the  Federation  for  worthy  charitable  purposes.  The  Federation  has 
actually  consolidated  all  the  charity-work  of  the  city  and  is  exceptionally  suc- 
cessful in  its  collections  and  ever-increasing  membership. 

In  addition  to  the  Federation,  Mr.  Klotz  is  associated  with  the  Jewish 
Relief  Fund  for  War  Sufferers,  of  which  he  is  Honorary  Secretary.  For  four 
years  he  had  been  President  of  Temple  Emanuel  and  is  now  a  Trustee  of  the 
Congregation.  Mr.  Klotz  is  also  Chairman  of  the  Masonic  Relief  Committee 
for  the  city  of  Birmingham  and  had  been  an  Alderman  for  eight  years. 

On  June  28,  1882,  Mr.  Klotz  was  married  to  Miss  Camille  Caheen,  who 
was  born  in  Louisiana.  There  are  two  children  of  this  marriage,  a  son  Ray- 
mond, associated  with  his  father  in  business,  and  a  daughter,  now  Mrs.  Mar- 
celle  Hagedorn. 


154 


ISIDOR    KLINE 

All  of  the  fine  ttait^  of  character  which  the  foreign-born  Jew  has  brought 
ir  upon  his  life  in  America  seem  to  be  combined  in  the  person  of  I 
Kline  of  N'iles,  I  (hio. 

Like  man}  young  Jews  who  have  come  to  our  shores,  he  landed  in  Amer- 
ica poor  in  pocket,  but  with  high  ideals  for  the  future,  which  have  developed 
into  a  highlj  useful  citizenship  and  financial  prosperity. 

[sidor  Kline  was  born  in  Szanto,  Hungary,  September  29,  1848,  the  -«n 
of  \'li)l|'li  Kline  and  Ins  wife,  Rosa.  I  lis  father  was  a  successful  lumber 
merchant  and  an  authority  on  Jewish  scholarship. 

The  stor;  of  Mr.  Kline's  struggles  would  prove  an  inspiring  example  for 
any  young  man  who  felt  that  he  was  starting  life  under  a  great  handicap. 
However,  onl)  a  few  brief  points  may  be  brought  out  within  thi  :  this 

biography. 

During  the  ti r-t  seven  years  of  his  life  in  America  Mr.  Kline  worked  in 
a  grocery  -ihiy  in  Cleveland  for  the  meager  sum  of  $25  per  month  and  board. 
By  the  exercise  of  great  economy  he  managed  to  save  $500,  and  with  this 
capital  went  to  Xiles.  1  >hio,  and  Opened  a  liquor  Store,  where  he  was  very 
successful  until  [908,  when  the  city  went  dry.  and  he  opened  a  grocery  store. 
\fter  seven  and  one-half  years  the  citizens  again  voted  the  city  wet.  and  he 
started  another  liquor  stnre.  which  he  ran  successfully  for  two  and  one-half 
Mars,  when  it  was  once  mure  voted  dry,  and  he  again  changed  his  business  t" 
that  nf  a  grocer)  store.  During  these  man)  changes  Mr.  Kline's  popularity  and 
rare  business  ability  have  enabled  him  to  steadil)  prosper,  and  he  i*  today  one 
of  the  foremost  citizens  of  Xiles. 

Mr.  Kline  was  married  in  Cleveland,  <  Ihio,  lime  9,  1888,  to  Miss  Lena 
Friedman,  who  has  shared  hi>  early  vicissitudes  and  later  successes,  and  is 
well  known  in  Xiles  and  Cleveland  society  as  a  charity  worker  who  is  always 
ready  to  contribute  both  time  and  money  to  am  worthy  cause,  irrespective  of 
race,  creed  or  religion. 

Roth  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kline  contribute  to  all  national  as  well  a--  local  chari- 
ties, ami  Mr.  Kline  is  a  member  of  Congregation  Rudolf  Sholem  of  Youngs- 
town,  Congregation  of  tin-  Children  of  Israel,  the  II.  1'..  S.  (J.  of  Cleveland, 
B'rith  Abraham  Lodge  and  is  Trustee  and  former  Ruler  of  the  Elks.    <  >ne  of 

the  facts  of  which   Mr.   Kline  is  justly  proud  is  that  he  landed   in  this  couiltr) 

without  any  money,  and  has  never  yet  received  assistance  from  any  one. 


JACOB  KNOFSKY 

if  every  struggling  young  man  who  at  times  feels  discouraged  and  believes 

that  the  entire  world  is  arrayed  against  him,  could  know  the  intimate  details 
in  the  life  of  Mr.  Jacob  Knofsky,  he  would  take  heart  again  and  continue  with 

new  courage  and  determination. 

Mr.  Knofsky  was  horn  in  Dubitz,  Russia,  September  15.  iSi/i.  his  father 
Ahrain  Knofsky  being  a  merchant  and  also  a  Jewish  scholar. 

When  Jacob   Knofsky   came   to   America,  he  had   none  of   the  advantages 

possessed  by  the  American  horn  boy.  He  knew  nothing  of  the  language,  man- 
ners or  customers  of  our  people,  and  was  without  money,  friends  or  influence 

sisl  him.  It  is  certainly  a  long  step  upward  from  the  first  barren  years 
of  his  life  when  he  bought  and  sold  rags  in  Warren.  '  ihio,  until  the  present 
time,  when  he  is  recognized  as  one  of  the  leading  scrap  iron  dealers  of  that 
city. 

Mr.   Knofsky  was  married  in  Russia  in    [887  and  his  wife  has  been  an 

155 


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ideal  mother  to  their  children  as  well  as  a  kind-hearted,  public-spirited  woman 
who  has  done  a  great  deal  of  valuable  work  for  the  various  charities  in.  her 
community. 

It  is  not  surprising  that  the  Knofsky  children  should  possess  a  large 
amount  of  business  ability,  as  they  are  descended  from  a  long  line  of  successful 
merchants  and  had  the  advantage  of  their  father's  precept  and  example. 

On  May  i,  1917,  Mr.  Knofsky  incorporated  his  business,  and  his  sons 
Roy,  Isidor,  Harry  and  Ody,  as  well  as  his  daughter  Ida,  are  connected  in 
some  capacity  with  the  business.  The  daughter  Sophia  is  married  to  Mr.  Saul 
Shackne.    Abraham  and  Esther  are  still  going  to  school. 

Mr.  Knofsky  feels  that  his  children  deserve  considerable  credit  for  the 
later  success  of  the  business,  as  they  have  brought  to  it  a  great  deal  of  en- 
thusiasm and  true  American  business  methods. 


RUDOLPH  C.  KOBLITZ 

There  is  not  a  man  in  Cleveland,  Ohio,  whose  promises  are  more  re- 
spected and  whose  business  integrity  is  better  regarded  than  Rudolph  C. 
Koblitz,  senior  member  of  R.  C.  Koblitz  &  Son. 

Mr.  Koblitz  has  spent  most  of  his  life  in  America,  having  come  to  this 
country  at  the  age  of  fourteen.  He  peddled  rags  for  the  first  three  years,  in 
New  York,  and  then  went  to  work  for  his  brother  who  was  in  the  general 
junk  business.  He  remained  there  for  five  years,  and  then  started  out  as 
traveling  salesman  for  a  stove  concern,  with  whom  he  was  connected  for  the 
following  three  years. 

He  then  formed  a  partnership  with  his  brother-in-law,  Mr.  Adolph  Kohn, 
and  they  started  a  scrap  iron  business  under  the  firm  name  of  R.  C.  Koblitz 
Company.  This  partnership  existed  for  the  next  ten  years,  when  a  Mr.  Stone 
was  taken  into  the  company,  and  the  firm  was  known  as  Stone,  Koblitz  & 
Kohn.  Later  Mr.  Kohn  retired,  and  for  the  next  three  years  it  was  known 
as  Stone  &  Koblitz.  Some  time  after  Mr.  Koblitz  again  formed  a  partner- 
ship with  Mr.  Kohn,  and  when  their  sons  became  of  age,  they  were  also  given 
an  interest  in  the  firm.  Koblitz,  Kohn  &  Co.  was  incorporated  in  October, 
1912,  arid  some  time  later  Mr.  Koblitz  retired  from  the  firm,  although  it  still 
carries  his  name.  In  1916,  finding  inactivity  rather  irksome,  Mr.  Koblitz  de- 
cided to  go  into  business  again,  so  he  started  a  metal  business  with  his  son, 
Martin,  the  firm  name  being  R.  C.  Koblitz  &  Son. 

Mr.  Koblitz  was  married  in  Cleveland  January  16,  1888,  to  Miss  Matilda 
B.  Smitz,  well  known  in  Cleveland  society  as  a  charity  worker.  Both  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Koblitz  are  most  generous  in  their  contributions  and  Mr.  Koblitz  is  also 
proininent  in  the  B'nai  B'rith,  and  is  a  member  of  Grieses  Temple. 


156 


ISADOR    LOEB    KNOFSKY 

The  Oriental  people  are  the  great  rug  makers  of  the  world.  Into  the 
intricate  patterns  the}'  have  woven  all  the  joyous  romance  and  dark  mysteries 
of  the  east.  Their  masterpieces  are  enduring  things  of  beauty,  which  are 
symbols  of  life  itself,  for  every  life  is  woven  of  an  infinite  variety  of  lights 
and  shadows,  joys  and  sorrows,  trials  and  triumphs.  Even  the  weaver  him- 
self knows  not  the  full  beauty  until  the  pattern  is  complete. 

This  may  fittingly  be  compared  to  the  career  of  Mr.  Isador  Loeb  Knofsky, 
who,  although  still  a  very  young  man,  has  attained  remarkable  success,  which 
presages  a  brilliant  future. 

He  was  born  in  Ahroan,  Russia,  May  12,  1894,  and  in  the  summer  of 
1899  was  brought  by  his  parents  to  America. 

His  father  started  in  the  iron  and  metal  business,  and  young  Isador 
attended  the  public  schools  at  Warren,  Ohio.  When  he  was  ready  to  enter 
high  school  he  had  to  make  a  decision  between  giving  up  school  or  earning 
the  money  to  maintain  himself  while  he  attended  school.  The  decision  he 
made  demonstrated  the  strength  of  character  and  desire  to  succeed  which 
have  always  been  his  salient  characteristics. 

He  decided  to  continue  at  school  and  worked  morning  and  evening  on  a 
wagon  soliciting  junk. 

After  graduating  from  high  school  he  attended  business  college,  still  earn- 
ing his  own  way,  and  graduated  in  1915.  He  then  started  working  for  his 
father  as  salesman,  and  the  following  year  was  made  a  member  of  the  firm, 
being  given  complete  charge  of  the  business  at  Sharon,  Pa.  He  is  also  Vice- 
President  of  the  Warren  Iron  and  Metal  Company,  the  original  business  organ- 
ized by  his  father.  The  Sharon  firm  is  known  as  the  Sharon  Iron  &  Metal 
Company. 

Thoroughness  has  been  "Mr.  Knofsky's  motto  in  ever}'  undertaking  and  in 
a  recent  interview,  when  asked  what  his  advice  would  be  to  young  men  just 
starting  out  in  business,  he  replied :  "Honesty  and  continually  bearing  in  mind 
that  'what  is  worth  doing  is  worth  doing  well.'  " 

He  finds  time,  in  addition  to  his  many  business  activities,  to  affiliate  him- 
self with  a  number  of  organizations,  prominent  among  them  being  the  Young 
Men's  Hebrew  Association  of  Youngstown,  the  Anshe  Schwort  of  Youngs- 
town  and  the  Odd  Fellows  of  Warren. 

By  the  time  the  sun  of  Mr.  Knofsky's  life  reaches  its  meridian,  we  feel 
safe  in  predicting  that  the  business  world  will  be  unable  to  produce  his  peer. 


DR.  WILLIAM  KOHLMAN 

It  can  readily  be  imagined  that  the  Surgeon-in-Chief  of  the  Touro  In- 
firmary of  New  Orleans,  La.,  which  is  the  finest  institution  of  its  kind  in  the 
South  and  one  of  the  very  best  and  finest  in  the  whole  country,  must  neces- 
sarily be  a  recognized  leader  in  the  medical  profession.  And  Dr.  William 
Kohhnan  has  held  that  position  for  many  years.  For,  in  1901,  when  a  suc- 
cessor was  to  be  selected  to  the  late  Dr.  Loeber  in  the  medical  administration 
of  that  hospital,  the  choice  fell  at  once  and  as  a  matter  of  course  upon  Dr. 
Kohlman. 

Dr.  Kohlman's  education  and  preparation  for  his  chosen  field  of  labor  at 
once  placed  him  in  the  forefront  of  his  profession.  He  was  born  in  Kirch- 
heim,  Germany,  the  son  of  Lazarus  and  Regina  Kohlman,  on  June  6,  1863. 
He  attended  the  public  schools  of  his  native  town  and  then  passed  to  the 
academies  of  Gruenstadt  and  Kaiserslautern.    Upon  his  graduation  from  these 

157 


institutions,  he  look  up  the  study  of  medicine  when  but  nineteen  years  of  age 
ai  the  University  of  Wuerzburg,  and  graduated  from  that  University  and  the 
University  of  Heidelberg.  Thereupon,  be  was  for  a  short  time  engaged  in  the 
practice  of  bis  profession  and  later  rendered  valuable  services  in  the  capacity 
of  surgeon  in  the  German  Army. 

In  180,1  Dr.  Kohlman  arrived  in  this  country,  going  to  New  1  Irleans, 
where  he  has  almost  from  the  day  he  arrived  occupied  a  position  of  prom- 
inence and  leadership  in  the  city  and  community.  His  keen  intellect,  his 
thorough  education  and  his  great  capacity  for  work  at  once  led  people  to  feci 
confident  that  many  and  great  benefits  would  accrue  to  the  community  from 
his  residence  and  the  practice  of  bis  skill.  And  the  period  of  more  than  a 
quarter  of  a  century  has  proved  that  the  confidence  had  not  been  misplaced. 
For  todav  he  is  recognized  by  the  profession  and  the  laiety  alike  as  one  of 
the  foremost  authorities  in  the  medical  profession  of  the  entire  South.  Aside 
from  the  high  position  he  occupies  in  the  Touro  Infirmary,  be  also  holds  posi- 
tions of  importance  and  great  responsibility  in  other  institutions  of  the  city 
and  state.  He  is  professor  of  gynecology  in  the  Post-Graduate  School  of  the 
Loyola  University;  he  is  the  Chief  Visiting  Surgeon  in  the  Gynecological  and 
Obstetrical  Division  of  the  Charity  Hospital;  the  Chief  Gynecologist  and 
1  >bstetrician  of  the  Touro  Infirmary;  the  Consulting  Gynecologist  of  the  New 
(Irleans  Dispensary  for  Women  and  Children,  and  holds  membership  in  the 
Xew  (  Means,  the  Southern,  and  the  American  Medical  Associations  and  also 
in  the  Southern  Surgical  Association  and  the  American  College  of  Surgery. 
And  all  these  have  greatly  benefited  by  his  superior  skill  and  vast  knowledge, 
not  only  through  their  personal  contact  and  association  with  him.  but  also 
through  the  numerous  papers,  pamphlets  and  lectures  of  his  which  have  been 
of  inestimable  service  to  the  members  of  his  profession. 

Dr.  Kohlman  is  as  great  a  favorite  in  the  fraternal  and  social  circles  of 
the  community  as  he  is  in  the  medical  societies  with  which  he  is  connected. 
Me  is  a  member  of  the  Harmony  Club,  of  the  Jewish  Orphans'  Home,  of  the 
I'.'nai  B'rith  and  the  Masonic  fraternity  and  contributes  liberally,  not  only  of 
his  means  but  also  of  his  time  and  attention,  to  the  various  charitable  and 
philanthropic  endeavors  of  the  city  and  community. 


ADOLPH  KOHN 

Under  another  heading  in  this  volume  we  have  outlined  the  career  of  Mr. 
Rudolph  Koblitz,  prominent  business  man  of  Cleveland.  It  is  now  our 
pleasure  to  record  a  few  facts  with  reference  to  bis  business  associate  and 
life  long  friend.  Mr.  Adolph  Kobn.  who  is  one  of  the  most  influential  and 
prosperous  citizens  of  Cleveland. 

I  lis  education  was  obtained  largel)  in  the  world  of  business,  and  lie  knOWS 
from   experience  that    riches  and   power  are  not   easily   won.      lb-  also   knows 

that  determination  and  hard  work  can  overcome  almost  every  obstacle. 

Adolph  Kohn  was  born  in  Czbcgni.  Hungary,  in  tin-  year  [856.  Ilis 
father.  Jacob  Kohn.  died  shortly  before  he  was  burn.  Ilis  mother,  <  Lira. 
lived  until  he  was  about  iwo  years  "1.1.  when  she,  ion.  was  taken  to  that  land 
from  whence  no  traveler  returns,  lb-  then  lived  in  the  family  of  an  Uncle, 
and  from  the  time  he  was  eighl  years  old  until  the  age  of  twenty,  when  he 
came  to  this  country,  be  did  any  odd  jobs  that  came  to  band,  as  it  was  neces- 
sary  for  him  to  be  self  supporting. 

Landing  in  New  York  penniless  be  went  direct  to  Cleveland,  which  has 
been  bis  home  ever  since.  lie  became  a  peddler  of  small  merchandise,  and 
continued    for   eighteen    months,    when    having    Saved   a    little   money    he    went 

158 


into  the  ray  business,  and  continued  for  two  years,  after  which  he  formed  a 
partnership  with  his  brother-in-law,  Mr.  Koblitz,  and  they  have  been  asso- 
ciated in  business  nearly  all  the  time  since  iSjij. 

Mr.  Kohn  was  married  in  Cleveland  June  17,  1883,  to  Miss  Rose  Koblitz, 
prominent  in  Cleveland  as  an  ardent  charity  worker,  who  is  always  willing  to 
give  up  her  time  and  money  to  every  worthy  cause. 

Mr.  Kohn  is  a  member  of  the  Euclid  Avenue  Temple,  is  an  enthusiastic 
promoter  of  all  associations  for  Jewish  uplift,  and  gives  his  hearty  co-opc-ra- 
tion  and  financial  assistance  to  every  worthy  charity. 

The  Kohns  have  a  fine  familv  of  two  bovs  and  two  eJrls. 


SAMUEL  KOPPELMAN 


The  Jews  are  by  nature  and  tradition  an  agricultural  people.  History 
reports  the  sons  of  Shem  building  their  first  cities  remote  from  the  chief 
arteries  of  commerce,  and  only  centuries  of  persecution  has  diverted  the 
Jewish  mind  from  his  pastoral  occupation  to  that  of  trade  and  barter  in  which 
he  has  become  equally  skilled.  This  has  shown  the  great  versatility  of  the 
nation,  as  they  have  become  recognized  leaders  of 
commerce. 

It  is  a  great  pleasure  to  record  the  history  of 
two  figures  in  the  financial  life  of  Creston,  Ohio, 
Messrs.  Samuel  and  Dave  Koppelman,  whose  life 
histories  are  of  the  utmost  interest. 

The    elder    brother,    Samuel    Koppelman,  was 


born 


Yilna,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  August,   1871. 


His  father,  in  addition  to  the  operation  of  a  junk 
yard,  was  an  accomplished  Jewish  and  Russian 
scholar. 

Mr.  Koppelman  was  married  at  the  age  of  21 
to  a  young  ladv  of  the  same  name,  Miss  Sarah  Kop- 
pelman, daughter  of  Nathan  and  Sophie  Koppel- 
man, and  two  years  later  they  came  to  America. 
Deciding  to  try  his  fortune  in  Cleveland,  Ohio,  he 
started  peddling  junk,  which  he  continued  very  suc- 
cessfully for  seven  years.  At  the  expiration  of  that  time,  he  went  to  Creston, 
Ohio,  and  started  the  junk  yard  where  he  and  his  brother  have  been  so  suc- 
cessful and  have  accumulated  a  nice  fortune. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Koppelman  have  two  children.  Ida,  the  daughter,  has 
graduated  from  high  school  and  is  studying  piano.  Nathan  is  in  college  and 
is  being  educated  for  violin  and  cornet  playing. 

The  Jewish  trait  of  liberal  philanthropy  is  very  marked  in  the  Koppel- 
mans,  who  give  liberally  to  all  charities.  Mr.  Koppelman  is  a  member  of 
Knights  of  Joseph  and  B'rith  Abraham. 

The  career  of  the  younger  brother,  Mr.  Dave  Koppelman,  is  set  forth  in 
a  separate  biography. 


159 


DAVE  KOPPELMAN 


(  >n  another  page  in  this  history  we  have  outlined  the  events  in  the  career 

of  Mr.  Samuel  ECoppelman,  wealthy  citizen  and  philanthropist  of  Creston,  I  ihio, 

It  is  with  (.-i|tial  pleasure  that  we  record  the  went.-  in  the  career  of  his 

younger  brother,  Dave,  who  came  to  America  four  years  after  Samuel  landed, 
lie  was  born  in  Vilna.  Guberne,  Russia,  January  to,  1884,  and  at  the 
age  of  fourteen  landed  in  New  York,  starting  bis 
financial  career  as  so  many  prominent  men  have 
done,  selling  papers  on  the  street,  where  he  learned 
the  first  elementary  rules  of  business.  This  he  con- 
tinned  for  six  months  when  be  went  to  Cleveland 
to  bis  brother  and  learned  the  trade  of  cigar  maker. 
Not  finding  this  to  his  liking,  he  started  peddling 
small  merchandise  which  he  continued  successfully 
for  three  years,  when  he  engaged  with  his  brother 

in  the  junk  business.      Eight  years  later,  he  opened 

a  fruit  store  in  Cleveland,  1  Ihio,  followed  by  a  ven- 
ture  in   the   Soft   drink   business,   but   neither   being 

successful  he  again  joined  his  brother  in  the  junk 

business   at    Creston,   Ohio,   and   they   have   been    in 
partnership  ever  since. 

lie  was  married  June  (6,  to.02,  to  Miss  Eliza- 
beth Epstein,  of  Cleveland,  <  >hio,  and  they  have  six 
fine  children,  three  of  whom  are  old  enough  to  be  in  school. 

Like  the  Samuel  Koppelmans,  Mr.  Dave  Koppelman  and  his  wife  arc 
devoted  to  the  promotion  of  various  charities  and  are  most  liberal  in  their 
contribution  of  both  money  and  time. 

Mr.  Koppelman  is  still  a  young  man  and  has  a  long  career  of  success  and 
usefulness  before  him,  which  will  be  devoted  to  the  welfare  of  his  family,  his 
city  and  his  nation. 


JACOB    KOVINSKY 


We  are  told  that  some  men  are  born  great,  some  achieve  greatness  and 

Some  have  greatness  thrust  upon  them. 

History  has  proven  this  truism,  but  it  has  also  shown  that  the  names 
which  long  endure  are  those  of  men  who  achieved  greatness,  who  wrested 

from   reluctant    fortune  the  thing-   which  they   desired  and   which   were   worth 

while. 

(  )ur  country  is  the  great  arena  where  many  of  these  commercial  battle- 
have  been  fought,  and  nothing  more  dramatic  is  recorded  in  the  annals  of 
history. 

facob  Kovin-ky  is  a  line  example  of  this  type  of  man.  lie  doubtless 
inherited  vigorous  qualities  of  mind  from  hi-  father,  who  wa-  a  successful 
iron  merchant  and  a  great  Jewish  scholar. 

lie  wa-  born  in  Suwalk.  Guberne,  Poland,  September  15.  [883,  and  came 
to    America  in    May,    1894.      lb-  landed   with   hi-  parent-   in   Windsor,  (  anada, 

and  attended  the  public  schools  tor  three  years  following.     During  tin-  time 

he  peddled  eiie.-  after  School  bom-  and  assisted  his   father. 

At  the  age  of  thirteen  hi-  native  independence  of  spirit  asserted  itself  and 
he  -tatted  peddling  notion-.  Tin-  In-  continued  for  three  years,  when  he  moved 
with  his  parents  to  Chatham,  '  >nl  .  and  with  the  little  monej  he  had  been  able 
to  saw.  began  buying  junk,  selling  to  hi-  father,  who  wa-  in  the  metal  business. 

160 


Ili>  parent  moving  to  Detroit,  he  started  out  on  his  own  account  at 
Pontiac,  Mich.,  buying  metal  and  storing  it  until  he  could  sell  to  advantage. 
This  business  he  successfully  conducted  on  the  small  capital  of  $213,  which 
is  all  he  had  besides  his  horse  and  wagon  when  he  arrived  in  Pontiac. 

Thus  he  continued  for  three  years,  gradually  building  up  his  business. 

lie  was  married  December  25,  1901,  to  Miss  Ida  Sterling,  and  Mr.  Kovin- 
sky attributes  much  of  his  subsequent  success  to  her  assistance  and  rare  judg- 
ment. 

His  business  grew  very  rapidly,  until  today  he  is  doing  an  annual  business 
of  S^oo.ooo  and  has  accumulated  real  estate  in  Pontiac  and  Detroit  to  the  extent 
of  over  S125.000. 

Mr.  Kovinsky  advises  voung  people  to  save  their  money  and  go  into 
business  for  themselves.  To  be  thrifty,  honest  and  persistent,  and  success  will 
follow. 

They  have  four  children,  wdio  are  going  to  school,  being  educated  in  music 
and  are  being  given  many  advantages  which  their  father  was  not  privileged  to 
enjoy. 

Mr.  Kovinsky  is  a  member  of  Beth  Israel  Congregation  of  Detroit, 
founder  and  President  of  the  congregation  of  Pontiac.  to  whom  he  gave  bis 
hall  and  lights  free;  also  all  necessary  financial  support  until  it  became  self- 
supporting. 

Mr.  and  Mr;.  Kovinsky  subscribe  liberallv  to  hospitals  and  other  charita- 
ble organizations,  Mrs.  Kovinsky  being  a  staunch  supporter  of  the  Home  for 
the  Aged. 

Thev  are  devoting  much  of  their  time  as  well  as  money  to  the  promotion 
of  these  institutions,  and  Jews  and  Gentiles  alike  have  cause  to  be  grateful  for 
their  remarkable  generositv. 


JOSEPH    KOVINSKY 

Robert  Louis  Stevenson  has  said:  "O  toiling  hands  of  mortals!  O  un- 
w  caried  feet,  traveling  ye  know  not  whither !  Soon,  soon,  it  seems  to  you, 
you  must  come  forth  on  some  conspicuous  hill-top,  and  but  a  little  way  further, 
against  the  setting  sun,  descry  the  spires  of  El  Dorado.  Little  do  ye  know 
your  own  blessedness,  for  to  travel  hopefully  is  a  better  thing  than  to  arrive, 
and  the  true  success  is  to  labor." 

<  )ne  of  those  pilgrims  to  the  Shrine  of  Success,  who  traveled  hopefully  and 
finally  arrived  at  the  goal  of  his  ambition,  is  Mr.  Joseph  Kovinsky. 

He  was  born  in  Suwalker.  Guberne.  Russian  Poland,  in  1871,  and  came  to 
America  during  the  summer  of  1887.  Landing  in  Xew  York,  he  worked  as 
operator  in  a  pants  factory  for  six  years  and  then  went  to  Windsor,  Canada, 
where  he  started  to  peddle  poultry.  He  then  moved  to  Chatham,  and  with  his 
father  started  to  peddle  junk,  where  he  continued  about  two  years.  He  then 
sold  his  interests  and  went  back  to  Windsor,  where  he  opened  a  junk  yard  on  a 
small  scale  and  later  bought  the  present  large  establishment,  which  he  owns 
and  operates. 

Mr.  Kovinsky 's  struggle  was  verv  difficult  at  times,  as  he  had  very  little 
capital  with  which  to  begin,  but  he  was  given  most  able  assistance  by  his  wife, 
who  worked  as  hard  as  he  and  after  the  first  two  years  conditions  became  much 
easier  for  them. 

He  not  only  operates  the  large  junk  yard,  but  is  also  an  owner  of  con- 
siderable real  estate  in  Windsor  and  Ford  City.  Ontario. 

The  Kovinskys  have  nine  children,  five  boys  and  four  girls.  Abraham 
is  a  doctor  in  Detroit,  who  is  very  charitably  inclined  and  gives  much  of  his 

161 


time  and  skill  to  charity  without  any  remuneration  whatsoever.  The  daughter 
Lottie  is  married  to  Edward  Wolf  of  Detroit,  and  the  rest  of  the  children  arc- 
all  in  school. 

In  addition  to  Mr.  Kovinsky's  multiplicity  of  business  interests,  he  is  ex- 
vice-president  and  treasurer  of  Windsor  Shera  Zedek,  and  also  a  contributor 
i"  die  Detroit  Ladies'  Hospital,  and  lias  aided  in  the  construction  of  the 
Talmud  Torah  of  Windsor. 


JOSEPH  KRALL 

il  is  not  -hen  to  many  nun  to  find  early  in  life  the  true  vocation  for 
which  they  are  hest  fitted.  Experience  is  the  best  teacher,  and  cultivates  a 
power  of  discrimination  which  enables  the  man  to  find  his  proper  groove  in  the 
business  mechanism. 

Sneh  was  the  ease  with  Joseph  Krall.  who  was  horn  in  Zebrarsh,  Austria, 
March  15,  (868.  lie  did  not  come  to  America  until  1890,  and  landing  in  New 
York  set  out  to  learn  the  trade  of  shirt  making.  Me  did  not  find  this  occupa- 
tion congenial,  however,  so  he  went  10  Providence,  R.  I.,  and  began  peddling 

table  oil  cloth.  Later  he  spent  some  time  in  a  textile  mill,  when'  he  acquired 
much  valuable  experience,  although  the  salary  wa-  only  S7.51 1  per  week.       This 

lead  to  his  establishment  of  the  present  business  devoted  to  floor  coverings, 
which  has  proved  a  wonderful  success. 

Mr.  Krall  was  married  in  Austria  in  1SS7  to  Miss  Bertha  Tishler,  who 
is  very  popular  in  their  circle  of  friends  and  acquaintances. 

In  addition  to  generous  gifts  to  charity.  Mr.  Krall  is  quite  active  in  a 
number  of  fraternal  organizations,  being  Past  President  of  1.  t  1.  B.  A..  Past 
Treasurer  Workmen's  Association,  and  is  also  a   faithful  member  of  Avas 

Sholeni  t'onyre^ation. 


BEN  KRAMER 

Until  very  recent  years,  historians  have  been  too  prone  to  write  beautiful 
memoirs  of  departed  great  men,  leaving  unchronicled  the  important  events 
happening  in  their  own  era. 

We  of  to, lay  like  to  believe  that  the  proent  is  just  a-  interesting  a-  the 

past;  that   nothing   more   wonderful   has  happened   than  the  hi-torv    which  our 

own  contemporaries  are  making 

It  i~  therefore  a  great  pleasure  to  record  the  events  of  a  successful  career; 

one  onlv   well  begun,  it  is  true,  but  already   replete  with  brilliant  achivement. 

Ben  Kramer  was  horn  in  (  leveland,  Ohio,  Mav  15,  [885.  His  father, 
I  icob   Kramer,  was  a  prominent  iron  dealer  of  that  city,  and  when  onlv   eight 

years  of  age  Ben  began  helping  him  in  the  business,     lien-  he  served  a  hard 
apprenticeship  until  1007.  working  [4  or  15  hours  a  da) 

lie  thin  engaged  in  business  fur  himself  and  during  the  next  seven  years 
achieved  such  marked  success  as  an  iron  and  steel  broker  that  he  claimed  the 
attention  of  Mr.  A.  Rotter  of  I  >etroit,  who  offered  bun  an  interest  in  his  busi 

ness.      This  olfer  he  accepted,  and  the  next   two  years  as  manager  of  the  tii  in 

marked  another  epoch  in  a  reuiarkablv  successful  career. 

At  the  end  of  this  time  he  wa    taken  into  full  partnership  in  the  firm  of 

162 


A.  Rotter,  who  have  an  international  reputation  and  are  ranked  as  one  of  the 
largest  iron  and  metal  businesses  in  the  world. 

Mr.  Kramer  was  married  in  Cleveland.  June  14,  1007.  to  Miss  Ida  Levine, 
and  their  liberal  philanthropies  are  well  known  to  all  worthy  charities  and 
Jewish  organizations  in  Detroit  and  Cleveland. 

Mr.  Kramer  is  a  member  of  the  Temple  Beth  El.,  B.  P.  O.  E.  Lodge  Xo. 
34  of  Detroit.  Past  Chancellor  K.  of  P.  of  Cleveland,  Independent  Aid  of 
Cleveland,  member  of  Cleveland  and  Detroit  charities,  Denver  Sanitariums 
and  Jewish  Hospital. 

Like  many  other  prominent  men  who  have  been  denied  the  privilege  of 
much  academic  instruction  and  has  been  obliged  to  depend  upon  their  owe 
native  ability  and  the  knowledge  they  could  obtain  from  reading  and  observa- 
tion, Mr.  Kramer  places  very  high  value  on  a  good  education  and  urges  all 
voting  men  to  go  to  school  just  as  long  as  possible. 

While  he  has  attained  an  enviable  position  unaided  by  such  advantages, 
many  other  young  men  would  have  failed  absolutely,  and  certain  it  is  that  his 
own  path  would  have  been  much  more  smooth  had  he  been  able  to  acquire  a 
good  education. 

He  also  believes  in  the  gospel  of  hard  work,  as,  without  close  application, 
the  most  brilliant  talents  are  often  of  little  value. 

The  third  requisite  of  success — "To  be  fair  in  all  your  dealings" — is  a 
principle  to  which  Mr.  Kramer  has  faithfully  adhered  during  his  entire  busi- 
ness career,  and  he  considers  this  the  most  important  of  all. 


HYMAN  KRAMER 

Perhaps  no  industry  in  our  country  enables  a  shrewd  business  man  to  gain 
an  insight  into  the  possibilities  of  the  junk  business  as  railroading.  In  this 
line  Mr.  Hyman  Kramer  found  his  first  employment  in  America,  and  it  was 
a  stepping  stone  to  the  larger  business  achievements  which  have  since  distin- 
guished his  career. 

Mr.  Kramer  was  born  in  Cleveland,  Ohio,  November  13th,  1883,  the  son 
of  Joseph  and  Pauline  Kramer,  his  father  being  in  the  metal  business  in  his 
native  city.  He  was  given  a  high  school  education  and  after  completing  his 
course  began  working  for  the  railroad  company.  He  remained  five  years  and 
when  he  left  their  eniplov  had  gained  the  position  of  yard  clerk.  He  then 
went  to  Cleveland,  where  he  was  employed  as  car  dispatcher  for  the  X.  Y.  C. 
&  St.  L.     This  position  paid  $90.00  per  month  and  he  remained  five  years. 

He  then  decided  to  look  about  him  for  a  good  location,  in  which  to  estab- 
lish a  business,  and  his  father  having  moved  to  Detroit,  he  was  induced  to  go 
there.  His  success  was  phenomenal  from  the  start,  but  feeling  that  he  wanted 
to  operate  on  a  larger  scale,  he  interested  some  capital  and  organized  a  com- 
pany under  the  firm  name  of  Hyman  Kramer  &  Company.  At  the  present 
time  they  have  an  immense  modern  plant,  humming  with  activity  and  emanat- 
ing an  atmosphere  of  prosperity. 

They  own  property  on  both  sides  of  Twenty-fourth  street,  their  holdings 
extending  from  627  to  (^>2>7- 

Mr.  Kramer  at  this  writing  is  unmarried  and  resides  with  his  parents. 
Although  a  very  young  man  and- burdened  with  many  business  cares,  he  is 
still  prominent  in  fraternal  and  religious  organizations,  being  a  Mason  and  a 
member  of  the  29th  Street  Synagogue.  He  is  also  a  member  of  Temple  Beth 
El,  Talmud  Torah,  and  contributes  liberally  to  the  Denver  Hospital,  as  well  as 
all  local  charities. 

Mr.  Kramer  is  very  highly  regarded  in  Detroit  and  is  considered  one  of  the 
city's  most  able  and  dependable  business  men. 

163 


SOLOMON  HENRY  KUSMINSKY 
The  write-  of  these  lines  paid  a  visit  to  the  Beaver  Valley  section  of 
Pennsylvania  to  find  suitable  men  whose  biographies  could  be  included  in  the 
"Distinguished  [ews  of  America."  He  selected  For  the  purpose  Mr  Solomon 
Henry  Kusminsky,  of  Farrell,  Pa.  The  selection  was  made,  under  the  impres- 
sion and  with  the  full  conviction  that  not  only  because  Farrel  is  Mr.  K.us- 
minsky's  residence,  can  he  lay  a  justified  claim  for  such  distinction,  but  even 
in  the  larger  cities  of  America  one  would  seek  him  out  for  the  purpose,  tor 
Mr.  Kusminsky  belongs  to  the  class  of  Jewish  young  men  who  deserve  to  be 
presented  to  the   fewish  community  of  America.  _ 

It  was  bj  no  means  an  easy  task  for  the  writer  to  obtain  any  information 
about  Mr  Kusminsky,  since  the  latter  is  of  the  kind  who  despise  the  lime- 
lights  of   pilblicit)    and    do    not    consider   themselves   in   any    way    superior   to 

other  people.     But  1  learned  enough  details  to  be  able  to  compile  this  short 

sketch.  rT  .  _     aQ 

Mr  Kusminsky  is  still  a  very  young  man.  lie  was  horn  January  5,  (882, 
in  Tulcriin  near  Kamentz  Podolsky,  the  son  of  Israel  and  Hannah  Kusminsky. 
Mr  Kusminskv  looks  as  youthful  as  his  years,  but  after  a  conversation  with 
him  one  soon  gains  the  impression  thai  here  is  a  man  who  has  already  passed 
through  much  in  his  life  and  who  is,  in  addition,  blessed  with  a  higher  intelli- 
gence which  welcomes  great  experiences.  . 

\t  the  tender  age  of   tour,  the  child  was  first  brouglH   1"    Mncnca  D)    his 

parents   but  they  could  not  adjust  themselves  to  the  new  conditions  and  they 

returned  to  Russia,  taking  their  child  with  them.    When   Solomon   1  Iciuw    was 
eight  years  of  age  his  family  brought  him  hack  again. 

lie  was  ai  firsl  sent  to  the  Pittsburgh  public  schools,  hut  In-  passed  only 
through  the  first  grades,  and  then,  like  many  other  poor  children,  he  was  tossed 
upon  the  battlefield  of  life,  lie  was  then  only  about  twelve  years  of  age  and 
he  found  employment  for  $1.00  a  week  in  a  tinware  store.  Later  he  left  this 
place  and  wen'  'to  work  as  a  cash  hoy  in  a  department  store.     Afterwards  he 

became  a  messenger  boy  tor  the  telegraph  company  and  then  he  found  a  berth 
as  clerk  with  the  telephone  conipanv.  at  which  he  stayed  for  Hilly  eight  years, 
In  [906  h.-  came  to  Farrel.  He  had  hut  a  scanty  sum  oi  money  with  him, 
hut  a  thorough  life-experience  unusual  for  his  years.  His  past  connections 
have  earned  him  a  good  name  and  he  decided  to  Utilize  it  tor  his  purposes. 
He  opened  a  small  store  which  gradually  began  to  expand,  and  under  his  able 
management  ami  through  honest  and  diligent  work  the  business  grew  to  large 
proportions.  It  exited  for  nine  years.  In  1015.  realizing  that  the-  rapid 
growth  of  the  citj  necessitated  a  department  store,  he  organized  the  Farrel 
Drj   Goods  Company,  becoming  it~  general  manager    Thus  Mr.  Kusminsky 

came  to  he  the  head  of  a  large  department   si,, re  which  could  easily   lit   ml"  a 
town  larger  than  Farrel.  .  ,      ,      ,      ■  1 

S. .  much  about  Mr.  Kusminsky's  achievements  in  business.  In  the  Jewish 
life  Mr.  Kusminsky  is  highly  important  for  his  activity  in  the  Zionist  move- 
ment. 

He  was  one  of  the  first  and  most  active  young  Zionists  ol  Pittsburgh,  I- or 
ten  years  he  has  been  prominently  connected  with  the  organization  known  as 
"Tiphereth  Zion,"  and  In-  was  one  of  the  pillars  on  which  the  Zionist  move 
iiu-nt  was  built  in  Pittsburgh.  No  toil  was  ever  too  hard  for  hmi.  no  sacrifice 
too  great  win-never  Zionism  was  the  issue.  Outside  of  his  Zionist  activity 
Mr.  Kusminsk)  is  not  active  in  social  life,  being  too  much  taken  up  with  his 
business,  but  he  belongs  to  ever)  important  Jewish  institution  in  Pittsbut 

Discussing  the  question  of  what  constituted  success  in  life,  Mr.  Kusminsk) 
answered  after  a  few  moments  of  consideration.  "Persistent,  honest  work 
must  always  be  crowned  with  success." 

Mr.  Kusminsk)  is  the  father  of  two  children,  Evelyn,  aged  eight,  and 
Bernard,  six  years  of  age.     rheir  mother,  nee  Pauline    Werbach,  died  in  May, 

|Q1  l,  and   Mr.  Kusminskv   has  since  devoted  his  life  to  the  education  and  mak 

ing  happ)  the  two  children,  who  are  under  the  tutelage  of  their  grandmother 
in  Pittsburgh. 


164 


CHARLES  LANDAY 

While  Mr.  Charles  Landay  is  not  by  any  means  an  old  man  and  is  still 
actively  engaged  in  the  management  of  his  business,  he  has  been  for  over  a 
quarter  of  a  century  a  most  prominent  actor  in  that  most  fascinating  of  all 
dramas,  American  business  life. 

Charles  Landay  was  born  in  1'odola.  Guberne,  Russia,  in  the  year  1856. 
He  was  32  years  old  before  he  decided  to  come  to  America,  an  age  when  must 
men  would  consider  it  rather  late  to  embark  upon  a  new  career. 

lie  landed  in  this  country  July  3,  1888,  and  found  bis  way  to  Pittsburgh, 
Pa.,  where  he  peddled  dry  goods  for  six  months.  Finding  this  most  unsatis- 
factory, be  started  buying  and  selling  junk,  and  three  years  later  went  to  Wash- 
ington, I 'a.,  where  he  opened  a  junk  yard.  Under  his  able  management  the 
business  has  proved  a  wonderful  success  and  goes  to  show  conclusively  that 
.Air.  Landay's  doctrine  of  "Hard  work  and  a  business  of  your  own,"  if  faith- 
fully followed,  is  bound  to  produce  results. 

Mr.  Landay  was  twice  married;  first  in  Europe  and  then  in  America,  in 
1801,  to  Miss  Rifka  (ioldenberg.  He  has  nine  children,  three  girls  and  six 
boys,  who  seem  to  have  inherited  their  father"s  business  ability,  as  the  two 
older  sons,  Morris  and  Louis,  are  prominent  steel  workers  in  Pittsburgh.  The 
others  are  still  in  school,  with  the  exception  of  the  daughter  Pearl,  who  is 
married  to  Mr.  Sam  Cohn,  a  manufacturing  jobber  of  Washington.  I'a. 

Like  all  good  Jews,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Landay  regard  liberality  in  matters  of 
charity  as  a  sacred  duty  and  are  very  active  in  the  promotion  of  all  societies  for 
public  betterment.  They  not  only  contribute  liberally  to  all  local  activities,  but 
the  Denver  and  Los  Angeles  sanitariums  as  well. 

Mr.  Landay  also  lends  valuable  assistance  to  Talmud  Torah  and  the  Loan 
Association,  being  President  of  both  organizations.  He  is  also  prominent  in 
the  Congregation  Beth  Israel  and  on  the  Board  of  Trade. 


MORRIS  LANDSKRONER 

L'nfailing  courtesy  is  one  of  the  biggest  assets  that  a  business  man  can 
possess.  This  is  especially  true  in  the  case  of  a  man  who  is  continually  being 
brought  in  touch  with  the  public,  as  is  the  case  in  a  barber  shop. 

Although  Mr.  Morris  Landskroner  is  very  reticent  about  his  extraordi- 
nary success  in  this  line  of  business,  his  friends  and  business  associates  have 
not  failed  to  appreciate  the  sterling  qualities  which  have  contributed  to  his  re- 
markable rise,  and  we  do  not  feel  that  this  volume  would  be  complete  without 
his  interesting  history. 

Morris  Landskroner  was  born  in  Sered,  Bukvania,  October  3,  1883,  the 
son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Sherl  Landskroner.  His  father  was  one  of  the  prominent 
citizens  of  his  native  town  and  recognized  as  an  absolute  authority  in  all  mat- 
ters of  Jewish  scholarship. 

In  the  year  1903  Morris,  then  a  young  man  of  20  years,  came  to  America, 
landing  on  our  shores  October  3.  As  he  had  learned  the  barber  trade  in  Aus- 
tria, he  secured  a  position  at  this  work  upon  his  arrival  in  America,  and  after 
working  six  months  decided  to  go  into  business  for  himself.  He  continued  in 
New  York  for  ten  years  and  then  went  to  Cleveland.  For  the  first  year  he 
worked  with  a  Mr.  Stein,  who  was  located  at  1976  East  Ninth  street,  and  then 
having  opportunity  to  buy  the  business,  he  assumed  entire  control  and  has  been 
at  this  location  since  that  time. 

Mr.  Landskroner  has  been  remarkably  successful.  His  business  has 
grown  to  be  one  of  the  largest  of  its  kind  in  the  city,  yielding  to  him  consequent 

165 


financial  prosperity,  the  t  which  are  not  enjoyed  by  himself  alone.  as 

be  is  must  generous  in  hi-  ;:ifts  to  charities,  both  local  and  national. 

Mr.  Landskroner  was  married  in  N'ew  York  City.  M       -_ 
Lena  Rubin,  and  their  family  consists  of  two  tine  boys,  who  are  going  to  school. 

Like  all  successful  business  men.  Mr.  Landskroner  realizes  the  ne: 
of  hard  work  and  absolute  honesty.     These  are  the  principles  which  he 
should  be  strongly  impressed  upon  the  minds  of  the  young,  as  they  are  the 
golden  keys  that  unlock  the  doors  to  a  life  of  usefulness  and  prosperity. 


JOSEPH  LASDUSKY 

Homestead.  Pa.,  is  a  little  but  very  enterprising  community  of  the  Alle- 
gher.  f  the  state.    Among  its  citizens  known  for  their  rugged  ho- 

and  integrity,  the  writer  had  the  occasion  to  interview  a  man  who.  taken  from 
all  a:  .  -  that  mention  be  made  of  his  personality  and  achievements. 

Joseph  L:.-  vncr  of  a  general  store  at  X-  •        ~        141  Eighth  avenue. 

Mr.  Lasdusky  is  the  scion  of  a  scholarly  family,  his  great-grandfather. 
Rabbi  Mi  -  ier.  being  one  of  the  most  famous  Lamdanim  of  his  day 

and  time.  Joseph  Lasdusky 's  father.  Moses,  was  named  after  his  illusr 
ancestor.  and  it  was  he  who  decided  i-  $7:  exchange  their  humble  sur- 
roundings of  a  little  town.  Kalvaria.  in  Russian  Poland,  for  the  unlimited 
ilities  and  the  boundless  opportunities  of  free  America.  It  was.  there- 
fore, in  1S75  that  the  subject  of  this  article  first  landed  on  the  friendly  shores 
of  the  I'nited  States.  Having  been  born  on  the  4th  of  September.  1870.  he 
was  just  five  years  of  age  at  the  time,  and  there  can  scarcely  remain  with  him 
any  memory  of  his  native  land.  Mr.  LasdusJ  -  -  •.horoughly  American  as 
conditions  could  make  him ;  and  by  his  breeding  and  education  he  typifies  the 
successful  American  business  man.  Withal,  he  is  ardently  Jewish,  and  while 
his  brothers  and  even  his  sons  changed  their  patronymic  to  Mr. 

usky   staunch!  his   traditional    family  name,  even   though   he 

realizes  that  circumstances  might  justify  such  action  on  the  part  of  his  other 
immediate  relatives. 

At  the  age  of  ten.  Joseph  Lasdusky  began  a  struggle  f  selling 

matches,  and  then  at  eighteen  he  became  a  clerk  in  a  store.     T  -  later 

see  him  conducting  a  little  store  in  Coal  Center.  Pa.,  and  at  the  a^ 
twenty-two  he  settled  in  Homestead,  where  he  owns  the  general  ■  hich 

mention  has  already  been  made.    The  store,  small  and  insignificant  at  fi-- 
today  the  pridi  An.  and  its  owner,  one  of  the  pill  Mr. 

Lasdusky  is  a  great  communal  worker  -  .minenllv  connected  with  the 

Congregation  Rodeph  Sholotn,  of  which  h<  •'  the 

'  the  beautiful  •  :>uilt  in  1014.  which 

a  pride  and  a  credit  to  immunity  of  H 

•  lent  when  th<  -liber 

of  (he  Ej 
member  of  th< 

in  <  Idd  Fellowship  in  all  it*  branches      He  was  the  :nbcr 

of  ti  e  local  I'.'nai  B'rith  and 

times  del 
phaned  and  Friendless  Children  of  Eri 

and  Organized  by  the  order      In  *; 

June.  1917.  Mr.  Las 

Din  u  of 

the  I 

Mr.  Lasdosky's  interest  in  matters  of  edu 


office  as  Chairman  of  the  Educational  Committee  of  the  Independent  <  >rdcr 
B'nai  B'ritli.  This  committee  looks  alter  the  religious  training  of  the  [ewish 
inmates  of  juvenile  institutions  in  Allegheny  County.  Mr.  Lasdusky  was  also 
the  first  Jew  to  be  elected  by  popular  vote  a  member  of  the  local  school  board 
of  education,  for  a  term  of  seven  years,  serving  for  two  terms  as  I 'resident  of 
the  board  and  having  the  distinction  that  under  his  administration  the  town 
built  a  high  school  and  equipped  it  in  a  very  modern  and  progressive  manner. 
In  .March,  1891,  Mr.  Lasduskv  was  married  to  Miss  Sallie  Rubin,  who  has 
proven  a  helpmate  in  every  sense  of  the  word,  for  she  devoted  herself  to  their 
home  and  their  business.  To  his  wife  Mr.  Lasdusky  concedes  all  credit  for  his 
success  in  their  well-established  business  and  his  activities  that  have  accom- 
plished so  much  "good  to  others."  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lasdusky  are  the  parents 
of  four  sturdy  sons,  two  of  whom.  Ralph,  aged  24,  and  Louis,  aged  21,  are  in 
the  service  of  Uncle  Sam.  Ralph  volunteered  at  the  beginning  of  the  war. 
while  Louis  was  drafted  by  his  local  board.  The  other  two  sons,  Isidor  and 
Harry,  are  students  in  the  University  of  Pennsylvania. 


LOUIS  LEBSTER 

In  our  lives,  as  in  the  growth  of  a  giant  oak,  many  years  are  often  required 
to  attain  ftdl  development.  Much  time,  patience  and  diligence  are  necessary 
for  the  attainment  of  a  worthy  and  enduring  maturity  and  a  firmly  rooted 
foundation  is  necessary  for  a  perfection  of  development. 

As  we  study  the  careers  of  some  of  the  successful  foreign-born  American 
business  men  we  are  reminded  of  these  facts,  especially  when  one  is  fortunate 
enough  to  be  able  to  interview  such  a  man  as  Mr.  Louis  Lebster  of  Flint,  Mich. 

Mr.  Lebster  was  born  in  Husiatyn,  Austria,  September  15th,  1879,  and 
came  to  America  in  the  fall  of  1894.  He  went  to  Fall  River,  Mass,  where  he 
worked  as  helper  in  a  bakery  for  one  year  at  $2.00  per  week.  He  then  went 
to  Providence,  R.  L,  where  he  worked  at  the  same  trade,  at  a  slightly  higher 
wage.  Later  we  find  him  in  Walesberg,  Canada,  where  he  went  into  the  junk 
business,  but  after  a  few  weeks  decided  that  he  needed  a  larger  field  for  his 
activities,  so  went  to  Detroit,  Mich.  Here  he  entered  into  partnership  with  a 
Mr.  Kovinsky,  and  remained  one  year.  They  later  moved  to  Pontiac  and  here 
the  partnership  was  dissolved.  He  returned  to  Detroit  and  engaged  in  the 
shoe  business,  but  this  venture  proved  unsuccessful,  so  he  went  to  Flint,  Mich., 
and  in  conjunction  with  his  brother  entered  into  the  junk  business.  Their 
firm  is  known  as  Flint  Scrap  Iron  &  Metal  Company,  and  is  one  of  the  most 
prosperous  and  modern  concerns  of  the  kind  in  the  country. 

Mr.  Lebster  was  married  January  29th,  1902,  to  Miss  Hanna  Shapiro  of 
Detroit  and  they  have  two  children,  one  boy  and  one  girl. 

Mr.  Lebster  is  an  active  Mason  and  is  also  very  devoted  in  his  religious 
beliefs,  being  a  prominent  member  of  Congregation  Beth  Jacob  of  Detroit. 
1  le  is  also  an  ardent  supporter  of  various  charities,  both  local  and  national. 


167 


MAX  LEBSTER 

It  is  a  pleasure  to  record  the  events  in  the  life  of  a  man  of  whom  it  can 
be  truly  said,  "lie  took  council  ever  of  his  courage — never  of  his  fears."  Few 
young  men  have  been  better  endowed  by  nature  and  at  the  same  time  few  have 
had  more  difficulties  to  overcome  than  those  which  opposed  Mr.  Lebster. 

lie  was  horn  in  llusityn,  Galicia,  Austria,  July  17.  [869,  the  son  of  Morris 
and  Meria  Lebster.  From  his  father  he  inherited  a  large  amount  of  business 
ability  and  an  aptitude  for  culture,  his  father  being  an  accomplished  Jewish 
scholar  as  well  as  grain  merchant  of  his  native  city. 

lie  was  twcim  two  years  old  when  he  came  to  America,  and  having  little 
money  with  which  to  begin  his  career,  was  compelled  to  accept  the  first  honest 
employment  which  came  to  hand.  This  was  in  a  cotton  mill  in  Fall  River, 
Mass..  at  the  meager  salary  of  ><>  per  week.  He  remained  one  year,  when  his 
first  great  misfortune  overtook  him.  1  lis  right  hand  was  caught  in  the  machin- 
ery and  not  only  was  he  incapacitated  for  further  work  of  this  nature,  but 
nearl)   losl  his  hand. 

When  he  became  well  enough,  he  secured  employment  in  a  furniture  store, 
and  during  the  next  year  accumulated  .S400  capital,  with  which  he  went  into  the 
furniture  business  for  himself  in  Detroit.  Mich.  This  venture  did  not  prove 
very  profitable  and  after  eight  years'  hard  struggle  he  decided  to  try  the  iron 
and  metal  business. 

Going  to  Flint,  Mich.,  he  opened  a  scrap  iron  yard  and  at  last  found  the 
vocation  which  was  to  bring  him  wealth  and  a  position  of  usefulness  and 
influence  in  the  community.  Mr.  Lebster  is  a  representative  of  that  high-class 
type  of  Jew  who  lives  up  to  the  best  traditions  of  Judiac  law. 

To  him  the  dispensing  <>f  charily  is  the  first  duty,  and  in  this  he  is  ably 
seconded  by  his  wife.  who.  prior  to  her  marriage  to  Mr.  Lebster,  [line  15. 
[894,  was  Miss  Lena  Kavinskv.  of  ball   River,  Mass. 

Mrs.  Lebster  is  devoted  to  all  the  charities  of  their  city  and  is  a  prominent 
member  of  the  Eastern  Star. 

At  the  present  time  Mr.  Lebster  is  directing  his  talents  and  money  toward 
the  erection  of  a  synagogue,   which   is  sorely   needed   in   their  thriving  Jewish 

community,  lie  is  the  founder  and  President  of  the  Flint  Hebrew  Congrega- 
tion, is  a  prominent  Mason  and  Maccabee  and  a  member  of  the  Flint  Chamber 
of  I  oiniuerce. 

Among  prominent  charities  having  reasons  for  gratitude  to  Mr.  and   Mr-. 

Lebster  may  be  mentioned  the  <  >rphans'   Home  of  Cleveland,  ("lid   Age   1  Iodic 

of  Detroit  and  Talmud  Torah. 

The  Lebsters  have  one  daughter,  the  wife  of  Dr.  Abe  Korrisky,  of  Detroit. 


JOSEPH   LEFKOFSKY 

Someone  has  said  that  the  soul  of  :i  poel  .an  In-  expressed  in  the  perfei 
tion  of  a  pie,  and  if  that  is  true,  the  business  establishment  of   Mr.   [oseph 

Lefkofsk)   emanates  the  perfection  of  true  artistry,  as  an)   on,-  who  has  visit,-,  1 

bis  delicatessen  store  at  255  Gratiot  avenue,  Detroit,  Midi.,  can  attest. 

He  was  born  in  Bilistock,  Russia,  Februarj  16,  1864,  and  came  to  America 

at  the  age  of   01  wars. 

His  first  business  experience  was  thai  of  a  salesman  in  a  drj  g Is  firm 

in  Canada,  where  he  remained  four  years,     He  then  went   to  and 

ted  in  the  restaurant  and  delicatessen  business,  which  be  conducted  for  eight 
1  loing  t"  I  ictroit.  Mich.,  be  established  himself  at  ins  present  location, 
where  his  business  has  been  constantl)  increasing  for  eighteen  years, 

168 


For  hostesses  of  Detroit  to  serve  delicacies  coming  from  Lefkofsky's 
means  that  their  guests  are  being  given  the  best  that  the  market  affords,  as  it 
has  been  Mr.  Lefkofsky's  unfailing  policy  to  keep  the  standard  of  his  product 
up  to  the  highest  mark. 

Mr.  Lefkofsky  was  married  July  17.  1886.  to  Miss  Esther  Mecanic  of 
Toronto.  Canada,  and  they  have  two  sons,  who  are  married  and  engaged  with 
their  father  in  the  conduct  of  the  business.  Harry  is  married  to  Lilly  Solinsky 
of  Detroit,  while  Goodman's  wife  was  formerlv  Miss  Lea  Lepskv  of  Brooklyn, 
N.  Y. 

They  all  contribute  most  liberally  to  charities  and  are  very  popular  in  their 
social  circle. 


ABRAHAM  H.  LEGOMSKY 

Prominent  among  the  business  men  of  Ashtabula,  Ohio,  is  the  name  of 
Mr.  Abraham  Legomsky. 

Although  yet  a  very  young  man,  he  has  displayed  remarkable  ability  and 
is  successfully  conducting  a  fine  meat  market  and 
grocery. 

He  was  born  in  Haduchisak,  Russia,  Septem- 
ber 5,  1892.  His  father,  David  Legomsky,  was  a 
contractor  of  their  native  city. 

Young  Abraham  came  to  America  at  the  age 
of  fifteen  and  found  his  first  employment  in  a  cloth- 
ing store,  where  he  worked  for  six  months  at  $3 
per  week.  He  then  worked  in  a  meat  market  in 
New  York,  after  which  he  went  to  Marinette.  Wis. 
At  Cleveland,  Ohio,  he  started  a  meat  market  for 
himself,  obtaining  much  valuable  experience  which 
was  to  be  useful  to  him  when  he  went  into  business 
for  himself  in  Ashtabula,  Ohio.  He  is  today  re- 
garded as  a  rising  young  business  man  of  much 
promise,  and  possessed  of  great  ability. 

Mr.  Legomsky  was  married  October  23,  1915, 
to  Miss  Mollie  R.  Jaffee  of  Colchester,  Conn. 

The  two  young  neople  are  very  popular  in  their  social  circle  and  are  always 
ready  to  give  liberally  to  any  charitable  cause. 

They  are  members  of  Ashtabula  Congregation,  and  Mr.  Legomsky  is  also 
affiliated  with  tne  order  of  Moose  and  the  Wilner  Unterstitsing  Farein  of 
Cleveland. 


JONAS  LEIBEL 

Every  young  man,  arriving  at  maturity,  has  unconsciously  formed  his  idea 
of  success. 

Yet  he  is  probably  unaware  of  all  the  influences  which  have  been  at  work 
to  give  shape  and  color  to  his  ideal. 

To  Jonas  Leibel  was  given  parents  who  understood  the  value  of  Biblical 
and  religious  literature  and  the  men  and  women  he  knew  first  and  best  were 
those  of  the  ancient  Hebrew  world. 

169 


Who  can  sav  that  the  vision  of  the  camels  and  caravans  of  the  Ishmaelit- 

ish  merchants  toiling  through  the  deserts  did  not  lire  the  childish  imagination 
for  a  commercial  career? 

He  was  born  in  Krakow.  Austria.  March  [3,  (866,  the  son  of  Akivar  and 
Sarah  Leihel,  the  father  a  money  broker  and  Jewish  scholar,  whose  associa- 
tion and  teachings  were   in   themselves  a   liberal   education. 

He  was  married  at  the  age  of  18  to  Miss  Rivka  !•  lomenhal't.  and  two 
years  later  the  young  people  decided  to  try  their  fortunes  in  America. 

Landing  in  Xew  York,  his  brother-in-law,  who  was  a  cloak  and  suit 
manufacturer,  took  him  into  his  establishment  and  gave  him  a  chance  to  learn 
the  business.  From  being  an  operator  he  rapidly  advanced  to  designing,  at 
which  he  proved  to  be  most  adept,  and  lie  remained  nine  years,  having  his 
salary  raised  from  nothing  during  the  days  of  his  apprenticeship  to  Sj.umo  per 
year. 

However,  he  tired  of  New  York,  and  the  idea  of  a  business  of  his  own 
was  also  taking  form,  so  he  resigned  his  position,  and.  going  to  Cleveland, 
started  as  designer  for  a  small  concern  in  order  to  acquaint  himself  fully  with 
the  business  ami  his  new  surroundings. 

Two  years  later  we  find  him  in  business  with  three  associates  whom  he 
bought  out,  one  at  a  time  as  the  business  flourished,  until  today  he  is  the  sole 
owner  of  the  immense  establishment  located  at  208  St.  Clair  avenue,  which 
bears  his  name,  and  merchandise  bearing  the  Leihel  label  is  now  being  shipped 
to  every  section  of  the  United  States. 

The  Leibels  have  three  line  children,  one  hoy  and  two  girls.  The  eldest 
daughter.  Martha,  is  a  high  school  graduate  and  also  an  accomplished  pianist. 
Florence,  only  fourteen,  is  already  in  high  school  and  also  plavs  the  piano. 

The  son,  Carl,  who  is  named  for  his  grandfather,  is  in  school  and  studying 
the  violin. 

Mr.  Leibel's  name  is  connected  with  every  charity  in  Cleveland,  and  he 
personally  contributes  to  Mount  Sinai  Hospital  and  the  Denver  sanitarium. 
While  he  is.  of  course,  interested  in  all  Jewish  movements,  he  is  not  prejudiced 
in  his  beneficence  by  either  race,  creed  or  religion. 

He  has  also  several  prominent  organization  connections,  among  them 
being  the  Masons,  Elks  and  (  kid  Fellows,  the  Congregations  B'nai  l-hurim  and 
I'.'nai  B'rith. 


JACOB  LEIBOVITZ 
Success   is   the   reward   of   those    who   "spurn   delights   anil    live   laborious 

days." 

The  iron  of  opportunitj    is  shaped  in  life's  red-hot    forge  in    unceasing 
toil  and  perseverance.    It  is  never  a  stroke  of  luck;  the  reins  of  the  world  are 

draw  11  loo  tightly  for  that. 

These   principles   are   aptly    illustrated    in    the   career   of    Mr.    |a,oh    I  .eiho- 

vitz,  who  has  known  the  bitterness  of  failure  thai,  h\  contrast,  he  might  enioj 
to  the  full  a  success  so  hardly  gained. 

lie  wa-  born  in  Roumania,   Vugusl  15.  1878,  and  was  fortunate  in  having 

hi--  childhood  surrounded  by  an  atmosphere  of  intellectuality,  as  his   father  was 
a  line   lew  ish  scholar. 

lb-  came  to   Montreal.  Canada,  in    1902,  and   having  .,   bill,-  capital,   went 
into  business    for  himself  and    was  at    firsl    \cr\    successful.      llowe\er.  In-   was 

most  unfortunate  in  losing  his  mone)  during  a  panic  and  arrived  in  I  leve 
land.  Ohio,  with  bui  $500,  which  he  invested  in  the  millinery  business.    >,,,,,. 
that  time  his  unceasing  labor  and  able  management  have  resulted  in  an  cnor- 

l7o 


mous  wholesale  millinery  establishment,  and  also  a  fur  manufacturing  com- 
pany at  6307  Euclid  avenue. 

Mr.  Leibovitz  was  married  in  December,  [901,  to  Miss  Mina  Berkowitz, 
who  accompanied  her  husband  to  America  the  following  year,  and  has  been 
a  wonderful  help  to  him  during  the  difficult  years  in  which  he  was  endeavor- 
ing to  establish  himself. 

.Mr.  Leibovitz  considers  a  good  education  of  the  utmost  value  to  a  young 
man  or  woman,  regardless  of  their  vocation,  and  the  six  Leibovitz  children 
are  given  the  best  possible  advantages  which  money  can  procure. 

In  addition  to  the  regular  academic  studies,  their  training  in  music  is 
most  thorough,  consisting  of  both  piano  and  violin,  and  if  the  Leibovitz  family 
gives  to  the  world  a  really  great  musician,  it  will  be  another  laurel  leaf  added 
to  the  crown  of  artistry  which  the  Jewish  nation  wears,  as  some  of  the  world's 
most  wonderful  harmonies  have  come  from  instruments  in  the  inspired  hands 
of  Jews. 

The  benefits  of  Mr.  Leibovitz's  prosperity  do  not  end  with  his  own  fam- 
ily, as  he  is  most  generous  in  his  contributions  to  all  charities.  He  is  also  very 
active  in  local  affairs,  being  past  President  of  the  Business  Welfare  Associa- 
tion. 

He  is  also  prominently  connected  with  Talmud  Torah,  B'nai  B'rith  and 
Beth  Abraham. 


JACOB  LEIBOVIT 

Mr.  Jacob  Leibovit  of  Key  West,  Fla.,  is  a  young  man  still  engaged  in 
the  work  of  climbing  the  ladder  of  success,  and,  judging  by  his  past  perform- 
ances, his  unusual  reputation  and  great  intelligence,  we  cannot  doubt  but  that 
the  future  still  holds  great  things  in  store  for  him. 
He  was  born  on  May  5,  1885,  in  Botoshan,  Rou- 
mania,  the  son  of  Abraham  and   Mollie  Leibovit, 
who  are  both  at  present  at  Key  West.     He  came  to 
America  in  1900.     The  first  three  years  he  spent  in 
Philadelphia,  where  he  was  employed  in  the  great 
John  B.  Stetson  hat  works.     He  then  came  to  Key 
West,  taking  a  position  as  a  clerk  for  D.  H.  Wein- 
stein,   whose   daughter,  Tillie,  he   was   destined   to 
marry  later,  on  the  9th  of  February,  191 3. 

In  1908  he  became  a  junior  partner  in  the  busi- 
ness of  his  ultimate  father-in-law.  In  1910  he 
bought  Mr.  Weinstein's  interest  in  the  firm,  which 
was  then  only  a  retail  business,  and  in  1914  he 
started  jobbing  on  his  own  account,  and  at  the  pres- 
ent writing  he  owns  a  very  large  retail  and  whole- 
sale gents'  furnishings  business  at  506  Duval  street. 
Key  West,  doing  a  large  and  profitable  business 
over  the  whole  state  of  Florida. 

Personally,  Mr.  Leibovit  is  a  very  sympathetic  young  man,  of  sincere  and 
earnest  character  and  most  congenial  with  all  whom  he  meets.  He  is  a  con- 
spicuous member  of  the  Key  West  Congregation,  the  Knights  of  Pythias  and 
many  other  Jewish  and  non-Jewish  organizations  and  institutions.  Two  chil- 
dren, Bertha  Claire  and  Sylvia,  have  blessed  the  married  life  of  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Leibovit. 


171 


NATHAN  LESHNER 

The  spirit  of  independence  and  self-help  is  the  source  of  all  genuine  worth 
in  the  individual,  and  is  the  means  0f  bringing  success  and  affluence  to  men 
who  have  no  advantages  of  outside  help.  _ 

It  illustrates  in  no  uncetrain  manner  what  it  is  possible  to  accomplish 
when  perseverance  and  determination   form  the  keynote  of  a  mans  hte. 

( )ne  of  the  best  examples  of  these  principles  is  Mr.  Nathan  Leshner,  who 
was  horn  in  Reiver.  Guberne,  Mosnue,  Russia,  February  20,  [887,  the  son 
of  a  distinguished  fewish  scholar  and  wine  merchant.  At  the  age  oi  twelve 
he  started  earning  his  own  living  working  for  a  wholesale  grocer. 

lie  came  to  America  in  fuly,  1000.  and  landed  in  New  York,  when-  lie 

remained  only  about  eight  davs.  going  in  turn  to  hall  River.  Mass.  and  Mid- 
dletown,  <  »hio.  He  started  buying  and  selling  rags— first  with  a  i>nsh  cart  and 
later  with  a  horse  and  wagon.  , 

\  little  later  he  went  to  Hamilton.  I  >hlO,  where  he  was  SO  successful  that 
in  less  than  a  year  he  had  saved  $1,000.  IK-  then  went  hack  to  Europe  with 
his  brother  Jacob.  .  .  .  ,  ,. 

1  hiring  his  stay  in  Europe  he  was  married  to  Rosa  Strauss,  and  111  the  tall 
of  100-  returned  with  hi-  bride  to  America. 

Mr    lcslmer  landed  in   Buffalo  with  absolutely  no  money  and  suffered 

fearful  deprivations  until  he  reached  Middlctown.  Ohio.  Here  he  worked 
for  a  short  time,  then  went  to  Hamilton,  I  )hio,  the  city  which  was  to  he  his 
permanent  home,  and  where  his  fortune  was  made. 


JOSEPH  LEVENE 

The  fews  have  given  to  tlie  world  the  basic  principles  upon  which  all  law  is 
founded."  Their  ancient  codes  have  for  centuries  balanced  the  Male-,  of 
human  justice.  We  never  realize  so  fully  the  import  of  that  old  truism  "  1  here 
is  nothing  new  under  the  Mm"  until  we  find  how  easily  traceable  1-  our  mod- 
ern law.  hack  to  the  old  Talmudie  principle-. 

It  i-  not  strange  therefore  that  some  of  the  leading  legal  practitioners  ..I 
our  country  are  Jews,  a-  centuries  of  training  and  tradition  have  peculiarly 
lined  them  for  this  profession. 

tine  of  the  leading  attorneys  of  Yonkers,  N.  "i ..  is  Mr.  Joseph  Levene, 
whose  offices  are  located  al  193  S.  Broadway.  Mr.  Levene  claim-  Vmenca  as 
the  land  of  hi-  nativity,  being  born  in  Mt.  Vernon,  N.  Y.,  March  12,   [888. 

Father,  Morris  Levene,  was  a  prominent  manufacturer  of  that  city. 

Mr.  Levene  graduated  from  the  Mt.  Vernon  High  School  in  1905,  from 
New  York  tin  i  ollege  in  ['909,  and  completed  the  law  course  in  the  same 
institution  in  1912.  lie  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1913,  and  so  rapid  was  his 
rise  in  tin-  profession  thai  he  he'd  the  position  of  citj  attornej  during  1916  and 
1917,     He  i-  al-o  a  member  of  the  legal  advisor}  board  and  although  -till  a 

\crv   \..img  man.  ha-  mad.-  remarkable  pro:  I 

At  the  present  time  he  is  expe  ing  to  he  1  ailed  i"  tin  colors,  and  1-  wait- 
ing anxiousl)  to  serve  his  countrj  in  any  capacity. 

Mr.  1  evene  i-  a  prominent  member  of  tin-  Elks  and  1-  also  a  member  ol 
th.-  New  York  Federation  of  Charities  and  the  Mt.  Vernon  I  loin.-  for  the  \ged. 

He    i-   a    line   example   of    our    best    Citizenship   and    ha-    a    brilliant    career 

before  him. 


17.' 


HERMAN  LEVENDORF 

i  Ine  of  the  most  striking  characteristics  of  the  Jewish  people  is  the  high 
standard  of  scholarly  attainment  achieved  by  even  those  engaged  in  humble 
occupations. 

It  is  common  practice  for  the  Jew,  working  from  sunrise  t"  sunset  at  a 
menial  occupation,  to  devote  his  evenings  to  the  stud)  of  some  leather-bound 
tome  of  the  Talmud,  thumbed  and  frayed  from  years  of  use.  This  has  devel- 
oped ;i  scholar])  standard  that  is  enlarged  to  the  highest  degree  by  those  whose 
lives  have  been  devoted  to  the  study  and  propounding  of  Jewish  doctrim 

Such  ;i  man  is  Herman  l/.ikcil  Levendorf,  who  was  born  in  Wilna,  Rus- 
sia. PcivmliiT  15,  1S70.  Ilis  father  n;h  a  wealth)  merchant  of  that  city  and 
was  able  in  give  liis  -.on  excellent  educational  advantages. 

He  was  married  in  his  native  town  November  5,  1891,  to  Mis-  Ethel 
Chakrusky,  daughter  of  Mr.  Aaron  Chakrusky,  a  very  learned  man,  and  in  the 
joining  of  these  two  families  there  were  united  the  very  highest  ideals  of 
scholarship  and  moral  precept. 

The  following  year  Mr.  Levendorf  and  his  young  wife  came  to  America 
and  settled  ill  Cleveland,  where  Mr.  Levendorf  tunk  ii]  1  the  duties  of  a  Rabbi. 
Here  he  spent  two  years,  when  he  removed  to  McKeesport,  Pa.,  for  three 
years,  to  Greensburg  eight  years  and  to  Homestead  for  two  years,  serving 
in  the  same  capacity  iii  each  place. 

Ilis  next  ministry  was  in  Monessen,  Pa.,  when-  he  is  at  present  located 

and  where  he  has  done  an  untold  amount  of  good,  especially  among  the  chil- 
dren, in  whom  he  is  intensely  interested. 

lie  first  started  the  Sunday  school  in  Monessen,  and  has  worked  unceas- 
ingly to  inculcate  sound  Jewish  doctrines  in  youthful  minds   for  the-  past  thirty 

years.  Mr.  Levendorf  is  a  firm  believer  in  a  thorough  Jewish  education  for 
young  people,  believing  that  if  they  are  taught  to  follow  these  doctrines 
closely  their  every  act  will  earn  for  them  respect  and  honor.  This  is  well 
exemplified  in  his  own  fine  family,  all  of  whom  are  occupying  positions  of 
prominence  and  influence. 

<  )f  their  three  sons,  two  of  them  are  in  the  service  of  their  country.  Israel 
being  in   the  medical   corps  at   Camp   Stewart   and   Abraham  a   first   lieutenant. 

The  younger  son.  Lewis,  is  still  in  school,  specializing  in  pharmacy. 

Their  daughter,  Rose,  is  married  to  Mr.  Frank  Linkoff  of  Wheeling. 
\Y.  \  a.,  am!  Esther,  who  is  a  line  musician,  is  still  at  home.  She  has  a  won- 
derful voice,  which  has  delighted  hundreds  who  have  heard  her. 

\s  might  he  expected,  both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Levendorf  are  most  generous 
in  their  subscriptions  to  charities,  among  which  we  might  specially  mention 
the  I  ,os  Angeles  and  Denver  hospitals  and  the  Hebrew  Immigrant  Society. 

It  is  the  earnest  desire  of  the  people  of  Monessen  that  Mr.  Levendorf 
shall  remain  for  many  years  in  their  midst,  as  his  teachings  and  model  citizen- 
ship are  a  constant  inspiration  to  the  entire  community. 


HENRY   H.  LEVENSON 
In   the  Jewish   communal   life   of    Boston   the  high   esteem   and   popularity 

enjoyed  by  Mr.  Henry  II.  Levenson  can  hardly  he  rivaled  by  any  one.  All  classes 

of  tiie  Jewish  population  know  and  hold  him  in  high  regard.  He  is  promi- 
nently connected  with  a  score  of  organizations  and  institutions,  his  voice  is 
heard  wherever  fewish  interests  are  discussed,  he  is  always  a  defender  of 
democracy  and  popular  rights,  and  an  ardent  Zionist.  He  is  a  well-read  and 
versatile  man  who  can  converse  on  nearly  all  topics  of  daily  life  and  wdiose 

17.1 


manifold  abilities  have  conspicuously  manifested  themselves  wherever  and 
whenever  he  was  called  upon  to  take  an  active  interest. 

We  must  precede  our  discussion  of  Mr.  Levenson's  career  with  a  state- 
ment thai  he  has  one  of  the  best-organized  minds  one  is  apt  to  encounter  in 
any  relation  of  life.  Mr.  Levenson  is  a  man  of  business;  in  fact,  one  of  the 
busiest  men  in  llnstnn.  and  yet  owing  to  the  systematic  manner  in  which  he 
goes  about  his  tasks,  he  finds  lime  and  leisure  enough  to  actively  interest  himself 
in  the  doings  of  his  fellow  man.  I  lours  dues  he  spend  in  the  work  of  uplift 
which  he  conducts  among  the  Jewish  masses,  and  his  great  popularity  is  un- 
questionably due  to  the  fine  and  unselfish  spirit  with  which  he  accomplishes 
his  noble  task. 

Henry  II.  Levenson  was  horn  in  Zizmo,  Province  of  Vilna,  Russia,  on 
April  22.  1877.  lie  came  to  America  with  his  parents  at  the  age  of  fifteen, 
and  as  he  was  young  enough  to  he  sent  to  elementary  school,  his  parents  sent 
him  there  and  later  to  high  school.  As  a  hoy  he  helped  in  his  father's  dry- 
goods  store  and  after  his  graduation  from  high  school  he  was  made  a  member 
of  his  father's  firm,  which  came  to  he  known  as  L.  Levenson  &  Sons.  For 
thirty  years  the  firm  was  in  existence,  and  only  recently  it  was  dissolved,  when 
Mr.  Levenson  went  into  real  estate,  where  his  good  judgment  and  ability  have 
in  a  short  time  made  a  success  of  his  new  venture. 

Mr.  Levenson,  however,  is  not  onlj  a  business  man.  lie  decided  to 
gain  a  thorough  preparation  in  the  law,  and  he  enured  the  Harvard  Univer- 
sity   Law    School,    from   which   he  graduated   in    t'll.v  and    was  admitted   to   the 

nar  in  the  same  year.     His  place  of  business  is  located  at  2~  School  street. 

Mr.  Levenson  organized  the  first  Zionist  society  iii  Boston,  naming  it  the 
B'nai  Zion  Educational  Society,  and  becoming  its  first  President,  lie  was  also 
President  of  the  Zionist  Council  of  Boston,  of  the  Hebrew  Protective  League, 
of  the  Boston  Educational  Union  and  of  the  Jewish  People's  Institute,  which 

he   built   and   maintained    largely    from   his   own    fluids.      In    the   civic    life    of 

I'.osinn  Mr.  Levenson  made  his  mark  Iw  accepting  the  presidency  of  the  Bos- 
ton Citizenship  League  and  of  the  United  Improvement  Association.  Mr. 
Levenson  is  President  of  the  West  End  Hebrew  Association,  which  has  re- 
ditu erected  a  building  at  a  cost  of  $40,000,  to  which  Mr.  Levenson  himself 
subscribed  a  few  thousand  dollars.     Mr.  Levenson  is  also  the  Grand  Master 

of  the  Independent  Order  Sons  of  Israel,  a  New  England  fraternal  organiza- 
tion, and  a  I  (irector  of  Federated  lew  ish  Charities  of  Boston.  I  [e  is  a  member 
of  the  Boston  Chamber  of  Commerce,  the  Secretarj  of  one  of  tin-  local 
hoard-  of  tin-  National  Credit   Men's    Association  and  a  prominent  figure  in 

the  commercial  life  of  the  city. 

'In  June   10.   1017.   Mr.  Levenson  was  honored  by  an  election  to  the  first 

American  Jewish  Congress.  Ills  great  popularity  made  him  an  case  winner 
in  i'i'-  election  and  the  fact  that  lie  is  a  member  of  the  Executive  1  ommittee 
of  the  Congress  i  trganization  Committee  contributed  large!}  t"  his  success  at 

■oils. 

in  addition  to  his  civic  interests.   Mr.   Levenson  is  socially  prominent   and 

a  member  of  the  Elysium  1  lnl •.  one  of  the  fine)  of  its  type  in  Boston. 


IM 


JACOB  LEVINE 

It  is  perhaps  not  generally  known  that  the  discovery  of  America  may  be 
attributed  to  the  wealth  and  influence  of  Jews.  Yet  the  Spanish  archives  and 
records  reveal  the  fact  that  the  expedition  of  Columbus  was  financed  by  two 
wealthy  Jews,  Luis  de  Santangel  and  Gabriel  Sanchez,  the  former  being  the 
Chancellor  of  the  royal  household  and  the  latter  chief  Treasurer  of  Arragon. 

These  men  not  only  used  their  influence  with  the  Queen  in  the  royal 
endorsement  of  the  expedition,  but  furnished  the  necessary  funds.  Thus  the 
b..  coming  to  .America  from  a  foreign  country  brings  with  him  a  proud  her- 
itage dating  back  to  the  days  when  the  intrepid  Columbus  sailed  forth  upon 
the  world's  greatest  adventure. 

\\  irh  hardly  more  encouragement  did  Jacob  Levine  push  his  way  from 
extreme  poverty  to  a  position  of  wealth  and  influence.  He  was  born  in 
Geronin,  Wilner,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  1865,  his  father,  Wolf  Levine,  being  an 
innkeeper  and  a  fine  Jewish  scholar. 

He  came  to  America  32  years  ago,  landing  in  Xew  York  with  but  18 
cents  to  start  his  fortunes  in  the  new  world.  Taking  the  first  employment 
which  presented  itself,  he  became  a  track  walker  for  the  railroad  at  50  cents 
per  day,  which  he  continued  for  four  months,  when  he  went  to  Hoosic  Falls, 
N.  Y.,  and  started  peddling  dry  goods.  This  lasted  for  three  years,  during 
which  time  he  met  Miss  Bessie  Wolf,  who  was  later  to  become  his  wife.  They 
were  married  in  1890. 

Mrs.  Levine's  father  is  a  great  Talmudist  and  Jewish  scholar  and  is  liv- 
ing at  the  present  time  in  Jerusalem. 

Shortly  after  his  marriage,  Mr.  Levine  decided  to  go  to  Xew  Castle,  Pa., 
where  he  began  buying  and  selling  junk.  .  Continuing  for  several  years  and 
accumulating  a  small  capital,  he  entered  into  partnership  with  S.  H.  Levine, 
Joe  Levine  and  Harry  Edelstein  in  a  scrap  iron  yard  under  the  firm  name 
of  Xew  Castle  Junk  Co.  Eight  years  later  he  sold  his  interest  and  opened 
another  yard  in  partnership  with  his  son,  the  firm  being  known  as  J.  Levine 
&  Son. 

This  business  has  been  wonderfully  successful  and  is  a  fine  example  of 
what  determination  and  a  high  order  of  business  ability  can  accomplish. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Levine  have  six  children,  four  boys  and  two  girls,  who  are 
all  receiving  good  educations. 

Knowing  full  well  what  it  means  to  feel  the  sharp  pangs  of  poverty,  Mr. 
Levine  is  always  most  generous  with  the  unfortunate,  and  contributes  lib- 
erally to  all  charities.  He  is  President  of  Tiferis  Israel  Congregation,  Presi- 
dent of  Chevra  Kadishe,  member  of  B'nai  B'rith,  B'rith  Sholom  and  Jewish 
Immigration  Society.  He  is  also  Xational  Director  of  the  Denver  Hospital 
and  subscribes  liberallv  also  to  all  local  charities. 


MAX  LEVINE 

Books  alone  will  not  make  a  genteel  or  successful  man.  I  had  rather  con- 
fide great  responsibilities  to  one  who  had  learned  the  art  of  self-discipline; 
who  gave  careful  heed  to  every  duty  that  came  his  way ;  who  was  a  man  of 
rectitude,  decision  and  conscientious  in  all  business  dealings. 

Such  a  man  is  Mr.  Max  Levine,  who  began  his  business  career  in  America 
with  $1.50  capital  and  is  now  one  of  the  most  prominent  men  in  Lewistown,  Pa. 

He  was  born  in  Kovna,  Guberne,  Russia,  September  15,  1863,  and  came 
to  America  in  188S.  Coming  to  a  brother  in  Harrisburg,  Pa.,  with  but  the 
afore-mentioned  $1.50  for  capital,  he  obtained  credit  for  a  small  stock  of 
merchandise,  which  he  started  peddling  with  a  pack.     This  he  continued  for 

175 


four  years  when  he  decided  to  go  to  Africa.  This  was  a  most  unfortunate 
move  from  a  financial  standpoint,  but  very  rich  in  experience.  Returningto 
Harrisburg  he  arrived  with  but  $4.00,  but  having  left  behind  him  a  reputation 
for  absolute  reliability,  he  received  credit  for  a  horse  and  wagon  and  started 
buying  and  selling  old  clothing  and  scrap  metal. 

Four  years  later  he  went  to  Lewistown  where  his  present  large  establish- 
ment is  located,  although  the  family  still  lives  in  Harrisburg. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Levine  have  six  children,  five  boys  and  one  girl.  Harry 
is  in  business  in  Lewistown  and  was  married  July  23,  1918,  to  Miss  Lena 
Krentzman,  daughter  of  Albert  Krentzman,  a  prominent  family  of  Lewistown. 
Sam  was  a  lawyer  in  Baltimore,  Md.  Henry  is  serving  as  top  sargeant  in  the 
army.  Samuel  volunteered  and  is  serving  in  the  navy.  The  younger  boys  are 
stilfin  school,  as  is  the  daughter  who  is  also  an  accomplished  musician. 

The  Levines  are  very  prominent  socially  in  Harrisburg  as  they  arc  affili- 
ated with  every  Jewish  organization  and  hold  prominent  places  in  many  of 
them. 

Mrs.  Levine  devotes  much  time  to  charity  work  in  which  she  is  a  recog- 
nized leader. 

Mr.  Levine  is  connected  with  Congregation  Hezig  Hamona  of  Harrisburg. 
Independent  tinier  of  B'rith  Holam.  and  is  a  liberal  contributor  to  Denver 
hospitals,  the  Immigration  Society  of  Xew  York  and  all  the  Yishivas,  as  well 
as  all  local  charities. 


HERMAN  C.  LEVINGER 

Herman  C.  Levinger  is  one  of  the  later  generation  of  American  born 
Jews  whose  career  is  worthy  of  emulation. 

It  was  on  September  16,  1878,  that  Herman  Levinger  first  opened  his 
eyes  to  the  joys  and  perplexities  of  this  great  world.  His  father  was  a  very 
scholarlv  man — a  furrier  by  trade. 

Young  Herman  went  to  school  until  the  age  of  fourteen  when  the  adverse 
circumstances  of  his  father  made  it  necessary  for  him  to  go  to  work  with  a 
view  not  only  of  earning  his  own  living  but  that  of  his  parents  as  well. 

His  first  employment  as  errand  boy  brought  the  scant  remuneration  of 
Sj.no  per  week,  but  it  carried  with  it  a  wealth  of  experience  which  was  to 
serve  him  well  in  later  years. 

Deciding  to  learn  his  father's  trade,  he  worked  as  a  furrier  for  three  years. 
His  next  experience  was  that  of  a  traveling  salesman  at  which  be  was  ven 
Successful,  but  the  road  wink  did  not  appeal  to  him.  so  he  quit  and  went   into 

the  cloak  and  suit  business. 

Three  years  later  he  came  to  t  ihio  and  started  working  in  a  junk  yard, 

with  the  idea  of  learning  the  business,  and  how  admirably  he  succeeded  in  this 
is  atteMed  bv  the  fact  that  within  a  few  years  be  bad  established  himself  in  an 
iron  and  metal  yard  of  bis  own  at    Fremont,  <  'bio.  where  he  is    at  the  present 

time  engaged  in  a  most  profitable  and  flourishing  business  at  No.  [200  Carbon 

street. 

Mi.  Levinger  was  married  Januarj    1.  i'x>-.  to  Miss  Dora  Weisman  of 

I  remont,  a  .banning  lady   who  is  very  popular  in  their  social  circle. 

Vllhough  Mr.  Levinger's  education  is  to  some  extent  acquired, 

the  earl)  age  at  which  be  was  obliged  to  leave  school,  he  is  a  firm  believer  in 

tin  great  value  of  education  in  a  business  career.  \t  the  same  lime  he  believes 
that   the  young   man  who  is  obliged  to  work  bis  own  Way   in  the  world   is  most 

likeb  to  develop  strong  traits  of  character  so  necessary  to  sucks-. 

Mr.  I  .evinger  is  a  member  of  the  I  [ungarian  ( !ongregation  of  Detroit  and 

a  liberal  contributor  to  all  charities. 

176 


BENJAMIN  F.  LEVINSON 

In  the  practice  of  law  an  intimate  knowledge  of  human  nature  is  an  in- 
valuable asset,  which  no  amount  of  academic  knowledge  can  replace.  Some  of 
our  country's  best  lawyers  have  been  men  who  have  struggled  for  a  living  in 
many  lines  of  endeavor  before  they  finally  started  the  practice  of  their 
profession. 

This  applies  to  Benjamin  F.  Levinson,  who  was  born  in  Kieff,  March  9, 
1X88.  and  was  brought  by  his  parents  to  America  when  but  two  years  of  age'. 
Mr.  Levinson  is  the  fortunate  possessor  of  a  strong,  vigorous  mentality,  as  he 
is  a  descendant  of  a  family  of  rabbis  and  learned  men  and  his  ancestry  is 
conspicuous  for  scholarly  attainment. 

Mr.  Levinson  attended  public  school  in  Philadelphia,  where  his  family  first 
located,  and  at  the  age  of  twelve  began  his  business  career  by  selling  news- 
papers. At  the  age  of  thirteen  he  went  to  New  York  and  there  learned  the 
electrical  trade,  followed  by  several  years  in  Columbus,  Ohio,  where  he  found 
employment  with  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company. 

In  1911  he  became  a  collector  for  an  installment  house,  at  the  same  time 
taking  up  a  course  in  stenography  at  business  college.  This  opened  the  way 
tn  his  opportunity  for  gaining  legal  experience,  as  he  became  stenographer  for 
a  large  law  firm.  By  working  very  hard  he  was  able  to  pass  the  bar  examina- 
tion in  1915  and  started  the  practice  of  law  at  44  West  Broad  street,  Columbus. 
Although  still  a  very  young  man,  he  is  distinguishing  himself  in  his  profession 
and  is  also  conspicuous  in  Jewish  activities  of  various  kinds.  He  has  fre- 
quently held  important  honorary  positions  and  has  been  called  upon  to  repre- 
sent the  Jewish  citizens  of  Columbus  in  a  number  of  enterprises.  He  is  ex- 
Secretary  of  the  Jewish  Community  of  Columbus  and  the  local  Congress  Com- 
mittee and  was  a  delegate  to  the  preliminary  conference  in  Philadelphia.  There 
are  no  Jewish  activities  in  Columbus,  or  in  fact  of  national  scope,  which  escape 
the  attention  of  Mr.  Levinson  or  lack  his  unlimited  co-operation. 

Mr.  Levinson  was  married  March  21,  1909,  to  Miss  Esther  Clebone  and 
they  have  four  children,  Inez,  Maurice,  Phyllis  and  Miriam. 

Mr.  Levinson  is  a  member  of  the  Congregation  Iieth  Jacob  and  is  a  mod- 
ern Orthodox  Jew  of  the  highest  type. 


JACOB  LEVY 

A  man  of  much  wisdom  and  broad  experience  once  said  "The  real  differ- 
ence between  men  is  energy.  A  strong  will,  a  settled  purpose,  and  an  invincible 
determination  can  accomplish  almost  anything ;  and  in  this  lies  the  distinction 
between  great  men  and  little  men." 

The  careers  of  Jacob  Levy  and  Harry  M.  Gordon,  which  merged  in  one 
business  about  twelve  years  ago,  are  identical  in  all  essentials,  as  they  both  had 
many  difficulties  to  overcome,  and  "invincible  determination"  was  the  sterling 
quality  that  carried  them  both  through  to  success. 

In  this  biography  we  will  deal  with  the  events  in  the  career  of  Mr.  Jacob 
Levy.     Mr.  Gordon's  life  history  appears  under  a  separate  heading. 

Jacob  Levy  was  born  in  Suwalk,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  October,  1867,  and 
came  to  America  in  1888.  He  landed  in  New  York  and  began  peddling  small 
merchandise  of  various  kinds  which  he  continued  for  six  months.  Going  from 
there  to  Pittsburgh,  he  sold  dry  goods  for  a  year  and  a  half,  and  finally  drifted 
to  Circleville,  Ohio,  the  scene  of  his  future  activities. 

Llere  he  bought  and  sold  old  iron  and  metal  until  1906  when  he  met  his 
present  partner,  Mr.  Gordon,  and  they  decided  to  enter  into  partnership. 

177 


Their  business  lias  grown  very  rapidly,  and  they  are  rated  anion';-  the 
most  successful  business  men  of  their  community. 

