GORNELE
UNIVERS (iY
LIBRARY

 

GIFT OF

THE PUBLISHER

 

 

 

 
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GAYLORD

Eminent Jews of America.

Overs
EMINENT JEWS
~ of AMERICA

A Collection of Biographical Sketches of Jews
Who Have Distinguished Themselves in
Commercial, Professional and
Religious Endeavor.

Published by
S. B. GOODKIND, Publication Manager

THE AMERICAN HEBREW BIOGRAPHICAL COMPANY

Incorporated

403 Gardner Building, Toledo, Ohio

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Koos -16
Copyright, 1918

by
___ §, B, GOODKIND

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164
J5
BSS?
HE, PROPER DEDICA-
TION OF A BOOK OF
THIS KIND SHOULD BE
TO NO INDIVIDUAL
BUT TO: "AE: EW 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.
: ‘HE 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.

@ 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.

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

@ 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.

@ 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.

@ 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.
@ 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.

“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 1911.

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 roth 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. I., 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 factory 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 1911, 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, he 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 2rr of the Independent Order of B'nai
Brith. 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 go 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. They
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 refer to the Alderman brothers, lax, 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. They 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-

3
ated with the Rambaum Lodge, Knights of Israel, and the Hebrew Free Loan
Association. p

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 United 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 1911
when his father departed this earth.

But, like all good Jews, let us mention just a word about his social life.
On October 24, 1915, 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. L., 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.
 

LEO ALEXANDER
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 Koyno, in August, 1889, 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

5
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 Jacob Amron
them in the building up of their several hotels. With what success this work
was accomplished can best be told by the many New Yorkers who have since
become his patrons. Ina magic manner he transformed the dying old Endicott
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
New York City, and they have two sons and two daughters.

Mr. Amron is a member of a number of charitable organizations in the
city 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 recently 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.

 

6
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 worked his 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

7
President of the 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 firm. In addition, Mr. Aronson is a Director of the Pitts-
burgh Realty Owners’ Association, the Uptown 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.

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

On June 30, 1912, Mr. 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

Mr. Walter Aronstein is a manufacturer of ladies’ hats, having his office at
580 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 ‘Morgan’ 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 May 12, 1877, in Mezeritz, Poland. In 1895 he
came to America and started to work for N. 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, N. H. Bornstein, who was by 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 very high
standing and is considered one of the most successful in the line.

Mr. Aronstein is a very keen and extremely able business man. In his
circles he is considered the moving spirit of his trade, and it is no wonder,
because ‘\[r. 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.

Mr. 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 \Mezeritzer 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 Mr. Aron-
stein is still a member, admit that the building of the synagogue would never

8
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 Janded 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, ir
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 alsu
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 New 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 Union 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, ©.

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 dignifes his calling, and not
the calling which reflects honor and dignity upon the 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 city and community in which he lives solely through his fine per-
sonality 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, 1878. After attending the public schools of his native city until he was
eleven years 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
years. 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 years and which, under the name of the Baum Metal Com-
pany, 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 service, 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 only 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 Volina, 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 $9 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
years, 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
strict economy went into-business with his present partners, Mr. Schechter and
Mr. Weinstein. This business venture was successful from the start, and they
are today doing an immense business that is national in its scope.

Mr. Beckerman was married prior to his coming to this country (in the
year 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. 4

12
 

BECK

AM

Ss
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. They 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-E] Guild.

 

Max Lee Bear

HARRY BELENSKY

The life history 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, Wholyna, 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
They 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 meastire 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
 

MAX BENSTOCK
 

ELIAS BEREN
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 Vitopsky, 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 squarely and honestly.”
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, 1860.
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 1s 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
 

HYMAN BERKMAN
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 they 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 who
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.
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 which he was told to stand his ground, he informed

20
 

WOLF BERGER
 

OSCAR BERMAN
Captain Caperon that under no circumstances would he consent to his men
being 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
Paim 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,
and 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
 

JACOB BERNSTEIN
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 Key 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, \Ir. 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. Not. 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 July, 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 Pythias.

to
=
 

B. BLASBERG

HARRY
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 the new American Jew. Not 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
interesis 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, Wilner, Guberne, Russia, September 1, 1868,
his parents, Wolf 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 $10 for the privilege of learning to be a tailor, and then worked the
first nine months at the small salary of $3 per week until today, when he is
known eas one of the largest and most successful dealers in scrap iron and
metal in the state of Ohio.