A  year  prior  to  coming  to  America  Mr.  Levy  was  married  to  Miss  Sara 
Sashonski,  ami  they  have  five  children  who  seem  to  have  inherited  their  father's 
independence  of  spirit  ami  business  ability,  as  they  are  all  earning  their  own 
living. 

Mr.  Levy  is  a  member  of  iguanas  Acham  Congregation  of  Columbus, 
(  Ihio,  and  is  also  affiliated  with  the  Knights  of  Joseph. 

lie  is  a  liberal  contributor  to  Denver  and  Los  Angeles  hospitals,  the 
<  Irphans'  1  tome  of  Cleveland.  <  >hio,  and  the  Talmud  Torah  of  Columbus,  <  >hio. 


MAX  M.  LEVY 

The  Jewish  community  of  New  <  Irleans,  La.,  includes  with  just  pride  the 
name  of  .Max  M.  Levy  among  its  most  successful  and  distinguished  members. 

Mr.  Levy  is,  comparatively  speaking,  still  a  very  young  man.  but  he  has 
made  a  place  for  himself  both  in  the  Jewish  and  the  general  community  which 
justly  places  him  among   the  leading  men   of  the  city,      lie   was  born   in    New 

<  Irleans  on  November  26,  (883,  the  son  of  David  and  Sanchen  Levy.    After 

completing  his  studies  in  the  public  schools  of  his  native  city  and  at  a  military 
academy,  he  took  up  a  course  in  a  business  college  and.  at  the  age  of  nineteen, 
started  to  work  as  a  clerk  in  the  Interstate  Bank.  A  year  ami  a  half  later  he 
changed  positions  and  served  in  a  similar  capacity,  and  for  a  similar  period  of 
time  in  another  banking  institution,  the  Stale  National  Bank.  Willi  the  three 
years'  experience  behind  him.  he  was  now  prepared  to  reach  out  for  a  larger 
held  of  activity,  and  his  father,  who  recognized  his  sterling  qualities,  entrusted 
to  him  the  management  of  a  sugar  plantation  which  be  owned.  In  Mi;  Mr. 
Levy  organized  the  Stern  Foundry,  in  which  concern  he  has  held  the  office  of 
Vice-President   and   which  he  has  helped   in   make  a  large  and   flourishing 

enterprise. 

Mr.  Levy's  ability  and  line  personality  are  readily  recognized,  however, 
and  greatly  appreciated,  not  only  in  the  business  world  bin  also  in  the  fields 
of  philanthropy,  civic  and  social  progress.  Thus,  he  is  a  member  of  ever) 
leading  Jewish  institution  of  the  city  and  of  main  institutions  and  associations 
of  a  general  character,  lie  is  a  thirty-second  degree  Mason,  a  Sbriiur  and  an 
Elk;  he  is  a  director  of  the  Touro    lnlirmarv    and  has  served  cm  the  boards  of 

the  Young  Men's  lb-brew  Association  and  of  the  Touro  Synagogue,  lb-  has 
taken  also  an  active  and  leading  pan  in  the  Jewish  War  Relief  and  contributes 
largely  and  liberally  to  various  other  charitable  causes.    At  the  present  time  he 

is    devoting    himself    entirely    to    work    of    a    patriotic    nature.       lie    is   on    the 

Executive  Committee  of  the  War  Savings  Stamp  for  Louisiana  (  ommission. 

Mr.    Levv\   services   to   the  community    were   immeasurablv    enhanced   on 

obei    [8,   ion.  when  he  was  married  10  Miss  Louise  Isaacs,  a  charming 

young  lad)  anil  a  member  of  one  of  the  leading  and  mosl  prominent  families 
of  New  1  uleans,  for  Mrs.  Levy  is  also  an  ardent  and  active  worker  in  the 
various  fields  of  charily  and  philanthropy, 


17S 


JOSEPH  LEVYE 

The  power  of  adaptability  to  various  circumstances  and  conditions  is  one 
of  the  best  traits  which  a  struggling  young  business  man  can  possess,  and 
accounts,  to  a  considerable  extent,  for  the  success  of  Mr.  Joseph  Levye  who 
was  born  in  Kavno,  Russia,  in  1863  and  came  to  America  in  1885. 

Landing  in  New  York  City,  Mr.  Levye  worked  for  a  short  time  at  the 
carpenter  trade,  as  this  was  the  first  honest  employment  available.  He  then 
went  to  Hartford,  Conn.,  and  peddled  with  a  pack,  working  at  the  carpenter 
trade  all  his  spare  time.  His  next  venture  was  in  Providence,  R.  I.,  where 
he  began  by  buying  and  selling  old  clothes.  After  several  years  he  saw  a  big 
future  in  buying  and  selling  cotton  remnants,  and  decided  to  devote  all  his 
energies  to  this  line.  That  his  judgment  was  sound  is  attested  to  by  the  fact 
that  he  is  today  doing  a  national  business  in  wholesale  cotton  remnants  and 
has  accumulated  a  fortune. 

Mr.  Levye  was  married  in  March,  1890,  to  Miss  Annie  Hirsh  of  Hart- 
ford, Conn.  They  have  four  children,  one  boy  and  three  girls,  who  have  all 
been  given  excellent  educations.  The  daughter  Julia  is  also  very  accomplished 
both  in  music  and  art.  Lea  is  married  to  Mr.  Max  Ross  who  is  in  business 
with  Mr.  Levye.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Levye  are  exceedingly  active  in  the 
promotion  of  charities  and  are  considered  great  benefactors  of  the  Jews  com- 
ing to  America.  Mr.  Levye  is  also  very  patriotic  and  was  one  of  the  leading 
spirits  in  raising  fifty  thousand  dollars  among  the  Jews  in  Providence  for  the 
relief  of  war  sufferers.  He  is  also  a  member  of  B'nai  Zion  and  Anserarno 
Congregation,  Zionist  Society,  Zionist  Order,  Havra  Zass  and  Havra  Tillam. 
He  is  also  a  director  of  the  Free  Loan  Association,  the  Jewish  Cemetery.  Old 
Age  Home  and  Hebrew  Free  School.  His  life  is  an  inspiration  to  the  young 
people  of  Providence  and  it  is  hoped  that  he  will  be  given  many  more  years 
of  usefulness  and  activity. 


DR.  ADOLPH  L.  LEWIN 

A  physician  of  note,  well  known  in  the  city  of  Pittsburgh  as  a  general 
practitioner,  Dr.  Adolph  L.  Lewin,  first  saw  the  light  of  day  in  the  province 
of  Posen,  Germany,  on  February  25,  1871.  The  son  of  Herman  and  Pauline 
Lewin.  who  have  both  since  died  in  this  country,  Adolph  L.  Lewin  was  only 
nine  years  old  when  he  was  brought  here  by  his  parents,  lie  immediately 
entered  elementary  school  and  then  attended  high  school  and  the  University  of 
Pittsburgh,  receiving  his  M.  D.  degree  in  1892,  and  M.  LT.  C.  D.  in  Berlin  in 
1895.    Since  then  he  studied  abroad  frequently,  taking  up  internal  medicine. 

Dr.  Lewin  began  almost  immediately  the  practice  of  his  profession.  Since 
his  eleventh  year  he  had  been  employed  as  a  chemist  for  Dr.  Hugo  Blank, 
and  he  also  held  the  position  of  Pathologist  in  West  Penn  Hospital  and  taught 
pathology  in  the  Medical  School  from  1895  t0  1902.  In  this  way  his  scientific 
training  was  very  comprehensive.  In  a  few  years  Dr.  Lewin  became  more 
generally  known  throughout  the  city  as  a  civic  worker,  being  elected  President 
of  Allied  Boards  of  Trade  seven  times.  At  the  present  moment  he  is  a  staff 
surgeon  at  the  Montefiore  Hospital. 

In  addition  to  his  practice,  Dr.  Lewin  is  socially  prominent,  being  a  mem- 
ber and  a  former  Trustee  of  the  Congregation  Tree  of  Life,  and  a  Trustee  of 
the  Montefiore  Hospital.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Pittsburgh  Board  of  Public 
Education  since  its  creation  in  1913.  Dr.  Levin  also  holds  many  other  positions 
of  honor. 

In  April,   1897,  Dr.  Lewin  was  married  to  Miss  Eva  Jackson,  who  is  a 

179 


native  "f   Pittsburgh.     The  couple  was  blessed  with  a  son  named  Herbert 
Aaron. 

Dr.  Lewin  is  a  modern  <  trthodox  in  religion,  and  believes  in  die  impor- 
tance of  lewish  education  to  a  boy. 


MAX  LEWIS 

One  of  our  great  writers  lias  said  that  the  talent  of  success  is  nothing 
more  than  doing  what  yon  can  do  well,  and  doing  well  whatever  you  do  with- 
out a  thought  of  fame. 

Many  men  who  are  today  occupying  positions  of  greatest  usefulness  have 
succeeded  in  just  this  manner;  in  fact,  few  really  worth-while  careers  have 
been  spectacular  or  meteoric  in  their  rise. 

If  you  were  to  go  to  (  >il  City,  Pa.,  you  would  find  within  its  gates  no 
citizen  more  thoroughly  respected;  no  man  whose  life  is  of  greater  usefulness 
to  his  fellows  than  that  of  Mr.  Max  Lewis,  yet  he  is  one  of  the  most  quiel  and 
unassuniing  of  men,  and  very  modest  regarding  his  own  achievements. 

Max  Lewis  was  born  in  Eydtkuhuen,  East  Prussia.  March  21,.  1883,  the 
son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Julius  Lewis.  His  father  conducted  a  restaurant  in 
his  native  city. 

Mr.  Lewis  came  to  America  in  April,  1903,  and  landed  in  New  York, 
where  he  remained  for  a  week  visiting  relatives.  1  laving  a  brother  in  (  >il  City, 
Pa.,  he  decided  to  go  with  him,  and   for  the  first  three  years  worked    for  his 

brother  in  the  grocery  business.  He  then  decided  to  go  into  the  grocery  busi- 
ness for  himself  in  which  he  has  been  very  successful,  and  in  which  he  is 
engaged  today. 

Mr.  Lewis  is  active  in  a  number  of  fraternal  organizations  including  the 
Tree  of  Life,  the  <  Md  Fellows,  and  the  Young  Men's  Hebrew  Association. 

Ik*  also  subscribes  liberally  to  all  charities  including  the  Denver  Hospitals 
and  the  <  Irphans'  Nome  in  Erie. 


BEN  LICHTER 

Chelsea,  Mass..  is  fortunate  in  having  prominently  identified  with  it* 
business  life  a  number  of  influential  Jews,  among  whom  it  i*  our  pleasure  to 

mention  the  name  of   Mr.   Ben  l.ichter. 

Mr.  l.ichter  was  born  in  Valino,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  September,  iss;. 
and  came  to  America  in  the  year  1905,  landing  in  Philadelphia,  where  he 
obtained  employment  in  a  shoe  factor)  at  the  small  sum  of  $5.00  per  week. 
["his  he  continued  for  two  and  one  half  years,  gaining  much  valuable  experi 

en, -e.  and   then   went    into  business   for  himself,  the  line  being   bags  and   burlap, 

and  he  is  t< >< lav  one-  ,ii  the  mo  fill  business  men  in  Chelsea,  the  name 

of  the  ti I'm  being  l.ichter  Bros, 

In  February,  1911,  occurred  the  marriage  of  Mr.  Lichtcr  t"  Rosa  Mar- 
u ■  d  1 1 « -  ol  1  hclsea,  and  Mis.  Lichter  is  today  occupying  .1  verj  prominent  p 
in  the  social  life  of  the  community.    Both  herself  and  husband  are  raosl 
erous  in  their  eiii~  to  charit)   and  arc  a.  me  in  all  movements   for  civic 
betterment. 

Mr.  l.ichter  i-  a  member  of  the  I'.'uai  Zion  and  1  lobno  \  olina  Association 
of  Boston,  M  1 

1x0 


MORRIS    AND    IGNATZ    LICHTCSIEN 


It  is  the  pride  and  joy  of  a  father  to  be  blessed  with  a  son  who  takes  an 

active  interest  in  the  happiness  and  comfort  of  his  parents  and  prepares  him- 
self to  assume  the  responsibilities  of  the  father's 

business,  when  he  is  ready  to  lay  it  down.    Such  a 

son  is  Mr.  Morris  Lichtcsien,  who  is  engaged  in  the 

iron   and   metal   scrap   business   with   his    father   in 

Xorwalk,  Ohio. 

Mr.   Ignatz,  the  elder  Lichtcsien,  was  born  in 

Lanaur,  Austria-Hungary,  in  the  fall  of  1875,  and 

when  a  lad  of  nine  years  of  age  was  left  an  orphan 

and  compelled  to  make  his  way  in  the  world  alone, 

as  he  had  no  relatives  to  lend  him  a  helping  hand. 

He  started  out  earning  his  living  by  peddling  small 

merchandise,  and  continued  for  eleven  years. 

At  the  age  of  eighteen  he  was  married  in  his 

native  town,  and  two  years  later  he  and  his  wife 

came  to  America  to  try  their  fortunes  in  the  land  of 

equal  opportunities.    He  started  out  peddling  with  a 

hand  cart,  and  this  small  beginning  was  the  nucleus  is""'"   Lichtcsien 

of  the  large  iron  and  metal  yard  owned  and  operated  by  himself  and  son  in 

Xorwalk,  Ohio. 

We  feel  a  word  should  be  said  regarding  the  able  assistance  which  Mr. 
Lichtcsien  has  received  from  his  son  Morris,  who  is 
a  man  of  exceptional  business  ability,  and  their  in- 
stitution is  today  known  throughout  the  state  of 
Ohio. 

The  Lichtcsiens  have  six  children,  of  whom 
Morris  is  the  oldest,  and  they  have  all  been  given 
excellent  educations  both  in  Hebrew  and  English. 
At  the  same  time  Mr.  Lichtcsien  has  found  oppor- 
tunity to  devote  considerable  time  and  money  to  the 
development  and  promotion  of  charitable  organiza- 
tions, as  like  all  good  Jews  he  feels  this  a  part  of  the 
duties  of  citizenship.  He  is  also  a  member  of  the 
Hungarian  Temple  in  Cleveland. 

Mr.  Lichtcsien's  code  of  living  is  well  worth  the 
emulation  of  young  men  just  starting  out  in  life. 
"Give  your  fellowmen  a  square  deal.    Be  an  honest, 
Morris   i.r.iii.si.ii  energetic  and  consistent  worker. 


SAMUEL  LICHTMAN 


One  of  our  most  prominent  Americans — a  man  of  wide  acquaintance  and 
a  keen  student  of  human  nature  has  said  "I  never  met  a  self-made  in  my  life 
who  did  not  firmly  believe  that  he  had  been  handicapped,  no  matter  how  great 
his  success,  and  who  was  not  determined  to  give  his  children  the  advantages 
of  which  he  felt  so  great  a  need. 

"It  used  to  be  a  popular  theory  that  strong  men  who  had  won  great  places 
in  the  business  world  would  have  been  ruined  if  they  had  been  educated.  The 
better  belief  is  that  on  account  of  genius  and  special  capacity  they  succeeded 
in  spite  of  their  disadvantages." 

His  opinion  reminds  us  of  the  life  of  Mr.  Samuel  Lichtman,  whose  varied 
career  has  resulted  in  such  marked  success,  and  is  well  worth  commemorating 

181 


for  the  benefit  of  young  nun  and  women  who  are  having  a  hard  struggle  to 
succeed. 

IK-  was  born  in  Laskrung,  Komino  Spodolsky, 
Russia,  fifty-eight  years  ago,  his  father  bting  a  dis- 
tinguished Jewish  scholar,  from  whom  he  obtained 
much  knowledge  and  valuable  precepts  which  have 
been  of  inestimable  benefit  to  him  through  life. 

He  «as  married  at  the  age  of  25  to  Miss  Etta 
Utman.  Five  years  later  we  find  them  departing 
for  Vmerica  in  seek  their  fortune  in  the  new  world. 

Their  destination  was  Buffalo,  where  Mr. 
Lichtman  bought  and  sold  rai;s  for  about  nine 
months.  However,  as  he  had  learned  the  wool 
business  in  Russia,  he  turned  this  knowledge  to  ac- 
count under  the  firm  name  of  Fox  &  Lichtman. 
Vfter  about  four  years  this  partnership  was  dis- 
solved and  Mr.  Lichtman  was  for  a  short  time  asso- 
ciated with  a  Mr.  Shapiro.    This  was  followed  by  

1     .  .  .  ,     ,  .       ,1      ■   ,  '  •'in 1    Llctai  1111111 

a  short  term  01  partnership  with  Mr.  tionck. 

By  this  time  Mr.  Lichtman's  sons,  Jacob  and  Victor,  had  grown  old  enough 
tn  help  assume  the  business  responsibilities,  so  they  were  taken  into  partner- 
ship with  his  father,  and  the  husiness  i-  todaj  being  operated  under  the  firm 
name  of  S.  Lichtman  &  Sons,  and  occupies  a  line  four-story,  modern  brick 
building  devoted  to  the  re-sale  of  paper  and  woolen  rags.  Mr.  Lichtman  was 
,,11,.  of  the  lir-i  in  Buffalo  to  start  the  c<>tii m  and  woolen  rag  business. 

The  Lichtmans  have  seven  children,  three  hoys  and  four  girls,  who  are 
well  educated,  and  the  older  one-  already  occupying  positions  of  importance 
and  responsibility.    They  are  being  thoroughly  trained  in  business  principles 

SO  llu\  ma)  carrj  on  the  many  interests  which  their  father  will  at  some  time 
turn  over  to  them. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lichtman  are  much  interested  in  Rabbinical  schools  and 
contribute  liberally  to  their  support. 

They  also  are  generous  in  their  contributions  to  all  charities,  including 
the  Relief  Fund  ami  all  the  Yishivas. 

Mr.  Lichtman  i-  a  prominent  member  of  B'nei  Israel.  Ili-  career  1-  one 
of  the  1110-1  interesting  and  successful  in  the  husiness  history  ot    Buffalo. 


ABE    LICOFSKY 

(  if  all  the  race-  of  the  world,  none  have  fought  SO  mam   battles   for   free 
(lom   and   moral    uplift   a-   the   Jew-.      Since   the   earliest    dawn   ><\    civilization 
have  always  been  arrayed  upon  the   side   01    rirjit    and    ill-lice. 
Small    wonder,  then,   that    ill   the  present    international   cri-i-   thousands  of 

fewish  home-  have  given  their  most  priceless  possessions     the  sons     in  whom 
all  their  hope-  are  centered. 

We  mention  this  in  connection  with  the  biograph)  of  Mr,  M>c  Licofsky, 
c  hose  -on  Nathan  is  now  serving  a-  an  officer  miller  our  beloved  Mai  Spangled 
Banner. 

M.e   Licofsk)    wa-  horn  in   \  ilna.  I  iiiherue.   Ku--ia.  in  the   war    i860       He 

,li,l  not  come  to   Vmerica  until  in    Vugust,  1899,  some  years  after  hi-  father 

had  made  hi-  home  in  the  new    world.     Consequently,  when  he  arrived  at  OUT 

shores  he  cam  '  ihio,  when  his  father  resided,  and  ! 

peddling  junk.    This  lie  continued  for  thirteen  years,  accumulating  enough 
monej   to  go  into  th<-  grocer)  business.    That  he  has  succeeded  is  attested 

182 


b)  the  fact  that  he  is  now  one  of  the  leading  business  men  of  Wooster  and  is 
very  well-to-do. 

Mr.  Licofsky  was  married  in  Europe  two  years  prior  to  his  coming  to 
America,  to  Miss  Nittie  Abramoritz,  and  they  have  four  children,  two  hoys 
and  two  girls,  who  have  made  excellent  records  in  school.  The  eldest  son, 
Nathan,  is  an  officer  in  the  army.  Sam  is  still  in  school.  The  eldest  daughter, 
Sarah,  has  displayed  exceptional  business  ability,  and  is  rendering  valuable 
assistance  to  her  father.  Ethel  is  going  to  school.  P>oth  girls  have  been  edu- 
cated in  music  and  play  delightfully. 

A  Jewish  characteristic  which  it  would  be  laudable  in  other  races  to 
emulate  is  their  generosity  in  matters  of  charity  and  boundless  enthusiasm  for 
all  enterprises  dealing  with  the  public  good. 

In  the  case  of  Mr.  Licofsky,  he  not  only  gives  most  liberally  to  local 
charities,  but  also  to  those  in  far  distant  cities,  such  as  the  Denver  and  Los 
Angeles  hospitals.  He  is  also  a  prominent  member  of  the  congregation  in 
Canton,  Ohio. 


LOUIS    LICOFSKY 

Who,  having  seen  David  Warfield,  the  great  actor,  in  perhaps  his  best 
role,  the  Auctioneer,  has  not  been  moved  to  tears  by  the  trials  of  the  typical 
immigrant  Jew,  trying  to  maintain  his  footing  upon  our  slippery  commercial 
fabric  ? 

Yet  we  have  many  thousands  every  year  whose  histories  are  just  as 
replete  with  pathos;  whose  struggles  have  been  just  as  severe. 

Among  the  successful  Jews  whose  upward  climb  has  been  full  of  ob- 
stacles, the  name  of  Louis  Licofsky  should  be  given  particular  prominence. 

Born  in  Yilna,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  April,  1843,  he  did  not  come  to 
America  until  forty-three  years  of  age,  the  time  when  most  men  would  despair 
of  making  a  new  start  in  life. 

He  landed  in  Philadelphia,  and  having  no  money,  was  obliged  to  walk  to 
New  York  City,  where  he  managed  to  get  some  tinware  on  credit  and  started 
out  on  his  humble  commercial  career. 

Three  months  later  he  went  to  Hazleton,  Pa.,  and  finally  to  Wooster,  Ohio, 
where  he  established  himself  in  the  junk  business,  which  he  is  prosperously 
conducting  at  the  present  time. 

Mr.  Licofsky  was  married  in  Europe  in  1882  to  Miss  Esther  Zuckerman, 
and  they  have  raised  a  fine  family  of  ten  children,  the  eight  boys  all  being  well 
established  in  business  and  the  two  daughters  married. 

Who  can  estimate  the  wonderful  value  of  this  family  to  the  social  and 
civic  life,  not  only  of  their  own  home  town,  but  of  the  state?  For  states  and 
nations  are  onlv  families  of  larger  growth,  each  individual  of  which  conspicu- 
ously influences  the  destiny  of  the  whole  body. 

They  are  all  most  generous  in  their  contributions  to  charity  and  not  only 
are  active  in  local  movements  but  are  assisting  the  Denver  and  Los  Angeles 
hospitals  as  well,  and  enjoy  the  respect  and  admiration  of  their  entire  com- 
munity. 


183 


MAX    LIEBER 

Behind  the  bleak  walls  of  Russian  tyranny  and  despotism  have  been  en- 
acted mam  scenes  of  self-sacrifice  for  the  sake  of  principle,  which  will  some 
time  stand'  forth  in  the-  white  light  of  a  new  liberty,  as  have  the  deeds  of  the 
martyrs  of  old. 

To  such  men  will  the  Russian  Renaissance  be  accredited,  and  one  oi  them 
is  Mr.  Max  Lieber,  who  is  now  a  prominent  resident  of  tin-  Lnited  States. 

Mr.  Lieber  was  born  in  Kiev.  Russia,  in  (88o,  the  sou  of  Tankel  Lieber, 
a  much  respected  Shochet,  who  died  in  Kiev  in  [916,  aged  eighty-five. 

At   the  age  of   thirteen   young    Max   started  to  learn   the  leather   business, 

which  was  to  prove  a  means  to  his  future  financial  success. 

\\  hen  Mr.  Lieber  was  hut  sixteen  years  of  age  a  revoluntionan  movement 
was  Started  in  his  section  of  the  country  and  he  was  one  of  the  prominent 
participants,   with  the   result   thai    he   was   thrown   into  prison    for   six   months. 

Who  shall  sa\  how  much  influence  the  sufferings  of  Mr.  Lieber  and  other  kin- 
dred spirits  have  had  upon  the  recent  uprisings  in  Russia  ami  how  much  the) 
1  ave  contributed  toward  a  new  libert)    for  their  native  land. 

After   his    release    from   prison  lie   started    in   business    for   himself   in   the 

■  own  of  Slobodka,  where  he  was  quite  successful,  hut  at  the  age  of  twenty-one 

he  again  felt  the  iron  hand  of  tyranny  and  was  called  to  serve  four  years  in 
the  Russian  army,  where,  as  he  was  an  accomplished  musician,  he  did  much 
to  cheer  the  soldiery.  When  his  time  expired  he  decided  to  try  his  fortunes 
in  America  and  landed  on  our  shores  in   0104. 

For  the  first   live  years  he  was  obliged  to  work  at  the  leather  l; Is  trade 

ll  a  very  small  salary,  hut  here  his  musical  talent  again  came  to  his  aid.  and 
he  gave  evening  lessons,  as  well  as  acting  as  leader  of  an  orchestra.     I  le  finally 

accumulated  $200  and  started  in  business  in  1  leveland,  Ohio,  on  Woodland 

avenue,  where  he  manufactured  a  patented  folding  lunch  box.  Since  that  time 
he  has  made  wonderful  progress  and  now  owns  three  stores,  which  are  located 
on  Woodland,   1'rospect  and  Wade   Park  avenues. 

In  lune.  [906,  Mr.  Lieber  was  married  to  Miss  Jennie  Goldstein,  and  he 
attributes  a  part  of  his  success  to  his  wife,  as  she  i-  a  thorough  business  woman 

and  still  assists  him  in  the  management  of  the  stores.    The)  have  one  small 

daughter,  Florence. 

Mr.  Lieber  is  an  accomplished  Hebrew  scholar  and  very  devoted  to  his 
religion,  although  he  is  a  thorough,  progressive  American  b)  adoption  lb  is 
an  active  member  of   the   Knights  of    Pythias   ami   the   Knights  of  Joseph   and 

contributes  liberally  to  all  worthy  charities. 


DR.   JAY   S.   LIEBMAN 

1 1  is  usually  a  matter  of  years  of  struggle  for  a  physician  to  achieve  fame 
and  influence  in  the  medical  world.  But,  of  course,  there  are  exceptions.  Dr. 
Jay  S.  Liebman  of  Atlanta,  Ga.,  seems  to  be  one  of  them.  He  is  still  a  young 
man,  but  he  is  already  conceded  to  be  of  considerable  importance,  and  what 
one  would  term  a  splendid  success.  A  great  future  is  generally  predicted  for 
him,  a  future  that  will  not  only  bring  him  material  advance,  but  also  establish 
for  him  a  durable  and  honorable  position  among  the  Jews  of  the  world. 

The  reason  for  this  unusual  success  can  probably  be  found  in  the  fact  that 
at  the  beginning  of  his  career  he  at  once  devoted  himself  to  his  specialty,  which 
is  surgery.  This,  coupled  with  tremendous  energy,  native-born  ability  and 
shrewdness,  and  an  extremely  pleasing  personality,  has  gone  very  far  toward 
creating  these  unwonted  conditions,  viz.,  a  young  man  practically  leading  his 
profession,  and  have  made  Dr.  Liebman's  reputation  far  and  wide  the  most 
enviable  and  creditable  on  record. 

Dr.  Liebman  was  born  on  the  21st  of  February,  18S4,  in  Youngstown, 
Ohio,  as  the  son  of  Charles  and  Emma  Liebman.  His  father  is  the  son  of 
Rabbi  Lippman  Liebman,  the  well-known  Rabbi  of  Youngstown,  who  died 
only  a  month  ago  (February,  1918),  and  his  mother  was  born  in  Youngstown, 
the  daughter  of  Edward  Ritter,  a  member  of  one  of  the  most  prominent  Jew- 
ish families  in  Youngstown. 

Dr.  Liebman  received  his  elementary  education  in  Youngstown.  He  then 
studied  medicine  at  the  L'niversity  of  Pennsylvania,  from  which  he  graduated 
in  1909.  A  year  later  he  served  at  the  Philadelphia  General  Hospital,  from 
where  he  came  to  Atlanta,  where  he  began  to  practice  his  profession,  opening 
an  office  in  the  Healy  Building.  He  is  an  assistant  to  Dr.  William  Perrin  Nich- 
olson, for  the  last  thirty-eight  years  one  of  the  best  known  and  most  prominent 
surgeons  in  the  South. 

Dr.  Liebman  is  connected  with  the  St.  Joseph's  Infirmary ;  he  is  the  chief 
of  the  medical  staff  of  the  Fulton  Bag  and  Cotton  Mills  Hospital.  He  is  the 
examining  surgeon  of  the  Lmited  States  Casualty  Company,  the  Maryland 
Casualty  and  Surety  Company :  he  is  a  fellow  of  the  American  Medical  Soci- 
ety, a  member  of  the  Georgia  State  and  Fulton  County  Medical  Societies  and 
of  the  Southern  Medical  Association.  He  is  a  prominent  Mason  and  active 
member  of  the  Standard  Club  and  the  Ingleside  Country  Club. 

On  November  15,  1912,  Dr.  Liebman  was  married  to  Miss  Helene  Lieb- 
man, the  daughter  of  a  prominent  Atlanta  family,  not  related  to  Dr.  Liebman, 
though  of  the  same  name.  There  is  one  child  of  this  marriage,  a  daughter, 
named  Sarah  Frances. 


SOLOMON    LINDER 

The  indescribable  persecutions  which  have  been  the  lot  of  the  Jewish 
people  at  the  hands  of  the  Russians  is  better  known  to  few  men  than  Solomon 
Under,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

He  was  born  in  Swinuch,  Russia,  December  18.  1S80,  his  father  being  an 
employe  in  government  work,  so  Solomon  had  ample  opportunity  to  learn  much 
of  the  methods  bv  which  his  people  were  made  to  suffer. 

During  the  Russian- Japanese  War  he  served  for  one  year,  but  conditions 
were  so  unendurable  that  he  escaped  into  Austria,  where  he  found  employ- 
ment in  a  lumber  yard,  and  for  three  years  saved  every  spare  penny,  having  in 
mind  a  trip  to  America. 

On  January  19.  1907,  he  landed  on  our  shores,  and  going  to  Pittsburgh, 

184 


^\y^m. 


m 


<■  IMLf^y  Jp^k 

>  ■wv'1;. 

1  sBm 

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Hkfltf 

AI.EX.    I.ISC'HKOFP 


began  to  buy  and  sell  junk.  Two  years  later  he  bought  a  horse  and  wagon 
and  going  to  Now  Philadelphia,  wenl  into  partnership  with  Mr.  Weisman. 
This  continued  for  sunn-  time,  when  the  partnership  was  dissolved  and  Mr. 
Linder  conducted  the  business  independently. 

In  [915  he  was  joined  l-\  Mr.  Edelstein  and  this  partnership  exists  today 
under  name  of  Tuscarawas  Iron  &  Metal  Company,  doing  a  national  business. 

Mr.  Linder  was  married  in  1916  to  Miss  Sarah  Bitterman  of  Brooklyn, 
X.  Y..  and  their  family  consists  of  one  boy  and  one  girl,  both  in  school. 

lie  is  a  member  of  Wolina  of  Pittsburgh,  B'rith  Abraham  and  Royal 
1  Irder  of  Lyon. 

There  are  no  citizens  of  New  Philadelphia  held  in  higher  repine  than  the 
Linder  family.  They  are  a  line  example  of  ideal  American  citizenship  and 
are  always  ready  to  generously  give  monej  or  time  to  the  promotion  of  any 
worthy  charity. 

Through  the  tyrannical  governmental  systems  which  prevail  so  largely 
through  Europe,  America  has  gained  some  of  her  most  loyal  and  worthy    sons, 

Max1  they  have  many  years  of  prosperous  contentment  in  the  land  of  their 
adoption. 


ALEX    LISCHKOFF 

Mr.  \U-\  Lischkoff  is  not  only  President  of  B'nai  Israel,  the  only  1  Irtho- 
dox  congregation  in  Pensacola,  Ida.,  hut  he  is  the  recognized  head  and  leader 
of  the  <  Irthodox  community  of  tin-  city. 

lie  is  an  1  Irthodox  in  the  best  sense  of  the  word.  He  is  a  Jewish  citizen 
who  certainly  deserves  the  praise  of  every  fair-minded  co-religionist,  and  is 
the  only  Jewish  business  man  in  Pensacola  who  is  a  strict  Sabbath  observer.  It 
i-  clear  that  his  home  life  is  conducted  with  the  strictest  regard  to  Jewish 
observance,  particularly  if  one  learn-  that  he  is  a  former  Yeshibali  Bochur.  Bui 
he  is  not  a  fanatic  or  zealot,  but  is  a  modern  American  gentleman,  well  liked 
by  the  community  at  large  and  all  classes  of  the  population.  His  religion  i-  a 
matter  that  endears  him  even  to  those  who  ordinarily  do  not  agree  with  him. 

In  addition  to  B'nai  Israel,  Mr.  Lischkoff  has  been  a  Trustee  of  Beth  El. 
lie  i-  Chairman  of  the  House  Committee  and  one  of  the  founders  of  the 
Progress  Club,  which  i-  a  remarkable  Jewish  institution  ami  can  lie  considered 
a-  the  leading  Jewish  club  in  southern  United  States.  For  t w . ■  term-  he  has 
been  a  Director  of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce,  lie  was  a  Director  and  mem- 
ber of  the  Finance  Committee  of  the  Pensacola  Bank  and  Trust  Company, 
and  he  was  President  of  the  local  lodge  of  B'nai  B'rith  and  the  Chairman  of 
its  Propaganda  <  Committee. 

Mr.   \le\  Lischkoff  was  horn  on  1  Ik-  23d  of  December,  [867,  in  Lo 
Russian  Poland,  the  -on  of  Yakir  and  Esther  Lischkoff.    Both  hi-  father  and 
mother  were  of  the  most  prominent  families  of  that  ,-it\,  and  on  his  mother's 
side  he  is  the    descendant  of  prominent  Rabbis,    <  Ine  of  his  grandfathers  was 
Rabbi  Mo-he  of  Lezdzei,  a  well  known  "gaon"  in  his  days. 

Mr.  Lischkoff  came  to  America  in  1883.  For  a  time  he  stayed  in  New 
Haven,  '  onn.,  then  in  t  incinnati.  In  1889  he  settled  in  Pensacola,  where  he 
conducted  a  jewelry  and  diamond  business.  Since  1907  he  has  conducted  a 
real  estate  and  insurance  business,  with  offices  in  the  Brent  Building.  He  is 
highly  successful  in  the  line  and  became  prominent  in  the  city  as  a  n 

ator,  having  closed  the  largest  cash  deal  in  real  estate  in  the  whole  histon 
of  Pensacola. 

t  Mi  April  30,  1889,  Mr.  Lischkoff  was  married  to  Frances  1  orchcimer,  and 
they  are  the  parents  of  three  verj  accomplished  children.     Their  oldest 


Dr.  M.  A.  Lisclikoff,  is  a  young  man  of  great  education,  who  has  studied  medi- 
cine in  America  and  Europe  and  is  now  a  highly  successful  specialist  in  throat, 
nose,  eye  and  ear  diseases,  with  a  still  greater  future  universally  predicted. 
The  second  son.  Leon,  a  lawyer,  is  now  a  sergeant  in  the  army.  The  youngest 
child  is  a  daughter.  Bertha  Esther,  aged   15. 


DAVID  LOEB 

It  is  our  pleasure  to  record  the  biography  of  one  who,  while  not  claiming 
the  United  States  as  the  land  of  his  nativity,  was  born  on  the  American  conti- 
nent, and  has  spent  the  most  of  his  life  under  the  Stars  and  Stripes. 

Mr.  David  Loeb.  the  subject  of  our  sketch,  was  born  in  Hamilton,  Canada, 
and  while  he  lived  there  for  a  number  of  years,  the  real  story  of  his  adven- 
tures begins  when  he  arrived  in  Titusville,  Pa.,  and  started  the  uphill  fight 
toward  wealth  and  affluence. 

He  began  clerking  for  S3.00  per  week,  and  remained  for  two  years,  after 
which  we  find  him  in  Louisville.  Ky.,  and  then  in  Okolona,  Miss.,  remaining  in 
each  place  for  two  years.  From  there  he  went  to  Aperson,  AYis..  and  after 
three  years,  having  saved  some  money,  went  to  Bath,  X.  Y.,  where,  in  partner- 
ship with  a  cousin,  he  opened  a  store.  After  four  years,  this  partnership  was 
dissolved,  and  Mr.  Loeb  went  to  Ashtabula,  Ohio. 

In  Ashtabula  he  found  the  life  work  for  which  he  was  best  adapted,  and 
is  today  one  of  the  most  successful  merchants  in  the  city. 

Mr.  Loeb  was  married  January  25th,  1903.  and  has  a  fine  family  of  three 
children,  one  boy  and  two  girls. 

Mrs.  Loeb  is  a  charming  woman,  well  known  in  Ashtabula  and  Cleveland 
for  her  untiring  activities  in  behalf  of  charities,  and  co-operates  with  her 
husband  in  the  many  philanthropies  to  which  they  jointly  contribute. 

Although  Air.  Loeb  is  a  very  busy  man,  he  still  finds  time  to  be  affiliated 
with  a  number  of  fraternal  organizations,  prominent  among  them  being  the 
Masons,  Elks.  Odd  Fellows.  Knights  of  Pythias. 

If  we  were  to  cite  a  definite  ideal  of  well  rounded,  useful  American 
citizenship,  the  life  of  Mr.  David  Loeb  would  serve  as  a  fitting  example,  well 
worth v  of  study  and  emulation. 


LUCIEN    S.    LOEB 

For  a  young  man,  not  yet  thirty  years  of  age,  to  be  considered  a  most 
prominent  figure  in  an  old  and  highly  developed  Jewish  community  is  a  distinc- 
tion which  is  extremely  rare.  Yet,  Mr.  Lucien  S.  Loeb  of  Montgomery,  Ala- 
bama, assistant  United  States  Food  Administrator  of  Alabama,  has  justly 
achieved  that  enviable  distinction. 

Air.  Loeb's  career  is  that  of  a  young  man  who  was  reared  among  cultured 
surroundings  and  has  received  the  advantage  of  a  higher  education  which  he 
is  utilizing,  together  with  his  exceptional  natural  endowments  of  heart  and 
mind,  for  the  good  of  his  fellow  men.  He  was  born  in  Montgomery,  Ala., 
on  September  24,  1888.  His  parents.  Jacques  and  Selena  Loeb,  were  both 
very  prominent  and  popular  in  the  city  and  community,  and  instilled  into  the 

186 


heart  and  mind  of  their  young  son  Lucien  the  love  for  his  people  and  the 
ideal  of  civic  progress  and  human  advancement.  And  it  was  not  only  by 
precept,  but  also  by  example,  that  young  Loeb  was  prepared  for  the  high  posi- 
tion of  trust  and  responsibility  which  he  now  occupies.  For  his  father  took 
a  most  active  part  in  the  various  worthy  endeavors  of  a  Jewish  and  general 
character.  He  held  the  position  of  President  of  the  District  Grand  Lodge 
No.  7  of  the  B'nai  B'rith  and  served  as  Chairman  of  the  Endowment  Board. 
He  was  a  delegate  to  the  (  (institution  Grand  Lodge  conventions  of  that  order 
five  consecutive  times  in  1895  at  Cincinnati,  in  io«'>  at  Giicago,  in  1005  at 
New  1  Means,  and  in  [910  at  Washington,  1>.  C.  He  was  also  Vice  President 
nf  tin-  Congregation  Kahl  Montgomery,  while  in  a  commercial  way  he  held 
the  position  of  Vice  President  of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce  and  was  a  Di- 
rector nt'  the  Capital  National  Bank  and  other  large  business  enterprises. 

And  in  all  these  various  institutions  and  organizations  the  mantle  of 
Jacques  Loeb  fell  upon  his  son,  Lucien  Loeb.  Thus  he  Lucien  Loeb,  is  Presi- 
dent  of  the  Rotary  Club,  \  ice  President  of  the  Montgomerj  1  hamber  of  Com- 
merce and  Chairman  of  its  transportation  bureau,  a  Director  in  the  Capital 
National  Bank,  Treasurer  of  the  Montgomerj  Live  Stock  lair  Association,  a 
Director  of  tin-  Montala  Manufacturing  Company,  and  a  Director  of  the 
Dixie  Cotton  'HI  Company.  IK-  headed  the  committee  in  charge  of  the  Red 
(rn--  membership  drive  last  I  lecember  and  is  a  member  of  the  war  camp  com- 
munity service. 

Mr.  I. mil'-  Jewish  affiliations  and  activities  an-  equally  numerous  and 
noteworthy,  lie  is  a  Trustee  of  Kahl  Montgomery  and  of  Emanuel  Lodge 
103  hi  the  B'nai  B'rith.  lie  is  a  member  of  the  Graduate  Menorah  Society, 
a  member  of  the  ( leneral  Committee  of  District  <  .rand  Lodge  No.  7.  I.  <  '.  Ii.  U.. 
a  Trustee  of  the  United  Hebrew  Charities  and  a  member  of  the  Board  of 
Trustees  of  the  Leo  N.  Levi  Memorial  Hospital  at  Hot  Springs,  Ark. 

.Mr.  Loeb  received  his  education  in  the  public  .and  private  schools  of 
Montgomery  and  later  attended  Cornell  University,  from  which  he  received 
the  degree  of  Bachelor  of  Arts  in  ig  s.  He  thereupon  returned  to  his  native 
city,  where  he  entered  his  Father's  firm,  which  is  a  large  and  flourishing  whole- 
sale concern  bearing  the  name  of  Winter-Loeb  Grocer)  Co.  But,  although  he 
has  charge  of  that  firm,  he  devotes  very  little  time  to  it  at  present,  as  he  gives 
almost  all  of  his  time  and  thought  unselfishlj  and  unstintingly  to  the  service  of 
hi    country,  his  city  and  his  community. 


HERMAN    H.   LOUIS 

This  country  owe-  an  inestimable  debt  of  gratitude  to  the  men  who  have 
come  to  us  from  foreign  shores  and  taught  us  something  of  the  art  of  con- 
servation. 

( >ur  resources  have  been  so  vast  that  we  have  grown  into  a  nation  of 
wasters. 

It  remained  for  the  leu  to  Come  to  America,  gather  Up  the  waste  and 
divert  it  to  new   uses, 

.  nun  and  nnt.il  yard  in  the  country  i-  a  monument  to  Jewish  enter- 
prise and  a  rebuke  to  our  lack  of  thrift. 

Herman  II.  Louis  i  'he  men  who  has  made  a  fortune  from  that 

which  other  men  have  cast  away. 

Ill  wa-  horn  in  Ezno,  Russia,  November  25,  1868,  and  came  to  America 
in  May.  tss_>.  He  first  found  employment  in  a  junk  yard  at  (  Icvcland,  <  Ihio, 
and  two  years  later  went  to  Parkersburg,  W.  \  a.,  when-  he  worked  on  the  rail- 
road for  three  years.    Then  followed  a  numb  varied  experiences, 


including  the  management  of  a  junk  yard,  three  years  in  a  grocery  and  three 
years  as  motorman. 

i  mm"  in  \shtalmla,  <  >hio,  lie  again  opened  an  iron  and  metal  yard,  where 
he  is  still  located  and  doing  a  flourishing  business  under  the  firm  name  of  Ash- 
tabula Junk  Co. 

Mr.  Louis  was  married  May  24,  1896,  to  Miss  Celi  H.  Orkin.  and  they 
have  three  children,  two  boys  and  one  girl,  who  are  being  well  educated. 

He  is  a  prominent  member  of  the  Moose.  Knights  of  Pythias  and  Masons 
and  is  a  liberal  contributor  to  all  charities. 


SAMUEL    MALTINSKY 


It  is  a  well-established  fact  that  misfortunes  are  for  a  man  what  fire  is 
for  iron ;  they  make  one  softer,  more  pliable  and  nobler.  Even  though  a  man 
is  bad  by  nature,  he  will  usually  be  swayed  toward  the  nobler  traits  of  charac- 
ter under  the  fire  of  misfortune.  In  the  case,  however,  of  a  good  man  it  will 
influence  him  still  more  and  render  him  still  better. 

To  this  last-named  group  we  must  add  the  name  of  Mr.  Samuel  Maltin- 
sky,  chief  proprietor.  President  and  Treasurer  of  the  Crescent  Jewelry  Com- 
pany, of  641  Smithfield  street,  Pittsburgh,  Pa.  Mr.  Maltinsky  belongs  to  the 
better  and  nobler  sort  of  characters  among  men,  but  in  the  last  few  years  he 
has  gone  through  many  trials  and  ordeals,  and  though  physically  he  appears 
strong  and  alert,  you  will  notice  in  his  actions  and  mood  that  he  is  a  man  who 
has  been  mercilessly  crushed  under  the  wheels  of  fate. 

Mr.  Maltinsky  has  experienced  great  misfortunes  in  business  and  lost 
considerable  sums  of  money.  But  all  these 
disasters  are  nothing  in  comparison  with  the 
loss  he  has  sustained  through  the  early  demise 
of  his  beloved  daughter,  Tisha  Manna,  on 
December  9.  1915.  She  was  one  of  the  most 
accomplished  Jewish  girls  in  Pittsburgh,  a  cel- 
ebrated elocutionist  who  could  recite  in  many 
languages.  And  it  was  this  accomplishment 
that  made  her  father's  sorrow'  the  greater 
when  she  was  taken  away  from  the  loving 
arms  of  her  parents  into  the  Great  Unknown 
from  which  there  is  no  return.  It  was  a  mis- 
fortune over  which  many  of  their  friends  and 
relatives  have  expressed  their  sympathies  to 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Maltinksy.  But  there  is  com- 
pensation in  their  sorrow  in  the  fact  that  their 
other   daughter,   Rosa,   is   equally   as   accom-  snmnei  Mnitin»ky 

plished  as  her  late-lamented  sister.  Rosa  Maltinsky  is  brilliant  in  many  respects, 
but  she  is  particularly  proficient  in  muic.  At  the  age  of  16  she  played  in  a 
concert  at  the  Pittsburgh  Exposition  with  \\ "alter  Damrosch  ;  she  has  held  for 
three  years  a  scholarship  at  the  Peabodv  Institute  at  Baltimore,  and  she  is  not 
only  extremely  pretty,  but  also  known  as  an  amiable  voting  woman,  gracing 
the  Maltinsky  household  with  her  extraordinary  personality. 

Mr.  Maltinsky  is  not  a  communal  worker  in  the  sense  of  holding  office 
or  taking  an  active  interest  in  organization,  but  his  purse  is  ever  ready  to 
help  and  he  is  considered  one  of  the  finest  and  most  reputable  Jewish  citizens 
in  Pittsburgh. 

Born  in  Libau,  Courland,  on  May  25,  1867.  Mr.  Maltinsky  is  the  son  of 
1  [yman  and  Sarah  Maltinsky.     His  father  was  a  "Davvan"  and  one  of  the 


18S 


most  popular  men  in  the  city.  Samuel  came  to  America  in  1888,  starting  as 
as  a  peddler  in  Pittsburgh,  and  then  for  21  years  keeping  a  jewelry  store  in 
Braddock,  Pa.  In  1907  he  opened  a  store  in  Pittsburgh.  He  has  passed 
through  many  a  crisis,  but  always  managed  to  keep  his  name  clean,  so  that 
by  systematic  and  diligent  work  he  finally  won  the  success  which  was  long  his 
due. 

In  his  younger  days  Mr.  Maltinsky  was  a  Talmudic  scholar  and  he  went 
through  gymnasium  studies  in  Russia.  After  he  had  been  in  this  country  for 
six  months  he  entered  Duff's  College.  All  these  scholastic  achievements  have 
only  helped  to  make  him  a  man  of  wider  outlook,  in  addition  to  his  inborn 
generous  character. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Maltinsky,  who  before  her  marriage  was  Miss  Gertrude 
Kunst,  were  married  on  May  25,  1894. 


SIGMUND    MAIER 

Among  the  most  prominent  business  men  of  Fort  Wayne,  Ind.,  stands  the 
name  of  Sigmund  Maier. 

We  relate  the  events  of  his  early  struggles  to  illustrate  what  persistent 
application  will  do,  provided  a  man  has  ability  to  develop.  He,  like  the  major- 
ity of  our  eminent  men,  has  made  his  own  opportunities  and  acquired  success 
by  his  own  effort. 

His  varied  experiences  led  him  into  many  cities  of  the  United  States,  and 
afford  a  variety  of  incidents  that  make  a  most  interesting  chapter  of  business 
history. 

He  was  born  in  Dulendurf,  Germany,  July  24,  1866,  the  son  of  Jacob  and 
Dina  Maier.  his  father  a  dealer  in  cattle.  He  came  to  America  at  the  age  of 
sixteen,  landing  in  New  York. 

Going  almost  immediately  to  Ligonier,  Ind.,  he  obtained  employment  in 
a  dry-goods  store  and  remained  six  months. 

We  next  find  him  in  Appleton,  Wis.,  where  he  again  worked  in  a  store  at 
a  very  small  salary.  From  there  he  tried  the  rigors  of  a  lumber  camp,  remain- 
ing for  six  months  at  $40  per  month  and  board,  when  he  again  found  a  position 
in  a  department  store. 

His  next  experience  was  in  Milwaukee,  where  he  started  ped.dling  with 
a  pack.  This  he  continued  for  three  months,  after  which  he  rented  a  store, 
remaining  six  years.  From  Milwaukee  he  went  to  Escanaba.  Mich.,  working 
in  a  store.  Next  we  find  him  in  Warsaw,  Wis.,  putting  into  practical  use  the 
knowledge  acquired,  as  he  was  now  manager  of  a  store.  He  was  later  trans- 
ferred to  another  store  at  Phillips.  Wis.,  and  remained  two  years.  Feeling 
that  his  opportunities  lure  were  limited,  he  went  to  Fort  Wayne  and  accepted 
a  position  with  Will  Bros.,  which  only  paid  $10  per  week,  solely  for  the  oppor- 
tunity of  advancement,  which  the  larger  institution  offered.    Ami  time  proved 

him  entirely  right  in  his  judgment,  as  he  was  advanced  to  the  position  of 
manager  at  a  line  salary,  and  remained  with  this  concern  lor  twenty-three 
years. 

Mr.  Maier  was  married  August  _'  1 .   [893,  to  Miss  Charlotte  I.owenstcin  of 

Fori  Wayne,  Ind. 

They  have  live  children,  four  boys  and  one  girl. 

The  sc m.  Felix,  is  manager  of  a  branch  of  their  business  which  is  situated 
at  Decatur,  Ind.  Jacob  and  Edwin  are  traveling  salesman.  The  other  two 
children  are  still  small  and  in  school. 

Mr.  Maier  is  a  linn  believer  in  the  gospel  of  hard  work  and  advises  young 

189 


people  1"  take  any  employment  that  comes  to  hand,  just  so  it  is  honest,  believ- 
ing that  it  will  ultimately  serve  as  a  stepping  stone  to  the  desired  goal. 

He  contributes  liberally  to  all  charities,  including  the  '  >rphans'  Home  of 
Cleveland,  the  Denver  and  Los  Angeles  hospitals,  the  Old  Age  Home  and  the 
Red  Cross.  He  is  also  affiliated  with  the  Temple  of  Fort  Wayne,  B'nai  B'rith 
and  the  Knights  of  Pythias. 


SAMUEL  MALLINGER 

Mr.  Samuel  Mallinger  of  Pittsburgh  is  another  instance  of  a  man  who 
will  "never  say  die,"  no  matter  how  outward  conditions  might  point  against 
him.  He  was  born  in  a  little  village  near  Sanok,  Galicia,  and  came  to  America 
at  an  early  age.  His  date  of  birth  is  April  18,  1877;  his  date  of  arrival  in  this 
country  is  1894.  He  came  with  his  cousin,  with  whom  later  he  went  into 
business,  and  settled  in  Pittsburgh,  where  he  immediately  went  to  work  at 
bottles  for  the  munificent  wage  of  $3  per  week. 

Samuel  had  pluck,  perseverance  and  energy  and  he  rose  very  rapidly  in 
his  new  occupation.  His  wages  took  an  upward  climb  and  were  constantly 
higher,  enabling  its  recipient  to  save  and  lay  by  money  for  a  better  future.  In 
the  course  of  five  years  he  organized  a  jobbing  bottles  concern,  going  into 
partnership  with  a  cousin,  who  was  in  the  same  business.  Four  years  later  the 
partners  separated  and  Mr.  Mallinger  started  his  present  concern,  which  has 
been  since  in  existence  for  the  last  thirteen  years,  never  causing  its  owner  any 
trouble  and  making  it  possible  for  Mr.  Mallinger  to  realize  his  early  dreams 
and  ambition. 

Not  content  with  success  in  business,  Mr.  Mallinger  has  taken  an  active 
interest  in  social  work  as  a  member  of  the  Austro-Hungarian  Congregation 
of  Pittsburgh  and  the  Federation  of  Charities.  He  is  an  Orthodox  in  his  relig- 
ious tenets,  of  modern  tendencies  and  a  staunch  supporter  of  Jewish  education. 

On  October  17,  1899,  Mr.  Mallinger  was  married  to  Anna  Klee,  .who 
comes  from  the  same  part  of  Galicia  where  he  was  brought  up,  and  they  are 
the  parents  of  four  children,  named  Emanuel,  Ruth,  Fannie  and  Benjamin. 


MORRIS   MANES 

Prominent  in  the  business  life  of  Xorth  Adams,  Mass.,  is  the  name  of 
Mr.  Morris  Manes,  wealthy  dealer  in  iron  and  metal  scrap.  Mr.  Manes  was 
born  in  Kiev,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  the  year  1867,  and  came  to  America  in  1890, 
landing  in  New  York.  He  worked  in  a  factory  as  buttonhole  maker  for  $6 
per  week.  This  he  continued  for  nine  months,  during  which  time  he  became 
so  proficient  that  he  was  able  to  start  in  the  same  line  of  business  for  himself. 
He  continued  for  nine  years,  and  then  decided  to  take  up  farming,  but  after 
one  year,  finding  this  occupation  unsuitable,  he  moved  to  Xorth  Adams  and 
engaged  in  the  junk  business. 

Mr.  Manes  is  todav  a  wealthy  and  influential  man  and  his  entire  success 
is  the  result  of  his  own  individual  efforts,  as  he  had  neither  money  nor  influen- 
tial friends  to  assist  him  when  he  came  to  America. 

Shortly  before  coming  to  this  country  Mr.  Manes  was  married  to  Miss 

190  . 


Rebecca  Oxenfeld,  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Sander  Oxenfeld,  and  they  have 
a  family  of  five  children,  all  of  whom  are  now  married  with  the  exception  of 
the  daughter,  Anna,  who  is  at  home. 

Mr.  Manes  is  prominent  in  local  organizations,  being  President  of  Hiaa 
Adam  Congregation,  the  Labor  League  and  is  also  prominent  in  the  Masons. 


THE    LATE    RABBI    DAVE    BEHR    MANISCHEWITZ 

The  name  of  Manischewitz  is  well  known  in  every  Jewish  household  in  the 
L'nited  States,  and  also  throughout  the  civilized  world.  The  founder  of  the 
nationally  famous  Matzos,  the  late  Rabbi  Dave  Behr  Manischewitz,  was  born 
in  Salant,  Province  of  Kovno,  Russia,  in  185S,  and  died  at  Cincinnati,  Ohio, 
March  8,  1914. 

He  came  to  America  in  1885,  after  having  served  as  Schochet  in  the 
Prussian  city  of  Memel.  He  gained  extensive  prominence  through  his  Lam- 
duth,  piety  and  insatiable  desire  toward  charity  and  philanthropic  proclivities. 
The  Cincinnati  Congregation,  the  Beth  Hamedrosh  Hagodol,  imported  him  as 
Schochet. 

After  acting  as  a  leading  Schochet  for  several  years,  his  inventive  genius 
soon  led  to  the  inception  of  the  present  world-famous  mammoth  Matzo  bak- 
eries, of  which  the  world  too  well  knows. 

Rabbi  Dave  Behr  Manischewitz  was  married  in  Memel  to  Chaia  Xeshe, 
the  daughter  of  Rabbi  Meier  (Rosin)  of  Memel.  She  was  prominent  in  chari- 
ties, the  founder  of  numerous  institutions,  and  devoted  many  years  of  her  life 
toward  the  uplifting  and  support  of  poverty-stricken  Jews,  more  especially 
those  residing  in  the  Holy  Land.  She  survived  her  husband  by  only  two  years, 
having  died  June  17,  1916. 

A  striking  feature  of  the  will  of  Rabbi  Dave  Behr  Manischewitz  was  the 
fact  that  he  requested  his  business  to  be  incorporated,  dividing  90  per  cent  of 
the  capital  stock  among  his  five  sons  and  the  remaining  10  per  cent  to  go 
annually  for  charity,  60  per  cent  of  which  is  for  Jerusalem  alone,  and  the 
balance  for  other  philanthropic  purposes. 

Eight  children  were  left  by  the  late  Rabbi  Dave  Behr  Manischewitz.  all 
of  whom  received  a  thorough  Jewish  education,  while  two  of  his  sons  spent 
more  than  ten  vears  each  studying  in  Jerusalem,  and  where  they  married  daugh- 
ters of  learned  and  prominent  Jews.     Their  names  are  as  follows: 

Meyer  Victor,  married  to  Minnie  Goldstein,  of  Xew  York. 

Mamie,  married  to  Dr.  Reuben  Finkelstein,  son  of  prominent  Rabbi  of 
Brooklyn.  X.  Y.     Three  children. 

Jacob  Uriah,  married  to  Pearl  Quitman  of  Cincinnati.  He  is  the  father  of 
two  children. 

Joseph,  married  to  Bessie  Sagalowsky  of  [ndianapolis,  Ind.  lie  is  the 
father  of  two  children. 

Rose,  married  to  Sol  Rogen,  of  Xew  York. 

Max.  married  to  Edith  Cohen,  of  Jerusalem.  Palestine. 

Harry,  married  to  Sara  Malka  Gelerinter,  daughter  of  Rabbi  A.  Galerinter 
of  Xew  York,  and  formerly  of  Jerusalem,  where  thej  were  married,  lb-  is 
the  father  of  four  children. 

Kac,  married  to  Bernard  Prensky,  of  New   York. 


191 


JOSEPH    MARIL 


The  Orthodox  Jewish  community  of  Savannah,  (la.,  consists  of  a  number 
of  highly  influential  citizens,  among  whom  we  cannot  fail  to  mention  Mr. 
loseph  Maril.  Mr.  Maril  was  horn  on  the  15th  of  May.  1869,  in  Torrogan, 
Government  of  Kovno,  Russia,  the  son  of  David  Moses  and  Sheine  Maril. 
He  is  the  descendant  of  a  renowned  rabbinical  family,  and  his  father  was  also 
a  celebrated  Talmudic  scholar.  When  but  thirteen  years  of  age  the  boy 
landed  in  the  United  States.  The  first  two  years  and  a  half  he  spent  in  New 
York,  working  at  cigarmaking,  a  trade  he  learned  here,  and  he  then  went  to 
Savannah,  ( ieorgia,  where  he  started  his  successful  business  career.  He  par- 
ticularly made  a  mark  in  the  business  of  real  estate  and  building.  Xow  Mr. 
Maril  is  interested  in  various  business  enterprises,  among  them  being  a  skirt 
factory  at  Xo.  no  Abercorn  street,  maintained  under  the  firm  name  of  the 
Economy  Manufacturing  Company,  of  which  he  is  president.  He  is  also  the 
president  of  the  Cooley  Laundry  Company. 

In  social  life  he  is  also  very  active.  He  is  a 
director  of  the  Kehillah,  an  active  and  devoted 
Zionist,  and  takes  an  interest  in  everything  Jewish. 
He  is  a  man  of  intelligence  and  a  Talmudist. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Maril  (whose  maiden  name  was 
Dora  Moskofsky,  and  who  was  married  in  the  year 
1890)  are  the  parents  of  three  accomplished  chil- 
dren—  Nathan,  who  is  the  secretary  and  treasurer 
of  the  Economy  Manufacturing  Company;  Lillie, 
and  Edith. 

Lillie  Maril  is  an  artist,  and  though  but  sev- 
enteen years  of  age,  and  without  any  art  school 
training  as  yet,  has  already  produced  remarkable 
works  which  now  adorn  the  walls  of  the  Maril 
home.  The  paintings  are  so  beautiful  and  executed 
with  so  much  technical  skill  and  real  talent  that  it 
sometimes  makes  it  hard  for  one  to  believe  that  she  Joseph  Mam 

is  a  mere  beginner.  There  is  no  doubt  that  Lillie  Maril  is  an  artist  to  the 
manner  born  and  will  become  a  celebrity  some  day  when  she  has  had  the 
opportunity  to  develop  and  perfect  her  natural  talent. 


AARON  AND  HARRY  MANN 


Norristown,  Pa.,  is  indebted  to  the  Mann  family  for  two  of  its  prospering 
business  houses,  the  Mann  Iron  &  Steel  Company,  conducted  by  Mr.  Aaron 
Mann,  and  H.  Mann  &  Co.,  of  which  Mr.  Harry  Mann  is  owner. 

These  two  brothers  were  born  in  Kovno,  Guberne,  Russia,  Harry  on 
March  i,  1885,  and  Aaron  on  March  5,  1889.  They  are  the  sons  of  Mr.  Zelick 
Mann,  who  was  a  prosperous  merchant  of  their  native  city. 

They  came  to  America  in  1905,  and  Harry,  being  the  elder,  at  once  went 
to  work  peddling  junk,  while  his  brother  continued  to  go  to  school  for  one 
year  and  then  started  in  at  the  same  occupation.  A  few  years  later,  having 
saved  a  small  capital,  they  went  into  partnership  and  opened  a  junk  business. 
As  they  were  both  most  able  business  men  and  the  firm  did  not  need  more 
than  one  executive  head,  they  decided  to  dissolve  partnership  and  operate  sepa- 
rately, which  they  did  in  1917. 

They  have  both  achieved  a  remarkable  success  and  their  ability  and  integ- 
rity are  highly  respected  in  the  city  of  their  adoption. 

192 


Mr.  Harry  Mann  was  married  July  25,  1913,  to  Miss  Bessie  Michelson  of 
Baltimore,  Md. 

Mr.  Aaron  Mann  was  married  June  11,  1916,  to  Miss  Sadie  Lefco  of 
Philadelphia,  and  they  are  the  parents  of  a  baby  girl. 

Both  men  are  generous  contributors  to  the  various  charities  and  are  also 
prominent  members  of  Feres  Israel  Congregation  and  B'rith  Sholom. 

Their  achievements  are  deserving  of  special  credit,  owing  to  the  fact  that 
they  were  accomplished  unaided,  and  as  Mann  brothers  are  still  very  young 
men,  it  is  not  difficult  to  predict  a  long  and  brilliant  career  for  each  of  them. 


WILLIAM    MARCUS 

Over  in  Europe,  where  conditions  of  life  were  so  well  settled,  where  life 
changed  but  rarely  and  all  changes  were  slow  and  scarcely  perceptible,  it  was 
the  Jewish  parents  who  would  naturally  decide  the  future  of  their  children. 
When  the  father  was  in  a  position  to  do  so  and  the  son  would  show  ability  to 
acquire  a  good  education,  it  was  ordained  forthwith  that  the  son  become  a 
Rabbi.    Otherwise,  the  son  was  to  become  a  toiler,  which  he  did. 

But  there  developed  among  the  European  Jewry  a  steady-rising  wave 
of  immigration  to  America,  a  wave  that  gave  up  all  tradition,  established  cus- 
toms and  uprooting  things  to  such  an  extent  that  the  children's  future  was  no 
longer  a  matter  for  the  parents'  thought,  but  was  left  to  the  drifting  current 
events. 

And  so  we  see  that  young  men  who  were  destined  to  become  Rabbis  be- 
came merchants  in  the  new  world,  or  plain  workingmen,  while  others  who 
brought  with  them  no  traditions  and  whose  means  forced  them,  in  the  old 
country,  to  remain  in  the  artisan  and  toiler  class,  became  physicians  and  law- 
yers and  reached  high  positions  in  life  and  society. 

Mr.  William  Marcus  of  Savannah  belongs  to  the  former  class.  His  par- 
ents destined  him  for  a  Rabbinical  career.  He  was  a  great  scholar,  well  versed 
in  the  mysteries  of  Talmudic  lore,  and  so  his  parents  never  doubted  that  they 
had  in  their  son  an  accomplished  Rabbi.  Later  he  became  a  Hebrew  writer  and 
started  to  write  for  Hameliz.  The  tide  of  immigration  brought  him  to  Amer- 
ica, where,  looking  around,  he  found  that  this  practical  country  would  reward 
him  much  better  if  he  went  into  business — and  so,  leaving  "learning''  as  a 
profession  to  others,  he  went  into  business,  utilizing  in  it  his  good  abilities — 
and  he  found  in  his  decision  a  rare  success. 

He  arrived  in  America  in  1885.  For  a  few  months  he  peddled  in  New 
York,  and  then  a  few  years  more  in  Savannah,  Ga.  He  then  opened  a  store 
for  the  sale  of  ladies'  wear,  working  up  a  large  business,  located  at  present  at 
209  Broughton  street  West,  under  the  name  of  Marcus  &  Co.  Mr.  Marcus 
is  now  financially  independent,  yet  he  is  still  active  in  the  business,  in  connec- 
tion with  his  son  Barney,  who  is  a  partner.  In  addition  Mr.  Marcus  is  inter- 
ested in  real  estate  and  is  a  Director  of  the  Peoples  Bank  and  the  Mercantile 
Bank  of  Savannah. 

Having  gained  his  independent  position  by  dint  of  perseverance,  courage 
and  strong  will  power,  he  has  every  reason  in  the  world  to  look  confidently 
into  the  future. 

Mr.  Marcus  was  born  on  the  15th  of  December,  1862,  in  Pinsk,  as  a  son 
of  Moses  and  Jeanette  Marks.  On  July  3,  1882,  he  was  married  to  Esther 
Joseloft"  of  Slonim,  and  they  arc  the  parents  of  five  highly  proficient  children. 
Barney  is  the  only  son  and  the  youngest  child.  The  oldest  daughter.  Rebecca, 
is  now  Mrs.  Rashken.  Anna  is  Mrs.  Prank  and  lives  in  New  York.  Rosa  is 
the  wife  of  Mr.  Frohmberg  of  Charleston,  S.  O,  who  is  a  member  of  the  legis- 

19.1 


hture  of  lii*  state.     Fanny,  the  youngest  daughter,  is  married  to  Mr.  Ravson 
of  Atlanta. 

Mr.  Marcus  is  one  of  the  oldest  Jewish  settlers  in  Savannah,  ami  he  is 
to  a  large  extent  responsible  for  the  splendid  reputation  the  Savannah  com- 
munity has  earned  for  itself.  He  always  worked  in  the  interest  of  the  com- 
munity as  well  as  for  his  own.  He  was  one  of  the  founders  and  original 
directors  of  the  Orthodox  Congregation  D'nai  B'rith  Jacob.  He  was  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  Hebrew  school,  a  Director  of  the  Jewish  Educational  Alliance, 
and  contributes  with  a  free  hand  to  even-  good  Jewish  cause. 

Yet  his  remarkable  success  did  not  carry  Mr.  Marcus  away  from  education 
and  Judaism.     He  has  a  large  library  which  contains  the  best  products  of  Eng- 
lish. Jewish  and  Hebrew  literature,  and  from  time  to  time,  when  business 
over.  Mr.  Marcus  peruses  the  volumes  of  his  library  and  stills  his  thirst  for 
knowledge. 


BENJAMIN    MARKOWITZ 


Mr.  Benjamin  Markowitz  and  his  family,  consisting  of  a  wife  and  eleven 
children,  are  fitting  proof  of  the  contention  that  work,  ceaseless  hard  work,  is 
always  rewarded. 

Mr.  Markowitz  is  one  of  the  wealthiest  and  most  successful  Jews  in  Brad- 
dock.  Pa.  He  is  a  banker,  owns  a  very  large  establishment  with  countless 
wagons  and  trucks,  selling  his  wares  in  the  whole  surrounding  territory  up  to 
Pittsburgh,  and  dwells  in  a  remarkably  beautiful  house  which  he  has  built  for 
himself.  And  all  that — he  explains  to  me  with  deserved  pride — is  the  result 
of  hard  work. 

"'You  see.'"  said  Mr.  Markowitz  to  the  writer  of  these  lines,  pointing  to 
a  verv  small  child  gathering  something  in  the  yard,  "this  is  my  voungest  child, 
and  she  already  does  useful  things.  All.  all  work,  and  this  has  made  our 
success." 

In  such  a  simple  manner.  Mr.  Markowitz 
explains  the  great  world  truth  that  only  per- 
sistent work  can  be  crowned  with  success. 

Mr.  Markowitz  was  born  in  1S64  in  Rib- 
nitz.  Hungary,  as  the  son  of  Henry  and  Lena 
Markowitz.  He  came  to  America  in  1889. 
P>eing  a  baker  by  trade,  he  went  to  work  in  his 
line  immediately  after  his  arrival  in  Home- 
stead. Pa.  His  mother  and  his  brother  Adolph 
then  lived  in  Pottstown.  Pa.  Benny  went  to 
see  them  one  day  and  bought  a  little  bakery 
there,  which  he  kept  for  about  a  year.  Then 
came  the  panic  of  1893  and  he  "lost  everything. 
He  betook  himself  to  New  York,  where  he 
worked  at  his  trade  for  a  number  of  years. 
later  returning  to  Homestead.  He  opened  a 
bakery  there  in  partnership  with  his  brother. 
but  in  1900  he  went  to  P.raddock.  where,  with 

a  small  capital,  but  a  vast  store  of  energv.  he  opened  the  bakerv  which  he  so 
successfully  operates  to  this  day. 

"The  only  reason  of  my  success."'  Mr.  Markowitz  says,  "is  work.  During 
the  first  year  in  this  business.  I  have  been  working  dav  and  night.  During 
the  whole  year  I  did  not  sleep  in  bed  even  once,  except  on  Saturdays,  when 
we  did  not  bake." 


194 


\s  a  result  of  this  hard  work  Mr.  Markowitz  now  owns  the  large  bakery 
:it  Nos.  lorn  and  1021  Talbot  street,  and  his  splendid  home  at  No.  ioij  of 
the  same  street,  and  he  has  brought  up  eleven  children,  all  well  educated  and 
usefully  engaged.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Markowitz,  who  was  Rose  Goodman,  are 
the  parents  oi  the  following  children:  Sadie,  now  Mrs.  Myers;  Harry.  Ja- 
cob, a  student  of  law;  Morris,  I ul is,  Regina,  Bella,  Louis,  Joseph,  Emanuel 
and  Dorah.  All  children  have  received  a  Jewish  religious  education  and  Jacob 
is  the  leader  of  a  Sunday  school  in  Braddock. 

Mr.  Markowitz  was  for  three  years  President  of  the  local  Talmud  Torah, 
is  a  member  of  the  Congregation  Vgudath  Achimand,  B'nai  B'rith  and  many 
other  organizations  and  institutions. 


ELIEZER    MARGULIES 

Readers  of  Hebrew  periodicals,  interested  in  the  illuminating  discussions 
between  Eliezer  Margulies  and  the  late  Doctor  Solomon  Rubin,  would  never 
suspect  that  the  Margulies  whose  articles  the)  read  with  such  interest  was  a 
\ew  York  manufacturer.  But  such  is  actually  the  case.  Putting  all  literary 
fame  aside,  Mr.  Margulies  is  a  first-rate  business  man. 

P.nrn  in  I'ren.  Government  of  Suwalk,  in  [848,  Mr.  Margulies  came  in 
Imerica  in    [890.     lie  had  been  already    a  clothing  manufacturer  in   Lodz 

before  he  came  to  this  country.  Here  he  turned  his  steps  to  Cincinnati,  where 
he  engaged  in  the  same  business  very  successfully,  and  then  to  New  York. 
where  he  has  been  established   since,  specializing  in   pants  and  knee  pants. 

Mr.  Margulies  is  a  thorough  <  Irthodox,  a  strict  Sabbath  observer  and  a 
Director  of  the  Machsikei  Talmud  Torah.  Me  is  a  former  pupil  of  the  re- 
nowned Rabbi  Abraham  Yekutiel  Mapu.     lie  was  married  in   [872  to  Soshe 

Marion,   who  died   in    [916,   leaving    four   sons   and    four  daughters. 


NATHAN    MARSHALL 

tine  of  the  finest  traits  of  Jewish  character  is  the  remarkable  capacit) 
for  adaptability  to  new  conditions  and  environment.  Few  men  at  the  age  of 
thirty-sis  would  consider  it  possible  to  go  to  a  new  countrj  and.  starting  at 
the  bottom  of  the  ladder,  work  out  a  career  culminating  in  great   financial 

sllCC 

However,  this  i-  the  ex|  of  Mr    Nathan  Marshall,  who  was  born 

in  Minsker,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  tin-  year  1867.     He  came  to   Vmerica  in  1 
landing  in  Boston,  Mass.    The  onlj  available  occupation  was  that  of  peddling 

with  a  basket,  which  In-  did   for  one  Mar.      He  then  went  to  Gloucester,   M 

where  In-  started  in  working  as  a  laborer  for  the  city.  However,  In-  was  tired 
b)  an  ambition  to  have  a  business  for  himself,  and  his  spare  time  was  de- 
voted to  buying  and  selling  junk  in  a  ven  modest  way.  This  business  devel- 
oped so  rapidly  that  he  was  soon  able  to  devote  his  entire  time  and  attention 
t.i  -anii-.  and  he  is  today   one  of  tin-  most  prominent  htisiiiess  men  in  the  coin 

munity. 

Mr  Marshall  was  married  in  Russia  in  189I  to  Mis,  [da  Yardh.i.  and 
tlu-\  have  eight  children,  ~i\  i,,n,  and  two  girls. 

19! 


Like  many  other  patriotic  Americans,  they  have  given  one  of  their  sons 
to  the  service  of  democracy.  Jocke  is  now  in  the  U.  S.  Coast  Artillery  serv- 
ice. Two  Other  sons,  Albert  and  Sam.  are  in  business  with  their  father.  The 
other  children  are  still  in  school. 

Mr.  Marshall  is  most  generous  in  his  contributions  to  charities  and  is  also 
prominent  in  several  organizations,  chief  of  them  being  B'rith  Abraham,  of 
which  he  is  Treasurer,  and  Avas  Acham  Congregation. 


JOHN   MARKS 


Among  the  business  men  of  Center  Falls.  R.  I.,  no  name  is  more  promi- 
nent than  that  of  Mr.  John  Marks,  whose  place  of  business  is  located  at  n 
Falles  avenue. 

Mr.  Marks'  success  must  be  attributed  entirely  to  his  own  efforts,  as  he 
landed  in  America  without  any  capital  with  which  to  begin  a  business  career. 

He  was  born  in  Volina,  Guberne,  Russia,  in 
May,  1885,  and  came  to  America  in  1903.  Going 
direct  to  Pawtucket,  R.  I.,  he  began  buying  and  sell- 
ing old  iron  and  metal,  which  he  continued  for  two 
years.  He  then  opened  a  yard  at  his  present  loca- 
tion, where  he  has  been  most  successful. 

Mr.  Marks  was  married  in  New  Haven,  Conn., 
in  June,  1908.  to  Miss  Annie  Brawn.  Of  their  four 
children,  three  boys  and  one  girl,  the  two  eldest  are 
going  to  school. 

Generosity  in  contributions  to  charity  is  one  of 
the  traits  which  has  distinguished  Mr.  Marks  and 
he  is  also  prominent  in  a  number  of  fraternal  organ- 
izations, chief  among  them  being  I.  O.  B.  A.,  Zion- 
ists and  a  number  of  others.  In  fact.  Mr.  Marks 
has  distinguished  himself  in  this  regard,  as  he  is 
connected  with  thirty-six  organizations.    He  is  also 

Treasurer  of  Ivas  Sholom  Congregation,  and  it  is  certainly  encouraging  to  find 
a  man  of  the  young  generation  holding  so  closely  to  the  religious  ideals 
established  by  the  Hebrew  fathers. 


1<J<5 


JACOB    MASUR 

Mr.  facob  Masur  is  foreign-born,  having  come  to  the  world  in  Russia  in 
December,  (869,  the  son  of  Rubin  and  [da  Masur.  The  father  is  at  present 
engaged  in  the  real  estate  business  in  the  city  of  New  York.  When  Mr.  Masur 
was  twenty-one  years  of  age,  in  the  year  1890,  he  emigrated  to  America  with 
his  brother,  having  just  ten  dollars  in  his  pocket.  But  there  was  no  trouble 
about  finding  employment.  The  clothing  trade  was  just  then  at  the  height  of 
demand,  and  the  immigrant  decided  to  learn  the  trade  and  lit  himself  For  it. 
To  be  sure,  being  inexperienced,  and  as  he  merely  wanted  to  learn  a  new 
trade.  Jacob  Masur  had  to  work  for  nothing— and  kept  on  in  that  state  for 
twelve  weeks.  But  he  graduated  soon  into  a  paying  position  and  at  the  end 
of  his  first  year  in  America  was  already  making  as  much  as  four  dollars  per 
week.      During   this    trying   period    young    M:i>ur    devoted    all    his    spare    time 

to  study,  attending  the  evening  high  school,  and  had  ambition  of  entering  a 
university  and  studying  for  a  profession;  hut  circumstances  turned  him  into 

the  commercial    world. 

But  then'  was  something  in  Mr.  Masur  that  kept  on  telling  him  that  he 
would  certainl)  succeed  if  he  Inn  attempted  the  right  thing.    Mr.  Masur  took 

cutting.  For  three  months  he  worked  for  nothing;  in  fact,  even  paid  Sioo  in 
cold  cash  to  learn  the  track-,  and  in  the  end  he  was  employed  at  $5  per  week. 
Yet  he  managed  to  save  money  at  that,  and  within  a  very  short  time  he  was 
already  manufacturing  on  a  small  scale,  with  a  place  at  Mo.  237  Rivington 
street.  But  this  first  business  venture  was  nothing  short  of  an  adventure.  It 
lasted  as  long  as  there  was  ready  capital  to  draw  on  the  hank  and  as  soon 
as  thai  gave  out.  Mr.  Masur  had  to  close  his  shop  and  seek  employment.  lie 
secured  a  position  as  culler  at  S4  per  week.  Within  a  year  he  found  a  job 
elsewhere  and  for  a  time  kepi  changing  places  from  year  to  year.  I  lis  salar) 
rose  1"  $25  per  week,  and  then  he  felt  secure  enough  to  venture  into  luisiness 
for  himself  again. 

lie  opened  a  loft  at  University  place  and  Twelfth  street,  manufacturing 
cloaks  and  suits,  and  for  five  years  he  struggled  vcr\  hard  to  make  both  ends 
meet,  working  day  and  night  at  his  new  business.  Hut  work  had  its  reward, 
and  Mr.  Masur  stands  today  as  a  successful  manufacturer  at  his  line.  Ilis 
place  of  husiucss  is  ai  131  West  Thirty-fifth  street.  New  York  1  ity. 

Having  founded  his  financial  success.  Mr.  Masur  went  hack  to  the  subject 

of  Ilis  early  interest  and  for  a  time  delved  ini"  the  studies  long  neglected,  "f 

the  Talmud  and  its  commentators,  and  also  secular  education.  Following  ill 
the  footsteps  of  his  father,  who  is  a  Hebrew  scholar  highly  versed  in  the  Tal- 
mud, and  devotes  much  of  his  spare  time  to  same.   Mr.   Masur  applies  himself 

likewise. 

Mr.  Masur  is  married  In  Miss  Rose  I'.randus,  since   iSu).  and  is  the  father 

of  four  children.    The  oldest  daughter,  Sophie,  graduate  of  New  York  ! 
versity  Law  School,  is  married  t"  Mr.    Alexander  II.  Weinberg,  a  lawyer  by 

profession,  as  his  wife  is.  and  a  lieutenant  in  the  United  States  army,     lie 

is  in  the  service  in   France  and  has  recentl)    keen   wounded. 

William,  a  younger  son.  is  a  student  at  a  private  militar)  school  at  Bor- 
dentown,  and  a  violinist;  Marie  attends  high  school  and  Harold  is  in  public 
school. 

Mr.  Masur  is  a  thirty-second  degree  Mason,  a  Shriner,  a  member  of  the 

Mecca   Temple,   the    Elks   Lodge   and   other    fraternal   organizations.      lie   also 

belongs  1,1  the  Hebrew  Free  Loan    Association,  the  Hebrew   Orphan  Asylum 

and  Other  Jewish  charities.      His  g.ispel  is  "Hard  work." 


I"7 


OTTO    J.    MAYER 

\  community  looks  for  leadership  not  only  to  the  nun  who  have  attained 
tn  success  and  high  standing  in  commerce,  science,  or  art,  but  also  to  those, 
perhaps  even  primarily  to  those,  who  together  with  achievement  of  success 
possess  also  the  personal  charms  of  a  cheerful  disposition  and  the  spirit  of 
boundless  optimism.  To  this  class  of  worthy  and  distinguished  citizens  belongs 
Mr.  <  >tto  Jacob  Mayer  of  Xew  <  )rleans. 

Mr.  Mayer  is  still  a  young  man.  but  has  already  made  an  honored  and 
enviable  place  for  himself  in  the  community.  He  was  born  on  July  13,  1880. 
in  Xew  Orleans,  and  received  his  education  in  a  private  school  of  his  native 
city.  He  comes  from  an  old.  well-established  and  highly  esteemed  Xew  Or- 
leans family.  His  father  was  Abraham  Mayer  and  his  mother  was  Rebecca 
Frank,  the  daughter  of  Michael  Frank,  a  very  prominent  and  leading  man  of 
the  community,  who  was  the  first  President  of  the  Temple  Sinai  Congregation. 

At  the  present  time  Mr.  Mayer  is  prominently  connected  with  large  and 
leading  business  interests,  chief  among  which  are  the  Harry  S.  Kaufman 
Insurance  Co.,  whose  offices  are  at  327  Baronne  street,  and  the  Mayer  Realty 
Co..  which  is  conducted  in  the  interests  of  the  estate  left  by  his  parents.  But 
it  must  not  be  supposed  that  he  started  at  the  summit  of  his  career.  ( In  the 
contrary,  when  but  a  boy  of  17  he  engaged  in  work  for  a  grocery  concern  as 
office  boy.  After  three  years  of  experience  in  that  capacity  he  associated 
himself  with  the  stave  commission  business,  which  four  years  ago  enlarged 
its  scope  to  include  also  exporting,  and  in  which  he  still  retains  an  interest. 
The  Harry  S.  Kaufman  Insurance  Co.  was  organized  in  1903,  and  has  devel- 
oped into  one  of  the  best  known  firms  of  its  kind  in  the  city  chiefly  through 
Mr.  Mayer's  good  judgment  and  able  financiering. 

In  the  Jewish  community  Mr.  Mayer's  services  are  valued  very  highly. 
He  is  the  Treasurer  of  the  Touro  Infirmary,  which  institution  he  has  also 
served  in  the  capacity  of  Director  and  as  Chairman  of  the  Finance  Committee. 
The  importance  of  that  office  may  be  judged  by  the  fact  that  the  expenditures 
of  the  institution  during  the  past  year  exceeded  the  sum  of  $270,000.  He  is 
also  a  member  of  the  B'nai  B'rith  and  the  Touro  Synagogue. 

(  >n  April  7.  1906,  Mr.  Mayer  was  married  to  Miss  Elise  B.  Newman,  a 
charming  young  lady  who  belongs  to  one  of  the  best  families  of  the  South, 
and  their  union  has  been  blessed  with  two  lovely  children,  Rebecca  Frank 
Mayer  and  Elise  Newman  Mayer. 


GEORGE   MEHL 

The  history  of  Mr.  George  Mehl  is  a  wonderfully  interesting  life  drama, 
full  of  the  shadows  of  pathos  and  the  darkness  of  discouragement.  But  Mr. 
Mehl  believed  in  turning  his  clouds  inside  out.  and  behold!  the  beautiful  silver 
lining! 

Born  in  Koona.  Poland,  August  12.  1872,  he  was  the  son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Solomon  Mehl,  the  father  a  merchant  and  an  accomplished  Jewish  scholar. 

The  subject  of  our  sketch  came  to  America  during  the  summer  of  1889 
and  obtained  his  first  employment  in  a  butcher  shop  in  Baltimore.  Here  he 
was  forced  to  work  for  only  $1  per  week  and  board,  so  he  decided  to  go  to 
Cincinnati,  where  an  uncle  resided.  He  received  no  assistance  from  him, 
however,  so  he  again  worked  for  a  short  time  in  a  butcher  shop. 

Obtaining  a  small  stock  of  tinware,  he  started  out  to  sell  same,  but  was 
so  bashful  that  during  the  first  week  he  slept  on  the  streets  or  in  the  woods 
rather  than  approach  any  one  for  shelter. 

198 


The  picture  of  1 1 1  i  — .  young  boj  fighting  his  way  upward  against  such 
odds  is  pathetic  in  the  extreme  and  presages  brilliant  achievements  for  a  race 
that  produces  examples  of  such  fortitude  and  singleness  oi  purpose. 

Ilr  continued  in  this  waj  until  1897,  when  he  went  to  Brookville,  Ind., 
and  started  in  the  junk  business  with  but  $80  and  a  team  as  assets, 

Five  years  later  he  came  to  Middletown,  1  )hio,  and  started  business  in  a 
modest  way.  where  his  business  has  grown  in  the  present  large  institution 
located  at  Sixth  and  (anal  streets. 

Mr.  Mehl  was  married  April  [3,  1X117.  to  Miss  Minnie  Kleine  of  Cin- 
cinnati,  1  (hio. 

Their  family  consists  of  three  girls  and  two  boys,  all  of  whom  arc  in 
school. 

Mr.  Mehl  believes  every  man  owes  much  to  his  associates  and  the  world 
at  large,  as  well  as  himself,  and  both  he  and  his  wife  arc-  very  active  in  benevo- 
lent organizations. 

lie  is  former  President  ami  now  Treasurer  of  Anshe  Sholurn  Yahreda, 
a  member  of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce,  an  active  worker  fur  hospitals  and 
llood  prevention  and  is  Captain  of  the  Red  Cross.  Mis  fraternal  affiliations 
are  the  Masons  and  the  Knights  of   Pythias. 

lie  advises  all  young  people  to  obtain  all  tin-  education  they  can  and  he  at 
all  times  a  true  and  loyal  citizen. 


EDWARD   EVERETT    MAYER 
The  Jew  has  been  a  most  prominent  figure  in  the  held  of  medicine  as  far 

hack  as   the   beginning   of   the   medieval   period    in   history.      The   part    that    he 

has  played   in  this  field  in  the  present  generation  is  universally    acclaimed. 
During  the  present  great  war  it  has  been  remarked  by  numerous  publicists  that 

in  medicine  ami  in  surgery,  mi  the  side  of  the  Allies  or  on  that  of  the  central 
-.  those  who  are  the  most   prominent  are  the  Jews. 

It  is  for  that  reason  that  a  great  deal  of  significance  is  attached  to  the 
life  story  of  the  Jewish  physician  who  has  attained  eminence  in  medicine. 
Ilr.  Edward  Everett  Mayer  comes  from  a  scholar!}  and  rabbinical  family,  and 
he  can  point  with  justifiable  prid<-  to  his  illustrious  parentage,  His  father 
was  the  late  Rev.  I.ippman  Mayer,  fur  a  generation  rabbi  of  the  Rodef  Sha- 
lom Congregation  of   Pittsburgh,  and  tin-  predecessor  of  tin-  late   I.  Leonard 

Levy.      Ilis  mother.   Elise    I  Ih. In  1.   was  a   daughter   of  the   famous    Profi 

I  lei  In.  of  the  Real  Schule  and  member  of  the  Diet  of  his  state,  whose  ' 
raphy  appears  in  the  Jewish  Encyclopedia. 

Edward  E.  Mayer  was  born  in  the  citj  of    Mlegheny,  Pa.,  June  is.  [876. 

lie  received   his  education   in   the  grammar  and   high   schools  and   later  in   the 

Western  Universit)  of  Pennsylvania,  since  changed  to  the  University  of  Pitts- 
burgh, from  which  he  graduated  in   1895. 

lie  later  continued  his  sin, |i,s  .-,1  the  university,  receiving  the  degree  of 
Master  of  Vrts  and  that  of  Doctor  "f  Medicine  in  1897.  Subsequently  he 
went  to  Europe,  when-  he  furthered  his  studies  in  Vienna,  Paris  and  I  ondon, 
specializing  in  neurology.    Since  his  return  to   Vmerica  he  has  practiced  medi 

cine  in  the-  eitv  of   Pittsburgh  and  is  at  the  present   time  located  in  the  Jenkins 
Meade   Building  of  that  citj 

I  >r.  Mayer's  ability  in  his  chosen  specialty  in  the  field  of  medicine,  namelj . 
mental  diseases,  soon  came-  to  he  recognized  universally,  ami  he  has  for  a  num- 
ber of  years  held  the  post  of  associate  professor  of  mental  diseases  at  the 
University  of  Pittsburgh,  \t  tin-  present  tune  In-  is  the  chief  neurologist  at 
the    Presbyterian,    Montefiore,   South    Side   and   Crippled   Children's    Home 

pi.) 


Prior  to  that  lie  was  connected  with  the  St.  Francis  Hospital  and  the  city 
insane  asylum  at  Mayview.  He  has  read  many  papers  on  this  subject  before 
medical  bodies,  both  local  and  national.  He  is  the  American  editor  of  <  Ippen- 
heim's  famous  text-book  on  "Diseases  of  the  Nervous  System,"  and  is  the 
author  of  many  important  contributions  to  medical  and  neurological  journals. 
I  [e  held  the  office  of  President  of  the  Phi  Beta  Pi  medical  fraternity;  Treas- 
urer of  the  Pittsburgh  Academy  of  Medicine,  and  Secretary  of  the  Allegheny 
County  Medical  Society.  For  a  number  of  years  he  has  been  connected  with 
the  American  Medico-Psychological  Association. 

Unlike  a  great  many  learned  specialists,  who  have  become  narrow  because 
of  their  devotion  to  one  and  only  one  field  of  work.  Dr.  Mayer  is  broad  in 
his  sympathies  and  activities.  The  Alumni  Association  of  the  University  of 
Pittsburgh  was  a  body  wdiose  influence  upon  the  scholastic  life  of  the  city  was 
very  limited  until  1910,  when  Dr.  Mayer  became  its  president.  He  lent  to 
it  his  enthusiasm  and  injected  into  this  organization  a  spirit  of  good  fellowship 
which  helped  to  turn  his  Alma  Mater  from  a  secondary  college  to  a  great  city 
university.  He  is  still  active  in  the  Alumni  Association,  serving  as  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Executive  Committee. 

Like  his  father.  Dr.  Mayer  is  a  Reformed  Jew.  Rabbi  Mayer  was  a 
great  Plebraist  and  a  Talmudical  scholar  of  note,  from  whom  young  Maver 
learned  a  great  deal.  To  this  day  Dr.  Mayer  is  a  lover  of  Jewish  lore.  He  is 
affiliated  with  the  Rodef  Shalom  Congregation  and  is  prominent  in  the  work 
of  the  Judeans.  He  has  during  the  last  few  years  espoused  the  cause  of  cul- 
tural Zionism.  On  June  16,  1901,  Dr.  Mayer  married  Miss  Rose  Lamm  of 
Chicago.  He  has  one  daughter,  Catherine.  His  address  is  5815  Ferres  street. 
Pittsburgh,  Pa. 


ISRAEL    MICHELSOHN 

When  Mr.  Israel  Michelsohn  of  New  York  City  arrived  in  this  country  in 
March.  1902,  he  was  forty-one  years  of  age  and  the  father  of  seven  children. 
Porn  in  the  city  of  Folticeni,  Roumania,  in  1861,  he  was  the  son  of  Rabbi 
Michel  Isaac  Michelsohn,  who  was  the  Talmudical  instructor  of  the  late  Dr. 
Solomon  Schechter,  founder  of  the  Jewish  Theological  Seminary.  His  last 
few  years  Rabbi  Michelsohn  spent  in  Palestine.  On  his  arrival  here,  Mr.  Israel 
Michelsohn  had  only  $63  in  his  possession,  but  it  was  enough  to  start  peddling 
hosiery.  After  six  months  of  this  business,  he  bad  netted  a  few  dollars  and 
opened  a  stand  where  he  sold  laces  and  embroideries  at  the  corner  of  Hester 
and  Orchard  streets.  In  addition  to  this  and  his  first  business,  he  dealt  on  a 
moderate  scale  in  jobbing  hosiery.  Two  years  later  found  him  a  partner  in  the 
wholesale  hosiery  and  underwear  firm  of  Finkelstein  Brothers,  51  Orchard 
street.  His  efficiency  there  resulted  in  his  taking  over  the  business,  buying  out 
the  Finkelstein  Brothers  and  taking  in  as  his  partner  his  son-in-law.  Mr.  Irving 
Signer.  After  two  years  of  this  co-partnership,  the  business  increased  so  as  to 
demand  larger  quarters.  They  moved  across  the  street  into  a  store  at  48-52 
(  Irchard  street,  where  the  business  has  been  established  for  the  past  ten  years, 
and  having  made  such  progress  as  to  find  it  necessary  to  acquire  additional 
quarters  in  the  same  building. 

In  February,  1917.  the  co-partnership  was  dissolved.  Mr.  Irving  Signer 
retiring  from  the  firm  and  Mr.  Michelsohn  taking  his  sons  into  the  business, 
under  the  firm  name  of  I.  Michelsohn  &  Sons.  This  wholesale  and  jobbing 
hosiery  and  underwear  and  knit  goods  house  is  making  great  strides. 

Mr.  Michelsohn  is  of  a  highly  charitable  turn  and  is  a  member  of  the 
Federation   of   Charities,   the   First   Roumanian   American    Congregation,   the 

200 


Beth  David  Hospital,  Hebrew  National  Orphans'  Home,  Jewish  National  Fund 
Bureau  Rabbi  [acob  Joseph  School,  Adas  Israel  Hebrew  Kindergarten  and 
Day  Nurser)  Hebrew  Sheltering  Society,  Hebrew  Free  Loan  Society,  Nosnim 
Rachmonoth  Society,  Mt.  Vernon  Home  for  Aged,  Hebrew  Free  Burial  Asso- 
ciation, Talmud  Torah  Darchei  Noam,  Congregation  Ohab  Zedek  Maskil  -.1 
Dol,  and  there  are  also  other  organizations  and  charities  to  which  he  contrib- 
utes with  a  free  hand. 

Mr    Michelsohn  had  married  al  the  age  of  nineteen  Miriam    Vbramowitz, 

and  there  are  seven  children,  four  sons  and  three  daughters.    'I  he  eldest  son, 

Abraham   is  married  and  a  father  of  three  sons.     He  is  associated  in  business 

with  the  elder  Mr.  Michelsohn,  as  arc  the  other  of  his  three  brothers,  Martin, 

\drian  and  Max,  all  of  whom  are  well  reputed  and  well  educated  both  in 

Hebrew  and  English.    The)  are  considered  by  the  trade  to  be  making  g 1 

progress  in  business. 

'  The  eldest  daughter,  Sarah,  is  married  to  Mr.  Lrvmg  Signer,  who 
established  in  business  for  himself.  The  second  daughter,  Nettie,  was  mar- 
ried to  Mr.  Sam  Sirkin,  the  executive  of  Sirkin  &  Sirkin,  jobbers  ol  hosiery  at 
467  Broadway.  They  have  one  son.  I  lis  youngest  daughter,  (  lara,  is  mar- 
ried i"  Mr.  Mitchel  Fliegel,  of  the  firm  of  Fliegel  &  Son,  manufacturers  oi 
raincoats  at  40  East  Twelfth  street. 

Mr.  Michelsohn  lias  talon  under  his  charge  Ins  brothers  grandchild, 
who  is  an  orphan,  and  he  and  his  wife  are  showing  her  parental  care.  The) 
have  brought  about  her  marriage  to  a  reputable  young  man. 


ALEXANDER    MILLER 

The  only  life  which  can  win  a  large  measure  of  success  is  one  begun 
with  a  high  conception  of  the  possibilities  of  achievement. 

America  has  called  many  such  line  spirits  from  across  the  seas  who  have 

added  laurels  t,,  her  artistic,  educational  ami  commercial  activities. 

In  the   latter  field,  no  name   is   more   worthy   of   prominence  than   that  of 

Alexander  Miller  of  Detroit,  who  was  born  in  Kovno,  Vilna,  Guberne,  Rus- 
sia, December  11.  [885,  and  came  to  America  when  a  young  man  of  twenty 
1  ears. 

lie  obtained  employment  in  a  New  York  fur  factory  at  onl)  $4  per  week. 

hut  advanced  his  salan   to  $25  per  week  in  the  short 

period  of  one  and  one-half  years, 

While  this  measure  of  success  would  have  ap- 
l  eased  tin  ambition  of  hm,i  young  men.  Mr.  Miller 

wanted  a   business  of  his  own.  however  modest   the 

beginning  might  In-,  s,,  he  purchased  a  wagon  and 
engaged  in  the  junk  husiness.     This  venture  prov- 

till,    it     was    followed    by    a    partnership 
with    Louis    Miller,    and    their    untiring    efforts    and 

exceptional  executive  abilit)  have  resulted  in  the 
development  of  a  large  commission  business,  deal- 
ing in  butter,  eggs  and  other  produce:  also 

elevator. 

Mr.  Miller  is  still  a  young  man  with  a  roseate 
futun  before  him. 

He  was  married  in   New   York   January  27, 
•  1.  to  \li-s  Gussie  Bagdonofsky,  .and  the)  I 
two  promising  boys  of  school  age 

Mi.  and  Mrs    Miller  an      ■        ontributors  to  all  worth)  charities,  and 

tin-    jo)    the)    derive    from   thl  ence   leads   ,,v   back    to   the   old   truism: 

"Thi'  truly   generous  is  trill)    wise,  and  he  who  loves  not  ,.1! 

201 


MIKE    MILLER 

i  'in-  of  the  leading  citizens  of  Sunbury,  Pa.,  is  Mr.  Mike  Miller,  owner 
n|  a  large  iron  and  metal  business  operating  under  his  name.  Mr.  Miller  was 
born  in  Kovno,  Guberne,  Russia,  April  17,  1873,  his  father  being  a  merchant 
of  that  community. 

In  December.  1885,  father  and  son  decided  to  come  to  America,  and 
upon  landing  found  their  way  to  Lancaster,  Pa.  Here  they  both  began  buying 
and  selling  metal  and  after  the  first  year  went  to  Reading,  Pa.,  continuing  in 
the  same  line  until  the  death  of  the  father.  Mr.  Miller  then  went  to  Sunbury, 
Pa.,  where  for  twelve  years  he  continued  buying  and  selling  junk,  and  then 
opened  a  small  yard.  This  business  has  grown  to  immense  proportions  and 
he  is  today  one  of  the  largest  dealers  in  that  section  of  the  state. 

Mr.  Miller  was  married  August  23,  1896,  to  Miss  Rebecca  Fink.  Their 
family  of  ten  children,  seven  boys  and  three  girls,  are  all  at  home  and  have 
been  given  excellent  educations  both  in  academic  and  musical  lines. 

Mr.  Miller  is  prominent  in  the  various  fraternal  orders,  being  a  member 
of  B'rith  Sholom.  Odd  Fellows,  Eagles,  Owls,  Knights  of  Pythias,  Woodmen 
of  the  World.  Chamber  of  Commerce,  and  Travelers  of  America.  He  is 
President  of  Talmud  Torah,  a  member  of  Havra  Samra  Habrith  Congrega- 
tion of  Reading  and  is  also  President  of  Moses  Israel  of  Northumberland  of 
Sunbury.  Pa. 

His  father  was  the  founder  of  the  Jewish  cemetery  of  Reading  and  was 
the  first  man  to  be  buried  there. 

We  also  wish  to  say  a  word  regarding  the  social  activities  of  Mrs.  Miller, 
who  belongs  to  every  charitable  and  social  organization  of  any  prominence  in 
Sunbury,  and  is  very  popular  in  their  social  circle. 


CARL    MINSK    AND    LOUIS    COHEN 

A  partnership  that  has  resulted  in  the  establishment  of  a  fine  business  in 
Chelsea,  Mass.,  is  that  of  Mr.  Carl  Minsk  and  Mr.  Louis  Cohen,  whose  plant 
is  located  at  246  Second  street. 

Messrs.  Minsk  and  Cohen  were  both  born  in  Kiev,  Guberne,  Russia,  the 
former  in  1875  a"d  tne  latter  in  1877.  They  are  both  descended  from  families 
of  merchants  and  are  by  inheritance  as  well  as  training  fitted  for  responsible 
executive  positions. 

Mr.  Cohen  came  to  America  in  1903  and  Mr.  Minsk  a  year  later.  They 
both  went  to  Chelsea,  Mass.,  upon  their  arrival,  Mr.  Minsk  having  a  brother 
in  that  city.  He  obtained  work  in  a  rag  shop,  wdiere  for  the  sake  of  experi- 
ence he  continued  at  the  meager  salary  of  $2  per  week.  Fie  then  went  into 
business  for  himself  and  after  two  or  three  partnerships  finally  joined  forces 
with  Mr.  Cohen,  the  result  of  which  is  the  present  large  business  establish- 
ment which  they  are  so  successfully  operating. 

Mr.  Cohen's  first  experience  in  America  was  somewhat  similar,  as  he 
also  worked  in  a  rag  shop  for  the  first  three  years,  when  he  returned  to  Russia 
for  seven  months.  Coming  back  to  America,  he  worked  for  two  years  and 
then  went  into  business  with  Mr.  Minsk.  Mr.  Cohen  was  married  in  Russia 
in  1895  and  thev  have  six  children,  two  boys  and  four  girls,  all  going  to  school, 
the  eldest  being  in  business  college. 

Mr.  Minsk  was  married  in  Russia  in  1900  to  Miss  Rebecca  Minsk,  and 
they  have  two  children,  one  boy  and  one  girl,  going  to  school. 

Both  families  are  members  of  the  Orthodox  Congregation,  and  are  very 
generous  in  their  gifts  to  charity. 

202 


JACOB    MILLER 

The  most  beautiful  trait  of  Jewish  character  is  their  love  of  home  and 
kinfolk. 

Perhaps  no  other  characteristic  has  had  so  much  influence  in  maintaining 
the  solidarity  of  the  Jewish  people  throughout  the  many  centuries  in  which 
they  have  been  scattered  over  the  face  of  the  earth,  mingling  amicably  with 
all  nations,  yet  losing  no  part  of  their  identity. 

Such  a  character  is  Jacob  Miller  of  Wheeling,  W.  Va.,  as  the  events  of 
his  life  which  we  narrate  will  illustrate. 

Corn  in  Yilna,  Guberne,  Russia,  August  15,  1875,  'le  came  to  America 
at  the  age  of  twenty-one  and  found  his  first  employment  in  a  pants  factory, 
where,  although  the  pay  was  rather  meager,  he  managed  to  save  some  money. 

Going  to  Canton,  Ohio,  he  worked  in  a  junk  shop  for  $1  per  day  in  order 
to  obtain  experience,  and  four  months  later  bought  a  horse  and  wagon  and 
began  buying  and  selling  junk. 

On  July  5,  1900,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Bessie  Emerman. 

Shortly  after  he  sold  the  junk  business  and  engaged  in  the  liquor  busi- 
ness, where  he  was  very  successful.  Seven  years  later  he  sold  out  and  having 
accumulated  a  snug  fortune,  decided  to  travel  and  look  up  all  the  family 
connections,  who  were  scattered  in  various  parts  of  the  United  States.  Six 
months  later  he  again  felt  the  urge  of  a  business  life  and  going  to  Wheeling 
started  in  the  iron  and  metal  business  with  two  partners. 

This  venture  was  most  unfortunate,  as  he  lost  all  his  money,  and  in  1910 
was  obliged  to  take  over  the  business,  assuming  all  liabilities. 

Under  his  able  management  the  firm  again  began  to  prosper  and  within 
a  few  years  he  had  again  accumulated  a  nice  fortune. 

Not  being  content  to  selfishly  enjoy  his  prosperity,  he  sent  for  his  three 
brothers  and  four  sisters,  who  were  still  in  Europe,  and  not  only  educated 
them,  but  gave  each  of  the  girls  upon  her  marriage  a  dowery  of  $500. 

He  is  also  most  liberal  in  his  gifts  to  all  charities  and  is  one  of  those  noble, 
public-spirited  citizens  who  are  a  blessing  to  any  community. 

Mr.  Miller  is  a  member  of  the  Congregation  Ahav  Sholem  of  Wheeling 
and  B'nai  B'rith  No.  615  of  Wheeling  and  many  other  important  organizations. 


203 


ELI    MINSKER 

The  Jews  have  always  been  great  students  of  law  in  one  form  or  another. 
Law  is  the  name  applied  to  the  Scriptures;  law  marks  the  discourses  of  the 
Talmudists  and  the  bulk  of  Hebrew  literature  consists  of  law,  which  has  be- 
come ingrained  in  the  racial  fabric.  Small  wonder  that  Jews  coming  to  our 
country  become  industrious,  progressive,  law-abiding  citizens.  Throughout 
their  history  law  has  been  taught,  studied  and  lived. 

Such  is  the  history  of  'Sir.  Eli  Minsker.  who  was  born  in  Letova,  Gubeme, 
Russia,  in  April,  1873.  His  father,  Mr.  David  Minsker,  was  a  successful 
merchant  and  a  man  of  line  education,  who  saw  that  his  son  had  every  advan- 
tage that  opportunity  afforded.  Consequently,  young  Eli  obtained  an  excel- 
lent knowledge  of  Jewish  scholarship  ;  in  fact,  studied  to  be  a  Rabbi,  and  today 
has  a  knowledge  of  Schochat.  But  Eate  willed  that  Mr.  Minsker  should  dis- 
tinguish himself  in  the  business  world,  as  later  events  showed. 

The  family  removed  to  America  in  the  fall  of  1889,  and  our  subject,  then 
a  young  man  of  sixteen  years,  came  with  his  parents  to  Cleveland,  Ohio,  where 
he  began  peddling  with  a  push  cart.  Later  he  got  a  horse  and  wagon  and 
continued  buying  and  selling  old  iron  and  metal.  At  the  expiration  of  the 
first  year  he  opened  a  wholesale  junk  yard. 

Shortly  after  coming  to  Cleveland  he  met  and  married  Miss  Anna  Leren- 
man,  a  capable  young  woman  of  considerable  business  ability,  who  assisted 
her  husband  in  conducting  a  store  in  Norwalk,  Ohio,  in  addition  to  his  other 
activities.  This  they  continued  for  twelve  years,  when  he  opened  a  wholesale 
scrap  iron  business  in  Erie,  Pa.,  wdiere  he  remained  one  year.  He  next  went 
to  Jamestown,  N.  Y.,  where  he  bought  an  interest  in  an  established  business 
and  later  took  over  the  interests  of  his  partner,  taking  his  son,  now  grown  to 
manhood,  into  the  firm.  They  incorporated  under  the  present  name  of  James- 
town Iron  &  Metal  Co.,  Mr.  Minsker  being  President  and  his  son,  Morris, 
Secretarv  and  Treasurer,  and  their  business  is  today  the  largest  of  its  kind  in 
that  section  of  the  state. 

The  son.  Morris,  in  addition  to  his  business  activities,  is  a  graduate  of 
the  University  of  Buffalo  Law  School,  and  practiced  in  Buffalo  for  two  years. 
He  is  a  thirty-second  degree  Mason,  a  member  of  Temple  Beth  El  Club  of 
Buffalo,  and  very  active  in  all  civic  affairs. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Minsker  have  two  other  sons,  Lewis,  who  is  going  to  high 
school,  and  Frank,  only  five  years  old. 

Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Minsker  are  exceedingly  active  in  the  various  char- 
itable movements  of  their  city,  contributing  to  all  worthy  causes.  They  are 
members  of  the  Hebrew  Beth  El  Congregation  and  patrons  of  the  Jewish 
Consumptive  Relief  Society  of  Denver,  the  Cemetery  Association,  all  the 
Yishivas  and  many  other  charities. 


CHAUNCEY  A.  MINTZ 

Most  of  the  human  driftwood  of  the  world  are  men  whose  lives  have 
been  diverted  from  the  channels  to  which  they  were  by  nature  and  tempera- 
ment best  fitted. 

It  is  only  in  rare  instances  that  we  find  an  individual  possessed  of  suffi- 
cient talent  and  versatility  to  be  successful  in  two  widely  differing  professions 
or  occupations,  both  of  them  exacting  in  the  extreme,  and  requiring  years  of 
preliminary  training. 

In  the  life  history  of  Chauncey  A.  Mintz  we  have  a  most  interesting 
example  of  this  type  of  man — one  who,  partly  through  force  of  circumstances 

204 


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and  partly  from  a  sense  of  duty,  gave  up  his  chosen  profession  in  which  he 
was  unusually  successful,  to  engage  in  an  entirely  different  line  of  work,  which 
he  has  conducted  with  equal  success. 

Chauncey  A.  Mintz  was  born  in  Titusville,  Pa.,  July  26,  1870,  his  father 
being  Mr.  Israel  Morris  Mintz,  whose  biography  also  appears  in  this  volume. 

After  receiving  a  thorough  education,  young  Mr.  Mintz  chose  the  pro- 
fession of  medicine  as  a  life  work,  and  after  graduating  from  the  Western 
University  of  Pittsburgh,  Pa.,  began  his  practice  there. 

It  is  a  well-known  fact  that  no  profession  exacts  so  much  of  time  and 
strength  as  that  of  a  physician,  and  after  a  number  of  years,  during  which 
his  practice  became  very  large,  Mr.  Mintz  found  that  his  strength  was  hardly 
sufficient  for  the  discharge  of  his  arduous  duties.  His  father  was  also  becom- 
ing rather  advanced  in  years,  and  as  he  had  no  other  sons  to  assume  the  re- 
sponsibility of  his  immense  iron  and  metal  business,  Mr.  Mintz's  sense  of  filial 
obligation  prompted  him  to  give  up  his  profession  and  devote  his  time  to  his 
father's  business. 

That  he  has  been  just  as  successful  here  as  he  was  in  the  practice  of  medi- 
cine is  very  obvious  to  one  who  has  visited  their  immense  plant  at  Oil  City. 
Pa.,  and  in  addition  he  has  regained  his  health.  His  interests  are  not  con- 
fined entirely  to  this  business,  as  he  is  also  a  Director  of  the  American  Railway 
Appliance  Company. 

Mr.  Mintz  has  not  only  mastered  the  arts  of  medicine  and  business,  but 
has  found  time  for  the  promotion  of  the  various  social  and  civic  activities  of 
his  community.  He  is  President  of  the  Orthodox  School  of  Oil  City,  contrib- 
utes to  many  charities,  both  local  and  national,  is  a  prominent  Elk  and  also  a 
member  of  the  Tree  of  Life  Congregation. 

His  life  is  one  of  such  unusual  activity  and  usefulness  that  it  is  proving 
a  constant  source  of  inspiration  to  the  young  people  of  the  community  and  Oil 
City  is  indeed  fortunate  in  having  within  its  gates  such  a  citizen  as  Mr.  Mintz. 


ISRAEL  MORRIS  MINTZ 

Good  citizenship  is  less  a  matter  of  nativity  than  allegiance  to  certain 
principles  which  the  spirit  of  the  adopted  country  typifies. 

It  is  the  vibrant  flame  which  sends  voyagers  across  unknown  seas  ;  which 
inspires  the  pioneer  in  his  penetration  of  the  virgin  forests  of  a  new  world.  It 
is  the  spirit  of  progress,  unquenchable,  unconquerable;  the  steady  seeking  of 
new  lands  in  which  to  develop  new  ideals  of  living.  And  whether  the  man's 
effort  shall  be  directed  to  the  world  of  commerce,  of  agriculture,  or  of  art.  the 
efiort  and  its  result  are  equally  commendable. 

Such  a  man  was  Air.  Israel  Morris  Mintz  of  *  111  City,  Pa.,  who,  as  a  very 
young  man,  came  witli  his  bride  to  seek  his  Fortune  in  America. 

He  was  born  in  Suwalk,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  September,  1847. 

The  Mintzs  arc  descended  from  a  long  line  of  cultured  people  and  the 
father  of  our  subject  was  no  exception  lie  was  also  a  very  successful  mer- 
chant, as  well  as  an  able  scholar. 

Young  Israel  received  his  education  in  his  native  town,  having  the  advan- 
tage of  cultured  home  surroundings,  and  in  [866  was  united  in  marriage  lo  Miss 
Eva  <  Ishinsky.  Shortly  after  their  marriage  the)  departed  for  America,  com- 
ing direct  to  Titusville.  Pa.,  where  an  uncle  resided. 

1  lis  firsl  occupation  was  peddling  merchandise  from  a  pack,  which  he  con- 
tinued for  ten  years.  Then  followed  another  ten  years  with  :i  horse  and  wagon. 
after  which  he  had  accumulated  sufficient  capital  lo  open  a  --tore  and  later 
another  in    1'elrola.   l'a. 

205 


Although  these  ventures  were  very  successful.  Mr.  Mint/.  s;iw  more  oppor- 
tunity in  the  iron  and  metal  business,  so  he  sold  his  stores  and  invested  in  the 
junk  business. 

Time  has  proven  the  soundness  of  his  judgment,  as  he  is  now  conducting 
one  of  the  largest  yards  in  the  state,  giving  employment  to  a  number  of  people, 
lie  is  assisted  by  his  son.  whose  separate  biography  appears  in  another  place. 

lie  also  has  a  daughter.  Kae.  who  is  the  wife  of  Dr.  A.  A.  Goldman  of 
Oil  City.  Pa. 

His  wife  died  about  three  years  ago.  and  her  loss  is  keenly  felt  by  her 
family  and  the  entire  community,  to  whom  she  was  an  ideal  wife,  mother  and 
friend. 

Mr.  Mintz  is  very  liberal  in  his  contributions  to  charities,  is  a  member  of 
the  Orthodox  school  of  Oil  City  and  the  (  kid  Fellows. 

Among  the  organizations  to  which  he  is  most  generous,  are  the  Denver 
and  Los  Angeles  Hospitals,  Old  Age  and  Orphans"  Home  of  Cleveland,  and  all 
the  Yishivas. 


LOUIS   MINTZ 

To  young  people  who  at  times  underestimate  the  opportunities  which  the 
industrial  system  in  our  country  affords,  a  conversation  with  Mr.  Louis  Mintz 
of  Cleveland.  Ohio,  would  be  both  a  help  and  an  inspiration. 

Mr.  Mintz  has  experienced  to  the  full,  conditions  both  in  Europe  and 
America  and  is  able  to  appreciate  by  contrast  those  advantages  which  Amer- 
ican-born young  men  and  women  are  inclined  to  pass  over  lightly.  Mr.  Mintz 
was  born  in  Lobirrin,  Russia,  in  1875.  the  son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Alexander 
Mintz.  His  uncle  was  one  of  the  largest  railroad  builders  in  Russia  and  his 
father  was  a  clerk  working  for  his  uncle.  His  employment  in  Europe  con- 
sisted of  the  manufacture  of  cigarette  tips,  but  feeling  that  there  was  no  future 
in  this  occupation,  he  decided  to  come  to  America,  and,  owing  to  the  fact  that  he 
was  only  making  a  very  small  salary,  landed  on  our  shores  without  a  cent. 

For  one  year  he  was  employed  as  a  painter  at  Sq.oo  per  week.  During 
this  time  he  gained  much  valuable  information  regarding  our  language  and 
customs  and,  at  the  expiration  of  this  time,  he  decided  to  go  into  business  for 
himself,  doing  painting  and  small  jobs  in  contracting.  This  he  followed  for 
five  years,  and  by  that  time  had  earned  such  reputation  for  ability  and  first- 
class  work  that  he  became  the  largest  Hebrew  building  contractor  in  the  city. 
In  1913  came  his  opportunity  to  organize  the  Ohio  Window  Shade  Company, 
and  since  that  time  Mr.  Mintz  has  devoted  nearly  all  his  time  and  attention  to 
this  business,  of  which  he  is  president. 

Mr.  Mintz  was  married  to  Miss  Gussie  ^"igutoof  and  they  have  five  chil- 
dren, four  bovs  and  one  girl,  who  are  all  in  school  with  the  exception  of  the 
eldest  son.  Max.  who  is  in  business  with  his  father. 

The  business  interests  of  Mr.  Mintz  necessarily  occupy  a  great  deal  of  his 
time,  but  he  is  vitally  interested  in  every  movement  for  Jewish  betterment  and 
his  wife  spends  a  great  deal  of  time  investigating  various  charities  and  con- 
tributing to  them  for  her  husband  and  herself  jointly.  She  is  a  member  of 
Talmud  Torah  and  a  patroness  of  the  1  'Id  Age  Home,  the  Orphans'  Home,  and 
many  others  too  numerous  to  mention.  They  also  contribute  to  the  Denver 
Sanitarium. 


206 


MICHAEL  MOHR 

The  Jewish  community  of  Montgomery,  Ala.,  has  an  unusually  large  pro- 
portion of  men  who  have  won  distinction  in  the  various  walks  of  life  and  are 
occupying  a  high  position  in  the  city.  Few  are  more  esteemed,  however,  for 
their  interests  and  activities  and  for  their  contribution  to  the  progress  of  civic 
enterprise  than  is  Mr.  Michael  Mohr. 

Mr.  Mohr  was  born  on  July  4,  1849,  in  Oberlustadt,  Rheinpfalz,  Bavaria, 
the  son  of  Jacob  and  Minna  Mohr,  and  came  to  this  country  at  the  age  of  17. 
He  arrived  in  this  new  land  of  liberty  and  opportunity  with  little  more  than  a 
determination  to  achieve  success  in  life.  But  he  possessed  the  personal  quali- 
ties and  qualifications  that  usually  make  for  success.  He  had  a  bright  mind, 
a  good  bringing  up,  and  a  desire  to  make  a  place  for  himself  amidst  his  new 
surroundings  through  hard  work.  He  also  had  the  advantage  of  a  worthy 
example  set  for  him  by  his  uncle,  Josiah  Weil,  who  was  the  organizer  and  first 
president  of  the  Kahl  Montgomery  Congregation. 

After  acquiring  a  thorough  knowledge  of  English  and  completing  his 
education,  for  which  he  had  obtained  a  good  foundation  in  his  native  town, 
he  started  out  as  a  clerk  in  a  store  and,  in  1880,  he  established  a  general  mer- 
chandise business  of  his  own.  Three  years  ago  he  retired  from  that  business 
and  is  now  devoting  his  time  in  looking  after  his  interests  in  cotton  plantations, 
maintaining  a  city  office  at  No.  8  Washington  avenue. 

During  all  this  time  Mr.  Mohr  has  devoted  a  large  portion  of  his  time  to 
charitable,  civic  and  educational  endeavors  of  a  Jewish  and  general  character. 
And  his  great  capabilities  and  fine  capacity  for  leadership  along  these  lines  have 
been  clearly  recognized  by  every  association  and  institution  with  which  he  has 
been  connected.  Accordingly,  he  has  been  elected  to  positions  of  trust  and 
responsibility  by  associations,  not  only  of  local  but  also  of  national  standing 
and  importance.  Thus  he  has  held  and  has  now  the  position  of  president  of 
the  United  Jewish  Charities  of  his  city  and  has  served  as  vice-president  of 
Kahl  Montgomery,  of  which  he  has  been  a  trustee  for  the  past  thirty-two  years. 
He  has  served  on  the  Board  of  the  Cleveland  Orphan  Asylum  for  sixteen 
years ;  he  is  a  director  of  the  National  Jewish  Hospital  for  Consumptives  of 
Denver,  and  is  a  past-president  of  the  District  Grand  Lodge  No.  7  of  the 
B'nai  B'rith.  Among  the  positions  he  has  occupied  in  the  city  at  large,  and 
which  gave  him  great  personal  satisfaction  and  reflected  much  credit  upon  the 
Jewish  community,  is  that  of  chairman  of  the  school  board,  which  enviable 
position  he  has  filled,  with  much  honor  to  himself  and  great  benefit  to  the  citv 
and  its  schools,  for  more  than  a  quarter  of  a  centurv. 

On  February  20.  1884,  Mr.  Mohr  was  married  to  one  of  Montgomery's 
charming  young  ladies,  Miss  Minna  Dreyfus,  and  their  union  has  been  blessed 
with  two  children.  Blanche,  who  is  now  Mrs.  H.  I.  Davis  of  Atlanta,  Ga.,  and 
Miss  Delia  Mohr,  who  is  exemplifying  the  deep  interest  in  education  with 
which  she  has  been  imbued  by  her  parents  in  her  splendid  work  as  a  teacher 
in  the  local  high  school. 


ABRAHAM  MORRISON 

I  11 11 11  humble  labor  in  a  factory  to  the  sole  owner  of  an  immense  iron  and 
metal  business,  and  all  accomplished  within  the  space  of  ten  years,  is  the 
remarkable  achievement  of  Mr.  Abraham  Morrison. 

Born  in  \  ilna,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  ( Ictober,  [881,  he  was  th»  sun  of  Louis 
and  Freda  Morrison,  bis  father  conducting  a  tannery  in  his  native  town,  I  ike 
many  of  the  older  generation  of  Jews.  Mr.  Morrison,  Sr.,  was  a  great  scholar 

207 


and  was  able  to  teach  his  son  much  that  his  meager  scl I  opportunities  would 

not  afford. 

He  came  to  America  Ma)  29,  [898,  his  destination  being  Grand  Rapids, 
Mich.,  where  he  worked  in  a  factor)  for  about  eight  months,  until  he  could 
accumulate  sufficient  capital  to  bu)  a  horse  and  wagon. 

I  [e  then  began  buying  and  selling  old  iron  and  metal  and  from  this  small 
beginning,  by  unceasing  industr)  and  courage,  lia-  amassed  a  fortune  and  is 
considered  one  of  the  leading  business  men  of  his  city. 

Mr.  Morrison  was  married  «  Ictober  29,  [906,  to  Miss  Rose  Wepman  of 
< ; r.-nnl  Rapids,  and  the)  arc  the  parents  of  three  fine  children,  all  going  to 
school  and.  iii  addition,  receiving  musical  training.     In  addition  to  the  careful 

home   training    of    llieir   children.    Mrs.    Morrison    finds    time    for   main     -< p.  i:il 

activities  of  which  she  is  the  popular  leader.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Morrison 
devote  a  considerable  amount  of  their  wealth  to  charitable  causes  and  Mr. 
Morrison   is  also  <|tiite   prominent   in    fraternal  circles,  being   a   member  of 

1  Irder  Independent  Western  Star.  Jewish  Social  (  lub,  Woodmen  of  America. 
I'.'nai   I'.'rith  and    Vla\  as  Solium. 

I  le  is  also  trustee  of  the  \\  est  Side  (  bngregation  and  i*  very  devout  in  his 
adherence  to  Jewish  principles. 


DR.  BERNARD  MOUNT 

1  or  a  city  to  have  only  two  Jewish  physicians  and  to  know  that  both  of 
them  have  achieved  distinction  and  are  prominently  and  active])  connected 
with  the  civic,  charitable,  and  social  life  of  the  community,  is  indeed  a  satis- 
faction such  as  few  cities  can  enjoy  and  experience.  Yet,  Montgomery,  Ala., 
i-  thus  fortunate  and  privileged.  For  the  success  and  distinction,  both  in  a 
professional   and    communal    way.    which    Dr.    1  ireil    enjoys   are    shared    in    the 

largest  possible  measure  by  Dr.  Bernard  Mount. 

Dr.  Mount  has  been  splendidl)  prepared  and  eminently  fitted  for  the 
position  of  leadership  which  he  occupies  in  his  profession,  lie  i-..  com- 
parative!) speaking,  only  a  young  man.  but  he  has  nevertheless  accomplishments 
and  achievements  to  his  credit  which  older  men  with  lifelong  practice  would 
undoubtedly  feel  proud  to  call  their  own.  He  was  horn  in  Forsyth,  Ga.,  on 
January  4,  [880.  His  father,  fsidor  Mount,  immigrated  to  1 1 1  i -  country  at  an 
earl)  age  from  his  native  place  in  Germany,  and  his  mother.  Celia  Mount,  is  a 
native  of  Macon.  Ga.     After  gaining  a  primary  education  in  the  public  schools 

at   Atlanta.   Dr.    Mount  pursued    further  studies   in   the    Mercury    University   at 

Macon.  Ga.,  and  then  went  to  New  Orleans,  where  he  entered  the  medical 
department  of  the  Tulane  University,  from  which  institution  he  graduated  in 

[900.      The  same  year  he  established  himself  in   Batchelor,   la.,  where  he  hllilt 

up  a  large  practice  during  a  stay  of  si\  years.  Being  desirous  of  specializing 
in  internal  medicine,  however,  and  of  reaching  out  for  a  larger  field  and  a 
wiiler  scope  of  activity,  he  weni  to  New  York,  where  he  pursued  post-graduate 
studies  and  then  came  to  Montgomery  and  opened  offices  in  the  Bell  building  of 
that  city. 

Dr.  Mount's  affiliations  in  his  cit)  and  community  are  ver)  numerous,  and 
hi-  services  and  active  co-operation  in  tin-  various  charitable,  civic,  and  educa- 
tional endeavors  are  greatly  admired  and  highly  appreciated. 

Besides  holding  membership  in  the  different  philanthropic  institutions  and 

organizations,  both  Jewish  and  non-Jewish,  he  is  a  member  of  the  State.  South- 
ern, and  American  Medical  Associations.  lie  has  held  the  position  of  presi- 
dent in  the  County  Medical  Association  and  is  at  the  present  time  a  member  of 
United  States  Medical  Advisory  Board.     He  is  a  member  of  B'nai  B'rith;  a 

208 


thirty-second  degree  Mason;  atttending  physician  of  Masonic  Home  and  Hos- 
pital; lecturer  on  medicine  at  Nurses'  Training  School,  St.  Margaret's  Hospital, 
and  local  examiner  for  National  Hospital  for  Consumptives,  Denver,  Colo. 

On  April  29,  1914,  Dr.  Mount's  opportunities  for  valued  and  valuable 
services  to  the  city  and  community  were  enhanced  by  bis  marriage  to  Miss  Kate 
Steiner,  an  accomplished  young  lady  of  Montgomery,  who  is  very  active  in 
various  organizations,  notably  in  the  Federated  Women's  Club,  dividing  her 
time  and  attention  between  the  exquisite  and  affectionate  care  of  a  bright  baby, 
Bernard,  Jr.,  and  the  interests  and  endeavors  which  her  prominent  station  in  the 
community  entails. 


JACOB  MOSCOVITZ 

The  Jewish  race  has  produced  the  best  body  of  business  men  which  the 
world  has  ever  seen.  Regardless  of  the  line  to  which  they  turn  their  attention, 
they  seldom  fail  to  achieve  success. 

We  find  an  example  of  this  kind  in  the  life  of  Mr.  Jacob  Moscovitz,  who 
was  born  in  Iiassarolia,  Kishnip,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  December,  1867.  He 
was  the  son  of  Solomon  Moscovitz,  who  was  a  prosperous  merchant  of  his 
native  town,  and  also  a  prominent  scholar.  At  the  age  of  20,  young  Jacob 
decided  that  the  new  world  would  offer  him  better  opportunities  than  he  could 
find  at  home,  so  he  came  to  America  and  found  his  way  to  Detroit,  Mich., 
where  he  peddled  for  eight  years. 

He  was  then  connected  with  a  five-and-ten-cent  store  for  about  one  year, 
after  which  he  engaged  in  the  commission  business.  His  next  venture  was  in 
the  bottling  business,  his  hrst  establishment  being  on  Adelaide  street.  Here 
he  was  very  successful,  and  after  fours  years  he  removed  the  business  to  his 
present  location  at  246  Windsor  street,  where  he  is  conducting  one  of  the 
largest  businesses  of  its  kind  in  the  city. 

Mr.  Moscovitz  was  married  July  6,  1897,  to  Miss  Rosa  Goldberg  of 
I  'droit,  and  they  have  six  children,  three  boys  and  three  girls.  The  eldest  son, 
Sidney,  now  19  years  old,  is  in  business  with  his  father.  Bessie  is  a  stenog- 
rapher, and  the  balance  of  the  children  are  still  in  school.  They  all  have  shown 
a  marked  musical  ability,  and  play  the  piano,  and  here  it  might  be  well  to 
mention  the  fact  that  it  is  rare  indeed  to  find  both  business  and  artistic  abili- 
ties so  happily  combined. 

Mr.  Moscovitz  is  very  prominent  in  a  number  of  organizations,  chief  of 
which  ma)  lie  mentioned  Beth  Jacobs  Congregation,  the  Odd  Fellows,  Knights 
of  Pythias.  Beth  Abraham,  the  Maccabees,  and  the  Hebrew  Protective  Union. 

The  city  of  Detroit  recognizes  in  the  persons  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Moscovitz 
two  of  its  most  useful  and  public-spirited  citizen-;. 


SAM  MOSTOV 
The  life  history  of  Mr.  Sam  Mostov  proves  conclusively  thai  no  matter 

how  humble  the  beginning,  success  is  bound  to  follow  hard  work  and  business 
ability   rightly  applied. 

Mi-.  Mostov  was  born  in  Valencia,  Witipsk,  Guberne.  Russia,  December  15, 
1880,  the  sun  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Chaim  Musiov.  His  father  was  not  only  a  suc- 
cessful   merchant    of   his   native    town,   but    alsn   a    most    accomplished    lewish 

209 


scholar,  and  the  early  lessons  learned  at  the  home  fireside  compensated  in  a 

large  measure  for  whatever  lack  of  scholastic  learning  young  Sam  may  have 
realized  later. 

I  [e  came  to  America  in  March,  11)05,  starting  to  work  in  the  junk  yard  at 
$7.00  per  week.  Although  the  salary  was  meager,  he  obtained  some  very 
valuable  experience,  which  served  him  well  six  months  later,  when  he  bought  a 
horse  and  wagon  and  started  out  in  business  for  himself. 

He  first  went  into  the  country  and  stopped  at  Bucyrus,  Ohio.  Here  he 
found  a  good  opportunity  to  work  for  a  dealer  and  later  opened  a  yard  for 
himself,  where  he  remained  for  two  years,  doing  a  very  good  business.  Sell- 
ing out  at  a  good  profit,  he  then  went  to  Toledo,  Ohio,  and  rented  a  small 
building,  which  he  was  obliged  to  enlarge  three-years  later,  until  at  the  present 
time  he  owns  a  large  modern  plant  advantageously  located  on  the  railroad 
tracks  and  is  also  owner  of  considerable  real  estate. 

Mr.  Mostov  was  married  February  of  1907  to  Miss  Dora  Smirin  of  Toledo, 
Ohio,  and  they  have  three  sons  and  three  daughters,  four  of  whom  are  in 
school. 

In  addition  to  Mr.  Mostov's  many  business  activities,  he  finds  time  to 
associate  himself  with  every  organization  having  to  do  with  civic  improvement 
and  philanthropy.  He  is  a  trustee  of  Congregation  B'nai  Israel,  treasurer  of 
the  American  Jewish  Aid  Society,  prominent  member  of  the  Maccabees  and 
Knights  of  Joseph,  the  founder  of  the  Mizrooe  Society  Federation  of  Chari- 
ties, Federation  of  Charities,  member  of  the  B'nai  B'rith. 

That  a  man  of  foreign  birth  and  no  opportunities  except  those  which  he 
has  created  for  himself  can  do  so  much  in  such  a  short  time,  should  be  an 
inspiration  to  all  young  people  just  starting  out  in  life. 


SIMON  MYERS 

Some  of  the  earliest  and  best  lessons  in  salesmanship  have  been  gained 
by  the  sale  of  newspapers  on  the  street.  This  is  the  manner  in  which  the  suc- 
cessful career  of  Mr.  Simon  Myers  of  Salem,  Mass.,  was  begun. 

He  was  born  in  Kovno,  Guberne,  Russia,  December  23,  1880,  and  at  the 
age  of  eight  years  came  to  East  Boston,  to  his 
father,  who  had  preceded  him  to  the  new  world. 
He  went  to  school  for  four  years,  when,  feeling  the 
necessity  of  earning  his  own  living,  he  began  selling 
papers.  Later  he  started  peddling,  and  continued 
until  1903,  when  he  went  into  the  present  iron  and 
metal  scrap  business,  which  has  grown  to  be  one 
of  the  principal  plants  in  Salem.  He  also  owns,  and 
is  treasurer  of.  the  North  Shore  Waste  Paper  Co., 
Inc..  another  concern  of  considerable  prominence. 

Mr.  Myers  was  married  in  November.  1904.  to 
Miss  Amelia  Gold  of  Chelsea,  and  they  have  one 
boy,  who  is  going  to  school  and  is  also  being  edu- 
cated in  Hebrew. 

Mr.  Myers  is  a  strict  believer  in  the  traditions 
of  his  race  and  religion,  and  is  a  devout  attendant 
upon  the  congregation  of  which  he  is  director.  He  is 

also  a  prominent  Elk,  and  member  of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce.  His  con- 
tributions to  the  Denver  Hospital  are  one  of  the  many  philanthropies  which 
are  benefited  by  his  prosperity. 

210 


DAVID  NORWICH 

One  of  the  most  prominent  citizens  and  able  business  men  of  Chelsea, 
Mass.,  is  Mr.  David  Norwich. 

Mr.  Norwich  was  born  in  Kovno,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  1N7S.  and  came  to 
America  [uly  ,}.  [893.  Landing  in  Boston,  he  took  the  first  honest  occupation 
which  came  to  hand,  and  which  happened  to  be  peddling  potatoes.  \  few 
wicks  later  In-  obtained  employment  in  a  junk  shop,  where  he  continued  for 
three  years,  and  then,  going  into  business  for  himself,  was  so  unfortunate  as 

se  all  of  his  capital.  He  went  to  work  again,  devoting  three  years  to  the 
hay  and  ^rain  business,  after  which  he  established  his  present  wholesale  liquor 
house,  which  is  a  success  in  every  way. 

Mr.  Norwich  was  married  in  the  year  rgoo  to  Miss  Ida  Cohen,  of  Chelsea, 
and  they  have  five  children,  cue  boj  and  four  yirls.  all  going  to  school.  The 
eldest  daughter,  Jennie,  is  a  graduate  from  high  school,  and  also  husiness  col- 

lege  at   Maiden. 

Mrs.  Norwich  is  very  prominent  in  various  social  and  charitabk  activities, 
nne  of  the  institutions  of  which  sh,-  is  a  patroness  being  the  1  >ld  Age  Home. 
Mr.  and  Mis.  Norwich  are  also  contributors  to  the  Denver  Hospital,  as  well  as 
all  local  institutions. 

Mr.  Norwich  is  a  member  of  Angudas  Sholom  and  Avas  Achem  I  ongrega- 
tions,  as  well  as  P.'rith  Abraham. 

Mis  financial  prosperit)  is  a  distinct  advantage  not  only  to  his  family,  hut 
to  the  community  in  general  where  he  is  regarded  a  most  valued  and  public- 
spirited  citizen. 


ABRAHAM   NOWAK 
The  question  has  been   repeatedly  raised  by  the  Jewish  press  whether  the 

new  generation  of  jews  growing  before  our  eyes  in  America,  will  ever  he  able 

to  produce  strong  spiritual  leaders.  There  were  some,  in  fact  it  seined  to 
be  the-  consensus  of  opinion  for  some  time  at  least,  who  believed  that  the  era 
of  spiritual  leaders  of  Judaism   was  gone  and  nothing  new    could  he  expei 

But,  as  is  usual  with  prophets  of  evil,  their  fears  were  proved  groundless,  anil 
we  witness  toda)  the  remarkable  growth  ^>i  rabbinical  talent  among  the  present 

ition  'if    American  Jewry  coupled  with  thorough  preparation  for  the  duties 

of  spiritual  leadership. 

Rabbi  Abraham  Nowak  has  been  in  Boston  only  a  wr\  short  time,  and 
yet  he  has  already  accomplished  wonders,  lie  has  become  the  conceded 
leader  of  the  Jewry.  \  strong  force  and  a  brilliant  future  is  undoubted!)  his.  It 
is  almost  inconceivable  to  think  thai  mis  well-known  rabbi  and  threat  leader  is 
onh  twenty-seven  years  of  age,  having  been  horn  in  the  cit)  of  New  York  on 

August  15,  1890.  Kahhi  Nowak  is  the  sun  of  Harris  Nowak,  a  clothier  in 
New  York,  who  is  a  thorough  Orthodox  and  imbued  his  son  with  a  love  for 
[ewish  tradition  and  history  and  threw   the  first  seed  of  love  for   fudaism  in  the 

live  mind  of  the  young  lx>)  . 

Abraham  attended  the  public  school  in  New  N  ork  and  the  I  nllegr  of  the 
(  itv  of  New  York,  from  which  he  was  graduated  with  a  I'..  S.  degree  in  igiO. 
lie  then  entered  the  Jewish  Theological   Seminary  of   Ami  eiving  his 

degree  of  rabbi  in  1913,  in  which  year  In-  was  a]-,i  made  a  M.  \.  at  Columbia 
University,  where  he  took  his  post  graduate  studies,  fmmediatel)  after  his 
admission  to  the  rabbinate  he  was  offered  a  pulpit  in  Louisville,  Ky.,  becoming 
associated  with  a  conservative  congregation,  the   \dath  Jeshurun,  in  which  he 

remained  for   lour  years,  until  he  was  called  to  assume  the  pulpit  of  the  I 

.'II 


gregation  Ohabei  Sholom  in  Boston,  which  duties  he  assumed  on  August   i. 

While  iu  Louisville,  he  was  actively  engaged  in  the  promotion  of  the 
Zionist  movement  and  held  prominent  office  in  the  Zionist  organization  of  the 
city,  lie  was  also  the  president  of  Louisville  Lodge.  Branch  No.  14.  Inde- 
pendent tinier  B'nai  B'rith,  where  he  was  very  conspicuous  and  active.  He 
was  a  member  of  the  executive  board  of  the  Federation  of  Jewish  Charities 
in  Louisville,  and  is  at  present  member  of  a  similar  board  in  Boston.  Rabbi 
Nowak  is  not  only  a  great  preacher,  but  an  ardent  social  worker,  and  he  has 
made  it  his  principle  to  become  an  active  leader  in  the  civic  uplift  of  his 
brethren. 

In  Boston  Rabbi  Nowak  found  plenty  of  work  for  himself  and  with  his 
wonted  energy  he  applied  himself  to  the  task,  lie  intends  to  raise  the  Jewish 
people  of  Boston  to  a  higher  spiritual  life  and  awaken  their  religious  conscious- 
ness. He  is  a  Jewish  idealist,  believing  in  the  principles  of  the  Jewish  faith 
ardently  and  without  compromise  and  he  is  fully  convinced  of  success.  He  is 
young,  brilliant  and  full  of  zeal  and  ardor ;  a  powerful  speaker  and  an  orator 
of  no  mean  ability,  who  can  sway  the  audience.  Rabbi  Xowak  will  add  to  his 
intellectual  equipment  the  noble  fire  of  his  inspiration  and  the  courage  of  his 
undaunted  conviction. 


ABRAHAM  NOVEK 

Few  men  have  had  a  harder  fight  upward  toward  success  than  Mr.  Abra- 
ham Xovek,  of  Fall  River,  Mass.  He  was  born  in  Gravno,  Guberne,  Russia, 
in  1863,  and  did  not  come  to  America  until  1900.  For  two  months  he  worked 
as  an  ironer.  During  this  time  he  received  no  salary,  as  he  was  just  learning 
the  trade.  Not  finding  this  to  bis  liking,  he  went  to  Fall  River,  Mass.,  and 
obtained  employment  in  a  junk  shop,  where  he  served  a  hard  apprenticeship, 
working  for  $4.00  per  week.  This  he  continued  for  three  years  in  order  to 
obtain  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  business.  He  then  went  into  business  for 
himself,  and  now  conducts  a  fine  modern  plant  at  Xo.  65  Hargrave  street. 

Mr.  Novek  was  married  in  Russia  in  1893  and  has  three  children,  one  boy 
and  two  girls.  The  son,  Charles,  is  in  business  with  his  father,  and  is  a  gradu- 
ate of  business  college.  The  daughter  Gertrude  is  a  graduate  of  high  school, 
and  Fannie  is  at  present  attending  high  school.  Mr.  Xovek  is  president  of 
Avas  Achem  and  B'rith  Jacob  Congregation,  and  is  also  prominent  in 
Bristol  Countv  Lodge,  and  Talmud  Torah.  He  is  generous  in  his  gifts  to 
all  charities,  including  the  Denver  Hospital  and  the  Immigration  Society. 


LEE  A.   OCHS 

Mr.  Ochs  belongs  to  the  younger  generation  of  genuine  American  Jewry. 
He  was  born  in  Cincinnati  on  the  13th  of  November,  1880.  attended  the  public 
schools  of  Chicago  and  a  business  college  at  XTe\v  York,  graduating  from  the 
well-known  Packard  School  at  the  age  of  fifteen.  He  then  went  into  business 
with  his  father,  becoming  the  general  manager  of  his  father's  clothing  factory. 
He  stayed  at  this  post  for  five  years,  and  when  his  father  sold  the  business  he 
secured  a  position  as  salesman  for  a  large  clothing  house,  where  he  remained 
for  a  few  years. 

212 


Alter  his  marriage,  on  the  14th  of  1  Jecember,  1903,  he  decided  to  starl  into 
business  for  himself,  and  he  entered  the  theatrical  field,  ;i  new  and  growing 
industry,  in  which  Mr.  Ochs  determined  to  make  good.  He  became  a  pro- 
ducer of  important  pictures  and  booked  them  all  over  the  United  States.  In 
[908  he  opened  a  motion  picture  theatre  at  89th  street  and  Amsterdam  avenue, 
called  the  Millard  Theatre,  and  since  then  has  owned  and  operated  a  number 
of  theatres. 

In  1913,  Mr.  I  Ichs  was  elected  president  of  the  Motion  Picture  Exhibitors' 
League  of  America,  for  the  city  of  New  York  only.  At  the  end  of  that  year 
he  was  re-elected  president  and  given  control  over  the  industry  < > f  tin-  State 
of  New  York,  which  position  he  held  for  two  years,  and  in  July.  1916,  was 
elected  national  president  over  the  entire  United  States.  His  offices  arc  at 
No.  1587  Broadway. 

Mr.  (  )chs  is  a  Master  Mason  and  a  Shriner  of  the  Mecca  Temple,  a  mem- 
ber (if  the  Elks,  New  York  No.  t,  and  other  fraternal  organizations,  and  he 
contributes  to  all  charities.  Mis  wife,  who  was  Miss  Nana  K.  Kaufman,  is  the 
daughter  of  fonas  Kaufman,  the  well-known  president  of  the  Standard  Wire 
\\  orks.  Two  children  have  blessed  their  union,  a  sun,  Millard,  and  a  daughter, 
Willa. 


DAVID   OPPENHEIM 

The  best  experience  in  merchandising  which  the  world  affords  is  found  on 

-nits  of  our  cities,  where  youthful  knights  of  commerce  vie  with  each 

other  in  cornering  the  newspaper  trade.     Here  the  high  lights  and  shadows 

are  thrown  on  the  great   human  drama   from  the  time  the  curtain   rises  in   the 

morning  until  it  is  lowered  again  by  the  hand  of  night.     It  is  the  great  school 

where  human  nature  nia\   he  read  a-  an  open  1 k;  that  has  given  to  manv  ol 

our  foremost  business  and  professional  men  that  keen  insight  and  thorough 
understanding  of  their  fellows  which  ha-  served  them  so  well  in  after  years. 
This  may  he  -aid  of  Mr.  David  Oppenheim,  who  -old  papers  upon  the 

street-  of  Detroit  when  only  a  -mall  bo)  going  to  school.  That  he  learned  how 
to  .leal  successfully    with  people  of  nearly  all  walks  in  life  is  evidenced  by  the 

fact  that  he  wa-  first  proprietor  of  a  restaurant;  next  ran  a  billiard  academy, 
and  in  mi.'  started  in  the  real  estate  and  tire  adjusting  business.  In  all  these 
he  attained  fan-  success,  but  the  venture  in  which  he  wa-  destined  to  make  his 
fortune  and  reputation  a-  a  business  man  was  asbestos  mining. 

Me  i-  on,.  ,,f  \er\  few  lew-  engaged  in  the  development  of  this  industr) 
and  ha-  large  holdings  which  are  immensely  valuable.  Me  -till  continue-  his 
real  estate  and  insurance  business,  his  office  being  located  in  the  Dime  Bank 
building,  1  >etroit. 

Mr.  <  Ippenheim  i-  American  horn,  the  -on  ,,\    Benjamin  and  Jennie  ■  Ippen- 

heiin.  horn  \pril  16,  1872,  in  Detroit,  Mich.  His  father  1-  a  retired  merchant 
of  that  city. 

He  received  a  high  school  education,  earning  his  own  monc)  selling  papers 
while  going  t"  school. 

Me  was  married  in  Detroit  in   1896  to  Miss  Sarah  Rosenthal,  and  they 

have  five  children,  all  in  school. 

Mr.  I  ippenheim  finds  time  to  I.e.  omi  affiliated  w  it  1 1  a  number  of  charitable 
organizations,  being  trustee  of  the  Jewish  Old  loll--'  Home,  the  lion  1 

Iter,  and  president  and  founder  of  the  largest   1  Machpcleh)  >  emetcr)   in 
Detroit.     He  is  also  a  member  of  Shaare)  Zadek  Beth  lacob  and  B'nai  Israel. 

Mr.  Oppenheim  considers  moralitj  and  honest)  the  two  cardinal  virtues 
worth)  of  cultivation  b)  the  young. 

Jit 


LOUIS  OPPENHEIMER 

The  pages  of  modern  biography  contain  main  stories  as  replete  with  vivid 
experiences,  and  overwhelming  difficulties  surmounted,  as  the  histories  of  the 
pioneers  who  conquered  the  vastness  of  the  new  and  unexplored  world.  What 
more  thrilling  experiences  are  to  be  found  than  those  related  in  the  annals  of 
modern  business  life? 

We  are  reminded  of  these  facts  in  connection  with  the  life  history  of 
Louis  I  ippenheimer,  who  was  born  in  Alsheim,  Germany,  May  31,  1855,  the  son 
of  Simon  and  Sarah  Oppenheimer.  lie  came  to  America  in  March,  1872,  going 
to  Akron,  Ohio,  where  he  stayed  for  four  years,  working  as  a  clerk,  and  then 
went  to  Cleveland,  where  he  continued  in  the  same  capacity  for  nine  years. 
He  then  went  into  business  for  himself,  and  four  years  later  went  to  Xorwalk, 
Ohio,  where  he  was  prominently  connected  with  the  firm  of  J.  Kahn  Co.  In 
1902  he  retired  from  membership  in  this  firm,  and  became  the  head  of  L. 
Oppenheimer  &  Co.,  general  furnishing  and  clothing  dealers. 

Mr.  (  Ippenheimer  was  married  January  II,  1885,  to  Miss  Blanche  Lobel, 
of  Cleveland,  Ohio,  and  they  have  one  son,  who  is  in  the  service  of  bis  country. 

Mr.  Oppenheimer  is  a  member  of  the  Odd  Fellows.  I  Irphans',  and  Jewish 
Old  Folks'  Home,  is  a  national  director  of  the  Denver  Sanitarium,  and  one 
of  the  advisory  committee  of  Memorial  Hospital  of  Xorwalk.  His  activity  in 
movements  for  public  betterment  have  been  of  the  utmost  value  to  his  com- 
munity, and  to  the  world  at  large. 


LOUIS  A.  OZERSKY 

During  the  brief  period  of  time  since  our  Russian,  Galician  and  Rou- 
manian co-religionists  began  to  immigrate  to  this  country,  it  has  become  pos- 
sible to  build  up  a  number  of  Jewish  communities  which  are  a  source  of  pride 
to  American  Jewry.  The  establishment  and  maintenance  of  these  communi- 
ties would  be  absolutely  impossible  if  there  had  not  been  in  every  city  a  few 
idealists,  men  who  would  not  let  their  souls  be  drowned  in  the  sea  of  material- 
ism, and  who  would  remain  Jews,  true  and  loyal  even  in  America,  and  who 
deserve  our  recognition  for  the  remarkable  work  thev  had  performed  in  the 
establishment  of  these  Jewish  communities. 

In  Youngstown,  O.,  we  must  count  among  those  men  Mr.  Louis  A.  Ozersky. 
He  is  one  of  the  few  public-spirited  Jews  of  Youngstown.  one  of  those  public 
men  whose  actions  nobody  can  subject  to  criticism,  but  whose  praises  every- 
body sings.  And  a  close  acquaintance  with  the  man  will  surely  add  to  this  high 
estimation. 

Mr.  (  Izersky  was  born  on  the  23rd  of  December,  1873,  in  Maglin,  Govern- 
ment of  Chernigov,  the  son  of  Reb  Isaac  and  Nachma  Ozersky.  The  whole 
family  was  one  of  Talmudic  students,  and  their  grandfather  was  the  renowned 
Rabbi  Israel  Zhastiker. 

Louis  Ozersky  was  himself  a  Talmudic  scholar  until  bis  sixteenth  year. 
Today  he  is  engaged  in  the  business  of  baker  and  he  is  naturally  absorbed  in 
his  work,  but  after  a  few  minutes'  talk  to  him  you  will  soon  learn  that  you  have 
to  deal  with  a  student,  a  man  of  greater  intelligence  than  the  average  success- 
ful business  man. 

Mr.  Ozersky  learned  the  baker's  trade  in  order  to  obtain  the  permission  of 
the  Russian  government  to  live  in  Russia  proper.  But  when  he  came  over  to 
America,  at  the  age  of  nineteen,  he  soon  discovered  that  this  trade  would  help 
him  to  establish  himself  in  the  country  and  make  a  living.  Lie  spent  two  years 
at  it  in  Xew  Haven,  and  in  1895  he  come  to  Youngstown,  where  he  went  into 
the  business  in  his  own  right,  establishing  the  firm  of  Ozersky  Brothers,  con- 
sisting of  Louis.  Nathan   (the  subject  of  the  next  biographical  sketch),  and 

214 


Emanuel  *  IzersK)     a  firm  very  popular  and  among  the  most  successful  in  its 
line. 

I '.ui  the  most  important  things  about  Mr.  i  Izersky  arc  his  social  connec- 
tions. He  is  the  president  of  the  Hebrew  Institute,  ex-president  of  the  Con- 
gregation Emanu-F.l,  member  of  tin-  Zionist  Council  of  Youngstown,  vice-presi- 
dent of  the  local  relief  committee,  which  he  had  helped  to  establish,  ex-presi- 
dent of  the  local  B'nai  B'rith  Lodge,  ex-president  of  the  B'rith  Abraham  Lodge, 
and  a  member  of  the  executive  committee  of  the  Ohio  State  Zionist  League. 
lie  hail  served  many  times  as  a  delegate  to  conventions  of  the  B'nai  B'rith  and 
was  also  a  duly  nominated  candidate  for  the  Jewish  (  ongress. 

It  ^iiis  without  saying  that  such  many-sided  participation  in  public  work- 
requires  many  sacrifices,  and  Mr.  t  izersk)  gives  ungrudgingly.     I  lis  readiness 

lo  serve  when  business  would  call  him  away  have  brought  him  nearer  to  many 
hearts. 

(  )n  June  15.  [902,  Mr.  I  Izersky  was  married  lo  Anna,  daughter  of  the  well- 
known  Youngstown  "Lamdan"  Mr.  Altshuler.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  t  Izersky  an-  the 
parents  of  five  accomplished  children,  Sarah    Norma.  Saul  David,  Ruth  Bessie, 

Mildred   Dorothy,  and   Miriam. 

Xot  only  is  Mr.  t  Izersky  a  great  philanthropist,  but  he  is  a  charming  con- 
versationalist and  one  greatl)  enjoys  his  company. 


NATHAN  OZERSKY 

There  are  many  men  who  seem  remote  from  the  humming  social  life  of  the 
community  and  prefer  solitude.  We  call  them  "quiet"  :  in  a  city  like  New  York. 
where  there  1-  SO  much  life,  they  are  not  apt  to  come  to  public  notice.     The  late 

Benjamin  Altman  belonged  t<>  that  type.  No  matter  how  charitable  or  philan- 
thropic such  a.  man  may  he.  he  trio  to  pass  by  unnoticed,  hut  their  g 1  deeds 

.oe.  nevertheless,  recognized  and  appreciated  by  the  hundreds  who  come  within 
the  radius  of  their  beneficence. 

Mr.  Nathan  <  Izersky,  the  older  brother  of  the  firm  of  1  Izersk)   Brothers 
of  Youngstown,  (  ihio,  i-  in  the  full  sense  of  the  word  a  quiet,  retired  and  char 
itable  citizen,  a  man  who  looks  For  no  credit  or  appreciation;  hut  lie  i-  a  kind- 
hearted   man.  possessing   the  true  Jewish   spirit   and   the  community   hade  him 

come  forth  from  his  retirement  to  which  he  naturall)  incline-  and  showed  him 
to  the  world  in  hi-  true  colors.  Though  he  dreads  publicity  ami  would  prefer 
an  unassuming  and  retired  life,  he  was  for  five  years  president  of  the  Congre 

gation    Knianti  I.I    which   he   had    helped    establish   and    which   he    helped    !"   a 

remarkable  synagogue  building.  I  It  was  also  for  the  period  of  -is  years  presi- 
dent of  the  I  It-brew    tnstitl 

\-  has  been  said,  Mr.  Ozersk)  look-  for  no  recognition,  yet  the  com- 
munity cannot  gel  along  without  his  assistance  and  he  has  been  brought  into 
the  limelight  of  publicity  not  once  but  man}  times. 

Nathan  Ozersky  wa-  1h. ru  mi  the  24th  of  December,   1867,  in   Moglin, 

rnigov  Government,  a-  the  son  of  Reb  Isaac  ami  Nachmah  1  Izersky.     In 

hi-  youth  be  studied  the  Talmud  and  dreamed  of  becoming  a  great  Rabbi  and 

teacher  in   Israel.      I'.llt   when  he  tame  to    \mcrica   he  learned  the  baker'-  trade. 

and,  through  hi-  hard  work  ami  hones)  methods,  he  ami  hi-  younger  brother 
brought  about  the  present  successful  firm  ol  '  Izersky  Brothers  in  Youngstown 

1  9CC  pie.  cding  -ketch  1. 

Mr.  Nathan  <  izersky  was  married  in  April.  1898,  t"  Miss  Sophie  Adel- 
m.,11.  and  the)  are  the  parent-  of  a  ver)  accomplished  daughter,  Cecilia,  who 
1-  ..  high  school  student. 

Mr.  1  Izersky  i-  not  a-  active  in  social  affair-  now  a-  he  wa-  formerly,  but 

be    i-   a   Jew    of    a    large    heart    and    always    read)    to    help   hi-    fellow    lew    and 

fellow-man. 

.*i? 


MORRIS  PERELL 

Elsewhere  in  this  volume  we  have  recorded  the  achievements  of  .Mr. 
Thomas  Rosen,  and  it  is  now  our  pleasure  to  give  to  our  readers  the  life  his- 
tory  of  his  partner.  Mr.  Morris  I'erell.  who  lias  likewise  had  a  most  astonish- 
ing rise  in  commercial  circles. 

Mr.  I'erell  was  burn  in  Chirvint  Wilna,  Russia,  July  21.  1882,  the  son  of 
Jacob  and  Frieda  I'erell,  his  father  being  a  commission  merchant  and  Talmud- 
ist  of  note. 

1  le  came  to  America  during  the  winter  of  hjoi  and,  landing  in  Xew  York, 
found  his  first  employment  in  a  shirtwaist  factory,  where  he  worked  for  three 
weeks  at  $5  per  week,  lie  then  went  to  Erie,  Pa.,  where  he  began  buying  and 
selling  junk  for  a  cousin.  After  six  months'  experience  he  decided  to  go  into 
business  for  himself,  which  he  continued  for  two  years.  At  the  end  of  this 
time  he  sold  jewelry,  traveling  about  the  country  and  gaining  much  valuable 
experience.  However,  he  was  so  unfortunate  as  to  become  very  ill  with  rheu- 
matism, and  was  unable  to  work  for  about  five  months.  He  then  returned  to 
Erie,  where  he  bought  and  sold  junk  for  two  years,  following  which  he  con- 
tinued the  same  business  in  Franklin,  Pa.,  for  nine  years.  In  KJ14  he  opened  a 
yard  in  Franklin  and  also  became  interested  in  the  business  in  Jamestown,  X.  V., 
which  he  operates  in  partnership  with  Mr.  Rosen,  under  the  firm  name  of 
Chataqua  Iron  &  Coal  Company. 

Mr.  I'erell  was  married  in  Erie,  X'ovember  3,  1907,  to  Miss  Xellie  Hyman, 
and  they  have  two  children,  one  boy  and  one  girl. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Perell  are  both  very  popular,  and  are  connected  with  every 
charitable  enterprise  of  their  community,  being  prominent  also  in  the  Erie 
Federation  of  Charity.  The)-  are  also  contributors  to  Denver  and  Los  Angeles 
Sanitariums. 

Mr.  Perell  is  a  member  of  (  irthodox  Shule,  the  ( )dd  Fellows,  and  Eagles, 
and  is  a  man  whose  business  integrity  and  opinions  have  earned  for  him  the 
respect  of  the  entire  business  fraternity  of  Franklin. 


MOSES  PEARLMAN 

The  world  has  seen  fine  displays  of  courage  in  other  places  than  in  armed 
camps,  and  on  the  battlefields.  Some  of  the  finest  examples  have  been  found  in 
the  histories  of  men  who  have  always  been  engaged  in  civilian  enterprises. 

A  notable  example  is  to  be  found  in  the  life  of  Mr.  Moses  l'earlman,  who 
came  to  America  a  young  man  of  but  eighteen  years,  without  friends  or  influ- 
ence to  assist  him. 

He  was  born  in  i860  in  Kovna,  Russian  Poland,  and  came  to  Xew  York 
in  the  summer  of  1878. 

I  icing  obliged  to  go  to  work  at  once,  he  found  employment  in  a  cigarette 
factory  where  he  remained  one  year  and  then  came  to  Cleveland,  Ohio.  Flere 
he  became  a  huckster,  following  this  occupation  for  six  years.  His  next  move 
was  to  Ashtabula,  Ohio,  where  he  started  in  the  junk  business,  and.  after  ten 
years  of  bard  work,  decided  that  he  would  find  bigger  opportunities  in  the 
fruit  business.  Consequently  he  sold  the  junk  yards  and  engaged  in  the  new 
line,  win.  re  he  has  been  very  successful. 

Mr.  Pearlman  was  married  in  Cleveland,  in  the  year  1882.  to  Mrs  Anna 
Wolf,  ami  they  have  one  son,  Louis,  who  is  married  to  Rose  Gottleib,  of 
Buffalo. 

In  addition  to  Mr.  Pearlman's  business  interests  he  finds  time  for  connec- 
tion  with  a  number  of  prominent  organizations,  among  them  being  Anshe 
Emeth   Congregation,   at  Cleveland,   and   lirith   Abraham.      Both   himself  and 

216 


wife  are  most  liberal  subscribers  to  the  various  charities  to  whom  their  gen- 
erosity endeared  them. 

Mr.  Pearlman  is  rather  reticent  in  discussing  his  business  success  as 
modesty  is  always  one  of  the  chief  attributes  of  a  really  prominent  man,  but 
his  life  is  so  obviously  successful  because  of  those  sterling  attributes  of  deter- 
mination and  ability  that  it  should  prove  a  wonderful  inspiration  to  any  young 
man  just  engaging  in  business.  May  he  be  given  many  more  years  of  prosperity 
and  usefulness. 


DR.  LEONARD  MORDCAI  PALITZ 

While  every  American  city  possesses  its  recognized  leader  of  Reform 
Judaism  in  the  person  of  its  Rabbi,  Orthodox  Jewry,  though  always  in  the 
majority  so  far  as  numbers  go,  can  rarely  point  to  a  real  recognized  leader  of 
the  community.  But  there  are  exceptions,  of  course,  and  Savannah,  Georgia, 
has  found  its  recognized  spiritual  adviser  of  Jewish  Orthodoxy  in  the  person 
of  Rabbi  Leonard  Mordcai  Palitz. 

Although  it  is  only  in  1916  that  Dr.  Palitz  came  to  Savannah,  his  phe- 
nomenal success  is  undoubtedly  conceded.  What  are  the  grounds?  It  seems 
to  the  writer  of  these  lines  that  it  is  both  his  great  scholarship  and  erudition, 
and  his  ability  to  be  the  leader  of  men,  that  have  gained  him  this  enviable 
record. 

Dr.  Palitz  was  born  on  the  9th  of  February,  1881,  in  Xovo-Alexan- 
drovsk,  Government  of  Kovno,  the  son  of  Shabsi  Shlomoh  Palitz.  His  father's 
ambition  was  to  make  of  his  son  a  great  Rabbi,  and  Dr.  Palitz  spent  his  young 
days  in  a  thorough  preparation  for  his  present  position.  Xot  only  did  he 
acquire  a  complete  knowledge  of  Jewish  religion,  but  he  also  attended  the 
"Gymnasium"  of  Tomsk.  Siberia,  and  in  1903  he  came  to  America  to  study 
at  Dr.  Schechter's  Theological  Seminary.  Professor  Schechter  advised  the 
young  scholar  to  wait  some  time  until  he  had  gained  a  mastery  of  English  and 
Dr.  Palitz  secured  a  position  as  superintendent  of  the  Hebrew  Children's  Shel- 
tering Home  in  Baltimore.  Later  he  became  superintendent  of  the  Hebrew 
Immigrant  and  Aged  Home.  This  was  the  beginning  of  his  career  as  a  social 
worker.  He  held  several  other  positions,  and  in  1910  became  a  student  of 
medicine  in  the  College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons  at  Baltimore,  graduating 
in  1914.  He  never  went  into  the  actual  practice  of  medicine,  his  sphere  being 
social  work.  He  was  chaplain  and  agent  for  the  care  of  Jewish  Delinquents 
for  five  years  from  1910  to  1915,  and  connected  with  the  Federated  Jewish 
Charities  during  and  after  his  college  studies. 

Pie  was  called  to  fill  many  a  position,  and  in  1916  the  city  of  Savannah 
invited  him  to  become  superintendent  of  its  Hebrew  school.  It  is  here  that  we 
find  him  as  a  recognized  leader  of  <  )rthodox  Jewry.  As  evidence  of  his  popu- 
larity, we  must  take  his  recent  election  as  "headworker"  or  superintendent  of 
the  Jewish  Educational  Alliance. 

Dr.  I'alitz  was  married  on  the  24th  of  October,  [899,  to  Dorah  Lefkonsky. 
who,  in  the  words  of  Dr.  Palitz,  is  responsible  to  a  large  degree  for  his  unusual 
social  ami  educational  rise. 


.'17 


SIMON  PFEIFER 


Among  the  most  highly  esteemed  and  best  known  men  in  the  city  of  New 
i  Irleans  and  the  State  of  Louisiana  is  Mr.  Simon  Pfeifer,  who  is  at  the  head 
of  a  large  and  well  established  wholesale  business,  that  of  S.  Pfeifer  &  Co. 
His  concern  is  so  well  and  favorably  known  for  its  reliability  and  high  standing 
commercially  that  its  trade  extends  throughout  the  South.  It  deals  in  gro- 
ceries and  imports  green  coffee  from  Brazil. 

Mr.  Pfeifer  was  born  to  his  parents,  Moses  and  Regina  Pfeifer,  on  Decem- 
ber i,  1861,  in  Brookhaven,  Mississippi,  lie  received  his  early  education  in 
the  public  schools  of  New  Orleans  and  then  continued  his  studies  in  ( iermany. 
Upon  his  return,  in  1SS5,  he  took  up  a  business  career,  associating  himself  with 
his  father's  firm,  which  was  then  M.  Pfeifer  &  Son,  and  which  is  now  his  own. 

In  April,  1888,  he  married  Miss  Xettie  Newman,  whose  family  came  orig- 
inally from  Mississippi  and  was  rightly  counted  among  the  very  leading  fam- 
ilies of  New  Orleans.  Mr.  snd  Mrs.  Pfeifer's  home, 
which  has  long  been  known  and  classed  among  the 
prettiest  in  the  fashionable  residential  district,  has 
been  blessed  with  two  fine  children,  Frank  and  Julia 
Louise. 

But  it  is  not  onlv  in  a  commercial  way  that  Mr. 
Pfeifer  is  so  well  known  and  so  highly  esteemed. 
He  is  closely  identified  with,  and  his  association  is 
eagerly  sought  and  heartily  enjoyed  in,  the  Jewish 
community  and  in  the  city  at  large.  The  different 
organizations  and  institutions  have  benefited  greatly 
by  his  benevolence,  and  his  support  and  co-operation 
have  proved  an  invaluable  asset  to  his  fellow  Jews 
and  fellow  citizens.  He  holds  membership  in  the 
Temple  Sinai  Congregation,  in  the  Jewish  Federa- 
tion of  Charities,  the  Harmony  Club,  the  Touro 
Infirmary   and    Hebrew    Benevolent    Association,    the 

Jewish  Orphans'  Home,  and  the  Young  Men's  Hebrew  Association.  He  is  a 
B'nai  B'rith,  and  an  Elk,  holds  the  position  of  vice-president  in  the  Citizen's 
Bank  and  Trust  Co..  and  is  a  director  in  the  Commercial  Trust  and  Savings 
Bank.  And  to  all  of  these  organizations  and  institutions  he  gives  liberally, 
definite  lines  of  work  and  to  adhere  to  them  persistently  and  consistently  until 
not  only  of  his  means,  but  also  of  his  time,  thought  and  personal  service. 

To  those  who  would  succeed  in  life.  Mr.  Pfeifer's  advice  is  to  choose 
success  is  achieved. 


MORRIS  PICKARD 


There  is  onlv  one  standard  by  which  a  man's  citizenship  can  be  measured, 
and  that  is  by  the  amount  of  good  which  he  does  in  the  community. 

If  you  were  to  go  to  Ashtabula.  Ohio,  and  ask  to  be  introduced  to  its 
leading  Jewish  citizens,  men  who  have  made  a  name  for  themselves,  not  only 
as  successful,  honorable  business  men,  but  also  because  of  their  generosity  and 
liberal  philanthropies,  one  of  the  first  persons  to  whom  you  would  be  directed 
would  be  Mr.  Morris  Pickard. 

He  was  born  at  Emmendingen,  Baden,  Germany,  July  9,  1861,  his  father, 
Jakob  Pickard.  being  a  prominent  cattle  merchant. 

He  came  to  America  at  the  age  of  twenty  and  for  the  first  six  months 
found  employment  as  a  clerk  in  a  Buffalo  store.     He  next  accepted  a  position 

218 


as  clerk  in  Danville,  Pa.,  where  he  remained  for  three  months.  Having  saved 
a  very  small  amount  of  money,  he  went  to  Jersej  Shore,  Pa.,  and  opened  a 
store  where  he  remained  for  the  next  few  years.  He  then  sold  out  and  wenl 
to  Ashtabula,  Ohio,  where  he  opened  a  store  and  has  prospered  until  he  is 
today  one  of  the  leading  merchants  of  the  town. 

He  u.i-  married  in  Buffalo,  X.  Y.,  April  29,  [894,  to  Miss  Hattie  Assel, 
<ii  Ashtabula,  '  >hio,  and  ac  •  f > «  not  feel  that  Mr.  Pickard's  entire  success  as  a 
citizen  can  lie  reckoned  without  taking  into  account  the  many  activities  and 
rare  capacity  for  organization  which  his  wife  possesses.  She  has  seconded 
his  every  effort  for  the  betterment  of  Ashtabula  and  its  people,  whom  they 
never  fail  to  serve  in  every  way  which  their  prosperity  makes  possible. 

Mr.   Pickard  is  a  member  of  the   Elks  and   Masons,  and  subscribes  to 

every  charity,  irrespective  of  creed  or  race,      lie  not  only  contributes  to  local 

organizations,  but  to  national  charities  as  well,  and  Ins  high  business  ideals  are 
an  inspiration  to  the  young  men  of  Ashtabula,  whose  welfare  he  continually 

has  at  heart. 


WILLIAM  A.  PINKOSON 


St.  Augustine,  Florida,  the  oldest  city  on  the  American  continent,  the  city 
which  possesses  such  charm  t'or  everyone  interested  in  American  history,  does 
not  contain  a  large  Jewish  settlement,  taiong  the  best  and  most  prominent 
lews  we  must  assuredly  number  Mr.  William  A.  Pinkoson,  owner  of  a  large 
dr\  goods  and  clothing  store  at  90  and  92  St.  John's  street. 

Mr.  Pinkoson  is  interesting  not  on  account  of  his  material  success.  Then' 
might  he  and  probably  are  wealthier  Jews  in  the  city  of  St.  Augustine,  but 
none  whose  citizenship  is  more  valued.  He  is  a  man  of  intelligence  and  ideals, 
even  though  he  has  had  hi-  business  as  an  avocation. 

Mr.  William  A.  Pinkoson  was  horn  in  the  third  week  t>i  the  fewish  month 
of  Shebath,  in  the  year  1879,  at  Krasnow,  Government  of  Suwalk,  as  the  son 
of  Leib  and  l.ihhe  Pinkoson.     Ili-  grandfather,  on 

his  mother's  side.  was  a   renowned  "l.amdan."  and 

he  comes  from  a  very  re-.pect.ihle  and  prominent 

family. 

In     [891,     when     William     »a~    barely     twelve 

years  of  age,  his  family   moved  to  Bostdn,  where 

the  hoy  entered  school.  Alter  thev  moved  I"  St 
Augustine,  he  clerked  for  a  while,  after  which  he 
went  into  business  for  himself,  and  from  1  < « »5  his 
business  kept  on  growing  steadily,   Mr.    Pinkoson 

gaining  an  unimpeachable  reputation  and  the  re- 
spect of  all  with  whom  he  came  into  contact 

Mr.  Pinkoson  i-  an  1  Irthodox,  and  i-  Secretary 
of  the  Congregation  I'.'nai  Israel  since  it-  inception 
in  I  lecember,  11 

On  the  6th  of  July,  \>i<t\.  Mr.  Pinkoson  was 
married  n>  Minnie  Talinsky,  a  relative  of  hi-,  and 
there  arc  four  children  of  tin-  union,  named  Harry,  Libbic,    \U-  and   [oscph. 


21" 


LOUIS  PLACK  AND   NATHAN   LIFF 

Russia  has  given  tn  America  some  of  her  most  valued  and  progressive 
citizens,  notable  among  whom  we  wish  to  mention  Messrs.  Louis  I 'lack  and 
Nathan  I. iff.  two  rising  young  business  men  of  Delphos,  Ohio,  and  partners 
in  the  iron  and  metal  business,  which  is  conducted 
under  the  firm  name  of  Flack  and  Lift". 

Mr.  1  'lack  was  horn  in  Vitipski,  Guberne, 
Russia.  Nov.  15,  1882,  and  came  to  America  in 
August,  U)ol.  His  first  employment  in  Xew  York 
was  in  a  factory  which  was  followed  by  a  venture 
in  the  grocery  business.  This  he  sold  at  the  end  of 
four  vears  and  went  to  Spencerville,  Ohio,  where  he 
started  to  buy  and  sell  junk,  opening  a  yard  with  a 
partner.  He  sold  out,  however,  after  one  year,  and, 
going  back  to  Xew  York  again  engaged  in  the  gro- 
cerv  business. 

This  was  an  unfortunate  venture  as  he  lost 
everything.  Unshaken  in  His  determination  to  suc- 
ceed, he  borrowed  $100.00  on  his  life  insurance 
policy  and,  going  to  Delphos,  Ohio,  engaged  in  the  Louis  nook 

iron  and  metal  business  with  his  present  partner, 
Mr.  Lift,  where  they  have  attained  a  large  degree  of  success. 

The  fortunes  of  Mr.  Lift"  were,  for  a  number  of  years,  as  uncertain  as 
those  of  his  partner,  Mr.  Plack. 

Horn  in  Minskern.  Guberne,  Russia.  August 
15,  1890,  he  came  to  America  in  August,  1906,  and 
found  his  first  employment  in  a  clothing  factory 
where,  for  the  first  month,  he  worked  without  sal- 
ary in  order  to  obtain  experience. 

After  two  years  he  went  to  Europe  for  a  visit 
and  upon  his  return  to  America  he  was  unable  to 
find  work.  In  his  search  for  same  he  traversed  a 
large  portion  of  the  country,  finally  landing  in  Pan- 
ama, where  he  worked  on  the  canal  for  three  years. 
Returning  to  Ohio,  he  began  peddling  junk  and 
in  April,  1906,  went  into  business  with  his  present 
partner,  Mr.  Plack. 

Mr.  Lift'  was  married  June  2.  1917.  to  Mis> 
Fannie  Levine  of  Xew  York,  a  charming  lady  who 
is  a  great  addition  to  the  community. 

Mr.     Nathan    Lin'  Both    Mr     p]ack   am,    Mj.    j  ;ff  are   generous   jln 

their  contribution  to  charities  and  have  an  enviable  reputation  for  honesty  and 
business  ability. 


MORRIS  PLEKANSKY 

<  hie  of  the  most  distinguished  Jewish  citizens  of  Miami,  Florida,  is  Mr. 
Morris  Plekansky,  owner  of  two  great  stores,  the  Century  Clothing  Store  at 
Xo.  309  Twelfth  street,  and  the  Bihi  Bargain  Store  at  303  Avenue  G. 

He  is  one  of  that  sort  of  self-made  and  dignified  American  Jewish  young 
men  who  have  acquired  a  reputation  not  only  for  themselves  but  also  for  the 
Jewish  community  at  large.  He  has  made  a  success,  and  at  the  same  time 
acquired  a  blameless  reputation.  In  addition  to  that,  he  is  a  kind-hearted  man, 
a  man  of  charitable  inclinations  and  a  gentleman  of  the  finest  sort.     He  was 

220 


elected  by  the  Jews  of  Miami  as  a  treasurer  of  their  Congregation.  He  is 
also  a  Mason  and  belongs  to  many  other  organizations. 

Mr.  Morris  Plekansky  was  born  in  Peoria,  Illinois,  on  the  15th  of  Decem- 
ber, 1884,  the  son  of  Jacob  and  Freda  Plekansky.  Morris  attended  Public 
School  Number  75  in  New  York  City  and  also  one  of  the  city's  high  schools 
until  he  was  seventeen  years  of  age,  when  he  went  to  work  for  a  living  as  a 
clerk  in  a  wholesale  clothing  store.  When  he  was  twenty-one  years  old  he 
went  South.  He  took  employment  as  a  clerk  at  St.  Augustine  and  Miami,  and 
in  1910  he  went  into  business  for  himself. 

As  business-man  in  his  own  right,  he  had  made  a  success  and  not  only 
amassed  wealth,  but  also  acquired  a  high  reputation  in  the  business  world. 

On  October  22.  19 12,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Eveline  Herstein,  and  they 
are  the  proud  parents  of  two  children,  named  Fred  and  Sidney. 


SAM  PLOTKIN 

How  a  man  achieves  greatness  and  climbs  the  ladder  of  success,  is  the 
question  of  thousands  of  men  both  foreign  born  and  American,  and  can  truly  be 
answered  when  we  study  the  biography  of  successful  business  men,  whose  life 
stories  can  be  used  as  marked  examples  for  our  teachings  and  guidance,  es- 
pecially for  those  that  grope  in  the  dark  and  are  at  a  loss  how  to  begin  the 
upward  climb. 

When  a  representative  of  the  American  Hebrew  Biographical  Company 
called  on  Mr.  Plotkin  to  learn  how-  he  achieved  his  wonderful  success  and 
wealth,  it  did  not  take  him  long  to  reply.  "Energy,  efficiency,  hard  work  and 
honorable  dealings  were  the  principles  of  my  success,  and  these  to  my  mind 
are  the  secrets  of  success"  ;  and  as  Mr.  Plotkin  is  a  man  of  few  words,  but  wdiat 
he  savs  is  true  in  every  sense,  it  is  said  by  all  men  knowing  him  that  his  life 
story  is  indeed  a  remarkable  one  and  a  credit  not  only  to  him,  but  also  to  the 
race  he  springs  from.  Mr.  Plotkin.  who  was  born  in  Barrisav,  Minsk  Guberne, 
Russia,  in  October,  1884,  from  a  highly  respected  family,  who  were  honest 
tradespeople,  and  whose  thrift  Mr.  Plotkin  inherited  and  which  stood  him  well 
in  his  successful  fight,  came  to  America  in  May.  1908,  seeking  his  fortune  in 
the  land  of  plenty.  Landing  first  in  Toronto,  Canada,  he  began  the  building 
of  his  wonderful  career  by  working  hard  at  odd  jobs,  and  at  times  found  it 
almost  impossible  to  maintain  himself  and  at  one  time  had  to  shovel  snow  on 
the  streets  of  Toronto  for  a  livelihood,  but  it  was  honest  labor  and  Mr.  Plotkin 
never  shirked  work  that  was  honest.  After  a  short  time  he  came  to  Detroit, 
obtaining  work  as  a  carpenter  which  trade  he  acquired  in  the  old  country  and 
at  that  trade  he  worked  and  saved  until  he  had  a  few  hundred  dollars.  With 
that  small  capita]  he  began  building  and  his  business  began  growing  through 
his  untiring  efforts  and  without  the  assistance  of  anyone  until  today  he  not 
only  owns  over  S2.000.000  worth  of  property,  but  is  considered  the  wealthiest 

builder  and   real   estate   operator   in    Detroit,   with  offices  in   the    Northern 
Insurance  Building,  under  the  firm  name  of  Sam  Plotkin. 

Mr.  Plotkin,  although  wealthy  and  able  to  retire  from  active  work,  has 
not  done  ->>.  hut  on  the  contrarj  is  daily  supervising  his  entire  and  immense 
business,  tending  thai   idleness  of  mind  and  body   is  a  decadence  of   man  and 

we  must  Keep  active, 

Mr.  Plotkin  married  in  England  Miss  Sarah  Plumenkoff,  a  young  lady 
of  line  Jewish  family,  and  has  six  children,  two  boys  and  four  girls,  all  n\ 
whom  are  getting  an  education  and  musical  training  that  befits  the  children  of 
such  line  parents. 

Mr.    Plotkin   is   not    only   a   business   man.   bill    is   devoting   both   his   link' 

221 


and  wealth  to  charily.  He  is  a  member  of  Sharey  Zedek  Congregation,  Beth 
Jacob  Congregation,  Denver  Hospital,  (  >ld  Age  Home,  and  trustee  of  the 
House  of  Shelter,  and  contributes  to  all  charities  both  Jewish  and  Gentile; 
in  fact.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Plotkin  have  always  a  ready  hand  and  a  willing  heart 
inward  all  mankind  and  many  a  one  has  been  made  happy  by  their  generosity, 
'those  who  know  him  and  his  wife  recognize  them  as  one  of  the  leading  fam- 
ilies of  Detroit  and  as  models  of  the  Jewish  people,  and  fully  deserving  the 
good  fortunes  that  befell  them,  for  neither  one  have  forgotten  the  struggles 
that  they  have  had  and  they  do  more  than  their  share  towards  the  uplift  of 
their  race  of  which  they  have  cause  to  be  proud,  and  we  hope  their  children  in 
years  to  come  will  point  with  pride  to  the  monument  left  them  by  their 
parents. 


CHARLES  POLLOCK 

In  the  city  of  Pottstown,  Pa.,  no  name  is  more  honored  than  that  of 
Pollock.  We  have  elsewhere  outlined  the  life  histories  of  other  members  of 
this  family,  and  it  is  now  our  privilege  to  say  a  few  words  regarding  Charles 
Pollock,  who  was  born  in  Kovno,  Guberne,  Russia,  February  15.  1884,  and 
came  to  America  June  20,  1913,  going  to  Pottstown,  Pa.,  where  his  brothers 
resided.  He  found  employment  as  a  carpenter  for  three  years  and  then  joined 
his  brothers  in  the  iron  and  metal  business,  where  they  have  already  prosper- 
ously established  themselves. 

Mr.  Charies  Pollock  has  proved  himself  to  be  a  very  valuable  member  of 
the  firm,  displaying  the  same  traits  of  business  ability  which  have  distinguished 
his  brothers. 

Charles  Pollock  was  married  in  England  in  February,  1906,  to  Miss 
Minnie  Robinson,  and  they  have  a  family  of  four  children,  one  boy  and  three 
girls,  three  of  whom  are  old  enough  to  go  to  school. 

He  is  prominent  in  all  the  fraternal  and  charitable  organizations  of  Potts- 
town, being  identified  with  the  Odd  Fellows,  B'rith  Abraham,  Denver  Hospital. 
Immigration  Societv  of  Xew  York,  Hebrew  Institute,  member  Congregation 
Mercy  of  Truth. 


MAYER  POLLOCK 

Prominent  in  the  business,  religious  and  civic  life  of  Pottstown,  Pa.,  is 
the  name  of  Mayer  Pollock. 

Born  in  Kovno,  Guberne,  Russia,  April  15,  1858,  Mr.  Pollock  continued 
to  live  in  his  native  town  until  the  year  1884,  when  he  came  to  America. 

A  few  years  prior  to  this  time  he  had  been  married  to  Miss  Hanna  Ber- 
man,  who  came  with  her  husband  to  the  new  land.  They  landed  in  Phila- 
delphia and  a  countryman  loaned  Mr.  Pollock  seven  dollars  worth  of  tinware, 
a  basket,  and  money  enough  to  pay  his  fare  into  the  country.  During  the 
first  two  months  he  was  so  successful  that  he  was  able  to  discharge  his  obliga- 
tions and  buy  a  small  stock  of  dry  goods.  The  next  two  years  were  full  of 
hardships,  as  he  had  the  care  of  his  wife  and  small  son,  together  with  the 
problem  of  saving  capital  for  further  business  advancements.     However,  he 

222 


managed  i<>  buy  a  team  and  for  the  next  seven  years  boughl  and  sold  junk  so 
successfully  that  at  the  expiration  of  this  time  he  was  able  to  open  a  yard. 
Today  the  firm  of  Mayer  Pollock  is  the  largest  concern  in  the  state  of  Penn- 
sylvania devoted  to  the  dismantling  of  factories  and  old  buildings.  The)  also 
do  a  tremendous  business  in  iron  and  steel  scrap,  machinery,  and  buil  ling  con- 
struction material. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Pollock  have  a  fine  family  of  eight  children,  four  boys  and 
four  girls.  David  is  in  business  with  his  father,  as  i-  also  the  younger  son, 
Abraham;  Albert  is  connected  with  a  railroad,  and  Leonard  is  Mill  in  school. 

Vmong  the  prominent  charities  supported  by  Mr.  Pollock  may  be  men- 
tioned  the    Denver   Hospital,    Immigration   Society   of    New    York,   and   the 
(  Irphans  National  Home  of  New  York.     He  is  also  a  member  of  Congn 
tion  Mercj  of  Truth,  B'rith  Abraham  and  the  '  Irder  of  Moose. 

The  daughters  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Pollock  are  all  very  popular  in  their 
social  circle,  Bessie  being  the  wife  of  Mr.  Krevlitz  of  Pottstown,  Pa.;  Annie 
is  married  and  living  in  I  larrislmrg,  1'a. :  t  htvsie  has  displayed  considerable 
business  ability  and  is  now  one  of  her  father's  most  able  assistants;  Mora  is 
-till  in  school. 


NATHAN  POLLOCK 

Elsewhere  in  this  volume  we  have  related  the  history  of  Mr.  Mayer 
Pollock.  We  now  have  the  pleasure  of  chronicling  the  events  in  the  career  of 
his  younger  brother,  Nathan. 

Nathan  Pollock  was  horn  September  S.  1NS7.  in  Kovno,  Guberne,  Russia. 
and  came  to  America  Februar)  6,  1901.  His  brother  already  being  established 
in  Pottstown,  Pa.,  he  went  to  that  city  and  started  buying  and  selling  junk  for 
him.  This  he  continued  for  six  years,  then  quit  to  accept  a  position  as  assist- 
ant manager  in  the  shir!  factory,  continuing  there  for  six  years.  He  then 
went  into  the  junk  business  for  himself,  and  in  1916  was  joined  b)  his  brother 
Henry,  whom  he  took  into  the  firm,  known  ,e-  Pollock  Brothers.  The)  are 
toda)  doing  a  splendid  business 

Mr.  Pollock  was  married  December  30,  1906,  to  Miss  Mary  Sasman,  of 
Reading,  Pa.,  and  they  have  four  children,  one  bo)  and  three  girls,  all  going 
to  school. 

Mthough  Mr.  Pollock's  business  interests  occupy  a  great  deal  of  his  time, 
he  Mill  finds  opportunity  to  promote  a  number  of  benevolences,  prominent 
among  them  being  the-   immigration  Societ)   of  New    York  and  the   Hebrew 
Institute.     He  is  also  a  member  of  Congregation  Mercy  of  Truth.  Brith   VI 
ham.  and  the  I  ^l^   Fellow  S. 


BARNLY  PORTNOY 


I  he  Jew  -  ate  cssentiall)  leaders  among  business  men.     The  ambition  to  he 
n  business  tor  themselves  seems  to  he  an  inherent  characterise   of  thi 
rherefore,  when   Mr.    Barnej    Portno)   came  to    America,  although  he  |><k. 
iessed  no  funds  or  influential  friends,  his  first  ambition  was  to  own  and  man- 

Ige  his  ow  11  bllStni 

Mr.  I'ortnov  was  born  in  Kovno,  Guberne,  Russia,  Deccmbei  .7.  1875.     \t 
he  age  of  t went)  three  he  was  married  to  Miss  Ida  I'ortn 

V.t  being  satisfied  with  tin-  opportunities  which  tin-  ''Id  World  offered, 


Mr.  Portnoy  came  to  America  in  11107,  going  direct  to  Chelsea,  Mass.,  where- 
in- began  working  in  a  coal  yard  at  a  very  small  salary.  However,  it  was  an 
opportunity  for  him  to  demonstrate  bis  ability,  and  within  two  years  he  was 
made  superintendent  of  the  yards.  He  continued  in  this  position  for  five 
years,  at  which  time  he  had  saved  sufficient  capital  to  go  into  the  coal  business 
for  himself.  I  lis  business  has  prospered  in  a  remarkable  manner  and  he  i- 
considered  one  of  the  foremost  business  men  of  Chelsea. 