Mr. Blickstein was married in Russia to Miss Mary Allem, who has
always given 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,
contributing 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 charities.

Mr. Blickstein’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
Jewish faith are 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 holy endeavor to do good for the community.

Let us begin with a short life sketch.

Alr. 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 No. 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-
itz, who died, leaving him with four children, Sadie, Rose, David and Abraham.
Mrs. Blattner was also married and became the mother of nine children, only
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., ete. 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 whem 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
 

ERG

BLUMBE

ISAAC
MOSES BOFF

We get out of life just what we put into it. The greatest geniuses of the
world 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, and 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
Seciety 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
\

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
Blumberg 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
very 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 32° Mason.

On Janvary 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
Jewish 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 rgo7.

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
 

SAM BONART
 
 

SAMUEL H. BOROFSKY
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 @
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 many 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. 4

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
1&82 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
early 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 Igor.

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-
sky’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 hororably discharged on the declaration of peace.

Mr. Borofsky’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 21
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
vears, 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, 1911, 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 Hehrew 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
 

PHILIP BROWARSKY
Mr. Harris Botwinik is Past President of B'rith Abraham, Past President
of Knights of Israel, Past President of Workingmen’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-
.ectual 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 New 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. Today 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 go 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
 

SAM BURGIN
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. Kk. 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 Jewish Hope, the only 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,
who 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. Mollie
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 every
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 their
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. They 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
 

GUTMAN CAPLAN
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 1881 Mr. Caplan was married in the city of New York to Rikla Blum-
berg, and thev 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 University,
Samuel is a scholar, a graduate of the University 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. His 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 Jews. 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 |. 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 \Wolfson 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’ Home 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
 

SAMUEL CAPLAN
on to the younger generation in this brief 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 Blume Caplan. At the time of McKinley's election he came to
Baltimore, from where he went to Canton, Ohio, worked in a junk yard 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, \[r. 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 9, 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
ot 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
 

EL

M. CASS

ISIDOR
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 1915 he bought a hotel in McKeesport, Pa., and here he also continues
as social worker, being the Vice President of the \[cKeesport 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 vears, gaining much valuable experience which fitted him for

41
the management of a business of his own. This he established and ti 1
for a year and a half, when his brother-in-law purchased the New York ‘Be
partment Store at Miami, Fla., and he entered into the madacemment of ae
store. This business is in a most flourishing condition, Z

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.

Alr. Chesney was born in Volina, Guberne, Russia, in January, 1878, the
son of Kolman and Zelda Chesney. He grew up in an atmosphere 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.

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

Mr. Cohen is a consistent worker for all noble enterprises, giving his time,
labor and money 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 salary, but real-
izing that he had about exhausted the opportunities
which this business offered, he resigned to accept a
position of more responsibility 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
ies philanthropic enterprises is so well known that they need no elucidation

ere.

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
Vilna, 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,
1841, 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, however, in
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 in 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 1882
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. Judge
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

 
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 1910, when he was elected President, succeeding the late
Abraham Lippman to the office. Asa 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
 

MAX COHEN
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 early
vicissitudes and later successes, is well known in Cleveland society as a charity
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 yet had any assistance from any-
body.”

His advice to the young is, “Work hard. Be strictly honest. Try 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 seliing them from house to house. He con-
tinued this 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 to 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.

They 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, 1878, 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 they 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 yard, 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

48 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 vear‘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
 

 

EL COOKE

SAMU
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. Never 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. ,

-\t 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 New 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 by 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 Mr. 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.
i119 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, \lr. 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 \assachusetts,
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.
 

JACOB COUSINS
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, Gubetne, 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 today 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 thie day, manages the finances of his business, besides
being very active in the Red Cross, Ladies’ Aid Society, Eastern Star and
Ke of sk:

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

53
ae only 22 years of age, and is now Assistant District Attorney General of
io.

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 i 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. Va., 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
they 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
Volma, 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, Nathan,
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 I. O. B. A.

 

ow
mn
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 born 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 he went into
business, and this was the first step toward the big success which he has
achieved in wool scrap and burlap.

The Cuttlers 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.
 

WOLF DANIELS
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 1911, 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, 1916, 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

of
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, ‘“\Vork 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 very 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 many 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
1s also a member of T. ©. 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.

58

 
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 years, 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 Mrs. 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 was born in Divinisky, Russia, 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 mentality 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
be 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 years, 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, has 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
 

NATHAN DEZ

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

Ben Duberstein’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 Bem eberetcus
success that has marked every step of his progress from that time to the
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 his career.

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.

 

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 Merve lopeisnly 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 lisher, 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

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, Russia, August 2, 1869,
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, “Tf 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.

 

62
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
-\merica in the summer of 1882, landing in Philadelphia, where he worked
at odd jobs for six months, which only averaged about $3 per week. \Ve 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, 1911, 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, IIl., on the 18th 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, IIl., 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 Cahn
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 for 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 wealthy 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 Rodeph 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. Ae

_ 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 (1916). There were four children of this mar-
riage, of whom one died in 1915 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 the 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
popularity, 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
sense. 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 was born on the 25th of February, 1869, in Yassy, Rou-
mania, the son of Isaac and Nachmah Engler. His mother lives in New York.
Mr. Engler came to America during the Spanish-American War and settled at
Key West, Fla., where he engaged in a grocery business. He then decided
to become a farmer and purchased a farm in Rensselaer County, New 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 New York state.

Mr. Engler was married in March, 1905, to Miss Anna Schechtman, who is
also of Roumanian ancestry. They are the parents of a girl named Rebecca,
who, though but eleven years of age, shows remarkable abilities.

SAMUEL EMERMAN

If you 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.

Many young men are unable to settle upon the career to which they are
best adapted and all their ability and effort are practically wasted.

This is the substance of the remarks made by Mr. Samuel Emerman, an
influential business man of Bellaire, Ohio.

Mr. Emerman was born in Kovus, Guberne, Russia, December 27, 1872,
where his father was a cattle dealer and also a Jewish scholar of considerable
attainments.

66
 

ENGLER

ABRAHAM
 

PHILIP ETTINGER
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 vears. He then
sold this business to his brother and went 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. Ettinger 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,
LL 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.

6&
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 Nitze 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. ‘rom
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, Volina, 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. He 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 the 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. He is today operating a
large iron and metal business from which he is amassing a fortune.

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

Benevolences of 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 Jews 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 New
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 1907 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 1906 to Miss Gittle Ginda,
daughter of Josel and Lea Ginda of New 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.

Both 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
active 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 1902, Mr. Feldstein became associated with the late Leopold Bieber,
who was 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
 

HERMAN B. FERGUSC

 
Lyman Felheim was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, November 7, 1860. 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 ofthe 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. Twe 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

ae
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 r4th 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
 

IELD

ABRAHAM F
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 Volinsky, 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 \r. 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
Nurenberg.

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 Malden, 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. Nurenberg 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.

Both the Nurenbergs 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 Vyseport, 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 vears 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 1018 Avenue D, a business
which he had established for his two sons. But at the same time he again
gave 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 Vilna, 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 1887 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.

75
 

LOUIS FINE
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, A
employing a great number of people. See hk

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 heing 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, NX. 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 Jew 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 revered for his kindness and
generosity in matters of charity.

 

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 113 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. He 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
rapidly 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 $10 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 any 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 stccess, 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. \Ve 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.

Mr. WKurnitsky 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 Tisher 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, he 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 of 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.

80
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 out of ten the best that can happen
to a young man is to be tossed overboard and compelled to sink or swim for
himself. i

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 [. 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 fora 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 he 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
Morris Fox was born in Gorod, Gishin, Kamenetz, Podolsky, Guberne,
Russia, March 15, 1861. His father, Nathan 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 by 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 activitiies 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 New York, the Denver and Los An-
geles sanitariums, and the Federation of Jewish Charities. They also sub-
scribe liberally 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 \r. 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 Pavolsky, 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 Wardentown, 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 \\Vardentown.
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
a 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
son Joe is in business with his father and the balance are going to school with

82
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 afhliations, 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 flocr 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 particularly 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
Saturday 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, he 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 Mr. Williams. This partnership is #xist-
ing at the present time and has proved very successful.

They have also taken on a line of iron and metal and both have grown
very wealthy.

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 \[rs. 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 New
York, Orphans’ Home of Erie, Pa., the Philadelphia Farm School, and uthers
too numerous to mention.

Mr. and Mrs. 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 thirty years ago, he decided to emigrate to the New 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. :

Mr. 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 (A\Irs. Rubin), Morris (married). Ike is in the Army of the
United States and Jacob, the youngest, is with his father. Mr. 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
 

FREDLAND

AHAM W.