Mr.  Portnoy's  remarkable  executive  ability  has  also  been  demonstrated 
in  his  connection  with  many  fraternal  organizations.  He  is  Past  Secretary  of 
the  Congregation,  Past  Secretary  of  Cnited  Brothers  of  Anix.  which  position 
lie  held  for  five  years,  receiving  a  gold  watch  and  chain  in  recognition  of  his 
services.  He  is  now  Treasurer  Arbeiterer  and  ex- President  of  the  local  (  )rder 
I.  O.  B.  A.,  from  which  society  he  received  a  medal  upon  retiring  from  the 
presidency.  His  wife  is  very  popular  socially  and  is  active  in  all  philanthropic 
movements. 

Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Portnoy  are  most  liberal  in  their  contribution  to  all 
charities,  including'  the  Cnited  Hebrew  charities.  Their  family  consists  of  two 
daughters,  the  eldest  of  whom  is  in  school. 


PHILIP    PRESENT 

Among  the  Jewish  citizens  of  Rochester,  X.  Y.,  mention  must  be  made  of 
Mr.  Philip  Present,  the  well-known  wholesale  jeweler,  whose  offices  are  lo- 
cated in  the  Chamber  of  Commerce  building.  He  was  born  in  Kalvaria,  Poland, 
on  November  23,  1856.  His  grandfather  was  very  prominent  in  town  and  was 
the  owner  of  the  only  factory.  Mr.  Present  came  to  America  in  1874,  landing 
in  New  York  without  a  cent  in  his  pockets,  as  he  was  robbed  of  his  little 
store  of  worldly  goods  by  a  companion  in  Hamburg,  to  whom  he  was  foolish 
enough  to  entrust  his  baggage. 

Pie  started  work  in  a  grocery,  in  return  for  board  and  lodgings,  and  after- 
wards took  employment  with  a  Hoboken  family  as  a  teacher  of  Hebrew  and 
German  on  the  same  conditions.  At  the  same  time  he  peddled  in  the  streets 
until  he  was  arrested  for  peddling  without  a  license.  He  then  started  to  sell 
pictures  and  frames  in  the  vicinity  of  New  York,  going  to  Elmira,  where  he 
had  relatives.  In  1884  he  learned  watch-making  and  opened  a  small  store  in 
Clinton  street,  Rochester,  where  his  sister  resided.  Pie  then  brought  over 
four  brothers  and  three  sisters,  taking  care  of  them  with  his  own  scanty  means. 
The  business  grew,  from  its  very  inception,  to  such  an  extent  that  its  owner, 
wdio  at  first  only  thought  of  selling  wholesale  and  retail,  had  to  concentrate 
his  attention  on  wholesale  exclusively.  He  then  moved  to  State  street  and 
from  there  to  his  present  location,  where  he  has  been  highly  succsssful. 

Mr.  Present  is  actively  interested  in  a  number  of  Jewish  institutions, 
being  Honorary  President  of  the  Hebrew  Young  Men's  Association  (for  life), 
being  its  founder  and  president  for  many  years.  He  is  also  a  trustee  of  the 
Temple  Brith  Kodesh,  having  held  this  office  for  thirteen  years,  director  of  the 
Social  Settlement  of  Rochester,  director  of  the  Jewish  Charities,  trustee  of 
the  Bnei  Brith  Lodge,  and  ex-president  of  the  Free  Sons  Lodge.  He  was  a 
director  of  the  Rochester  ^'estern  New  York  Orphan  Asylum,  and  a  member 
and  trustee  of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce,  for  many  years.  He  was  president 
of  the  Rochester  Credit  Men's  Association  and  was  for  many  years  vice-presi- 
dent and  chairman  of  the  ways  and  means  committee  of  the  Public  Health 
Association,  having  withdrawn  but  recently,  partlv  due  to  ill  health. 

Mr.   Present's  membership  in  the  Chamber  of  Commerce  has  made  him 

224 


a  conspicuous  figure  in  the  commercial  life  of  Rochester  and  raised  the  popular 
estimation  of  the  Polish  Jew. 

On  the  21st  of  October,  1888,  Mr.  Present  was  married  to  Celia  Selling, 
of  Hartford,  Conn.,  and  he  is  the  father  of  three  children,  named  Reta,  LeRoy 
and  Henrietta. 


FRANK  RABINOVITZ 

Prominent  among  business  men  of  Hartford,  Conn.,  may  be  mentioned 
Mr.  Frank  Rabinovitz,  who  was  born  in  Padalsky.  Guberne,  Russia,  in  the 
year  1877.  His  father  was  a  prominent  merchant  of  that  community  and  from 
him  young  Frank  doubtless  inherited  considerable  business  ability. 

He  came  to  America  in  January.  i8<)8,  landing  in  Boston,  Mass.,  and  from 
there  went  to  Hartford,  Conn.     Here  he  began  peddling  general  merchandise, 
and  was  so  successful  that  at  the  end  of  the  first 
year   was   able   to   open   an   iron   and   metal   yard 
where  he  is  today  doing  a  fine  business,  at  66  Pleas- 
ant street. 

Mr.  Rabinovitz  was  married  in  Hartford  in 
the  year  1901,  to  Miss  Anna  Hoffman,  and  they 
have  four  children,  one  boy  and  three  girls,  all  going 
to  school.  The  family  occupies  their  charming  resi- 
dence at  233  Vine  street. 

Among  the  many  charitable  organizations  to 
which  Mr.  Rabinovitz  is  a  liberal  contributor  can 
be  mentioned  the  Denver  Hospital,  the  Immigration 
Society,  the  National  Orphans'  Home,  all  the  Yish- 
ivis,  and  a  number  of  other  charities,  both  local 
and  national.  He  is  a  prominent  member  of  Agudas 
Achem  Congregation,  Brith  Abraham,  and  Inde- 
pendent Order  Brith  Sholom. 


BERMAN  RAFF 

Thirty  years  ago  Mr.  Berman  Raff,  an  ambitions  youth  of  21,  started  in 
the  jewelry  business  with  a  small  outdoor  stand  mi  Sixth  avenue,  New  York 
t  ity.  llis  capital  was  small  and  sci  was  his  stock  in  trade.  But  there  was  one 
asset  which  has  stood  him  in  good  service  from  tin-  first  da)  In-  commenced 
business  right  up  to  the  present  time,  when  Mr.  Kali's  business  reaches  into 
six  figures.  It  was  his  unflinching  rule  never  i"  deceive  a  customer,  never  in 
misrepresent  an  article  in  an)  waj  ;  this,  combined  with  strict  attention  to  the 

wants  of  llis  customers,  an  unselfish  desire  t<>  please,  and  a  willingness  to  be 
satisfied  with  moderate  profits,  was  the  real  foundation  of  Mr.  Kali's  remark- 
able success,  so  that  within  a  comparatively  shorl  time  he  found  himself  thi' 
proprietor  of  a   large   store  at    the   corner   of   Sixth   avenue  and   Twenty-sixth 

street.    That  was  twent)  one  years  ago.    Mr.  Raff  remained  true  to  his  princi 

pies  in  his  new  establishment,  and  the  business  continued  tn  grow  to  such  ail 
extent   that  he  was  obliged  to  seek   larger  quarters,      lie  finally  semrcd  a  store 

at  455  Sixth  avenue,  which  is  now  bountifull)  stocked  with  all  articles  of  the 
jeweler's  trade. 

225 


Thirty  years  ago  Mr.  Raff,  who  was  then  but  a  mere  lad  of  21  and  landed 
from  Jassy,  Roumania,  had  laid  down  the  principles  of  industry  and  fair  deal- 
gs  that  were  in  later  years,  to  a  large  extent,  responsible  for  the  enviable 
reputation  he  now  er 

He  t  3  of  a  good  family  and  is  one  of  five  brothers,  all  of  whom 
are  leaders  in  their  particular  fields  of  endeavor  in  Xew  York  and  Chicago. 

Mr.  Raff  was  married  in  1893  to  Betty  Euer,  at  the  age  of  26.  in  the  City 
of  Xew  York,  and  his  family  consists  of  two  sons  and  one  daughter.  The 
oldest  son.  Isadore  A.  Raff,  is  an  attorney  at  law  who  is  sacrificing  his  practice 
for  the  vast  responsibilities  of  the  ever  increasing  wholesale  business  of  the 
firm  of  B.  Raff  &  Sons,  at  1161-75  Broadway,  by  taking  charge  of  the  financial 
and  secretarial  work.  Similarly,  his  second  son.  Max  1.  Raff,  also  a  member  of 
the  firm,  is  relieving  the  father  of  the  complex  intricacies  of  this  institution 
by  acting  in  the  capacity  of  general  manager,  while  his  only  daughter,  Mar- 
guerite. 17,  a  beautiful  girl  of  charming  personality,  is  now  completing  her 
high  school  education. 

Mr.  Raff  is  also  distinguished  in  charity  and  religious  circles  and  is  a 
member  of  the  Free  Loan  Association,  a  Master  Mason,  a  member  of  the 
Royal  Arcanum,  and  the  First  Roumanian  American  Congregation. 

He  resides  at  308  West  03d  street  and  is  identified  in  philanthropic  and 
patriotic  activities  to  the  fullest  extent  of  his  energies  and  means  at  his 
command. 


LOUIS  RAPPOPORT 

In  civilized  countries  the  struggle  for  existence  is  severe :  the  competition 
much  keener  than  in  savage  lands.  Here  we  realize  to  the  full  what  an  elusive 
godek  -  -  E  :cess.  We  implore  her  favor,  but  are  forced  to  accept  hope  long 
deferred.  She  exacts  a  heavy  penalty  in  patience,  industry,  courage  and  that 
infinite  perseverance  and  fixity  of  purpose  which  the  world  calls  geni    - 

The  career  of  Louis  Rappoport  is  just  such  an  interesting  story  of 
achievement  in  business. 

Born  in  Warsaw.  Poland.  October  11.  1S81).  he  was  brought  by  his  parents 
to  this  country  while  only  an  infant. 

At  an  early  age  he  began  work  as  clerk  and  mechanic  in  a  jewelry  store  in 
Erie.  Pa.,  the  very  liberal  compensation  for  twelve  hours'  work  per  day  Iieing 
52  =     per  week. 

After  over  a  year  of  this  severe  apprenticeship,  he  removed  to  Cleveland, 
where  he  secured  a  position  in  a  similar  capacity  at  Si 0.00  per  week.  Here  he 
advanced  rapidly,  but  decided  to  go  into  business  for  himself. 

His  entire  capital  consisted  of  S20.00.  but  owing  to  his  excellent  reputation 
and  recognized  ability,  he  was  able  to  obtain  S3.000  credit. 

Adverse  business  conditions  in  1914  prompted  him  to  close  out  his  busi- 
ness, and  after  another  short  period  of  employment,  during  which  he  operated 
an  optical  parlor  in  the  evenings,  we  find  him  in  Detroit,  where  he  became  inter- 
ested in  the  scrap  iron  and  storage  tank  business. 

Once  more  his  good  name  served  him  instead  of  cash  capital,  and  shortly 
thereafter  he  took  into  partnership  Mr.  Leo  Moss,  a  young  man  of  ability,  but. 
like  himself,  able  to  lend  no  financial  assistance. 

With  but  S65.60  borrowed  capital  they  rapidlv  built  up  a  business  which 
today  averages  over  a  quarter  of  a  million  dollars  annually. 

He  was  married  in  Cleveland.  November  5,  1912,  to  Miss  Bessie  Kramer, 
and  they  have  two  fine  young  heirs,  one  boy  and  one  girl. 

Mr.  Rappaport  is  very  generous  to  those  less  fortunate  than  himself  and 
-    .  iiberal  subscriber  to  every  worthy  charity. 

226 


ISAIAH  RAPPORT 

"Nothing  venture,  nothing  gain,"  is  an  old  maxim  which  seems  to  have 
helped  many  a  struggling  young  business  man  through  dark,  perilous  days, 
when  failure  seemed  almost  inevitable. 

It  certainly  expresses  the  spirit  in  which  Mr.  Isaiah  Rapport  defied  dis- 
couragement and  repeatedly  staked  his  all  against  his  ability  to  overcome 
unfortunate  circumstances. 

He  was  born  in  Lumzer,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  August,  1881,  and  at  the 
age  of  nineteen  came  to  America. 

Landing  in  New  York  he  went  direct  to  Uhrichsville,  Ohio,  where  he 
started  buying  and  selling  old  iron  and  metal. 

After  three  years  of  this  experience  he  decided  to  open  a  yard.  Within 
the  next  eighteen  months  he  met  and  married  Miss  Esther  Josefsom,  and, 
during  the  dark  periods  of  his  business  career  which  followed  he  had  many 
reasons  to  be  thankful  for  the  cheerful,  unselfish  assistance  which  seemed  a 
part  of  her  generous  nature. 

Shortly  after  his  marriage  he  decided  to  try  his  fortunes  in  New  York, 
where  he  opened  a  delicatessen  store.  This  venture  proved  very  unfortunate 
and  he  returned  to  Uhrichsville  with  no  capital.  However,  he  possessed  a 
business  asset,  which  is  more  valuable  than  capital,  a  reputation  for  a  high 
order  of  business  integrity,  and  with  the  confidence  and  best  wishes  of  his 
fellow-townsmen,  he  again  started  buying  and  selling  junk,  at  which  he  was 
ver\   successful. 

Then  came  the  panic  of  1907,  sweeping  away  his  small  investment  and 
leaving  him  with  nothing  but  a  firm  belief  that  ultimately  fortune  would  smile 
upon  his  efforts. 

Bravely  starting  over  again,  he  at  last  attained  the  goal  of  his  ambitions, 
and  is  today  conducting  the  largest  business  in  his  town. 

We  feel  that  any  word  of  advice  which  Mr.  Rapport  might  give  to  young 
people  just  starting  in  business  is  worthy  of  record,  so  on  the  occasion  of  our 
interview  the. writer  asked  him  what  qualities  he  considered  most  necessary  to 
a  successful  career,  and  his  reply  is  characteristic  of  the  earnest  purpose  which 
he  has  always  applied  to  his  own  life  work. 

"Find  your  vocation,  then  work  hard,"  says  Mr.  Rapport,  and  you  will 
find  the  golden  key  that  unlocks  the  door  to  fortune. 

Mr.  Rapport  is  a  member  of  the  Owls  and  both  himself  and  wife  are 
most  liberal  in  their  gifts  to  charitable  causes. 


AARON  RAUZIN 

The  best  type  of  Jewish  home  has  always  represented  a  cultural  center 
where  the  children  have  opportunity  (if  obtaining  a  thorough  education  with 
little  assistance  from  outside  sources. 

In  Mich  a  home  Aaron  Rauzin  first  saw  the  light  of  day.  I  [e  was  born  in 
a  little  village  in  Grodno,  Russia,  November  41I1,  1S74.  the  son  of  Yechiel 
Mechel  ami  Amelia  Rauzin.  At  his  own  father's  lire-side  he  received  a  thor- 
ough Jewish  education,  which  has  probably  hern  largely  responsible  for  his 
signal  success  in  later  li  fe. 

In  1890  he  came  to  Augusta,  Ga.,  where  hi-  father  had  preceded  him  ami, 

in  accordance  with  his  father's  wishes,  he  worked  011  ;i  farm.  However,  he 
did  not  find  this  occupation  congenial  and  within  a  few  years  both  father  and 
son   wnil    lo   Savannah,   where   Aaron   became   a    member  of   the   police    force. 

Here  In-  continued  for  five  wars,  when  he  decided  to  start  his  business  career 

227 


;iinl  founded  a  new  industrial  insurance  company,  which  is  now  operating 
under  the  title  of  Mutual  Benefit  Insurance  Companj  of  Georgia.     This  organ- 

n  todaj  has  offices  in  ever)  prominent  city  of  the  state  and  Mr.  Rauzin 
i-  president. 

In  i < j 1 1 >  he  organized  the  Mercantile  Bank  &  Trust  Company,  of  which  he 
is  also  president.  This  bank  i-  devoted  large!)  to  the  interest  of  Jewish  clien- 
tele, ;i-  the  majority  of  its  investors  and  directors  are  of  this  nationality. 

Mr.  Rauzin  was  married  January  _^ i -t .  1904,  to  Miss  Anna  flelfant, 
daughter  of  a  prominent  Jewish  attorney,  and  they  have  four  fine  children, 
Albert,  Julius,  Miriam  and  Moses. 

Mrs.  Rauzin,  as  well  as  her  husband,  is  devoted  to  the  promotion  of  charit- 
able organizations  and  is  active  in  every  Jewish  movement  in  the  city.  Mr. 
Rauzin  is  director  of  the  Jewish  Educational  Alliance  and  the  Keliillah.  He 
is  also  an  enthusiastic  Zionist  and  organized  the  Zionists  of  Savannah. 

lie  i^  the  possessor  of  a  most  genial  but  modest  personalis  and  performs 
his  many  public-spirited  ami  charitable  acts  without  ostentation  or  de-ire  for 
public  recognition. 


MORRIS   RATNER 

Russia  has  given  m  America  some  of  her 
best  and  most  successful  business  men,  and  among 
them  we  wish  to  mention  the  name  of  Mr.  Morris 
Ratner. 

IK-  was  born  in  Minsker,  Guberne,  Russia,  in 
tin-  year  1870,  and  came  to  America  at  the  age  of 
26  lit-  found  lii--  waj  direct  tn  Fall  River,  Mass 
when-  he  lirst  began  peddling.  Ik-  tin-it  spent  one 
and  one-half  years  in  a  junk  -lun..  and  having 
mastered  all  the  details  of  the  business,  started  in 
fur  himself.  He  is  now  proprietor  of  a  large  con- 
cern ai  172  Broadway,  which  is  operated  under 
Ins  name. 

Mr.  Ratner  was  married  in  \Yw   York  in 
an  I  has  five  children,  three  boys  and  two  girls,  all 
going  tu  school. 

lie  is  a  liberal  contributor  in  all  charities  and 
is  a  member  of  I.  1  >.  I'..   \.  and    \l>as  fsrael. 


MARCUS  RAUH 

I  in  great  American  need  in  these  days  of  stress  and  -train  is  a  citizenship 
willing  i"  give,  willing  to  make  sacrifices  for  an  ideal.  Sometimes  that  ideal 
expresses  itself  in  the  form  of  patriotism,  sometimes  in  civic  betterment,  at 
other  times  it  may  he  the  promotion  of  intensive  religious  precepts.  In  this 
raphical  cyclopedia  it  is  intended  to  prove  that  the  lew-  in  America  has 
made  and  is  making  a  liberal  contribution  to  such  a  citizenship. 

Marcus  Rauh  was  horn  in  Dubuque,  Iowa.  April  14.  1859,  hi-  parents  being 

non  and   Rosalia    (Lippman).      His   father  died   in    iSSn.  and  hi-  mother 

lived  until  I'H.s.  when  she  died  at  the  age  of  82,  revered  by  Jew  and  Gentile, 

228 


representing,  as  she  did,  the  best  type  of  Jewish  mother,  typifying  kindliness, 
sympathy  and  whole-souled  charity. 

Marcus  Rauh  attended  the  public  schools  of  Cincinnati,  and  had  four 
months  of  high  school.  He  also  had  a  good  Jewish  education,  having  attended 
the  religious  school  conducted  under  the  auspices  of  the  renowned  Isaac  M. 
Wise.  At  the  age  of  14  he  started  to  work  in  Pittsburgh.  In  1882  he  entered 
business  with  his  brothers,  and  has  since  been  associated  with  them  as  Rauh 
Brothers  &  Company,  shirt  manufacturers  and  wholesale  distributors  of  men's 
furnishings.  On  October  7,  1896,  Mr.  Rauh  married  Rachel  Cohen,  a  native  of 
Freeport,  Pa.  Mrs.  Rauh  is  active  in  the  Jewish  communal  work  of  Pitts- 
burgh, particularly  in  that  of  the  Sisterhood  of  Rodef  Shalom  Congregation, 
and  since  the  war  is  vice-chairman  of  its  Red  Cross  activities.  They  have  two 
children,  Bertha  C.  and  Henrietta  C. 

In  tracing  the  career  of  Mr.  Rauh  in  religious  activity,  in  philanthropy, 
or  in  civics,  one  must  recall  the  beneficent  influence  of  his  uncle,  the  late  Abra- 
ham Lippman,  who  for  many  years  lived  at  the  home  of  Mr.  Rauh.  Abraham 
Lippman  was  for  21  years  the  president  of  the  Rodef  Shalom  Congregation, 
and  for  almost  as  many  years  president  of  the  Jewish  Charities  of  his  city. 

Mr.  Rauh  is  a  Reform  Jew  and  a  member  of  the  board  of  trustees  of  the 
Rodef  Shalom  Congregation:  he  holds  the  important  office  on  that  board  of 
chairman  of  the  Religious  School  Committee.  He  is  a  director  of  the  Hebrew 
Institute.  He  is  also  a  member  of  the  executive  board  of  the  Union  of  Amer- 
ican Hebrew  Congregations,  the  parent  body  of  the  Hebrew  Union  College, 
located  at  Cincinnati. 

The  major  part  of  Mr.  Rauh's  public  activity  is  in  the  field  of  civics.  In 
1909  the  Pittsburgh  Civic  Commission  of  Fifteen  was  created  by  the  then  out- 
going mayor,  Hon.  George  W.  Guthrie.  Air.  Rauh  was  appointed  one  of  the 
members  of  the  commission,  and  was  chairman  of  its  Committee  on  Municipal 
Research.  The  commission  sponsored  the  revision  of  the  city  charter  giving 
Pittsburgh  a  modified  commission  form  of  government.  For  many  vears  Mr. 
Rauh  has  been  a  director  of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce  of  Pittsburgh  and  is 
now  affiliated  with  it  as  second  vice-president.  During  the  last  few  vears  he 
has  become  active  in  the  Boy  Scout  movement,  and  holds  the  office  of  vice- 
president  of  the  association. 


ENOCH    RAUH 

One  of  Pittsburgh's  foremost  citizens,  who  holds  a  prominent  place  in  the 
Jewish  community,  is  Mr.  Enoch  Rauh.  lie  was  born  June  12.  1S57.  in 
Dubuque,  Iowa,  his  parents  being  Solomon  and  Rosalia  (Lippman).  When 
Enoch  Rauh  was  a  buy,  his  father  moved  to  Pittsburgh,  lie  went  in  the 
public  school  until  the  age  of  thirteen,  when  lie  was  obliged  to  go  in  work.  I  [e 
started  as  an  errand  buy  and  attended  the  night   school.      Thirty   vears  ago  he 

laid  the  foundation  of  the  business  which  is  now   universally  known  as  Rauh 
Bros.  &  Co.,  shirt  manufacturers  and  dealers  in  wholesale  men's  furnishings. 

In  this  linn   Mr.  Rauh  is  the  senior  member,  associated  with  bis  two  brothers. 
Marcus  Rauh  and  Abraham  1..  Rauh.      The  present  location  of  the  liiismcss  is 

at  051   Penn  avenue,  Pittsburgh.     Mr.  Rauh  is  also  a  large  stockholder  in  the 
I  Icnner  1  .aughlin  ( Ihina  I  ompany. 

For  the  last  35  years  Mr.  Rauh  has  been  a  member  of  die  Rodef  Shalom 
Congregation,  lie  i-  at  the  present  time  a  member  of  die  advisory  board  of 
1  be  Y.  M.  1 1.  A.     For  one  term  he  served  as  president  of  the  Concordia  Club, 


when  it  was  located  on  Stockton  avenue,  lie  was  also  on  the  executive  board 
of  the  J.  M.  Husky  <  Irphanage  and  Home. 

In  December,  1888,  Mr.  Rauh  married  Bertha  Floersheim,  to  whom  were 

born  two  children.  Helen  B.  and  Richard  S.  The  latter,  though  a  very  young 
man,  has  established  one  of  the  most  progressive  advertising  offices  in  the  city. 
There  is  in  the  Rauh  family  a  tradition  of  royalty  to  Judaism  and  an  appre- 
ciation of  Jewish  ideals  and  Jewish  learning. 

(  If  his  mother,  Mrs.  Rosalia  Rauh.  it  was  said  recently  in  connection  with  a 
historical  reference  to  the  Hebrew  Ladies"  Aid  Society  : 

"It  came  into  existence  at  the  beginning  of  the  Civil  War  and  performed 
the  functions  of  a  Red  Cross  Society.  It  constituted  the  contribution  of  the 
Jewish  women  in  the  aid  of  the  wounded  soldiers  and  other  sufferers  from  the 
war.  Many  of  Pittsburgh's  best  Jewish  women  performed  a  most  unique 
service  through  the  medium  of  this  society.  In  the  spring  of  1880,  the  Hebrew 
Ladies'  Aid  Society  consolidated  with  the  Hebrew  Benevolent  Society,  forming 
jointly  the  United  Hebrew  Relief  Association.  Airs.  Rosalia  Rauh  was  presi- 
dent of  the  Ladies'  Society,  and  she  became  the  first  vice-president  of  the 
newly  created  association.  In  this  capacity  'Grandma'  Rauh  served  until  she 
died  in  191 5.  Here  was  a  beneficient  influence  upon  the  community,  that  of 
'a  mother  in  Israel,'  beloved  by  thousands."  (Jewish  Charities.  Vol.  VIII. 
Xo.  2,  Pittsburgh  Edition. ) 

When  a  young  boy,  his  parents  wanted  Enoch  Rauh  to  become  a  rabbi, 
but  he  preferred  to  enter  the  career  of  a  business  man.  He  received  a  good 
Jewish  education  at  Cincinnati,  ( )hio,  wdiere  he  had  the  privilege  of  receiving 
Jewish  precepts  from  the  famous  Dr.  Isaac  M.  Wise.  In  turn  Mr.  Rauh  saw- 
to  it  that  his  children  received  a  thorough  Jewish  education.  In  his  public 
life  Air.  Rauh  has  before  him  at  all  times  the  thought  that  his  acts  when  they 
are  acceptable  and  worthy,  will  redound  not  alone  to  his  personal  credit,  but 
to  that  of  his  people.  He  is  a  Reformed  Jew,  but  at  the  same  time  appreciates 
the  scruples  of  his  Orthodox  brethren.  A  few  years  ago,  when  the  primary 
registration  day  set  for  September  18,  which  happened  to  be  the  first  day  of 
Rosh  Hashanah,  Air.  Rauh  used  his  influence  with  the  governor  at  Harrisburg 
to  have  this  registration  day  changed  to  the  following  day,  in  order  to  make  it 
possible  for  the  Orthodox  Jews  to  exercise  their  franchise  without  violating 
their  religious  feelings.  Air.  Rauh  is  a  Republican  in  national  politics,  hut 
strictly  non-partisan  in  local  politics. 

He  was  for  six  years  president  of  the  Pittsburgh  Association  of  Credit 
Alen,  and  for  four  years  one  of  the  vice-presidents  of  the  National  Association 
of  Credit  Alen.  In  191 1  he  was  appointed  a  member  of  the  Council  of  Nine 
in  the  city  of  Pittsburgh  by  Gov.  John  K.  Tener.  Since  then  he  has  been  re- 
elected three  times,  always  with  a  very  large  vote.  He  has  never  been  defeated 
for  anv  public  office  voted  upon  by  the  people.  In  the  capacitv  of  councilman, 
he  holds  the  office  of  chairman  of  the  Parks  and  Libraries  Committee  of  the 
city,  and  is  also  a  member  of  the  Finance  Committee,  of  the  Public  Works 
Committee,  of  the  Public  Service  and  Surveys  Committee,  of  the  Public  Safety 
Committee,  of  the  Committee  on  Health  and  Sanitation,  of  the  Committee  on 
Filtration  and  Water,  and  of  the  Committee  on  Charities  and  Corrections.  He 
is  a  trustee  of  the  Carnegie  Institute,  one  of  the  most  honorable  positions  in  the 
State  of  Pennsylvania.  He  is  also  a  trustee  of  the  Carnegie  Free  Library  and 
a  trustee  of  the  Carnegie  Music  Hall,  as  well  as  a  chairman  of  the  Committee 
on  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  Carnegie  Institute. 

Air.  Rauh  twice  refused  to  allow  his  name  to  be  used  as  candidate  for 
Mayor,  and  once  as  Lieutenant-Governor  of  Pennsylvania.  Owing  to  his  large 
business  connections,  he  felt  he  could  not  serve  the  people  with  the  devotion  and 
the  care  that  the  particular  offices  demanded. 

The  career  of  Airs.  Rauh  in  public  life  is  unique.  There  is  perhaps  no 
other  Jewish  woman  in  America  who  possesses  the  qualities  of  leadership  as 
does  this  woman.  She  is  forceful  and  eloquent,  an  erudite  and  powerful  writer 
and  a  dynamic  leader  in  social  and  civic  work.  Her  greatest  work  has  been  in 
the  office  of  president  of  the   Pittsburgh   Section  of  the   Council   of  Jewish 

230 


Women.  She  has  also  been  president  of  the  Pittsburgh  and  Allegheny  Milk 
:iik1  [ce  Association,  :i  member  of  the  Board  of  the  Associated  Charities,  ami 
connected  with  probably  two  dozen  other  philanthropic  organizations,  a  number 
of  these  of  state  and  national  scope. 


JOSEPH  RITTENBERG 

In  a  city  like  New  '  Irleans,  which  is  justly  famous  for  its  charitable  insti- 
tutions and  the  spirit  of  generosity  and  liberality  with  which  these  institutions 
arc  supported  and  conducted,  it  speaks  much  for  a  man  to  have  established  a 
record  of  philanthropy  that  is  highly  appreciated  and  greatly  admired  in  the 
Jewish  community  as  well  as  in  the  city  in  general.  Yet,  such  a  record  Mr. 
Joseph  Rittenberg  has  justly  earned  for  himself. 

Mr.  Rittenberg's  career  has  been  that  of  a  struggling  young  man  who  came 
tn  litis  country  from  a  foreign  land  and  finally  won  out  against  mam  difficul- 
ties and  great  obstacles.  He  was  hunt  in  Byelostok,  Russia,  on  October  Ji. 
[868,  the  son  of  Isaac  and  Miriam  Rittenberg.  At  the  age  of  seventeen  he 
landed  in  New  York  and  proceeded  to  Albany,  where  he  remained  for  three 
years.  Thereupon,  he  trieil  to  gain  fame  and  fortune  in  other  large  cities  until 
he  finally  came  to  New  t  Irleans,  where  he  clerked  in  a  store  at  first  and  then, 
in  1895,  established  a  business  of  his  own.  Since  that 
time  hi*  business,  which  consists  of  a  loan  office  and 
jewelry  store,  and  is  located  at  [66  t"  186  South  Ram- 
part street,  lias  grown  to  large  proportions  and  has 
become  a  real  landmark  in  the  city's  commerce. 

Mr.  Rittenberg  is  intimately  and  prominently 
connected  with  the  religious,  charitable  and  fraternal 
life  and  activities  of  the  New  <  Irleans  Jewish  commu- 
nity, lie  is  President  of  the  Beth  Israel  I  ongregation 
and  holds  membership  also  in  the  Touro  Synagogue. 
lie  i-  President  of  the  Jewish  communal  school,  a 
Director  of  the  Touro  Infirmary,  a  member  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  of  the  Seventh  District  of  B'nai  B'rith, 
and  a  liberal  contributor  to  the  various  philanthropic 
institutions,  both  Jewish  and  non-Jewish,  of  the  city. 

Me  i-  also  a  thirty-second  degree    Mason  and  take-  an 

active  interest  in  movement-  of  a  patriotic  characti 

Recently  Mr.  Rittenberg  has  acquired  a  beautiful  home  at  the  corner  of 

Rosa    I'ark  and   St.   (  harles  avenue  and   i-   now    happil)    domiciled   there   with 

hi*  g 1  wife,  who  heartily  cooperate-  with  him  in  his  various  interests  and 

activities.    Mrs.  Rittenberg's  maiden  name  was  Miss  Rebecca  Baron,  and  her 
former  home  was  in  San  rrancisco,  1  al 

Mr  and  Mr-.  Rittenberg  were  married  on  July  11.  I9OO,  and  are  the  par- 
ent- of  four  talented  children,  the  eldest  of  whom.  Leon,  is  at  present  a  -indent 
at  the  Tulane  University,  to  which  institution  of  learning  he  won  a  scholarship 
from  the  Warren  la-ton  Boys'  High  School.  The  other  three  children  are 
Philip  Dave,  Mildred  and  Ida  Rittenbci 


J.ii 


SIGMUND    RAVINSON 

About  fifteen  years  ago  there  landed  on  our  shores  a  man  who  was 
destined  to  occupy  a  conspicuous  place  in  the  business  life  of  Cleveland,  t  (hio. 
We  refer  to  Mr.  Sigmund  Ravinson,  sole  proprietor  of  a  gent^'  furnishings 
and  clothing  establishment  at  4.^15  Woodland  avenue. 

Mr.   Ravinson  upon  his   arrival   in   this   country   had   practically   nothing 

imbition  and  ability  as  assets.  He  worked  at  anything  that  came  to  hand 
and  about  ten  years  ago  started  in  busness  at  his  present  location  with  prac- 
tically no  capital.  In  fact,  the  only  backing  which  he  received  was  from  the 
clothing  manufacturers  of  Cleveland.  From  this  humble  beginning  he  has 
developed  the  business  into  the  present  large  establishment  which  places  him 
among  the  most  prominent  business  men  in  the  Jewish  neighborhood  of 
Cleveland. 

He  was  married  six  years  ago  and  both  himself  and  wife  are  identified 
with  a  number  of  prominent  organizations. 

He  is  ex-President  of  the  Merchants'  Welfare  Association  and  a  mem- 
ber of  all  Jewish  organizations,  both  charitable  and  fraternal,  taking  an  active 
Dart  in  all  of  them.  He  is  also  Director  of  the  Merchants  Savings  and  Bank- 
ing Company. 

The  achievements  of  Mr.  Ravinson.  although  covering  but  a  short  period 
of  time,  are  very  remarkable  and  would  be  considered  bv  most  men  suffi- 
cient reward  for  an  entire  lifetime  of  activity. 


DAVID    ROBINSON 

To  no  people  in  the  history  of  nations  has  there  been  meted  out  so  much 
persecution  as  the  Jews.  While  other  nations  have  only  enjoyed  a  great 
degree  of  prosperity  during  the  period  of  their  greatest  national  ascendancy, 
the  Jews,  without  a  country  for  many  centuries,  their  members  being  only  a 
few  millions  scattered  throughout  the  world,  have  yet  been  a  strong  determin- 
ing factor  and  have  exerted  a  transforming  influence  upon  human  life  beyond 
that  of  any  nation  that  has  ever  lived. 

An  individual  instance  of  those  sterling  traits  of  character  which  have  con- 
tributed to  the  greatness  of  the  Jews  as  a  people  is  exemplified  in  the  life  of 
Mr.  David  Robinson  of  Detroit.  Mich.,  who  was  born  in  Lechovitch  Mintsk. 
Guberne.  Russia,  in  1867  and  came  to  America  at  the  age  of  twenty-seven, 
leaving  his  family  in  Russia  until  such  time  as  he  should  become  established. 

During  his  first  nine  months  in  this  country  he  worked  for  ?i<i  per  month. 
and  from  this  meager  sum  managed  to  save  enough  to  buy  a  horse  and  wagon. 
Then  followed  his  first  venture  in  the  buying  and  selling  of  waste  iron  and 
copper.  This  he  continued  for  three  years,  accumulating  enough  to  send  for 
his  family,  who  joined  him  soon  after. 

He  then  decided  to  try  the  coal  business,  and  was  engaged  in  this  line 
for  three  years.  At  the  expiration  of  that  time  he  decided  that  his  best  oppor- 
tunities were  to  be  found  in  the  scrap  metal  and  waste  paper  business. 

His  judgment  proved  correct,  as  his  business  grew  very  rapidly,  and  for 
two  years  he  also  conducted  a  branch  in  England  which  was  in  charge  of  his 
brother  Charles. 

In  April.  10,12.  he  decided  to  try  his  fortunes  in  merchandising,  and  opened 
a  dry-goods  store  under  the  present  firm  name  of  Robinson  &  Cohen,  which 
has  been  exceedingly  prosperous  and  is  now  an  immense  wholesale  and  retail 
corporation  doing  a  very  large  business. 

The  wholesale  waste  paper  business  is  still  conducted  under  the  firm  name 
of  D.  Robinson  &  Sons. 

232 


Mr.  and  Mrs.  Robinson  have  eight  children,  seven  sons  and  one  daughter. 

Charles  is  in  the  firm,  D.  Robinson  &  Sons;  Louis,  Morris  and  Nathan  are 
all  connected  with  the  department  store.  The  balance  of  the  children  arc  in 
school. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Robinson  contribute  to  all  charitable  institutions.  Mr.  Rob- 
inson is  also  a  member  of  B'nai  B'rith  and  a  supporter  of  Beth  Jacobs  School. 


BEN    ROCKOWSKY 

Slighting  disagreeable  tasks  lias  handicapped  many  an  otherwis 
ful  career.    The  young  man  who  is  not  read]  t"  cut  his  whole  energies  to  any 
task  that  comes  to  hand  is  not  likel)   to  find  the  occupation  for  which  he  is 
by  nature  and  capacity  best  fitted. 

The  advice  of  Mr.  Rockowsky  of  Lima.  <  >hio,  is  significant  along  this 
line,  as  he  says,  "Work  hard,  irrespective  of  the  work  you  do.  until  you  find 
that  for  which  you  are  best  titU'd.  Don't  depend  upon  help,  but  make-  your 
every  act  earn  for  yon  a  reputation  for  honesty  and  integrity. 

Mr.  Rockowsky  was  horn  in  Warsaw.  Russia,  in  April.  [886,  and  at  a 
verj  earl)  age  was  obliged  to  leave  school  to  assist  hi-  father,  who  was  a  wood 
merchant  and  prominent  Jewish  scholar  of  his  native  town. 

\t  the  age  "i  twenty-six  he  decided  to  come  to  America,  ami  landing  in 
this  country  without  money,  he  worked  his  waj  t"  Galveston,  Texas,  where 
he  worked  as  a  laborer  for  several  months.  We  then  find  him  in  fiibig,  Minn.. 
Duluth,  Minn.,  and  Chicago,  111.     From  Chicago  he  went  to  Toledo,  <  (hio. 

Here  he  worked  as  conductor  on  a  street   car  and  after  eight   months,  having 

saved  a  little  money,  he  decided  to  c,"  int..  business  for  himself. 

Taking  his  small  capital  to  Lima,  i  ihio,  he  opened  a  junk  yard,  which  has 
grown  today  into  a  large,  modern  institution,  from  tin-  proceeds  of  which  he 
ha-  amassed  a  fortune. 

Mr.  Rockowsk}  i-  not  content  to  selfishly  enjoy  his  prosperity,  but  con- 
tributes most  liberall)  to  various  charities,  regardless  of  race  or  religion, 
although  I  I  few,  and  takes  everj  opportunity  to  promote  the  welfare 

of  hi-  race  ["here  is  no  movement  for  Jewish  betterment  to  which  Mr.  Roc- 
kowsky does  not  lend  his  hearty  co-operation  and  give  financial  assistance. 


THE    ROGGEN    BROTHERS 

A  large  number  of  the  successful  Jewish  business  men  migrated   from 
Europe  t"  our  country,  ami  it  i-  not  strange  that  the)  should  have  retained  to 

markable  degree  the  i  Irthodox  beliefs  and  customs  of  their  religion      It 
i-  our  plea-ure  to  here  narrate  the  lives  of  three  young  business  men  who 

;h  born  in   Vmerica,  have  held  to  .-■  strict  ob 
ism.    We  refer  to  three  brothers,  I  ouis    \  .  Harrj  and  Selig  R<  ns  of 

Nathan  and  the  lale    \nna   Roggcn 

ung  men.  whose  plai  ••  of  business 

k  <  it)  .  ha  I  ihet   hai  11 

tin-  need  of  :.  written  agreement  of  am  kind.    Their  : 
tluin  above  an  on  of  pen 


Mr.  Many  Roggen  was  burn  July  4,  1880.  He  was  married  to  Miss 
llaltie  Goldberg  at  the  Hotel  Majestic  in  1908  and  they  had  the  distinction 
of  having  the  first  wedding  where  Benschen  caps  were  distributed  to  the 
guests.  This  custom  lias  since  become  quite  general  at  1  trthodox  weddings  in 
our  large  hotels. 

Mr.  Selig  Roggen  was  born  June  m,  1882,  and  was  married  June  ifi,  1910, 
In  Miss  b'tta  Wierner  of  Montreal.  Canada. 

The  eldest  brother,  Mr.  Louis  A.  Roggen,  was  born  July  2,  1879.  and  was 
married  several  years  ago  to  Miss  Pauline  (  (shinsky. 

The  rapid  growth  of  Roggen  Brothers  &  Co.  is  a  practical  demonstration 
that  strict  observance  of  the  Jewish  Sabbath  is  in  no  way  a  handicap  to  busi- 
ness success,  and  it  is  certainly  a  pleasure  to  find  young  men  of  the  younger 
generation  carrying  out  with  such  fidelity  the  honorable  doctrines  and  creeds 
of  their  forefathers. 


SAMUEL    ROSEFSKY 

Our  prominent  men  have  not  all  been  of  American  birth.  Europe  has 
sent  us  many  young  men  who  have  become  among  the  best  of  American  citi- 
zens and  dwellers  upon  our  soil. 

One  of  these,  a  man  of  high  distinction  in  the  business  life  of  Altoona.  Pa., 
is  Samuel  Rosefsky,  wdio  was  born  in  Yilna,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  1885.  His 
father  was  a  merchant  and  also  a  man  of  wide  reading  and  a  deep  thinker. 

Deciding  that  America  was  the  land  of  opportunity,  the  family  removed 
to  America,  landing  August  26,  1900.  The  first  destination  was  Binghamton, 
N.  Y.,  where  he  assisted  his  father  until  ujoS.  However,  very  few  men  of 
marked  business  ability  have  ever  been  content  to  work  for  some  one  else. 
so  he  decided  to  go  into  business  for  himself,  and  chose  the  state  of  Indiana  as 
the  scene  of  his  endeavors.  Here  he  bought  and  sold  junk  for  two  years, 
accumulating  a  little  money  and  much  valuable  experience,  and  April  15,  1910, 
he  returned  East,  going  to  Altoona.  Pa.,  where  he  opened  an  iron  and  metal 
yard,  and  has  been  conducting  it  with  marked  success  since  that  time. 

He  was  married  October  27,  tgo8,  to  Miss  Mamie  Sinerofsky.  and  they 
have  two  fine  sons,  who  will  be  educated  and  fitted  to  carry  on  their  father's 
extensive  business  interests  in  years  to  come. 

He  is  a  member  of  the  Hebrew  Orthodox  Congregation,  Congregation  of 
Aquadas  Acham  ;  is  an  ardent  supporter  of  the  Immigration  Societv  of  New 
York  and  the  National  Orphans'  Home  of  New  York  ;  all  the  Yishivas,  as 
well  as  the  Denver  sanitarium,  also  have  reason  to  be  most  grateful  to  Mr. 
Rosefsky. 

Both  himself  and  wife  devote  much  time  as  well  as  money  to  the  promo- 
tion of  charity  in  their  city,  and  are  fine  examples  of  progressive,  useful  citi- 
zenship. 


234 


ABRAHAM    ROSEN 

Mr.  Abraham  Rosen  began  his  life  in  America  b)  offering  the  country 
of  his  adoption  the  greatest  service  which  any  man  can  render,  lie-  came  t" 
New  York  at  the  age  "i  nineteen,  and  his  iir>t  act  was  i"  enlist  in  the  United 
States  arm)  and  fight  for  •  Mil  Glorj  until  the  close  of  the  Spanish-American 
War. 

He  was  born  in  Minsker,  Guberae,  Russia,  in  August,  1875,  his  father, 
Yehel  Rosen,  being  an  accomplished  Jewish  scholar. 

Ili-  first  employment  in  America  alter  the  close  of  the  Spanish-American 
War  was  in  a  butter  and  egg  supply  house,  where  he  held  the  position  of 
candler. 

Being  conscientious  in  his  religious  beliefs,  he  objected  to  working  on 
Saturdays,  and  the  linn,  recognizing  in  him  an  expert  at  his  work,  arranged 
matters  so  Mr.  Rosen  'li'l  not  have  to  work  on  Saturday,  \fter  he  had  saved 
Ii is  first  hundred  dollars,  he  opened  a  butter  and  For  himself,  where 

In-  remained  six  months.  He  later  went  into  the  country,  and  started  buying 
rattle,  sheep  and  poultry,  which  he  continued  for  two  years,  and  saved  enough 
mone)  to  go  to  Cincinnati  and  start  a  furniture  store, 

Here  he  remained  for  about  five  years,  when  he  went  to  Newport,  Ky., 
and  opened  another  furniture  store.  In  the  nexl  two  years  he  lost  not  only  his 
own  capital,  but  also  mone]  which  he  had  borrowed,  and  the  misfortunes  of 
this  time  would  sunlv  have  overwhelmed  a  less  courageous  man. 

With  stout  heart  Mr.  Rosen  set  ahum  carving  another  career,  this  time 
buying  ami  selling  automobiles,  in  which  business  he  has  been  very  successful. 
He  has  discharged  all  indebtedness  relating  to  his  other  ventures,  including 
the  borrowed  money,  and  is  regarded  as  a  man  of  absolute  honor  and  integrity. 

Mr.  Rosen  was  married  to  Miss  Sura  Molsasky,  September  ;.  1893,  and 
they  have  a  family  of  seven  children,  inur  boys  anil  time  girls. 

Mr.  Rosen  is  a  member  of  Newport  Shule,  of  which  he  was  a  former 
Trustee,  Chesid  Shellames  and  the  1  tdd  Fellows,  lie  is  also  a  loyal  supporter 
1.1'  all  worthy  charities. 


THOMAS    ROSEN 

The  atmosphere  of  a  city  expresses  personality  as  distinctly  as  does  an 
individual.  We  go  into  a  community  ami  ate  welcomed  or  repelled  by  an  in- 
tangible something  which  emanate-  from  the  life  anil  activity  about  us.  In 
reality  this  is  hut  a  composite  expression  of  the  citizens  who  form  the  commu- 
nity, a  reflection  of  their  individual  characters. 

If  Mm  wen-  tn  go  tn  Jamestown,  V  Y..  ami  ask  to  he  introduced  to  her 
leading  citizens,  one  of  tin-  lir-t  gentlemen  you  would  meet  would  he  Mr. 
Thomas  Rosen,  a  man  of  affairs  whose  success  1-  c  direct  result  of  his  own 
individual  efforts. 

Mr   Rosen  was  hum  in  Politskwitipkcr,  Guberne,  Russia,  March  1. 
an. I  although  In-  i-  -till  a  very  young  man.  has  achieved  a  prominent  place  in 
tin-  community.    He  came  to  America  during  tin-  summer  of  1906,  anil  Ian. I 
ing  in  New  Ynrk.  worked  a-  a  plasterer  fur  three  months.     He  then  went  to 
Stanford,  where  he  engaged  in  the  junk  business  fur  two  years,  after  which  he 

nued  in  the  same  business  fur  three  \ear-  m  Jamestown     Deciding  I 
hi-  han. I  in  another  line.  In-  went  into  the  eattle  business,  which  held  In-  .:■ 
tion  fur  twu  r  which  he  decided  that  hi-  best  interests  could  be 

served  in  the  junk  busim 

lie  therefore  started  1  ^ar■l  in  partnership  with  Mr  Morris  Perell,  which 
partnership  ha-  continued  most  successful!)  up  to  the  present  tune 


Mr.  Rosen  was  married  in  Jamestown  in  September.  1917.  to  Mi<s  Sylvia 
Cohen,  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Yetta  Cohen,  and  both  young  people  are  ex- 
ceedingly popular  in  their  social  circle.  They  not  only  contribute  liberally  to 
all  charities,  but  are  regular  attendants  at  Jamestown  Congregation. 

Mr.  Rosen  is  prominently  connected  with  various  civic  interests  and  is 
also  a  prominent  member  of  the  Odd  Fellows. 

Many  a  man  at  the  age  of  threescore  years  and  ten  would  be  proud  to  look 
back  upon  a  life  representing  as  much  success  as  Mr.  Rosen  has  achieved 
within  the  few  brief  years  since  he  arrived  on  our  shores.  It  is  certainlv  a 
pleasure  to  include  this  history  of  his  early  years  in  the  present  biographical 
work. 


SAMUEL    ROSENBAUM 
Of  Waterbury,  Conn. 

America,  the  land  of  opportunity,  has  twice  opened  her  doors  to  Mr. 
Samuel  Rosenbaum  after  the  old  world  had  offered  nothing  but  failure  and 
disappointment. 

Mr.  Rosenbaum  was  born  in  Podolsky.  Gubeme,  Russia,  in  1865.  He 
came  to  America  in  1893.  leaving  his  family  in  Russia  until  such  time  as  he 
had  established  himself  in  this  country.  Going  to  Waterbury,  Conn.,  he  ped- 
dled rags  for  a  short  time  and  then  decided  to  seek  further  opportunity  in  the 
West.  After  seven  years"  hard  work  he  accumulated  a  considerable  sum  of 
money  and  went  back  to  Russia  with  the  idea  of  bringing  his  family  back  with 
him.  While  there  he  lost  his  entire  capital,  owing  to  the  failure  of  a  bank  in 
that  country,  so  he  had  to  return  to  America  and 
start  his  career  all  over  again  at  Waterbury.  Conn. 
After  a  few  vears  he  was  able  to  send  for  his  two 
sons,  and  with  their  assistance  opened  the  present 
business,  taking  them  into  partnership  with  him. 
Thev  have  been  exceedingly  successful  and  are  to- 
day not  only  doing  a  big  business,  but  have  real 
estate  interest  of  considerable  importance. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Rosenbaum  have  a  fine  family  of 
five  children,  four  boys  and  one  girl.  Dave  i-  now 
in  business  for  himself,  and  the  younger  brother. 
Louis,  works  for  him.  Isadore  and  Harry  are  jun- 
ior members  of  the  firm  of  S.  Rosenbaum.  estab- 
lished by  their  father.  The  daughter.  Ida.  is  mar- 
ried to  Mr.  Farker.  a  prominent  business  man  of 
Waterbury. 

Mr.  Rosenbaum  is  a  most  generous  contributor 
to  charities  and  is  also  prominent  in  B'rith  Israel  Congregation.  B'rith  Abra- 
ham and  the  Waterburv  Hebrew  Free  Loan  Association. 


Samuel     ItUKenhaum 


ZM> 


SAMUEL    ROSENBAUM 
Cambridge,  Mass. 

Few  American-born  men  have  any  conception  of  the  privation  and  suf- 
fering endured  bv  some  of  the  immigrants  who  have  landed  on  our  shores 
and  by  sheer  force  of  character  and  hard  work  have  fought  their  way  to  places 
of  prominence.  Such  is  the  life  history  of  Mr.  Samuel  Rosenbaum,  who  was 
born  in  Yolina,  Russia,  in  July,  1865,  and  who  came  to  America  in  1894.  He 
landed  in  Boston  with  but  ninety-three  cents  and  while  seeking  for  a  place  of 
employment  was  obliged  to  sleep  in  a  park  and  suffer  the  pangs  of  hunger.  He 
finally  got  a  job  as  an  apprentice  in  a  factory,  but  was  obliged  to  work  for  two 
weeks  for  nothing.  After  that  time  his' advancement  was  rapid,  and  by  the 
utmost  economy  he  was  able  to  save  enough  money  to  send  for  his  family,  who 
was  still  in  Russia,  and  to  establish  himself  in  a  small  junk  business.  After 
a  few  months  of  great  hardships  the  business  became  established  and  after 
twelve  years  of  prosperity  he  decided  to  go  to  Cambridge,  Mass.,  where  he  oper- 
ated a  wholesale  yard  in  connection  with  a  partner.  After  one  year  the  part- 
nership was  dissolved  and  he  then  became  associated  with  his  brother  Phillip, 
who  is  still  with  him  at  the  present  time. 

Mr.  Rosenbaum  was  married  in  Russia  in  1885  to  Miss  Dora  Fisher,  and 
they  have  three  daughters,  all  of  whom  have  married  prominent  business  men. 

The  Rosenbaum  brothers  are  liberal  contributors  to  all  charities  and  are 
members  of  Orthodox  Congregation  and  Independent  Order  B'rith  Abraham. 


WALTER   ROSENBAUM 

If  one  were  to  give,  in  just  one  word,  a  summary  of  the  character  of 
Mr.  Walter  Rosenbaum,  of  Pittsburgh,  Pa.,  it  would  be  that  of  a  "gentleman" 
in  the  right  application  of  the  term.  For  Walter  Rosenbaum  is  one  of  the 
noblemen  of  nature.  A  sympathetic  personality,  a  gifted  man  of  affairs,  a 
successful  business  man  and  more  than  a  philanthropist  by  nature,  he  is  one 
of  those  rare  personages  whose  presence  gives  a  thrill  to  every  fair-minded 
individual,  and  with  whom  even-  one  would  like  to  associate  and  make 
friends. 

Uorn  in  the  city  of  Pittsburgh,  at  the  corner  of  Franklin  and  Sedgwick 
streets.  Allegheny,  on  July  iS.  1875,  Mr.  Rosenbaum  is  the  son  of  Max  and 
Sidonie  Rosenbaum,  both  prominent  citizens  of  Pittsburgh.  The  father  died 
on  January  20,  1908.  The  mother  is  slill  living.  The  elder  Mr.  Rosenbaum 
was  the  founder  of  the  well-known  department  store  bearing  his  name  in  the 
city,  and  il  was  there  that  Walter  learned  the  business  from  the  bottom  up. 
Mrs.  Sidonie  Rosenbaum  was  highly  active  in  the  organization  of  |ewish  insti 
tutions,  and  she  still  retains  an  interest  in  many  Jewish  organizations.  She 
comes  from  an  important  Jewish  stock,  her  maiden  name  being  Rothchild. 

Walter  Rosenbaum  attended  elementary  and  grammar  school  in  bis  native 

•ity.  lie  graduated  with  the  highest  honors  from  Grant  public  school  in  [890 
;inil  then  entered  the  Pittsburgh  lli^h  School,  which  lie  left  in  [894,  gradual 
ing  with  honors  and  going  into  his  father'-  store.  Me  went  through  all  its 
branches,  becoming  an  experl  in  the  science  of  buying  and  selling,  and  training 
for  the  position  of  leadership  be  was  in  time  to  assume  in  the  mercantile  world. 
\s  a  result    Mr.    Rosenbaum  possesses  in  a   verj    remarkable  degree  a   complete 

knowledge  of  his  business, 

In  ilue  time',  and  after  his  father's  untimely  death,  Mr.  Walter  Rosenbaum 
became  tin-  general  superintendent  of  their  department  store,  located  at  Sixth 
street,  Liberty  and  Penn  avenues,  and  occupying  a  full  front  block,  lie  is  the 
Secretary-Treasurer  of  tin-  Rosenbaum  Company,  a  corporation  which  owns 

;!iis  store.      They  employ   sum,'   2,000  people   in  all   of   their  departments. 

237 


.^osenbaam.  as  can  well  *:>e  expected.  is  very  prominent  in  the  social 
\miuuik  -   urgh.     He  is  a  member  of  ibe  Concordia   I 

-      -  -  uenrial  Jews  of  ihe  city,  anc 

s  also  a  member  of  ihe  Rodeph  Sholerv  _     . 

-enbaum  is  a  Mason  of  mar        egi 
in  honorary  member  ige.  having  served  .r  therein 

member  of  the  B"nai  B'rith. 

Mr  Rasenbanm  was  married  to  Miss  E\-a  Ileymann 
^re  the  pc-  ren,  St  'ade- 

jeine  and  Ruth. 


ZPHRAIM    ROSENBERG 

">wn  anc  represent  members  of  the  Jewish  com- 

maiiitT  in  Xe~  Mr.  Ephraim  Rosenberg,  who  is  very  promi- 

nently connected  w  : 

s  parents,  E  rnjamin  Rosen- 
l«erg  and  Racr  rnai  -    -  5  father  had  come  Sooth 

more  than  half  a  century  ago  and  without  any  other  advantages  than  those  of 
intelligence  and  integrity,  he  became  a  pioneer  in  the  shoe  industry,  and  the 
Glided  later  became  one  of  the  largest  business  concerns  in  the  entire 
Sooth.    With  the  example  of  thrift  anc  . 

-:  '         -:'-j       -       -  ;      ti .  --.  .   :     -         :  -;         '"." 

aring  iron  public  schoc I  »  -       nteen 

and  wilt  rs  became  a  partner  in  the  concern,  whose  firm  name 

-Jsen  and  is  a  Rosenberg  &  Sons.    In  1910  Mr.  Rosenberg  retired 

from  that  firm  and  soar  years  ago  he  engaged  in  the 
-iness  and  became  cooet:  th  the 

Rosenberg-Rowan  Company,  whose  offices  are  ai  904 

.    -       -  r  -  -  -        .        ■    ■     -     -    - 

- 

Land  and  Oil  Developing  Companv  and  of  the  River 
and  Rail  Terminal  Company. 

~r.t      -  -     -.--         .:       :    --:       :  -   :';.:"- rr 

not  the  only  one.  however,  that  Mr.  Rosenberg 
inclined  and   dispo-  How.     The  various    in- 

-  :   "    -. -  "      .       -     : ■    ._ 

and  philanthropic  way  strongly  appealed  to  Mr.  Eph- 
raim Rosenberg,  and  in  these,  too.  he  has  been  a 
true  follower  :  .— iple  that  be  had  before  him 

e  irhr  age.    Tfcns  the  religions  interests  which 
had  led  hi-  -        donate  a  synagogue  building  to 

~evra  Tbifim  Congregation  conM  not  fail  to  im- 
bne  rim  with  tie  religious  spirit,  and  be  has  taken  an  active  part  in  the  religious 
e  Tooro  Synagogue,  with  which  be  is  connected.     Insrinrfions  of  a 
charitable  character  appeal  to  him  with  equal  force,  and  be  has  been  affiliated 
Torro  Infirmary,  the  Jewish  Orphans'  Home,  the  Young  Men";  He- 
brew Association,  the  B"nai  B  nth  and  the  order     i 

On  January  5,  1897,  Mr.  Rosenberg  was  married  to  Miss  Jessie  HiUborn 
-       :      -  " .         -  -      -  -       .  -     .  -  .  - 

charitable  inclinations  and  philanthropic  interests,  but  has  herself  taken  an 
art  in  the  affairs  of  the  different  charitable  institutions  of  the  c  : 

'.    '-  =-t:     :"'=  :-  -  .    ■    .  -  .      :    '         ;■-;"-  = 

cheer  and  snnsfaine  of  a  chud.  Luhe. 

- 


ABRAHAM    ROSENBERG 

The  prosperity  and  usefulness  of  any  city  or  community  is  largely  depend- 
ent upon  those  public-spirited  citizens  who  take  time  from  tlu-ir  own  affairs 
in  which  t<>  promote  and  develop  institutions  for  the  pul 

a  man  i-  Mr.  Abraham  Rosenberg,  who.  although  not  an  American 
by  birth,  is  a  thorough  citizen  by  adoption  and  whose  life  conforms  in  every 
way  to  our  highest  ideals  of  Americanism. 

Mr.  Rosenberg  was  born  in  Russia  in  1876,  the  son  of  Israel  and  Sarah 
Rosenberg.  His  father  was  engaged  in  the  tobacco  business  and  was  a  scholar 
of  repute  in  tlu-ir  community.     He  came  to  America  nineteen  years  ago.  and 

•  le  interested  in  the  shoe  business,  which  field  he  has  developed  into  the 
present  lar^e  establishment  at  J404  Woodland  avenue.  Cleveland.  <  >hio. 

Mr.  Rosenberg  has  been  in  Cleveland  for  seven  years,  ami  during  that 
brief  period  has  not  only  won  a  reputation  as  being  one  of  the  most  able  and 
reputable  business  men  of  the  city,  but  has  identified  himself  with  every  worthy 
charitable  and  civic  enterprise,  especially  those  devoted  to  the  betterment  of 
the  people  of  his  own  race,  although  he  is  very  broad-minded  and  is  not  par- 
ticularly  influenced  by  creed  or  religion. 

He  is  a  liberal  contributor  to  all  charities,  a  member  of  Kn;  seph, 

Independent  < '.radner.  of  which  be  is  a  member  of  the   Executive  Committee. 
He  is  al-o  on  the  Executive  Commi  \liskir  Babariskir  ai  lent 

of  the  Paltyr  Society.     He  is  also  an  active  member  of  the  Sick  Benefit  A- 
ation. 

Mr.  Rosenberg  was  married  in  August,  1895,  in  Russia  to  Miss  Marion 
Zahan,  the  daughter  of   Mr.  and   Mrs.   David  Zahan,  who  were  prominent   in 
business  ami  educational  circles   in   their  native  town.     They   have  one 
teen  \ears  of  age,  who  is  in  business  with  hi-  father. 

Mrs.  Rosenberg  co-operates  with  her  husband  in  matl  harity  and 

thev  are  both  prominent  contributors  to  Jewish  Hospital. 

Mr.  Rosenberg  regards  integrity  and  1:  the  two  prime  requisites 

for  a  successful  business  career. 


HARRY    ROSENBERG 

The  traditions  and  spirit  of  the  Jews  have  ever  been  philanthropic  to  the 

gree. 
Thev  are  the  people  who  have  followed  mosl  Id  Biblical 

regarding  the  relief  of  tin-  poor  and  the  welfare 

Hebrew  term  for  charm  is  Zedokoh,  righteousness,  which  implies  an  obi 
don,  and  in  this  spirit  the  Rabbis  of  tlu  Talmud  maintained  that  payments 
moral    for  charitable  pui  much  an  obligation 

lebts 
This  1-  not  only  worth]  d  trait,  but  we  feel  should  bo 

ial  mention  in  connection  with  the  life  histories  of  Ham  1 
and  Isaac  Rudolph,  who  rtner-  in  busin 

of  their  wealth  in  the  aid  of  the  unfon 

these  men  i-  the  old,  old  from 

urit>  to  position-  of  prominence  ami  influcn 
Ha;  orn  m  Kieve,  1  lubcn 

and  •  le  tir-t   V 

nothing  to  hi-  likin..  'it   in 

a  factor]  and  later  went  into  the  butcher  bu  :t  in 

Oil.  incr  in  the  iron  and 

where  t' 


He  was  married  in  New  York  City,  June  t,  1901,  to  Miss  Anna  Mabel, 
and  they  have  throe  children,  one  boy  and  two  girls. 

Both  Mr.  Rosenberg  and  his  wife  are  very  prominent  in  all  charitable 
activities,  giving  liberally  to  Denver  and  Los  Angeles  hospitals,  the  Erie  Or- 
phans'  Home,  National  Orphans'  Home  of  Xe\v  York  City,  the  Farm  School 
of  Philadelphia,  Immigration  Society  of  New  York  and  all  of  the  Yishivas  in 
this  country  and  Europe. 

Mr.  Rosenberg  is  a  member  of  both  congregations  in  Reading  and  the 
Independent  Order  B'rith  Abraham. 


HYMAN    ROSENBERG 

The  lives  of  our  country's  successful,  self-made  men  have  proved  that  it 
is  not  so  much  a  question  of  what  you  know  as  how  you  apply  it,  less  a  matter 
of  training  and  more  of  firmness  of  character  with  which  you  can  bend  adverse 
circumstances  to  your  will. 

To  Mr.  Hyman  Rosenberg  was  given  more  educational  advantages  than 
the  average  immigrant  seeking  a  footing  in  the  new  world,  but  even  be  would 
have  been  doomed  a  failure  had  he  not  been  willing  to  work  at  the  most  humble 
labor  and  save  his  money. 

Hyman  Rosenberg  was  born  in  Suwalk,  Guberne,  Russia,  January  15,  1872, 
the  son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Samuel  Rosenberg,  his  father  an  agriculturist  and  a 
well-read,  scholarly  man. 

At  the  age  of  sixteen  young  Hyman  came  to  America,  landing  at  New 
York  and  going  to  live  with  a  sister  who  resided  in  that  city. 

He  attended  the  public  schools  for  two  years  after  coming  to  America, 
then  went  to  Cleveland,  Ohio,  where  he  secured  employment  in  a  butcher  shop 
at  $6  a  week  and  board. 

Having  in  mind  the  establishment  of  a  business  of  his  own,  he  saved  his 
money  and  in  four  years  was  ready  to  open  his  own  shop.  He  continued  this 
for  three  years  and  was  very  successful,  but  decided  there  was  more  opportu- 
nity in  the  iron  and  metal  business,  so  he  sold  the  business  and  went  to  Cam- 
bridge, Ohio,  where  he  opened  a  scrap  business.  His  business  has  increased 
at  a  stupendous  rate,  the  plant  being  located  at  310  Dewey  avenue. 

Mr.  Rosenberg  was  married  June  5,  1897,  to  Miss  Goldie  Wine  of  Cleve- 
land. Ohio. 

They  have  five  children,  all  of  whom  are  in  school.  Only  one  is  yet  old 
enough  to  attend  college,  the  son,  Nathan,  being  a  student  at  Ohio  State 
University. 

Liberality  to  those  less  fortunate  than  themselves  is  a  characteristic  trait 
of  the  Jewish  nation.  Indeed,  it  is  a  part  of  the  teaching  of  the  Talmud.  Were 
it  not  so,  that  eternal  justice  which  balances  the  actions  of  men  would  not 
have  allowed  them  guardianship  of  so  much  of  this  world's  goods. 

Mr.  Rosenberg  is  no  exception  to  this  rule.  He  contributes  generously  to 
all  charities,  including  Denver  and  Los  Angeles  sanitariums. 

He  is  also  a  member  of  the  Congregation  Beth  El. 


240 


SAMUEL    ROSENBERG 


The  K-ws  are  the  pioneers  of  industry.  One  of  our  great  writers  has 
said  that  commerce  and  the  diffusing  of  civilization  are  very  closely  allied. 
This  is  proven  In  the  march  of  progress  which  has  over  followed  the  torch  ol 
commercial  activity.  Ii  has  opened  the  doors  for  the  arts  and  sciences;  il  has 
been  the  greal  patron  of  education;  ii  has  been  the  chief  incentive  for  the  dis- 
covery of  new  lands,  and  in  all  this  the  Jew  lias  played  a  leading  part. 

Some  such  spirit  of  adventure  must  have  guided  the  footsteps  of  Samuel 
Rosenberg  when  he  came  t"  seek  his  fortune  in  :i  new  land.  He  was  born  in 
Kishiniff,  Guberne,  City  of  Beltz,  Russia,  April  2,  [857,  his  father  being  Mr. 
Jacob  Loeb  Rosenberg  of  that  city,  and  like  many  of  the  older  generation  of 
"|r  ws,  a  great  scholar  as  well  a  successful  merchant. 

Mr.  Rosenberg  came  to  America  February  26,  1890,  landing  in  New  York 
I  ity,  and  after  a  week  or  so  of  unprofitable  effort,  was  induced  to  give  $5  of 
his  meager  capital  and  two  weeks  of  his  time  to 
learn  to  be  an  operator  in  a  factory,  but  after  spend- 
ing his  time  and  money,  thej  refused  to  give  him 
1  mployment.  The  next  few  months  were  filled  with 
discouragements,  as  several  small  business  ven- 
tures were  unsuccessful,  and  his  family,  whom  he 
left  in  Russia,  were  dependent  upon  him  for  sup- 
port. So  he  came  to  Buffalo  and  started  peddling 
junk,  which  he  continued  for  a  number  of  years 
with  great  success,  and  in  [900,  joining  forces  with 
his  present  partner,  they  opened  the  present  busi- 
ness, in  which  they  have  been  very  successful. 

Ten  years  prior  to  his  coming  to  America,  Mr. 
Rosenberg  was  married  to  Miss  Rebecca  I  ebel, 
daughter  of  Solomon  and  Rachel  Lebel,  and  Mrs. 

nberg's  coming  to  America  brought  to  us  an- 
other example  of  ideal  motherhood  and  womanly 
usefulness  which  are  the  most  valuable  assets  of  a 
community. 

The  Rosenbergs  have  six  children,  four  boys  and  two  girls,  all  ol  whom 
are  highly  educated  and  fitted  to  till  positions  of  prominence  and  usefulness. 

The  eldest  daughter,  Anna,  is  in  the   Active   Motor  Corps  and   is  subject  to  he 

called  to  France  within  a  short  time.    The  youngest  daughter,  Rose,  has  a  gov 
eminent  position.    The  youngest  son.  Max,  is  a  buyer  for  a  large  woolen  mill. 

Despite  Mrs.  Rosenberg's  man)  duties  in  the  care  of  her  family,  she  finds 
time  for  many  charitable  activities. 

Mr.  Rosenberg  is  ex- 1  'resident  and  Treasurer,  founder  and  builder  of  Con- 
gregation B'rith  Israel,  member  of  Beth  El,  B'nai  B'rith,  East  Buffalo  Social 
Club,  founder  of  the  Talmud  Torah  and  Director  of  same  at  the  present  time. 

Both  himself  and  wife  are  patrons  of  the    Immigration   Society  of    New    York, 

all  fewish  charities,  all  the  Yishivas  in  Europe  and  America,  and  Philadelphia 

farm  and   Denver  and   Los    \ngeles  hospitals. 


Ml 


SAUL    N.    ROSENBERG 

A  Fter  we  read  the  life  history  of  Saul  N.  Rosenberg,  at  present  a  successful 
clothing  merchant,  we  wonder  how  he  has  crowded  so  much  in  it,  for  he  is 
but  thirty-three  years  of  age.  He  was  born  in  Bealow,  Russia,  in  1884,  the 
son  of  Chain  and  (  >dis  Rosenberg.  His  father  was  a  scholar  and  government 
contractor.  At  the  age  of  fourteen  he  secured  work  as  an  apprentice  in  a 
tailor  shop  and  received  no  salary  for  the  first  six  months.  He  then  received 
$5  a  month  and  board.  Shortly  after  his  marriage  he  and  his  wife  were  ar- 
rested for  their  political  activities  and  sent  to  prison.  He  served  six  months 
in  the  prison  at  Bialaw,  then  in  the  Warsaw  prison  for  six  months,  then  in  Sed- 
litz  prison  for  two  months.  He  was  then  sent  to  Siberia  for  four  years,  but 
owing  to  the  Japanese  War  he  was  sent  to  Colla  Archanguski  Guberria.  instead 
of  Vladivostok.  Because  of  the  birth  of  the  Czar's  son  he  was  released  with  all 
other  prisoners  under  twenty-one. 

Being  just  twenty-one  years  of  age,  he  was  called  to  do  military  service 
for  Russia,  but  by  this  time  he  had  had  enough  of  Russian  treatment  and  went 
to  Paris.  After  three  months  he  went  to  London  and  then  in  three  months 
he  came  to  Cleveland. 

In  Cleveland  he  became  a  successful  cloak  operator,  receiving  as  high  as 
$150  a  week  at  times.  After  working  at  this  trade  for  eight  years,  a  strike 
was  called  by  the  garment  union.  He  then  started  in  business  for  himself  at 
5417  Woodland  avenue  with  $1,200  he  had  saved  from  his  salary.  He  handles 
clothing  and  furnishings  and  has  succeeded  in  establishing  a  successful  store. 

He  was  married  on  March  10,  1903,  to  Miss  Dora  Goldfarb  in  Misuih,  Rus- 
sia. They  have  three  children,  two  boys  and  one  daughter.  One  son  is  at 
present  in  Europe,  being  brought  up  by  his  grandmother. 

Mr.  Rosenberg  is  an  active  member  of  the  B'nai  B'rith,  the  Hebrew  Social 
Aid,  Slutsker  Young  Men's  Society,  Workingman's  Council.  He  is  Chairman 
of  the  Inspection  Committee  of  the  Business  Men's  Welfare  Association. 

He  believes  that  success  will  come  to  those  who  are  honest  and  upright, 
and  is  always  ready  to  help  those  in  need  of  assistance. 


LOUIS   ROSENBLATT 

Rosenblatt  Brothers,  manufacturers  of  wire  frames  and  ladies'  hats  at  No. 
65  Suffolk  street.  New  York  City,  is  a  firm  whose  business  exceeds  half  a 
million  dollars  per  annum.  The  writer  interviewed  Mr.  Louis  Rosenblatt,  of 
the  firm,  who  is  described  by  his  friends  as  "a  good  boy."  meaning  a  man  with 
a  large  heart  and  always  ready  to  do  a  favor  for  a  friend,  and  this  he  really  is. 

Mr.  Louis  Rosenblatt  was  born  in  Barlot,  Roumania,  on  January  31,  1886. 
He  is  named  after  his  father,  who  died  at  the  age  of  thirty-six,  a  few  months 
prior  to  the  birth  of  Louis.  His  death  was  the  result  of  heart  trouble,  brought 
on  by  financial  reverses,  and  the  widow  was  left  with  six  children.  She  never 
married  again,  devoting  her  life  to  rearing  her  children.  Now  she  is  happy 
in  her  old  age,  and  her  children  contribute  liberally  to  her  support,  vieing  with 
each  other  to  gratify  her  every  wish. 

Louis  Rosenblatt  came  to  Anierica  in  i8()2  with  a  capital  of  95  cents. 
Being  very  energetic,  he  refused  to  accept  aid  from  his  brothers,  and  started 
out  to  work  the  day  after  he  landed.  One  year  later,  with  a  capital  of  $100, 
he  started  manufacturing  wire  frames,  and  eventually  developed  the  present 
firm,  which  now  occupies  five  floors  of  space.  January  6,  1906,  Mr.  Rosen- 
blatt married  Miss  Anna  Gruber,  and  they  have  five  daughters, 

242 


ARTHUR    ROSENBLATT 

Tin-  finest  heritage  an)  young  man  can  receive  is  a  noble,  cultured  par- 
entage. It  i-  inure  in  be  desired  and  is  in  it-elf  a  liberal  education,  as  tho 
early  influences  of  home  environment  often  shape  the  entire  career. 

Happy  indeed  is  the  man  who,  in  the  year-  of  maturity,  in  the  light  of 
a  broad  experience,  can  look  back  upon  his  father's  life  and  precepts  and  - 
"I  owe  mj  success  to  the  fact  that  I  followed  in  my  father'-  footsteps." 

Such  were  the  words  of  Mr.  Arthur  Rosenblatt,  wealthy  iron  and  metal 
broker  of  Tiffin,  <  > 

Mr.  Rosenblatt  was  horn  in  Cleveland,  <  Ihio,  February  15.  1878,  the  son 
of  Mr.  Max  Rosenblatt,  successful  merchant,  exemplary  citizen  and  accom- 
plished scholar. 

lie  went  t'>  school  until  eighteen  year-  of  age,  when  he  orking 

for  his  father.  Three  years  later  he  was  married  to  Miss  Gertrude  Harnett, 
a  prominent  young  woman  of  Cleveland,  the  biography  of  whose  brother,  Mr. 
Sam  Barnett,  also  appears  in  this  volume. 

fusl  after  hi-  marriage,  Mr.  Rosenblatt  decided  to  go  into  business  fot 
himself,  and  started  the  present  iron  and  metal  brokerage  business,  which  has 
had  a  phenomenal  L;r>>\\  th.  being  built  upon  the  foundation  of  sound  business 
principles  and  honest  dealings  which  ever  characterized  the  career  of  the  elder 
Mr.  Rosenblatt. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Rosenblatt  have  !i\c  children,  four  boys  and  one  l^ i rl .  all 
going  il.     Two  of  them  are  ahead}    Started  upon  a  musical  education. 

Harold  Studying  violin  and  Herman  the  piano. 

The  true  test  of  a  wealthy  man  is  the  account  he  make-  of  his  stewardship. 

The  old  Judaic  law  which  regards  giving  to  charity  as  a  sacred  obligation 

refully  observed  b)  both  Mr.  and  Mr-.  Rosenblatt,  who  are  continually 
making  contributions  to  charities  of  all  kinds. 

They   not  onlj   assist  all  local  charities,  but  contribute  to  main   of  national 

e,  two  of  which  are  the  Denver  and  Los  Vngeles  hospitals.  The  <  >ld  Age 
and  Orphans'  Home  also  have  reason  to  be  grateful  for  their  beneficence. 

Mr.  Rosenblatt  also  finds  time  to  affiliate  himself  with  several  prominent 
fraternal  organizations,  including  the  Elks  and  the  Knights  of  Pythias. 

11<-  i-  a  representative  type  of  that  staunch  American  citizenship  upon 

which  the  future  welfare  of  our  nation  largely   depend-. 


SOL    ROSENBLOOM 

1  tnc  of  Pittsburgh's  Jewish  citizens  who  ha-  made  a  remarkable  business 
Mr    >ol  Rosenbloom.     Although  hi-  youth  was  -pent  in  the  stud) 
of  Rabbinical  lore  to  prepare  him  for  the  ministry,  for  which  hi-  type  of  mind 
seems  to  have  been  prc-eminentl)  fitted,  In-  deep!)  philosophic  outlook  on 

ha-   not   been  a  hindrance  in   hi-   business,   hut    -eein-   i.ilh,  •  1   the 

cornerstone  of  hi 

He  .ill. mil-,    applied  this  attitude  of  mind  when  at   th, 

from  Russia  to  these  hospit  rmined  then  to  make  ol 

life  in  tin-  land  of  opportunities  and  to  lake  up  the  struggli 

■nan 

•  things  whn  h  youth 

today    will    not    go    with.  high    id(  "lire,    not 


KoKt-iihloom 


only  financially  but  also  spiritually,  with  the  hope  of  what  he  wanted  his  life 
to  .stand  for,  he  succeeded  in  laying  the  founda- 
tion inr  a  business  which  grew  rapidly  after  sev- 
eral years  of  hard,  uphill  work. 

His  early  struggles  have  been  amply  repaid, 
as  his  business  has  grown  to  the  dimensions  of 
one  of  the  largest  mail-order  enterprises  in  his 
line,  and  his  name  in  the  business  world  stand-, 
high  for  fairness  and  integrity. 

I  hit  all  through  his  phenomenal  successes  in 
finance,  his  early  training  in  the  laws  of  Judaism 
and  its  philosophies  has  not  failed  to  color  his 
thinking  processes  and  he  has  kept  before  him 
his  Jewish  ideals  and  next  to  his  business.  Jew- 
ish interests  and  Jewish  movements  have  claimed 
his  attention. 

Especially  have  Jewish  educational  move- 
ments had  his  interest,  as  Mr.  Rosenbloom  con- 
siders it  of  the  utmost  importance  for  the  future 
of  Judaism  to  maintain  Jewish  educational 
centers. 

He  feels  strongly  on  this  subject  and  is  devoting  all  his  energies  toward 
helping  the  Jews  fulfill  their  sacred  duty  to  establish  a  cultural  center  in  their 
homeland,  built  up  around  and  on  their  traditions,  and  so  maintain  for  all 
time  a  source  of  spiritual  energy  and  religious  inspiration  for  all  the  Jews  all 
over  the  world. 

It  is  through  men  of  his  type,  many  o*  them  who  have  come  from  the 
Russian  Jewish  communities,  where  they  imbibed  real  Jewish  idealism  through 
and  through,  understanding  the  philosophies  of  Judaism,  that  American  Juda- 
ism owes  in  a  measure  its  spiritual  rebirth. 

For  without  this  leaven  of  real  Jewishness  in  its  unbroken  tradition  coming 
from  the  Russian  Jewish  centers,  American  Judaism  was  in  danger  of  becom- 
ing sterile. 

Mr.  Rosenbloom  has  a  mind  capable  of  great  initiative  and  vision  and  we 
know  of  no  other  man,  outside  of  the  circle  of  professional  teachers  in  Juda- 
ism, who  takes  the  problems  of  their  people  so  seriously  as  does  Mr.  Rosen- 
bloom. 

In  March,  1S96,  Mr.  Rosenbloom  married  Miss  Cecilia  Xewmark,  daugh- 
ter of  the  late  Dr.  Abraham  S.  Xewmark.  Rabbi  of  Orach  Chayim  Congrega- 
tion of  New  York,  who  was  a  man  of  scholarly  erudition,  a  philosopher,  a  deep 
thinker  and  student,  a  man  of  an  unusual  personality  and  spiritual  power,  a 
real  Jew.    He  was  a  descendant  of  Rashi. 

The  Rosenblooms  have  three  children,  Charles,  Estelle  and  Arthur.  Mrs. 
Rosenbloom  is  active  socially  ;  she  is  the  President  of  the  Palestine  Welfare 
Society  since  it  was  founded  ;  also  has  organized  the  L.  A.  of  the  Hebrew  In- 
stitute and  is  its  President.  Mr.  Rosenbloom  is  President  of  the  Hebrew  Insti- 
tute and  is  deeply  interested  in  this  institution.  He  is  on  the  Board  of  Di- 
rectors of  many  worthy  institutions  and  supports  all  philanthropies  liberally 


24  -I 


MAX    ROSENBLUM 

Max  Rosenblum,  one  of  the  most  progressive  and  cleanest  cut  young  busi- 
ness men  in  Cleveland,  Ohio,  is  a  type  of  the  thoroughly  Americanized  young 
Hebrew,  combining  in  his  personality  the  finest  qualities  of  his  race  and  the 
liberality  which  comes  of  daily  contact  with  people  of  many  classes  and  per- 
suasions. True  to  racial  instincts  and  upbringing,  he  lends  the  most  cordial 
support  to  every  worth)-  Jewish  movement,  but  he  does  not  stop  there.  He  is 
a  live  and  aggressive  worker  in  civic  reforms  in  Cleveland,  a  member  of  its 
Chamber  of  Commerce  and  former  member  and  Chairman  of  the  Board  of 
Religious  School.  The  story  of  Max  Rosenblum  is  the  story  of  thousands  of 
other  young  Americans  of  grit  and  tenacity,  a  steady  upward  climb,  made  up 
of  the  experiences  which  everywhere  breed  success.  He  was  born  in  Limes, 
Austria-Hungary,  December  5,  1877,  and  arrived  in  America  in  March,  1884. 
His  father  was  Adolph  Rosenblum,  a  Jewish  teacher  and  owner  of  a  grain 
mill. 

Transplanted  to  an  alien  soil  at  the  age  of  seven.  Max  grew  up  under  the 
free  ruling  of  America  that  gives  equal  chances  to  all.  He  sold  papers  on  the 
streets.  He  took  a  course  in  bookkeeping  and  commercial  training  and  at  the 
age  of  18  he  became  errand  boy,  at  $4  a  week,  in  a  credit  clothing  store.  At 
the  end  of  five  years  he  had  more  salary  and  more  experience  and  made  two 
big  changes  in  his  life.  Miss  Sarah  Weiss  had  become  indispensable  to  his 
happiness  and  he  forthwith  married  her  and  got  a  better  job,  that  of  manager 
for  Xewman  Bros.,  another  credit  clothing  firm.  This  was  in  10,00.  Max 
remained  here  five  years,  then  made  another  change  and  another  step  upward. 
He  got  a  working  interest  and  $40  a  week  as  manager  for  the  Enterprise  Cloth- 
ing Co.  Five  years  later  he  knew  all  that  was  necessary  to  run  a  business  of 
his  own  and  he  betook  himself  and  his  talents  to  one  floor  of  a  small  place  at 
J014  Ontario  street,  where  he  is  now  the  prosperous  occupant  of  the  whole 
building,  and  as  an  individual  credit  clothier  is  the  largest  in  the  country. 

Here  is  an  example  of  the  Jewish  personality  at  its  best,  which  works  out 
its  salvation  in  the  face  of  obstacles,  becomes  refined  and  humanized  by  the 
process  and  made  fit  for  the  highest  citizenship. 

Mr.  Rosenblum  is  a  liberal  giver  as  well  as  a  good  money  maker.  He  gave 
$1,000  to  the  building  of  Mount  Sinai  Hospital,  $600  to  the  Jewish  war  suf- 
ferers, and  he  contributes  $300  a  year  to  the  Jewish  Federation  of  Charities. 
He  is  on  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  Mount  Sinai  Hospital,  is  President  of  the 
Jewish  Infants  Orphans'  Home,  a  member  of  the  board  of  the  Hebrew  Free 
Loan,  belongs  to  the  Congregation  Bnei  Ishurim,  to  Euclid  Avenue  Temple, 
B'nai  B'rith,  Knights  of  Pythias.  Hungarian  Benevolent  Social  Union  and  In- 
dependent Aid  Society. 

The  family  life  of  Mr.  Rosenblum  is  an  exceptionally  charming  one.  His 
children,  one  boy  and  two  girls,  are  all  musically  talented.  Thelma,  the  elder, 
a  girl  of  [5,  is  in  high  school,  where  she  is  specializing  in  domestic  science. 
She  and  her  sister  Pearl,  12,  both  play  the  piano,  and  Harvey,  the  10-vear-old 
son,  is  studying  the  violin.  Mrs.  Rosenblum.  who  is  directing  the  talents  of 
her  bright  little  brood,  is  the  daughter  of  Samuel  and  Ida  Weiss,  and  well  fitted 
to  Ik-  the  companion  of  this  rising  young  man  of  business. 


245 


JACOB    ROTH 

If  the  business  philosophy  of  Jacob  Roth,  which  has  given  him  a  large 
measure  of  success  in  the  banking,  commercial  and  industrial  life  of  western 
Pennsylvania,  could  be  briefly  summed  up,  it  probably  would  be  something  like 
this  : 

L'se  your  brains:  work  hard;  concentrate:  play  the  game  Fair;  give  your 
neighbor  credit  for  as  much  honesty  as  yourself:  think  of  big  things  in  a  big 
way  :  do  not  allow  pettiness  to  master  you  ;  and  last  but  not  least,  kindness  paj  s 
even  in  business." 

Jacob  Roth  lives  at  656]  llartlett  street,  Pittsburgh,  Pa.  lie  was  born  in 
Zemplin,  Cond.,  Hungary,  September  16,  1871.  A  year  after  he  was  born 
Air.  Roth's  parents.  Joseph  and  Catherine  Roth,  attracted  by  the  freedom  of 
religious  and  political  thought,  as  well  as  the  greater  opportunity  for  the  eco- 
nomic development  offered  by  the  great  republic  of  the  West,  migrated  to 
the  Untied  States.  They  made  their  home  in  Pittsburgh.  Later  they  moved  to 
McKeesport,  Pa. 

Mr.  Roth  early  developed  a  strong  business  instinct  and  at  the  age  of 
eighteen  years  he  was  employed  in  the  First  NatipnalBank  of  McKeesport  and 
had  assisted  his  father  in  establishing  a  private  bank  under  the  name  of  Joseph 
Roth  &  Sons,  at  McKeesport,  Pa. ;  he  proved  to  be  an  invaluable  aid  in  promot- 
ing the  interests  of  this  institution,  which  is  in  existence  to  this  day.  Later 
his  knowledge  of  the  banking  business  led  him  to  establish  the  First  Xational 
Bank  of  Suterville.'Pa.,  of  which  he  was  President  for  twelve  years.  Xot  sat- 
isfied with  these  activities,  which  would  have  been  more  than  sufficient  to  engage 
the  complete  time  and  thought  of  experienced  business  men  of  mature  age. 
young  Roth  assisted  in  reorganizing  and  financing  the  Westmoreland  Brewing 
Company,  of  which  he  is  the  Treasurer.  Then  in  1903  at  the  age  of  thirty-two 
years,  Mr.  Roth  established  the  Pittsburgh  State  Hank,  of  which  important 
financial  institution  he  is  President. 

With  indefatigable  and  tireless  energy  Mr.  Roth  not  alone  found  time  to 
develop  and  to  attend  to  these  various  banking  and  business  enterprises,  but 
he  also  was  able  to  devote  some  of  his  attention  to  problems  in  the  realm  of 
invention.  While  a  boy  in  McKeesport  Mr.  Roth  had  been  thrown  into  contact 
with  many  of  the  great  industrial  geniuses  who  have  become  internationally 
known.  This  led  to  interest  in  technical  subjects  relating  to  iron,  steel  and 
kindred  products. 

The  idea  occurred  to  Mr.  Roth  that  it  was  possible  to  obtain  a  perfect  weld 
of  two  unlike  metals  and  make  it  of  commercial  value.  So  with  characteristic 
energy  and  application  Mr.  Roth  spent  nine  years  in  endeavoring  to  develop  a 
process  of  welding  copper  and  steel  so  that  it  would  be  of  practical  value  in  all 
lines  of  industry  where  copper  exclusively  had  heretofore  been  employed.  The 
result  of  this  revolutionizing  method  developed  and  perfected  by  Jacob  Roth 
has  been  to  introduce  to  the  industrial  world  one  of  the  most  far-reaching  of 
all  the  practical  inventions  of  recent  years — copper  clad.  The  patent  granted 
by  the  United  States  government  in  1915  was  the  successful  climax  to  the 
long  and  patient  years  of  Mr.  Roth's  efforts,  carried  on  under  the  most  dis- 
couraging conditions.  Today  the  Copper  Clad  Steel  Company,  of  which  Mr. 
Roth  is  President,  has  large  mills  at  Rankin,  Pa.,  and  at  this  time  much  more 
ambitious  plans  for  immense  new  plants  are  under  consideration. 

Mr.  Roth  was  married  in  1899  to  Claudia  I.oeb  of  Sunbury;  two  children. 
Madeline  and  Ferdinand,  are  the  result  of  this  happy  union.  He  is  identified 
with  all  the  leading  religious,  philanthropic  and  social  institutions  of  the  Pitts- 
burgh Jewish  community.  And  he  not  alone  gives  money,  but  eenerouslv  of  his 
service  in  all  the  important  communal  activities  that  make  for  the  welfare  of 
his  people. 


247a 


SIMON    D.  ROSENZWEIG 

Life  is  never  a  sn th  road  For  any  of  us.  but  in  the  invigorating  atmos- 
phere of  high  aspirations  we  find  the  very  roughness  stimulates  us  t>>  steadier 
steps  uniil  the  truism,  "over  steep  ways  to  the  star-."  is  fulfilled. 

This  i-  the  experience  of  every  man  who  has  had  to  ascend  the  steep 
pathway  in  success,  with  no  aid,  except  his  own  ability  and  determination,  and 
it  is  well  exemplified  in  the  life  history  of  Mr.  Simon  I'.  Rosenzweig,  who  was 
born  in  Suwalk,  Guberne,  Russia,  September  17.  1870.  His  father,  Vbraham 
Rosenzweig,  was  engaged  in  the  lumber  and  grocer}  business  and  was  also  an 
accomplished  scholar. 

At  the  age  of  ten  years  young  Simon  came  to  America,  t"  the  home  oi  liis 
grandfather,  and  went  to  school  until  he  was  thirteen. 

Feeling  that  it  was  npw  necessary  to  contribute  to  his  nun  support,  he 
obtained  employment  as  cash  boy  in  a  clothing  store,  but  the  salarj  was  so 
small,  with  little  chance  of  advancement,  that  he  went  to  Michigan,  and  after 
over  a  year  and  a  half  of  experience  working  in  various  stores,  he  landed  in 
Detroit,  where  his  brother  was  engaged  in  the  iron  and  metal  business.  \ftcr 
a  number  of  years  of  hard  work  and  persistent  saving  he  accumulated  enough 

to  buy  an  interest  in  the  business,  hilt  ill  (910  decided  tn  conduct  a  business  Oi 
his  own.  and  started  tor  himself  at  his  present  location,  where  he  has  been 
wonderfully  successful  ami  has  all  modem  equipment  for  conducting  die 
business. 

lie  was  married    lanuarv  5.    iSi><>,  to   Miss  Anna   Kashniau  and   they  have 

three  line  children,  two  boys  and  one  girl,  whom  they  are  thoroughly  educat- 
ing in  music  as  well  as  their  academic  studies. 

Mr.  Rosenzweig  is  a  member  of  Beth  El  Temple.  B'nai  B'rith,  the  Masons 
and  K.  of  P. 

lie  is  most  liberal  in  his  contributions  to  various  charities,  including  Tal- 
mud and  Denver  Hospital. 


AARON    ROTTER 

\aron  Rotter,  iron  ami  steel  broker,  is  one  of  the  most  influential  and  1  ros- 
perous  citizens  of  Cleveland.     Mis  education  was  obtained  in  the  great  world 

Ol  business,  and  he  knows  from  experience  that  riches  and  power  are  not  easilj 
won.  lie  also  knows  that  determination  and  hard  work  can  overcome  almost 
every  obstacle. 

\aron  Rotter  was  horn  in  Gorlice,  Galicia,  Austria,  on   August   20,   1861. 
I  lis  father.  Simon  Rotter,  was  a  Jewish  scholar,  and  his  mother.   Hannah 

ter.  a  woman  of  strong  character.    In  1884  he  came  to  Wu  York  and  for  the 

first  eleven  months  after  he  landed  he  peddled  matches  and  other  small  wares. 

I  hi  n  he  decided  thai   opportunities  were  greater   farther  west,  so  he  came 

to  Cleveland  ami  started  to  sell  drj  .e. Is,  carrying  his  merchandise  with  him 

as  before.  After  two  wars  he  was  able  to  buy  a  horse  and  wagon  to  use  in  his 
business.  \  year  later  he  changed  his  line  to  scrap  iron  and  junk  and  worked 
in  the  country  around  Cleveland  until  his  health  broke  down,  and  he  was 
obliged  to  return  to  his  home  in  Europe  for  a  rest.     In  sjx  months  he  had  t< 

ered,  but  he  was  too  ambitious  to  staj  in  a  land  where  he  bad  s,>  little  opportu 
nitv  io  succeed.     America  still  called  him.  so  he  came  again  to  1  leveland  and 
opened  a  small  grocery  store.     This  was  the  onlj  time  thai  bis  efforts  brought 
him  no  monev,  and  he  remembers  thai  experience  as  a  year  of  unrewarded 
effort  and  suffering.    He  gave  up  the  grocerj  and  again  went  into  the  count r) 

with  bis  scrap  iron,  and  not   long  after  was  abb-  to  open  a  plan-  of  business  in 

Norfolk,  <  'bio. 


Mr.  Rotter  stayed  in  Norfolk  for  twelve  years  and  then  returned  to 
t  leveland,  where  he  bought  out  the  iron  yard  of  II.  Silvern  &  Co.  This  con- 
cern  grew  rapidly  under  the  new  management  and  he  kept  it  fur  nine  years,  at 
the  end  of  which  he  sold  out  and  established  the  firm  of  A.  Rotter,  iron  and 
steel  broker,  in  the  Leader-News  Building  of  Cleveland.  Tin's  enterprise  has 
brought  great  wealth  to  its  owner,  and  he  is  known  as  one  of  the  big,  reliable 
business  men  of  the  city. 

Aanm  Rotter  was  married  in  Cleveland  on  June  id,  1889,  to  Katy,  daugh- 
ter of  Isaac  and  Hanna  Fielkowitz.  Mrs.  Rotter's  loyalty  and  good  judgment 
have  been  110  small  factor  in  her  husband's  success.  Mr.  anod  Mrs.  Rotter 
have  three  daughters,  Hattie.  wife  of  Louis  Robinson,  a  furniture  dealer  of 
Detroit  :  Anna,  wife  of  Maurice  Kreiger,  who  is  in  the  shoe  business  in  Cleve- 
land, and  Mabel,  who  is  still  attending  one  of  the  Cleveland  high  schools.  The 
youngest  daughter  has  pronounced  musical  ability. 

Mr.  Rotter  never  forgets  his  own  early  struggles;  he  himself  has  worked 
hard  and  at  times  has  done  without  everything  but  the  bare  necessities  of  life. 
Now  that  he  has  achieved  success,  it  is  one  of  his  greatest  pleasures  to  help 
others  wdio  are  in  misfortune.  He  gives  liberally  to  every  charity  and  hospital 
in  Cleveland,  and  to  organizations  doing  similar  work  in  many  other  places. 
He  is  a  member  of  the  Congregation  of  Bnei  Ishurim. 

Mr.  Rotter  belongs  to  the  class  of  citizens  which  is  the  best  asset  of  any 
community.  He  is  public-spirited  and  level-headed.  Most  of  all,  he  tries  to 
give  every  one  a  square  deal  and  make  his  word  as  good  as  his  bond. 


MORRIS    ROZNER 

Most  people  show  more  persistency  in  their  first  twelve  months  of  their 
life  than  they  show  later  in  twelve  years;  did  they  not,  they  never  would  have 
learned  how  to  walk.  Must  we  quit  if  we  don't  get  there  quickly?  No,  indeed, 
not. 

America's  most  successful  men  sweat  blood  before  they  gained  a  foothold 
on  the  ladder,  sweat  and  toil  with  brain  and  often  with  body  from  early  morn- 
ing to  late  at  night,  many  times  all  night,  tasting  defeat  but  never  despair.  Life 
is  so  specialized  that  jacks-of-all-tradcs  are  wanted  by  none.  All-round  men 
find  every  hole  is  today  square.  To  last,  a  man  must  stick  to  his  last — he  cannot 
hope  to  be  a  good  shoemaker  today  and  a  capable  plumber  tomorrow. 

The  pace  today  calls  for  red  blood,  men  of  grit,  not  grouch.  Stickers,  not 
sticklers,  are  wanted. 

Mr.  Morris  Rozner,  born  March  7,  1875.  was  the  son  of  Osher  and  Fcige 
Rozner  of  Griebo,  Austria.  At  the  age  of  14  Morris  left  his  native  land  and 
came  to  America. 

For  18  years  he  has  been  in  Monessen,  Pa.,  where  he  is  in  the  retail  meat 
line,  doing  a  nice  business. 

In  [903  Mr.  Rozner  was  married  to  Miss  Freda  Israel  of  McKeesport, 
Pa.,  ami  together  they  reap  the  enjoyment  of  being  the  proud  parents  of  two 
sons  and  a  daughter. 

Mr.  Rozner  has  always  been  fair  and  just  in  all  his  dealings,  has  always 
considered  the  feelings  of  all  with  whom  he  has  come  in  contact  whether  in 
business  or  socially. 

He  takes  an  active  interest  in  the  religious  life  of  Monessen,  being  a  mem- 
ber of  the  congregations,  and  is  also  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Trade. 

Xo  worthy  charity,  regardless  of  race  or  creed,  applies  in  vain  to  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Rozner. 

249 


SOL   RUBENSTEIN 

Sol  Rubenstein  of  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  was  born  in  the  Province  of  Suwalk, 
Russia,  sixty  years  ago,  and  arrived  in  America  in  the  year  1880. 

After  having  resided  in  New  York  City  for  several  years  he  came  to 
Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  where  he  married  Sarah  Mayerberg,  sister  of  Rabbi  J.  L.  May- 
erberg  of  Goldsboro,  N.  C,  and  aunt  of  Rabbi  Sam  Maverberg  of  Detroit, 
Mich. 

Mr.  Rubenstein  has  resided  in  Buffalo  since  the  early  80s  and  enjoys  a 
good  and  reputable  name  throughout  the  community.  During  his  lifetime  he 
has  always  been  inclined  toward  assisting  his  fellow  men  and  his  home  was 
always  open  to  those  in  want  and  his  time  and  efforts  ready  to  alleviate  the 
burdens  of  those  in  distress. 

He  is  President  of  the  Buffalo  Talmud  Torah,  is  one  of  the  original  found- 
ers of  the  Buffalo  Gemiluth  Chasodim  and  has  always  associated  himself  with 
those  institutions  which  make  for  the  general  good. 

Mr.  Rubenstein's  family  consists  of  his  wife  and  seven  children,  the  oldest 
of  whom  is  Emil  H.,  who  is  in  business  with  his  father. 

Harry  J.,  the  second  son,  is  now  serving  in  France,  and  the  other  children 
are  Ruth,  Mrs.  Israel  Rumizen,  Florence,  Lenore  and  Rhea. 


A.    F.    RUBIN 

It  is  a  strange  paradox  that  men  of  the  fewest  opportunities  often  rise  to 
the  highest  places  of  prominence:  that  the  inheritance  of  a  fortune  is  rather  a 
detriment  than  an  assistant  to  progress.  Too  many  young  men  have  frittered 
awav  the  best  hours  of  life's  opportunity  waiting  for  dead  men's  shoes,  to  I  md 
in  the  end  that  they  have  not  developed  the  ability  to  handle  the  fortune  which 
they  had  no  part  in  creating. 

The  world  pays  homage  to  the  young  man  who  strikes  out  for  himself 
boldly,  as  did  Mr.  A.  F.  Rubin  of  Erie,  Pa. 

He  was  born  in  Telz  Kavna,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  June,  1876,  the  son  of 
Samuel  and  Hoda  Rubin.  The  first  nineteen  years  of  his  life  were  spent  in 
bis  native  town,  when  he  decided  to  come  to  America,  and  landed  on  our  shores 
in  September,  1895. 

Going  to  Chicago,  lie  obtained  employment  in  a  factory  and  remained 
there  eight  years,  during  which  time  he  was  busy  learning  the  now  language, 
manners  and  customs,  and  lining  himself  for  a  position  of  more  responsibility. 

I  IK  nexl  venture  was  in  the  real  estate  business,  but  in  a  short  time  lie  gave 
this  up  and  came  In  Erie,  Pa.,  where  be  went  into  the  iron  and  metal  business. 
Here  he  was  very  unfortunate,  losing  all  his  money,  and  was  obliged  to  bravely 
start  over  with  nothing  but  bis  re]  una  lion  for  honest  \  and  ability  lor  assets. 

Mis  next  venture  in  the  same  line  was  in  partnership  witli  bis  brother, 
and  by  persistent  effort  the)  gradually  built  up  tin-  present  large  business  which 
they  now  operate  under  the  linn  name  of  Nickel  Plate  Iron  &  Metal  Company, 

Mr.  Rubin  was  married  in  Chicago  in  September,  18117.  to  Mis-  Marie 
Klein,  and  they  have  .1  line  family  of  eight  children,  of  whom  they  have  every 

reason  to  be  proud,  as  they  are  all  doing  well  and  are  receiving  liberal  educa- 
tions. 

The  son.  Henry,  is  in  business  with  bis  father,  while  Joe  has  gone  into 
business  for  bimself.  The'  balance  of  the  children  all  are  in  school  and  are* 
being  well  educated  in  music  also. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Rubin  arc  interested  in  all  charitable  movements,  not  only 

250 


nf  local  character  but  also  the  Immigration  Society  of  New  York,  the  Denver 
and  Liis  Angeles  sanitariums,  and  all  the  Yishivas  in  Europe  and  America. 
Mr.  Rubin  is  also  affiliated  with  B'nai  Ainsa  Hesed  Congregation,  B'nai  I'.'rith. 

Modern  \Y Imen  of  the  World,  B'rith  Abraham  of  Chicago,  Telger  Unter- 

stizung  Ferein.  Timilis  Hosodern. 


HYMAN    RUBIN 

The  lessons  in  conservation  which  have  been  taught  us  by  immigrant  Jews 
will  be  found  more  valuable  as  the  years  pass  by,  and  our  resources  are  more 
taxed  by  increasing  population.  Who  shall  say  how  much  benefit  we  have  de- 
rived from  the  immense  quantity  of  wool  which  has  been  saved  in  this  way  and 
is  now  proving  so  useful  in  the  conduct  of  the  war? 

One  of  the  largest  industries  of  this  kind  is  conducted  by  Mr.  Hyman 
Rubin  at  200  Second  street,  Chelsea,  Mass.,  under  the  firm  name  of  H.  Rubin 
&  Co. 

Mr.  Rubin  was  born  in  Kovno.  Guberne,  Russia,  in  May,  1878,  the  son  of 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Solomon  Rubin.  His  father  was  a  wool  dealer  and  also  a  promi- 
nent scholar.  He  came  to  America  in  1895  and  landed  in  Boston,  June  17. 
where  he  first  worked  in  the  building  trade  for  five  dollars  per  week.  He  con- 
tinued this  for  nearly  a  year,  receiving  small  increases  in  wages,  and  then 
decided  to  go  into  the  rag  business.  While  this  offered  but  a  very  meager  liv- 
ing, at  the  same  time  he  saw  the  opportunity  which  was  to  develop  into  a  fu- 
ture fortune.  He  was  married  in  Boston,  March  4,  1900,  to  Miss  Rosa  Gloser. 
and  soon  after  went  to  Chelsea,  Mass.,  where  he  established  the  nucleus  of  the 
present  large  business. 

The  Rubins  have  three  children,  one  boy  and  two  girls,  who  are  all  going 
to  school  and  studying  music. 

Mr.  Rubin  is  very  active  in  the  various  prominent  organizations  of  Chel- 
sea, being  Past  President  of  the  Chelsea  Investment  Association,  Past  Presi- 
dent of  the  Orthodox  Congregation.  So  valuable  were  his  services  in  these 
capacities  that  he  was  presented  with  medals  from  both  upon  the  occasion  of 
his  resignation. 

We  feel  that  a  word  should  also  he  said  regarding  the  activities  of  his  wife, 
who  devotes  a  great  deal  of  time  and  money  to  the  promotion  of  charities,  in 
which  she  also  receives  the  full  co-operation  of  Mr.  Rubin. 


JOSEPH    RUDNICK 

In  Pioston,  Mass.,  there  are  many  prominent  business  men  of  Jewish  faith 
who  were  born  in  Europe,  but  found  the  atmosphere  of  America  more  con- 
genial to  their  progressive  tvpe  of  character.  Prominent  among  them  is  Mr. 
Joseph  Rudnick,  who  was  born  in  the  Province  of  Yilna,  Russia,  January  10. 
1869,  the  son  of  Abraham  and  Sarah  Rudnick. 

He  came  to  America  thirty  vears  ago  and  started  peddling  through  Massa- 
chusetts and  Maine.  After  five  years,  during  which  time  he  was  able  to  save 
capital  enough  to  go  into  business  in  a  modest  way,  he  engaged  in  the  restau- 
rant business  and  later  managed  a  cigar  store  and  two  furniture  stores.    Decid- 

251 


ing  that  his  best  interests  could  be  served  in  the  real  estate  and  building  indus- 
try, he  embarked  in  this  line  and  has  continued  ever  since.  During  recent  years 
he  lias  branched  "tit  into  mortgage  brokerage,  his  office  being  at  Mo.  v  Court 

street. 

Although  Mr.  Rudnick's  business  interests  are  so  varied  and  exact  a 
great  deal  of  his  time  and  attention,  he  is  very  public-spirited  and  is  prominent 
in  many  of  the  organizations  which  contribute  t"  social  and  civic  betterment. 
lie  is  Treasurer  of  Baldwin  Place  Congregation,  Director  of  Baldwin  Place 
Talmud  Torah,  Chairman  of  t  onstruction  and  First  \  ice  President  of  Con 
gation  \dath  Veshurun.  At  the  present  time  he  is  \  ice  President  ami  Chair- 
man "f  Construction  of  a  Home  For  Jewish  Children,  lie  i-  also  a  Director 
nt'  the  Home  for  the  ^ged,  the  Hebrew  Free  Loan  \ssociation  and  is  Director 
in  the  Federated  Jewish  Charities  of  Boston,  lie  is  honored  with  the  presi- 
dency nt"  the  Sheltering  Home  and  served  for  some  time  a-  Director  of  Beth 
Israel  Hospital. 

Mr.  Rudnick  was  married  twenty-six  years  ago  in  Mi--  Rose  Siegel,  and 
they  have  -i\  daughters.  Their  onlj  -mi.  David  Jacob,  died  at  the  ag(  of 
twelve.    Their  daughters  are  Lena,  May,  Ida.  Anna.  Frances  and  Evelyn. 

Mr.  Rudnick  ha-  a  code  of  lite  which  has  perhaps  unconsciously  placed 
him  in  his  enviable  position  among  hi-  fellows,  lie  says:  "Be  ri.^ht.  act  right 
and  make  friends  under  all  circumstances." 

\1  r.  Rudnick  has  adhered  so  strictly  to  his  first  two  admonitions  that  the 
matter  of  friendship  was  easily  solved.  \"  one  can  come  in  contact  with  his 
kindle  personality  without  wishing  to  possess  his  friendship.  \m  community 
is  fortunate  in  having  as  a  part  of  its  citizenship  such  a  man  as  Sir.  Rudn    - 


MRS.  MAX  RUDNER 


In  volume  "lie  of  "Distinguished  Jew-  of  Americ 
hi-tun  of  Mr.  Max  Rudner.  whose  commercial,  philanth 
in  are  known  and  appreciated  m >t  only  in  Canton, 
t  ihi".  where  he  reside-,  but  throughout  the  entire 
country . 

It  is  now  our  pleasure  t"  publish  a  brief 
sketch  regarding  the  activities  of  hi-  wife,  who  is 
ime  "f  tin-  most  popular  and  charitabl)  inclined 
ladii  -  in  the  cit)  "I'  t  anton. 

Mrs.  Rudner  before  her  marriage  was  Miss 
Jennie  Gurans,  and  during  Mr.  Rudner's  struggle 
toward  financial  affluence  her  wise  counsel  and 
brave  co-operation  were  of  the  utmost  assistance 
in  him.  She  has  not  onlj  been  an  ideal  mother 
t"  their  seven  children,  but  has  devoted  a 
deal  "t'  time  t"  charitable  unrk.  where  her  abilities 
have  been  much  appreciated. 

This  estimable  ladj   is  the  finest  type  "t  n 
ern  woman,  who  without  neglecting  the  dutii 
her  liinne.  make-  opportunit)  t"  promote  the  larger 
affairs  of  her  eit\  and  nation. 


is  published  the  life 
ropic  and  civic  acti\ 


ISAAC    RUDOLPH 

was  born  in  Kieve,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  April   1874.  and  came  to  America  in 
(  ictober,  [904,  bringing  with  him  his  wife,  who  was  Miss  Rachel  Rosenberg, 

whom  he  married  in  June,  [902,  in  Russia,  two  years  before  coming  to  America. 

Coming  direct  to  Reading,  Pa.,  he  found  himself  without  money,  but  was 
able  to  obtain  some  goods  on  credit  and  started  peddling.  By  saving  every 
spare  penny  he  was  able  to  purchase  a  horse  and  wagon  and  for  three  years 
bought  and  sold  junk  in  this  way  until  lie  had  accumulated  enough  to  start 
a  yard,  when  he  went  into  business  with  his  present  partner,  Mr.  Harry  Rosen- 
berg. 

Mr.  Rudolph  and  his  wife  are  very  prominent  in  all  charitable  activities, 
giving  liberally  to  Denver  and  Los  Angeles  hospitals,  the  Erie  Orphans'  Home. 
National  Orphans'  Home  of  New  York  City,  the  Farm  School  of  Philadelphia, 
Immigration  Society  of  New  York  and  all  the  Yishivas  in  this  country  and 
Europe. 


SAMUEL   RUDOLPH 


While  the  ancient  Jews  were  essentially  an  agricultural  people,  the  modern 
Jew  is  finding  his  success  in  the  commercial  world.  This  is  demonstrated  in 
the  life  of  Mr.  Samuel  Rudolph,  who  was  born  in  Kieve.  Guberne,  Russia, 
November  26,  1884,  his  father  being  owner  of  a  bottle  works  and  also  a  distin- 
guished scholar. 

Mr.  Rudolph  came  to  America  December  6,  1904,  landing  in  Baltimore, 
Md.,  but  shortly  after  went  to  Philadelphia.  Here  he  worked  at  various  occu- 
pations for  the  small  sum  of  $1  per  day,  and  during  two  years,  by  the  utmost 
economy,  saved  enough  to  buy  a  milk  route  in  Reading,  Pa.  This  was  quite 
successful,  enabling  him  to  save  enough  money  to  engage  in  the  butcher  busi- 
ness. This  venture  proved  a  failure,  however,  and  losing  all  his  savings,  he 
started  out  peddling  junk.  Shortly  after  that  he 
was  married  to  Miss  Sophie  Rosenberg  of  Philadel- 
phia, the  day  of  their  marriage  being  March  9,  1908. 
He  then  decided  to  try  agriculture,  but  after  three 
years  on  a  farm  he  came  back  to  Reading,  Pa.,  and 
went  into  the  junk  business,  where  the  small  yard 
with  which  he  began  has  through  his  efforts  grown 
into  the  present  prosperous  business  of  S.  Rudolph 
&  Co.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Rudolph  have  four  children, 
one  boy  and  three  girls,  the  oldest  attending  the 
public  schools,  and  also  receiving  a  thorough  He- 
brew education. 

Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Rudolph  are  prominent  in 
charitable  activities,  including  the  Denver  Hospital, 
Immigration  Society  of  Xew  York  and  all  the 
Yishivas.  Mr.  Rudolph  is  a  member  of  Congrega- 
tion Homan  Abrith,  Director  of  the  Hebrew  Insti- 
tute and  Trustee  of  the  Independent  Order  B'rith  Abraham. 


253 


MAX  M.,  GEORGE.  JOHN  AND  ABRAHAM  D.  RUTTENBERG 

Of  all  peoples  of  the  earth,  it  can  best  be  -aid  of  the  Jew,  "Where  his 
home  is.  there  liis  heart  is."  and  ;is  patriotism  is  but  the  home-loving  spirit 
enlarged  to  national  proportions,  the  few  is  a  great  patriot.  He  comes  to  the 
land  of  adoption  and  obeys  the  law  of  that  great  teacher,  Mar  Samuel,  "to  hold 
the  law  of  the  country  in  which  he  lives  as  the  highest  law,"  and  these  duties  of 
patriotism  are  being  impressed  upon  t !uir  children  who  are  going  forth  by 
the  hundreds  to  fight  the  battles  of  civilization  and  of  liberty  for  the  country  in 
which  they  live. 

This  is  particularly  true  of  the  Ruttenbergs,  a  prominent  family  of  Read- 
ing, Pa.  The  father,  Mr.  Max  Ruttenberg,  came  with  Ins  family  from  Russia 
man)  years  ago,  and  although  he  has  long  since  retired,  his  sons  have  become 
very  prominent  business  nun  and  have  taken  n]>  the  burden  of  sustaining  the 
family  reputation  t"i >r  business  acumen  where  their  father  laid  it  down. 

The  elder  Mr.  Ruttenberg  began  his  business  experience  in  America  b) 
peddling  junk.  Later  he  opened  a  yard,  where  he  was  very  successful,  and 
after  having  accumulated  a  fortune,  retired  from  business, 

(  If  the  fine  family  of  eight  children  which  constitute  the  Ruttenberg  fam- 
ily, i  leorge,  John  and  Abraham  have  all  engaged  in  the  same  business  in  which 

their  father  made  hi-  success,  and  they  are  all  three  in  partner-hip.  operating 
an  enormous  wholesale  business  where  all  sorts  of  waste  material  are  handled. 

The  younger  brother,  Sohra,  is  also  working  for  his  brothers,  while  Benjamin 
i-  -till  in  school.  Jacob  hold-  a  responsible  position  in  a  hosiery  mill,  and  Lew  is 
is  a  recruiting  officer  in  the  United  State-  army, 

George  Ruttenberg  was  married  in  Pottsville,  Pa.,  October  31,  nut.  to 

\li--   Minnie   line,  who  is  yen    prominent   in   social   circles  of    Reading,   being 

Recording  Secretary  of  the  Ladies'  Hebrew  Charitj  League,  Secretary  of  the 
I  adies'  Auxiliary  and  a  member  of  I  [odesa.    They  have  one  -mall  daughter. 

John  Ruttenberg  is  also  married,  his  wi  Fe  having  formerly  been  Mi--  I  .aura 
\  ogelman,  a  prominent  young  woman  of  Reading.    The)   were  married  Ma) 

[4,  1015,  and  have  one  young  child. 

The  Ruttenbergs  are  all  very  active  in  charitable  ami  fraternal  organiza- 
tions, all  being  members  of  Kosher  Israel  and  the  Y.  M.  11.  A.,  and  making 
most  generous  contributions  to  Denver  and  Los  Vngeles  hospitals,  the  Erie 
Orphans'  Home.  National  Orphans'  Home  of  New  York,  the  Immigration 
Society  of  \V«  York,  all  the  Yishivas  and  man)  other  charities  too  numerous 
to  mention,     Such  a  family  i-  a  priceless  acquisition  to  the  community,  state 

and  nation. 


MOSES    SABEL 

If  the  cit)  of  Montgomery,  Ala.,  i^.  justl)  proud  of  it-  prett)  homes  and 
the  Jewish  community  point-  with  just  pride  and  satisfaction  to  It-  beautiful 
Standard  <  lub,  both  the  city  and  Jewish  communit)  are  equall)  and  a-  justl) 
proud  of  the  owner  of  one  of  tin-  prettiest  homes  and  the  President  of  the 
Standard  1  lub  of  thai  city,  The  man  who  holds  that  .ln.il  position  i-  Mr. 
Moses  Sabcl.  Mr.  Sabel  was  l«>rn  to  hi-  parent-.  Mark  and  Minna  Sabel,  in 
Louisville,  lw  .  on  Januar)  27,  [863,  an  ill)  carved  hi-  own  successful 

and  distinguished  career     Hi-  received  hi-  first  education  in  tin-  public  schools 
of  Louisville  and  continued  hi-  studies  at  Montgomery,  to  which  cit)  hi- 
cnts  ha.l  removed     Hi-  father  had  intended  him  tot  a  legal  career,  bui  young 
Sabel  had  no  taste  or  desire  for  the  rather  dependent  life  of  a  professional 


man,  and  so,  at  the  age  of  16,  he  started  to  work  for  his  father.  After  six 
years  of  faithful  anil  intelligent  service,  the  advantages  that  had  accrued  to  the 
firm  from  his  connection  and  co-operation  in  the  busi- 
ness became  so  marked  and  patent  that  he  was  given 
a  partnership  in  the  concern,  and  it  was  not  long  before 
Mr.  Sa.be!  became  the  bead  of  the  large  enterprise, 
the  largest  of  its  kind  in  the  South,  whose  firm  name 
is  that  of  M.  Sabel  6t  Son,  and  whose  main  offices  are 
at   102  Bibb  street. 

Mr.  Sabel's  varied  interests  and  activities  in  the 
communal  life  of  Montgomery  are  a  matter  of  com- 
mon knowledge  and  public  record.  To  be  particu- 
larly mentioned  is  the  leading  part  he  has  taken  in 
the  management  of  the  Standard  Club,  of  which  he 
is  now  President  and  which  he  previously  served  for 
twenty-two  years  as  Treasurer,  and  the  valuable 
service  and  untiring  efforts  he  has  devoted  to  the 
work  of  Jewish  war  relief,  of  which  he  has  been  the 
Treasurer. 

Mr.  Sabel's  prominence  and  valuable  services  are  fully  shared  by  his 
highly  cultured  wife,  who  was  Miss  Hettie  Lazarus,  to  whom  he  was  married 
June  6,  1899.  Her  parents,  Henry  and  Carrie  Lazarus,  belonged  to  the  leading 
families  of  both  Louisville.  Ky.,  where  they  originallv  lived,  and  Birmingham, 
Ala.,  where  they  later  resided.  Her  father  was  a  very  prominent  Mason  and 
was  the  founder  and  first  President  of  Temple  Emanuel  of  Birmingham.  And 
Mrs.  Sabel  is  following  in  the  footsteps  of  her  parents.  She  is  Chairman  of 
the  Hospitality  Hoard  of  the  Council  of  Jewish  Women,  and  in  that  capacity 
she  is  doing  splendid  work  for  the  soldiers  and  sailors.  She  takes  a  very  active 
part  in  the  Hebrew  Ladies'  Benevolent  Society  and  is  also  holding  a  position 
on  the  Hoard  of  the  Hadassah  Society. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Sabel  are  the  happy  parents  of  two  highly  gifted  and 
accomplished  children,  Mark,  who  has  been  educated  in  a  military  acadeim 
and  at  the  University  of  Pennsylvania,  and  Marcelle,  who  is  a  graduate  of 
Roger's  Hall  at  Lowell,  Mass.,  and  who  is  following  the  noble  example  set  by 
her  mother  and  is  devoting  her  time  and  energy  to  the  promotion  of  altruistic 
and  patriotic  work.  She  is  President  of  the  Young  Ladies'  Auxiliary  of  the 
Hadassah  Society  and  the  Girls'  Patriotic  League  of  Montgomery,  and  is 
rendering  most  valuable  services  to  a  number  of  other  organizations  and  insti- 
tutions of  a  philanthropic  and  patriotic  nature. 


MEYER   J.    SAHPIRO 

Meyer  J.  Sahpiro,  one  of  the  most  successful  business  men  in  Springfield. 
Mass..  was  born  in  Suwalker,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  1871,  his  father  being  a 
successful  merchant  of  his  native  town. 

At  the  age  of  nineteen  he  heard  the  call  to  bigger  opportunities  in  the 
new  world  and  landed  in  Xew  York,  where  he  began  making  his  living  ped- 
dling. He  had  very  little  success,  however,  and  went  to  Worcester.  Mass., 
where  he  peddled  merchandise  for  eight  years,  saving  up  a  small  amount  of 
capital.  He  then  went  to  Springfield,  Mass.,  where  he  opened  up  a  small  shop 
devoted  to  iron  and  metal  scrap,  and  this  small  beginning  has.  through  the 
unfailing  industry  and  executive  ability  of  Mr.  Sahpiro.  resulted  in  the  present 
large  establishment  where  he  is  doing  a  very  substantial  business. 

Mr.  Sahpiro  was  married  in  Boston,  Mass..  in  1894  to  Miss  Rebecca  Quint, 
daughter  of  Zesid  and  Freda  Quint.     They  have  nine  children,  two  boys  and 

255 


seven  girls,  who  arc  all  going  to  school,  with  the  exception  of  the  elder  son 
and  daughter,  Julius  and  Flora,  who  arc  in  business  with  their  father,  and  oi 
much  assistance  to  him. 

Mr.  Sahpiro  is  very  devout  in  his  religious  beliefs  and  i-  Director  of  the 
Beth  Israel  Congregation.  He  is  also  a  member  of  B'nai  B'rith,  B'rith  Abra- 
ham, Minsker  Ferein  and  the  Heard  of  Trade.  No  charity  appeals  to  Mr. 
Sahpiro  in  vain,  and  for  this  reason  hundreds  besides  himself  and  family  have 
been  benefited  by  his  prosperity. 


SIMON    SAKOWITZ 

Vs  an  illustration  of  what  straightforwardness,  integrity  and  an  intelligent 
application  to  one's  work  maj  accomplish,  the  career  of  Mr.  Simon  Sakowitz 
of  Houston,   Texas,  is  eminently  worth  while  perusing  and  contemplating. 

Mr.  Sakowitz  i-  a  young  man  who  has  carved  his  own  career,  vet  he  is 
today  among  the  must  highly  esteemed  residents  and  business  men  of  the  pro- 
gressive and  flourishing  city  of  Houston.  'Texas,  lie  was  horn  on  January  I, 
[884,  in  Kiev.  Russia,  the  son  of  Louis  and  I  .ina  Sakowitz,  and  arrived  in 
this  country  in  1890.     I  lis  family   settled  in  Galveston,  Texas,  where  Simon 

attended  public  school  for  a  period  of  only  one  year,  and  then,  at  the  age  of 
ten.  he  started  to  work  as  errand  Toy  in  a  store.  Step  by  Step  he  worked  his 
way  up,  at  lirst  becoming  salesman  and  then  manager  of  thai  store.  \fter  he 
and  his  brother  Tobias  had  saved  up  about  twelve  hundred  dollars,  they  deter- 
mined to  establish  a  business  of  their  own.  and  in  1903  thee  organized  the 
linn  of  Sakowitz  Brothers.    'This  business,  under  their  able  managership,  grew 

and  developed  to  such  an  extent  that,  after  six  years,  they  decided  to  branch 
out  further,  and  so  they  bought  out  a  concern  in  Houston,  'Texas,  and  Simon 
Sakowitz  removed  to  that  city  and  assumed  the  managership  of  the  new 
business 

The  full  measure  of  success  with  which  the  ability  of  Mr.  Sakowitz  has 
been  rewarded  may  he  -ecu    from  the   fact  that  the   firm  of  Sakowitz    Brothl  rs, 

at  Main  and  Preston  streets  in  Houston,  i-  toda)  counted  among  the  biggest 

'Tils  that  deal  in  men's,  boys'  and  children's  clothing. 

The  most  beautiful  part  of  Mr.  Sakowitz's  career,  however,  i-  that  hard 
work   ami   his   own    remarkable    success   has   not    made   him    indifferent    to   the 

struggles  and  sufferings  of  his  fellow  men.  For  he  i-  a  liberal  contributor  to 
all  the  Jewish  charities  and  institutions  of  Houston  and  take-  a  deep  interest 

in  every  movement  of  jn  altruistic  and  ameliorative  character. 

In  August,  [909,  Mr.  Sakowitz  was  married  to  Miss  l  lara  B,  Bowsk]  of 
Xew  <  Irleans,  and  they  are  now  the  happy  parents  t>i  two  tine  children,  lulia  X. 
and   Loui 


ALEXANDER  SALES 

The  reputation  of  a  community  i-  hut  a  composite  representation  of  the 
character-  of  u-  citizens,  Thus,  the  low u  of  Dennison,  <  thio,  has  been  made 
and  more  prosperous  by  the  residence  of  Mr,    Alexander  Sale-. 

lie  was  horn  in  Wladislovov,  Russian  Poland,  September  6,  (888,  and 
came  to  \mcrica  at  the  age  ol  eighteen,  lie  hail  a  brother  residing  in  Sala- 
manca, V  V..  for  whom  he  worked  for  a  -hurt  time 

256 


After  saving  sufficient  money,  he  went  to  Monongahela,  Pa.,  and  started 
clerking  in  a  store,  where  lie  remained  for  a  year  and  a  half. 

We  next  find  him  in  California,  i'a.,  where  he  remained  six  months.    Here 

ended  his  career  as  a  clerk,  for,  although  his  salary  had  heen  steadily  advanced, 
he  felt  that  his  best  opportunity  lay  in  a  business  of  his  own. 

With  the  few  hundred  dollars  lie  had  been  able  to  save,  he  went  to  Den- 
nison,  Ohio,  and  started  a  store  in  partnership  with  a  Mr.  Ginsberg,  under 
the  firm  name  of  Sales  &  Ginsberg.  This  partnership  continued  for  a  few 
years,  when  Mr.  Ginsberg  retired.  Mr.  Sales  remained  and  has  gradually 
prospered  until  he  has  developed  the  finest  general  merchandise  store  in 
Dennison. 

(  )n  November  t8,  I'H.v  Mr.  Sales  was  married  to  Sarah  1!,  Whittenstein 
of  Bradford,  Pa.  They  have  one  son,  who  will  doubtless  inherit  his  father's 
business  ability. 

Mr.  Sales  and  wife  are  both  very  popular  in  Dennison,  because  of  their 
genial  personalities  and  their  generosity  in  matters  of  charity. 

Mr.  Sales  is  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  Knights  of  Pythias,  the 
Elks,  is  Lecturing  Knight  of  B.  P.  O.  E.  and  was  Secretary  of  the  second 
Liberty  Bond  issue.  When  asked  his  advice  to  the  younger  generation,  Mr. 
Sales  replied  that  he  believed  success  was  due  to  absolute  honesty  more  than 
to  any  other  quality. 


HERMAN    SALLE 

To  fullv  realize  the  great  debt  which  the  nation  owes  to  the  Jew,  we  need 
only  pause  a  moment  and  imagine  him  entirely  removed  from  our  commercial, 
scientific  and  philanthropic  life. 

Every  community  bears  witness  to  the  kindness  and  beneficence  of  the 
Tew,  whose  religion  has  taught  him  the  true  meaning  of  the  stewardship  of 
wealth  for  the  good  of  all,  and  mindful  at  all  times  of  his  sacred  obligation 
to  ease  the  burdens  of  those  less  fortunate  than  himself. 

Such  a  man  is  Mr.  Herman  Salle,  who  was  born  in  Vilna,  Guberne,  Rus- 
sia, in  1880. 

From  his  father,  who  was  a  merchant  of  that  city,  he  doubtless  inherited 
much  of  the  business  ability  which  has  served  him  so  well  in  America. 

He  came  to  this  country  in  June,  1898,  and  obtained  his  first  employment 
in  Canton,  Ohio,  where  he  received  $f>  per  week  in  a  junk  yard.  After  nine 
months  he  started  buying  and  selling  junk  for  himself,  and  four  years  later 
opened  a  yard,  but  this  venture  was  unsuccessful,  and  he  lost  all  his  savings. 
I  le  immediately  started  peddling  again  and  three  years  later  opened  a  yard 
in  Huntington.  W.  Ya.  Eight  months  later  he  came  to  Ironton.  Ohio,  where 
he  has  made  an  unqualified  success  and  has  accumulated  a  large  amount  of 
property. 

He  was  married  in  1906  to  Miss  Fannie  Barber  of  Pittsburgh.  They 
have  one  daughter,  who  is  going  to  school  and  is  also  being  thoroughly  edu- 
cated in  music. 

In  addition  to  Mr.  Salle's  many  business  cares,  he  has  found  time  to  iden- 
tifv  himself  prominently  with  several  fraternal  organizations,  the  most  promi- 
nent being  the  Odd  Fellows  and  Elks.  He  is  also  a  member  of  the  Chamber 
of  Commerce. 

I'm .th  be  and  his  wife  are  most  generous  in  their  responses  to  appeals  for 
charity,  giving  liberally  to  the  Denver  and  Los  Angeles  sanitariums. 

Mr.  Salle  is  also  a  subscriber  of  the  Jewish  Publication  Society. 

257 


JOSEPH    SANDERS 

Ever)'  man  is,  to  a  large  extent,  his  own  educator.  Instructors  and  text- 
books have  their  functions,  but  the  man  himself  must  be  the  directing  genius 
of  thought  projection  and  assimilation. 

Someone  has  said  that  the  Creator  has  so  constituted  the  human  intellect 
that  it  can  only  grow  by  its  own  action,  and  that  man  is  not  educated  until  he 
can  direct  the  full  energy  of  these  powers  toward  vigorous  accomplishment. 

The  ultimate  test  of  true  scholarship  is  not  the  number  of  books  that  a 
man  has  read  or  the  number  of  diplomas  he  is  entitled  to  display,  but  the  value 
of  the  knowledge  he  has  disseminated  to  others  and  the  minds  he  has  aroused 
to  a  recognition  of  truth  and  beauty. 

These  thoughts  suggest  themselves  in  connection  with  the  interesting  life 
of  Mr.  Joseph  Sanders,  a  resident  of  Detroit,  Mich.,  where  he  is  known  as  a 
fine  type  of  lawyer,  scholar,  philanthropist  and  friend. 

Mr.  Sanders  was  born  in  Austria,  April  19,  1887,  coming  to  Xew  York 
into  the  home  of  his  sister  at  the  age  of  five  years.  His  school  career  immedi- 
ately began  and  at  the  age  of  fourteen  he  graduated  from  the  public  schools. 
He  attended  DcAYitt  High  School  for  a  time,  but  being  of  very  independent 
spirit  and  feeling  the  necessity  of  earning  his  own  living,  he  stopped  school 
and  accepted  an  office  position  at  $7  per  week. 

However,  his  studies  did  not  cease.  When  other  boys  were  at  play,  young 
Joseph  was  busy  at  night  school,  perfecting  himself  in  various  commercial 
branches.  His  proficiency  developed  so  rapidly  that  in  1905  he  became  Secre- 
tary to  Charles  Putzel,  then  tax  commissioner  of  New  York.  Two  years  later 
he  was  appointed  Clerk  of  the  Topographical  Bureau  by  the  President  of  the 
Borough  of  Richmond.  That  this  position  should  be  given  to  a  young  man  of 
only  twenty  years  demonstrates  the  absolute  confidence  reposed  in  him  by  his 
superiors. 

In  the  meantime  he  devoted  his  evenings  to  the  study  of  law.  taking 
training  at  the  St.  Lawrence  University  of  Brooklyn,  and  on  October  10,  1908, 
was  admitted  to  the  bar,  but  did  not  begin  the  practice  of  his  profession  until 
July  s,  19 10. 

He  was  married  September  16,  1912,  to  Miss  Anna  E.  Stern,  and  they 
devoted  the  next  two  years  and  a  half  to  travel.  During  this  period  their 
beneficent  influence  was  felt  in  many  remote  parts  of  the  United  States  and 
Canada,  as  he  has  always  been  a  zealous  worker  for  the  uplifting  of  his  own 
race. 

In  the  little  village  of  Sudbury,  Ont.,  where  there  resided  but  ten  Jewish 
families.  Mr.  Sanders  raised  sufficient  funds  to  build  a  synagogue,  which  is 
todav  known  as  Sharrev  Shumain.  This  is  but  one  incident  typical  of  his 
enthusiasm  and  earnestness  of  purpose  toward  any  cause  which  he  espouses. 

He  came  to  Detroit  February  15,  1915,  and  within  two  vears  had  formed 
so  many  warm  friendships  that  he  was  nominated  Circuit  Judge  by  voluntary 
petition,  but  owing  to  the  unfortunate  death  of  his  father-in-law  on  the  day 
when  the  petition  was  to  have  been  filed,  the  matter  was  dropped  at  his 
request. 

Mr.  Sanders  is  a  liberal  contributor  to  all  charities,  and  is  affiliated  with 
all  the  prominent  organizations  of  Detroit,  among  which  we  might  mention 
tin-  following:  Morgcn  Abraham  Congregation;  President  Michigan  Lodge. 
Progressive  Order  of  the  West;  B'nai  B'rith,  Knights  of  Pythias.  He  is  a 
thirty-second  degree  Mason,  member  of  the  Lawyers'  Club,  President  of  the 

Detroit  Civic  Betterment  League  and  is  very  active  in  all  city  affairs.  His 
military  affiliations  arc  the  Fiftieth  Regiment.  Company  E,  Michigan  State 
Troops. 

I  lis  wife  is  a  charming  woman,  highly  accomplished  and  exceedingly  active 

in  charitable  works. 

Mr.  Sander-  i-  -till  a  young  man.  The  morning  -1111  of  life  i-  still  shining 
upon  hi-  man)  activities.  May  both  In-  and  Mrs.  Sanders  be  given  the  full 
allotment  of  year-  to  work  out   the   line  examples  of   right   living  which   their 

actions  exemplify. 

ZS8 


ISIDOR    SALLE 

h"  the  immigrant  problem  concerned  no  other  people  than  tin-  Jews,  the 
question  would  be  :iii  easy  one  to  solve. 

Rather  than  become  ;i  burden,  the  Jew  has  ever  been  an  indefatigable 
worker,  and  ha-  most  cheerfully  contributed  his  best  powers  to  tin-  commu- 
nity and  nation  of  his  adoption. 

While  keeping  true  to  themselves  and  the  traditions  of  their  ran-,  they 
have  nevertheless  devoted  themselves  to  the  common  interest  of  those  with 
whom  the)  found  themselves  associated,  regardless  of  race  or  creed. 

I'l'e  '-.die  Family  is  a  notable  example  of  useful,  influential  citizenship 
with  which  the  old  world  has  enriched  the  new. 

i  If  the  fortunes  and  vicissitudes  which  beset  the  path  of  the  elder  brother, 
Herman  Salle,  we  have  spoken  at  length  in  a  separate  biography. 

[si dor  Salle,  il  e  subjeel  of  tin-  sketch,  was  born  in  V'ilna.  <  luberne,  Russia, 
in  tss*-,  and  came  to  America  in  igofi  lli-  brother  ua-  at  that  time  engaged 
in  business  in  (anion.  <  Ihio,  and  to  him  young  Isidor  went.  They  have  been 
associated  together  in  the  iron  and  metal  business  ever  since,  and  have  been 
wonderfully  successful.  At  the  present  time  their  immense  plant  is  situated  at 
fronton,  •  Ihio,  and  is  known  under  the  firm  name  of  Salle  Bros. 

Mr.  Salle  was  married  to  Mi--  Dora  Farber  of  Parkersburg,  W.  Va  .  and 
thej  have  four  tine  boys,  all  going  to  school  and  being  fitted  for  the  positions 
of  responsibility  they  will  one  day  occupy. 

Mr.  Salle  subscribes  to  the  Jewish  Publication  Society  of  Philadelphia, 
the  Denver  and  Los  Angeles  hospitals  and.  like  his  brother,  is  a  member  of 
the  '  ^\i\  Fellows,  the  Elks  and  the  Chamber  of  Commerce. 

Both  Mr.  and  Mr-.  Salle  are  of  great  service  t"  the  community,  making 
liberal  contributions  to  all  charities,  which  i-  one  of  the  finest  traits  of  fewish 
characti  r. 


MORRIS    SANDMEL 
"If  at  once  you  don't  succeed,  try,  try  again,"  seems  to  be  the  motto  which 

has  inspired   tile  career  of   Mr.    Morris   Sandmel. 

Rorn  in  Jatunah,  Vilna,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  the  winter  of  1874,  the  son 
of  Abraham  Sandmel.  a  renowned  Talmudist,  the  boy  early  realized  that  his 
future  success  could  not  be  made  in  despotic  Russia,  so  he  came  to  America 
in  November,  1903,  landing  in  \\-w  York  City,  where  he  remained  for  four 
week-,  lie  then  went  to  visit  his  uncle  in  Dayton,  t  Ihio,  and  started  out  ped- 
dling a  basket  of  notion-,  but  his  uncle  being  in  very  poor  circumstances,  he 
felt  it  his  duty  to  give  most  of  his  earnings  toward  the  maintenance  of  his 
family.  I  le  next  found  em  ploy  men  t  with  a  man  who  owned  a  horse  and  wagon, 
but  this  venture  was  not  very  profitable,  as  he  was  obliged  to  give  his  employer 
half  of  his  earnings,  \fter  a  number  of  weeks  of  the  strictest  economy  he 
managed  to  save  fifteen  dollar-,  and  with  this  small  capital  and  his  good  credit. 
which  was  already  being  established  in  the  community,  he  bought  a  horse  and 
wagon  and  started  in  business  for  himself. 

\fter  a  year  of  very  hard  work  he  brought  from  Russia  his  wife  and  two 

children,  and  it  was  certainly   a  time  Of  happy   reunion  when  his  family  reached 
our  shi 

After  a  shorl  trial  of  the  laundry  business  and  then  the  fish  business,  he 
decided  that  his  future  success  was  to  be  found  in  -crap  iron  and  metal,  and 
time  has  proven  the  wisdom  of  his  judgment,  as  he  is  today  one  of  the  leading 
dialers  in  this  line. 

259 


The  Sandmels  have  six  children,  llirec  1  oyS  and  three  girls,  all  of  whom 
are  being  well  educated. 

Mr.  Sandmel  is  very  active  in  organization  work,  being  Past  President 
of  Herch  Zion  Society,  Past  President  of  the  Board  of  Education  of  Hebrew 
Institute  of  Dayton,  Ohio,  Past  President  of  Achovas  Acheim  Society,  and  for 
the  past  three  years  has  been  President  of  the  B'rith  Acham  Lodge  127,  Inde- 
pendent Order  Western  Star.  He  is  also  President  of  National  Work  of  Aliens 
and  is  Secretarv  of  the  Order  of  B'nai  Zion. 

Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Sandmel  are  liberal  subscribers  to  charities  both  local 
and  national. 


BEN    SANDS 

We  have  all  no  doubt  at  one  time  or  another  entered  an  establishment 
bent  upon  making  a  purchase.  At  such  times  we  are  more  or  less  interested  in 
the  general  appearance  of  the  store,  the  size  of  the  selection  of  merchandise 
in  which  we  are  interested,  and  the  price  of  the  goods  we  wish  to  buy.  But 
nothing  will  so  hasten  the  consummation  of  the  deal  as  does  the  faith  and  con- 
fidence we  place  in  the  proprietor  of  the  establishment,  and  upon  this  depends 
the  success  of  the  American  business  man. 

In  these  days  of  keen  competition,  when  every  merchant  strives  to  impress 
bis  customer  with  the  superiority  of  his  merchandise,  the  ordinary  tradesman 
will  often  resort  to  commonplace  exaggerations,  and  while  a  sale  may  be 
effected  thereby  now  and  then,  the  fundamental  principles  of  continued  whole- 
some  business  are  overlooked.  The  inevitable  then  follows.  Such  a  merchant's 
patrons  will  in  the  course  of  time  dwindle  away;  bis  business  succumbs  and 
finally  gives  way  to  the  proprietor  of  more  reliable  and  fairer  methods. 

1  Ine  of  the  most  dependable  jewelers  and  diamond  brokers  of  Cleveland. 
Ohio,  is  Mr.  Ben  Sands,  who  conducts  his  business  at  [736  F.ast  Ninth  street. 
His  commercial  activities  date  back  to  about  thirty-live  years  ago,  when  as  a 
child  be  was  already  earning  his  own  livelihood  and  paying  bis  way  through 
school.  Not  only  did  Ben  inherit  his  father's  industrial  instincts,  but  it  was 
due  to  the  hitter's  training  and  sound  advice  that  he  was  finally  able  to  build  up 
bis  present  vast  enterprise  and  occupy  an  enviable  position  among  Cleveland's 
most  prominent  and  influential  business  men. 

Mr.  Sands  was  born  in  Utica,  X.  Y..  in  1875,  the  son  of  /orach  and  Dinah 
Sands.  At  the  age  of  nine  both  he  and  bis  brother  I  tarry  showed  their  aptitude 
for  industrial  SUCCeSS  by  soliciting  the  sale  of  shoe  brushes  and  matches  from 
door  to  door.  When  one  of  bis  older  brothers,  who  was  engaged  in  the  jew- 
elry business,  saw  lien's  abilities  along  commercial  lines,  be  immediately  took 
him  into  his  establishment,  assigning  at  first  some  very  menial  tasks,  and  ad- 
vancing him  as  fast  as  bis  merit'-  warranted.  When  later  this  business  was 
transferred  to  Cleveland,  young  Sands  was  taken  along,  being  employed  hen 
at  a  salary  of  five  dollars  a  week,  acting  as  salesman  and  window  trimmer. 
So  earnestly  did  Ben  Sands  apply  himself  to  bis  daily  tasks  that  in  a  few  years 
bis  salary  was  increased  to  thirty-five  dollars  a  week',  and  he  soon  saved  up  a 

capital  of  approximately  $5,01  0. 

With  tins  amount  Mr.  Sands  shortly  afterward  bought  out  a  part  of  his 
brother's  -lore,  whereupon  the  present  firm  became  known  as  "Hen  Sands."    h 

would  be  rather  difficult  to  find  a  merchant  more  upright  and  willing  to  give 
the  other  person  a  square  deal  than  Ben  Sands,  and  it  is  on  this  account  that 
bis  popularity  has  grown  ami  the  faith  of  bis  customers  in  him  lias  nevei 
declined.  Willi  the  exception  of  a  short  period  of  financial  reverses  during 
the  severe  panic  years  of  ibis  country,  Mr.  Sands  has  enjoyed  a  ven  successful 

260 


career,  and  whatever  of  earthly  goods  he  can  now  lay  claim  to  is  the  result 
of  hard  and  persistent  work,  coupled  with  honest  business  methods. 

In  [898  Ben  Sands  married  Miss  Julia  Jacobs,  the  daughter  of  the  well- 
known  and  highly  esteemed  Abraham  and  Fanny  Jacobs.  A  son  was  born  to 
them  in  11)07.  who  is  now  attending  school. 

While  he  is  deeply  engrossed  in  his  business.  Mr.  Sands  is  an  active  mem- 
ber of  the  Anshe  Emeth  Congregation,  lie  belongs  to  the  Elks,  the  Moose 
and  several  other  prominent  organizations,  both  charitable  and  social.  Besides 
being  a  liberal  contributor  to  all  of  the  local  charities,  Mr.  Sands  has  given 
verv  freely  to  the  Mount  Sinai  Hospital,  and  it  is  due  in  a  large  measure  to 
the  benevolence  of  such  citizens  as  lien  Sands  that  Cleveland  can  boast  of  so 
beautiful  a  hospital  as  Mount  Sinai. 


MORRIS   SCHAFFNER 

History  has  been  defined,  "The  sum  of  the  biographies  of  a  few  strong 
men."  And  certain  it  is  that  much  that  is  of  profound  and  abiding  interest  to 
the  nation  has  to  do  with  the  lives  of  those  men  who  have  contributed  most  to 
her  industrial  progress. 

It  is  doubtful  if.  among  the  many  thousands  of  immigrants  faring  west- 
ward from  the  old  world,  there  was  a  youth  more  resolutely  and  boldly  seek- 
ing opportunity  than  Morris  Schaffner.  Born  in  Hessloch,  Hessen,  Germany, 
November  28,  1866,  he  early  learned  much  of  the  business  which  was  to  be 
his  life  \ 
business. 

Coming  to  America  June  18,  1881,  the  city  of  Cleveland,  Ohio,  admitted 
within  her  gates  a  young  boy  self-reliant  in  every  liber  and  willing  to  take  up 
any  honest  employment  which  came  to  hand.  His  first  job  was  in  a  general 
country  store  in  Indiana,  but,  not  being  to  his  liking,  he  sought  other  work, 
and  found  it  in  a  meat  market,  as  butcher's  helper,  which  work  he  pursued 
diligently  for  nearly  two  years,  when  he  decided  to  go  into  business  for  himself, 
despite  the  fact  that  he  had  no  capital  or  influential  friends,  aside  from  that 
which  his  sainted  uncle,  Gabriel  Schaffner,  of  Cleveland,  Ohio,  assisted  him  to. 

His  first  business  venture  was  made  in  1883.  One  year  later  he  was  joined 
by  his  brother,  Jacob,  who  was  associated  with  him  under  the  firm  name  of 
Schaffner  Brothers.  They  remained  in  Cleveland  until  1887,  when  they  moved 
the  business  to  Erie.  Pa. 

The  remarkable  growth  of  Schaffner  Brothers  Company  is  now  an  inter- 
esting bit  of  business  history.  They  are  one  of  the  largest  packing  houses  in 
the  East,  conducting  in  conjunction  with  their  business  immense  stock  farms, 
where  they  specialize  in  raising  Shorthorn  cattle.  These  stock  farms  cover  a 
combined  area  of  over  one  thousand  acres. 

Mr.  Schaffner's  activities  along  this  line  have  brought  him  in  close  touch 
with  the  various  agricultural  organizations  of  his  state  and  community,  and  at 
the  present  time  he  is  President  of  the  Erie  County  Breeders'  Association,  as 
well  as  Director  of  the  Erie  Exposition,  both  of  the  organizations  working  for 
the  betterment  of  live  stock  and  agricultural   interests. 

Like  most  good  Jews,  charity  with  Mr.  Schaffner  is  a  part  of  his  religion 
and  his  generous  contributions  have  alleviated  much  suffering.  He  was  one 
of  the  founders  of  the  B'nai  B'rith  Orphanage  at  Erie,  as  well  as  its  first 
temporarv  President ;  and  is  now  on  the  Board  of  Directors,  as  well  as  a 
member  of  the  Board  of  Governors.  He  is  now  serving  his  eighth  term  as 
President  of  the  Anche  Chesid  Temple  of  Erie,  and  was  elected  Second  Vice 
President  of  District  Xo.  3  of  the  Independent  Order  of  B'nai  B'rith.  and  is 

261 


also  one  of  the  Directors  of  the  Young  Men's  Hebrew  Association  of  Erie. 

Mr.  Schaffner  is  President  of  the  Schaffner-Gleason  Lumber  Co.  of  Penn- 
side,  Pa.,  and  of  the  Schaffner  Bros.  Co.  of  Erie,  Pa.  He  is  also  prominent 
in  the  business  world  of  his  home  town,  as  well  as  taking  an  active  part  in 
politics,  being  affiliated  with  the  Democratic  Party,  and  served  the  city  of  Erie 
for  three  vears  as  Fire  Commissioner  before  the  commission  form  of  govern- 
ment was  inaugurated. 

He  was  married  on  November  28,  1886,  to  Miss  Carrie  Schuster  of  Erie, 
Pa.  They  have  three  children,  all  grown  and  occupying  business  and  social 
positions.  Mr.  Schaffner  has  just  attained  to  that  age  of  mature  experience 
when  his  advice  and  precepts  are  most  valuable  to  his  contemporaries. 

May  he  be  given  many  more  years  of  usefulness  and  inspiration  to  the 
young  generation. 


CHARLES    H.   SCHAENGOLD 

Cincinnati,  Ohio,  boasts  of  an  Orthodox  institution  which  is  in  every 
way  a  model  to  be  copied  by  both  Jewish  and  Gentile  organizations. 

Its  spotless  cleanliness  and  the  pleasant,  homelike  atmosphere  surround- 
ing it  excite  the  admiration  of  every  one  who  comes  within  its  walls.  We 
refer  to  the  Home  for  the  Aged,  the  remarkable  success  of  which  is  the  life 
work  of  its  President,  Mr.  Charles  H.  Schaengold. 

Mr.  Schaengold  is  a  man  of  rare  executive  ability,  who  makes  a  success 
of  anv  enterprise  to  which  he  directs  his  energy  and  enthusiasm.  Therefore, 
when  a  number  of  Orthodox  Jewish  business  men  decide  to  open  a  home  for 
the  aged,  they  naturally  turned  to  Mr.  Schaengold  as  the  person  best  fitted 
to  carry  the  project  through  success  full}'. 

Mr.  Schaengold  was  born  July  30,  1872,  in  Warsaw,  Poland,  the  son  of 
Moses  Wolf  and  Zippe  Schaengold,  he  being  one  of  a  family  of  seven  children, 
consisting  of  six  sons  and  one  daughter. 

He  came  to  America  in  1888,  and  during  the  first  six  weeks  became  a 
familiar  figure  on  the  streets  of  New  York,  where  he  peddled  matches.  He 
then  went  to  Cincinnati,  where  for  some  time  he  peddled  merchandise,  and 
then  having  acquired  a  small  capital,  he  opened  a  shoe  store  in  Covington, 
Ky.  A  year  later  he  went  to  Brookville,  Ind.,  but  in  a  short  time  returned  to 
Cincinnati  and  went  into  the  clothing  business.  This  initial  venture  has  devel- 
oped into  a  chain  of  stores  consisting  of  the  "Underselling  Store,"  Fifth  and 
Plum  streets,  Cincinnati ;  "The  Dunlap  Clothing  Shop,"  Vine  and  Arcade 
streets;  "The  Worthmore  Clothing  Co.,"  427  Vine  street;  "Fountain  Clothing 
Shop,"  330  West  Fifth  street;  "The  Worthmore  Clothing  Shop,''  136  Hay 
street,  Hamilton,  Ohio ;  "The  Yerybest  Clothing  Co.,"  302  West  Market  street, 
Louisville.  Ky.  Mr.  Schaengold  also  has  large  interests  in  moving  picture 
houses  in  various  cities. 

On  July  30,  1893,  Mr.  Schaengold  was  married  to  Miss  Yetta  Kessel,  and 
they  have  two  sons,  Sam  S.  and  Sol  M. 

In  addition  to  the  Home  of  the  Aged,  Mr.  Schaengold  is  former  President 
of  Schachna  Synagogue,  a  prominent  Orthodox  institution  of  Cincinnati,  lie 
is  also  a  Trustee  of  the  Reading  Road  Temple  and  a  prominent  member  of 
the  Business  Men's  Club  and  the  Chamber  of  Commerce. 


262 


MICHAEL    SCHONBERG 

For  many  years  psychologists  and  students  of  human  nature  have  tried  in 
vain  to  decide  whether  man's  besl  abilities  were  derived  from  heredity  or  edu- 
cation. 

Tlu-  great  army  of  self-made  men  who  have  overcome  seemingly  unsur- 
mountable  obstacles  without  the  aid  of  education  would  seem  to  speak  volumes 
for  the  influence  of  native  ability  and  heredity. 

A  prominent  example  is  Mr.  Michael  Schonberg,  who  was  horn  in  <  iorlitz. 
Austria.  May  1st,  [863.  Mis  father.  Julius  Schonberg,  being  one  of  the  lead- 
ing lawyers  and  TalmudistS  of  that  section.      I  lis  mother  was  also  a  woman  of 

strong  character  and  one  of  the  most  kindly  and  charitable  personalities  in  tlieir 

native  town. 

Mr.  Schonberg  came  to  America  at  the  age  of  nineteen  and  for  the  first 
three  years  peddled  drj  goods  and  small  merchandise  in  1  leveland,  '  thio. 

Later,  he  managed  to  buy  a  horse  and  wagon,  and  continued  to  peddle  in 
the  country  for  the  next   four  years,  when  lie  was  SO  1111  fortunate  as  to  become 

very  ill  and  lost  everything  he  had  saved. 

After  his  recovery,  he  went  to  Newark,  1  (hio,  with  hut  90  cents  in  the 
world,  and  for  the  next  six  months  sold  writing  paper,  envelopes  and  pencils, 
lie  gradually  accumulated  enough  to  bring  his  family  from  Cleveland  to  New- 
ark, and  also  to  buy  a  horse  and  wagon  with  which  he  started  to  peddle  junk. 

Shortly  after  he  accepted  a  position  with  a  scrap  iron  and  metal  concern, 
where  he  acted  as  buyer  and  salesman,  and  proved  so  valuable  that  after  the 
first  year  he  was  taken  into  the  linn  on  a  profit-sharing  plan. 

In  lNci^  he  decided  to  go  into  business  for  himself,  and  he  has  prospered 
to  such  an  extent  that  he  is  today  one  of  the  largest  scrap  iron  and  metal  mer- 
chants in  the  country. 

Mr.  Schonberg  was  married  to  Miss  Toha  I'rankel  of  Cleveland.  March  3. 
[883,  and  they  had  a  family  of  three  hoys  and  four  girls,  who  are  all  happih 
married.  However,  they  were  so  unfortunate  as  to  lose  the  beloved  wife  and 
mother  by  death,  and  her  loss  is  still  keenly  felt,  not  only  by  her  immediate 
family,  hut  by  the  community  at  large. 

Mr.  Schonberg  is  a  member  and  chief  contributor  to  Congregation  t  >sha\ 
Israel  of  Newark,  and  is  also  active  in  the  Masons,  h'.lks.  1','rith  Abraham, 
Chamber  of  Commerce,  Dramatic  <  trder  of  Knights  of  (.'ores,  and  all  Jewish 
Charities,  including  the  Sanitariums  of  Denver  and  Los  Angeles. 


JACOil    SCHORIN 

Mr.  Jacob  Schorin  is  still  a  young  man.  hut.  judging  from  his  success  jn 
both  public  and  private  life  in  the  brief  space  of  time  which  he  spent  in  this 
country,  we  can  well  expect  wonderful  results  for  the  future.  He  was  horn  in 
\  istki,  Mohilever  <  iubernia,  Russia,  on  tin-  23d  of  Teheth.  iNSo.  as  the  son  of 
Hirsh  and  Rebecca  Schorin.  Ilis  uncle.  Talman  Motlin,  was  Rabbi  in  Homel, 
There  also  are  other  distinguished  relatives.  However,  all  this  availed  him  hut 
little,  when,  at  the  age  of  twenty-two.  he  landed  on  these  shores.  He  went  to 
Pittsburgh,  where  he  became  a  peddler,  and  for  five  wars  sold  all  sorts  of 
merchandise,  until  he  found  enough  funds  at  his  disposal  to  come  to  Akron.  O.. 
and  embark  in  business  for  himself,  lie  opened  a  store,  which  he  is  still  con- 
ducting, and  under  the  linn  name  of  I.  Schorin  he  has  heen  supplying  the 
population  of  Akron  with  gents'  furnishings  and  clothing.  This  store  was  a 
success  from  the  start  and  Mr.  Schorin  is  able  to  trace  its  growth  almost  from 
day  to  day. 

?6.1 


Mr.  Schorin  finds  leisure  to  accept  the  honorable  position  of  president  of 
the  Bowery  Street  Congregation,  and  he  is  one  of  the  directors  of  the  Akron 
Federation  of  Charities  and  the  Central  Relief  Committee.  He  is  an  active 
member  of  nearly  every  important  Jewish  organization  in  the  city  and  a  liberal 
donor  to  every  Jewish  cause  of  importance. 

He  was  married  on  June  24,  1906,  to  Golde  Mogilevitz,  who  is  a  descend- 
ant of  a  well-known  Grodno  family.  He  has  many  relatives  and  he  saw  to  it 
that  all  were  made  financially  independent ;  he  even  brings  up  the  children  of 
his  wife's  sister.     He  is  Orthodox. 

From  his  Pittsburgh  days  Mr.  Schorin  retained  an  interest  in  the  Hebrew 
Institute  of  that  city  and  he  still  contributes  to  its  maintenance. 


LEON    SCHREIBER 

The  pioneer  has  always  been  obliged  to  pay  a  heavy  price  for  leadership. 
Whether  he  blazes  a  new  trail  into  the  trackless  forest  or  develops  new  avenues 
in  the  heart  of  commerce,  he  is  obliged  to  experience  privation  and  sometimes 
the  loss  of  friends  and  the  misunderstanding  of  the  world.  Yet  the  world  owes 
everything  to  these  leaders. 

Such  a  man  is  Mr.  Leon  Schreiber,  who  was  born  in  Chaplie,  near  Sambor 
Galicia.  December  7,  1870,  the  son  of  Hirsh  and  Hena  Schreiber.  He  comes 
from  an  intellectual  family,  his  uncle  having  been  a  Rabbi  of  note  in  bis  native 
land. 

Mr.  Schreiber  came  to  America  in  1887  and  found  his  first  occupation  as 
cloak  operator.  He  remained  in  New  York  for  two  years,  and  then  went  to 
Chicago,  where  he  first  sold  insurance,  and  then  a  line  of  Singer  sewing 
machines.  He  returned  to  New  York  in  1899,  but  four  years  later  went  to 
Cleveland,  where  he  held  the  position  of  foreman  for  H.  Black  Company. 

Here  he  remained  until  he  had  saved  enough  capital  to  start  in  the  liquor 
business,  when  he  started  up  his  own  establishment  at  2802  Scoville  avenue, 
Cleveland,  Ohio,  and  has  been  exceedingly  successful. 

Mr.  Schreiber  was  married  in  Chicago  October  28,  1892,  to  Miss  Mollie 
Lieder,  who  came  from  Bialystok,  Russia.  They  have  seven  children,  six  sons 
and  one  daughter,  all  of  whom  have  been  brought  up  with  a  thorough  knowl- 
edge and  respect  for  Jewish  beliefs  and  traditions.  They  are  all  well  edu- 
cated, the  third  son  being  a  student  of  law. 

Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Schreiber  are  active  in  many  organizations,  particularly 
those  relating  to  Jewish  betterment,  and  contribute  most  liberally  to  various 
charities. 

Mr.  Schreiber  is  a  member  of  the  Progressive  Order  of  the  West,  and  the 
Galician  Unterstuetzungs-Verein. 


BERNARD   SCHWARTZ 

(  )ne  of  the  most  prominent  cigar  manufacturers  of  Detroit,  Mich  and  a 
man  who  deserves  the  high  repute  he  has  gained  among  his  friends  and 
acquaintances  on  account  of  his  rugged  and  persistent  honesty  is  Mr  Bernard 
Schwartz.  Born  in  Oshtchiluga,  Poland,  in  the  month  of  April  1872  he  is 
the  son  of  Moses  and  Gerta  Schwartz.  At  the  age  of  fourteen  he  determined 
to  change  bis  lot  by  emigrating  to  the  New  World,  and  he  landed  in  Montreal. 

264 


Canada,  where  he  wenl  to  work  immediately  as  a  beginner  in  the  <-i^a r  trade. 

There  was  scarcely  an  opportunity  f ■  >r  him  to  ^;iin  any  education  in  the 
country  of  his  birth,  so  when  he  landed  in  Canada,  he  entered  an  evening 

school,  where  he  learned  the  rudiments  of  modern    

education,  while  supporting  himself  1  •  \  work  at  the 
cigar  factory,  earning  $1.50  per  week.  Four  years 
later  his  weekly  wage  was  increased  to  $4,  when  he 
d  t"  come  to  Detroit,  Mich.,  again  assuming 
work  at  the  same  trade.  After  staying  at  work  for 
some  time,  he  began  to  save  as  much  as  he  could, 
and  when  lie  reached  the  sum  of  $75,  some  twenty- 
three  years  ago,  he  opened  a  factory,  which  was 
a  success  from  the  very  start,  and  which  has  ulti- 
mately grown  to  its  present  proportions,  giving  em- 
ployment to  1511  people. 

Mr.  Schwartz  is  a  man  of  civic  interest,  who 
belongs  to  all  local  charities  and  is  a  great  contrib- 
utor  to   every    worthy   cause.      IK'    i-   a    very   active 

member  of  the  Temple  Beth-El  and  was  repeatedly 

offered     office     there.        hi      religious     affairs     Mr.  Brrnonl   Sehifuta 

Schwartz  believes  in  Reform  Judaism. 

<  >n  March  26,  [895,  Mr.  Schwartz  was  married  to  Miss  Esther  Rothstein, 
and  he  is  the  lather  of  two  sons,  Xorman  ami  Theodore,  and  one  daughter. 
Yetta.  Mr.  Moses  Schwartz,  father  of  Mr.  Bernard  Schwartz,  a  man  of  high 
culture  and  intelligence,  resides  with  his  son. 


BENJAMIN    B.    SCHWARTZ 


There  is  a  universal  law  of  compensation  which  exacts  an  even  measure 
of  sorrow  for  every  joy;  a  law  that  rewards  or  penalizes  in  proportion  to  our 
service  to  mankind.  Every  action  finds  its  balance  in  tin-  scale  of  this  eternal 
justice,  and  writes  itself  indelibly  into  the  lives  of  our  associates  as  well  as 
ourselves. 

If  vmi  were  to  inquire  into  the  remarkable  success  achieved  by  Mr.  Ben- 
jamin 1'..  Schwartz  you  would  have  to  traverse  not  only  the  length  and  breadth 
of  his  own  state,  hut  far  distant  sections  of  the  country  as  well,  in  order  to 
realize  the  extent  of  his  charitable  activities. 

Only  after  visiting  the  Denver  Sanitariums,  the  New  York  Emigration 
Society,  the  Jewish  hospitals  and  many  other  institutions  would  you  begin  to 
appreciate  why  a  wise  providence  has  made  Mr.  Schwartz  custodian  of  such 
vast  interests  which  he  is  so  generously  dispensing  for  the  good  of  mankind. 

lie  was  horn  in  Ivia.  Yilna.  Guberne,  Russia,  in  April,  1883,  and  came  to 
America  at  the  age  of  17.  Landing  in  New  York,  he  found  employment  as  a 
cap  maker  and  during  the  four  years  in  which  he  pursued  this  occupation  his 
salary  was  raised  from  $7.00  to  $20.00  a  week.  He  then  went  to  Detroit, 
where  his  brother-in-law,  Mr.  Louis  Smith,  used  his  influence  in  his  behalf, 
enabling  him  to  go  into  business  without  any  capital. 

The  first  three  years  were  very  hard  ones,  hut  Mr.  Schwartz  had  able 
assistance  in  the  person  of  his  wife,  whom  he  married  in  Detroit,  February  19, 
icic/i.  and  who,  before  her  marriage,  was  Miss  Bella  Smith. 

Graduallv  the  business  began  to  prosper  and  they  are  now  rewarded  by 
having  one  of  the  largest  commission  businesses  in  the  city  of  Detroit. 

Now  that  their  financial  future  is  assured.  Mrs.  Schwartz  turns  her  ability 
to  the  promotion  of  the  various  charitable  organizations,  in  which  she  and  her 

265 


husband  are  interested,  and  she  and  her  husband  are  also  well  known  in  the 
social  life  of  Detroit. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Schwartz  have  three  children,  two  boys  and  one  girl,  all 
quite  small,  who  will  doubtless  not  only  inherit  the  fortune  of  their  parents,  but 
their  sterling  qualities  of  character,  which  will  prompt  them  to  emulate  their 
generous  and  humanitarian  treatment  of  the  unfortunate. 

Mr.  Schwartz  is  a  member  of  the  Congregation  B'nai  Israel,  B'nai  Abra- 
ham and  Talmud  Torah. 

Honesty  and  perseverance  are  the  two  qualities  which  Mr.  Schwartz  feels 
are  most  essential  to  a  successful  business  career  and  which  have  contributed 
largely  to  his  own  brilliant  achievements. 


EDWARD   E.   SCHWARTZ 

Few  of  the  younger  men  of  the  country  are  better  known  than  Edward  E. 
Schwartz  of  Cleveland,  who  has  a  wide  circle  of  friends  among  his  business 
and  social  acquaintances.  His  keen  and  intelligent  interest  in  all  the  nation's 
policies,  and  his  sympathy  with  all  classes  of  people  have  placed  him  in  the 
front  rank  of  the  rising  generation  of  influential  Americans.  Mr.  Schwartz's 
ability  and  integrity  are  always  to  be  relied  upon,  a  fact  which  makes  him  a 
valued  member  of  many  of  the  largest  organizations  of  the  country,  as  the 
Congregation  of  Euclid  Avenue  Temple,  the  Masons,  Elks  and  Knights  of 
Pythias.  His  judgment  of  men  is  instant  and  accurate  and  he  has  long  been 
a  leader  in  business  and  political  life. 

Mr.  Schwartz  is  a  son  of  Emanuel  and  Mollie  Schwartz,  and  was  born 
on  September  10,  1SS0,  in  Cleveland,  where  his  father  was  engaged  in  the 
retail  grocery  trade.  He  was  educated  in  the  public  schools,  and  at  the  age 
of  fifteen  left  school  and  started  to  work  in  a  soap  factory  for  $20  a  month. 
At  sixteen  he  took  a  step  upward  and  became  a  bookkeeper,  while  his  weekly 
envelope  now  contained  $9.  Later  he  joined  forces  with  the  N.  J.  Rich  Knit- 
ting Co.,  with  which  he  was  associated  for  ten  years.  As  an  employe  he  was 
both  reliable  and  persevering  and  before  he  went  into  business  for  himself  he 
had  seen  his  salary  grow  from  $5  per  week  to  $2,500  per  year. 

At  present  he  is  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Green,  Haas,  Schwartz  Co., 
manufacturers  of  knitted  goods,  and  which  does  a  business  of  a  million  dollars 
a  year  and  ships  its  goods  to  all  parts  of  the  world.  Mr.  Schwartz's  success 
in  business  has  been  over  the  open,  straight  road,  and  he  passes  this  advice  on 
to  beginners  in  the  work:  "Be  faithful  to  your  employers.  Select  the  line 
you  are  best  fitted  for  and  stick  to  it.    Be  honest  and  industrious." 

On  April  4,  191 1,  Edward  E.  Schwartz  was  married  to  Miss  Anna  Fryer, 
daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hiram  M.  Fryer.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Schwartz  have  two 
children,  both  girls. 

Mrs.  Schwartz,  a  charming  and  accomplished  young  woman,  is  almost  rs 
well  known  in  the  city  as  her  husband.  Their  many  friends  are  always  wel- 
come at  their  home,  and  there,  too,  the  less  fortunate  always  find  some  one 
to  champion  their  cause.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Schwartz  are  greatly  interested 
in  all  progressive  movements  and  also  contribute  generously  to  all  the  local 
charitable  organizations,  to  the  Mount  Sinai  Hospital  and  to  many  branches  of 
welfare  work. 

The  rise  of  Edward  Schwartz  from  a  worker  in  a  factory  to  the  position 
of  partner  and  Secretary  in  an  immense  manufacturing  business  has  been  very 
rapid,  unusually  s< >  even  in  this  land  of  opportunity.  Business  has  run  smoothly 
for  him  by  reason  of  his  perseverance,  good  judgment  and  self-control.  Un- 
doubtedly the  future  holds  in  store  much  that  is  good  for  this  American  of 
1  ourage  and  integrity,  who  makes  it  a  rule  to  accomplish  the  purpose  for  which 
he  sets  out. 

266 


IGNACE   SCHWARTZ 

Mr.  Ignace  Schwartz,  of  the  firm  of  Schwartz  &  Klein,  wholesale  liquors, 
.(Hi  East  Federal  street,  Youngstown,  <  >hi<>.  is  the  type  of  the  self-made  man 
who  started  at  the  lowest  rung  of  the  ladder  of  human  ambition  and  ulti- 
matel)  limls  li i n  1  --c-1  f  the  owner  of  a  highly  prosperous  business,  enjoying  an 
unblemished  reputation  and  admired  and  beloved  by  his  fellow  citizens.  He 
came  to  America  on  May  17.  [886,  when  i n - 1  fifteen  years  of  age,  he  having 
been  born  in  Tokay,  Hungary,  on  April  8,  1871.  He  landed  in  New  York 
and  immediately  went  to  work  for  a  living. 

Tlis  first  occupation  was  that  of  an  operator,  later  changing  it  to  that  of 
a  peddler,  fruit  dealer  and  salesman  of  gents'  furnishings.  He  stayed  in  New 
York  for  only  six  months,  then  going  to  Philadelphia  and  from  there  he  came, 
in  1903,  to  Youngstown,  where  he  became  engaged  in  the  liquor  business,  in 
which  he  is  concerned  at  present. 

Mr.  Schwartz's  charitable  connections  arc  many  and  varied.  He  is  an 
active  member  and  was  the  President  and  Treasurer  of  the  Federated  Chari- 
ties hi  Youngstown,  was  twice  President  of  the  Congregation  Children  of 
Israel,  President  of  the  Federal  Lodge  of  the  Independent  1  trder  P.'rith  Sho- 
lom,  a  member  nt'  the  Prioress  l  lull  ami  a  good  man)  social  organizations  too 
numerous  to  lie  mentioned,  lie  is  a  good  Hebrew  scholar,  having  had  the 
training  of  a  Yeshiba  Bochur  in  his  early  days,  and  he  is  very  interested  in 
the  propagation  of  the  study  of  the  Hebrew  language  and  Jewish  education  in 
general. 

(  in  August  17.  [897,  In-  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Pauline  Klein,  who 
i^  of  Hungarian  descent,  and  they  are  the  parents  of  two  accomplished  daugh- 
ters,  I  lelena   E.  and   Regina. 

Mrs.  Schwartz  i^  President  of  the  Ladies'  Aid  Society  and  very  interested 

in  the  social  and  communal  work  of  her  husband. 


NATHAN    AND    JACOB    SCHWARTZ 

ll  i^  most  interesting  to  relate  the  life  histories  of  two  brothers  who 
came  to  America  within  a  few  years  of  each  other  and  whose  business  interests 
have   been  practically   identical   since   that   lime. 

We  refer  to  Nathan  and  Jacob  Schwartz,  proprietors  of  tin-  linn  of 
Schwartz  Brothers,  dealers  in  bags  and  burlap.  They  were  born  in  Yilna. 
Guberne,  Russia,  the  -mis  of  Joseph  ami  Malka  Schwartz.  Nathan  came  to 
America  in  [909  and  Jacob  four  years  later.  Both  came  direct  to  Chelsea. 
Ma".,  ami  lor  some  time  worked  in  a  bag  and  burlap  shop,  learning  all  they 
possibl)    could    regarding   the   business,    with    the    idea   of   going    into   business 

for  themselves.    This  they  did  a  few  years  later,  ami  their  venture  has  been 
an  unqualified  success. 

They  were  both  married  in  Chelsea,  Mass..  and  each  has  one  child.     They 

are  members  of  the  Russian  Orthdox  Congregation  and  Minxter  Societ]   of 
sea. 

t  Ine  of   the   Finest   attributes  of  Jewish   character  i-.  generosity   in   matters 

of  charity,  and  in  this  regard  Schwartz  Brothers  are  no  exceptions,  as  they 

give  most  liberally  to  all  worth)    causes  appealing  to  them   tor  aid. 


267 


JOSEPH    SELIK 

Life  is  so  full  of  complexities,  has  so  many  sides  and  phases,  that  the 
man  who  concentrates  his  entire  time  and  thought  in  one  channel  loses  much 
of  his  versatility. 

The  really  great  man  of  his  time  is  he  who  can  direct  his  energies  into 
all  the  worthy  experiences  and  affairs  of  life  and  at  the  same  time  not  lose  that 
concentration  upon  the  main  issues,  which  is  so  necessary  to  a  permanent  and 
worth-while  career. 

Such  a  man  is  Mr.  Joseph  Selik  of  Detroit,  Mich.,  who  was  born  in 
Grodno.  Russia,  in  the  year  1872.  His  father  was  a  hardware  merchant  and 
Jewish  scholar. 

Before  coming  to  America  Mr.  Selik  was  owner  of  a  factory  where 
"Selikowitz  Knives  of  Grodno"  were  made.  This  business  was  flourishing 
until  the  war  with  Japan  started,  when,  conditions  being  rather  unfavorable, 
he  was  advised  to  sell  his  business  and  come  to  America. 

Landing  in  New  York  in  June,  1903,  he  was  very  unfortunate  in  being 
unable  to  find  work,  so  after  four  weeks'  fruitless  search  he  was  advised  to 
go  to  the  removal  office  and  from  there  he  was  sent  to  Detroit.  Here  he 
found  employment  in  Ford's  automobile  works.  Following  this  he  was  con- 
nected for  four  years  with  the  Burroughs  Adding  Machine  Company,  but 
during  this  time  the  spark  of  ambition  to  be  in  business  for  himself  never  died, 
so  in  a  barn  back  of  his  house  Mr.  Selik  started  a  small  shop  and  devoted  all 
his  spare  time  to  the  making  of  tools.  Here  he  was  assisted  by  his  brother, 
Bernard,  until  the  business  grew  to  such  proportions  that  they  both  could 
devote  all  their  time  to  it.  They  then  bought  a  lot  on  Twenty-fourth  street  and 
erected  the  present  plant,  where  they  do  sub-contracting  for  the  United  States 
government  and  also  handle  a  large  individual  business. 

This  history  would  not  be  complete  without  special  mention  of  Mr.  Selik's 
home  life,  which  is  ideal  in  every  respect.  Flis  wife,  before  her  marriage,  was 
Miss  Rachel  Avnet.  They  were  married  in  Russia  in  1901,  two  years  before 
Mr.  Selik  came  to  America,  and  have  six  children,  whom  they  are  thoroughly 
educating.  In  addition  to  the  regular  academic  studies  thev  are  being  taught 
all  the  fundamentals  of  Jewish  scholarship  and  receiving  instruction  in  music. 

One  daughter,  Rebecca,  although  still  a  young  girl  in  high  school,  is  a 
thoroughly  accomplished  violinist  and  has  made  many  public  appearances 
which  have  received  flattering  notice. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Selik  are  firm  believers  in  Jewish  education,  and  both  are 
devoting  much  time  and  money  to  the  promotion  of  various  Jewish  move- 
ments. However,  their  sympathies  are  so  broad  that  they  encompass  charities 
of  every  creed  and  religion,  both  local  and  national,  including  sanitariums  in 
Denver. 

Mr.  Selik  is  President  of  the  Hebrew  Hospital  Association  of  Detroit, 
former  President  of  Congregation  Mishkin  Israel,  is  a  member  of  Congrega- 
tion Agudas  Achim,  Vice  President  of  the  Progressive  Order  of  the  West, 
member  of  Michigan  Lodge  Varner  Society,  former  President  of  B'nai  Zion 
and  American  Publican  Society. 


SAM    W.    SELKER 

The  rise  of  Sam  W,  Selker  from  a  worker  in  a  factory  to  the  position 
of  partner  in  an  immense  business  has  been  very  rapid,  unusually  so,  even  in 
tbi<  land  of  many  opportunities. 

Business  has  run  smoothly  For  him  l>\  reason  of  his  excellent  judgment, 
perseverance  and  self-control.     Undoubtedly  die  future  holds  much  in  store 

268 


for  a  man  with  such  qualities  of  courage  and  integrity  who  has  never  failed  to 
accomplish  the  purpose  for  which  he  sets  out. 

["o  confine  what  could  easily  lie  made  a  lengthy  story  within  due  limits, 
it  is  only  possible  to  touch  upon  the  most  vital  points  in  the  biography  of 
.\ir.  Selker.  lie  was  born  December  22,  [887,  in  Griva  Lumzer.  I'bern.  Rus- 
sian Poland,  the  son  of  Esor  Selker.  When  but  a  young  lad  of  six  months 
he  came  to  America  with  his  parents.  Through  their  efforts  and  good  judg- 
ment be  was  allowed  to  remain  in  school  until  the  age  of  seventeen,  and  in 
this  be  bad  an  advantage  over  many  other  boys  who  are  obliged  to  light  their 
way  with  practically  no  education  to  assist  them. 

When  his  school  days  were  over  he  obtained  employment  at  the  factory, 
but  later  had  opportunity  to  engage  in  the  junk  business  with  bis  present  part- 
ner, although  at  that  time  he  had  no  interest  in  the  business.  However,  he 
showed  such  marked  ability  that  he  soon  proved  himself  indispensable  to  the 
firm  and  was  taken  into  full  partnership.  They  now  do  a  verv  extensive 
business  in  fertilizers,  hides  and  junk,  under  the  firm  name  of  Wernick  & 
Selker.  Fostoria.  Ohio. 

Mr.  Selker  was  married  July  S.  [916,  to  Miss  Bessie  Pensky.  and  they 
have  one  baby  girl. 

Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Selker  are  most  generous  in  their  gifts  to  charities, 
not  only  local,  but  also  in  other  cities,  including  the  Denver  Sanitarium.  They 
are  also  members  of  Sbaava  Teve.  Toledo,  Ohio. 


MAX   SEGAL 

It  cannot  be  too  often  repeated  that  it  is  not  the  so-called  blessings  of 
life,  its  sunshine  and  calms  that  make  men.  but  its  rugged  experiences,  its 
storms,  tempests  and  trials.  Earlv  poverty,  especially,  is  emphatically  a  bless- 
ing in  disguise.  The  school  of  poverty  graduates  the  ablest  pupils.  It  does 
more,  perhaps,  than  anything  else  to  develop  the  energetic,  self-reliant  traits 
of  character,  without  which  the  highest  ability  makes  sorry  work  of  life's 
battles. 

Such  was  the  experience  of  Mr.  Max  Segal,  who  was  born  in  Sager,  Rus- 
sia. March  15.  1858.  the  son  of  Moses  and  Anna  Segal,  his  father  being  a 
fanner  in  that  district. 

He  came  to  America  in  September.  1889,  and  having  no  funds  nor  friends 
to  assist  him,  peddled  tinware  for  some  time.  He  then  became  interested  in 
the  junk  business  and  established  a  small  yard,  which  has  grown  to  such  pro- 
portions that  he  has  taken  his  son.  Sam  L..  into  partnership  with  him,  and  they 
are  todav  operating  their  large  establishment  under  the  firm  name  of  Segal 
&  Son  at  Chillicothe.  Ohio. 

Mr.  Segal  was  married  to  Miss  Rebecca  Bloom,  and  they  have  eight  chil- 
dren, five  boys  and  three  girls. 

As  stated  above.  Sam  is  in  business  with  his  father,  and  is  affiliated  with 
many  prominent  fraternal  and  civic  organizations,  being  President  of  Chilli- 
cothe Lodge  of  Bnai  B'rith  and  President  of  the  Jewish  Welfare  Board.  He 
is  a  former  member  of  the  City  Council  and  one  of  the  prominent  members 
of  the  Chillicothe  War  Council.  The  second  son,  Ben  M.,  is  Regimental 
Sergeant-Major  of  the  135th  Field  Artillery  of  the  37th  Division,  stationed 
somewhere  in  France.  He  enlisted  two  months  after  the  United  States  de- 
clared war.  The  third  son.  Abraham  L..  enlisted  about  the  same  time  and  is 
a  private  in  Company  K,  156th  U.  S.  Infantry.  Rainbow  Division,  stationed 
somewhere  in  France.  Henry  C.  is  a  student  at  the  Ohio  State  University, 
Columbus.  Ohio,  and  Albert  E..  student  at  Chillicothe  High  School. 

269 


Rose  M.  i-  Private  Secretar)  to  Districl  Judge  Westenhaver,  Cleveland, 
Ohio;  Minnie  A.  is  in  the  office  of  Attorney  John  A.  Carpenter,  Cleveland, 
i  (hio :  and  Frances  I ..  is  a  student  .-it  <  Ihio  State  I  rniversitj  at  i  lolumbus,  <  Ihio. 

Mr.  Segal,  St.,  is  a  prominent  <  Idd  Fellow  and  in  matters  of  charity  is 
iiiii-i  generous  in  li i -  gifts,  ^mong  the  organizations  to  which  he  contributes, 
we  might  mention  the  (  leveland  <  Irphans'  Asylum,  Denver  Jewish  Consump- 
tive Relief  Societ)  and  other  Denver  consumptive  hospitals.  He  is  a  Director 
of  the  National  Consumptive  Relief  Society,  with  headquarters  in  Denver. 

Only  coming  generations  will  be  able  to  estimate  the  g I  which  has 

resulted  from  the  patriotic,  philanthropic  spirit  which  has  given  to  the  world 
so  much  relief  from  suffering  and  has  sent  his  sons  out  to  fight  Liberty's 
battles. 


MICHELL    SESEN 

Prominent  in  the  business  and  civic  life  of  Lynn,  Mass..  is  the  Candia 
Iron  and  Metal  Co.,  owned  and  managed  b)   Mr.  Michel!  Sesen. 

Mr.  Sesen  was  born  in  Volina,  Gubeme,  Russia,  in  February,  1874,  and 
came  to  America  in  1896.  Landing  in  New  York,  he  worked  in  a  milk  store 
for  the  meager  sum  of  $1.25  per  week  and  board.  Later  he  decided  to  learn 
the  tailoring  business,  and  in  order  to  do  so  was  obliged  to  pa)  five  dollars  in 
cash  and  give  his  services  without  remuneration.  After  learning  the  trade, 
he  received  a  number  of  advances  in  salar)  and  continued  in  this  line  for  six 

wars.      Me    next    spent    two   years    in    buying    and    selling    junk    through    Xew 

Hampshire.    Then  deciding  to  try  farming,  he  spent  the  next  five  years  with- 
out meeting  with  enough  success  to  warrant  making  agriculture  his  life  work, 

so  he  came  to  Lynn,  Mass..  and  went  into  the  present  line  of  cotton  and  leather 
scrap,   where   he   is  today    doing   a   very   large  business   and    is   counted   among 

the  successful  business  men  of  the  city. 

Mr.  Sesen  was  married  in  New  York,  November  14.  [898,  to  Miss  Etta 
Fadeske,  and  they  have  five  children,  three  hoys  and  two  Ljirls.    Jack  is  in 

business  with  his  father,  while  the  balance  of  the  children  are  going  to  school. 
All  of  them  are  accomplished  musicians. 

Mr.  Sesen  is  not  content  to  selfish!}  enjoy  his  own  good  fortune,  but  is 

very  liberal  in  his  gifts  to  all  charities  and  is  a  regular  attendant  of  the  <  htho- 

dox  Congregation,  of  which  he  is  Past  Secretary  and  Treasurer,     lie  is  also 

a   prominent   member  of   Independent   <  'rder  of    I'.'rith    Abraham. 


MORRIS    SHANE 

One  of  the  man;  foreign-born  lews  who  have  become  Vmericans  In 
adoption,  and  whose  name  stands  out  prominent!)  as  a  progressive  business 
man.  is  Mr.  Morris  Shane,  who  was  born  m  Moscow,  Russia 

Although  his  earl)    boyh I   was  spent   m  that  dismal   land   when-  no    few 

ever   realizes   the   blessings  of   liberty,   he   allowed   no   combination   of   circum- 
stances to  be  sir,, ml;  enough  to  thwart  bis  >.r 

\t  tin'  age  of  twelve  years,  when  most  boys  an-  entire!)  dependent  upon 
their  parents,  young  Moms  landed  in  New  Yoik  Harbor,  all  alone     11,  knew 

that  a  number  of   people   from  his   native  land   bad   come  to   America,  and   be 

ted  out  to  try  to  tin, 1  some  friendl)  and  familial  face     He  managed  I 

:7" 


lo  Dayton,  when-  he  had  the  address  of  i<-  old  friend-.,  but  was  unable  t" 

find  am  tr;ni-  of  them,  and  being  without  money,  was  forced  to  seek  some 
son  of  employment. 

Mi-  firsi  job  was  in  an  iron  works,  where  the  young  boj  did  the  work 
of  a  man  for  onl)  $2.75  per  week,  He  remained  there  nine  months,  and  then 
found  employment  in  a  ^la-.-  factor}  at  $7  per  week.  After  two  <>r  three 
years  of  hard  work  of  various  kinds  the  qualities  of  energj  and  thrift  which 
he  inherited  from  his  parents  asserted  themselves,  and  he  saved  up  enough 
monej  tu  go  iiitu  business  for  himself,  That  he  lias  been  unusually  successful 
can  be  easil)  ascertained  from  any  of  the  business  fraternity  in  Dayton,  where 
he  stands  in  high  regard.  His  business  is  operated  under  the  firm  name  "t' 
Greater  Dayton  [ron  Metal  Company. 

Mr.  Sham-  was  married  to  Mi--  Dora  Burd,  and  together  they  do  ;i  great 
deal  hi  good  among  the  local  charities  in  Dayton. 

Mr.  Shane  is  also  an  active  member  of  the  <  Mil  Fellows,  Knights  of 
I  \  thias  and  Eagles. 


MOSES    SHAPIRO 

There  art-  ten  nun  who  acquire  wealth  to  one  who  wiselj  and  righteously 
api  lies  it. 

I'ntil  tlu-  wealth  acquired  be  again  diverted  into  channels  for  the  exten- 
sion of  human  happiness  and  civilization,  unless  it  is  handled  as  a  sacred  trust 
rather  than  a  permanent  possession,  its  acquirement  detracts  from  the  respecta- 
bility of  the  111.111  or  woman  who  possesses  it. 

Jewish  literature  and  historj  testify  to  the  fact  that  the  Jews  have  ever 
been  wise  and  generous  in  philanthropj  :  indeed,  in  their  Talmud  it  is  regarded 
rather  as  a  duty  than  a  virtue. 