ABR
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 necessary 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
New 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 2116 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, 1908, 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, \lount 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 himselt
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, New 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

86
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. Ile 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 retai! 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
 

S FRIEDBERG

E

CHARI
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
recogniticn on the part of his fellowmen. Charity and religious precepts, Mr.
Friedberg holds, are principles not to be displayed on public occasions for self-
gratification; one must introduce them into one’s daily mode of living and
make them a factor in one’s business career.

On March 14, 1899, he was married to Miss Rebecca Kirstein, of New
York. He 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 hoth Jewish public life as well as the civic affairs of
his community.

HYMAN ALBERT FRIEDMAN

Of all txe 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 Hyman 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 ina 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.

88
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, 18609, 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
188g 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 I'rith Lodge. He is also a Director of Temple
Emanuel and is at present engaged in organizing the
“WKehillah” 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 country 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

89
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. Mr. 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 need 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 priricipal
ones being Orthodox Schule, of which he is Treasurer, and the \Vestern 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. Bring 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: &’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
 

PAUL FRIEDMAN
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 tie 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
One who stands out as a marked exception to the foregoing condition is
Mr. William Friedman, a prominent and influential attorney at Detroit, Mich.
While born on American soil, far from the influences of the European Jewish
life, Mr. Friedman is a Jew to the core, ever ready and willing to render assist-
ance to those who appear worthy, and is devoting a large part of his life to
the betterment and uplifting of his co- -religionists.

Born in Detroit, April 1, 1880, his father, Samuel Friedman, a retired and
well-known merchant, and his mother, Celia Friedman, both took an active in-
terest in their son’s future. He was sent to the public and high schools of
Detroit, 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 ERTS of Michigan, obtaining high
honors and the degree of LL. B.

Shortly after his, Mr. Friedman nmeled Florence R. Blumrosen, the
daughter of Moses and Jennie Blumrosen of Detroit. In 1910, 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 is not infrequently found to be the instigator
and the head of the most vital and iinportant undertakings of his community.
Besides being Trustee of the United 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 P., 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.” It 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 New 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, Pa., 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
 

SAM FRIEDMAN
lars, which proved a stepping stone to the large fortune which they 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 1g00, 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 1898, 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 No. 30 Henry street. After being there for several years, with
business constantly expanding, he went in 1911 to 27 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, No. 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 prominently identified with a good many charitable institu-
tions and organizations, such as the Chesed Shel Emes and Gmiloth Chesed of
New 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, 1904, 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, Volina, Guberne, Russia, in May, 1873, the son of Mr. and
Mrs. Abraham Gendelman, and came to America in December, 1907. He re-
mained in New York but three weeks and then went to Detroit, where 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, Turover 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 11, 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 \Vest 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, 1860, 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
years 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
lus 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
years, 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 and
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.
On the site where Brownsville is now built there was, a few years ago, nothing
but wilderness, and the Jews have turned it into a lively and thrifty community.
The historian of Jewish activity in New York will have to take note of Mr.
Jacob Goell, the real creator of modern Brownsville.

Mr. Goell was born July 15, 1871, in Poswel, in the Province of Kovna,
and comes of a prominent family. His father was Reb Jechiel Michael Goell,
a famous Lamdan and Maskel. His mother, Hinda, who at present resides in
Brooklyn, is a very pious woman. His grandfather was Reb Simcha Linkiver,
who, as an intimate friend of the Rav of Linkiva, taught mathematics to the
rabbi’s son, who later became Hirshel Rabinowitz, famous Maskel and editor.
His uncle was Reb Nute Charif, 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. At first he worked as a car-
penter at $5 per week. Later he became a building contractor, and in 1901
came to Brownsville, where he started his real estate activities. Even though
his friends predicted failure, he dared to undertake the enterprise of building
modern apartment houses in that section of the city. He had a keener insight
into conditions than his friends thought, and before many months had passed
his success was assured, for other builders followed his example. Brownsville
‘developed, and Mr. Goell grew with it, until today he owns over fifty houses in
that part of the city. Mr. Goell himself lives with his family in a beautiful
home at 1540 Union street.

Mr. Goell is an intelligent man of high moral character and is held in high
esteem in the community. He believes in helping others, and practices this
belief. He participates in every good enterprise, and contributes to all Jewish
charitable institutions in Brooklyn and to some in New York. He is president
of Adas Israel of Brownsville, and was vice-president of the Stone Avenue
Talmud Torah, to which institution, next to his business and family, he devotes
much of his time.