This  is  well  exemplified  in  the  lives  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Moses  Shapiro,  who 
are  constantly  devoting  time  and  money  to  the  alleviation  of  suffering  and  to 
increase  the  opportunities  of  the  young. 

Mr.  Shapiro  was  born  in  Kiofsky,  Guberne.  Russia.  April  it.  1868.  where 
his  father,  fsia  Shapiro,  was  a  successful  merchant  and  a  man  possessing  a 
high  uriU-r  of  scholarship. 

lie  came  to  Vmerica  in  the  fall  of  [891,  landing  in  Boston,  Mass..  where 
In  peddled  < I r \  goods  fur  the  first  year,  lie  then  sold  fruit  fur  the  four  fol- 
lowing years,  but  decided  tu  go  into  the  rag  business. 

Mis  first  venture  was  in  Buffalo,  X.  Y..  with  a  partner,  hut  in  1900  they 
dissolved  partnership  ami  he  continued  alone.  I  lis  business  has  grown  enor- 
mously,  enabling  him  tn  give  his  children  every  advantage  of  education  ami 
position. 

lie  was  fortunate  in  his  marriage  tn  Miss  Esther  Rockloff,  which  oc- 
curred in  Buffalo  in  March,  1893,  as  she  has  been  an  ideal  wife  ami  mother 
tu  their  eight  children,  besides  finding  time  tu  devote  herself  tu  social  and 
charitable  activities,  "i  which  she  is  the  recognized  leader  in  their  circle. 

(  )f  their  eight  children,  Joseph  and  [sidor  are  in  business  with  their  father. 

1 1 \nian  is  in  business  fur  himself,  and  Sophie  is  married  tu  a  clothing  merchant 
of  Buffalo.     The  balance  >'i  the  children  are  still  in  school. 

Mr.  Shapiro  is  a  member  of  Temple  Beth  El,  B'nai  B'rith,  Talmud  Torah, 
ami  contributes  liberall)  tu  both  national  and  local  charities,  including  the 
Manhattan  Social  Benefit  Association,  Queen  City  Benefit  Association,  Feder- 
ation of  fewish  Charities,  Denver  ami  Los  Angeles  hospitals  and  all  the 
Vishivas  in  Europe  and  America. 

271 


SAMUEL    SHAPIRO 

i  ine  author  has  likened  the  Jewish  nation  to  a  widow  who  has  been  robbed 
of  all  her  children.  She  patiently  awaits  their  return,  and  finally  they  come 
from  all  corners  of  the  earth,  bearing  fame  and  wealth  to  comforl  her. 

In  a  figurative  sense  this  is  true,  inasmuch  as  the  Jew  has  "made  good-' 
in  every  nation  which  he  has  favored  with  Ids  adoption. 

Under  the  must  adverse  circumstances  was  the  career  of  Mr.  Samuel 
Shapiro  launched  in  this  country. 

lie  was  born  in  Vilna,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  December,  [88o,  the  son  of 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Chatcha  Shapiro,  the  father  a  successful  and  well-educated 
merchant. 

lie  came  to  America  in  September,  [903,  and  landed  in  New  York  with 
but  one  shilling,  si\  pence,  a  very  small  capital  with  which  to  start  life  in  an 
alien  land. 

Mis  first  employment  was  in  a  waist  factory,  where  he  was  obliged  to 
work   for  nothing    for   four   weeks,  and  after  that   time  received  $3   per   week. 

lie  was  gradually  raised  to  $6  per  week,  Imt  owing  to  failing  eyesight,  was 
obliged  to  give  tip  his  position  and  resume  his  old  occupation  of  carpentering, 

which  he  had    followed  in   Europe. 

lie  then  went  into  the  delicatessen  business  and  was  rather  unfortunate 
in  this  venture,  losing  all  his  money,  so  he  had  to  go  hack  to  the  carpenter 
trade,  at  which  In-  worked  for  one  year. 

The  smouldering  ambition  to  be  in  business  for  himself  once  more  took 

definite  form  and  he  again  opened  a  delicatessen  shop,  where  he  remained  five 
years,  this  time  being  very  successful. 

Deciding   that    there    were   more  opportunities   in   the   iron   and   metal   husi- 

ucss,  in-  sold  out.  and  going  to  Middletown,  Pa.,  started  buying  and  selling 
junk.  This  move  was  a  very  wise  one.  as  has  been  proven  by  the  large  meas- 
ure of  success  which  has  crowned  his  later  efforts. 

Mr.  Shapiro  operates  this  business  in  connection  with  a  partner  under 

the  firm  name  of  the  Middletown  Iron  and  Metal  Company,  and  also  owns  the 
Palace  Steam  Laundry,  another  profitable  concern. 

Mr.  Shapiro  was  married  July  3,  1906,  to  Nachanka  Zuckerman  of  New 
York  City,  and  they  have  live  children,  all  going  to  school  and  studying  music 

The  Shapiros  are  very  active  in  philanthropic  movements,  contributing  to 
all  charities,  including  the  Immigration  Society  of  New  York,  •  'Id  Age  Home 
of  New  York,  and  Yishivas. 

Mr.  Shapiro  is  a  member  of  the  Odd  Fellows,  Independent  Order  of 
IVrith  Abraham  and  the  Congregation  of  Middletown. 


ABRAHAM    SHAW 
The  world  judges  the  character  of  a  community  l>\  thai  of  its  repn 

live  citi/ens  and   yields   its   tribute  of   admit. ttiou  and   respect    for   the  Renins. 

learning  or  virtues  of  these  guiding  spirits  of  civic  life. 

It   is  therefore  propel    that  a   just   celebrity    should  In'  given   to  those  men 

who  are  distinguished  in  their  day  ami  generation  that  they,  living,  may  enjoy 
the  approbation  of  their  contemporaries,  as  well  as  that  of  a  grateful 
Also  thai  the  young  may  ever  have  before  them  these  worthy  examples  for 
their  regard  and  emulation. 

Such  a  man  is    \Krahatn   Shaw   of  Cleveland,  <  >hio,   who  operates  an   im- 
mense iron  and  metal  yard  at  <>'<<  hast  Si\t\   seventh  Street,  as  well  as  |o,,kitiL; 

after  large  real  estate  interests. 


Ik-  was  burn  March  15.  18(13,  in  Sczagcrm.  Russia,  and  came  to  America 
when  twenty-one  years  of  age.  Prior  to  coming  to  this  country  he  was  a 
grain  dealer,  but  having  a  very  bad  year  in  Russia,  owing  to  too  much  rain, 
and  being  advised  by  a  brother  of  the  many  opportunities  which  the  western 
world  offered,  he  decided  to  try  his  fortunes  in  the  United  States. 

Upon  his  arrival  he  started  to  peddle  notions,  matches  and  dry  goods  in 
Phcenixville,  Pa.  In  Pottstown  and  Shenandoah  he  met  with  indifferent  suc- 
cess, having  started  a  small  picture  frame  store  in  the  latter  town,  where  he 
lost  part  of  his  savings,  owing  to  a  miners'  strike.  For  six  months  afterward 
he  peddled  in  Wilkesbarre,  Pa.,  then  went  to  Hazleton,  Pa.,  and  opened  another 
picture  frame  store.  Fifteen  months  later  he  moved  his  business  to  Williams- 
port,  Pa.,  and  was  doing  well  when  a  flood  came  and  most  of  his  surplus  was 
again  swept  away. 

Then  he  came  to  Cleveland,  where  he  opened  another  picture  frame  store, 
and  this  time  fortune  smiled  upon  him,  as  he  was  very  successful  and  con- 
tinued the  business  for  nearly  fourteen  years,  branching  out  into  the  manufac- 
ture of  picture  frames. 

In  1900  he  decided  to  go  into  the  iron  business,  and  bringing  to  this  ven- 
ture the  same  integrity  and  rare  business  ability  which  has  characterized  his 
entire  career,  it  is  not  strange  that  his  business  has  grown  to  enormous 
proportions. 

He  also  owns  much  valuable  real  estate,  including  a  block  on  Wade  Park 
avenue  and  a  third  interest  in  a  i6j/2-acre  allotment  in  Euclid  village. 

Mr.  Shaw  was  married  December  24,  1890.  to  Miss  Jennie  Blasberg,  and 
their  five  daughters  are  all  well  educated  and  a  great  comfort  and  assistance  to 
their  father. 

Mrs.  Shaw  died  some  years  ago,  and  her  great  loss  is  still  felt  most  keenly 
by  her  family,  to  whom  her  gentle  personality  and  steadfast  love  were  a  con- 
stant source  of  inspiration.  The  daughter  Sarah  is  now  her  father's  house- 
keeper, Bessie  and  Olyn  are  both  assisting  their  father  in  his  office,  and  Mollie 
and  Miriam  will  soon  graduate  from  high  school. 

As  might  be  expected  of  a  man  of  Mr.  Shaw's  sterling  character,  he  is 
very  charitable  and  contributes  liberally  to  all  worthy  causes.  He  is  a  member 
of  Reis  Madresh  Agodel,  Eighty-second  Street  Temple.  Knights  of  Pythias 
and  the  B'nai  B'rith,  besides  being  a  patron  of  the  Federation  of  Jewish  Chari- 
ties and  the  Old  Age  Flome. 


LOUIS    SHERMAN 

When  the  business  history  of  our  country  shall  be  finally  written,  one  of 
the  most  remarkable  features  which  will  be  emphasized  is  the  facility  with 
which  Jewish  immigrants  to  our  shores  have  assimilated  our  manners  and  cus- 
toms and  at  the  same  time  have  maintained  an  individuality  all  their  own. 
This  has  accounted  for  some  of  the  phenomenal  business  successes  which  have 
crowned  their  efforts  in  a  seemingly  impossible  period  of  time. 

The  life  of  Mr.  Louis  Sherman  affords  a  fitting  example  of  this  kind,  as 
he  is  still  a  very  young  man,  but  has  arrived  at  a  stage  of  prosperity  which 
wotdd  ordinarily  occupy  the  allotted  three  score  years  and  ten. 

Mr.  Sherman  was  born  in  Mjnsker,  Guberne,  Russia,  October  15,  1884, 
the  son  of  Benny  and  Sarah  Sherman,  his  father  being  a  prominent  cattle 
dealer.  He  came  to  America  in  the  fall  of  1903,  landing  in  Xew  York,  where 
he  began  to  work  at  the  carpenter  trade,  which  he  had  learned  in  Russia.  He 
continued  for  three  and  one-half  years,  during  which  time  his  salary  was 
almost  trebled. 

Having  saved  a  small  amount  of  capital,  he  went  to   St.  Marys,   Ohio, 

273 


■and  opened  a  junk  yard.  After  two  years  he  decided  to  specialize  in  whole- 
sale iron  and  also  opened  a  furniture  store,  which  he  is  today  successfully 
operating  under  the  title  of  Empire  Furniture  Company. 

Mr.  Sherman  was  married  in  1907  to  Miss  Becky  Manowitz,  and  they 
have  two  small  sons,  hoth  going  to  school. 

There  are  hundreds  outside  the  family  of  Mr.  Sherman  who  have  had 
reason  to  rejoice  in  his  success,  as  both  himself  and  wife  are  liberal  contrib- 
utors to  charity  of  both  local  and  national  character.  Among  the  institutions 
of  which  they  are  patrons,  we  wish  to  mention  the  Denver  and  Los  Angeles 
sanitariums. 

That  a  man  with  such  meager  opportunities  should  have  achieved  such  a 
high  position  in  the  business  and  social  life  of  his  community  in  such  a  short 
period  of  time  should  be  an  inspiration  to  others  starting  in  life  under  cir- 
cumstances which  appear  somewhat  unfavorable.  There  is  no  man  in  St. 
Marys  whose  opinions  are  more  respected  and  whose  citizenship  is  more  val- 
ued than  Mr.  Sherman's. 


JOSEPH    SHERMAN   AND   SAMUEL   BEAN 

A  number  of  years  ago  there  was  formed  in  Detroit,  Mich.,  a  partnership 
which  has  resulted  in  two  prosperous  business  firms,  the  Monroe  Paper  Stock 
Company  at  76-78  Macomb  street,  and  the  Michigan  Waste  Paper  Company  at 
133  Brush  street. 

The  men  who  organized  and  developed  these  concerns  are  Joseph  Sher- 
man and  Samuel  Bean.  Both  are  the  most  progressive  type  of  Russian  Jew, 
coming  to  America  at  an  early  age  and  winning  their  way  to  affluence  by  sheer 
pluck  and  ability. 

Mr.  Sherman  tried  a  number  of  occupations  and  locations  before  he  per- 
manently located  in  Detroit,  one  venture  taking  him  into  Africa,  where  he 
was  unsuccessful  and  was  given  financial  assistance  by  his  family  to  return. 

Mr.  Bean's  first  experience  was  in  the  junk  business,  and  he  has  not  devi- 
ated, although  when  starting  in  for  himself  he  had  but  five  dollars,  borrowed 
capital,  and  at  the  time  the  partnership  was  formed  Mr.  Sherman's  sole  finan- 
cial assets  amounted  to  $15.  The  history  of  their  success  should  be  sufficient 
proof  of  the  fact  that  determination  and  ability  are  more  necessarv  than 
capital. 

Both  men  are  married;  Mr.  Bean  to  Miss  Ida  Sherman,  sister  of  his  part- 
ner, and  Mr.  Sherman  to  Miss  Annie  Zemalsky. 

There  are  seven  children  in  each  family,  all  of  whom  are  receiving  liberal 
educations. 

The  wives  of  these  men  are  very  active  in  the  various  social  and  charitable 
movements  in  their  circle  and  are  most  generous  in  their  gifts  to  all  worthy 
causes.  While  they  are  particularly  interested  in  movements  for  Jewish  bet- 
terments, as,  for  instance,  the  Hebrew  Protective  Association,  they  are  very 
liberal  in  their  views  and  give  largely  without  consideration  of  race  or  creed. 

Both  families  represent  ideal  types  of  American  citizenship. 


27-4 


ABRAHAM    SHEWITZ 

Then-  is  no  element  entering  into  our  composite  national  fabric  which  has 
been  of  more  practical  strength  and  value  than  that  contributed  by  the-  Jews. 

Tlir\  arc  the  captains  of  commerce,  the  bulwark  of  the  merchandising 
world. 

Thousands  of  them  have  sought  our  shores  and  without  financial  backing 
have  erected  giant  monuments  to  enterprise  and  thrift  which  will  endure 
through  many  generations  of  posterity. 

Such  a  man  is  Abraham  Shewitz,  who  was  horn  in  Kosova,  Grodno. 
Guberne,  Russia,  December  15,  [878.  lie  inherited  his  commercial  instinct 
from  his  father,  who  was  a  merchant  of  his  native  city,  as  well  as  a  man  ol 
considerable  scholarship. 

He  came  to  America  in  Max,  [892,  and  arrived  in  Detroit.  Mich.,  with 
but  ten  dollars  capital  with  which  to  start  life  in  the  new  land. 

The  first  employment  that  presented  itself  was  with  a  shoemaker,  and 
this  Mr.  Shewitz  promptly  accepted,  although  the  salary  was  very  small. 
However,  neither  this,  which  soon  advanced  to  $10  per  week,  nor  his  next 
employment  in  a  coat  factory  proved  to  his  liking,  so  he  purchased  a  small 
Stock  of  dns>  goods  and  started  selling  it.  Here  he  found  a  proper  avenue 
for  his  merchandising  ability  and  was  able  to  save  enough  capital  to  go  into  the 
iron  and  metal  business,  where  he  has  been  most  successful  and  has  accumu- 
lated a  fortune. 

Mr.  Shewilz's  home  life  is  everything  that  could  be  desired,  as  Mrs. 
Shewitz  is  not  only  an  ideal  wife  and  mother,  but  is  also  a  leader  in  all  social 
and  charitable  movements  within  her  large  held  of  activities. 

Before  her  marriage  to  Mr.  Shewitz,  on  May  in.  iSi/S,  she  was  Miss  Flora 
Katlar,  daughter  of  Moses  and  Fannie  Katlar  of  Trob,  Russia. 

They  have  one  daughter,  Fannie,  wdio  is  attending  high  school,  and  is  also 
being  educated  in  music. 

The  many  charities  in  which  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Shewitz  are  interested  and 
to  which  they  are  liberal  contributors  are  Old  Age  Home,  Denver  Sanitarium 
and  A.  B.  A.,  in  addition  to  all  local  philanthropic  movements. 

Thev  arc  also  members  of  I'cth    lacob  Congregation  and  Talmud  Torah. 


ISAAC    SHIFF 

Circumstances  and  opportunities  are  not  needed  to  make  great  men;  great 
men  make  opportunities.  The  strong,  resolute  man,  the  courageous,  deter- 
mined youth,  are  not  swayed  by  obstacles  or  unforeseen  difficulties;  these 
hindrances,  which  turn  away  the  timid  and  less  courageous,  only  serve  to  make 
them  more  energetic  and  resolute.  How  many  youths  are  there  who  will  pass 
through  life  with  the  keenest  mental  capabilities,  but.  lacking  purpose  and 
determination,  achieve  nothing,  dying  as  though  they  had  not  lived!  More 
than  every  other  thing,  action  is  the  one  thing  needful.  A  purpose  once  formed, 
and  then  death  or  victory.  It  is  in  these  respects  that  the  lives  and  biographies 
of  successful  men  serve  for  examples  and  encouragement  to  those  vacillating 
between  desire  and  execution — the  intention  and  the  fulfillment  of  a  noble 
purpose. 

In  the  year  18S0,  in  Wolozin,  Russia,  there  was  born  to  Shlome,  a  great 
Jewish  scholar,  and  his  wife.  Dwora  Shiff,  a  son  wdio  was  named  Isaac,  but 
Isaac,  like  many  foreign-born  children,  heard  of  the  Land  of  the  Free,  and  in 
11)04  hade  fond  farewell  to  his  native  land  and  came  to  America. 

For  two  years  he  peddled   jewelry  in   Xew  York,  but  such   was  not  his 

275 


\V" 


//■/ 


I-  \  \l     -.11111 


sSJP/i 


aspiration,  and  thinking  Cleveland  had  something  better  in  store  for  him.  h<- 
came  here,  with  the  result  that  after  six  months,  with  much  hardship  and 
saving,  he  contrived  to  save  $500,  and  went  to  Lorain,  1  Ihio,  where  he  is  now 
running  a  jewelry  store  and  making  good. 

Mr.  Shiff  is  \  ice  President  and  treasurer  of  B'rith  Jacob  I  ongregation, 
\  ice  Presidnt  of  B'rith  Abraham,  is  a  Mason  and  a  liberal  contributor  to  many 
charities.    Was  at  one  time  Director  of  th<   '  •rphans'  Home. 

Rich  in  business  success,  he  is  still  richer  in  his  home  life,  having  a  wife 
and  three  children,  to  whom  he  is  devoutl)  attached.  I  it-  was  married  in 
\cw  York.  April  1,  1  < n >— .  to  Miss  Rose  Schmitt. 


JACOB    SHLAIN 

The  world  bestows  an  involuntary  tribute  of  respect  to  the  self-madi 
man  who  has  faced  the  stern  realities  of  life,  and  this  is  not  onlj  an  apprecia- 
tion of  the  worldly  g Is  he  has  acquired,  but  :i  perception  of  the  Merlin^ 

worth  of  character  which  has  thus  been  able  to  battle  successfully  with  adi 
circumstances. 

That  this  is  particularly  true  of  Mr.  Jacob  Shlain  is  attested  bj  the  ver) 
high  esteem  in  which  he  is  held  in  the  cit)  of  Detrbit,  Mich.,  where  he  is  rec- 
ognized as  .'1  most  capable  business  man  and  public-spirited  citizen. 

IK-  w .  1  -  born  in  Vladimar,  Voline,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  December,  1872, 
and  came  to   \merica  at  the  age  of  twenty-eight  years. 

I  anding  in  Boston,  he  began  working  for  a  junk  dealer  at  $8  per  week. 
Mi-  continued  this  for  one  year  and  then  went  to  Rhode  Island,  where  he 
worked  for  a  short  time  prior  to  going  into  business  for  himself. 

Tin-  |>,-ink-  from  which  the  countrj  suffered  a  few  years  later  caused  him 
in  meet  with  verj  severe  reverses  and  he  decided  to  ,l;o  to  Detroit,  where  his 
permanent  business  success  was  made. 

Having  no  capital  with  which  to  start  into  business,  he  was  obliged  to 
work  ver}  hard  in  order  to  support  his  famil)  and  at  the  same  time  save  money, 
Inn  eventually  Ins  efforts  were  rewarded  and  he  has  todaj  a  fine,  modern 
equipment  and  .-1  large,  flourishing  iron  and  metal  business. 

Ili-  was  married  in  Russia,  jum  prior  to  coming  to  America,  t"  Miss  Lena 
Buslik,  and  the)  have  five  children,  three  l»>\  *  and  two  girls,  who  arc.  with 
the  exception  of  one.  all  in  school,  The  eldest  son.  Benjamin,  is  a  student  in 
\nn  Arbor,  taking  literal")  work  preparatory  to  a  course  in  medicine  I'lu-ir 
eldest  daughter,  Ida,  is  married  i"  Mr.  Sam  Brown,  and  resides  in  Detroit 

Mr.  Shlain  is  connected  with  a  number  of  organizations  in  Detroit,  the 
one  whose  success  perhaps  is  nearest  his  heart  being   ["eferes  Israel, 

While  both  himself  and  wife  are  most  devout  in  their  adherence  to  the 
Jewish  faith,  at  the  same  time  their  charitable  spirit  extends  itself  to  organiza- 
tions of  all  creeds  and  religions,  to  which  the)  arc  most  generous  contributors, 


MAX    SHURE 

Prominent  among  the  great  army  of  conservationists  to  whose  ability  the 
country  dues  much  at  this  particular  time  when  every  effort  is  being  made  to 
develop  and  extend  its  resources,  may  be  mentioned  the  name  of  Mr.  Max 
Share,  successful  dealer  in  iron  and  metal  scrap,  whose  business  is  located  at 
Kenton,  (  Ihio. 

Mr.  Shtire  was  born  in  Grodno,  Guberne,  Russia,  December  7,  1885,  the 
son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Moses  Shure,  his  father  being  engaged  in  brick  and  brush 
manufacturing'.  He  came  to  America  when  a  very  young  man,  landing  in 
New  York,  April  5,  1905.  He  went  to  Kenton,  Ohio,  shortly  after  landing, 
and  secured  a  position  in  the  junk  yard,  where  he  remained  eighteen  months. 
With  the  money  he  had  been  able  to  save  during  that  time,  he  went  into  the 
sawmill  business,  where  he  continued  until  the  panic  of  1907  swept  away  his 
entire  capital.  He  then  went  into  the  junk  business  with  a  partner,  lint  after 
six  months  described  to  try  out  a  manufacturing  line.  Six  months'  experience 
convinced  him,  however,  that  his  best  financial  interests  could  be  served  in 
the  iron  and  metal  business,  and  he  again  established  himself  in  this  line.  At 
the  present  time  be  is  doing  an  immense  annual  business,  his  plant  being 
located  at  Walnut  and  Detroit  streets,  where  it  is  operated  under  his  name. 

Mr.  Shure  was  married  in  Kenton,  Ohio,  ( )ctober  13,  191 1,  to  Miss  Ida  L. 
Blum,  and  to  his  wife's  unfailing  assistance  and  rare  ability  Mr.  Shure  attrib- 
utes a  great  part  of  his  success.  They  have  two  children,  both  girls,  who  are 
going  to  school. 

When  the  writer  asked  At r.  Shure  regarding  wdiat  qualities  he  considered 
most  requisite  for  business  success,  he  replied:  "Be  persevering,  consistent 
and  fair  in  your  dealings,"  and  those  who  know:  Mr.  Shure  best  realize  that 
throughout  his  career  he  has  been  actuated  by  these  motives. 

Roth  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Shure  are  enthusiastic  workers  in  various  charitable 
enterprises  and  are  very  popular  in  their  community. 


SOLOMON    SHURBERG 

Psychologists  have  discussed  the  relative  influence  of  heredity  and  envi- 
ronment upon  the  lives  of  men,  and  it  is  certainlv  true  that  a  fine  heredity  seems 
to  outweigh  any  force  of  unfavorable  circumstances. 

Solomon  Shurberg  received  from  his  father  a  rich  heritage  which  prob- 
ably was  largely  influential  in  shaping  his  career.  He  was  born  in  Tromborla, 
Gaiicia,  April  15,  1870,  his  father  being  a  teacher  of  Hebrew  and  the  most 
scholarly  man  in  the  community.  When  young  Solomon  came  to  America  in 
the  fall  of  1895,  although  he  had  no  money,  he  possessed  that  which  is  of  far 
greater  importance,  a  finely  developed,  well-disciplined  mind.  Going  to  Hart- 
ford. Conn.,  he  began  selling  small  merchandise  which  he  bought  with  two 
dollars  borrowed  from  a  friend.  During  the  first  year  he  accumulated  enough 
to  buy  a  horse  and  wagon,  and  for  the  next  two  years  continued  to  peddle  on 
a  larger  scale.  The  next  two  years  he  devoted  to  buying  and  selling  junk,  and 
then  came  to  New  Rritain,  Conn.,  where  he  started  in  the  iron  scrap  and  coal 
business  on  a  small  scale.  Within  the  next  three  years  the  business  grew  so 
rapidly  that  he  took  his  eldest  son  into  the  firm  and  today  they  do  a  business 
of  immense  volume. 

Mr.  Shurberg  was  married  in  Europe  in  1893  to  Miss  Rachel  Brumer. 
They  have  seven  children,  five  girls  and  two  boys.  Abraham  is  in  business 
with  his  father,  Morris  is  attending  college  at  Ann  Arbor,  Mich.,  and  the  bal- 
ance of  the  children  are  still  in  the  public  schools. 

277 


Mrs.  Shurberg  is  verj  active  in  social  affairs  and  is  at  tin-  present  time 
Secretary  of  the  Ladies'  Aid  Society.  She  devotes  a  great  deal  of  time  to 
the  promotion  of  charity,  and  sin-  and  her  husband  jointly  contribute  to  the 
Denver  Hospital,  the  Immigration  Society  of  Nev*  York,  the  National  Or- 
phans' Home  of  New  York,  all  the  Yishivis,  the  Red  Cross,  the  Y.  M.  C.  A., 
the  Y.  \Y.  C.  V.  War  Sufferers'  Fund,  the  Welfare  League,  the  Soldiers'  and 
Sailors'  Welfare  Fund,  and  many  other  local  charities. 

Mr.  Shurberg  is  a  member  of  Congregation  Brethren  and  Sons  of  [srael, 
B'nai  B'rith,  Independent  Order  B'rith  Abraham  and  <  '<  1. 1  Fellows. 


JACOB    SIEGLE 

The  city  of  Dayton,  Ohio,  may  well  be  proud  t<>  number  among  iis  citi- 
zens Mr.  Jacob  Siegle,  who  within  a  space  of  comparatively  few  years  lia- 
found  time  to  attain  the  foremost  rank  in  the  business  life  of  the  community, 
and  at  the  same  time  is  always  read)  t<'  assist  anj  movement  for  individual  or 
civic  betterment, 

Mr.  Siegle  was  bom  in  Aniksta,  Kovna,  Guberne,  Russia,  March  J4.  1879. 
Ilis  father  was  a  well-known  farmer  in  the  community,  hut  young  Jacob 
decided  that  he  did  not  care  to  make  this  his  life  work,  so  he  came  to  America 
in  1900,  finding  his  waj  to  Cleveland,  Ohio,  where  he  started  working  in  a 
junk  yard.  The  salary  was  small,  but  with  him  this  was  a  minor  consideration, 
a-  his  chief  object  was  to  learn  the  details  of  the  business. 

Later  he  opened  a  junk  yard  of  his  own.  and  then  decided  to  move  to 
Dayton,  <  Ihio,  where  he  formed  a  partnership  with  Mr.  Sam  Blasberg  under 
the  firm  name  of  the  Dayton  Iron  and  Metal  Company.  This  was  continued 
successfully  for  seven  years,  when  Mr.  Siegle  went  into  business  with  hi- 
brother-in-law,  Mr.  Cohen,  and  the)  have  built  up  a  fine  business  which  is 
one  of  the  leading  institutions  of  the  city. 

Mr.  Siegle  was  married  January  17.  K1117.  to  Miss  Rachel  Cohen  of  Cleve- 
land, <  ihio.  and  they  have  four  very  charming  children. 

A  word  of  advice  from  a  man  of  Mr.  Siegle's  prominence  and  proven 

ability  should  he  regarded  as  of  much  Value  to  the  rising  young  man,  and  we 
are  pleased  to  stale  that  his  polic)    is  slimmed  tip  briefly  as   follows:     "Work 

hard,  consistentl)  ami  earnestly.     He  honest,  faithful  and  trustworthy." 

\  liberal  contributor  to  all  charities,  Mr.  Siegle  is  at  tin-  same  time  quite 
active  in  a  number  ol   fraternal  organizations,  prominent  among  them  1 
the  Knights  of  Pythias,  Talmud  Torah,  K.  K.  House  of   Abraham  and  a  num- 
ber of  others,    lie  has  a  most  genial  personality  and  is  a  fitting  representative 
of  our  best  citizenship. 


HARRY   SILBERMAN. 

In  Lawrence,  Mass.,  tin-  name  of  Mr.  Harr)  Silberman  is  considered  one 
to  he  reckoned  with  in  business  circles,  as  he  is  owner  and  manager  of  silU-r 
man  Brothers  and  prominent  in  all  tin-  civic  affairs  in  the  community. 

Mr  Silberman  was  horn  in  V'olina,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  1873  il<  came 
1.1  America  in  1895.  He  landed  in  New  York,  but  short  1)  after  went  to  I  aw- 
rencc,  Mass.  where  lie  worked  in  a  junk  yard  foi  s,x  dollars  per  week,  hut 
after  a  short  time,  In-mi;  ambitious  to  go  into  I"  himself,  he  started 


out  peddling.  This  he  continued  for  three  years,  when  lie  went  into  his  pres- 
ent line  and  is  today  doing  a  most  prosperous  and  profitable  business. 

Mr.  Silberman  was  married  in  Russia  three  years  prior  to  his  coming  to 
this  country  to  Miss  Mary  Girsel,  and  they  have  seven  children,  three  boys  and 
four  girls.  The  eldest  son,  Louis,  is  now  in  the  army,  and  the  others  are  all 
going  to  school. 

Mr.  Silberman  is  prominent  in  a  numher  of  organizations,  heing  Treas- 
urer of  Sons  of  Israel  and  is  also  active  in  the  Knights  of  Pythias,  I.  ( ).  B.  A. 
and  Congregation  Anses  Swat. 

The  entire  family  are  very  charitably  inclined  and  give  much  time  and 
money  to  the  promotion  of  such  organizations. 


JOSEPH   J.    SILBERMAN 

Among  the  prominent  Jews  of  llarrisburg.  Pa.,  no  name  is  regarded  with 
more  respect  than  that  of  Joseph  J.  Silberman. 

Mr.  Silberman  is  not  only  prominent  in  the  business  life  of  the  city, 
hut  is  also  a  true  believer  in  the  Jewish  faith  and  an  observer  of  all  its  rites. 

Joseph  J.  Silberman  was  born  in  Lincawa  Kovna,  Guberne,  Russia,  April 
15,  1878.  the  son  of  Mardicai  and  Rachel  R.  Silberman.  His  father  was  a 
merchant  and  a  Hebrew  scholar  of  note,  giving  to  his  sons  an  excellent  Jewish 
education,  which  proved  very  valuable  to  him  in  later  years. 

Mr.  Silberman  came  to  America  in  March,  1894,  and  started  his  new 
life  by  peddling  matches.  He  next  worked  in  a  clothing  factor}-,  and  later 
started  a  small  factory  in  New  York  on  his  own  account,  but  this  venture 
proved  unsuccessful.  He  then  turned  bis  attention  to  the  buying  and  selling 
of  scrap  metal  and  gradually  prospered  until  he  had  saved  enough  money  to 
engage  in  the  wholesale  scrap  iron  business,  in  which  he  is  still  actively  in- 
terested, his  plant  being  located  at  445  South  Second  street. 

Mr.  Silberman  is  married,  bis  wife's  maiden  name  having  been  Miss 
Jeanette  Jacklowitz.  They  have  two  children,  one  boy  and  one  girl,  aged 
seven  and    four   years,   respectively. 

As  befits  the  character  of  a  truly  generous  and  broad-minded  man,  Mr. 
Silberman  is  very  modest  and  does  not  care  for  publicity,  but  we  feel  that 
mention  should  be  made  of  the  many  charitable  enterprises  which  he  so 
generously  supports,  giving  unstintingly  both  of  time  and  money.  He  is  a 
contributor  to  the  Consumptive  Sanitariums  of  Denver  and  Los  Angeles,  the 
Hebrew  seminaries,  the  LTiited  Charities,  the  Hebrew  Immigration  Societv 
and  the  Charitable  Organization  of  Palestine.  He  is  a  member  of  Kesher 
Israel,  Chisuk  Em.  B'nai  Jacobs  Synagogues,  B'nai  B'rith,  Independent  B'rith 
Abraham,  B'rith  Sholom,  Harrisburg  Beneficial  Order  of  Elks.  Order  of 
(  Kid  Fellows  and  the  Young  Men's  Hebrew  Association. 

When  asked  regarding  his  advice  to  young,  Mr.  Silberman  was  very 
emphatic  upon  one  point,  which  is  often  overlooked  in  the  stress  and  hurrv 
of  commercial  life.  He  says  that  every  young  man  should  be  God  fearing, 
obedient  to  parents,  and  true  to  their  faith,  and  in  his  own  life  we  find  all 
these  traits  exemplified  in  a  manner  which  should  prove  to  every  rising  young 
man  that  a  successful  business  career  and  devout  adherence  to  religious  faitii 
are  in  no  way  incompatible. 


279 


JOHN    SILBERMAN 

li  is  a  pleasun  to  be  able  to  outline  in  this  biographical  work  the  career 
of  Mr.  John  Silberman,  brother  of  Joseph  J.  Silberman,  whose  biography 
appears  under  another  heading. 

Mr.  Jolm  Silberman  i-  junior  member  of  the  firm  of  Silberman  Brothers, 
located  at  445  South  2nd  St..  Harrisburg,  Pa.,  which  is  one  of  the  largest 
institutions  in  the  city  devoted  to  the  scrap  iron  industry. 

John   Silberman   was   horn   in    Lincawa,   Kovna,    Russia,   in   September, 

f88o,  and  enjoyed   with   his   brother   the   same  advantages  of  home  cultun 

his  father  was  a  most  learned  Hebrew  scholar. 

He  cami  to  America  in  August,  1896,  his  brother  Joseph  having  pre- 
ceded hint  in  tK<i4.  Upon  hi-  arrival  in  America  he  started  out  peddling, 
and  finally  found  work  in  a  pants  factory,  This  he  continued  until  he  went 
into    partnership    with    his    brother    in    the    present    business,    which    they    arc 

1  onducting  so  successfully. 

lie  was  married  to  Miss  Bertha  Jason  and  the)  have  two  small  daugh- 
ters, aged  one  ami  three  years. 

We  feel  that  a  word  should  he  said  regarding  the  social  and  charitable 
activities  of  both  Mrs.  John  and  Mrs.  Joseph  Silberman.  They  have  always 
•he  larger  interests  of  the  community  at  heart  and  devote  a  greal  deal  of 
time  to  the  promotion  of  charities. 

Mr.  Silberman  greatl)   emphasizes  the  importance  of  honesty   and  thrift 

and    feels    that    any    young   man    who   obeys    the    precepts    laid    down    by    God 
fearing   parents  cannot   stra\    far   from  the  paths  of  rectitude  and    SUCC 

lie  himself  is  an  active  member  of  Kesher  Israel  and  B'nai  Jacob  Syna- 
gogues, B'nai  Brith,  Independent  (  Irder  of  B'rith  Abraham,  <  Irder  of  Elks, 
1  idd  Fellows,  Masons  and  the  Young  Men's  Hebrew  Association. 

IK'  contributes  mosl  generousl)  to  the  charitable  organizations  of  P 
tine,  the  United  Charities,   Hebrew    Seminaries,   Hebrew   Immigration   So 
ties,  and  Sanitariums  of  Denver  and  Los   Vngeles. 

Silberman  Brothers  have  made  a  fine  contribution  to  the  business,  social 
and  religious  life  of  Harrisburg  and  as  the)  are  both  -till  in  the  prime  of  life, 
it  is  hoped  thai  they  will  be  given  many  more  years  in  which  to  dispense 

happiness  to  their  fellow  nun. 


MAX    SILBERMAN 

Prominent  in  the  business  and  civic  life  of  Lebanon,  Pa.,  is  the  name  of 
Mr.  Max  Silberman,  who  at  the  age  of  twenty  began  life  in  a  new  countr) 
without  an)  assistance  whatsoever. 

Mr.  Silberman  was  born  in  Kovno,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  187a  and  came  to 
America  in   1892.     He  landed  in   \™    York  and  having  very  little  money, 

worked    for    one    week    at    an)     odd    jobs    which    he    could    pick    up.       Me    then 

started  oui  peddling  small  merchandise,  which  took  him  to  Reading,  Pa  .  and 
Lock  Haven.     After  about  two  years  he  returned  to  Reading,  where  he  was 

married  in   1895  to  Miss   Rosa   I. una.  daughter  of  a   prominent    fanuh    ol    that 

city.    After  hi-  marriage  he  continued  buying  and  selling  in  the  old  wa 
about  two  years,  when  he  was  ottered  a  partnership  in  tin-  firm  of  Luria  Broth- 
ers.   This  he  accepted  and  one  of  his  tir-t  ventures  was  opening  a  -mail  yard 
in  Lebanon,  Pa.,  where,  due  to  hi-  efforts  and  unusual  ability,  the  firm  has  at 
the  present  time  a  yard  occupying  twent)  eight  acre-,  equipped   with  . 
modern  convenience     The)  hi  in  New  ^ork.  Reading  and  Pittsburgh, 

and  are  the  largest  dealers  in  scrap  in  the  United  States. 


We  feel  that  a  word  of  recognition  is  due  Mrs.  Silberman,  who  is  a  most 
charming  and  accomplished  woman,  and  who  has  not  only  been  a  devoted 
mother  to  their  live  children,  giving  much  persona]  attention  to  their  training 
and  education,  but  also  devotes  a  great  deal  of  time  and  money  to  charitable 
and  social  activities.  Their  eldest  son,  Sam,  is  attending  the  academy  at 
Mosesburg,  Pa.,  while  the  rest  of  the  children  are  still  in  the  public  schools 
and  are  being  given  a  liberal  musical  education. 

.Mr.  Silberman  is  one  of  the  most  prominent  men  in  their  community,  being 
a  member  of  Shomer  Abrith  Congregation  of  Reading,  Pa.,  Kasber  Israel  Con- 
gregation of  Lebanon,  Director  of  the  Jewish  Consumptive  Relief  Society  at 
Denver,  Colo.,  and  a  prominent  member  of  the  Elks.  He  also  contributes  to 
the  Immigration  Society,  the  National  Orphans'  Home  of  Xew  York  City,  the 
Erie  Orphans'  Home  of  Erie,  Pa.,  the  Red  Cross,  all  the  Yishivas  and  numer- 
ous other  local  and  national  charities. 

When  asked  what  he  considered  the  chief  qualifications  for  success.  Mr. 
Silberman  laid  great  stress  upon  the  value  of  an  education.  However,  he  is  a 
firm  believer  in  the  necessity  of  hard  work,  economy  and  a  business  of  one's 
own,  no  difference  how  modest  the  beginning. 


ISAAC    E.    SILVER 

If  ever  the  Jewish  Congress  will  take  place,  the  city  of  Savannah  will 
be  represented  there  by  a  very  interesting  young  man,  Mr.  Isaac  E.  Silver. 
Mr.  Silver  deserves  to  be  known  to  the  country,  as  he  is  to  his  city,  as  the 
owner  of  a  remarkable  department  store  where  goods  are  sold  only  up  to  the 
value  of  one  dollar.  "Silver's  Store"  on  Broughton  street,  Savannah.  Ga.,  is 
only  one  of  many  such  stores  throughout  the  South,  as  at  Augusta  and  Sylvania, 
Ga.,  and  at  Charleston  and  Columbia.  S.  C.  Pretty  soon  a  Silver  store  will 
be  opened  at  Atlanta.  But  let  us  first  become  acquainted  with  Mr.  Silver's  life 
history. 

He  was  born  on  the  10th  of  June,  1878,  in  Russia,  as  the  son  of  a  very 
aristocratic  Jewish  family,  his  father  being  Wolf  Silberfarb,  and  his  grand- 
father being  one  of  the  most  prominent  men  of  his  native  city.  His  great- 
grandfather was  the  Chief  Rabbi  of  Kobrin  and  his  mother  Adel  is  a  direct 
descendant  of  the  renowned  Rabbi  Jonathan  Eibschutz.  Isaac  received  a  good 
Jewish  education  and  he  is  the  typical  product  of  Jewish  Talmudical  breeding. 

Mr.  Silver  came  to  America  in  1893.  His  father  was  then  already  in  the 
South,  and  together  they  went  into  business  at  Sylvania,  Ga.  But  there  was 
hard  struggle  ahead,  as  the  Gentile  population  of  the  town  did  not  take  very 
kindly  to  the  Jews  competing  with  them  in  business.  There  was  no  lack  of 
physical  encounters,  but  young  Isaac  "beat"  his  way  through,  and  in  the  end 
lie  became  one  of  the  most  prominent  politicians  in  the  town  himself,  and  was 
even  for  a  time  acting  Mayor  or  Mayor  pro  tern,  of  the  city.  In  1910  he 
moved  to  Savannah,  where  he  became  very  prominent. 

He  is  a  devoted  Zionist,  an  Orthodox,  a  true  Jew  who  loves  everything 
Jewish.  He  is  the  Eirst  Vice  President  of  the  Jewish  Educational  Alliance 
and  he  is  interested  in  everything  Jewish. 

On  the  16th  of  February,  1910,  be  was  married  to  Miss  Katie  Wilensky. 
the  daughter  of  Mr.  Max  Wilensky  (see  biographical  sketch),  and  they  are 
the  parents  of  two  children,  Florrie  and  Warren. 

Mr.  Silver  is  a  strong  character,  a  man  of  iron  will,  firm  resolution  and 
rare  courage.    He  has  his  firm  convictions  and  knows  how  to  carry  them  out. 


281 


LOUIS    SILBERSTEIN 

In  former  dark  Russia,  hidden  awa)  between  walls  of  tyranny  and  des- 
potism, lay  much  native  ability  which  needed  but  the  sunlight  of  freedom  and 
equal  opportunity  to  develop.  It  is  fortunate  for  both  the  Jews  of  Russia  and 
for  America  thai  so  man]  heard  the  call  to  the  new  world  and  followed  the 
guiding  light  of  libertj  to  our  shores. 

In  Zagostok,  Russia,  October  15.  [880,  occurred  the  birth  of  Mr.  Louis 
Silberstein,  who  was  among  those  ill-contenl  with  conditions  in  hi*  native 
country. 

During  the  summer  of  [895  he  sought  our  shores  and  located  in  Rich- 
mond,  Ind.,  where,  after  peddling  junk  for  two  years,  he  went  into  partner- 
ship with  his  father,  and  five  years  later  went  to  Columbus,  Ohio,  where  he 
established  a  business  of  hi*  nun.  1 1 «.■  has  achieved  an  extraordinary  com- 
mercial success,  the  benefits  "t'  which  are  not  selfishly  enjoyed  by  him  alone, 
as  he  is  verj  active  in  the  promotion  of  all  charitable  organizations,  including 
the  Jewish  war  sufferers  and  main  others  of  national  and  local  importance. 
In  this  he  is  greatl)  encouraged  b)  his  mother,  who  is,  of  course,  very  proud 

of  her  >nn's  success,  and  anxious  that  his  g 1  fortune  shall  be  passed  along 

to  those  living  in  less  happy  circumstam 

He  is  also  a  member  of  ^gudas  Achem  1  ongregation,  Sun*  of  Joseph  and 
I!*rith  Abraham. 


HARRY    SIMON 

In  the  village  of  Stavisk,  Russia,  the  Purim  of  1885  was  an  event  of  no 
small  significance  for  Abraham  and  Leah  Simon.  Hardly  was  the  rejoicing 
of  thi*  religious  festival  over  when  a  nut  her  and  still  greater  "tie  occurred,  which 
was  to  pla)  a  great  factor  not  onlj  in  the  live*  of  me  famous  Jewish  scholar 

at   Stavisk  and  his  wife,  but  One  which   was  to  have  a   similar  effect   Upon  the 

Jewish  community  of  Cleveland  a*  well. 

The  birth  of  Marry  Simon  was  unheralded  outside  of  the  narrow  circle 
of  his  family,  and  until  he  was  eight  years  old  the  small  confines  of  the  village 
of  Stavisk  was  all  of  the  world  which  Harr}  knew.  It  was  when  In*  parents 
decided  to  take  their  fortunes  to  the  more  ol  America  that  hi*  world  grew 
larger  and  larger  until  <  >hio  was  decided  upon  a*  their  future  home. 

Harrj  received  hi*  education  at  home,  and  whatever  he  ha*  obtained  in 
life  can  largely  he  traced  to  In*  excellent  home  training.  Nor  was  hi*  Hebraic 
training  in  any  waj  neglected  when  so  fine  a  Talmudic  scholar  a*  hi*  father  was 

there  tci  teaeli  him. 

But  young  Simon  had  dream*  of  conquest.  He  was  to  become  a  part  of 
America's  industrial  life  and  while  the  steel  business  was  then  on  the  ad 
vance,  he  decided  to  cast  hi-  lot  along  those  Inn*.  Thoroughness,  he  was 
taught,  wa*  one  of  the  chief  ingredients  i"  sue,!'**;  so  it  was  in*t  the  natural 
course  for  him  to  desire  to  begin  at  the  bottom.  He  became  a  bookkeeper  in 
an  iron  ami  steel  company  in  Cleveland  at  a  monthl)   *.dar\  of  twenty-five 

dollar*,   hi*   ultimate   aim   being   experience   lather   than    temporal*)    tenr.  • 

lion.    The  eagerness  with  which  he  entered  into  Ins  work  soon  brought  him 
promotion,  and  after  remaining  with  the  same  firm  for  a  period  of  | 

he  derided  that   he  wa*   read)    to  start   out   011   hi*   own 

wa*  not  t me  bo  soon. 

lie  entered  into  several  partnerships,  ami  a*  i*  usually  the  case  with  these 
first  business  entanglements,  the)  wen-  not  successful     So  he  again  went  to 


work  for  a  steel  concern,  this  lime  at  a  much  larger  salary  than  he  had  previ- 
ously received,  and  with  a  share  of  the  firm's  profits. 

With  added  experience  and  more  capital,  Simon  for  the  second  time 
launched   fortlt  into  business   for  himself  after  a  two  years'   staj    with  his 

firm,  and  this  time  with  added  intensity  and  determination.  It  is  hardly  neces- 
sary to  relate  what  a  success  his  final  venture  was.  It  seems  that  he  has  blos- 
somed forth  as  a  leader  in  his  chosen  field,  and  the  Jewish  community  feels 
proud  to  claim  him  as  one  of  its  own. 

In  [915  Mr.  Simon  left  for  New  York  City,  where  he  married  Mollie 
Shechter.  and  he  now  has  a  young  daughter,  Selma. 

He  is  a  member  of  the  Anshe  Emeth  Congregation,  also  belonging  to  the 
I'.'nai  B'rith,  Knights  of  Pythias,  the  Zionists  and  others.  Hospitals,  homes 
and  many  charitable  societies  are  daily  receiving  Mr.  Simon's  liberal  assistance. 


MORRIS  SIMON 

One  of  America's  wealthiest  men  and  greatest  philanthropists  has  said. 
"What  a  man  owns  is  already  subordinate  in  America  to  what  he  knows;  but 
in  the  final  aristocracy  the  question  will  not  be  either  of  these,  but  what  he  has 
done  for  his  fellows.  Where  has  he  shown  generosity  and  self-abnegation? 
Where  has  he  been  a  father  to  the  fatherless?  And  the  cause  of  the  poor, 
where  has  he  searched  that  out  ? 

That  this  responsibility  has  been  very  keenly  felt  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Morris 
Simon  of  Buffalo.  X.  Y.,  is  attested  by  the  many  organizations  who  have  rea- 
son to  be  grateful  for  the  business  success  which  Mr.  Simon  has  created  for 
himself. 

He  was  born  in  Bassarabia,  Guberne,  Russia.  May  15th.  1877.  his  father 
being  a  merchant  of  his  native  town.  At  the  age  of  eleven  he  was  very  unfor- 
tunate in  losing  his  father  by  death,  and  his  mother  was  left  with  the  entire 
responsibility  of  raising  her  family.  That  she  inculcated  in  the  mind  of  her 
young  son  those  sterling  principles  of  honesty  and  obedience  to  duty,  his  after 
life  certainly  attests. 

When  he  came  to  America,  he  landed  in  Philadelphia,  but  did  not  remain 
long,  coming  direct  to  Buffalo,  where  he  began  buying  and  selling  old  iron  and 
metal. 

After  a  year  and  a  half  of  this  experience,  he  opened  a  yard  and  has  con- 
tinued in  this  business  ever  since,  meeting  with  wonderful  success.  About  a 
year  ago  he  organized  and  incorporated  the  Erie  Rag  &  Burlap  Company,  of 
which  he  is  president,  and  this  concern  is  doing  an  immense  business. 

In  1902,  prior  to  his  coming  to  America,  he  was  married  to  Rosa  Kaiser, 
who  has  been  an  ideal  wife  and  mother  to  their  three  children,  two  girls  and 
one  boy,  who  are  still  in  school. 

Mrs.  Simon  also  devotes  much  time  to  charity,  being  a  liberal  patron  of 
the  Old  Age  Home,  B'rith  Abraham  and  the  Denver  and  Los  Angeles  Hos- 
pitals. 

Mr.  Simon  is  past  president  and  founder  of  Congregation  Anshe  Ahmes, 
and  is  now  first  trustee. 

He  is  also  prominent  in  Kehilla  of  Buffalo,  Independent  Order  B'rith 
Abraham.  Gemulas  Hosudam  of  Buffalo,  and  the  Chamber  of  Commerce. 

He  is  an  ardent  supporter  of  the  Immigration  Society  of  New  York,  his 
influence  and  spirit  of  helpfulness  extending  to  all  sections  of  the  United  States. 


283 


JOSEPH    S.    SINGER 


The  life  story  of  Mr.  Joseph  S.  Singer,  his  rise  i"  wealth  and  position  in 
the  Jewish  community  of  Jerse)  City,  hardl)  sounds  credible.  It  seems  more 
like  a  Fanciful  tale,  yet  the  facts  here  stated  are  taken  from  the  life  experi- 
ences of  Mr.  Singer.  Twenty-five  years  ago  Mr.  Singer  started  upon  life  with 
ever)  handicap  that  a  lad  could  have.  He  was  a  stranger  in  a  foreign  land; 
he  did  not  know  the  language;  he  did  not  have  an)  money,  and  he  did  not 
have  an)  friends  or  relatives  who  could  give  hira  advice  as  i"  his  future  liveli- 
hood ami  existence.  He  was  left  to  his  own  resources,  but  through  hard,  per- 
sistent labor  and  an  unquenchable  <K— ire  to  get  ahead,  he  has  made  his  way 
through  hardships  thai  men  of  less  strong  will  would  never  have  succeeded  in 
overcoming. 

foseph  S.  Singer,  sou  of  Meyer  and  Rebecca,  »;h  born  April  u.  1877,  in 
Stebnick,  Austria,  lie  received  a  school  education  and  at  the  aye  ni'  sixteen 
came  to  America.  He  had  no  trade,  and  to  earn 
enough  for  his  own  support  he  began  to  peddle  with 
matches,  ^s  his  capital  increased,  he  turned  to  >ell- 
ing  table  oilcloth  and  allied  articles,  lie  struggled 
hard,  saved  some  money,  and  learned  th<-  language. 
lie  then  entered  the  insurance  business,  but  contin- 
ued in  it  onl)  a  .hurt  while,  llis  mone)  gradual!) 
disappeared,  and  when  he  had  onl)  twenty-five  dol- 
lars left  he  invested  it  in  a  small  cand)  -tore,  lien- 
he  prospered,  and  after  a  number  of  years  drifted 
into  the  wholesale  business.      Mr.  Singer  i-  now  the 

head  of  the  firm  of  Singer  Bros.,  wholesale  jobbers 
of  candy,  at  326  Montgomery  street,  Jerse)  City. 
Since  Mr.  Singer  has  become  more  successful,  he 
ha-  associated  himself  with  almost  ever)  charitable 
organization  in  Jerse)  City,  lie  i-  a  member  of  the 
Congregation    Tifereth    Israel,      lie    i-   a    Mason, 

Slniner.  Elk  and  member  of  the  orders  B'rith  Abraham  and  B'nai  B'rith.  He 
is  also  one  of  the  founder-  and  directors  of  the  Hebrew  Orphan  Society  of 
Jerse)  City,  Director  of  the  Talmud  Torah  and  Hebrew  Free  Loan  and  con- 
tributes to  the  Home  for  Consumptives  at  Denver.  Me  is  a  member  and 
organizer  of  Beth  El  Lodge  I',  and  A.  M.  and  a  member  of  tin-  Salaam  Tem- 
ple.   \.    V  1  1.  \.  M.  S. 

1  '11  March  in,  ic/ixi,  Mr.  Singer  was  married  to  Miss  Rose  Singer,  daughter 
of  the  well-known  private  hanker.  Mr.  Marcus  Singer,  who  died  June  15. 
iuij.  Marcus  Singer  was  noble  and  charitable,  and  it  was  with  sincere  regrel 
thai  the  news  of  his  death  was  learned  b)  the  community. 

Mr-.  Singer  i-  prominent!)  connected  with  the  communal  work  of  fcr- 
se)  1  ity,  and  has  been  affiliated  with  almost  ever)  movement  for  the  welfare 

and  improvement  of  the  1 r  and  needy.     Mrs,  Singer  i-  a  member  of  the 

Auxiliar)  of  the  Temple  Beth  El,  Past  Matron  of  1  olonial  Chapter  No.  42, 
t  irder  Eastern  Star,  and  Royal  Matron  ol  I  merant  of  Jerse)  1  ity. 

She  i-  also  a  member  01  Ladies'  Hebrew  Aid  Societ)  and  (  lara  De  llir-h 

Society. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Singer  arc  the  pan  nts  of  -i\  children,  one  l>o\  and  five  girls, 

all  of  whom  attend  school. 

Mr  Singer  attributes  his  success  to  hard  work,  honest)  and  business 
abilit)  and  feels  that  an)  young  man  who  persists  will  i;et  ahead 


JACOB    SINGER 

The  life  history  hi  Jacob  Singer  is  of  unusual  interest,  his  brave  and 

successful  struggle  with  adverse  circumstances  in  early  life  lending  greater 
luster  to  the  achievements  which  have  placed  him  in  the  front  rank  of  Detroit 
business  men. 

I  [e  was  horn  in  Yolkovisk,  Grodno,  Guberne,  Russia,  July  4,  1883.  His 
parents,  I  lanan  and  Eva  Singer,  were  quite  prominent  in  their  native  town, 
his  father  being  a  lumber  merchant  and  possessed  of  an  excellent  education. 

The  opportunities  which  his  local  environment  offered  were,  however,  too 
meager  for  the  expanding  ambitions  of  young  Jacob,  so  in  May,  11)04.  he- 
started  to  America,  landing  in  Philadelphia,  where  his  first  employment  was 
that  of  salesman  in  an  installment  house.  Here  he  worked  for  one  year  and  a 
half,  increasing  his  salary  from  $2.50  per  week  to  $10.  He  next  started  trav- 
eling and  selling  dress  goods,  and  this  road  experience  proved  very  valuable 
in  after  years,  as  it  gave  him  that  close  insight  into  human  nature  which  is  an 
invaluable  asset  to  a  business  man. 

During  these  two  years  he  accumulated  $800,  with  which  money  he  came 
to  Detroit  in  1905  and  began  buying  and  selling  old  iron  and  metal.  He  soon 
opened  a  yard  at  Xo.  245  Erskine  street,  which  be  sold  at  a  profit  and  moved 
to  his  present  location  at  553  Clay  avenue,  where  he  has  a  fine  business  and 
every  modern  appliance  for  conducting  same. 

In  addition  to  this  business  he  has  accumulated  considerable  real  estate, 
which  occupies  a  portion  of  his  time. 

Mr.  Singer  was  married  December  27,  1912,  to  Miss  Goldie  Xovick.  an 
eastern  girl,  the  daughter  of  Yantov  and  Merka  Xovick.  They  have  two  small 
children,  a  boy  and  a  girl. 

Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Singer  are  most  generous  in  their  contributions  to 
charity,  and  Mr.  Singer  has  some  very  high-class  fraternal  affiliations,  being  a 
member  of  the  Masons  and  Knights  of  Pythias.  He  is  also  a  member  of  B'nai 
Meishe  Congregation. 


SOL    SLAVIN 

Mr.  Sol  Slavin  was  not  always  a  resident  of  Dayton,  Ohio,  for  he  was 
born  in  Postor,  Wilner,  Guberne,  Russia,  on  December  15,  1890,  but  Dayton 
may  well  be  proud  that  she  numbers  among  her  inhabitants  a  young  man 
of  such  sterling  qualities  as  Mr.  Slavin. 

Mr.  Slavin  came  to  this  country  in  the  fall  of  1903,  and  immediately 
went  into  the  iron  business  with  his  father.  After  eight  years  he  became  a 
partner  in  the  business  and  after  a  while,  having  supreme  confidence  in  his 
ability  to  conduct  a  business  of  his  own,  he  went  into  business  of  his  own 
accord.  Mr.  Slavin  is  a  member  of  the  Reformed  Temple  of  Dayton,  mem- 
ber of  the  Masons  and  other  organizations  and  a  liberal  contributor  to  charity. 

His  firm,  known  as  the  Sol  Slavin  Co.,  is  one  of  the  best  known  and  most 
successful  of  its  kind  in  the  community. 

On  December  29,  1^)14,  he  married  Miss  Sarah  M.  Monhiemer,  who  is  the 
daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Mose  Monhiemer,  prominent  residents  of  Dayton. 

Although  comparatively  a  young  man,  Mr.  Slavin  is  a  large  taxpayer  in 
the  city,  being  the  owner  of  much  property.  He  is  very  much  interested  in 
civic  affairs  and  always  anxious  to  do  bis  duty  to  the  community  by  assisting 
every  worthy  movement.  His  advice  is,  "Give  your  fellow  men  a  square  deal," 
which  he  not  only  preaches  but  practices. 

Mr.  Slavin  has  always  been  fair  and  just  in  all  his  dealings,  has  always 

285 


respected  the  feelings  of  ;ill  with  whom  he  has  come  in  contact,  whether  in 
business  or  social  life. 

Mr.  Slavin  takes  an  active  interest  in  the  religious  life  of  Dayton, 
being  .in  active  member  of  Rabbi  Lefkowitz's  Temple,  and  is  always  :it  the 
service  of  the  host  interest  of  the  Temple,  and  judging  from  his  past,  he  has 
a  promising  and  well-deserving  future. 


ISRAEL    AND    SAMUEL    SMITH 

Active,  growing  races  have  ever  been  migratory  in  their  instincts,  and 
this  accounts  for  the  large  number  of  immigrants  who  have  sought  the  shores 
of    Vmerica,  the  land  of  promise. 

The  vigor  of  the  United  State-  has  been  larger)  acquired  from  this  resi- 
le--, energetic  element  to  whom  difficulties  and  dangers  were  breath  of  life 
and  in  whom  the  conquering  -pint  ran  high. 

Israel  and  Samuel  Smith  are  line  examples  "I  this  -turds,  type  who  dared 
the  hazard-  of  the  new  world  that  their  abilities  might  find  a  proper  avenue  of 
expression. 

Israel  Smith  was  born  in  Suwalk,  i  liiherne.  Russia,  in  1875,  and  Samuel, 
twci  years  later. 

Their  father  was  a  merchant  in  their  native  town  ami  a  most  learned 
Jewish  scholar. 

Coming  to  America  at  an  earl)  age,  they  peddled  through  the  state  of 
(  thio,  first   with  a  pack  ami  later  with  a  horse  and  wagon. 

Later  the)    went  tn  <  .rand  Rapids,  Mich.,  opening  an  iron  and  metal  \ard. 

which  business  has  had  a  phenomenal  growth  under  their  able  management, 

and  i-  now   the  largest  business  of  the  kind  in  the  city. 

The\  were  both  married  in  Grand  Rapids;  Israel  to  Ida  Davidson,  who 
have  three  children  who  are  very  brilliant  in  their  studies.  Their  -on.  Ben- 
jamin, although  only  seventeen  years  of  age,  has  graduated  with  honors  from 
high  school  and  i-  attending  tin-  law  school  at  the  Universit)  of  Michigan. 
lie  also  received  a  diploma  and  gold  medal  from  tin-  Daughters  of  the  Revo 

Intion   fur  unu-ual  proficienc)    in  the  Stud)   of    \111erican  history.     'Tin-  daugh- 
ters are  -till  in  school  and  are  being  educated  in  music. 

Samuel  Smith  wa-  married  June  to.  IQOO,  to  Mi--  Rose  Karhaf-ks.  and 
they  have  two  boys  and  one  girl  who  al-o  are  developing  much  talent  along 
literary  and  musical  line-.  Their  -on,  1  ester,  when  onl)  eight  years  old  won 
a  prize  from  the  Detroit  Tree  Press  for  writing  stories,  ami  although  onl) 
eleven  at  tin  present  time,  i-  recognized  a-  a  leader  of  hi-  school  in  scholarship. 

Mr.  Israel  Smith  i-  a  member  of  tin-  Odd  Fellows  ami  Mr.  Samuel  i- 
aftiliated  with  the  -ame  organization,  a-  well  a-  both   lewi-h  congregations, 

I'.'nai   I'.'rith  and   Ma-oii- 

Both  brothers  ami  their  wives  are  ver)  public-spirited  and  charitable, 
being  liberal  contributors  to  Denver  and  Los  Vngeles  hospitals,  Mas  \athan 
Orphans'  Home  and  the  Immigration  Societ)  of  \V«   >,  ork. 

'The    father   i-    -till    living,  hut    ha-   retired    from   hti-uu--    and    devote-   hi- 

entire  time  to   Jewish  study,  in  which  he  i-  -.1  proficient. 


2«i 


MAX    SNITZ 

If  we  wore  to  closely  scan  the  annals  of  business  history,  it  would  be 
surprising  to  find  the  large  number  of  business  men  who  retire  from  active 
service,  and  after  a  few  months  or  years  return  to  the  harness,  being  unable 
to  bear  the  inactivity  and  loss  of  responsibility.  It  is  a  well-known  fact  that 
lack  of  a  regular  occupation  has  aged  many  a  man,  as  the  arduous  years  of 
application  which  is  part  of  the  success  of  every  big  business  man  leaves  him 
practically  unable  to  adapt  himself  to  easier  conditions  of  living. 

This  was  true  in  the  case  of  Mr.  Max  Snitz,  who  was  born  in  Danzig, 
Posen.  Germany,  April  10,  1875.  and  came  to  America  at  the  age  of  fourteen. 
Arriving  in  Detroit,  Mich.,  he  began  working  in  a  cigar  factory  and  learning 
the  trade,  six  months  later  going  into  business  for  himself.  Later  he  opened 
a  bakery,  but  finding  neither  line  to  his  liking,  went  into  the  paper  business, 
where  he  was  very  successful. 

About  three  years  ago,  having  acquired  a  snug  fortune,  he  decided  to  re- 
tire, so  sold  his  business  and  began  investing  his  money  in  real  estate.  But  the 
habits  of  years  were  not  to  be  so  lightly  put  aside,  and  in  1916  he  again  went 
into  the  wholesale  paper  business. 

In  this  move  Mr.  Snitz  accomplished  a  double  purpose.  It  gave  him  an 
outlet  for  his  own  business  energies  and  at  the  same  time  an  opportunity  to 
establish  his  sons,  wdio  were  growing  to  maturity. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Snitz  have  a  fine  family  of  eight,  six  boys  and  two  girls, 
who  are  all  in  school,  with  the  exception  of  Lewis  and  Rubin,  in  business 
with  their  father. 

Mr.  Snitz  has  found  time  among  his  various  activities  for  a  number  of 
fraternal  organizations,  having  been  presiding  officer  of  the  Traders  and 
Paper  Men's  Protective  L'nion,  and  his  services  being  of  such  a  high  order. 
he  was  presented  with  a  gold  watch  by  the  association. 

He  is  also  prominent  in  Beth  Jacob,  Beth  Abraham  (being  presiding  offi- 
cer of  Lodge  No.  111,  O.  B.  A.),  the  Odd  Fellows,  Maccabees  and  the  Amer- 
ican Federation  of  Labor. 

His  wife  is  very  popular  socially  and  they  are  both  liberal  contributors  to 
all  charities. 


MAX  SOBUL 

Prominent  in  the  business  and  civic  life  of  Cleveland.  Ohio,  is  the  name  of 
Mr.  Max  Sobul.  owner  and  manager  of  the  Cleveland  Raincoat  Co.,  corner  St. 
Clair  and  W.  6th  streets. 

Mr.  Sobul  was  born  in  the  year  1865  in  Stawisky,  Lomza,  Poland,  the  son 
of  Reb  Hersh  and  Zlate  Sobul.  In  his  native  country  the  Sobul  family  is  very 
prominent,  and  has  given  to  the  world  many  men  of  marked  scholarly  ability. 

Mr.  Sobul  came  to  America  in  the  year  1890,  starting  his  career  as  an 
operator  in  a  children's  clothing  factory  in  Xew  York.  After  about  six 
months,  during  which  time  he  acquired  some  valuable  experience,  he  went  into 
business  with  a  partner,  handling  work  of  the  same  nature  on  contract.  Two 
years  later  he  went  to  Cleveland,  where  he  engaged  in  several  business  enter- 
prises, finally  establishing  the  Cleveland  Raincoat  Factory,  which  has  been  an 
unqualified  success. 

Prosperity  has  not  caused  Mr.  Sobul  to  be  forgetful  of  the  needs  of  the 
unfortunate,  as  with  each  year  of  increasing  financial  prosperity  he  has  pro- 
portionately enlarged  his  gifts  to  the  various  charities.  His  financial  backing 
made  possible  the  organization  of  Orthodox  Jewry  in  Cleveland.  For  four 
years  he  was  president  of  Congregation  Sh-Arei  Torah.     He  is  director  of  the 

287 


Talmud  Torah,  a  former  treasurer  of  the  Board  of  Kashruth,  which  he  organ- 
ized in  Cleveland,  and  prominent  in  every  institution  of  an)  importance. 

Mr.  Sobul  was  married  in  [887  i"  Miss  Yetta  Brown,  who  was  born  in  his 
native  town.  They  have  a  fine  famil)  of  seven  children,  the  oldest  daughter, 
Pearl,  being  married  to  Mr.  Simberg.  Harry  is  a  successful  attorney,  and 
Sollie  is  a  physician.  Sam.  Morris  and  Sadie  an'  still  students  in  high  school. 
They  have  all  been  most  thoroughly  educated  both  in  the  regular  academic 
branches  and  in  I  [ebrew. 

According  to  Mr.  Sobul's  expressed  opinion,  success  is  only  a  man 
effort  and  ambition,  and  he  is  certain!)  in  position  to  speak  with  authority  on 
the  subject,  as  he  lias  won  hi-  own  pre-eminent  position  in  business  without  tin- 
aid  of  initial  capital  or  assistance  "l  any  kind.  In  addition  to  the-  (  leveland 
Raincoat  Company,  Mr.  Sobul  is  treasurer  of  J.  J.  Fried  Co.,  another  large  and 
prosperous  firm. 


ISADOR    SOBEL 

Isadnr  Sobel,  lawyer,  was  born  in  New  York  City,  August  28,  1858,  son  of 
Semel  and  Cecelia  (Kunz)  Sobel.  llis  father,  a  merchant,  rami.'  from  Posen, 
Germany,  in  1S47.  ami  settled  in  New  York  city.  The  son  received  his  pre- 
liminary education  in  Public  School  No.  3  of  hi-  native  city,  subsequently 
attending  the  College  of  tin-  City  of  Now  York,  and  tin-  Erie  (Pa.)  high 
school.     Ik-  studied  law  under  tin-  preceptorship  of  Hon.  S.  M.  Brainerd,  of 

Erie;  was  admitted  tn  the  bar  in    iSSS.  and  that  -ante  year,  in  association  with 

Mr.  Brainerd,  established  the  firm  of  Brainerd  &  Sobel.  lie  has  since  con- 
tinued a  general  law  practice  in  tin-  county,  superior  and  supreme  courts,  giv- 
ing special  attention  tn  commercial  and  bankruptcy  law.  also  corporation  law. 
From  the  beginning  of  his  active  career  he  has  been  closel)  identified  with  local, 
-tate  and  national  politics,  a-  a  Republican,  lie  was  elected  a  member  of  the 
Erie  city  council  in  [891;  was  re-elected  in  1893,  and  was  president  of  that 

111    [894.      During    [889-9]    he    wa-    Secretary 

of  the  Erie  Count)  Republican  Committee,  and  wa- 
it- (  hairman  during   [893-1896.     He  became  Vice 
President  .if  the  Republican  League  of  Pennsylva- 
nia in  1894,  and  wa-  President  during  [896-98,  am! 
In-  wa-  a  presidential  elector  in    1896.     President 
Mckinley   appointed    him   postmaster  of    Erie    in 
1898,  tn  which  office  he  wa-  reappointed  in    Presi 
dent  Roosevelt  in  1902  and  1906,  and  In   President 
Tafl  in   1910,     Meanwhile,  in   [908,  he  served  as 
President  of  the  Postmasters'   Association  of  Penn- 
sylvania.   He  wa-  elected  President  of  the  National 
Association  of   Postmasters  of  First  1  I 
of  the  United  States  in  1912,  and  the  following  year 
became  the  tir-t  Honorary  President  of  the  mean 
i/atimi      Hi-  became  a  member  of  district   No   3, 
Independent  1  (rder  B'nai  B'rith,  in  [908 ;  of  the  gi 
eral  committee  of  that  order  in  mi",  and  lent  of  the  district  grand 

lodge  during  1910  1 -■  lie  i-  a  member  hi'  the  executive  committee  of  the 
American-Jewish  Committee;  president  of  the  board  of  governors  B'nai  B'rith 
Orphanage  and  Home  fur  Friendless  Children  of  District  No.  3;  president 
\nehe  <  he-,d  Kef. inn  i  ongrcgation,  Erie :  iii.nil.ii  advisor)  council  Homi 
(he  Friendless,  Erie;  managei  of  llamut  Hospital,  Erie,  and  a  member  of  the 
Jewish  Historical  Si  wish  Publication  Si  d  of  the  Erie,  Ilk-. 


Shriners  and  Country  chilis,  Erie;  is  a  thirty-second  degree  Mason  and  mem- 
ber of  the  i  Idd  Fellows  and  Knights  of  Pythias.  He  was  married  March  17, 
[8 'ii,  to  Emma,  daughter  of  Samuel  Auerhaim,  a  merchant,  of  Bradford,  Pa., 
and  has  three  children:  Jeffrey  Mortimer,  Norman  Tyler  and  Sidney  Amos 
Sobel. 


SIMON  SOCK 

It  is  surprising  when  one  comes  to  review  the  lives  of  many  of  our  great 
men  to  find  how  many  of  them  have  had  to  earn  a  livelihood  in  boyhood  and 
early  manhood  by  manual  labor. 

Yearning  to  spend  the  time  in  the  pursuit  of  study,  yet  laying  it  aside  to 
do  their  duty,  they  have  developed  those  sterling  traits  of  character  worthy  the 
homage  paid  by  friends  and  associates. 

Such  a  man  is  Simon  Sock,  born  at  Kovno,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  1870,  of 
Solomon  and  Lea  Sock. 

Mr.  Sock  saw  that,  both  as  a  scholar  and  merchant,  there  was  more  oppor- 
tunity for  advancement  in  the  United  States,  and  accordingly  he  landed  in  ■ 
New  York  City  on  May  1,  1904,  but  remained  only  seven  weeks  there,  when 
he  came  to  Cleveland. 

He  engaged  in  the  business  of  peddling  junk,  first  in  Cleveland,  then  in 
Lorain,  Ohio,  for  a  period  of  nine  months,  when  he  came  back  to  Cleveland  and 
continued  in  the  same  line  of  business  lor  ten  years.  He  then  associated  in 
business  in  Elyria  with  his  present  partner,  Mr.  David  Widzer,  the  firm  being 
known  as  the  Elyria  Rag  and  Metal  Company,  doing  a  large  amount  of  business 
a  year. 

Mr.  Sock  says  that  "to  find  one's  adaptability  and  then  follow  it"  is  the 
secret  of  success.  He  has  learned  it  by  experience  in  the  school  of  life,  and  by 
the  aid  of  his  good  wife,  who  was  Rachel  Lea  Rack,  to  whom  he  was  united 
in  marriage  before  leaving  Russia. 

Mrs.  Sock  has  helped  instil  this  principle  in  the  minds  of  her  children  and, 
aside  from  doing  her  dutv  to  her  family,  is  a  popular  member  of  many  socie- 
ties and  an  active  worker  in  all  charities. 

To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Sock  have  been  born  four  boys  and  three  girls,  who 
inherit  the  scholarly  tastes  and  business  propensities  of  the  parents.  One  of 
the  sons.  Sol,  is  in  the  insurance  business,  another,  Morris,  married  Miss 
Blanche  Soskin  of  Cleveland,  while  a  daughter,  Sarah,  is  married  to  Mr.  Ellin 
of  Chicago.     The  others  are  attending  school. 

Mr.  Sock  does  not  let  creed  or  race  influence  his  gifts  to  the  needy,  but  his 
liberality  is  known  to  many.  He  is  connected  with  the  Mosha  Havi  Congrega- 
tion of  Cleveland,  and  is  a  member  of  Agudas  Acham  R'nai  Abraham  Congre- 
gation of  Elyria  and  of  the  B'nai  Yitzhog  Yerein,  Yoloziner  Unterstitzung 
Yerein  and  Yinsker  Benefit  Association.  Besides  being  a  member  of  all  these 
organizations,  he  contributes  freely  to  Denver  and  Los  Angeles  Hospitals,  Old 
Age  Home  and  Talmud  Torah  of  Cleveland  and  the  Chamber  of  Commerce  of 
Elyria. 

Mr.  Sock  owns  considerable  property  and  is  highly  regarded  and  respected 
bv  all  who  know  him. 


289 


JACOB  SOHNEN 

Experience  is  by  t'.-ir  the  bes(  teacher,  and  a  trial  at  a  variety  of  occupa- 
tions often  enables  a  young  man  to  arrive  at  a  decision  regarding  the  business 
for  which  he  is  hi-st  fitted.  This  is  the  case  with  Mr.  Jacob  Sohnen,  who  was 
born  in  Austria,  August  -•->.  1882. 

He  came  to  Werica  Januarj  24,  iN'14.  arriving  in  New  York,  where  his 
parents  were  ahead)  located.  He  wenl  to  school  for  two  years  and  then  went 
into  the  feather  business  with  his  father.  This  he  continued  for  i'"tir  ••■ 
and  then  wenl  to  work  in  a  -kin  factory.  He  was  quite  successful  and  later 
became  a  partner  in  the  business,  bul  did  not  find  it  to  his  liking,  and  after  try- 
ing a  number  <>t'  other  lines  he  finally  returned  to  the  feather  business,  estab- 
lishing the  Chelsea  Feather  Company  at  221  Maple  street.  Chelsea,  Mass., 
which  is  one  of  the  largest  concerns  of  the  kind  in  that  section  of  the  state. 

Mr.  Sohnen  was  married  in  New  York,  January  3,  1906,  to  Miss  Vnna 
Zwerdling.  They  have  five  children,  all  boys-.  Three  of  them  are  old  enough 
to  go  to  school,  and  the\  are  also  being  educated  in  Hebrew. 

Mr.  Sohnen  is  a  prominent  patron  of  all  charities  and  a  member  of 
Arberter  Ring  Socialist  Party. 


JACOB  SOLOMON 
A  good  name  is  the  most  valuable  asset  which  any  ri-iiiL;  young  business 

man  can  possess,  The  elements  of  nature  b)  a  trick  of  fortune  ma\  wipe  away 
all  other  possessions  within  a  day,  hut  the  reputation  lor  good  character  is  a 
solid   foundation  upon  which  another   fortune  can  he  reared. 

Such  was  the  experience  of  Mr.  Jacob  Solomon,  who  found  that  neither 
the  calamities  of  flood  or  tiro  could  permanentl)  -top  his  progress  a-  long  as 
this  one  priceless  possession  was  hi-. 

Jacob  Solomon  was  horn  in  Kovno,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  September,  1881, 
the  son  of  Hiam  and  Getta  Solomon.  His  father  conducted  a  grocer)  and 
was  also  a  fine  Hebrew  scholar. 

At  the  age  of  si  venteen,  the  problem  of  a  business  career  presented  itself, 
and  he  decided  he  would  find  more  opportunities  in  America. 

Landing  in  New  York,  he  went  direct  to  Indianapolis,  Ind.,  where  he 
found  employment   in  a  brewer)   at  the  meager  compensation  of  $6.00  per 

week.  Si\  months  later  he  -tarted  peddling  junk,  which  he  continued  for  two 
years,  at   which  time  he  came  to  Sidney,  '  Ihio,  and  opened  an  iron  and  metal 

yard.     This  business  was  flourishing,  hut   in   1912  was  lotall)    destroyed  by 

il I. 

Here  hi-  reputation  for  honest)  ami  ability  -1 1  him  in  good  stead  ami 

lie  again  resumed  business,  building  up  a  -mall  fortune,  hut  in  1914  hi-  plant 
wa-  destroyed  b)  lire  and.  having  no  insurance,  he  was  again  penniless,     with 

marvelous  determination  and   faith  in  In-  ultimate  power  to  triumph  over  nu- 

fortune,  he  again  -tarted  into  business  and  in  ion.  joined  forces  with  hi-  pres- 
ent partner,  Mr   William  Joffe. 

Their  combined  efforts  have  been  successful  beyond  hi-  wildest  dri 
ami  he  ha-  been  ah!,  mulate  some  fine  real  1  state  besides  his  interest  in 

their  flourishing  plant. 

II.-  wa-  married   lamiaM    jX.  [906,  to  Mi--   I  annil 

ent  partner,  and  a  lad)  who  i-  ver)  prominentl)  connected  with  all 
movements  in  their  cit)       rhe>  have  four  children,  who  will  be  well  edit 
and  given  a  thorough  training  in  n 


Mr.  Solomon  is  ;i  member  of  '  ongregation  Wayne  Ave,  of  Dayton;  is  a 
member  of  the  Immigration  Society,  and  the  Miznuch  Society  of  New  York. 
and  is  a  patron  of  Denver  and  Los  Angeles  Hospitals,  a~  well  ;h  many  other 
charities. 


KASKEL  SOLOMON 

Everj  great  city  is.  to  a  certain  extent,  the  creation  of  a  small  number  of 
far-sighted,  public-spirited  men  who  have  been  the  originators  and  executants 
■  if  those  enterprises  and  organizations  which  constitute  the  special  glory  of 
lilies.  A  representative  of  tins  class  is  Kaskel  Solomon,  for  over  forty  years 
prominently  identified  with  the  business  life  of  Pittsburgh,  and  for  a  quarter 
of  a  century  head  of  the  well-known  mercantile  house  of  K.  Solomon  &  Com- 
pany, and  to  whom  Pittsburgh  is  indebted  for  the  success  <d'  many  of  the  large 
undertakings  and  institutions  which  have  so  largely  contributed  to  Iter  present 
prosperity  and  importance. 

Kaskel  Solomon  was  born  . \ i >ri  1  30,  1851,  in  Wreschen,  Province  Posen, 
Germany,  son  of  Morris  and  Leah  (Krieger)  Solomon,  lit-  came  to  New 
Ynrk  from  Germany  August  ro,  [868,  remaining  in  that  city  a  short  time,  and 
then  going  to  New  London.  Conn.,  where  he  was  engaged  in  mercantile  lines 
until  April  1.  1878.  <  >n  that  date  he  came  to  Pittsburgh,  Penn.,  to  assist  in 
the  management  of  what  was  then  one  of  the  Iron  City's  best  known  establish- 
ments-  S.  Cohen  &  Company.     In  [882  Mr.  1.  M.  Guskj  bought  the  interest 

of  S.  Cohen,  and  from  that  date  the  linn  name  was   I.  M.  Gusky,  and  in  which 

business  Mr.  Solomon  was  interested  for  a  long  term  of  years.  It  was  with 
this  firm  thai  Kaskel  Solomon  received  the  ground-work  of  his  knowledge  of 
mercantile  business,  on  which  field  the  foundation  of  his  latter  success  was 
laid. 

Mr.  Solomon  remained  with  the  Gusky  Store  until  February  1.  1892,  when 
he  stepped  boldly  into  the  business  world  at  the  head  of  his  own  establishment, 

founding  the-  widely-known  and  prominent  store  on  Smithlield  street  which 
bore  his  name  until  February  1.  1017.  when  he  disposed  of  it.  Mr.  Solomon 
now   devotes  his  entire  time  to  looking  after  his  extensive  private  interests  and 

has  offices  in  the  Frick  Annex  Building.  In  all  positions  which  he  has  filled  he 
has  shown  remarkable  executive  ability,  a  judgment  that  is  seldom  at  fault, 
boldness  of  operation  in  his  projects,  and  an  unusual  capacity    for  discerning 

the  motives  and  merits  of  men. 

Early  in  his  career  Mr.  Solomon  displayed  keen  judgment  in  buying  real 
estate,  being  a  fine  judge  of  its  dormant  possibilities.  I  lis  foresight  in  this 
respeel  had  made'  him  the  owner  of  many  valuable  properties  in  the  down- 
town and  residential  sections  of  Pittsburgh,  and  he  is  considered  somewhat  of 
an  authority  on  real  estate  values,  his  advice  being  frequently  sought  by  pros- 
pective buyers. 

Keenly  public-spirited,  Mr.  Solomon  is  always  ready  to  give  practical  aid 
to  am  movement  which,  in  his  judgment,  would  tend  to  advance  the  public  wel- 
fare, lie  has  been  repeatedly  offered  the  presidency  of  various  financial  insti- 
tutions, but   has  always  refused,  desiring  to  devote  his  entire  time  to  his  own 

large  interests.     Although  he  has  been  and  is  far  too  busy  a  man  to  take  any 

active  part   in  politics,  no  man   is  more  keenly  alive  to  the  affairs  of  his   city, 

concerning  which  his  advice  is  often  sought.  I  lis  allegiance  is  given  to  the 
Republican  party,  but  he  lias  never  sought  office.  He  is  a  man  of  large  nature. 
deliberate  in  the  formation  of  plans,  thorough,  upright,  clear-headed  and  gen- 
erous in  his  benefactions  to  charity,  but  ever  seeking  to  veil  his  good  deeds 

from  the  eyes  of  the  world.     Mr.  Solomon  is  a  member  and  was  one  of  the 

291 


organizers  of  the  Westmoreland  Country  Club ;  is  a  member  of  the  Concordia 
Club,  and  takes  an  active  part  in  various  other  institutions.  He  has  been  a 
member  and  trustee  of  Rodef  Shalom  Congregation  for  many  years,  and  has 
also  been  for  years  a  member  of  the  executive  board  of  the  United  Hebrew 
Relief  Association. 

Kaskel  Solomon  married,  May  22.  1878,  in  New  York  City,  Miss  Rebecca, 
daughter  of  Marcus  and  Hannah  (Schlossman)  Gusky,  of  New  York  City,  and 
they  were  the  parents  of  the  following  children:  1.  Gertrude,  wife  of  Jacob 
Bibro,  of  Pittsburgh,  and  the  mother  of  two  children,  Ruth  and  James.  2. 
Edith,  wife  of  Hugo  Baum,  of  Pittsburgh,  and  the  mother  of  two  children, 
Elizabeth  and  John  Daniel.  3.  Mark  K.,  born  March  2,  1885,  educated  in 
Pittsburgh  schools  and  Kiskiminetas  Spring  College :  married  Hortense 
Nattans,  daughter  of  Arthur  and  Jennie  (  Rosenberg)  Nattans,  of  Baltimore, 
Md. ;  they  have  a  son,  Arthur  K. ;  Mr.  Solomon,  Jr.,  is  now  a  member  of  the 
firm  of  the  Solomon,  Bibro  Company,  of  Pittsburgh.  4.  Madeline,  wife  of 
Jerome  N.  Halle,  of  Cleveland,  Ohio,  and  the  mother  of  a  daughter,  Eleanor. 
Mrs.  Solomon,  who  was  to  her  husband  not  only  a  charming  companion,  but  a 
helpmate  and  adviser,  passed  away  December  18,  191 5.  She  was  active  in 
church  and  philanthropic  work,  and  was  a  member  of  the  Mothers'  Pension 
League  and  other  like  associations. 

The  broad-gauge,  all-around  business  man  is  at  once  the  mainstay  and 
the  motive  power  of  every  community  in  which  he  is  found,  and  especially  is  he 
essential  to  the  growth  and  development  of  great  cities.  Of  this  type  is  Kaskel 
Solomon,  and  happy  would  it  be  for  Pittsburgh  if  she  had  "five  hundred  as 
good  as  he."  In  any  group  of  her  business  men,  who  have  materially  aided  in 
her  great  growth,  his  portrait  would  necessarily  have  to  be  included,  his  career 
forming,  as  it  does,  part  of  the  business  history  of  Pittsburgh. 


SIMON  SOLOMONT. 

It  is  only  very  recently  that  Mr.  Simon  Solomont  of  Boston,  Mass.,  went 
into  the  jewelry  business,  after  having  tried  his  hand  at  other  pursuits,  and  he 
is  well  on  his  way  to  become  as  succesful  in  his  new  vocation  as  he  was  in  the 
many  other  lines  he  engaged  in  before  he  became  a  jeweler.  But  this  brings  us 
far  ahead  of  our  story,  for  we  intend  to  describe  in  this  sketch  the  rise  of  an 
interesting  young  Jewish  business  man  from  small  and  humble  beginnings  to  a 
position  of  responsibility  and  respectability  in  the  Jewish  community  of  his 
place  (if  residence.     Let  us,  therefore,  start   from  the  beginning: 

He  was  born  on  August  14,  1871,  in  Olkinisk,  government  of  Vilna, 
Russia,  as  the  son  of  Solomon  and  Estelle  Rebecca  Solomont.  and  came  to 
America  with  his  parents  at  the  age  of  fourteen.  His  father  was  a  prominent 
Orthodox  in  Boston  who  died  cm  April  t).  11)17.  His  mother  is  still  living. 
The  boy,  on  coming  to  this  country,  started  out  peddling  in  the  Slate  of  Maine. 
Later  he  went  into  the  grocery  business,  a  few  years  later  starting  the  whole- 
sale grocery  linn  of  S.  Solomont  X-  Suns.  In  this  concern  he  was  associated 
with  his  lather  and  brothers.  Nineteen  years  ago  lie  became  part  owner  of 
the  Standard  Grocery  Company,  remaining  in  it  until  September  1.  11)17,  when 
he  became  a  member  of  the  linn  of  James  Solomont  X-  Bros.,  jewelers,  36 
Salem  street,  Boston. 

Mr.  Solomont  is  a  member  of  a  considerable  number  of  charitable  organ- 
izations.    I  te  i--.  in  addition,  a  member  of  two  congregations,  .-md  whenever  any 

social  or  religious  activity  is  shown  one  ma\    lie   sure   to  find    Mr.   Solomont's 
name  among  the  most  active  supporters. 

1  in  June  25,  [893,  Mr.  Solomont  was  married  to    Vnna  Rutstein  and  two 

292 


children  have  blessed  this  union,  Sadie,  now  Mrs.  Jacob  J.  Herman,  and  Sidney 
Leo,  a  student  at  Harvard  College.  Mr.  Solomont  is  a  modern  Orthodox  who 
is  a  profound  student  of  the  Talmud  and  gave  his  son  a  thorough  Hebrew  edu- 
cation. Sidney  expects  to  become  a  student  in  the  (  Irthodox  Rabbinical  Semi- 
nary of  New  York. 


JOSEPH    SPECTOR    AND    ABRAHAM    LAPINSKY 

Prominent  in  the  business  life  of  Springfield,  ( >hio,  is  the  firm  of  Joseph 
Spector  &  Co..  conducted  by  Mr.  Joseph  Spector  and  his  partner.  Mr.  Abraham 
Lapinsky. 

Both  men  are  representatives  of  that  stern  type  of  business  man  who  has 
carved  out  his  own  fortune  under  adverse  circumstances. 

Mr.  Spector  was  born  in  Mitto.  Kurland.  Guberne,  Russia,  July  7,  1879, 
and  came  to  America  when  a  very  young  boy.  At  the  age  of  twelve  he 
started  in  working  to  help  support  the  family,  and  when  they  had  accumulated 
a  very  small  capital,  his  father  started  a  store,  while  the  boys  continued  ped- 
dling. When  he  became  of  age  he  started  out  for  himself  with  but  $5  capital, 
and  going  to  Altoona.  Pa.,  started  peddling  stationery.  With  the  first  $150  he 
was  able  to  save  he  went  to  Dayton,  Ohio,  where  he  found  his  brother  very 
ill,  and  gave  him  all  of  bis  savings.  He  again  began  peddling  and  finally  found 
his  way  to  Springfield.  Ohio,  where  he  was  so  unfortunate  as  to  lose  his  first 
business  property  by  fire.  Having  no  insurance,  he  was  obliged  to  make  an- 
other start,  and  this  time  was  very  successful,  as  the  fine,  modern  plant  the  firm 
now  occupies  is  one  of  the  best  of  its  kind  in  that  section  of  the  country. 

Mr.  Spector  has  one  daughter  and  his  wife,  who  was  formerly  Miss 
Ethel  Katz,  is  very  prominent  in  their  social  circle.  They  contribute  liberally 
to  charities,  including  Denver  and  Los  Angeles  sanitariums. 

Mr.  Abraham  Lapinsky.  partner  of  Mr.  Spector,  was  born  in  Grodno, 
Guberne.  Russia.  July  2,  1868,  and  came  to  America  when  a  young  boy.  He 
went  to  school  for  three  months  and  then  began  selling  newspapers,  after 
which  he  learned  the  cigarmaking  trade.  Every  cent  which  he  could  spare 
from  his  meager  earnings  was  given  to  his  father,  to  assist  him  in  bringing  his 
mother  and  the  balance  of  the  family  from  Europe,  and  after  they  came  he  con- 
tinued to  assist  them.  However,  lie  was  able  to  save  some  of  his  earnings 
and  finally  went  into  business  with  his  present  partner,  where  he  has  been 
most  successful. 

Mr.  Lapinsky  was  married  in  Dayton  in  1910  to  Miss  Rosie  Sacks,  and 
they  have  two  children,  one  boy  and  one  girl.  They  are  also  most  generous 
in  contributions  to  charity  and  both  families  are  affiliated  with  the  principal 
organizations  of  Springfield. 


SUMER    SOMERMAN 

The  only  Jewish  member  of  the  Pennsylvania  state  legislature  elected 
from  western  Pennsylvania  is  Hon.  Sumer  Somerman  of  Pittsburgh.  Mr. 
Somerman  is  a  Republican  and  well  deserves  the  honor  conferred  upon  him  by 
his  party  and  district. 

But  Mr.  Somerman  is  not  only  a  statesman  interested  in  the  political  affairs 
of  his  district  and  a  public  official  of  Pennsylvania,  he  is  one  of  those  men 

293 


who  do  honor  to  their  race  by  their  strong  adherence  to  Jewish  principles.  And 
that  his  fellow  citizens  do  recognize  his  abilities  and  devotion  is  evidenced  by 
his  appointment  not  so  very  long  ago  by  the  Mayor  of  Pittsburgh  as  one  of  the 
"units"  of  the  local  exemption  boards  of  Pittsburgh. 

Mr.  Somerman  was  born  in  Ulashkovce,  Galicia,  where  he  first  saw  the 
light  of  day  on  the  6th  of  December,  1871,  the  son  of  Israel  Moses  and  Mattel 
Somerman.  He  came  to  America  in  1887,  and  landed  in  New  York,  where  for 
five  vears  in  succession  he  worked  as  a  machine  hand  in  the  Singer  works  at 
Elizabeth,  X.  J.  In  1901  he  came  to  Pittsburgh,  where  he  went  into  the 
butter  and  egg  business  and  made  a  success  of  it.  His  place  of  business  is  at 
present  located  at  65  Logan  street. 