He was the first to propose the erection of the new Talmud Torah on
Stone avenue, which he built. He is a modern orthodox, maintaining a
strictly Jewish home. He believes that the Jews ought to appreciate the liberty
and opportunity that this country affords, but 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 is now prominent in the building trade and Jewish charity in ‘the Flat-
bush section of Brooklyn.

On March 2, 1899, Mr. Goell married Miss Mary 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 is the misfortune of. many young persons today that they begin life with
too many advantages. Every possible want of their many-sided natures is
supplied before its need is consciously felt; books, teachers, mental and relig-
ious training, amusements, clothes and food, all of the best quality and un-
stinted in quantity ; in short, the choice of the world’s good things are lavished
upon them until all ambition is extinguished.

What motive has a young man, under such circumstances, to exert him-
self? Like a hothouse plant, grown weak through too much shelter and watch-

99
 

ACOB GOELL

J
ing, 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,
eis of ea 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 worthy charity.

 

SAMUEL GOLDBERG

Mr. Samuel Goldberg is one of the most successful Jews of Cincinnati,
Ohio. He is a retail merchar.t and very few of his class have reached as high
a position as has Mr. Goldbery.

“To what do you attribure your success?” the writer of these lines asked
Mr. Goldberg. Mr. Goldberg 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 catae 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, workiug 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., 1116 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
 

SAMUEL GOLDBERG
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.
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. Va.

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.
His 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 1s
attending the Lehigh College.

103
Although the business affairs of Mr. Goldman occupy a great deal of his
time, he is still mindful of his duty to suffering humanity, and is a liberal con-
tributor to all charities, including the Denver Sanitarium, the Immigration
Society of New York, and the Y. M. H. A. In his gifts to benevolence, Mr.
Goldman makes no distinction between Jewish and Gentile organizations. He
is also a prominent member of Congregation Children of 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 intellectual life of St. Louis. Dr. Golland is himself a Talmudic scholar,
a Hebraist, 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. Golland. Not only is Dr. Golland so well disposed towards everything
that savors of Jewish public life, but his wife, Mrs. Bertha (Greenburg) Gol-
land, 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 in every Jewish and
civic organization of St. Louis.

Dr. Golland was born on the 1st of April, 1862, 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 in 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 the
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 follgwed 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 years.

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
 

DAVID GOLDSTEIN
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. Harry 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 New 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 years.

At this time the partnership between himself and Mr. Levy 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 every 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
University of Texas, taking a general college course and a course of law in

109
 

HARRY M. GORDON
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
tne 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 Graff of
Kalamazoo, Mich. He was born in Russia in 1853 and came to America in
1889, 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-
miense 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.

111
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-
spic.1ous 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 Pythias 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 toth, 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. am is attending a college of pharmacy in Boston, Israel and Sol are
in business with their father, Harry has just graduated from school, aud 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.

3
MAX GREENBERG

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 be ad-
vanced himself by reading.

He moved to Cleveland in 1900, where he en-
tered the roofing business, becoming in due time the
general manager and shareholder in the Complete
Roofing Company, at 4711 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 Oheh |
Zedez and belongs to many charity institutions. He
is about to organize all the lodges of the Independ-
ent Order of B’rithAbraham 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
his 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. He 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.

Mr. Grodin’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 born 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, Jaccueline and
Gaston, Jr.

117
 

DR. GASTON GREIL
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 Koyno, Russia, and comes from Rabbinical stock.
He 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 Mr. 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 MI. Groshberg 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 been 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
 

- SAMUEL L. GRUNDSTEIN
 

MRS. SAMUEL L. GRUNDSTEIN
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 110 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 their
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 his 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. Guber is very active in her social circle and is a prominent worker in
interests of charities. They are members of the Orthodox Congregation, and
ardent supporters of Jewish Charities, and the Hebrew School. Mr. Guber is
also a prominent memher of Beth Israel.

ELY DAVID GUREVITZ

One of England's greatest poets has written:
“T am master of my fate,
I am captain of my soul.”

These words are most appropriately applied to those brave spirits who
have come from Europe, determinedly facing poverty and working out their
destinies, surrounded by strange faces, language and customs.

Such a man was Mr. Ely David Gurevitz, who was born in Borisoff,
Russia, March 15, 1879. His father was a grain merchant, and at the age
of thirteen he started to assist him. Feeling that Russia offered few oppor-
tunities, at the 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
he had learned while stil! in Russia. Here his services proved very valuable,
and he was soon making a splendid salary, which averaged nearly one hundred
dollars a week.

He next went to Columbus, and after working as a tailor for about three
years, opened a tailoring shop under the firm name of the Ohio 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
prosperous.

Mr. Gurevitz was married January 13, 1909, to Miss Dora Marion of
Columbus, Ohio, and they have a fine family of two boys and one girl, all
going to school.

Mr. Gurevitz is 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 many other charities.

When asked his advice to the young, Mr. Gurevitz said, put your very 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 save has put many a man on the high road to
success.

One of our great financiers has said that the reason most men do not acquire
wealth is because they lack the stability of purpose which would enable them
to save the first thousand dollars.

In the life of Mr. Louis Halberstein we have an example of perseverance,
thrift and ability which has placed him in the foremost rank of business men
at Sidney, Ohio.

Born in Lublina, Guberne, Russia, in 1882, he was the son of Joseph and

121
 

ELY DAVID GUREVITZ
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.

Peginning 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 Jess
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 any 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
As ee 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
ilayman, 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, 1880.

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 Vilna, 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, 1913, to Miss Esther Rosenberg and
they have one small daughter of whom they 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
“T 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 factory. So
closely did he apply himself that within two years he became proprietor of

124
the shop, enjoying the distinction of being the youngest owner of an exclusive
vest making 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, N. 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 w orking
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 nearty 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
afiiuence 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 difh-
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, 1891, 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 shart time the new
venture outgrew his small capital and a corporation was formed under the
name of The Advance Bottle Company, with 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 early 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 Vival 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 Verband, a char-
itable organization of prominence in Cleveland, and an active member of the
Vilno 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 \r. 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 young 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 youth 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 shuffe 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
he found employment ina 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 twenty years ago to Augusta Monheimer, he is the father of

127
 

 

HAN HIRSH
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 plainly 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
 

JACOB HOFFMAN
 

HARRY HOFFMAN
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.

 

130
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, hosiery and underwear to his line
of merchandise. His place of business at the present writing is located at 77
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 Jewish education.

HARRY HURWITZ

To a young man with a definite ambition to succéed, 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 occttpies 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 Lut 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 Jews 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 teld 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 Hlinois 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.
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
man, 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 he 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.
ee also Past President and Treasurer of I. O.
B.

 

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, Kussia,
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
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
every 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 employe.

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.

 

138
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.

Pty 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 tg14. 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 eon, Ac ean
among the unemployed have been greatly checked; and the institution of public
instruction and practical demonstrations in the art of canniug 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 purely
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
chieved 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 aream 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.
Kaminsky’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, whose father is the owner of the well-known establish-
ment of Stein & Blane, high-class ladies’ tailors and furriers.

141
 

ISAAC KAMINSKY
 

HARRY KANDER
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, 1913, 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 w eve liberty is founded
upon these same Judaic dispensations, should become a haven for this op-
pressed people.

Some such feeling probably unconsciousiy 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 twenty-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 money 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
 

BENJAMIN KAPLAN
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 Mr.
Isaac Kaplan of Detroit, Mich., owner and manager of the National Smelting
and Refining Company at 119 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 1905 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 yield a true reward.”

BENJAMIN 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 they work offer an equal handicap. We 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
be 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 New 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’ “ready-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, 1908, to Miss Gussie Rabhen, who
had helped him to his success, and the couple are the proud parents of three
children, Sylvia, Lucia and Beatrice.

 
 

ABE KA

 
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 ardent 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, 1911, 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, the son of Joseph

147
 

 

AMUEL KATZENS

 
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
ngt 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 1, 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-
ity, 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, and 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 be 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. Not 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 New 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 they have achieved a fair success by the time
they have reached or passed the prime of life. It is only in exceptional cases
that we are able to record the history 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
Valina, Guberne, Russia, February 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 $5.50 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 ona 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
very 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 country in the army, where he will doubt-
less make a record as creditable as that which he has achieved in civilian life.

151
 

OTTO KAUFMANN
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, Wittenburg, 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.

Not 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.

Ar. Kingsbacher was married in New 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 $6 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 every
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
Brith, 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
New York, and they are the parents of two sturdy boys, both of whom are
attending school.

152
Mrs. Nlein is a woman possessed of much executive ability and is very
z(tively interested in the work of the Temple to which she belongs.