But  although  business  and  state  politics  consume  very  much  of  his  time, 
Mr.  Somerman  has  managed  to  take  great  interest  in  Jewish  social  affairs. 
He  was  the  organizer  of  the  S.  Somerman  Lodge,  Independent  O.  B.  S.,  is  a 
prominent  member  of  the  Congregation  Shaarei  Torah,  of  the  Federated  Jew- 
ish Charities,  a  Past  Commander  of  the  Maccabees  and  a  Past  Deputy  of  the 
Knights  of  Pythias.  He  is  also  a  member  of  the  Monongahela  Lodge  No.  297, 
O.  B.  A.,  Warshaver  LTnterstizung  Yerein,  Austrian  Beneficial  Society  and  the 
B'rith  Schulem  Yerein. 

On  the  29th  of  November,  1896,  Mr.  Somerman  was  married  to  Miss 
Bella  Reisman,  and  they  are  the  parents  of  five  children,  Anna,  who  is  now 
Mrs.  Obernauer;  Esther,  Irving,  Albert  and  Rose. 


MAURICE    STERN 


When  the  American  Jewish  Committee  was  formed  and  a  truly  repre- 
sentative and  really  distinguished  Jew  from  Louisiana  was  to  be  chosen,  the 
choice  fell  quite  naturally  and  as  a  matter  of  course  upon  Mr.  Maurice  Stern 
of  New  Orleans. 

Mr.  Stern  was  born  at  Ermershausen,  Germany,  to  his  parents,  Salomon 
and  Babette  Stern,  on  January  6,  1855,  and  was  educated  in  the  public  schools 
of  his  native  land.  In  187  c,  when  but  a  boy  of  sixteen,  he  left  home  and,  upon 
his  arrival  in  this  country,  settled  in  New  Orleans.  Endowed  by  nature  with 
the  great  qualities  of  heart  and  mind  that  are  an  earnest  of  success,  he  was 
determined  to  win  for  himself  a  name  and  place  in  his  new  home  and  sur- 
roundings and.  not  spurning  the  idea  of  starting  at  the  very  bottom  of  a  career, 
he  entered  the  office  of  Lehman,  Xeugass  &  Co.,  doing  the  work  of  a  mere 
mail  boy.  Even  in  that  humble  position,  however,  he  performed  his  duties  so 
intelligently  and  faithfully  that  step  by  step  lie  ad- 
vanced, until  in  1880  he  was  admitted"  as  a  partner 
in  the  business  establishment  of  his  former  employ- 
ers, the  linn's  name  now  being  changed  to  Lehman. 
Abraham  &  Co.  Five  years  later  the  value  of  his 
services  as  a  partner  had  become  so  thoroughly  es- 
tablished that  the  linn's  name  was  once  more  changed 
and  the  business  was  incorporated  under  the  title  of 
Lehman,  Stern  X-  Co.  And  ii  was  not  long  before 
Mr.  Stern  became  the  1 'resident  of  that  vast  concern 
which  handles  man]  million  dollars'  worth  of  cotton 
every  year. 

In  addition  in  the  presidency  of  his  own  con- 
cern,  whose  offices  are  at  840  Union  street.  Mr. 
Stern  holds  many  oilier  positions  of  trust  and  re- 
sponsibility, lie  has  rendered  the  cause  of  educa- 
tion invaluable  services  as  a  member  of  the  State 
Board  of  Education,  while  in  the  commercial  world  he  is   President  of  the 

294 


Southern  Slates  Land  and  Timber  Co.,  a  Director  of  the  Whitney  Central 
National  Bank  and  of  the  Whitney  Central  Trust  and  Savings  Hank,  President 
of  the  Sagua  and  Tanamo  Land  Co.,  a  Cuban  concern,  and  has  served  both  as 
Treasurer  and  as  a  Director  of  the  New  Orleans  Cotton  Exchange.  In  bis 
religious  and  charitable  affiliations  he  has  held  the  position  of  President  at 
Temple  Sinai,  has  served  as  a  Director  of  the  Touro  Infirmary  and  is  at  the 
present  time  Treasurer  of  the  Jewish  Widows  and  ( Irphans'  Home,  the  local 
Treasurer  of  the  Jewish  War  Relief  Committee,  and  a  member  of  the  Execu- 
tive Hoard  of  the  Union  of  American  Hebrew  Association. 

If  Mr.  Stern's  career  demonstrates  to  a  remarkable  degree  the  possibili- 
ties and  the  opportunities  along  the  lines  of  success,  it  demonstrates  to  an  equal 
degree  the  proper  and  commendable  use  that  might  be  made  of  success.  For 
Mr.  Stern  is  the  type  of  man  in  whose  success  a  community  has  every  cause 
and  reason  to  rejoice.  (  >f  a  genial  and  pleasant  disposition,  plain  and  unas- 
suming in  his  conduct  and  conversation,  he  is  interested  in  every  worthy 
endeavor  and  is  ever  ready,  with  hand  and  heart,-  to  support  every  noble  cause. 
Nay,  more,  he  may  always  be  counted  upon  as  among  the  very  first  to  respond 
sympathetically,  liberally  and  generously  to  the  call  of  every  effort  or  institu- 
tion that  stands  for  human  betterment. 

In  conclusion,  it  may  be  wel.  tj  add  that  Mr.  Stern's  good  wife,  who  was 
Miss  Hannah  Bloom,  a  talented  and  accomplished  young  lady  of  New  Orleans, 
and  to  whom  he  was  married  on  May  2$,  1883,  shares  fully  his  noble  senti- 
ments and  aspirations  and  has  proved  a  true  helpmate  to  him  in  all  his  char- 
ities and  philanthropies  and  in  his  active  interest  in  the  cause  of  progress  and 
advancement. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Stern  are  pleasantly  domiciled  at  the  corner  of  St.  Charles 
and  Soniat  streets,  and  are  the  happy  parents  of  three  children.  Mr.  S.  Walter 
Stern,  whose  wife  was  Miss  Josephine  Mayer;  Mr.  Edgar  B.  Stern  and  Mrs. 
Sarah  Keiffer. 


JUD  STEIN 

American  Jewish  life  has  always  reflected  distinct  credit  upon  any  coun- 
try of  its  adoption,  and  the  qualities  which  have  made  possible  so  many  suc- 
cessful Jewish  careers  are  well  worthy  of  emulation  by  young  people  of 
American  birth. 

The  young  Jew  invariably  shows  a  keen  appreciation  of  the  value  of 
time  and  opportunity,  and  very  little  is  wasted.  It  is  no  uncommon  occurrence 
to  find  him  a  scholar  of  attainments,  even  though  the  regular  school  career  has 
been  denied  him,  as  he  is  inclined  to  use  every  spare  hour  toward  the  acquire- 
ment of  knowledge  which  is  liable  to  prove  useful  to  him  in  the  future. 

These  facts  account  to  a  large  extent  for  the  rapidity  with  which  the  Jew 
rises  from  mediocrity  to  a  position  of  affluence. 

Such  is  the  history  of  Mr.  Jud  Stein,  who  was  born  in  Cleveland,  Ohio, 
in  1875  of  Jewish  parents.  His  father,  Louis  Stein,  was  a  clothing  merchant 
and  his  young  son  early  learned  the  first  lessons  in  merchandising  by  selling 
papers  on  the  streets.  At  night  he  attended  the  Spencerian  Business  College, 
where  he  laid  the  foundation  for  his  future  business  career.  Later  he  accepted 
a  clerkship  in  a  store  and  after  two  years  tried  his  hand  at  collecting,  also 
assisting  in  the  bookkeeping  of  the  store.  The  next  year  was  spent  in  the 
sale  of  chewing  gum,  and  while  Mr.  Stein  decided  that  there  was  no  future  in 
that  line  for  him,  at  the  same  time  it  afforded  him  some  valuable  lessons  in 
salesmanship. 

His  next  connection  was  with  Janowitz  Klein,  where  he  acted  as  salesman 

295 


until  they  went  out  of  business,  and  from  there  went  to  the  H.  C.  Lang  Co. 
Three  years  later  Mr.  Max  G.  Wertheim  bought  out  Mr.  Lang,  and  knowing 
of  Mr.  Stein's  valuable  services,  he  decided  to  retain  him.  After  six  years  he 
became  a  member  of  the  firm  and  five  years  later,  when  Mr.  Wertheim  re- 
tired, Mr.  Stein  bought  out  his  interest,  and  the  firm  is  now  known  as  Klein, 
Stein  &  Co.,  Mr.  N.  B.  Spero  being  its  third  member. 

Mr.  Stein  is  a  liberal  contributor  to  all  charities  and  is  also  popular  in 
the  Elks  and  the  Excelsior  Club.  Both  himself  and  mother  belong  to  the  Tem- 
ple of  which  Rabbi  Greise  was  head. 


DAVID   STOBER 

It  is  a  strange  paradox  that  men  are  still  leaders  in  the  designing  and 
selling  of  women's  apparel,  although  this  field  seems  distinctively  adapted 
for  feminine  supremacy.  This  is  not  only  true  in  the  designing  and  selling  of 
gowns,  suits,  etc.,  but  millinery  as  well. 

The  subject  of  our  sketch,  Mr.  David  Stober,  enjoys  the  distinction  of 
being  one  of  the  largest  and  most  progressive  dealers  in  millinery  in  the  city 
of  Cleveland,  and  the  story  of  his  rapid  rise  to  a  position  of  wealth  and  afflu- 
ence is  dramatic  in  the  extreme. 

He  was  born  in  Rudantz,  Bokovina,  in  July,  1884,  his  father  being  a  mer- 
chant and  a  Jewish  scholar  of  considerable  attainment. 

Landing  in  America  at  the  age  of  seventeen,  he  went  to  Montreal,  Canada, 
and  began  peddling  small  merchandise,  as  man)'  another  immigrant  has  done. 
However,  to  Mr.  Stober  this  experience  proved  to  be  of  the  utmost  value,  as  it 
gave  him  a  close  insight  into  human  nature  and  prepared  him  for  his  future 
activities  in  the  selling  field. 

After  three  years  of  this  work  he  invested  his  savings  in  a  stock  of  ladies' 
ready-to-wear  garments  and  gradually  increased  his  business  until  he  was  oper- 
ating three  stores.  At  this  time  he  met  with  severe  reverses,  through  no  fault 
of  bis  own,  and  lost  practically  everything. 

This  did  not  shake  his  faith  in  the  ultimate  success  which  he  knew  awaited 
him.  so  with  the  last  $300  he  possessed  he  went  to  Cleveland  and  opened  a  small 
millinery  store.  Here  continuous  prosperity  crowned  his  efforts  and  in  a  short 
time  he  was  obliged  to  enlarge  his  store,  which  has  grown  to  the  present  enor- 
mous proportions  at  2131  Ontario  street. 

Mr.  Stober's  code  for  a  successful  business  career  embodies  these  princi- 
ples: 

Be  honest,  work  hard,  save  your  money,  give  every  man  a  square  deal  and 
make  your  word  as  good  as  your  bond. 

lie  himself  has  rigidly  adhered  to  this  policy  and  has  added  to  this  code 
the  greatest  virtue  of  all — charity.  No  good  cause,  regardless  of  creed  or 
race  ever  turns  away  from  Mr.  Stob.cr  without  assistance. 

lie  was  married  in  Montreal,  "March  15,  1914,  to  Miss  Bessie  Friedlip. 
daughter  of  Aaron  and  Sarah  Friedlip,  of  thai  city,  and  they  have  one  small 
daughter. 

Mrs.  Stober  is  also  very  active  in  the  various  charitable  organizations  of 
Cleveland,  and  is  an  exemplary  wife  and  mother, 


2% 


HYMAN    STONE    AND    PHILIP    MICHELSON 

Two  men  prominent  in  the  business  life  of  Gloucester,  Mass..  are  Hyman 
Stone  and  Philip  Michelson,  whose  interests,  although  not  identical,  are  some- 
what identified,  and  who  are  also  connected  by  the  marriage  of  Mr.  Michelson 
to  Miss  Rachel  Stone,  sister  of  Hyman  Stone. 

Mr.  Michelson  was  born  in  Kovno,  Russia,  in  1878  and  came  to  America 
at  the  age  of  twenty.  Perhaps  no  man  ever  suffered  more  hardships  in  his 
struggle  toward  success  than  Mr.  Michelson.  He  began  life  in  the  new  world 
as  bottle  washer  in  a  soda  factory,  for  which  he  received  his  board  only.  Then 
followed  a  succession  of  experiences  in  buying  and  selling  junk,  establishing 
himself  several  times,  only  to  meet  with  failure,  which  was,  however,  not 
traceable  to  any  fault  on  the  part  of  Mr.  Michelson.  Just  prior  to  the  panic  of 
1907,  when  fortune  seemed  to  be  smiling  upon  him,  he  was  once  again  called 
upon  to  suffer  the  loss  of  everything  but  the  reputation  for  ability  which  was 
well  known  to  his  friends.  Again  he  started  into  business,  and  within  five 
years  had  discharged  every  obligation,  when  be  broke  his  leg  and  was  obliged 
to  quit  business  for  some  time.  Later  he  started  in  the  junk  and  real  estate 
business,  and  is  now  one  of  the  leading  business  men  of  Gloucester. 

In  1900  Mr.  Michelson  was  married  to  Miss  Rachel  Stone,  and  they  have 
seven  children,  one  boy  and  six  girls,  all  being  thoroughly  educated  not  only 
in  the  regular  public  school  course,  but  in  Hebrew  and  music  as  well. 

Mr.  Michelson  is  Past  President  of  Aves  Acham  Congregation,  is  a  Trus- 
tee of  B'rith  Abraham  and  a  member  of  the  Eagles  and  Moose.  Pie  is  generous 
in  his  gifts  to  all  Hebrew  charities,  the  Denver  Hospital  and  the  Red  Cross. 

His  brother-in-law,  Hyman  Stone,  was  born  in  Grodno,  Russia,  June  7. 
1885,  and  landed  in  America  in  1899.  He  worked  for  his  father  peddling  junk 
in  Quincy,  Mass.,  for  seven  years,  when  he  decided  to  go  into  business  for 
himself,  and  spent  the  next  three  years  peddling  on  his  own  account.  He  then 
came  to  Gloucester,  Mass..  where  he  started  a  wholesale  junk  business  with 
his  brother,  and  same  is  today  being  most  successfully  operated  by  Stone 
Brothers. 

Mr.  Stone  was  married  to  Miss  Dava  Cohen,  and  they  have  one  daughter, 
who  is  now  in  school.  Mrs.  Stone  died  in  1913,  and  her  loss  is  still  keenly  felt 
not  onlv  in  her  own  family,  but  the  entire  community. 

Mr.  Stone  is  a  member  of  Aves  Achem  Congregation,  B'rith  Abraham,  of 
which  he  is  Vice  President,  and  the  Moose.  He  contributes  to  the  Red  Cross 
and  all  charities. 

The  younger  brother,  Jacob  Stone,  came  to  this  country  in  T903  and  ped- 
dled until  he  joined  his  brother  in  business.  He  was  married  in  Boston  March 
20,  1912,  to  Miss  Rosa  Solt.     They  have  one  small  son. 


HERMAN    STRAUSS 

To  the  man  of  strong  moral  fiber,  failure  often  proves  a  great  incentive 
toward  renewed  effort.  Some  of  the  most  prominent  names  in  the  business 
historv  of  the  country  are  those  of  men  who  for  many  years  found  success  a 
most  fickle  goddess. 

Such  a  man  is  Mr.  Herman  Strauss  of  Wheeling,  W.  Va.  Mr.  Strauss 
was  born  in  Yilna,  Guberne,  Russia,  May  13.  1886,  and  came  to  America  in 
January,  1903.  He  landed  in  New  York,  where  he  spent  three  months  work- 
ing in  a  shop  and  then  went  to  Pittsburgh,  where  he  was  unable  to  find  em- 
ployment. We  next  find  him  in  Kane.  Pa.,  where  he  worked  in  a  glass  factory, 
but  the  indoor  work  was  not  agreeable  to  him  and  he  found  after  a  short  time 
that  his  health  was  much  impaired.     Buying  a  horse  and  wagon,  he  spent  the 

297 


next  two  years  peddling  junk,  and  with  $2,800  which  he  had  been  able  t" 
save,  he  started  for  the  West.  However,  he  met  a  friend  in  Chicago  who 
advised  him  to  go  in  \  irginia,  which  he  did.  After  peddling  junk  for  three 
iniiiiilis  he  went  into  business  in  the  oil  <  1  ist rii-t  and  was  quite  successful.  He 
then  started  ;i  liver)  stable  and  this  venture  proved  most  unfortunate,  as  he 
lost  his  entire  capital  and  found  himself  in  debt  $1,500.  Going  in  Wheeling, 
W.  \  a.,  he  again  started  in  the  junk  business,  and  in  a  short  time  was  able  to 
discharge  all  of  Ins  obligations  and  is  toda)  doing  ;i  large  and  very  prosperous 
business. 

Mr.  Strauss  is  a  member  of  the  congregation  of  Wheeling,  W.  Va.,  of 
B'nai  B'rith,  Y.  M.  11.  A.  and  is  a  liberal  contributor  to  Denver  and  Los  An- 
geles hospitals,  as  well  ;is  .-ill  local  charities. 


ABRAHAM   J.    SUNSTEIN 

Abraham  J.  Sunstein  of  Pittsburgh,  Pa.,  was  born  January  25,  1861,  in 
the  city  of  Suwalk,  Russian  Poland.  Mis  parents  won-  (ass  (deceased  in 
1913)  and  Tillie  (Shapira),  deceased  in  [879.  Mr.  Sunstein  on  his  father's 
side  is  a  descendant  of  Elijah  Wilner  <  iaon  and  his  sun  Abraham  and  his  grand- 
son Jacob.  Both  the  latter  only  second  in  fame  to  the  Gaon,  I  lis  grandfather 
was  Xnali  Landau,  who  was  also  a  Rabbi.  <  In  his  mother's  side  Ihs  ancestors 
were  people  of  standing  in  Suwalk  and  related  to  his  father's  family.  The 
family  name  is  Landau,  but  at  the  time  of  his  father's  birth,  for  some  reason 
or  another,  bis  father  was  given  the  surname  of  Sunstein,  the  name  of  a  close 
friend  and  neighbor  of  the  family. 

Mr.  Sunstein  came  t"  America  with  his  mother  and  his  two  brol 
Meyer  E.  and  Solomon  II.  (the  latter  deceased  in  1899),  in  1870  to  join  his 
lather,  who  had  preceded  them  1>\  neari)   four  years,     lli-  sole  education  was 
m  the  public  schools  of  Pittsburgh  and  private 
tutoring  in  Hebrew  and  German  in  this  coun 
try  and  Europe.     Mr.  Sunstein  has  been  en- 

:  in  the  wholesale  liquor  business  since 
early  youth  ami  also  in  the  distilling  business 
since  early  manhood.    He  was  associated  with 
his   father  until   his  decease  in    mi,?  and  at 
present  his  son.  \.  1  .>.  Sunstein,  is  assi 
with  him  in  the  business,  the  firms  being  ( 
Sunstein  &  Sons  and  the  Thompson  Distilling 
('o.    Mr.  Sunstein  in  1901  ami  [902  was  Pres- 
ident of  the  National   Association  of  Distillers 
ami   Whole-ale   Dealers  ami  has  been  on  ils 
Executive  Committee  practically  since  it-  or 
ganization  in   1896,      \i  present  he  i-   Presi 
dent   of  the   Distillers'    \ssociation  of    Penn 
vania. 

In  October,   1887,   Mr    Sunstein  married 
Nora  ' >.  •  •ppenheimcr,  a  name  of  Pittsburgh  and  a  descendant  of  the  oldest 
Jewish  settlers  in  Pittsburgh.     Mr.  Sunstein  and  his  wife  are  close!)   related 
through  his  father's  and  her  mother's  side.     He  has  two  children,  Mrs,  Tillie 

ipeyer  and  V  t  a--  Sunstein,  Mrs  Speyer  being  married  to  Alexander 
1  .  Speyer  and   V  1  a--  to  Vimee  Rauh,  daughter  ol    \    I     Rauh. 

1  ..]  man)  years  Mr.  Sunstein  has  been  a  member  of  the  Board  of   IVus 
tees  of  the  Rodcf  Shalom  1  ongrcgation,  one  of  the-  principal  Reformed 
grcgations  ol  the  United  States.      \t  present  he        tn    turer  of  the  congre- 
gation ami  t  hairman  of  its  Ccmetcrj  1  ommittee.     He  1-  al-"  Treasurer  of 


the  Irene  Kaufmann  Settlement,  the  Westmoreland  Country  Club  and  West- 
ern Pennsylvania  American  Jewish  Relief  Committee,  Trustee  of  the  Federa- 
tion of  the  Jewish  Philanthropies  of  Pittsburgh,  the  Emma  Farm  and  I'.'nai 
B'rith  Orphanage  and  Home  for  Friendless  Children.  District  No.  3.  In  the 
latter  institution  Mr.  Sunstein  acted  as  Chairman  of  the  Site  Committee  which 
located  the  institution  at  Erie  and  also  acted  as  the  Chairman  of  its  Building 
Committee,  planning  and  erecting  its  first  buildings.  He  is  also  Trustee  of 
the  National  Jewish  Hospital  for  Consumptives  at  Denver.  Colo.,  and  one  of 
the  Hoard  of  Managers  of  Synagogue  and  School  Extension  of  the  Union  of 
American  Hebrew  Congregations. 

Mrs.  Sunstein  was  the  first  Secretary  of  the  Columbian  Council  School 
and  Settlement,  which  is  now  termed  the  Irene  Kaufmann  Settlement,  and  its 
Treasurer  until  its  reorganization,  at  which  time  her  husband  assumed  the 
office.     She  is  now  Treasurer  of  the  Sisterhood  of  Rodcf  Shalom. 


HENRY    SUWALSKY 

No  more  interesting  history  is  found  in  the  annals  of  business  than  that 
of  Henry  Suwalsky.  wealthy  fruit  and  metal  dealer  of  Washington  Court 
House,  Ohio. 

His  education,  largely  obtained  in  the  stern  school  of  experience,  was  also 
contributed  to  by  his  father,  who  was  a  very  scholarly  man. 

Born  in  Suwalk,  Guberne,  Russia.  August  15,  1879,  he  came  to-  America 
in  the  fall  of  1890.  The  family  found  their  home  in  Circleville,  Ohio,  where 
his  father  engaged  in  the  junk  business,  and  at  the  age  of  twelve  years  young 
Henrv  started  to  assist  him.  This  he  continued  for  seven  years,  at  which 
time  he  had  saved  up  enough  money  to  go  into  business  for  himself  and  his  first 
venture  was  in  the  liquor  business  at  Columbus,  Ohio.  He  continued  for  four 
years,  but  not  finding  it  to  his  liking,  sold  out  and  went  into  the  fruit  business. 

A  few  years  later  he  again  sold  out  and  going  to  Mt.  Sterling,  started  an 
iron  and  metal  business.  Two  and  one-half  years  later  we  find  him  with  his 
wife,  who  was  formerly  Miss  Rosa  Bernstein,  of  Columbus,  Ohio,  on  their 
wav  to  Aberdeen.  Wash.,  where  he  conducted  a  store  for  seven  years,  and 
right  here  we  believe  a  word  regarding  the  business  talents  of  Mrs.  Suwalsky 
are  in  order. 

As  long  ago  as  the  time  of  Solomon  the  model  woman  possessed  the 
business  gifts  which  our  later  civilization  is  prone  to  consider  new,  and  in  his 
enumeration  of  the  admirable  qualities,  the  wise  man  lays  stress  upon  her 
wisdom  and  foresight  in  worldly  matters. 

"She  considered!  a  field  and  buyeth  it,"  he  declares  approvingly,  and 
doubtless  he  would  heartily  commend  the  business  acumen  which  is  shown 
by  women  in  America  today,  especially  if  accompanied  by  womanly  grace  and 
refinement. 

Such  a  woman  is  Mrs.  Suwalsky,  who  not  only  assisted  her  husband  in 
all  of  his  business  ventures,  but  has  remained  in  Portland,  (  >re.,  to  manage 
"The  White  House,"  a  store  which  he  started  just  before  returning  to  (  )hio. 

At  the  present  time  he  not  only  conducts  a  large  iron  and  metal  yard,  but 
does  a  large  business  in  wholesale  fruits. 

Mr.  Suwalsky's  advice  to  the  young  contains  the  same  thought  that  has 
provided  the  right  policy  for  so  many  successful  business  men : 

"Be  honest,  work  hard  and  go  into  business  for  yourself." 

Thev  have  one  young  son.  fourteen  years  of  age,  who  is  being  given 
excellent  educational  advantages  and  is  also  receiving  instruction  on  the 
piano. 

Mr.  Suwalkv  is  a  member  of  the  congregation  in  Columbus,  Ohio,  the 
Woodmen  of  the  World  and  the  Eagles. 

299 


FRANK    SWIDLOW 

Prominent  in  the  business  life  of  Marion,  <  'hi< >.  maj  be  mentioned  the 
name  of  Mr.  Frank  Swidlow. 

Perhaps  no  one  man  has  suffered  more  hardship  and  privation  in  his 
struggle  upward  toward  success  than  Frank  Swidlow.  <  (nlj  himself  and  the 
wife  who  braved  with  him  the  darkness  of  misfortune  "ill  ever  know  the 
full  price  which  they  paid  for  the  happiness  they  now  enjoy. 

lie  was  born  in  \  itobsk,  Guberne,  Russia,  November  i.  iss_>.  his  father. 
Samuel  Swidlow,  being  a  grain  merchant  and  also  a  man  of  considerable 
scholarship. 

Mi-  came  to  America  in  December,  1003.  landing  first  in  Montreal,  where 

he  remained  for  only  a  short  time.  Here  he  met  and  married  Miss  Helen 
Cohen,  and  later  events  showed  that  in  her  he  found  a  fitting  partner  to  share 
days  of  both  adversity  and  prosperity. 

He  next  came  to  Columbus,  Ohio,  where  he  secured  a  position  as  day 
laborer  at  the  meager  wage  of  thirteen  cents  per  hour,  lie  had  hut  $i8  in  the 
world,  and  himself  and  wife  were  compelled  to  endure  hunger  and  cold, 
sleeping  on  the  floor  for  the  first  six  weeks.  However,  within  one  year  he 
had  saved  $153.50,  sufficient  capital  to  go  into  the  junk  business. 

Thinking  the  citj  of  Marysville  offered  more  opportunity,  he  moved  bis 
business  there  and  remained  five  years.  Then  followed  one  year  in  Marion. 
(  >hio.  which  was  later  to  be  bis  permanent  home.  <  ioing  to  Columbus,  he  en- 
gaged in  the  general  merchandise  business,  but   was  so  unfortunate  as  to  lose 

everything. 

Returning  to  Marion  at  the  personal  solicitation  of  friends  in  the  banking 
business,  who  were  firmly  convinced  of  his  ability  and  integrity,  he  again 
started  a  junk  yard,  which  has  grown  to  the  enormous  business  which  he 
conducts  at    the  present   time. 

The  Swidlows  have  two  small  children,  one  bov  and  one  girl. 

Mr.  Swidlow  is  a  member  of  Ahgudas  Acham  in  Columbus,  <  'bio.  the 
Temple  in  Marion,  and  both  he  and  his  wife  contribute-  generously  to  all  char- 
ities, including  the  Los  Angeles  and  Denver  hospitals  and  the  (  Irphans'  Home 
of  1  leveland. 


JOSEPH    ARYS  TAHL 

We  occasionally   find  in  business  and  civic  life  a  man  of  such  rare  versa- 
tility   and    executive   ability    that    he    can    turn    his    attention    to    a    number   of 
ill   projects  and  bring  them  all  to  a  most   successful  lennin.it  ion. 

Such  a  man  is  Mr.  Joseph  Tahl.  who,  only  thirty-three  years  of  age,  has 
attracted  a  great  deal  of  attention  in  business  circles. 

\t  the  earl)   age  of  eighteen  years  he  was  honored  with  election  as    \ssist- 

aril  5  Mid  Treasurer  of  Dayton  City  Club,  which  responsible  position 

he  held  tor  two  \ears  with  gnat  credit  to  himself,     lb-  then  resigned  t"  be 
..■in.   associated  with  his  father  in  the  linn  of  Tahl  ,\    Factor,  and  for  two 

years  directed  bis  entire  energies  toward  the  development  of   this  business. 

November  30,  1909,  Mr.  Tahl  was  married  to  Miss  Sadie  Baneman,  the 
daughter  of  Mr  Ben  Baneman,  a  man  of  prominence  in  commercial  circles 
of  Dayton.  Mr.  ["ahl's  removal  to  t  incinnati  in  1916  met  with  deep  regrel 
on  tin-  part  ot"  ins  many  friends  in  Dayton,    lb-  there  associated  himself  with 

his  lather  an. I   Mr.  Ham    Blasburg  under  die  firm  name  of  Queen  (in    Rag  >\ 

Paper  <  ompany,  which  is  now  recognized  as  one  of  the  mosl  successful  busi 

uess  In, uses   in   tin-  , 

300 


Mr  Tahl  is  Treasurer  and  verj  capablj  takes  care-  of  hi-  business 
interests. 

I  he  Tahls  have  two  daughters,  who  are  attending  public  school,  and  show 
great  promise  for  the  future. 

Although  Mr.  Tahl'-  business  interests  occupj  considerable  time,  he  does 
not  neglect  the  various  charities  in  which  he  is  interested,  lit-  is  Chairman 
of  Price  Hill  Hebrew  School  and  has  arranged  that  a  genial,  kindly  atmos- 
phere surround  children  at  all  times, 

He  is  an  active  member  of  the  Masons  and  Odd  Fellows,  and  is  a  gen- 
erous contributor  to  the  Los  Angeles  and  Denver  sanitariums,  a-  well  as 
man)  other  institutions  for  the  alleviation  of  suffering. 


ALFRED  TANZER 

Winn  Mr.  Alfn-d  Tamer  of  Monessen,  Pa.,  first  landed  on  these  shores 
he  was  a  well-educated  young  man  of  twenty-two,  the  graduate  of  a  gymna- 
sium and  a  graduate  lawyer.  I  lis  family  preceded  him  in  coming  to  this  coun- 
try, and  SO,  though  there  wire  excellent  prospects  for  him  in  his  native  land 
and  emigrating  to  America  was  staking  all  on  one  card  and  talcing  a  tre- 
mendous risk,  he  nevertheless  decided  In  yo  to  America  and  cast  his  lot  with 
his  parents  and   Other  relatives.      Mr.   Tanzer   was   bom   On    May   28,    [871,   at 

Rosenberg,  Lopto  County,  Hungary,  the  sun  of  Maximilian  and  Rosalia  Tan- 
zer. Rosalia  Tanzer  is  at  present  living  in  New  York.  The  family  counts 
among  its  number  prominent  rabbis  and  Jewish  scholar-. 

Mr.   Tanzer  came  to  America  in  [893  and  began  in  New  York  the  study 

of    law,    which    he   continued    for   one   year.       lie    then    held    positions    with   a 

number  of  German-language  newspapers  in  different  capacities,  including  that 
of  assistant  editor.  For  the  next  live  years  he  held  the  position  of  Secretary 
to  the  Austro-'Hungarian  Consul  at  Philadelphia  and  Hazleton,  Pa.    Later  he 

came  to  Monessen,  went  into  the  banking  business  and  has  been  for  the  last 
fifteen    years    the    Assistant    'Treasurer   of    the    Monessen    Savings    and    'Trust 

( ompany. 

Mr.  Tanzer  is  a  great  communal  worker.  He  is  the  President  of  the 
1  ongregation  Kneseth  Israel  of  Monessen,  an  orthodox  congregation,  where 
he  has  held  his  office  for  six  terms,  at  various  periods.  For  over  ten  years 
he  has  been  Superintendent  of  the  Sunday  School.      He  is  a   National   Director 

of  the  Hebrew  Immigrant  Aid  Society  of  America,  tin-  Denver  and  Los  An- 
geles  Sanitarium   for  Consumptives,  and   was   President  of   the   local    B'nai 

B'rith  Lodge.  He  was  also  elected  'Treasurer  of  the  Jewish  Religious  'Teach- 
ers' Association  of  Western  Pennsylvania,  which  was  organized  by  tin-  late 
Rabbi  Dr.  Levy  of  Pittsburgh,  In  addition,  he  was  President  of  the  local 
Chamber  of  Commerce  and  is  now  President  of  the  Associated  Charities  of 
Monessen  (non-sectarian).     He  was  also  Chairman  of  the  Central  Committee 

in  both  Liberty  Loan  campaigns  and  due  to  his  ceaseless  efforts  the  allotment 
for  the  district   in  the  second   issue  was  three  times  oversubscribed. 

1  In  lune  27,  [897,  Mr.  'Tanzer  was  married  to  Lottie  Friedman,  and  they 
have  lour  children.  Edith,  Miriam.  Milton  and  Elizabeth.  Edith  is  a  student  at 
the  State  Normal  College  and  she,  along  with  the  other  'Tanzer  children,  has 
the  distinction  of  graduating  early  and  with  honors. 


301 


SAM    TEPER 


Perhaps  no  immigrant  coming  to  our  shores  ever  started  life  with  less 
opportunities  or  has  risen  to  a  position  of  more  prominence  and  usefulness  in 
his  community  than  Mr.  Sam  Teper  of  Detroit,  Mich. 

Mr.  Teper  was  born  in  Kovel,  Russia,  May  15,  1890,  and  came  to  Amer- 
ica in  October,  1906.  He  landed  in  Philadelphia,  where  he  worked  in  a  ship- 
yard at  $6  per  week.  Two  months  later  he  went  to  Chelsea,  Mass.,  where 
he  worked  in  a  junk  shop  for  six  months.  He  then  went  to  Detroit  and  with 
a  small  capital  of  $400  started  in  business  for  himself.  Some  time  later  he 
formed  a  partnership  with  Mr.  Pevian,  which  continues  at  the  present  time,  and 
they  are  doing  a  most  nourishing  business,  their  plant  being  located  at  117- 
119-121  Wilkins  street. 

Mr.  Teper  was  married  in  October,  191 1,  to  Miss  Ethel  Levine,  and  they 
have  four  children,  the  eldest  of  whom  will  be  ready  to  go  to  school  this  year. 

Mr.  Teper  is  not  content  to  selfishly  enjoy  his 
prosperity,  but  is  prominent  in  the  promotion  of 
every  charitable  and  philanthropic  enterprise  which 
is  brought  to  his  attention.  He  liberally  supports 
the  Denver  Tubercular  Hospital  and  also  the  Old 
People's  Home  of  Detroit.  He  is  a  member  of  the 
Jewish  Hospital  and  is  also  affiliated  with  a  num- 
ber of  fraternal  organizations,  prominent  among 
them  being  the  Odd  Fellows,  Jewish  National 
Workers,  Talmud  Torah  and  contributes  to  the 
Gona  Luda  Kindergarten. 

Mr.  Teper's  religious  convictions  are  very 
clearly  defined  and  he  is  a  devout  attendant  at  Con- 
gregation Rovna  Volin. 

Upon  such  citizenship  is  the  usefulness  and 
prosperity  of  our  cities,  states  and  nations  based. 

Mr.  Teper  is  still  a  very  young  man  and  has 
a  long  life  of  usefulness  to  his  community  still  before  him. 
best  type  of  hustling,  clean-cut  business  man. 


He  represents  the 


DANIEL   TEMCHIN 


Under  another  heading  in  this  biographical  work  will  be  found  the  life 
historv  of  Mr.  Samuel  Cooper,  of  the  firm  of  Cooper  &  Temchin. 

It  is  now  our  pleasure  to  relate  the  events  in  the  career  of  his  partner, 
.Mr.  Daniel  Temchin.  who  is  also  one  of  the  most  able  business  men  of 
Detroit. 

Mr.  Temchin  was  born  in  Guberne,  Russia,  July  17.  18S1).  llis  father 
was  an  accomplished  scholar  and  a  dealer  in  cotton  bedding.  He  came  to 
America  in  1910  and  finding  llis  way  to  Detroit,  began  working  in  a  candy 
factory  at  $7.50  per  week.  He  continued  for  eight  weeks  and  then  obtained 
employment  as  foreman  in  an  iron  and  scrap  metal  establishment.  I  Hiring  this 
time  lie  was  sending  money  to  Russia  for  the  support  of  his  family,  hut  by 
the  exercise  of  the  greatest  economy  was  also  able  to  save  a  small  capital, 
with  which  to  go  into  business  fur  himself,  llis  lirst  venture  was  on  Brady 
street,  where  he  remained  for  one  year,  then  sold  out  and  engaged  in  business 
with  his  present  partner,  Mr.  Cooper. 

(  Ine  <>f  the  finest  traits  of  Jewish  character  is  their  willingness  to  lend 
aid  to  members  of  their  families  in  order  to  sec  them  established  in  business. 

302 


Iii   this    Mr.   Temchin  has   followed   the  best   traditions  ol   1 » i  —   race,  having 
Jit  his  brother  over  from  Europe  and  established  him  in  the  metal  busi- 
ness  al  a  i  osl  of  about  $1 

Mr.  Temchin  was  married  in  Russia  in  March,  1907,  to  Miss  Rivka  Gen- 
dclman.  The)  have  three  children,  two  t;i rl>  and  one  boy,  who  arc  going  '" 
school.  The  family  is  Mill  in  Russia  and  there  will  be  a  happy  reunion  in 
Detroit  when  conditions  in  the  war  zone  permit  of  their  joining  Mr.  Temchin. 
Mr.  Temchin  i-  a  devout  member  of  <  ongregation  Beth  Jacob,  being 
retarj  for  five  years.  He  was  also  Vice  Presidenl  for  two  /ears  of 
rurover  Unterstizung  Ferein.  He  is  also  a  member  of  the  Workingman's 
Circle  and  contributes  to  Denver  Sanitarium,  Detroit  Jewish  Hospital  and 
Talmud  Torah. 


JACOB    TOPOLOSKY 

To  young  people  educated  in  America  and  enjoying  all  the  advantages 
ol  our  business  opportunities,  the  stories  of  some  of  the  hardships  endured 
by  immigrants  coming  to  this  country  sound  almost  like  fiction. 

Such  a  story  is  that  of  Jacob  Topolosky,  who  was  born  in  Suwalk, 
tmberne,  Russia,  February  15,  1859,  and  came  to  America  in  June,  1884. 
rhree  years  prior  to  Ids  coming  to  America  he  was  married  to  Miss  flattie 
I'.unisuin.  but  his  wife  did  not  accompany  him,  as  it  was  thought  best  that  he 
become  established  in  the  new  land  before  assuming  the  burden  of  supporting 
his  family. 

Landing  in  Mew  York,  he  was  sent  by  a  charitable  committee  to  a  farm 
in  Xi-u  Jersey,  where  he  remained  for  several  years,  working  mr  $15  per 
month  and  board. 

However,  he  did  not  feel  that  he  was  adapted  t"  Ins  work,  and  after 
sending  for  his  wife  and  children,  he  began  peddling  with  a  pack.  Meeting 
with  no  success,  he  came  to  Ohio  and  landed  in  Circleville,  without  money, 
but  with  an  unbeatable  spirit  which  inspired  the  confidence  of  some  charitable 
Jews.  1  Ibtaining  from  them  enough  money  to  purchase  a  horse  and  wagon, 
he  bes;an  peddling  junk,  assisted  by  one  of  his  suns,  and  here  began  the 
remarkable  success  which  has  made  him  one  of  the  most  respected  and  influ- 
ential nun  of  Circleville,  Ohio. 

He  is  today  a  very  large  shipper  of  iron  and  metal-,  doing  a  business  of 
international  scope. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Topoloskj  are  the  parents  of  nine  children,  eight  boys  and 
one  girl,  all  of  whom  are  in  business  and  doing  well. 

They  have  given  two  sons  to  the  service  of  their  country,  their  sun  Will 
being  a  sergeant  in  the  Rainbow  Division  of  the  U.  S.  Army,  and  Joseph, 
who  was  formerl)  assistant  manager  of  the  business. 

A  feminine  member  of  the  Topolosky  family  has  also  displayed  great 
business  ability,  the  daughter  being  bookkeeper  of  her  father's  large  business 

Mr.  Topolosky  is  a  member  of  the  Knight-  of  Joseph  and  both  himself  and 
wife  contribute  liberallj  to  all  charitable  organizations,  regardless  of  race  or 
religious  creed. 


303 


DAVID   TREICHLINGER 

Anions;  the  Jewish  citizen-;  of  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  mention  must  be  made  of 
Mr.  David  Treichlinger,  of  the  Rosen  Reichardt  Brokerage  Company,  4-!? 
South  Seventh  street.  Not  onlj  is  Mr.  Treichlinger  a  well-known  communal 
and  social  figure,  but  lie  i-  foremost  whenever  Jewish  affairs  are  in  the  lime- 
light, and  his  advice  is  eagerrj  sought  by  people  of  all  conditions  in  life.  In 
fact,  his  name  has  become  a  synonym  for  all  that  is  good  and  noble,  ami  the 
love  and  reverence  of  his  community   have  endeared  him  to  hundreds. 

Born  in  Strakonitz,  Bohemia,  on  the  i8th  of  December,  iS;_>.  he  is  the 
son  of  Herman  and  Anna  t  Bloch)  Treichlinger,  who  both  died  in  this  coun- 
try. December  18  proved  an  important  'late  in  Mr.  Treichlinger's  life,  as  it 
was  also  on  that  day.  in  1869,  that  the  young  man  found  himself  in  a  new 
country,  where  the   17-year-old  boy  became  a  resident. 

lie  at  first  had  difficulty  in  finding  employment,  hut  finally  became  con- 
nected with  the  linn  of  Jacob  Furtli  of  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  where  he  staved  for 
several  years.  In  [880  lie  became  a  partner  of  the  firm  and  its  name  was 
changed  i"  Jacob  Furth  &  <  .'<>.  For  five  years  the  partnership  was  in  existence. 
until,  in  1885,  Mr.  Treichlinger  decided  to  go  into  business  for  himself,  and 
he  opened  a  brokerage  office,  dealing  in  groceries,  and  became  a  commission 
merchant.  In  due  time  it  became  known  as  the  Rosen  Reichardt  Brokerage 
Company,  and  it  is  among  the  best  known  in  its  line. 

Having  thus  established  a  business.  Mr.  Treichlinger  turned  to  the  needs 
of  those  "more  unfortunate  than  ourselves."  and  became  an  active  force  in 
Jewish  social,  communal  and  charity  life.  lie  became  President  of  the  Jewish 
Educational  Alliance.  Temple  Israel  and  is  now  Vice  President  of  the  Jewish 
1  Printable  and  Educational  Association  and  a  Director  of  the  Mount  Sinai 
Cemetery  Association.  But  this  list  does  not  exhaust  the  extent  of  Mr. 
Trechlinger's  charitable  interests,  and  he  contributes  freely  whenever  his 
purse  is  appealed  to. 

Mr.  Treichlinger  has  served  as  President  of  Ilm  Lzra  Lodge,  of  the  B'nai 
P.'rith.  and  he  is  a  member  of  the  Cornerstone  Masonic  Lodge  of  St.  Louis, 
lie  is  also  a  member  of  the  WestWOOd  and  Mercantile  clubs  and  of  the  Hospi- 
tal Saturday  and  Sunday  Association.  In  religion.  Mr.  Treichlinger  is  a  Re- 
former. He  received  a  good  Jewish  education  and  is  the  son  of  Orthodox 
parents. 

<  hi  January  14.  1880,  Mr.  Treichlinger  was  married  to  Miss  Lertha 
Frensdorf  of  Hudson.  Mich.  Mrs.  Treichlinger  became  interested  in  all  of 
her  husband's  social  activities  and  for  years  has  been  connected  with  the 
Hospital  Saturday  and  Sundav  Association.  She  is  also  Vice  President  of  the 
Gertrude  Society  anil  the  Treasurer  of  the  Ladies'  Auxiliary  of  Temple  Israel. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Treichlinger  are  the  parents  of  one  daughter,  who  is  now 
Mr-.  Florence  Salinger,  of  St.  Louis.  She  is  the  mother  of  two  children. 
David  and   Herman,  aged,  respectively,   fourteen  and  twelve. 

"Push  and  energy"  is  Mr.  Treichlinger's  motto.     It  was  boundless 
limitless  energy   which   would   never  stop   -hurt   of   its  goal   that   brought   him 
success,  and  it  is  this  quality  which  so  effectually  asserted  itself  in  all  of  his 
dealings. 


ISAAC   TOPPER 

Mr.  Isaac  Topper  of  t  olumbus,  1  'bio.  i-  an  example  of  Jewish  personal- 
it)  at  it-  best,  which  ha-  been  refined  and  humanized  in  the  lire-  of  adversit) 

and  by  this  process  has  been  made  fit   for  the  highest  citizen-hip. 

Mr.  Topper  was  born  in  Bialostok,  Russia,  March   17.  1866,  the  -on  of 

Joseph    Topper,  a  grain  merchant       During  bis  earl)    years  he  had  no  oppor- 

KM 


tunity  of  acquiring  even  a  common  school  education,  as  he  had  to  work  to  earn 
a  living  not  only  for  himself  but  to  assist  the  other  members  of  his  family. 
Nevertheless,  the  ambition  for  success  survived  all  hardships  and  when  a  young 
man  he  came  to  America,  where  he  worked  on  a  farm  for  the  first  six  months. 
He  then  started  peddling  in  the  country,  and  after  ten  years  of  this  work  went 
to  Toledo,  ( )hio,  and  became  a  member  of  the  police  force.  Six  months  of 
this  life  convinced  Mr.  Topper  that  he  was  better  fitted  for  a  commercial 
career,  so  he  again  started  peddling  in  the  country,  where  he  remained  for 
two  years,  and  then  went  to  Columbus,  Ohio,  opening  a  scrap  iron  yard. 

A  year  later  he  took  into  partnership  with  him  his  brother  Max,  and 
today  they  are  operating  a  large  and  successful  business  under  the  firm  name 
of  Topper  Brothers,  of  which  Mr.  Isaac  is  the  senior  member. 

Mr.  Topper  was  married  in  Detroit  December  4,  1887,  to  Miss  Regina 
Wenk.  She  bravely  shared  the  vicissitudes  of  his  earlier  life  and  is  now  en- 
joying with  him  their  later  prosperity. 

Prominently  known  in  Columbus  society  as  a  charity  worker.  Mrs.  Top- 
per is  one  of  the  most  generous  contributors  to  both  local  and  national  organ- 
izations. Mr.  Topper  is  also  very  liberal  and  is  engaged  in  the  promotion  of 
every  important  civic  enterprise.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Trade. 
Chamber  of  Commerce,  was  on  the  Board  of  Distribution  of  Relief  during 
the  flood  in  1913,  is  a  member  of  B'nai  B'rith,  Breis  Sholem,  Sons  of  Joseph, 
Masons,  Odd  Fellows,  Temple  of  Israel  and  is  Past  President  of  the  Congre- 
gation Agudas  Acheim.  He  is  of  course  particularly  interested  in  the  promo- 
tion of  Jewish  movements,  but  is  very  liberal  in  his  views  and  relieves  suf- 
fering wherever  he  finds  it,  regardless  of  race  or  religion. 

The  Toppers  have  three  children,  one  boy  and  two  girls. 


MAX    MEIER    TOPPER 

Max  Meier  Topper,  one  of  the  most  progressive  and  cleanest-cut  young 
business  men  of  Columbus,  Ohio,  is  a  type  of  the  thoroughly  Americanized 
Hebrew,  combining  in  his  personality  the  finest  qualities  of  his  race  and  the 
liberality  which  comes  of  daily  contact  with  people  of  many  classes  and  per- 
suasions. True  to  his  racial  instinct  and  upbringing,  he  lends  the  most  cordial 
support  to  every  worthy  Jewish  movement,  but  he  does  not  stop  there.  He 
is  a  live  and  aggressive  worker  in  civic  reforms  in  Columbus,  Trustee  of  all 
charities,  a  member  of  Congregation  Agudas  Ancheim,  a  Mason,  Elk,  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Knights  of  Pythias,  belongs  to  the  Maccabees,  is  also  on  the  Execu- 
tive Board  of  the  Ohio  State  Federation  of  American  Zionists  and  very  many 
other  worthy  organizations  and  hospitals  and  is  known  as  a  contributor  to  all 
charities,  irrespective  of  race,  creed  or  religion. 

The  story  of  Max  Topper  is  the  story  of  thousands  of  other  young  Amer- 
icans of  grit  and  tenacity,  a  steady  upward  climb,  made  up  of  the  experiences 
which  everywhere  breed  success.  He  was  born  in  La  Pianka  Bialostak.  Rus- 
sia, June  22,  1877,  and  arrived  in  America  in  the  winter  of  1878.  His  father 
was  Joseph  Topper,  owner  of  a  grain  mill. 

Transplanted  to  an  alien  soil  at  the  age  of  one,  Max  grew7  up  under  the 
free  ruling  of  America  that  gives  equal  chances  to  all.  He  started  to  work 
at  the  tender  age  of  ten  in  a  tin  factory  in  Toledo  at  a  salary  of  $2  a  week, 
but  not  being  able  to  help  his  parents  much  with  a  salary,  he  desired  to  quit 
and  to  start  peddling,  and  at  the  age  of  twelve  was  a  full-fledged  country  ped- 
dler, and  just  to  think  that  a  lad  of  his  age  had  the  nerve  to  make  trips  lasting 
from  thirty,  sixty,  to  ninety  days  at  a  time,  and  kept  this  up  for  the  next  ten 
years,  when  he  gave  this  up  and  came  to  Columbus.     After  working  for  his 

305 


brother  for  one  year  he  was  given  an  equal  partnership  in  the  scrap  iron 
yard,  and  not  only  is  this  business  enough  to  keep  him  busy,  but  he  is  also  inter- 
ested in  the  American  Lathe  and  Press  Co.  of  Columbus,  of  which  lie  was  a 

former   Director. 

Here  is  an  individual  example  of  the  Jewish  personality  at  its  best  which 
works  "tit  its  salvation  in  the  Face  of  obstacles,  becomes  refined  and  human- 
ized by  the  process  and  made  lit  for  the  highest  citizenship. 

The  family  of  Mr.  Topper  is  an  exceptionally  charming  one,  his  children, 

two  boys  and  two  girls,  are  all  musicall)  talented,  and  his  daughter.  Matilda, 
who  goes  to  the  <  ihin  State  University,  and  his  son,  Joseph,  who  is  a  pupil  of 
the  East  High  School,  as  well  as  Mrs.  Topper,  who  was  Miss  Rebbecca 
Seligman.  of  Toledo,  and  whom  he  married  in  Toledo.  December  4.  i8<)8,  are 
very  well  known  to  the  society  of  Columbus  as  charity  workers  whose  hearts 
as  well  as  purse  are  always  ready  for  any  charity,  irrespective  of  race,  creed 
or  religion. 

When  asked  his  advice  to  the  younger  generation.  Mr.  Topper  said  that 
to  respect  your  parents  and  elders  at  all  times,  always  to  take  advantage  of  any 

opportunity  that  presents  itself  and  to  try  and  get  the  best  education  possible, 

and  to  give  your  fellow  man  a  square  and  honorable  deal  at  all  times. 


PINCUS    TROPONSKY 


1  'in    of  the  first  citizens  of   I'ainesville,  Ohio,  admired  and   respected    for 
his  many  line  traits  of  character,  is   Mr.   Pincus  Troponsky. 

He  was  born  in   the  village  of  Walkomies,    Russia,  July   2.   1885,  and 
at  the  age  of  fifteen,  being  fired  with  ambition  for 
greaier  opportunities,  he  came  to   America.     For 
four   years   he   bought    and    sold    junk,   and    finally 
accumulated    enough    capital    to    open    a    yard    in 

I'ainesville.   where  he  has  keen   ver\    successful. 

After  having  become  well  established  in  busi- 

111  SS,  h<-  was  married  to  Miss  Ida  I '.reeuhlatt.  a  very 
popular  young  lady  of  I'ainesville.  Their  beautiful 
home  is  now  a  scicial  center  utilized  for  man)  of  the 

most  successful  social  events  in  the  community. 

They  have  two  children,  a  small  son  and 
daughter. 

Mr.  Troponsky's  advice  ni  young  people  is  as 
follows:  "Work  hard,  and  above  all.  be  honest." 
These  are  the  two  principles  which  have  keen  mosl 
active  in  placing  him  where  he  is  today, 

Possessing  a  genial  kind  n\  personality,  Mr. 
Troponsk)  i-  always  mosl  generous  in  his  gifts 
to  the  unfortunate,  and  no  charit)  appeal-  [0  him  for  aid  in  vain. 


MX, 


HERMAN   TUCH 

To  him  who  reads  between  the  lines,  every  biographical  sketch  reveals 
something  of  the  individual,  beyond  the  outlines  of  occurrences  narrated. 

And  to  him  who  scans  the  careers  of  the  Jews  who  have  migrated  to  this 
country,  much  can  be  found  of  encouragement  and  inspiration,  for  their  lives 
exhibit  those  qualities  of  charity,  endurance  and  devotion  to  principle  which 
are  the  bulwarks  of  our  civilization. 

Such  a  life  history  is  that  of  Herman  Tuch,  who  was  born  in  the  year  1866 
in  Ivanowitz,  Kolisker,  Polish  Russia,  and  came  to  America  when  a  very  young 
man,  coming  over  on  the  famous  steamer,  "City  of  Paris,"  when  she  made  her 
maiden  trip. 

Mr.  Tuch  landed  in  New  York  and  took  the  first  employment  that  pre- 
sented itself,  that  of  baker's  helper,  at  $8  per  week.  Thinking  that  the  South 
might  offer  better  opportunities,  he  went  to  Texas,  where  he  sold  clothing 
and  eyeglasses  for  three  years,  but  not  meeting  with  the  success  he  expected, 
returned  to  New  York  and  worked  as  baker  for  another  year.  Again  he  heard 
the  call  to  the  Southland  and  he  spent  the  next  three  years  in  Vera  Cruz, 
Mexico  City,  San  Antonio  and  Houston  and  Dallas,  Texas. 

While  Mr.  Tuch  values  very  highly  some  of  the  experiences  which  he 
encountered  during  these  years,  they  were  not  at  all  profitable  from  a  financial 
point  of  view,  and  he  decided  to  return  North,  his  ultimate  destination  being 
Pittsburgh,  Pa. 

Here  he  had  to  borrow  $5  with  which  to  buy  up  the  first  lot  of  junk,  which 
he  disposed  of  at  a  profit,  and  this  humble  beginning  was  the  foundation  of 
the  fortune  which  he  has  since  amassed. 

Mr.  Tuch  was  married  in  May,  1891,  to  Miss  Fanny  Janoff  of  Boston, 
Mass.,  who  is  very  active  in  all  charities,  being  a  member  of  the  Ladies'  Aid, 
Ladies'  Auxiliary,  Council  of  Jewish  Women  and  many  others,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  social  and  civic  betterment. 

Not  being  content  in  the  selfish  enjoyment  of  his  success,  Mr.  Tuch  has 
given  much  assistance  to  relatives  and  friends,  bringing  a  sister  and  brother 
to  this  country  and  aiding  them  until  they  were  well  established  and  happily 
married. 

He  also  was  instrumental  in  bringing  to  America  two  brothers-in-law  and 
their  families,  also  another  friend  of  the  family,  whose  boy  he  educated,  pay- 
ing all  his  expenses  at  a  military  training  school. 

Mr.  Tuch  emphasizes  the  value  of  an  education  to  a  successful  career,  and 
states  positively  that  to  other  essentials  must  be  added  absolute  honesty  and 
giving  your  fellow  men  a  square  deal. 

He  is  a  member  of  the  Tree  of  Life,  former  President  of  Polisher  Shule, 
third  and  fourth  President  of  Warshams  L'nterstitsing  Ferein,  is  affiliated  with 
the  Knights  of  Pythias  and  the  Hebrew  Institute. 

He  is  also  a  liberal  subscriber  to  all  national  and  local  charities. 

Such  a  life  is  a  joy  to  relatives  and  friends,  and  a  blessing  to  the  nation 
of  his  adoption. 


PHILIP  ULENDORF 

Mr.  Philip  Ulendorf  is  one  of  the  few  Jewish  settlers  at  Miami,  Fla.,. 
and  he  is  one  of  those  rare  and  great  characters  gaining  the  love  and  respect 
of  all  with  whom  they  come  in  contact. 

He  was  born  on  the  1st  of  March,  1867,  in  Gross-Schliwitz,  West  Prussia,, 
the  son  of  Israel  and  Rosa  Ulendorf.  He  came  to  America  in  1890  and  soon 
landed   in   Mississippi,   where   he   found   employment   with    his   brother,   who> 

307 


owned  a  cotton  plantation.  A  short  time  afterwards  he  came  to  Miami  and 
went  into  the  meat  business,  in  which  he  is  engaged  at  the  present  time.  He 
has  built  up  a  very  large  establishment,  probably  the  biggest  of  its  kind  in  the 
state  of  Florida.  One  who  has  had  the  good  fortune  to  come  into  closer  con- 
tact with  Mr.  Ulendorf  will  readily  understand  and  appreciate  the  tireless  and 
undaunted  energy  which  made  it  possible  for 
him  to  accumulate  his  great  fortune  and  make 
him  such  a  prominent  factor  in  the  business  life 
of  Miami.  He  is  one  of  the  principal  builders 
of  the  city  and  is  in  a  large  measure  responsible 
for  the  growth  of  the  place  and  its  flourishing- 
condition. 

Mr.  Ulendorf  enjoys  a  high  reputation  as  a 
charitable  man  and  social  worker.  He  was 
elected  by  the  community  President  of  the  only 
Jewish  congregation  in  town.  A  charitable  man, 
who  gives  with  a  free  hand  wherever  it  is  re- 
quired and  whenever  an  appeal  is  made  to.  him 
he  has  earned  for  himself  the  reputation  and 
esteem  he  enjoys  among  his  neighbors  and 
friends1. 


On    March    31,    189^.    Mr.    Ulendorf    was 


Philip    Ulendorf 


married  to  Miss  Jennie  Simpson,  and  they  are  the  parents  of  twin  children, 
Eugene  and  Annette. 


GOODMAN   VELICK 


Life  is  a  story  of  either  constant  progress  or  retrogression.  We  cannot 
stand  still. 

The  self-satisfying  man  works  his  own  undoing.  We  must  either  pre- 
pare ourselves  for  bigger  and  better  opportunities  and  achievements,  or  fall 
behind  in  the  race  of  life. 

These  are  the  sentiments  expressed  by  Mr.  Goodman  Velick,  one  of  the 
prominent  business  men  of  Detroit,  Michigan,  being  President  of  the  Velick 
Scrap  Iron  and  Machinery  Company,  located  at  Medbury  and  Roby  Streets, 
on  the  Grand  Trunk  Railway. 

Mr.  Velick  was  born  in  Kurland,  Koski,  Russia.  September  15,  i860, 
the  son  of  Jacob  and  Rachel  Velick,  his  father  being  a  produce  merchant 
and  also  an  accomplished  scholar. 

Mr.  Velick  came  to  America  August  10,  1880,  and  his  first  years  were 
occupied  as  a  lumberman  in  Michigan.  He  later  settled  in  Detroit,  and  went 
into  the  lumber  business,  finally  turning  his  attention  to  the  scrap  iron  busi- 
ness which  he  is  conducting  at  the  present  time. 

Mr.  Velick  was  married  to  Miss  Sarah  Blumberg,  daughter  of  Moses 
and  Jennie  Blumberg,  and  there  were  nine  children  of  this  marriage,  six 
bovs  and  three  girls.  Three  of  the  sons  are  connected  with  their  father  in 
business,  Max  M.  being  Vice  President,  H.  A.,  Secretary-Treasurer,  and 
Samuel,  Assistant  Manager.  Herman  Velick,  an  engineer,  is  now  serving 
his  country  with  the  23rd  Engineers  in  France.  Henry  and  Bernard  are 
still  in  High  School,  as  is  also  the  daughter  Ida.  Ruth  is  at  home  and  Rose 
is  married. 

The  family  deeply  suffered  the  loss  of  their  mother  some  time  ago  and 
her  memorv  is  still  cherished  not  only  in  the  immediate  home  circle,  but  also 
amonj  the  many  friends  who  knew  of  her  kindness  and  largeness  of,  heart. 

.308 


Four  of  the  children  are  married,  H.  A.,  to  Miss  Ella  Stocker ;  Max  M., 
to  Miss  Sarah  Orman ;  Sam,  to  Miss  Lena  Hershon,  and  Rose,  to  Dr.  Hilliard 
Goldstick. 

Mr.  Velick  is  active  in  all  Jewish  charities,  being  Treasurer  of  the 
Hebrew  Protective  Association  for  fifteen  years.  He  is  also  a  member  of 
Congregation  Mogan  Abraham,  Talmud  Torah,  and  Odd  Fellows.  He  is 
very  generous  in  his  gifts  to  all  worthy  organizations. 


LOUIS    WAGMAN 

It  is  a  great  pleasure  to  be  able  to  incorporate  in  this  volume  the  life 
history  of  one  of  the  leading  citizens  and  business  men  of  Newbury  Port, 
Mass.  We  refer  to  Mr.  Louis  Wagman,  prominent  dealer  in  iron  and  metal 
scrap,  who  is  manager  of  the  firm  of  L.  Wagman  &  Son. 

Mr.  Wagman  was  born  in  Valina,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  1866,  the  son  of 
Elias  Wagman,  prominent  manufacturer  of  his  native  town,  from  whom  he 
doubtless  inherited  considerable  business  ability.  He  came  to  America  in  May, 
1900,  and  went  direct  to  Chelsea,  Mass.,  where  he  worked  in  a  junk  shop  for 
the  small  salary  of  $7  a  week,  in  order  to  acquire  the  necessary  experience  to 
go  into  business  for  himself.  Four  years  later  he  embarked  upon  his  venture, 
and  after  three  years  in  Chelsea,  came  to  Newburyport,  where  he  is  now  doing 
a  fine  business. 

Mr.  Wagman  was  married  in  Russia  to  Miss  Annie  Schwarzman,  and 
they  have  five  children,  two  boys  and  three  girls.  Aleck  is  in  business  with  his 
father,  and  is  also  interested  in  a  shoe  manufacturing  concern  in  Epping, 
N.  H.  Abraham  is  in  business  for  himself  in  Newburyport.  Both  sons  are 
married  and  are  prominent  in  such  fraternal  organizations  as  the  Knights  of 
Pythias,  the  Federation  of  American  Zionists  and  Sons  of  Zion. 

Mr.  Wagman  is  a  member  of  Congregation  Hia  Hia,  I.  O.  B.  A.  and 
D.  M.  J.    Both  himself  and  wife  are  liberal  contributors  to  charity. 


SAMUEL   WAGNER 

Perth  Amboy,  N.  J.,  ought  not  to  be  omitted  from  the  list  of  towns  where 
Jews  of  importance  reside.  There  is  Samuel  Wagner,  "the  father  of  the 
city."  He  had  earned  this  cognomen  from  the  great  mass  of  Jewish  followers 
whom  he  had  gained  during  the  many  years  of  his  stay  in  that  city,  and  he  is 
universally  beloved  and  respected. 

Here  is  a  partial  list  of  Mr.  Wagner's  organizational  connections:  A 
National  Director  of  the  Hebrew  Immigrant  Aid  Society  and  of  the  Denver 
Sanitarium  for  Consumptives,  Treasurer  of  the  Congregation  Beth  Mordecai 
of  Perth  Amboy,  Treasurer  of  the  Progress  Club,  ex-President  and  Deputy  of 
the  I.  O.  B.  A.  (United  Hebrew  Lodge)  ;  he  had  been  for  six  years  Treasurer 
of  the  Hebrew  Free  Loan  Society,  he  is  active  in  the  order  Sons  of  Zion,  and 
there  is  scarcely  a  Jewish  activity  in  town  where  his  personal  influence  is  not 
felt. 

Mr.  Samuel  L.  Wagner  was  born  on  the  13th  of  December,  1858,  in 
Drohobycz,  Galicia,  as  the  son  of  Ezekiel  and  Sheindel  Wagner.     He  came 

309 


to  America  in  1892.  He  settled  in  Newark,  N.  J.,  where  he  engaged  in  the 
sale  of  merchandise  on  installments.  He  then  learned  the  trade  of  manufac- 
turing pants,  and  in  six  months  thereafter,  amid  severe  struggles  and  fighting 
every  step  of  his  way,  he  opened  a  little  shop  for  himself,  while  his  wife 
worked  in  the  millinery  business.  After  eleven  years  spent  in  this  fashion  in 
Newark,  he  moved  to  Perth  Amboy,  where  he  established  a  commission  house 
of  butter  and  eggs  with  his  son-in-law,  Mr.  Max  Wurzel  (see  biographical 
sketch  in  Volume  One),  under  the  firm  name  of  Wagner  &  Wurzel.  The 
business  was  a  success  from  the  start,  and  Mr.  Wagner  has  already  retired, 
devoting  his  entire  time  to  public  affairs. 

In  1882  Mr.  Wagner  was  married  to  Miss  Mira  Bernstein.  She  stood 
by  her  husband  through  thick  and  thin  and  shared  all  his  early  struggles,  and 
she  has  brought  up  two  splendid  daughters,  the  elder  of  whom  is  married  to 
Mr.  Wurzel,  and  the  younger  being  the  wife  of  Mr.  Leon  Goldstein,  City 
Attorney  of  Perth  Amboy. 


LEON    WEIL 

The  career  of  Mr.  Leon  Weil  is  strongly  identified  with  Montgomery, 
Ala.,  the  city  of  his  birth  and  where  he  resides  today  as  a  well-known  and 
more  than  locally  prominent  attorney.  Mr.  Leon  Weil's  father,  now  dead, 
Henry  Weil,  was  also  one  of  the  leading  citizens  of  this  blooming  southern 
city  and  also  served  there  in  the  capacity  of  Alderman  while  the  town  was  still 
in  its  infancy.  Montgomery  is  not  an  old  town  by  any  means  and  belongs 
to  that  class  of  southern  cities  which  have  risen  rapidly  and  have  a  great 
future  in  store.    And  Mr.  Weil  is  typical  of  Montgomery. 

He  was  born  on  the  20th  of  March,  1873,  and  attended  the  elementary 
schools  of  his  native  town,  after  which  he  took  a  preparatory  course  for  col- 
lege in  one  of  the  city's  private  schools.  He  was  graduated  from  the  law  school 
of  the  University  of  Alabama  in  1893  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  of  the 
state  in  January,  1894.  Since  that  time  he  has  never  lacked  clients,  and  his 
offices  are  located  at  the  First  National  Bank  Building,  where  he  acts  as  junior 
partner  of  the  well-known  law  firm  of  Steiner,  Crum  &  Weil. 

Mr.  Weil  is  a  Trustee  of  the  Alabama  Congregation,  was  President  of 
the  local  B'nai  B'rith  Lodge  and  was  many  times  Delegate  to  the  district 
convention  of  his  lodge.  He  was  the  first  President  of  the  strictly  Jewish 
Woodley  Country  Club,  was  a  Trustee  of  the  Standard  Club,  Vice  President 
of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce,  Chairman  of  the  Liberty  Loan  campaign  of 
the  county.     He  is  a  member  of  the  local,  state  and  national  bar  associations. 

Mr.  Leon  Weil  was  married  on  January  10,  1900,  to  Miss  Mamie  Greil, 
who  is  also  a  native  of  Montgomery.  Three  children  have  blessed  this  union, 
named  Janice,  Mena  and  Helene.  Mrs.  Weil  is  prominently  connected  with 
many  social  organizations,  was  President  of  the  local  Council  of  Jewish 
Women  and  repeatedly  a  Delegate  to  their  conventions.  She  was  also  Presi- 
dent of  the  local  Federation  of  Women's  Clubs  and  held  office  in  the  State 
Federation  of  Women's  Clubs. 

Reform  Judaism  is  Mr.  Weil's  religious  creed  and  he  is  very  sincere  and 
devoted  to  it. 


310 


FELIX    WEIL 

Orange.  Texas,  is  a  rather  inconspicuous  lirtle  town,  but  it  contains  some 
of  the  finest  Jewish  families.  There  is.  for  example.  Felix  Weil,  who  bears  a 
very  prominent  family  name.  We  have  all  heard  of  Alexander  Weil,  a  well- 
know-n  Alsatian  who  was  one  of  the  early  fighters  for  German  freedom,  and 
a  follower  of  Heine.     Felix  Weil  is  a  descendant  of  this  family. 

He  was  bom  in  Alsace  on  the  15th  of  February.  1S6S.  the  son  of  Simon 
and  Florette  1  Sichel  1  Weil,  and  came  to  America  at  the  age  of  twenty.  He 
landed  in  Xew  York,  and  for  ten  months  was  employed  as  a  butcher.  He 
then  came  to  Klotzville.  La.,  where  he  was  clerking  for  a  while  and  working  as 
a  bookkeeper.  Seven  years  later  he  went  to  Xew  Orleans,  and  after  a  series 
of  little  excursions  to  many  towns  and  villages  in  the  country,  he  finally  set- 
tled in  Orange.  Texas,  in  1002.  Here  he  started  a  clothing  and  gents"  fur- 
nishings store  under  the  firm  name  of  Weil  &  Bernheim.  becoming  the  sole 
owner  in  1907.  His  place  is  now  run  under  the  name  of  Felix  Weil,  and  is 
located  at  500.  Front  street.  Orange.  Texas. 

Mr.  Weil  came  to  America  to  escape  intolerable  military  service  in  the 
Prussian  army,  and  he  is  verv  anxious  to  prove  his  loyalty  and  devotion  to  the 
countrv  of  his  adoption,  which  is  now  fighting  for  die  freedom  of  his  native 
Alsace.  He  is  prominent  socially  and  plays  an  important  part  in  the  work  of 
his  community.  He  is  one  of  the  four  commissioners  of  the  city  of  Orange. 
He  is  a  well-known  Mason  and  Elk.  a  Knight  of  Pythias.  Woodman,  member 
of  the  B'nai  B"rith  Lodge  and  other  national  organizations. 

Mr.  Weil  was  married  on  the  .26th  of  February.  1913.  to  Adele  Leveson. 
and  they  are  the  parents  of  one  child.  Mrs.  Weil  is  prominently  identified 
with  Red  Cross  work. 


NATHAN    WEINBERG 

Mr.  Xathan  Weinberg,  owner  of  highly  successful  millinery  shops  in 
Hoboken  and  Tersev  City,  came  to  America  at  the  age  of  nineteen.  He  was 
the  son  of  Pincus  and  EHna  Weinberg,  very  prominent  in  their  native  city  of 
Cracow.  Austria,  and  who  were  the  largest  hardware  dealers  in  the  town. 
However,  his  parentage  availed  him  but  little  and  Xathan  was  obliged  to  work 
hard  to  maintain  himself  in  the  new  land.  Xathan  Weinberg  was  bom  in  Cra- 
cow on  Februarv  21,  1S75.  and  iJ-  perhaps,  the  most  prominent  man  today  in 
the  large  colonv  which  Cracow  contributed  to  American  Jewry. 

When  Mr.  Weinberg  started  to  work  in  the  new  countrv-  he  went  to  St. 
Louis.  Mo.,  and  entered  a  shirt  factory,  where  he  worked  for  S3  per  week. 
But  he  rose  almost  from  the  start,  and  in  the  brief  space  of  a  year  was  earn- 
ing between  S12  and  S15  per  week.  He  was  so  economical  in  his  ways  that 
he  w-as  able  to  save  up  S300.  and  he  possessed  so  much  energy  and  will  power 
that  this  sum.  meager  as  it  was.  was  not  too  little  for  him  to  start  business 
with.  He  was  success ful  enough  to  receive  a  credit  of  Si. 000.  and  he  went 
to  make  his  fortune  with  confidence  in  the  future  and  a  full  conviction  of 
undaunted  hones:;. 

Encouraged  by  the  success  he  found.  Mr.  Weinberg  turned  to  Xew  York, 
where,  on  Tanuarv  12.  1901.  he  married  Miss  Gussie  Shoengut.  who  has  since 
become  his  inseparable  partner  in  life  and  who  guided  him  through  every  busi- 
ness  deal,  standing  by  his  side  and  adding  her  wise  counsel  to  Mr.  Weinberg's 
business  skill  and  integrity.  To  be  a  business  man.  honest,  reliable  and  trust- 
worthv.  was  Mr.  Weinberg's  guiding  principle  in  life.  .He  went  to  Long 
Island,  where  he  established  a  retail  millinery  and  shoe  store,  and  in   1901 

oil 


went  to  Jersey  City  with  a  capital  of  $126,  where  he  started  business  at  Xo. 
623  Newark  avenue,  a  place  where  he  still  conducts  his  millinery  establish- 
ment, in  addition  to  the  two  stores  in  Hoboken,  at  302  Central  avenue  and 
306  Washington  street. 

In  addition  to  his  regular  business,  Mr.  Weinberg  is  also  interested  in  a 
wholesale  business  with  his  brother-in-law,  and  is  the  owner  of  considerable 
real  estate  in  Brooklyn,  and,  with  his  brother-in-law,  in  West  Hoboken. 

Mr.  Weinberg  is  connected  with  nearly  every  charitable  organization  in 
Hudson  County,  is  a  member  of  the  Krakauer  Charities,  the  Independent 
Krakauer  Hebrew  Sheltering  Home,  the  Montefiore  Home,  Temple  Beth  El, 
the  Denver  Sanitarium  and  many  more.  From  his  grandfather,  a  well-known 
Cracow  "gvir,"  Mr.  Weinberg  inherited  his  taste  for  charity,  and  there  is 
scarcely  a  cause  to  which  he  would  not  contribute,  not  only  considerable  sums 
of  money,  but  what  is  more  important,  his  personal  and  close  interest  and  his 
big  Jewish  heart. 


CHARLES  WEINBERGER 


If  any  southerner  were  asked  to  name  the  wealthiest  man  or  the  most 
influential  political  leader  in  the  city  of  Xew  Orleans,  La.,  many  names  would 
probably  be  given.  If  asked,  however,  for  the  name  of  the  most  popular  and 
the  most  charitably  inclined  resident  of  that  city,  among  the  very  first  names, 
indeed,  the  first  name,  perhaps,  to  be  mentioned  would  undoubtedly  be  that  of 
Charles  Weinberger. 

Mr.  Weinberger's  career  is  as  interesting  as  it  is  instructive.  He  was 
born  to  his  parents.  David  Weinberger  and  Marie  Stern,  on  March  28,  1875, 
at  Austin,  Texas.  He  attended  the  public  schools  at  Galveston,  Texas,  and  at 
the  early  age  of  thirteen  he  began  to  work  as  a  clerk  in  a  store  of  that  city. 
In  1892  he  left  Texas  and  came  to  Xew  Orleans  in  an  effort  to  obtain  a  better 
position.  After  a  short  stay  there  he  went  to  Mobile,  Ala.,  where  he  spent 
four  years  in  hard  work,  and  then  returned  to  Xew  Orleans,  where  he  en- 
gaged in  the  fruit  business.  His  keenness  of  intellect, 
his  magnetic  personality,  and  his  sympathetic  attitude 
to  persons  and  things  gained  for  him  both  popularity 
and  prominence  from  the  very  start,  while  his  abilitv 
and  capacity  for  leadership  have  received  such  true 
recognition  and  acknowledgment  that  he  has  been  en- 
trusted by  the  Fruit  Dispatch  Company,  one  of  the 
largest  and  leading  business  institutions  of  the  whole 
country,  with  the  managership  of  its  southern  division. 
His  business  interests  extend  also  to  a  large  Central 
American  enterprise. 

Mr.  Weinberger's  prominence  and  the  effects  of 
his  fine  leadership  are  felt,  admired  and  appreciated, 
not  only  commercially,  but  also  in  the  numerous  char- 
itable, social  and  fraternal  organizations  with  which 
lie  is  connected.  Thoroughly  modern,  liberal  and 
broad-gauged  in  his  views,  he  has  a  fine  appreciation 
of  Jewish  values  and  is  deeply  religious.  He  takes  an 
active  interest  in  the  affairs  of  the  Temple  Sinai  Congregation  and  has  served 
as  a  Director  of  the  Young  Men's  Hebrew  Association  and  as  a  Vice  President 
of  the  Federation  of  Jewish  Charities.  He  is  a  thirty-third  degree  Mason  and 
holds  the  position  of  Illustrious  Potentate  of  Jerusalem  Temple,  A.  A.  O.  X. 
M.  S.     In  the  latter  organization  his  high  standing  and  great  influence  are 

312 


attested  to  by  the  fact  that  at  his  solicitations  and  through  his  efforts  a  large 
and  beautiful  new  building  is  being  erected  for  the  Shriners  at  a  cost  of  three 
hundred  thousand  dollars.  His  private  charities,  moreover,  which  he  carries 
on  in  the  true  Jewish  spirit  of  silence  and  secrecy,  even  exceed  his  many  and 
great  contributions  of  money  and  the  service  in  kind  that  he  devotes  to  organ- 
izations and  public   institutions. 

Mr.  Weinberger  is  married  and  has  one  daughter.  He  was  married  on 
June  17,  1896.  His  wife  was  Miss  Rose  Marx,  a  popular  young  lady  of 
Mobile.  Ala.,  and  their  daughter,  Miss  Amelia  Kate  Weinberger,  is  a  young 
lady  of  artistic  talent  and  temperament,  whose  work  has  gained  great  favor 
with  art  critics  and  has  been  awarded  several  prizes. 


HARRY  WEINGARTEN 

In  ancient  times  every  tribe  or  clan  had  its  seer ;  its  prophet  or  wise  man, 
whom  the  people  sought  for  guidance  and  inspiration. 

As  these  factions  joined  together  or  were  welded  into  nations  by  the  iron 
hand  of  conquest,  the  complexities  of  government  correspondingly  increased. 
But  at  every  crisis  of  national  affairs  the  great  need  has  brought  with  it  the  man 
of  the  hour ;  one  on  whom  providence  seems  to  have  bestowed  special  gifts  as  a 
leader  of  men. 

Thus  every  nation,  every  state  and  every  community  has  its  hall  of  fame, 
and  every  name  worthy  to  be  inscribed  therein  is  that  of  a  mighty  torch  bearer; 
a  toiler  in  that  great  field  we  call  the  world ;  a  worker  for  his  fellowmen. 

If  you  were  to  go  to  Flint,  Mich.,  and  ask  to  be  introduced  to  its  leading 
citizen ;  if  vou  should  go  there  with  plans  for  some  great  philanthropy ;  if  your 
business  was  entangled  and  you  needed  expert  advice,  any  citizen  of  Flint 
would  direct  you  to  Mr.  Harry  Weingarten,  their  first  citizen,  philanthropist, 
successful  business  man  and  friend. 

Harry  Weingarten  was  born  April  15th,  1875,  at  Tichen,  Russia.  His 
father,  Myer  Weingarten,  was  a  prominent  boot  manufacturer. 

He  came  to  America  at  the  age  of  14,  and  for  the  first  six  years  sold  fruit 
on  the  streets  of  Detroit.  He  then  accepted  a  position  with  a  fruit  house  at  the 
modest  salary  of  $15.00  per  week,  taking  this  opportunity  to  obtain  an  excel- 
lent working  knowledge  of  the  business. 

At  the  expiration  of  this  time  he  came  to  Flint,  Michigan,  and  opened  a 
small  fruit  store  which  his  unusual  executive  ability  and  close  application  devel- 
oped into  a  thriving  business.  This,  however,  was  only  the  first  step  toward 
the  larger  field  of  activities  which  later  were  to  claim  his  attention. 

He  still  retains  one-half  interest  in  the  fruit  business,  but  takes  no  active 
part  in  the  management  of  the  firm,  as  his  time  is  now  fully  occupied  with 
real  estate,  which  business  he  has  been  gradually  developing  for  a  number  of 
years.  Some  of  the  largest  real  estate  transactions  consummated  in  Flint  have 
been  those  of  Mr.  Weingarten. 

He  was  married  in  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  November  29th,  1905,  to  Miss  Libby 
Bresin.  and  we  do  not  feel  that  the  entire  measure  of  Mr.  Weingarten's  suc- 
cess can  be  reckoned  without  taking  into  account  the  many  activities"  and  rare 
capacity  for  organization  which  his  wife  possesses. 

She  has  seconded  his  every  effort  for  the  betterment  of  Flint  and  its  peo- 
ple, whom  they  have  served  for  so  many  years  with  unfailing  kindness  and 
generosity. 

While  Mrs.  Weingarten  is  of  steadfast  Jewish  faith,  and  is  so  educating 
their  three  children,  her  generous,  humanitarian  instincts  are  not  bounded  by 
creed  or  doctrine.     This  was  well  exemplified  by  the  fact  that  she  joined  the 

313 


Saint  Cecelia  Society  at  a  time  when  it  was  suffering  great  financial  embarrass- 
ment, and  although  the  only  Jewish  member  of  the  society,  she  was  elected 
president,  thoroughly  reorganized  it,  and  in  a  short  time  had  it  running  on  a 
prosperous  basis.  She  also  organized  and  conducts  the  Sunday  School,  and  is 
organizer  and  president  of  the  women's  Jewish  Aid  Society,  which  has  a  wide 
reputation  and  is  a  wonderful  power  for  good  among  the  poor. 

Mr.  Weingarten  is  a  member  of  B'nei  B'rith,  Congregation  Shara  Zedek 
of  Detroit,  and  has  active  charge  of  every  Jewish  movement  in  Flint.  He 
was  elected  to  the  Board  of  the  Citizens  &  Commercial  Savings  Bank  of  Flint, 
which  position  of  honor  and  trust  he  still  holds.  Fie  had  charge  of  the  com- 
mittee that  raised  $13,000,000  for  Jewish  war  sufferers,  and  is  a  liberal  con- 
tributor to  Denver  and  Fos  Angeles  hospitals,  the  Children's  Hospital  of  Cleve- 
land, and  Old  Folks  Home  of  Detroit. 

His  high  business  ideals  in  conjunction  with  the  large  measure  of  success 
which  he  has  attained  are  an  inspiration  to  the  young  people  of  Flint,  whose 
welfare  he  has  continually  at  heart,  and  coming  generations  will  also  bless  the 
memory  of  the  man  who  has  so  benefited  and  honored  Flint  with  his  residence. 


ISAC  WEINMAN 

Descendant  of  noted  family — successful  business  man  and  prominent  in 
the  local  Galician  Colony  of  New  York  City. 

The  writer,  who  has  occasion  to  visit  and  interview  various  Jewish  person- 
alities in  every  field  of  human  activity,  had  particular  pleasure  in  the  interview 
which  he  had  with  Mr.  Isac  Weinman.  The  conversation  took  much  time, 
which  Mr.  Weinman  was  kind  enough  to  sacrifice,  despite  the  fact  that  he  is  a 
very  busy  man,  and  all  this  time  I  was  held  with  extreme  interest,  because  both 
the  observation  of  his  personality  and  the  story  he  had  to  tell  are  almost  fas- 
cinating. 

Not  everything  that  I  wanted  to  know  did  Mr.  Weinman  care  to  answer, 
because  he  is  modest  and  thinks  that  he  is  not  of  sufficient  importance  for  a 
story  with  so  many  details  to  be  evolved  about  him,  but  the  writer  has  made 
inquiries  in  different  circles  where  Mr.  Weinman  is  known,  and  altogether  can 
conscientiously  record  the  following  about  him : 

Isac  Weinman  was  born  December  25,  1875,  in  Fezaynsk,  Galicia.  Before 
we  talk  about  his  American  career  it  is  important  to  note  that  Mr.  Weinman, 
both  from  his  own  and  from  his  wife's  side,  is  connected  with  noted  families, 
and  both  he  and  his  wife  (who  is  a  very  accomplished  woman,  knowing 
Hebrew  well)  come  from  the  highest  Galician  Jewish  aristocracy. 

Mr.  Weinman's  father  is  one  of  the  wealthiest  leather  merchants  in  that 
section  of  the  country.  He  is  one  of  its  greatest  personalities,  and  for  the  last 
twelve  years  has  been  the  government  accredited  Kultus  Yorstand  (burgo- 
master) of  Lezavnsk.  Mr.  Weinman's  whole  family,  all  of  whom  are  still  in 
Galicia,  are  very  prominent,  and  one  of  his  brothers,  Reb.  Anschel,  is  a  famous 
Talmud  Chochum,  and  the  leading  religious  authority  in  Fezaynsk. 

His  wife,  whom  he  married  in  Galicia  on  October  20,  1894,  wdien  he  was 
but  19  years  of  age,  descends  from  one  of  the  greatest  Galician  Jewish  families, 
and  is  a  daughter  of  Reb.  Josef  Oehlbaum.  The  Fikevir  Rav,  known  as  Reb. 
Koppel  Fikevir,  and  the  famous  Gute  Yid,  Rabbi  Shiman,  of  Jaraslow,  were 
her  uncles.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Weinman  have  one  daughter,  Lilian,  who  is  very 
accomplished.  She  is  a  singer  of  note,  and  is  studying  for  the  operatic  stage, 
and  a  great  future  is  predicted  for  her.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Weinman  have  taken 
great  pains  in  rearing  their  daughter,  and  she  is  always  the  center  of  interest  in 
her  circle. 

314 


Like  his  family  history,  so  is  the  business  career  of  Mr.  Weinman,  ex- 
tremely interesting.  He  came  to  America  in  1898,  bringing  $100  with  him. 
When  he  was  in  the  country  ten  days  he  embarked  for  himself  in  the  follow- 
ing manner :  A  countryman  of  his  asked  him  to  lend  him  $30,  telling  him 
that  he  needed  the  money  to  buy  a  joblot  of  elastics.  Young  Weinman,  having- 
been  brought  up  in  business,  immediately  grasped  the  idea  that  if  $30  could 
purchase  a  joblot,  why  shouldn't  his  $100  purchase  more?  He  offered  himself 
as  a  partner  and  was  accepted.  His  "fortune"  was  soon  lost,  but  Mr.  Wein- 
man had  already  learned  the  business,  and,  borrowing  $200  from  an  acquaint- 
ance, started  up  again  and  succeeded.  Today  he  is  at  the  head  of  the  Weinman 
Elastic  Web  Company,  at  No.  33  Green  street,  and  is  the  president  and  treas- 
urer of  the  Live  Leather  Belt  Company,  makers  of  elastic  leather  belts,  a  pat- 
ent of  his  own.  He  is  estimated  to  be  a  very  wealthy  man,  and  maintains  a 
very  beautiful  home. 

But  the  most  important  feature  about  Mr.  Weinman  is  his  interesting 
personality.  He  is  very  charitable,  giving  freely  to  every  good  cause.  He  is 
a  prominent  member  of  the  Ohab  Zedek  Congregation,  and  is  the  pillar  of  sup- 
port of  all  the  relatives  of  both  his  and  his  wife's  family  in  Galicia.  Since  the 
war  in  Europe  he  pays  regular  weekly  allowances  to  twelve  families  in  Galicia, 
and  makes  a  settlement  of  a  larger  sum  on  any  one  who  agrees  to  get  off  the 
list  and  become  self-supporting  through  obtaining  a  lump  sum  of  money.  This 
support  is  given  with  the  understanding  that  none  are  permitted  to  accept  any 
other  relief  funds,  in  order  not  to  deprive  those  who  have  no  other  means  of 
support.  In  addition,  he  gives  a  dowry  and  marries  off  all  the  poor  girls  in 
both  families  in  Galicia. 

Mr.  Weinman  conducts  a  strictly  Jewish  home.  He  is  a  very  intelligent 
and  interesting  man,  and  his  life  motto  has  been:  "Never  judge  a  man  until 
you  have  been  placed  in  his  position."  The  most  interesting  feature  probably 
is  the  fact  that  among  his  employes  he  has  many  men  of  from  70  to  80  years 
of  age ;  because,  when  he  started  in  business,  he  resolved  never  to  discharge 
an  employe,  and  up  to  date  he  has  clung  tenaciously  to  this  resolution. 


MARCUS  J.  WEINKLE 

Jacksonville,  Fla.,  is  not  blessed  with  many  Jews  of  the  better  type  or  of 
aristocracy.  As  Jacksonville  is  a  comparatively  new  community,  its  popu- 
lation is  brought  together  from  "all  corners  of  the  globe."  But  nevertheless 
we  find  there  quite  a  number  of  really  sympathetic  Jewish  "householders''  of 
the  Orthodox  type,  among  whom  we  must  naturally  count  Mr.  Marcus  J. 
Weinkle. 

Mr.  Weinkle's  house  represents  the  best  of  Jacksonville.  He  is  himself 
an  Orthodox  Jew,  leading  a  strictly  Jewish  house,  and  his  wife,  Hanna  Rose 
(Rotkowsky),  is  an  exceptionally  intelligent  lady.  Her  father  was  a  Jewish 
scholar  in  New  York,  and  one  of  the  founders  of  Machsikei  Talmud  Torah,  and 
he  was  also  interested  in  the  Yeshiba  Etz  Chaim.  His  daughter,  the  present 
Mrs.  Weinkle,  was  brought  up  in  New  York,  in  a  scholarly  environment,  and 
she  acquired  a  wide  education  in  Jewish  and  worldly  matters.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Weinkle,  who  were  married  on  the  26th  day  of  July,  1904,  are  the  parents  of 
two  children,  Charlotte,  aged  12,  who  is  the  best  Hebrew  pupil  in  Jacksonville, 
and  Abraham,  a  younger  son. 

Marcus  J.  Weinkle  was  born  on  the  14th  of  November,  1865,  in  a  village 
in  Alexandrowski,  Yekaterinoslav.  His  father,  Judah  Zewi,  who  died  on  the 
4th  of  January,  1917,  was  a  scholar  and  student.  His  mother,  Nahma  Freida, 
is  still  living. 

Mr.  Weinkle  came  to  America  on  the  16th  of  March.  1890.     For  the  first 

.315 


few  months  he  peddled  in  New  York.  He  then  came  to  South  Carolina,  where 
he  opened  a  store.  Afterwards  he  went  into  the  timber  and  lumber  business, 
and  in  191 1  he  settled  in  Jacksonville,  where  he  built  a  beautiful  home  at  809 
West  Duval  street.  He  had  already  retired  from  active  business,  and  is 
solely  interested  in  monetary  investments. 

Mr.  Weinkle  was  one  of  the  founders  of  the  Immigrant  Society  of  J?.ck- 
sonville ;  he  is  treasurer  of  the  B'nai  Israel  Congregation  and  is  interested  and 
participates  in  everything  Jewish.  Mrs.  Weinkle  is  a  devoted  Zionist  and  was 
the  first  president  of  the  Jacksonville  Hadassa. 


ARTHUR   HERSH.EL   WEISMAN 

The  little  merchants  who  meet  us  on  the  street  with  their  "Have  a  paper,, 
sir  ?"  are  worthy  of  our  most  kind  consideration,  as  the  chances  are  that  we 
are  speaking  to  a  future  prominent  business  man. 

Many  a  career  developed  from  such  a  modest  beginning  has  helped  shape 
the  destinies  of  our  large  communities.  That  Mr.  Arthur  Weisman  owes  much 
to  these  first  experiences  in  salesmanship,  there  can  be  no  doubt. 

He  was  born  in  Grovno,  Guberne,  Russia,  October  24,  1886,  the  son  of 
Philip  and  Sarah  Weisman.  His  father  was  a  Rabbi  and  from  him  and  a 
long  line  of  intellectual  ancestors  he  inherited  an  aptitude  for  scholarship  which 
has  distinguished  him  in  his  later  life. 

He  was  brought  to  America  when  but  six  years  of  age  and  started  ped- 
dling papers  in  the  city  of  Dayton,  Ohio,  although  during  this  time  he  also 
attended  school  and  had  the  advantage  of  two  years'  training  in  high  school. 
He  then  became  a  clerk  for  a  Dayton  clothing  house,  where  he  continued  for 
three  years.  During  °this  time,  however,  he  was  steadily  working  at  a  business 
course  which  enabled  him  to  go  to  Cincinnati  and  obtain  a  position  with  a 
wholesale  shoe  house.  However,  deciding  that  salesmanship  appealed  to  him 
more  than  clerical  work,  he  returned  to  Dayton,  where  he  was  connected  as 
salesman  with  a  furniture  house. 

He  then  went  to  Newark,  Ohio,  and  opened  a  clothing  store,  which  he  has 
been  most  successfully  conducting  since  that  time. 

Mr.  Weisman  was  married  June  2nd,  1914,  to  Miss  Bertha  Schomberg  of 
Cincinnati,  Ohio,  and  they  have  one  daughter. 

Mr.  Weisman  does  not  allow  his  business  to  monopolize  his  entire  time  and 
interest,  as  he  is  very  popular  in  his  community  and  finds  time  for  membership 
in  a  number  of  prominent  fraternal  organizations  such  as  the  Masons  and 
Knights  of  Pythias.  He  is  also  secretary  and  a  devout  attendant  at  Congrega- 
tion Ohav  Israel.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce  and  promi- 
nent in  the  promotion  of  all  civic  enterprises.  Both  himself  and  wife  are  very 
charitable  and  not  only  contribute  to  all  local  societies,  but  to  the  Denver  and 
Los  Angeles  Hospitals  as  well. 

Mr.  Weisman  emphasizes  the  value  of  a  college  education  and  advises 
every  young  man  to  obtain  same  if  possible.  He  feels  that  it  is  a  great  asset 
in  business  and  in  enabling  a  young  man  to  place  himself  in  the  position  for 
which  he  is  best  fitted. 