Mr. Klein's advice to the young is as follows: “Be honest and always
uo 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-
nolly, the popular lecturer, has said, * ‘There are acres of diamonds all about us
if we could but see them.”

Mr. Nlein 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 IJ. 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. Nleine 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 Nlotzville, 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 traits of character which the foreign-born Jew has brought
to bear upon his life in America seem to be combined in the person of Isidor
Kline of Niles, Ohio.

Like many 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 highly useful citizenship and financial prosperity.

Isidor Kline was born in Szanto, Hungary, September 29, 1848, the son
of Adolph Kline and his wife, Rosa. His father was a successful lumber
merchant and an authority on Jewish scholarship.

The story 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, only a few brief points may be brought out within the scope of this
biography.

During the first seven years of his life in America Mr. Kline worked in
a grocery store 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 Niles, Ohio, and opened a liquor store, where he was very
successful until 1908, when the city went dry, and he opened a grocery store.
After seven and one-half years the citizens again voted the city wet, and he
started another liquor store, which he ran successfully for two and one-half
years, when it was once more voted dry, and he again changed his business to
that of a grocery store. During these many changes Mr. Kline's popularity and
rare business ability have enabled him to steadily prosper, and he is today one
of the foremost citizens of Niles.

Mr. Kline was married in Cleveland, Ohio, June 9, 1888, to Miss Lena
Friedman, who has shared his early vicissitudes and later successes, and is
well known in Niles and Cleveland society as a charity worker who is always
ready to contribute both time and money to any worthy cause, irrespective of
race, creed or religion.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Kline contribute to all national as well as local chari-
ties, and Mr. Kline is a member of Congregation Rudolf Sholem of Youngs-
town, Congregation of the Children of Israel, the H. B. S. U. of Cleveland,
B’rith Abraham Lodge and is Trustee and former Ruler of the Elks. One of
the facts of which Mr. Kline is justly proud is that he landed in this country
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 born in Dubitz, Russia, September 15, 1866, his father
Abram 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 born boy. He knew nothing of the language, man-
ners or customers of our people, and was without money, friends or influence
to assist him. It is certainly a long step upward from the first barren years
of his life when he bought and sold rags in Warren, Ohio, 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 1887 and his wife has been an

155
 

ISIDOR KLINE
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 1, 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. Noblitz, Kohn & Co. was incorporated in October,
1912, and some time later \Ir. 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
prominent 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. Inte the
intricate patterns they 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 ou 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 every 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
Kohlman 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
 

ISIDOR KNOFSKY
institutions, he took up the study of medicine when but nineteen years of age
at the University of Wuerzburg, and graduated from that University and the
University of Heidelberg. Thereupon, he was for a short time engaged in the
practice of his profession and later rendered valuable services in the capacity
of surgeon in the German Army.

In 1891 Dr. Kohlman arrived in this country, going to New Orleans,
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 ied people to feel
confident that many and great benefits would accrue to the community from
his residence and the practice of his skill. And the period of more than a
quarter of a century has proved that the confidence had not been misplaced.
For today 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, he 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
Obstetrician of the Touro Infirmary; the Consulting Gynecologist of the New
Orleans Dispensary for Women and Children, and holds membership in the
New Orleans, 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.
He is a member of the Harmony Club, of the Jewish Orphans’ Home, of the
B'nai B’rith and the Masonic fraternity and contributes liberally, not only of
bis 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 his business associate and
life long friend, Mr. Adolph Kohn, who is one of the most influential and
prosperous citizens of Cleveland.

His education was obtained largely in the world of business, and he knows
from experience that riches and power are not easily won. He also knows
that determination and hard work can overcome almost every obstacle.

Adolph Kohn was born in Czbegni, Hungary, in the year 1856. His
father, Jacob Kohn, died shortly before he was born. His mother, Clara,
lived until he was about two years old, when she, too, was taken to that land
from whence no traveler returns. He then lived in the family of an uncle,
and from the time he was eight years old until the age of twenty, when he
came to this country, he did any odd jobs that came to hand, as it was neces-
sary for him to be self-supporting.

Landing in New York penniless he went direct to Cleveland, which has
been his home ever since. He became a peddler of small merchandise, and
continued for eighteen months, when having saved a little money he went

158
into the rag 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 1879.

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-opera-
tion and financial assistance to every worthy charity.

The Kohns have a fine family of two boys and two girls.