316 


SOL  WEISS 

ig  the     ;.:ng  attorneys  who  occupy  a  distinguish*  sition  of  lead- 

-       nenct   in  their  community    few  have  attained  to  the  success 
..-.-a  standing  that  are  enj     ed  by  Mr.  So".  Weiss  of  New  Orleans. 

mss     as      m  in  Union  Parish,  La.,  on  April  17,  1S85.     His  father. 

re     Veiss    came   originally  From  Alsace:  his  mother  is  American-bora. 

attending  the   public  schools   of  Xew  Orleans.  Mr.  Weiss  entered  the 

11  which  institul  i    graduated  with  the  degree  of 

A.  B.  5    and  the  University  of  Virginia,  which  conferred  upon  hint  the 

egree      t  I  1  in  1907. 

Mr.  Weiss  is  prominently  connects  I  with  the  Jewish  community  and  the 
:    -      al  and  fraternal  life  of  the  city  in  a.e::era".     He  serve.:  as  are.-    lent 
I  Crescent  City  Lodge,  I.  O.  B.  B„  and  was  the  orator  for  District  No.  ~  at 
the  B'nai  1   -'.':   Convention  in  Galveston  is  a  member  ;f  Temple  Sinai 

Congregation  and  has  served  on  the  board     :    lirectors 
rang  Men"s  Hebrew  Association.     He  has  held 
the       sition    of  President   ot  the      ha  Society 

Ids  membership  in  the  Touro  Infirmary,  the  Tew- 
.    .  :'  Cbarit  es,  the  J«      sb  tans'  Home 

and  the     graduate   Menorah    S  rciety.     In  the  general 
community  his  connections  are  also  noted  and  numer- 
ous,    r.r  has  served  an  the  Legislative  and  Public  fril- 
lies oittees     f  the    -  —   :  al    n    »f   Commerce;  he 
is  a  Director  of  the        oservative  H  mestead  Ass   c  l- 
uber    of   the   Louisiana  and    American   Bar 
--    ciatkms  and    s(        rman  of  the  Membership  Com- 
;    foT  Louisiana    >f   the    Commercial  Law  Lea-a; 
oerica      Hen  1  Is  membershif  als*  in  the   Choctaw 
ass  Qnbs,  the  1  issodat    n  and  the  ?ail- 

ta eric  Sociei 

]  [r    Weiss"  v  ar  I      and  v:::":::l-;;    in  the   city  and  community  were 

ncreas  n     sma       egree  an  March  4,  1913,  when  he \ras  married  to  Miss 

-  ■    e  Davis,  ::  widely  known   ;efore  and  has  been  aa  aainent 

since  for  her  musical  talents  and  accomplishments.     She  has  held  the  position 

:"  secretary  in  the  Saturday  Musk   Circle  and  has  delighted  large  audiences 

m     arious  occasions  with  her  sweet  voice  and  musical  talents.     She  is  a  mem- 

erof  the  Temple  Sinai  choir  and  has  also  taken  an  active  part  in  Anti-Tuber- 

colosis  work  and  Red  Cars-  endeav   rs 

Mr.  and  1  [rs.  Weiss  .._t  the  happy  parents  of  two  talented  children,  Sol.. 
Jr..  and  Doris  Lent 


BENJAMIN  WEITZ 

The  Congregation  B'nai  B'rith  Jacob    ::    Savannah.   Ga..  is  the   center 

:  Jewish  activity  in  the  diy.     The  Congregation  possesses  one  of  the  largest 

aalthiesi    synagogues    which    one    could   meet    within    such    localities. 

Arena  a  ::  is  grouped  everything  that  is  Jewish,  and  the  tact  that  Mr.  Benja- 

min  "  r::a  is  its  president  for  the  second  time  is  a  sufficient  testimonial  of  its 

rrance. 

one  who  is  better  acquainted  with  Mr.  Weitz  will  see  at  once  that 
as  ". :    lea",  with  more  than  the  president  of  a  congregation.     He  is  a  man 
erience  in  life  and  one  who  knows  how  to  utilize  this  experience 
i   r  the  1  enefii   ::'  society  a:  large. 

317 


r 


In  addition  to  his  congregation,  which  costs  Mr.  Weitz  much  of  his  time, 
money  and  efforts,  Mr.  Weitz  is  connected  with  nearly  every  Jewish  movement 
of  importance.  For  the  last  eighteen  years  he  has  been  a  director  of  the 
Atlanta  Orphan  Home.  He  is  a  director  of  the  New  York  Removal  Office ; 
National  Director  of  the  Jewish  Consumptives'  Relief  Society.  He  is  at  the 
head  of  the  Savannah  Free  Loan  Association.  He  is  a  vice-president  of  the 
Savannah  Jewish  Educational  Alliance,  and  he  belongs  to  and  is  interested  in 
everything  Jewish ;  at  the  same  time  being  a  devoted  Zionist  and  vice-president 
of  same. 

He  is  also  very  prominent  in  the  social  life  of  the  city,  and  he  was  the  only 
Jewish  member  of  the  Committee  of  Twelve  which  voted  a  million  dollars  for 
the  improvement  of  Savannah.  Some  time  ago,  when  he  was  called  upon  to 
write'  his  will,  preparatory  to  a  dangerous  operation  which  he  was  to  undergo, 
he  wrote  on  a  scrap  of  paper:  "I  have  nothing  against  the  world,  and  I  feel 
the  world  has  nothing  against  me."  He  wanted  to  say  in  this  statement  that 
he  had  always  done  his  duty. 

Mr.  Benjamin  Weitz  was  born  on  the  ioth  of  February,  1863,  in  Novo 
Alexandrowsk.  He  is  the  son  of  Nahum  and  Menuha  Weitz.  His  grand- 
father, Isaac,  was  very  prominent,  and  his  father  died  in  Palestine.  Benjamin 
came  to  America  in  1886,  with  a  capital  of  three  dollars.  During  the  first  two 
years  he  worked  in  New  York.  He  then  came  to  Savannah,  Ga.,  and  started 
business  with  a  capital  of  $150.00.  For  seventeen  years  he  was  engaged  in  all 
kinds  of  business.  -  On  the  first  of  January,  1907,  he  retired  from  business,  but 
as  he  needed  activity  he  became  associated  with  the  Quality  Skirt  Company, 
as  its  president,  in  1916,  with  offices  at  117-119  Congress  street,  West.  He 
is  also  interested  in  real  estate,  and  is  a  director  of  the  Mercantile  Bank  and 
Trust  Company,  and  a  former  director  of  the  Exchange  Bank  and  the  Real 
Estate  Bank. 

Since  December  30th,  1888,  Mr.  Weitz  has  been  married  to  Miss  Ray  Dia- 
mond, who  has  been  brought  up  in  Philadelphia.  Words  cannot  express  the 
good  she  is  doing  in  this  city,  and  elsewhere.  She  acts  like  a  mother  to  every- 
body, and  is  liked  by  everyone. 


HERMAN  WEISS 

In  an  interview  with  Herman  Weiss  of  Erie,  Pa.,  a  few  days  ago,  the 
writer  was  interested  to  learn  that  Mr.  Weiss'  views  relative  to  business  suc- 
cess coincide  very  closely  with  those  of  many  other  prominent  men  whom  it 
has  been  his  pleasure  to  meet. 

"Get  an  education.  Then  go  into  business  for  yourself,"  said  Mr.  Weiss, 
and  in  these  words  he  voices  the  experience  of  every  man  who  has  had  a  hard 
upward  struggle,  without  educational  advantages. 

Herman  Weiss  was  born  in  Vitopski,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  October,  1870, 
his  father  being  a  cattle  dealer  of  his  native  town. 

At  the  age  of  twenty-three  he  decided  to  try  his  fortunes  in  America,  and 
a  month  before  he  sailed  was  married  to  Miss  Rosa  Druyan,  daughter  of 
Abraham  and  Sarah  Druyan. 

Landing  in  Buffalo  with  his  bride,  he  began  peddling  notions,  this  being 
the  first  employment  which  came  to  hand.  He  then  learned  the  trade  of  coat 
pressing,  and  finally  shoe  making.  The  next  few  years  were  very  hard  ones, 
as  the  wages  in  neither  of  these  occupations  were  at  all  profitable,  so  with  his 
small  savings  he  bought  a  stock  and  started  peddling  again. 

Why  relate  the  hardships  of  the  next  few  years?  Suffice  it  to  say  that 
ambition's  flame  never  died  and  the  children  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Weiss  were  given 
every  advantage  which  their  father  had  been  denied. 

318 


Some  years  later  he  came  to  Erie,  Pa.,  where  he  opened  a  grocer)'  store, 
which  he  is  still  conducting  with  the  able  assistance  of  four  of  his  children. 

He  also  has  several  other  business  interests,  one  of  them  being  the  manu- 
facture of  barrels,  which  he  conducts  in  partnership  with  Mr.  Samuel  Levy 
under  the  firm  name  of  The  Erie  Barrel  Company. 

Charity  and  kindness  of  heart  are  two  of  the  best  and  strongest  Jewish 
characteristics,  and  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Weiss  are  no  exceptions  to  the  rule. 

They  give  most  liberally  to  the  Denver  and  Los  Angeles  sanitariums  and  all 
local  charities,  regardless  of  religion. 

Mr.  Weiss  is  a  member  of  the  Orthodox  Congregation  in  Erie,  the  Modern 
Woodmen  of  the  World,  and  the  Red  Men. 


BENJAMIN  DAVID  WELLER 

This  is  the  golden  age  of  youth,  when  the  thought  of  the  times  is  being 
subjected  to  a  thorough  rejuvenation.  When  great  responsibilities  are  being 
assumed  by  young  men  and  the  mighty  current  of  activity  moves  so  swiftly 
that  the  time-honored  council  of  age  hardly  finds  a  credulous  ear. 

That  this  is  particularly  true  of  our  country  may  be  largely  attributed  to 
the  unusual  educational  advantages  which  the  youth  of  America  enjoy  and 
the  opportunity,  in  many  instances,  of  taking  up  an  established  business  and 
carrying  it  on  from  where  the  father  lays  it  down. 

Many  a  young  man  has  failed  when  placed  in  such  a  position,  because  of 
inexperience  and  over-confidence ;  lacking  the  vision  to  behold  the  slow,  painful 
process  out  of  which  all  permanent  success  is  wrought. 

It  is  indeed  a  pleasure  to  record  the  events  in  the  rapid  advancement  of 
some  of  these  young  giants  of  commerce,  and  one  of  the  most  notable  examples 
of  which  the  city  of  Cleveland  boasts  is  Benjamin  David  Weller. 

Born  in  Cleveland  in  1891,  he  attended  the  public  schools,  and  after  finish- 
ing high  school  was  given  an  opportunity  to  work  for  his  father,  David  Weller, 
the  owner  of  a  very  prosperous  iron  and  steel  business. 

But  David  Weller  was  wise  in  his  day  and  generation,  and  resolved  to  test 
the  perseverance  of  his  son  by  allotting  to  him  some  of  the  most  menial  and 
difficult  tasks  about  the  establishment. 

For  four  years  Benjamin  served  in  various  capacities,  demonstrating  in 
each  one  unusual  resourcefulness  and  business  ability. 

At  the  expiration  of  that  time  his  father  made  him  a  partner  in  the  busi- 
ness and  he  has  been  the  active  member  of  the  firm  since  that  time. 

D.  Weller  &  Son  are  today  doing  a  national  business  and  have  unlimited 
credit  throughout  the  country. 

Benjamin  David  Weller  is,  at  this  writing,  but  25  years  of  age,  and  in  addi- 
tion to  his  marked  business  success,  has  found  time  to  identify  himself  with  a 
number  of  fraternal  and  charitable  organizations  and  to  have  attained  promi- 
nent rank  in  many  of  them. 

He  is  a  member  of  Congregation  Anshe  Emeth  ;  Past  Chancellor  of  the 
K.  of  P.,  with  the  rank  of  Lieutenant ;  Moose,  Elks,  Cleveland  Independent  Aid 
Society  and  B'nei  B'rith. 

He  was  married  November  12,  10,16,  to  Hattie  Judith  Laufman,  daughter 
of  Isaac  and  Sarah  Laufman,  a  prominent  family  of  Cleveland,  who  have  been 
very  actively  engaged  in  promoting  the  various  philanthropic  movements  in 
their  city. 

Mrs.  Weller  is  a  charming,  intelligent  young  woman  whose  keen  sympathy 
and  kindness  of  heart  have  brought  joy  to  thousands  of  unfortunates  coming 
within  the  wide  radius  of  her  bountiful  charity. 

319 


Mr.  Weller  has  attained  in  a  very  few  years  a  degree  of  success  which 
many  prominent  business  men  have  worked  a  lifetime  to  acquire. 

When  asked  the  secret  of  his  rapid  rise,  his  reply  was  significant  of  the 
directness  and  lofty  principles  which  characterize  all  of  Mr.  Weller's  actions. 
"Success  can  only  be  derived  from  upright  methods  with  your  associates." 


HYMAN  P.  WELLER 

In  reviewing  the  histories  of  successful  men  it  is  the  exception  rather  than 
the  rule  to  find  one  who,  at  an  earl)'  age,  was  able  to  choose  the  business  or 
profession  which  ultimately  proved  to  be  his  life  work. 

But,  as  all  roads  used  to  lead  to  Rome,  so  these  business  experiments  finally 
lead  to  the  occupation  for  which  the  man  is  best  fitted. 

So  it  was  with  Hyman  P.  Weller,  son  of  Shendel  and  Solomon  Weller. 
who  was  born  in  Austria  April  14th,  1874,  his  father  being  a  shoemaker  by 
trade,  but  a  Hebrew  scholar  by  accomplishment. 

In  August,  1892,  young  Hyman  decided  to  try  his  fortunes  in  America  and 
landed  in  New  York  with  little  money  but  much  confidence  and  enthusiasm. 
He  worked  for  a  furrier  for  a  very  short  time  and  then  started  peddling,  the 
occupation  to  which  so  many  immigrants  instinctively  turn. 

Then  followed  a  year  of  employment  at  his  father's  old  trade  of  shoe- 
maker and  later  started  working  in  a  barber  shop. 

After  eight  years'  experience  in  this  line,  he  established  a  shop  of  his  own, 
but,  finally  deciding  that  he  was  not  adapted  to  this  business,  he  sold  the  shop 
and,  moving  to  Detroit,  started  a  coat  and  apron  supply  business,  which  he  con- 
tinued until  1913.  At  this  time  he  started  a  laundry  in  partnership  with  Mr. 
Frank  Smith,  which  business  they  are  very  successfully  conducting  today. 

Mr.  Weller  was  married  June  17th,  1898,  to  Miss  Minnie  Weiselthier  of 
Boston,  and  they  have  three  children,  one  boy  and  two  girls. 

The  son  is  a  student  in  the  Detroit  College  of  Law  and  the  two  daughters 
are  receiving  thorough  musical  and  academic  educations. 

Mr.  Weller's  fraternal  affiliations  are  of  the  highest  order,  he  being  a 
member  of  Beth  Abraham,  the  Masons,  Royal  Arch,  Grotto  and  Knights  of 
Pythias. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Weller  are  loyal  supporters  of  the  Jewish  hospital  and  many 
charitable  institutions. 


ALEXANDER  WERNICK 

Few  young  men  have  had  such  overwhelming  difficulties  to  cope  with  as 
Mr.  Alexander  Wernick,  whose  dogged  determination  has  been  one  of  the  big 
factors  in  the  realization  of  his  ambitions. 

Mr.  Wernick  was  born  December  22,  1879,  in  Griva  Lumzer,  Guberne, 
Russia,  the  son  of  Isaac  Wernick,  a  butcher  by  trade,  and  also  a  man  of  great 
scholarship. 

When  but  a  young  lad  of  ten  years  he  left  his  native  town  and  came  to 
America,  where  he  turned  the  knowledge  of  his  father's  business  to  account  by 
obtaining  employment  as  delivery  boy  for  a  meat  market.     At  first  his  salary 

320 


was  but  $1.50  per  week  and  board,  but  he  was  so  faithful  and  efficient  that  he 
was  soon  making  $10  per  week. 

Having  a  desire  for  a  business  of  his  own,  he  went  to  Cleveland,  Ohio, 
and  worked  for  a  rag  peddler  for  $2.50  per  month  and  board  in  order  to  gain 
experience  in  this  line.  He  remained  for  two  months,  but  the  man  did  not 
pay  him,  and  he  left  penniless,  with  no  immediate  employment  in  view.  Noth- 
ing can  be  more  pathetic  than  the  story  of  this  brave  young  boy,  who  finally 
pawned  his  watch  for  forty-five  cents,  changed  it  into  pennies,  bought  a  sack 
for  five  cents,  and  with  the  balance  started  out  to  buy  and  sell  junk.  With 
such  resourcefulness  and  determination  it  is  not  strange  that  he  succeeded. 
After  one  year  he  was  able  to  buy  a  horse  and  wagon,  and  from  that  time  on 
his  success  was  continuous.  Five  years  later  he  started  a  yard  in  Upper 
Sandusky,  where  he  remained  until  1916,  when  he  came  to  Fostoria  and  started 
in  business,  which  has  since  developed  into  the  firm  of  Wernick  &  Selker,  one 
of  the  largest  business  houses  in  Fostoria,  Ohio. 

Mr,  Wernick  was  married  March  17,  1907,  to  Miss  Edith  Selker  of 
Toledo  and  they  have  four  fine  boys,  two  of  whom  are  already  in  school. 

Mr.  Wernick's  advice  to  young  men  is  well  worth  heeding,  inasmuch  as 
no  one  is  better  acquainted  with  the  difficulties  that  beset  the  path  of  a  young 
man  just  starting  in  life.  He  says,  "Start  in  business  and  conduct  this  busi- 
ness honestly." 

Mr.  Wernick  is  a  valued  member  of  Sharra  Tova,  Toledo,  Ohio,  the 
Odd  Fellows,  Chamber  of  Commerce,  and  is  a  liberal  patron  of  the  Denver 
Institute,  and  all  local  charities. 


MAX  WILENSKY 

Mr.  Max  (Aaron  Mordecai)  Wilensky  is  justly  considered  the  leader  of 
Orthodox  Jewry  of  Savannah.  But  his  leadership  is  only  an  incident  in  a 
life  rich  in  events  and  voluminous  in  interest. 

Mr.  Wilensky  is  the  type  of  a  very  successful  man.  He  came  to  America 
from  a  village  in  the  Government  of  Kovno  in  1880.  After  a  few  months' 
stay  in  New  York,  he  became  a  farmer  in  South  Dakota  as  a  member  of  the 
well-known  Rosenthal  colony.  He  then  returned  to  New  York,  where  he  went 
into  the  manufacturing  of  shoe  uppers.  Three  years  later  he  went  to  Savannah, 
Ga.,  where  he  opened  a  leather  and  shoe  finding  business.  He  now  conducts  a 
very  large  business  at  No.  127  Brothon  street,  East,  under  the  firm  name  of  M. 
Wilensky  &  Son.  He  is,  in  addition,  quite  a  successful  real  estate  operator, 
interested  in  the  building  up  of  a  great  part  of  the  city,. and  he  is  the  largest 
individual  stockholder  and  director  of  the  Mercantile  Bank  and  Trust 
Company. 

But  his  social  and  philanthropic  importance  exceeds  largely  his  financial 
position.  He  is  a  former  Yeshiba  Bochur,  an  Orthodox  and  devoted  Zionist, 
and  there  is  scarcely  a  Jewish  interest  or  any  Jewish  activity  with  which  he  is 
not  connected.  He  is  President  of  the  Savannah  Kehillah,  a  director  of  the 
Educational  Alliance,  a  director  of  the  Congregation  B.  B.  Jacob,  a  director  of 
the  Hebrew  School  and  Treasurer  of  the  Order  B'nai  Zion.  He  was  also 
once  a  delegate  to  the  Zionist  Convention. 

Mr.  Wilensky  was  born  on  the  30th  of  April,  1864,  the  son  of  Abraham 
Aba  and  Dina  Feiga  Wilensky.  His  mother  is  a  descendant  of  a  prominent 
family,  Rabbis  of  Kedani.  On  the  5th  of  September,  1886,  Mr.  Wilensky  was 
married  to  Rachel  Kourshan  and  they  have  reared  six  accomplished  children. 
The  oldest  daughter,  Eva,  is  married  to  Mr.  Lichtenstein,  one  of  the  most 
talented  and  gifted  Jewish  young  men  of  Savannah  ;  Katie  is  the  wife  of  I. 

,12! 


Silver,  one  of  the  wealthiest  and  most  important  Jews  of  the  city.  Joseph  A. 
is  in  business  with  his  father,  and  the  names  of  the  younger  children  are: 
Moses  I.,  William  S.,  and  Tillie. 

Mr.  Wilensky  is  a  very  charitable  man.  and  one  whose  word  carries  much 
weight  with  all  classes  of  Jews  in  Savannah. 


DAVID  WIDZER 

During  the  Civil  War,  Russia  had  been  very  friendly  with  the  United 
States,  and  when  that  government  intimated  that  it  would  like  to  dispose  of 
Russian  America,  Secretary  Seward  surprised  the  United  States  by  treating 
with  Russia  for  the  purchase  of  that  region  for  nearly  eight  million  dollars, 
which  treaty  was  ratified  on  April  yth,  1867,  by  the  Senate.  By  this  purchase 
the  United  States  gained  almost  unlimited  wealth,  not  only  in  gold  mines,  but 
in  land  and  seal  fisheries. 

These  negotiations  turned  the  attention  of  many  Russians  to  the  oppor- 
tunities of  America,  and  gave  new  impetus  to  emigration  to  this  country. 

One  of  these  emigrants  was  David  Widzer,  who  came  to  America  with 
his  wife,  Sarah  Horwitz,  to  whom  he  had  been  married  June  15,  1901.  three 
years  before  he  decided  to  leave  his  native  country. 

Mr.  Widzer  was  born  in  Vilna,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  1873,  of  Moses  and 
Rachel  Widzer,  and  after  he  grew  to  manhood  engaged  in  the  leather  business. 

On  landing  in  New  York  City  he  decided  to  go  farther  west,  and  came  to 
Elyria,  Ohio,  where  he  went  into  business  and  established  his  home. 

Some  time  later  Mr.  Widzer  decided  to  go  into  business  with  Simon  Sock, 
the  firm  being  known  as  the  Elyria  Rag  and  Metal  Co.,  doing  a  large  business. 

Mrs.  Widzer  has  been  in  ever)-  way  a  real  helpmate  and  is  a  popular  and 
active  member  of  several  social  and  charitable  organizations,  while  Mr.  Widzer 
is  connected  with  the  Mosha  Havi  Congregation  of  Cleveland,  and  is  a  mem- 
ber of  Agudas  Acham  B'nai  Abraham  Congregation  of  Elyria  and  of  the  B'nai 
Yitzhog  Ferein,  Voloziner  Unterstitzung  Yerein  and  Yinsker  Benefit  Associa- 
tion. 

Mr.  Widzer  also  contributes  freely  to  the  Denver  and  Los  Angeles  Hos- 
pitals, Old  Age  Home  and  Talmud  Torah  of  Cleveland,  and  to  the  Cham- 
ber of  Commerce  of  Elyria,  being  well  regarded  and  highly  respected  by  all 
who  know  him. 


SAMUEL  WILKOFF 

Luck  and  success  are  not  so  closely  allied  as  many  people  suppose.  When 
a  man  is  apparently  lucky  his  good  fortune  is  usually  attributable  to  efforts  on 
his  part  which  are  not  known  to  the  general  public. 

This  is  the  opinion  of  the  majority  of  men  who  have  won  their  own  way 
in  the  world.  Such  a  man  is  Mr.  Samuel  Wilkoff,  of  Youngstown,  Ohio,  who 
was  born  in  Alitta,  Suwalki,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  1862,  the  son  of  a  prominent 
Rabbi  and  Shochet. 

At  the  age  of  thirty-seven.  Air.  Wilkoff  decided  to  come  to  America,  and 
landed  in  this  country  with  but  one  cent  in  his  pocket.  He  peddled  tinware 
for  three  months,  and  then  went  to  Beaver  Falls,  Pa.,  where  he  at  last  was  able 
to  buy  a  horse  and  wagon  and  continue  peddling  on  a  larger  scale.     Then  fol- 

322 


lowed  a  year  in  Barberton,  Kans.,  where  he  tried  his  hand  at  farming,  but 
decided  that  he  did  not  want  to  make  this  his  life  work.  He  returned  to 
Beaver  Falls  and  peddled  junk  for  three  years,  going  from  there  to  Akron, 
where  he  started  a  scrap  iron  yard  in  partnership  with  his  brother  and  a  Mr. 
Charles  Wisbutsky.  After  eight  months  Mr.  Wilkoff  bought  over  the  interest 
of  Mr.  Wisbutsky,  and  continued  the  yard  for  thirteen  years.  He  then  went  to 
Youngstown,  and  in  partnership  with  his  brother  operated  a  yard  under  the 
firm  name  of  Wilkoff  Brothers.  Later  he  organized  a  company,  composed  of 
his  brothers  William  and  Dave  and  his  son  Isaac,  where  they  are  at  the  present 
time  doing  a  fine  business. 

One  year  after  Mr.  Wilkoff  arrived  in  America  he  was  marired  to  Miss 
Wilkowsky  of  Beaver  Falls,  Pa.,  and  they  have  four  children,  two  sons  and 
two  daughters.  One  of  the  sons  is  in  business  with  his  father,  and  a  daughter 
is  attending  Beaver  Falls  College. 

Mr..  Wilkoff  is  a  member  of  Hungarian  Schule,  was  formerly  Vice-presi- 
dent of  Manuel  Schule,  and  Western  Star,  and  former  Treasurer  of  O.  B.  A. 
He  is  very  charitable  and  subscribes  to  all  worthy  institutions. 


WILLIAM  WILKOFF 

This  is  the  story  of  a  man  who  was  always  doing  something,  and  whatever 
he  did  he  did  in  a  big  way ;  of  a  man  who  went  through  life  undaunted  and 
always  remained  true  to  himself ;  a  man  who  never  gave  up  an  attempt  if  he 
saw  that  he  was  right ;  a  man  who,  though  foreign  born  and  comparatively 
mature  when  he  landed  on  these  shores,  became  the  head  of  a  remarkable  and 
new  industry  ;  whose  shining  example  one  cannot  but  wish  to  emulate,  and 
whose  persistent,  hard  work  and  a  spirit  of  "go  to  it"  are  so  remarkable  and  so 
unusual.  To  read  of  the  accomplishments  of  William  Wilkoff  is  like  recalling 
to  mind  again  the  exploits  of  mediaeval  knights,  who  fought  a  battalion  of 
devils,  but  though  obstacles  stood  in  their  way  and  though  the  work  was  hard 
and  reward  by  no  means  certain,  still  in  the  end  they  won  their  laurel-crown, 
simply  because  they  would  not  give  up. 

He  was  born  on  September  14th,  1864,  at  Alita,  Government  of  Suvalk, 
Russia,  the  son  of  Judah  and  Lippe  Wilkofsky,  both  since  deceased.  His 
father  was  a  scholar  and  Shochet  and  the  traditions  of  the  family  were  rabbin- 
ical. One  of  his  uncles  was  also  a  Shochet,  so  that  it  seemed  most  natural  that 
the  subject  of  our  sketch  should  follow  the  same  vocation.  But  fates  decreed 
otherwise. 

In  1882  the  young  Russian  immigrant  landed  in  New  York.  He  was 
eighteen  years  old  and  escaped  from  the  country  that  gave  him  no  opportunity 
for  developing  his  natural  talents,  hoping  that  in  this  land  of  opportunity  he 
would  be  finally  able  to  secure  a  foothold  and  establish  himself  in  life.  The 
first  job  he  found  was  work  on  a  railroad  in  the  vicinity  of  Pittsburgh  at  $1.50 
per  day.  He  considered  this  a  very  munificent  wage  and  felt  thrills  of  delight 
at  being  able  to  make  so  much  money.  A  little  later,  however,  he  exchanged 
this  occupation  for  that  of  a  peddler,  selling  forks  and  knives  and  then  dry 
goods  in  the  many  country  towns  around  Pittsburgh.  Soon  afterwards  he 
bought  a  team  and  a  horse  and  started  collecting  and  selling  rags.  In  1886 
he  went  to  Kansas  with  a  brother,  and  the  two  young  men  attempted  to  become 
farmers.  The  venture  did  not  prove  a  success,  and  they  returned  to  Pitts- 
burgh. They  went  to  peddling  again,  this  time  to  Beaver  Falls,  Pa.,  where, 
after  two  years,  they  saved  about  $1,000,  which  enabled  the  brothers  to  go  into 
the  junk  business.  The  business  had  a  steady  development  and  some  twenty 
years  ago  it  was  removed  to  Youngstown,  the  city  of  iron  and  steel. 

323 


Youngstown  is  a  remarkable  community,  being  the  mining  center  of  the 
iron  and  steel  industry,  the  principal  site  of  some  of  the  largest  foundries  in 
the  country,  a  rapidly  grown  city  which  owes  everything  to  its  natural  location, 
and  is  no  place  for  idlers  or  people  who  are  anxious  to  lead  a  life  of  pleasure, 
but  is  the  city  of  the  hard  worker,  the  man  of  brain  and  industry,  the  man  of 
energy  and  diligence.  Mr.  Wilkoff  found  the  place  congenial  for  his  type  of 
character  and  with  the  wonted  energy  the  Wilkoff  Company  was  started,  a 
remarkable  concern,  manufacturing  iron  and  steel,  and  another,  The  Youngs- 
town Steel  Car  Company,  a  concern  manufacturing  industrial  cars.  Mr. 
William  Wilkoff  is  the  President  of  both  corporations,  the  two  brothers  being 
members  of  the  firm.  Mr.  Wilkoff  was  one  of  the  incorporators  of  the 
Youngstown  Sheet  and  Tube  Company,  capitalized  at  $50,000,000.  The  origi- 
nal capital  was  but  $600,000,  but  the  rapid  growth  of  the  firm  necessitated  an 
enlargement  of  its  activities  so  that  the  capital  was  increased.  For  some  time 
Mr.  Wilkoff  served  as  a  director  of  this  corporation,  but  recently  he  gave  it 
up,  being  too  much  taken  up  by  the  other  industrial  concerns  over  which  he 
presides. 

Mr.  Wilkoff  is  proud  of  the  fact  that  the  Russian  Jew  has  risen  so  high  in 
American  Jewry.  He  is  a  typical  instance  of  the  enterprising  spirit  of  the 
Russian  Jew  with  his  indomitable  and  ever-striving  ambition.  It  is  this  ambi- 
tion that  enabled  him  to  suffer  want  and  privation  in  the  dreary  days  of  his  stay 
at  Beaver  Falls,  and  it  is  this  ambition  that  placed  him  so  high  in  the  business 
and  social  life  of  Youngstown. 

Mr.  Wilkoff  is  by  no  means  satisfied  with  a  mere  business  success.  He 
strove  to  fit  himself  into  the  communal  life  of  Youngstown,  and  is  an  active 
member  of  many  charitable  organizations.  True,  he  never  found  time  to  hold 
office  in  any  of  the  innumerable  societies  and  lodges  to  which  he  belongs,  but 
wherever  he  comes,  he  is  warmly  welcomed  and  universally  admired  and 
esteemed.  Mr.  Wilkoff  is  a  member  of  the  Rodeph  Sholom  Congregation ;  he 
is  not  a  reformer,  but  a  liberal  Orthodox,  believing  as  he  does  that  it  would 
be  much  better  for  the  younger  generation  to  have  Reform  Judaism  than  to 
have  nothing.  He  himself  has  had  a  Jewish  religious  training  of  the  highest 
possible  type  and  he  was  a  Yeshiba  Bochur  in  "the  old  country." 

On  January  16,  1894,  he  was  married  to  Fannie  Cohen,  born  in  Cleveland, 
Ohio.  There  are  three  sons,  of  whom  the  oldest,  Louis,  is  married ;  Ralph  is  a 
student  at  the  Culver  Military  Academy  at  Culver,  Ind.,  and  Arthur  attends 
school.  Mrs.  Wilkoff  is  a  very  active  charity  worker,  sharing  with  her  hus- 
band his  interest  in  communal  work  and  being  a  member  of  every  organization 
to  which  he  belongs. 

Mr.  Wilkoff  looks  young  for  his  age  and  his  presence  radiates  a  spirit  of 
confidence  and  self-possession  and  success,  which  he  attributes  largely  to  hard 
work  and  absolute  honesty  in  all  his  dealings  with  others. 


MAX  WILLIAMS 

Of  all  the  rewards  which  the  world  has  to  bestow,  probably  the  greatest 
comes  to  the  man  who  in  the  early  afternoon  of  life  beholds  the  fruition  of  his 
early  struggles  and  is  able  to  give  to  his  children  the  many  advantages  which 
he  so  sorely  missed  in  his  own  youth. 

Such  a  man  is  Mr.  Max  Williams  of  Harrisburg,  Pa.,  whose  advice  and 
financial  assistance  has  not  only  been  invaluable  to  his  own  children,  but  has 
helped  many  other  struggling  young  people  on  their  way  to  success. 

Max  Williams,  the  son  of  Harris  and  Malka  Williams,  was  born  in  Kovno, 

324 


Guberne,  Russia.  July  ic.  1873,  and  remained  in  his  native  land  until  he  was 
nineteen  years  of  age.  when  he  decided  to  try  his  fortunes  in  America. 

He  landed  in  Lebanon.  Pa.,  with  but  46  cents  in  his  pocket,  but  was 
befriended  by  a  man  who  had  formerly  migrated  from  his  native  land,  who 
loaned  him  S10  worth  of  goods  with  which  to  start  out  peddling. 

Having  accumulated  a  small  capital,  he  opened 
a  shoe  factory  with  a  partner,  but  the  venture  was 
unsuccessful,  and  he  lost  all  his  savings. 

However,  to  the  man  with  a  true  merchandising 
instinct,  failure  is  but  a  stepping  stone  to  larger 
success,  and  this  was  true  in  the  case  of  Mr. 
Williams. 

He  immediately  started  in  peddling  again,  and. 
continuing  for  two  years,  was  able  to  save  enough 
capital  to  start  in  the  junk  business  wiih  Mr.  Freed- 
man.  his  present  partner,  and  here  he  found  the 
lasting  prosperity  which  has  made  him  a  power  for 
good  in  his  community. 

He  was  married  in  Philadelphia.  June  27th. 
1893,  to  Miss  Lena  Levine.  who  has  been  a  wonder- 
ful mother  to  their  eight  children  and  a  continual 
help  and  inspiration  to  her  husband. 

She  is  also  recognized  as  a  leader  in  all  social  and  philanthropic  affairs  of 
the  city. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Williams  have  given  two  sons.  Moe  and  Sam.  to  the  service 
of  their  country. 

Another  son.  Louis,  is  in  business  in  York.  Pa.  The  other  two  boys  and 
three  girls  are  still  in  school,  and  are  being  educated  in  music. 

Although  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Williams  are  very  reticent  regarding  their  many 
charitable  activities,  we  do  not  feel  that  this  article  would  be  complete  without 
making  mention  of  them. 

Besides  the  promotion  of  all  local  welfare  movements  they  give  liberally 
to  Denver  Hospitals,  the  Immigration  Society  of  Xew  York.  Orphans"  Home 
of  Erie.  Pa.,  and  all  the  Yishivas. 

Mr.  Williams  is  a  member  of  both  Congregations  in  his  city,  being  director 
of  Hazeck  Hamoua  and  president  of  the  Independent  Order  B'rith  Abraham. 
He  is  a  member  of  the  Odd  Fellows.  Modern  Woodmen  of  the  World  and 
Commonwealth  Lodge  of  B'nai  B'rith. 


Max    AYillianis 


SAM  WILLIAMS  AND  MEYER  LEVIN 


Some  of  the  events  of  life  lead  us  to  feel  that  the  world  is  not  so  large 
after  all.  That  Sam  Williams  and  Meyer  Levin,  both  born  in  the  same  section 
of  Russia,  should  have  journeyed  to  America  without  having  become  ac- 
quainted, and  should  at  last  form  a  partnership  which  is  existing  at  the  present 
time,  is  one  of  the  strange  tricks  which  fortune  sometimes  plays  with  the 
affairs  of  men. 

In  all  essentials  their  histories  are  almost  identical.  Both  came  to  the  new 
world  with  no  assets  except  a  dauntless  determination  to  make  a  success  of  life. 
Thev  began  peddling  as  soon  as  they  arrived,  gradually  building  up  a  business 
in  iron,  metal  and  scrap.  Mr.  Williams  first  went  to  Harrisburg.  where  a 
brother  resided,  later  to  Sunbury.  then  back  to  Harrisburg.  and  finally  to  York. 
Pa.,  where  he  affiliated  his  business  interests  with  those  of  Louis  Williams  and 
Mever  Levin.  They  now  have  an  immense  plant  where  they  handle  one  of 
the  largest  businesses  of  the  kind  in  that  section  of  the  state. 


Samuel  Williams  was  married  in  Harrisburg,  Pa.,  July,  1902,  and  the 
family  consists  of  his  wife  and  one  daughter,  who  is  going  to  school. 

Mr.  Levin  was  married  in  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  in  the  year  1901  to  Miss 
Minnie  Miller,  and  they  have  three  children,  two  boys  and  one  girl,  all  going  to 
school. 

Both  families  are  very  actively  connected  with  the  various  organizations 
of  their  community,  being  members  of  Habres  Israel  Congregation,  and  con- 
tribute to  all  charities  both  local  and  national.  Messrs.  Williams  and  Levin 
are  members  of  Independent  Order  B'rith  Abraham  and  B'rith  Sholom. 


HERMAN  WINDT 

Was  born  in  S.  A.  L'jhely,  County  of  Zemplin,  Hungary,  on  Xew  Year's 
Day,  1880,  of  an  old  and  respected  family,  a  number  of  whom  attained  dis- 
tortion in  Hebrew  letters  and  in  civic  affairs  in  Hungary. 

In  1900,  becoming  dissatisfied  with  the  dull  and  orderly  routine  of  life  in 
S.  A.  Ujhely,  he  migrated  to  the  Lnited  States  and  located  in  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 
He  was  employed  by  H.  J.  Heinz  Company,  and  later  by  the  National  Casket 
Company.  About  two  years  later  he  went  into  the  clothing  business  at  Wil- 
merding.  Pa.,  and  afterwards  at  East  Pittsburgh,  Pa.  Ten  years  after  his 
arrival  in  this  country  he  opened  up  a  banking  and  foreign  exchange  business, 
which  he  still  conducts  at  No.  807  Linden  avenue,  East  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 

Mr.  Windt  is  prominently  identified  with  every  local  Jewish  institution, 
and  is  the  founder  and  a  charter  member  of  the  Congregation  Ohab  Zedek,  and 
to  his  influence  and  financial  support  the  congregation  owes  the  erection  of  its 
synagogue  and  Hebrew  school.  Mr.  Windt  is  a  most  aggressive  communal 
worker,  and  intensely  Jewish  in  all  his  undertakings.  He  is  a  man  whose 
charity  knows  no  bounds,  and  no  cause,  in  the  interest  of  Jews,  finds  a  more 
ready  or  sympathetic  ear.  Xo  less  than  one-half  of  the  merchants  of  East 
Pittsburgh  owe  their  start  in  business  and  success  directlv  to  his  moral  and 
financial  encouragement  and  support. 

Mr.  Windt  has  been  very  successful  in  his  business  affairs,  and  has  also 
found  time  to  interest  himself  in  the  civic  affairs  of  East  Pittsburgh,  and  has 
thereby  earned  the  confidence  and  respect  of  the  entire  community.  As  a 
result,  in  1912,  Governor  Tener  of  Pennsylvania  appointed  Mr.  Wrindt  to  the 
position  of  Justice  of  the  Peace  Alderman  for  East  Pittsburgh,  to  fill  a  vacancy 
that  had  occurred ;  and  in  1914  he  was  returned  to  that  position  for  the  full 
term  of  six  years,  at  a  popular  election,  with  a  most  flattering  majority,  which 
position  he  continues  to  hold,  notwithstanding  the  fact  that  his  time  is  almost 
completely  taken  up  by  his  large  business  interests. 

On  March  5th,  1904,  Mr.  Windt  was  married  to  Miss  Sophia  Weiss  of 
Portchester,  N.  Y.,  and  this  union  has  been  blessed  with  a  son,  Bernard 
Emanual  Windt,  whose  education  in  the  faith  of  his  fathers  is  now  Mr.  Windt's 
chief  concern.  Mr.  Windt  is  a  kind  and  affable  gentleman,  exceedingly  demo- 
cratic in  his  nature,  of  a  genial  and  sympathetic  disposition  and  modest  and 
retiring  by  habit.  He  is  an  indefatigable  and  tireless  worker,  alert,  intelli- 
gent, active  and  with  capabilities  of  performing  any  amount  of  work. 


326 


HARRY  WISMAN 

How  a  man  achieves  greatness,  and  climbs  the  ladder  of  success,  has  been 
the  question  which  has  agitated  the  mind  of  man  since  time  immemorial.  A 
perusal  of  the  pages  of  biographies  easily  reveals  the  secret  but  only  the 
exceptional  few  possess  sufficient  determination  to  carry  them  through  severe 
trials  and  hardships  which  seems  to  be  the  apprenticeship  which  must  be 
served. 

Mr.  Harry  Wisman,  a  successful  business  man  of  New  Philadelphia,  Ohio, 
expresses  an  opinion  which  coincides  with  hundreds  of  others  who  have  had 
experiences  similar  to  his,  when  he  says  that  success  means  the  application  of 
energy,  efficiency,  hard  work  and  honorable  dealings. 

Mr.  Wisman  was  born  in  Bolina,  Guberne,  Russia,  March  18,  1883,  his 
parents  being  a  highly  respected  family  of  the  community,  from  whom  he 
inherited  the  fine  traits  of  character  which  proved  so  valuable  to  him  in  later 
life. 

He  came  to  America,  landing  in  New  York,  November  17,  1908,  where  he 
worked  as  operator  in  a  factory  at  a  very  small  wage.  He  then  went  to  Port- 
land, Me.,  where  he  peddled  merchandise  for  nearly  a  year.  His  next  move 
was  to  Pittsburgh,  Pa.,  where  he  learned  the  trade  of  cigar  maker.  This  did 
not  appeal  to  him.  so  he  quit  and  started  peddling  junk  in  Pittsburgh,  and  later 
in  New  Philadelphia,  Ohio.  During  the  next  four  years  he  accumulated  a 
little  money,  and  in  1912  went  back  to  Russia  to  bring  his  family  to  America: 
Owing  to  the  fact  that  the  country  was  aroused  by  internal  disturbances,  he 
was  not  able  to  bring  them  over.  Returning  alone  to  New  Philadelphia,  he 
again  began  peddling  junk,  which  he  continued  until  1914,  when  he  joined  his 
present  firm,  where  he  is  today  associated  as  a  full  partner  and  has  accumulated 
a  fortune. 

Mr.  Wisman  was  married  in  Russia  to  Miss  Minnicha  Nochas  in  March, 
1906,  his  wife  being  a  young  lady  of  fine  Jewish  family.  They  have  one 
daughter. 

Mr.  Wisman  devotes  much  of  his  time  and  money  to  charity,  subscribing 
to  the  Denver  Hospital,  as  well  as  many  other  charities,  both  local  and 
national. 

He  is  a  member  of  Achas  Volina  of  Pittsburgh,  B'rith  Abraham,  Inde- 
pendent Order  of  B'rith  Abraham,  Odd  Fellows,  Knights  of  Pythias,  Modern 
Woodmen  of  America,  and  Chamber  of  Commerce. 


JACKE  WOLF 

The  American  Jew — who  having  imbibed  thorough  American  principles, 
and  loyalty  to  the  land  of  his  adoption,  but,  at  the  same  time  maintains  the  best 
ideals  of  his  Jewish  ancestors — is  the  best  and  most  progressive  type  of  Amer- 
ican business  man  which  we  find  in  our  country  today. 

Such  a  young  man  is  Mr.  Jacke  Wolf,  son  of  Edward  and  Sahra  Wolf, 
who  was  born  in  Rochester,  N.  Y.,  August  25,  1890. 

He  went  to  school  until  sixteen  years  of  age,  when  the  necessity  of  making 
his  own  living  caused  him  to  turn  to  the  first  employment  which  presented 
itself,  and  he  became  a  fireman  on  the  Santa  Fe  R.  R.  He  continued  this  for 
one  year,  when  he  worked  on  a  dredge  boat  at  Galveston,  Texas,  for  a  short 
time. 

However,  these  occupations  failed  to  satisfy  the  dormant,  commercial 
instinct  which  he  had  inherited  from  a  long  line  of  ancestors,  and  he  went  to 

327 


Kansas  City,  where  he  peddled  fruit  until  he  had  saved  enough  money  to  start 
in  the  junk  business  in  Ft.  Wayne,  Ind. 

Here  he  found  the  vocation  for  which  he  was  fitted,  and  if  the  future 
may  be  judged  by  the  few  years  of  brilliant  business  success  which  he  has 
already  enjoyed,  his  career  will  be  a  most  remarkable  one. 

He  was  married  in  Kansas  City  to  Miss  Fannie  Keller,  an  accomplished 
young  lady  who  is  eminently  fitted  to  occupy  a  prominent  social  position,  and 
they  have  both  endeared  themselves  to  their  community  by  their  generous  con- 
tributions to  the  many  charitable  organizations  of  their  city. 


LOUIS  WOLFSON 

The  life  of  Louis  Wolfson  teaches  the  world  old  lesson,  a  worthy  pur- 
pose, patient  energy  for  its  accomplishment,  a  resoluteness  undaunted  by  diffi- 
culties and  then — success. 

Born  in  Valina,  Guberne,  Russia,  in  January,  1880,  his  early  life  was  sur- 
rounded by  an  atmosphere  of  religious  scholarship,  as  his  father  was  a  promi- 
nent Jewish  Rabbi  of  his  native  city. 

Finding  few  opportunities  for  the  development  of  his  commercial  in- 
stincts, he  came  to  America  in  1503,  landing  in  New  York.  Here  he  found 
employment  in  a  bakery,  later  peddling  milk,  and  still  later  opened  a  grocery 
store,  where  he  continued  four  years. 

Selling  out  and  going  to  Logan,  Qhio,  buying,  and  selling  iron  and  metal, 
was  so  unfortunate  as  to  meet  with  serious  reverses  and  lost  his  entire  capital. 

He  then  removed  to  Columbus,  Ohio,  and  for  two  years  sold  fruit,  enabling 
him  to  make  enough  money  to  go  into  business  again. 

He  made  his  next  venture  in  JVIarysville,  Ohio,  where,  with  a  partner,  he 
purchased  a  junk  yard  and  was  so  successful  that  he  soon  bought  the  interest 
of  his  partner  also,  and  has  most  successfully  conducted  the  business  from  that 
time  to  the  present. 

Shortly  after  landing  in  America,  he  met  Miss  Becky  Chisam  of  New 
York,  who  later  became  his  wife.  They  have  three  fine  boys,  who,  after  com- 
pleting school,  will  doubtless  assist  their  father  in  conducting  the  business. 

Like  most  Jewish  people,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wolfson  are. never  forgetful  of 
those  less  fortunate  than  themselves,  and  contribute  most  liberally,  not  only  to 
all  local  charities  but  to  Denver  and  Los  Angeles  Sanitariums,  as  well  as  being 
members  of  Congregation  Aqudaho  Achem  of  Columbus,  Ohio. 

Marysville  is  indeed  fortunate  in  having  such  a  useful  and  purposeful 
citizen  as  Mr.  Wolfson  to  take  an  active  part  in  civic  and  social  affairs. 


HERMAN  WOLKOWSKY 

Key  West,  Fla.,  is  a  community  of  but  one  congregation,  and  there  are 
many  respected  and  prominent  Jews  in  the  city — yet  the  office  of  President  of 
the  only  congregation,  B'nai  Zion,  has  devolved  for  the  second  time  upon  Mr'. 
Herman  Wolkowsky,  although  he  is  only  twenty-seven  years  of  age.  The  rea- 
sons for  this  are  not  far  to  seek. 

Desirous  of  making  their  congregation  a  success,  the  members  of  the 
Jewish  Community  of  Key  West  selected  a  man  of  whom  they  can  be  sure  that 
he  will  display,  in  his  communal  dealings,  the  same  astute  and  shrewd  energy 

328 


that  made  him  so  successful  in  his  own  private  undertakings,  and  though  he  is 
so  young,  he  well  understands  the  problems  he  is  called  upon  to  solve. 

Herman  Wolkowsky  was  born  on  the  ioth  of  July,  1890,  in  Augustow, 
Government  of  Suwalk,  as  the  son  of  Harry  and  Feigel  Wolkowsky.  He 
received  a  thorough  Jewish  education  and  became  a  Talmud  scholar  of  note. 
In  October,  1906,  he  came  to  America,  where  he  went  immediately  into  the 
materialistic  world,  leaving  his  Talmud  study  for  a  clerkship  in  a  store  in  Key 
West,  turning  later  to  the  cigar  business  and  finally  establishing  a  pawn  brok- 
erage and  furniture  business,  in  which  he  had  been  engaged  since  1912,  with 
tremendous  success.  He  is  located  in  the  Wolkowsky  Building,  602  Duval 
street.  Mr.  Wolkowsky  is  also  a  Master  Mason,  and  generally  known  in  com- 
munal life. 

This  young  business  man,  who  is  so  successful  in  all  things,  was  married 
on  June  2,  1914,  to  Miss  Bertha  Rosenthal  of  New  York,  and  they  are  the 
parents  of  a  very  charming  small  daughter,  Edith  Cecilia.  Both  himself  and 
wife  are  very  popular  in  their  social  circle,  and  are  not  only  active  in  religious 
matters,  but  also  contribute  most  generously  to  all  worthy  charities. 

It  is  such  citizenship  which  raises  the  status  of  the  community,  state  and 
nation. 


JOSEPH   J.    YAWITZ 

There  is  something  of  the  thrill  of  romance  in  life  stories  of  successful  men 
of  business  who  have  risen  from  the  lowest  strata  of  human  society  to  heights 
unsurpassable.  America  has  contributed  to  the  world  the  type  of  successful  men 
who  have  gained  their  ends  by  persistent,  hard  work,  energy,  courage  and  a 
vision  of  things  beyond  the  scope  of  their  daily  toil.  It  was  Alger  who  immor- 
talized this  type  in  literature  and  created  a  public  eager  to  read  and  emulate 
the  never-to-be-forgotten  type.  But  history  is,  for  the  most  part,  even  stranger 
than  fiction. 

Joseph  J.  Yawitz  is  not  a  native;  he  is  an  acclimatized  American,  having 
that  Jewish  sense  of  adaptability  and  being  thoroughly  persistent  and  coura- 
geous. At  the  age  of  twenty-four  he  was  already  President  of  a  corporation 
which  he  organized  himself  and  had  quit  a  salaried  position  paying  him  $3,000 
a  year.  This  circumstance  shows  the  timber  of  which  he  was  made  and  serves 
to  explain  many  things  about  this  remarkable  and  unusual  rise. 

Born  in  a  village  which  will  hardly  be  found  on  any  map,  Kupel,  in  the 
Russian  province  of  Yolhynia,  on  June  15,  1887,  Mr.  Yawitz  is  the  son  of 
David  and  Jennie  Yawitz,  who  brought  him  to  the  Utnited  States  when  he  was 
barely  nine  years  of  age.  Joseph  went  to  school  like  every  ordinary  American 
and,  like  so  many  others,  when  school  was  out  and  vacation  came,  the  boy  began 
looking  for  a  job.  A  dry-goods  store  advertised  for  a  bundle  boy  and  he  an- 
swered the  ad.  He  asked  how  much  he  would  be  paid,  but  all  the  answer  he 
received  was  that  there  was  no  fixed  wage  in  the  place,  but  a  boy  was  paid  what 
he  was  worth.  Joseph,  good-naturedly,  consented  to  work  on  these  conditions 
and  at  the  end  of  the  week  received  $1.75.  He  came  to  the  conclusion  that  he 
ought  to  strive  to  be  worth  more.  He  was  fourteen  years  of  age  then.  The 
hoy  worked  in  a  good  many  places  without  seeming  to  be  getting  anywhere. 
Finally  an  idea  struck  him  to  advertise  on  his  own  account  in  the  St.  Louis 
Post-Dispatch.  And  it  was  then  that  he  was  given  a  job  which  started  him 
going  in  the  right  direction. 

The  Mound  City  Chair  Company  sent  him  the  following  laconic  message 
on  a  postal  card,  dated  from  St.  Louis,  October  22,  1902  :  "Please  call  at 
Second  and  Brooklyn  streets."    Joseph  J.  Yawitz  little  thought  that  such  would 

329 


be  the  beginning  of  a  most  interesting  business  career.  He  started  as  an  office 
boy  with  the  company,  but  in  a  short  time  was  given  charge  of  the  shipping 
department.  Before  the  end  of  the  year  he  was  advanced  to  stenographer  and 
billing  clerk.  Whenever  he  had  time  he  worked  in  the  factory,  learning  the 
business  from  the  ground  up.  At  night  he  took  a  catalogue  and  photographs 
and  went  out  to  the  neighborhood  stores  that  kept  open  late  and  obtained  orders 
which  he  turned  in  at  the  office  the  next  morning. 

His  ambition  was  to  become  a  traveling  salesman,  and  though  he  was  but 
sixteen  years  of  age,  they  let  him  go  ahead.  He  covered  a  number  of  small 
towns  and  opened  up  territory  for  the  firm  in  a  dozen  states.  As  Mr.  Yawitz 
puts  it,  "The  firm  was  new.  the  line  was  new  and  the  salesman  was  new,  but 
each  day  I  did  more  business  than  the  day  before.''  He  was  no  longer  con- 
tented with  the  small  cities,  but  his  ambition  was  to  work  the  larger  places.  He 
went  to  Quincy,  to  Omaha  and  St.  Joseph ;  then  he  went  to  Denver  and  made 
a  four  months'  trip  through  Colorado  and  the  Northwest,  San  Francisco,  Port- . 
land  and  Seattle.  The  results  greatly  exceeded  all  expectations  and  the  young- 
salesman  was  soon  able  to  acquire  stock  in  the  company,  becoming  its  Treasurer. 
But  as  he  could  not  obtain  control  of  the  corporation  and  become  its  President, 
he  disposed  of  his  stock  and  resigned. 

Thereafter,  in  1910,  he  organized  the  National  Chair  Company  with 
Mr.  Edwin  V.  Glaser,  who  is  well  known  in  financial  circles,  he  becoming 
Treasurer  of  the  company,  becoming  its  President  at  the  age  of  twenty-three. 
At  the  present  moment  ( 1918)  he  not  only  heads  this  company,  but  is  President 
of  the  United  States  Chair  Association,  embracing  his  own  company  and  a 
number  of  other  concerns,  doing  remarkable  business  all  over  the  country  and 
controlling  the  entire  market  of  the  United  States.  Mr.  Yawitz  has  just  turned 
thirty. 

This  steady  and  unabated  rise  has  naturally  caused  Mr.  Yawitz  to  become 
a  prominent  figure  in  the  social  life  of  St.  Louis.  He  was  a  Director  of  the 
Young  Men's  Hebrew  Association,  a  member  of  the  B'nai  B'rith,  a  thirty- 
second  degree  Mason,  a  K.  P.,  a  Rotarian  and  belongs  to  a  score  of  organ- 
izations. He  is  a  member  of  the  Temple  Israel  and  the  interests  of  those  who 
need  to  be  helped  by  their  fellow  men,  both  Jew  and  non-Jew,  are  close  to  his 
heart. 

Mr.  Yawitz  was  marired  on  November  28,  1912,  in  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  to  Miss 
Dollye  Rubenstein,  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Max  Rubenstein,  and  there  are 
two  children  of  this  union,  named  Marvin  Allen  and  Joseph  Jay,  Jr. 

Mr.  Yatwitz,  like  his  father,  is  a  thorough  Hebrew  scholar.  He  is  the 
grandson  of  a  prominent  Rabbi,  Jacob  Emden  ben  Zwi  Yawitz,  and  expects 
to  give  his  children  a  Jewish  education. 

He  has  five  brothers  living  in  St.  Louis,  Morris  J.,  Samuel,  Frank,  Harry 
L.  and  Ely,  and  one  sister,  Mrs.  L.  O.  Tobias,  living  in  San  Antonio.  Texas. 


BENJAMIN  YARASHEFSKY 

A  proper  knowledge  of  the  art  of  conservation  has  put  many  a  man  on 
the  high  road  to  success.  It  has  remained  for  immigrants  coming  to  our 
shores  to  teach  us  the  value  of  the  waste  to  which  we  formerly  gave  no  thought. 
One  of  the  men  who  has  thus  made  a  fortune  is  Mr.  Benjamin  Yarashefskv. 

He  was  born  in  Pagolsky,  Russia,  in  1864,  the  son  of  Moses  and  Hia  Yara- 
shefsky,  his  father  being  a  merchant  of  his  native  city,  and  also  a  scholar  of 
considerable  attainments,  from  whom  young  Benjamin  doubtless  inherited  con- 
siderable of  the  business  ability  which  he  applied  in  later  years.  He  was  mar- 
ried in  1895  and  four  years  later  decided  to  try  his  fortunes  in  America.  Com- 
ing to  Woonsocket,  R.  I.,  he  immediately  engaged  in  the  collection  of  waste 

330 


material,  which  he  continued  for  fourteen  years.  At  the  expiration  of  this 
time  he  moved  to  Providence,  R.  I.,  where  he  established  business  at  224 
Charles-street,  and  has  remained  there  ever  since. 

Although  Mr.  Yarashefsky  is  very  reticent  regarding  the  remakable  suc- 
cess he  has  achieved,  he  is  recognized  as  one  of  the  most  able  business  men  in 
Providence. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Yarashefsky  have  a  fine  family  of  ten  children,  two  boys 
and  eight  girls.  Three  of  the  girls  are  married  and  the  balance  are  in  school. 
All  are  being  highly  educated  in  music.  The  elder  son,  Simon,  is  engaged  in 
the  jewelry  business  in  New  York  City.  The  other  son  is  still  in  school.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Yarashefsky  are  prominent  members  of  Avas  Sholam  Congregation 
and  contribute  most  liberally  to  all  worthy  charities  appealing  to  them  for  aid. 


ABE  YASGUR 

To  students  of  biography  nothing  is  more  interesting  than  the  study  of  the 
history  of  a  self-made  man,  and  to  analyze  the  various  elements  of  character 
that  have  enabled  him  to  pass,  on  the  highway  of  life,  many  of  his  youthful 
companions,  who  were  much  better  equipped  financially. 

The  subject  of  our  biography  is  such  a  man,  who,  through  his  own  exer- 
tions, has  attained  an  honorable  and  influential  position  in  Bradford,  Pa. 

He  was  born  forty-eight  years  ago  in  Senna,  Russia,  and  came  to  America 
during  the  summer  of  1904. 

Going  to  Wilkes-Barre,  Pa.,  he  worked  in  a  grocery  for  a  few  months,  and 
then  started  peddling  dry  goods.  Then  followed  three  months'  experience  as 
a  window  trimmer  and  one  year  selling  umbrellas,  all  of  which  was  wonder- 
ful preparation  for  his  future  merchandising  career. 

He  then  came  to  Bradford,  Pa.,  where,  with  a  partner,  he  engaged  in  the 
furniture  business.  After  six  years  the  partnership  was  dissolved  and  Mr. 
Yasgur  assumed  entire  charge  of  the  business. 

He  has  been  very  successful  and  is  one  of  the  most  influential  men  of 
Bradford. 

Mr.  Yasgur  was  married  in  Berezen,  Russia,  twenty-one  years  ago  to  Miss 
Sarah  Minkowitz,  and  they  have  two  sons  and  two  daughters,  who  are  receiving 
the  best  possible  equipment  for  life's  work,  a  liberal  education. 

Mr.  Yasgur  is  affiliated  with  Orthodox,  B'nai  B'rith,  Western  Star,  K.  of 
P.  and  Moose,  and  both  himself  and  wife  are  most  generous  in  their  con- 
tributions to  charitable  causes. 


BENJAMIN    A.    ZACKS 

The  Statue  of  Libert}'  has  sent  forth  her  welcoming  light  to  many  wan- 
derers from  every  land  under  the  sun.  Some  have  come  fearfully,  furtively, 
still  hearing  the  echo  of  a  world-old  tyranny;  some  despondent  and  broken, 
caring  nothing  for  their  own  success,  hoping  only  that  their  children  may  enjoy 
the  advantages  they  have  missed. 

In  sharp  contrast  are  some  of  the  courageous  young  spirits  who  have 
landed  on  our  shores  with  nothing  but  their  unquenchable  hope  and  independ- 
ence upon  which  to  erect  their  futures. 

Of  all  those  who  landed  in  the  spring  of  1881,  none  was  more  sanguine 

331 


than  Benjamin  A.  Zacks,  for  had  he  not  left  in  his  native  city  the  greatest  of 
all  incentives  for  supreme  effort — a  young  wife  and  haby,  whom  he  hoped 
soon  to  bring  to  America. 

Benjamin  A.  Zacks  was  born  in  Kovno,  Guberne,  Russia,  February  10, 
185Q,  his  father,  Yitzhog  Zacks,  being  a  successful  merchant  and  a  very  schol- 
arly man.  On  this  account,  and  probably  on  account  of  an  unusually  fortunate 
heredity,  young  Benjamin  started  his  career  with  better  mental  equipment  than 
is  the  lot  of  most  boys. 

At  the  age  of  twenty  he  was  married  to  Miss  Minnie  Rubin,  and  later 
events  have  proved  conclusively  that  his  guiding  star  was  in  the  ascendency 
when  he  chose  her  for  his  wife,  as  she  has  been  a  most  wonderful  wife  and 
mother  and  inspiration  and  guiding  genius  at  every  crucial  point  in  her  hus- 
band's career. 

Determining  that  America  offered  most  opportunities  for  the  development 
of  his  commercial  ability,  he  left  his  home  and  landed  in  New  York  in  the 
spring  of  1881,  practically  penniless. 

Like  many  another  immigrant  placed  in  a  similar  position,  he  at  once 
began  peddling  small  merchandise,  which  he  continued  for  one  year,  going 
from  New  York  to  Cleveland.  Then  came  the  happy  day  when  he  had  enough 
money  saved  to  send  for  his  family,  and  after  their  arrival  he  continued  to 
live  in  Cleveland  for  ten  years,  working  hard  peddling  junk  and  saving  against 
the  day  when  he  could  permanently  establish  himself  in  business. 

When  he  was  ready  for  his  venture  he  moved  to  Erie,  Pa.,  and  opened 
a  yard.  His  rise  from  that  time  was  phenomenal.  When  his  sons  grew  old 
enough  he  took  them  into  the  business  with  him  and  they  recently  acquired  a 
seven  and  one-half  acre  tract  of  land  in  the  heart  of  the  factory  district, 
where  they  have  built  a  beautiful  office  building  and  warehouse  equipped  with 
every  modern  appliance  known  to  the  iron  and  metal  trade. 

The  writer  has  had  the  pleasure  of  visiting  many  such  industrial  plants, 
but  never  has  seen  quite  such  a  high  degree  of  modern  efficiency  as  Mr.  Zacks 
has  in  operation. 

As  might  be  expected,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Zacks  and  family  are  very  prominent 
socially  and  enter  into  every  movement  for  social  and  civic  betterment.  Mr. 
Zacks  is  a  member  of  C.  B.  S.,  Congregation  of  Erie,  two  congregations  in 
Cleveland,  B'nai  B'rith  and  Modern  Woodmen  of  America.  They  contribute 
most  generously  to  Denver  and  Los  Angeles  hospitals,  all  the  Yishivas  in 
Europe  and  America,  the  Immigration  Society  of  New  York  and  many  others, 
besides  all  local  charities. 

They  have  seven  children,  all  well  educated  and  well  started  on  the  road 
to  success.  Three  sons  are  in  business  with  their  father,  while  Meyer  is  a 
physician.  One  daughter  is  married  and  lives  in  Buffalo,  while  the  other  two 
are  still  at  home.  Like  nearly  all  successful,  self-made  men,  Mr.  Zacks  places 
the  greatest  possible  value  upon  an  education  as  a  business  asset. 


MORRIS    ZAFF 

Among  the  prominent  citizens  that  Russia  has  given  to  America  may  be 
mentioned  Mr.  Morris  Zaff,  who  was  born  in  Volina,  Guberne,  Russia,  Sep- 
tember 15,  1878,  the  son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Fred  Zaff.  His  father  was  a  promi- 
nent grain  dealer  and  a  man  of  great  literary  attainments. 

Mr.  Zaff  came  to  America  in  November,  1905,  landing  in  Boston,  where 
he  worked  in  a  junk  yard  for  the  srhall  salary  of  $5  per  week,  in  order  to 
thoroughly  learn  the  business,  as  he  had  in  mind  the  establishment  of  a  busi- 
ness of  his  own.    He  then  went  to  Chelsea,  Mass.,  and  opened  an  establishment 

332 


devoted  to  the  sale  of  bags  and  burlap,  which  has  developed  into  the  present  im- 
mense plant,  the  largest  of  its  kind  in  the  city. 

Mr.  Zaff  was  married  in  January,  ign  to  Miss  Lena  Garfield  of  Chelsea, 
and  they  have  three  children,  one  boy  and  two  girls,  the  oldest  of  whom  is 
going  to  school. 

Many  charitable  institutions  have  reason  to  be  grateful  for  his  generosity. 
He  is  also  prominent  in  the  Orthodox  Congregation  and  House  of  Abraham. 


LOUIS   ZEIGER 

Life  is  a  drama  in  which  each  one  must  play  a  more  or  less  conspicuous 
part.  The  history,  of  the  rise  of  Louis  Zeiger  from  newspaper  boy  to  wealthy, 
prosperous  business  man  is  replete  with  dramatic  incidents,  and  worthy  the 
most  careful  study  by  young  people  who  feel  that  life  is  not  giving  them  fair 
opportunities. 

He  was  born  in  Rodrilichick,  Korne,  Guberne,  Russia,  July  21,  1879,  and 
came  to  America  when  only  thirteen  years  of  age. 

Landing  in  Baltimore,  Md.,  for  two  years  he  was  a  familiar  figure  on  the 
streets  of  that  city  selling  papers. 

He  then  went  to  Dayton,  Ohio,  and  clerked  in  a  department  store,  and 
later  went  into  the  picture  framing  business  in  Beaver  Falls,  Pa. 

The  next  few  years  were  sufficient  to  test  the  courage  of  a  much  older 
and  more  experienced  business  man.  The  picture  framing  business  proved 
a  failure,  so  he  accepted  a  position  as  collector  for  a  publishing  house,  saving 
$150,  with  which  capital  he  went  to  Baltimore,  and  opened  a  grocery  store. 
He  was  fairly  successful  here,  and  when  he  had  accumulated  $2,000  he  sold 
out,  and  coming  to  Youngstown,  Ohio,  opened  an  iron  and  metal  yard.  Here 
he  again  met  with  severe  reverses,  so  went  to  Canton,  Ohio,  and  secured  em- 
ployment with  the  Canton  Iron  &  Metal  Company,  acting  as  foreman  of  this 
concern,  was  very  successful,  and  when,  eight  years  later,  he  left  them  to 
engage  in  business  for  himself,  they  presented  him  with  a  handsome  gold  watch 
in  appreciation  of  his  services. 

Going  to  Detroit  with  a  fair  amount  of  capital,  which  he  had  succeeded  in 
saving,  and,  better  still,  a  wealth  of  valuable  experience,  he  started  in  business 
and  since  that  time  every  venture  in  which  he  has  engaged  has  been  highly 
successful. 

Today  he  is  owner  of  an  immense  iron  and  metal  yard,  as  well  as  a  great 
quantity  of  real  estate,  and  is  one  of  the  most  prosperous  and  influential  men 
in  his  city. 

He  was  married  in  Baltimore,  August  13,  1899,  to  Miss  Sarah  Goldstein, 
and  they  have  three  children,  two  boys  and  one  girl,  who  are  being  well  edu- 
cated. They  are  also  studying  music  and  have  displayed  much  talent  along 
this  line. 

Mr.  Zeiger  is  a  member  of  Temple  Beth  El,  is  a  prominent  Mason  and 
member  of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce. 

Both  himself  and  wife  contribute  liberally  to  all  charities  and  are  patrons 
of  the  Denver  Sanitarium. 


333 


DAVID   ZISKIND 

In  reviewing  the  lives  of  prominent  business  men  of  Lowell,  Mass.,  no 
name  stands  out  more  prominently  than  that  of  Mr.  David  Ziskind,  prominent 
iron  and  metal  dealer  and  manufacturing  machinist.  Mr.  Ziskind  was  born  in 
Kovnb,  Russia,  in  the  year  1876  and  came  to  America  at  the  age  of  twenty-two 
years,  bringing  with  him  his  wife,  who  was  formerly  Miss  Rachel  Luckonizky, 
whom  he  had  married  the  year  previous.  Coming  direct  to  Lowell,  Mass.,  he 
obtained  a  small  stock  of  merchandise  and  started  in  peddling  same.  Then 
followed  a  brief  time  during  which  he  worked  for  the  railroad  for  the  small 
sum  of  nine  dollars  per  week.  His  next  venture  was  in  the  iron  and  metal 
business,  which  was  to  prove  an  avenue  for  his  future  great  success.  After 
buying  and  selling  junk  for  three  years,  he  opened  a  small  shop  and  branched 
out  into  the  business  of  manufacturing  machinist.  He  has  today  the  largest 
business  of  this  kind  in  Lowell,  and  employs  a  large  number  of  people.  He 
also  conducts  a  very  successful  metal  business. 

In  addition  to  the  responsibilities  of  Mr.  Ziskind's  business,  he  finds  time 
to  actively  engage  in  the  promotion  of  numerous  charities  and  fraternal  organ- 
izations. He  was  for  fourteen  years  President  of  the  congregation  and  is 
at  the  present  time  President  of  Agoodas  Acham,  President  of  the  Hebrew 
Free  School,  and  was  Captain  of  the  third  Liberty  Loan  drive,  bringing  it 
through  with  wonderful  success. 

Mrs.  Ziskind  is  also  very  active  in  charitable  enterprises,  being  prominent 
in  the  Ladies'  Aid,  of  which  she  is  Past  President,  and  she  and  her  husband 
both  contribute  liberally  to  the  Jewish  war  sufferers'  relief  fund  and  the 
Yishivis,  of  which  Mr.  Ziskind  is  a  Director. 

Mr.  Ziskind  is  also  a  Director  of  the  Denver  Relief  Society  and  is  a 
member  of  the  Elks,  the  Odd  Fellows,  the  Board  of  Trade,  the  Driving  Club 
and  the  Highland  Club. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ziskind  have  six  children,  all  of  whom  are  receiving  excel- 
lent educations,  which  will  fit  them  for  very  prominent  business  and  social 
positions. 


HARRY  M.  ZUCKERMAN 

We  would  be  inclined  to  believe  that  a  young  man  landing  in  a  strange 
country  without  four  dollars  capital  in  the  world  was  not  starting  life  under 
very  promising  circumstances.  But  we  have  not  yet  taken  into  consideration 
the  personality  of  the  man  and  the  commercial  ability  inherited  from  a  long 
line  of  merchandising  ancestors. 

Harry  M.  Zuckerman  was  born  in  Vilna,  Guberne,  Russia,  August  25, 
1882.    His  father,  Victor  Zuckerman,  was  a  merchant  of  his  native  town. 

Coming  to  America  Julv  15,  1904,  he  landed  in  New  York  with  only  four 
dollars  with  which  to  begin  his  life  in  the  new  world. 

He  secured  a  position  in  a  cloak  factory,  where  he  remained  nine  months, 
working  for  the  small  sum  of  $6  per  week,  when  he  started  buying  and  selling 
junk,  and  one  year  later  opened  a  yard  in  Newport,  Pa.  Two  years  later  he 
came  to  Harrisburg,  Pa.,  and  started  his  present  business.  In  1906  he  took 
into  partnership  with  him  Mr.  Friedman,  and  today  they  have  the  finest  and 
best  equipped  business  of  the  kind  in  this  section  of  the  country. 

He  was  married  June  26,  1906,  to  Miss  Lillian  Zuckerman  of  New  York, 
and  they  have  four  fine  children,  all  going  to  school. 

We  do  not  feel  that  this  biography  would  be  complete  without  a  word 
regarding  the  social  and  charitable  activities  of  Mrs.  Zuckerman,  who  is  a 

334 


leader  of  Harrisburg  society  and  a  most  charming  and  accomplished  young 
woman.  She  is  active  in  promoting  many  charitable  enterprises,  besides  those 
patronized  by  both  herself  and  husband. 

Mr.  Zuckerman  belongs  to  both  congregations  in  Harrisburg,  also  B'rith 
Sholom,  Beneficial  Society,  Modern  Woodmen  of  the  World  and  Odd  Fellows, 
is  a  liberal  contributor  to  all  the  Yishivis,  the  Denver  Hospital,  Immigration 
Society  of  New  York  and  the  B'nai  B'rith  Orphans'  Home  of  Erie,  Pa. 

Thus  has  a  most  brilliant  career  unfolded  within  the  space  of  but  a  few 
years,  with  many  prosperous,  useful  years  still  in  the  future. 

Such  a  life  is  worthy  of  the  most  careful  study  and  emulation  by  young 
people  just  starting  out  in  the  world. 


SAM    ZUCKERMAN 

It  matters  not  where  a  man  starts  on  the  trail  towards  business  success, 
if  he  possesses  sufficient  ability  and  perseverance  he  is  bound  to  find  his  way 
to  the  line  for  which  he  is  best  fitted.  So  it  was  with  Mr.  Sam  Zuckerman, 
whose  modest  beginning  was  in  a  cigar  store,  but  who  is  now  proprietor  of 
"Zuckerman's,"  one  of  the  finest  stores  in  Jamestown,  N.  Y.,  devoted  to  ladies' 
ready-to-wear  garments. 

Mr.  Zuckerman  was  born  in  Ostrow,  Russian  Poland,  March  8,  1879,  the 
son  of  Sam  and  Jennie  Zuckerman.  He  came  to  America  in  March,  1896,  and 
worked  in  a  cigar  store  for  five  years.  He  then  went  into  the  furniture  busi- 
ness, where  he  continued  about  the  same  length  of  time,  after  which  he  opened 
a  small  store,  which  has  since  developed  into  the  fine  establishment  of  which 
he  is  manager  and  owner. 

Mr.  Zuckerman  was  married  in  New  York  April  4,  1902,  to  Miss  Ettie 
Schneider.     They  have  two  children,  one  boy  and  one  girl. 

Although  Mr.  Zuckerman  is  a  very  busy  man,  personally  taking  charge 
of  the  management  of  his  store,  he  at  the  same  time  is  mindful  of  social  and 
civic  obligations  and  is  a  devout  attendant  at  Jamestown  Congregation,  of 
which  he  is  President.  He  is  also  a  prominent  member  of  B'rith  Abraham,  the 
Odd  Fellows,  Eagles  and  Moose  and  lives  a  well-rounded  life  of  usefulness 
to  his  family  and  community. 


335 


INDEX 


Abenson,  Saul  1 

Abrich,    Abraham    1 

Ackerman,   Rabbi   William 2 

Adler,   Ben   '2 

Adler.    Lazar    3 

Alderman,    Abraham    3 

Alderman,    Max    3 

Alderman,   William    3 

-Alexander,    Leo    4 

Alper,    Meyer    Solomon 4 

Altschuler,  Oscar  H 5 

Amron,  Jacob    5 

Aronovsky,  Aaron  H 7 

Aronson,    I,    Leonard 7 

Aronstein,   Walter    8 

Babcock,   Benjamin    9 

Barnett,    Joseph    1" 

Barnett,   Samuel   (N.  Y.  City) 10 

Barnett,    Samuel    (Cleveland) 11 

Baum,  Samuel  12 

Bean,    Samuel    274 

Bear,   Max   Lee 13 

Beck,     Sam     13 

Beckerman,    Sam    12 

Belensky,    Harry    14 

Bellman,   Sam   15 

Belsky,    Charles    15 

Benstock,   Max    10 

Bercovitz,   Adolf    16 

Beren,  Elias   17 

Beren,    Harry    18 

Berger,     Abraham     18 

Berger,    Wolf    20 

Berkman,    Hyman    19 

Berman,    Julius    20 

Berman,  Oscar   21 

Berner,    Isaac    22 

Bernstein,  Jacob   23 

Blanck,    Philip    G 22 

Blasberg,    Harry    B 25 

Blasberg,    Samuel    Zelick 24 

Blattner,   Israel   S 27 

Blattner,  Mary  E 27 

Blickstein,   Israel    26 

Bloom,  Harry 28 

Blumberg,  Isaac   29 

Boff,  Moses   29 

Bonart,    Sam    30 

Borof sky,    Samuel   H 31 

Borowsky,  Jacob   30 

Botvvinik,  Harris    32 

Botwinik,    Hyman    32 

Brickman,    Barnett    33 

Browarsky,    Philip    33 


Burg,  Dr.  Sigmund  Schulem 34 

Burgin,   Sam    35 

Burstein,    Jacob    36 

Caplan,  Gutman    37 

Caplan,  Julius   Harry 37 

Caplan,    Samuel 39 

Carnick,  Abraham    ^ 38 

Carnick,   Jacob 39 

Carnick,   Robert    40 

Cassel,    Isidor   M 41 

Chaimowitz,   Bernard   40 

Chesney,   David    42 

Cohen,   Harry  ■ 42 

Cohen,    Harry    1 43 

Cohen,   Jacob    M 44 

Cohen,  Josiah   45 

Cohen,    Louis    202 

Cohen,   Max    (  Cleveland,   O. ) 47 

Cohen,   Max    (Harrisburg,  Pa.) 48 

Cohen,  Max   (Chelsea,  Mass.) 48 

Cohen,   Samuel   49 

Cohen,  Sol   50 

Colp,  Isaac  50 

Cooke,   Samuel 51 

Cooper,   Samuel    52 

Corman,   Israel    52 

Corman,  Joseph    53 

Cousins,  Jacob   M 53 

Cousins,  Joseph    54 

Cremar,   Samuel    54 

Cutler,   Oscar    55 

Cutler,   Philip    33 

Cuttler,    Benny 56 

Cuttler.  Hyman 56 

Dana,    Myer    57 

Daniel,  Max  A 58 

Daniels,  Wolf   57 

Dannel,   Samuel    59 

Davidson,  Jacob   59 

Davis,    Samuel    60 

Dezen,   Nathan    61 

Duberstein,  Ben    60 

Dunn,  Joseph    62 

Dushman,  Benjamin 63 

Ehrlich,   Louis 36 

Eichner,  Herman   63 

Eidelman,    Morris    M 64 

Eisendrath,  Nathan  J 65 

Elkins,  Samuel    65 

Emerman,  Samuel    66 

Engler,  Abraham    60 

Ettinger,    Philip  ' 67 


Fader,  Isidore   08 

Fealk,  Benjamin  69 

Fealk,    Israel     69 

Fealk,  Sam 70 

Feinberg,  Harris  T.  E 76 

Feldman,   William    70A 

Feldstein,    Samuel    71 

Felheim,  Lyman   71 

Ferguson,  Herman  B. 72 

Ficksman,   Harry    74 

Field,   Abraham    73 

Fine,   Louis    75 

Fine,    Sam    74 

Fine,  Samuel   76 

Finger,  M 77 

Finkelhor,  Benjamin   77 

Finkelstein,  Neal    78 

Firstenberg,    Jacob    79 

Fisher,    Jacob     80 

Fishman,  Abraham    80 

Fogelman,  Samuel  1 81 

Fox,    Morris    81 

Franks,    Louis 82 

Fredland,   Abraham    W 85 

Freedberger,   Henry    S3 

Freedman,  Moses  B 84 

Freedman,   Wolf    84 

Freid,   David    86 

Freyman,   Henry  L 86 

Friedberg,    Charles    87 

Friedman,    Hyman    Albert 88 

Friedman,    Jacob    89 

Friedman,    Joseph 89 

Friedman,    Louis    90 

Friedman,    Max    91 

Friedman,    Paul    91 

Friedman,    Sam    93 

Friedman,   William    92 

Freeman,   Jacob    94 

Gash,   Abraham    94 

Gendelman,    Isaac    95 

Ginsburg,  Louis    96 

Glosser,  Moses    97 

Glosser,  Wolf   Loeb 98 

Goell,  Jacob   99 

Goldberg,  A ! 15 

Goldberg,    Abraham     (Art    Cloak    Co., 

Cleveland,   0.)    99 

Goldberg,      Abraham      (Corset      Mfr., 

Cleveland,   O.)    100 

Goldberg,  Abraham    (Columbus,  O.)...101 

Goldberg,  Isaac  Leo 102 

Goldberg,    Samuel    101 

Go'.denberg,    Morris    103 

Goldman,    Harris     103 

Goldman,   Israel    105 

Goldstein,   David    107 

Goldstein,   Samuel    106 


Golland,    Dr.    Michael 104 

Goodman,   Harry    105 

Goodman,   Henry    107 

Goodman,    Theodore    106 

Goodwin,    Isadore    108 

Gordon,   Harry  M 109 

Gordon,   Sol   Engel 109 

Goren,  Jacob   Hi 

Gorman,  Israel   110 

Graff,   David   Aaron Ill 

Grant,    Harry   S 112 

Greenberg,   Harry  M 113 

Greenberg,  Max    114 

Greenberg,    Peter 113 

Greenblatt,    Ben     114 

Greenstein,  Samuel   115 

Greil,   Dr.  Gaston  J 117 

Grodin,    Isaac    1 16 

Grosberg,  Oscar   118 

Gross,    Max    118 

Grossman,   Morris   120 

Grundstein,   Samuel   L 119 

Guber,   Aaron    120 

Gurevitz,  Ely  David   121 

Halberstein,  Louis   121 

Harris,   Solomon    122 

Hayman,    Joseph    123 

Helper,    Harry    124 

Herman,  Louis    124 

Herman,  Max    125 

Herman,  Morris   126 

Hirsh,    Nathan    127 

Hoffman,  Harry  , 129 

Hoffman,  Jacob    129 

Holtsberg,  Frank   128 

Holtsberg,   Theodore    128 

Horn,  Louis   131 

Horowitz,  Robert  G 130 

Hurwitz,   Harry    131 

Isaacson,    Nathan    1 132 

Israel,  Max  Louis 132 

Jackson,  William    133 

Jacobs,  Hyman  S 134 

Jacobs,  Max  134 

Jacobson,    Samuel    135 

Jaffa,  Abraham   136 

Joffe,  William   136 

Kahn,    Benjamin    F 138 

Kahn,  Henry  Eli 139 

Kahn,  Leon  1 139 

Kahne,   Max    137 

Kaminsky,  Isaac   141 

Kander,  Harry   142 

Kaplan,   Benjamin    143 

Kaplan,    Isaac    144 


Kaplan,  Jacob    142 

Karp,    Joseph    144 

Karpel,   Max    146 

Karpf,   Benjamin    145 

Kasle,  Abe   146 

Kasle,  Samuel  147 

Kastner,  Joseph  M 148 

Katzenstein,   Samuel    147 

Kauf mann,   Edgar  J 149 

Kaufmann,  Otto  151 

Kemper,    Henry    150 

Kesselman,    Max    151 

Kingsbacher,  Morris   152 

Klein,    Ignatz    152 

Klein,    Simon    153 

Kleine,  Louis  V 153 

Kline,   Isidor    155 

Klotz,    Simon    .'.  .154 

Knofsky,  Isador  Loeb 157 

Knof sky,    Jacob    155 

Koblitz,    Rudolph    C 15G 

Kohlman,    Dr.    William 157 

Kohn,  Adolph   158 

Koppelman,   Dave    .• .  160 

Koppelman,    Samuel    159 

Kovinsky,  Jacob   160 

Kovinsky,    Joseph    161 

Krall,   Joseph    162 

Kramer,    Ben    162 

Kramer,  Hyman   163 

Kurnitsky,  Isaac  80 

Kusminsky,  Solomon  Henry 164 

Landay,  Charles   165 

Landskroner,   Morris    165 

Lapinsky,   Abraham    293 

Lasdusky,    Joseph    166 

Lebster,    Louis    167 

Lebster,    Max    168 

Lefkofsky,  Joseph    168 

Legomsky,    Abraham    H 169 

Leibel,  Jonas   169 

Leibovitz,  Jacob    170 

Leibovit,  Jacob    171 

Leshner,  Nathan   172 

Levendorf,    Herman    173 

Levene,  Joseph   172 

Levenson,  Henry  H 173 

Levin,    Meyer    325 

Devine,  Jacob    175 

Levine,   Max    175 

Levinger,    Herman    C 176 

Levinson,   Benjamin  F 177 

Levy,  Jacob    177 

Levy,  Max  M 178 

Levye,  Joseph    179 

Lewin,,   Dr.    Adolph    L 179 

Lewis,  Max   180 

Lichter,  Ben  180 


Lichtcsien,   Ignatz    181 

Lichtcsien,  Morris    181 

Lichtman,   Samuel    181 

Licofsky,  Abe   182 

Locof sky,   Louis    183 

Lieber,  Max   183A 

Liebman,  Dr.  Jay   S 184 

Lift,    Nathan    . .. 220 

Linder,     Solomon     184 

Lischkoff,  Alex  185 

Loeb,    David    186 

Loeb,  Lucien  S 186 

Louis,  Herman  H 187 

Maier,  Sigmund   189 

Mallinger,  Samuel   190 

Maltinsky,  Samuel   188 

Manes.  Morris 190 

Manischewitz,  Rabbi   Dave  Behr 191 

Mann,    Aaron    192 

Mann,  Harry   192 

Marcus,  William 193 

Margulies,  Eliezer   195 

Maril,   Joseph    192 

Markowitz,  Benjamin   194 

Marks,   John    196 

Marshall,    Nathan    195 

Masur,  Jacob  197 

Mayer,  Edward   Everett    .199 

Mayer,   Otto  J    198 

Mehl,   George    198 

Michelson,  Israel    200 

Michelson,    Philip    297 

Miller,   Alexander    201 

Miller,  Jacob   203 

Miller,   Mike   202 

Minsk,  Carl   202 

Minsker,    Eli    204 

Mintz,  Chauncey  A 204 

Mintz,   Israel   Morris 205 

Mintz,   Louis    206 

Mohr,  Michael   207 

Morrison,   Abraham    207 

Moscovitz,  Jacob 209 

Mostov,  Sam   ' "09 

Mount,    Dr.    Bernard 208 

Myers,  Simon   210 

Norwich,  David    "H 

Novek,    Abraham     212 

Nowak,    Abraham    211 

Nurenberg,    Samuel    74 

Ochs,  Lee  A    212 

Oppenheim,  David  "13 

Oppenheimer,   Louis    214 

Ozersky,  Louis  A 214 

Ozersky,    Nathan    215 


l'alitz,  Dr.  Leonard  Mordecai 217 

Pearlman,  Moses   216 

Perell,  Morris   216 

Pfeifer,   Simon    218 

Pickard,  Morris    218 

Pinkoson,    William    A 219 

Plack,   Louis    220 

Plekansky,  Morris   220 

Plotkin,  Sam    221 

Pollock,    Charles    222 

Pollock,  Mayer   222 

Pollock,    Nathan    223 

Portnoy,    Barney    223 

Present,   Philip    224 

Rabinovitz,  Frank  225 

Raff,  Berman  225 

Rappoport,    Louis    22(j 

Rapport,  Isaiah   227 

Ratner,  Morris    228 

Rauh,  Enoch   229 

Rauh,  Marcus 228 

Rauzin,    Aaron     227 

Ravinson,    Sigmund    232 

Rittenberg,  Joseph   231 

Robinson,   David    232 

Rockowsky,    Ben    233 

Roggen.  Brothers   233 

Rosef sky.   Samuel    234 

Rosen,    Abraham 235 

Rosen,    Thomas 235 

Rosenbaum,       Samuel       (Waterbury, 

Conn.)   236 

Rosenbaum,       Samuel       ( Cambridge, 

Mass.)    237 

Rosenbaum,   Walter    237 

Rosenberg,    Abraham    239 

Rosenberg,  Ephraim   238 

Rosenberg,  Harry    239 

Rosenberg,   Hyman    240 

Rosenberg,   Samuel    241 

Rosenberg,   Saul   N 242 

Rosenblatt,   Arthur    243 

Rosenblatt,    Louis    242 

Rosenbloom,  Max    'j*'J 

Rosenbloom,   Sol    '-  ''3 

Rosenfleld,    Philip    240 

Rosenthal,  Charles   246 

Rosenthal,   Joseph    24 1 

Rosenzweig,   Simon   D 24s 

Roth,   Jacob    247A 

Rotter,  Aaron   248 

Rozner,   Morris    249 

Rubenstein,  Hyman   ^ 

Rubenstein,    Sol    250 

Rubin,  A.  F 250 

Rubin,    Hyman    251 

Rudner,  Mrs.  Max 252 

Rudnick,    Joseph    251 


Rudolph,  Isaac 253 

Rudolph,   Samuel   253 

Ruttenberg,  Abraham  D 254 

Ruttenberg,  George   254 

Ruttenberg,  John 254 

Ruttenberg,  Max  M 254 

Sabel,  Moses   254 

Sahpiro,    Meyer   J 255 

Sakowitz,    Simon    256 

Sales,  Alexander   256 

Salle,  Herman  257 

Salle,  Isidor 259 

Sanders,  Joseph    258 

Sandmel,    Morris    259 

Sands,  Ben   ...260, 

Schaengold,  Charles  H 262 

Schaffner,   Morris    261 

Scbonberg,    Michael    263 

Schorin,   Jacob    263 

Schreiber,   Leon    264 

Schwartz,     Bernard     264 

Schwartz,   Benjamin    265 

Schwartz,   Edward   E. .  .266 

Schwartz,  Ignace   267 

Schwartz,  Jacob   267 

Schwartz,   Nathan    267 

Segal,   Max    269 

Selik,    Joseph    263 

Selker,   Sam   W 268 

Sesen,   Michell    270 

Shane,  Morris   270 

Shapiro,  Moses   271 

Shapiro,    Samuel    272 

Shaw,  Abraham  272 

Sherman,   Joseph    274 

Sherman,  Louis  273 

Shewitz,  Abraham   '. 275 

Shiff,   Isaac    275 

Shlain,  Jacob  276 

Shurberg,    Solomon    277 

Shure,  Max   277 

Siegle,    Jacob    278 

Silberman,    Harry    278 

Silberman,  John    280 

Silberman,    Joseph    J 279 

Silberman,   Max    280 

Silberstein,    Louis    282 

Silver,  Isaac  E 281 

Simon,   Harry    282 

Simon,    Morris    v 283 

Singer,    Jacob    285 

Singer,  Joseph   S 284 

Slavin,  Sol   285 

Smith,  Israel    286 

Smith,    Samuel    286 

Snitz,    Max    287 

Sobel,    Isador    288 

Sobul,  Max    287 


Sock,    Simon    289 

Sohnen,  Jacob  290 

Solomon,   Jacob    290 

Solomon,   Kaskel    291 

Solomont,   Simon    292 

Somerman,    Sumer    293 

Spector,   Joseph    293 

Stein,   Jud    290 

Stern,  Maurice    294 

Stcber,  David    296 

Stone,    Hyman    297 

Strauss,   Herman    297 

Sunstein,  Abraham  J 298 

Suwalsky,    Henry    299 

Swidlow,   Frank    300 

Tahl,   Joseph   Arys 300 

Tanzer,  Alfred   301 

Temchin,    Daniel    302 

Teper,    Sam    302 

Topolosky,  Jacob    303 

Topper,  Isaac   304 

Topper,  Max   Meier   305 

Treichlinger,   David    304 

Troponsky,    Pincus    306 

Tnch,   Herman    307 

Uhlendorf,    Philip    307 

Velick,   Goodman    308 

Wagman,   Louis    309 

Wagner,    Samuel    309 

Weil,   Felix    311 

Weil,    Leon    310 


Weinberg,  Nathan   311 

Weinberger,    Charles    312 

Weingarten,   Harry    313 

Weinkle,   Marcus  J 315 

Weinman,  Isaac    314 

Weisman,  Arthur  Hershel 316 

Weiss,    Herman 318 

Weiss,   Sol 317 

Weitz,    Benjamin    317 

Weller,    Benjamin   David 319 

Weller,   Hyman   P 320 

Wernick,    Alexander     320 

Widzer,   David    322 

Wilensky,    Max    321 

Wilkoff,  Samuel   322 

Wilkoff,  William    323 

Williams,  Max    324 

Williams,    Sam    325 

Windt,    Herman    326 

Wisman.   Harry    327 

Wolf,  Jacke  327 

Wolf  son,    Louis    328 

Wolkowsky,   Herman    328 

Yarashefsky,   Benjamin    330 

Yasgur,   Abe    331 

Yawitz,  Joseph  J 329 

Zacks,  Benjamin  A 331 

Zaff,    Morris    332 

Zeiger,    Louis    .' 333 

Ziskind.   David    334 

Zuckerman,    Harry    M 334 

Zuckeiman,     Sam     335 


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