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 in Vilna, 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 lady 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
 

JACOB KOVINSKY
DAVE KOPPELMAN

On another page in this history we have outlined the events in the career
of Mr. Samuel Koppelman, wealthy citizen and philanthropist of Creston, Ohio.

It is with equal pleasure that we record the events in the career of his
younger brother, Dave, who came to America four years after Samuel landed.

He was born in Vilna, Guberne, Russia, January ro, 1884, and at the
age of fourteen landed in New York, starting his
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-
tinued for six months when he went to Cleveland
to his 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, Ohio, 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.

He was married June 16, 1902, to Miss Eliza-
beth Epstein, of Cleveland, Ohio, 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 are
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 things which they desired and which were worth
while.

Our country is the great arena where many of these commercial battles
have been fought, and nothing more dramatic is recorded in the annals of
history.

Jacob Kovinsky is a fine example of this type of man. He doubtless
inherited vigorous qualities of mind from his father, who was a successful
iron merchant and a great Jewish scholar.

He was born in Suwalk, Guberne, Poland, September 15, 1883, and came
to America in May, 1894. He landed with his parents in Windsor, Canada,
and attended the public schools for three years following. During this time
he peddled eggs after school hours and assisted his father.

At the age of thirteen his native independence of spirit asserted fisslt and
he started peddling notions. This he continued for three years, when he moved
with his parents to Chatham, Ont., and with the little money he had been able
to save, began buying junk, selling to his father, who was in ‘the metal business,

160
His 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.

He 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 $300,000 and has accumulated real estate in Pontiac and Detroit to the extent
of over $125,000.

Mr. Kovinsky advises young 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, who 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 his
hall and lights free; also all necessary financial support until it became self-
supporting.

Mr. and Mrs. Kovinsky subscribe liberally to hospitals and other charita-
ble organizations, Mrs. Kovinsky being a staunch supporter of the Home for
the Aged.

They 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 generosity.

JOSEPH KOVINSKY

Robert Louis Stevenson has said: “O toiling hands of mortals! O un-
wearied 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.”

One 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 New 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 ona
small scale and later bought the present large establishment, which he owns
and operates.

Mr. Kovinsky’s struggle was very 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
 

JOSEPH KOVINSKY
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 are
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
to the Detroit Ladies’ Hospital, and has aided in the construction of the
Talmud Torah of Windsor.

JOSEPH KRALL

It is not given to many men to find early in life the true vocation for
which they are best 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.

Such was the case with Joseph Krall, who was born in Zebrarsh, Austria,
March 15, 1868. He did not come to America until 1890, and landing in New
York set out to learn the trade of shirt making. He did not find this occupa-
tion congenial, however, so he went to Providence, R. I., and began peddling
table oil cloth. Later he spent some time in a textile mill, where he acquired
much valuable experience, although the salary was only $7.50 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 1887 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 I. O. B. A., Past
Treasurer Workmen’s Association, and is also a faithful member of Avas
Sholem Congregation.

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 today like to believe that the present is just as interesting as the
past; that nothing more wonderful has happened than the history which our
own contemporaries are making.

It is therefore a great pleasure to record the events of a successful career ;
one only well begun, it is true, but already replete with brilliant achivement.

Ben Kramer was born in Cleveland, Ohio, May 15, 1885. His father,
Jacob Kramer, was a prominent iron dealer of that city, and when only eight
years of age Ben began helping him in the business. Here he served a hard
apprenticeship until 1907, working 14 or 15 hours a day.

He then engaged in business for 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 Detroit, who offered him an interest in his busi-
ness. This offer he accepted, and the next two years as manager of the firm
marked another epoch in a remarkably successful career.

At the end of this time he was 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, 1907, 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 No.
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 owr
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
young 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 employ had gained the position of yard clerk. He then
went to Cleveland, where he was employed as car dispatcher for the N. 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 somé 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 637.

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 writer 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 Jews 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. Kus-
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, for
Mr. Kusminsky belongs to the class of Jewish young men who deserve to be
presented to the Jewish community of America.

It was by 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 publicity and do not consider themselves in any way superior to
other people. But I learned enough details to be able to compile this short
sketch,

Mr. Kusminsky is still a very young man. He was born January 5, 1882,
in Tulchin, near Kamentz Podolsky, the son of Israel and Hannah Kusminsky.
Mr. Kusminsky looks as youthful as his years, but after a conversation with
him one soon gains the impression that 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.

At the tender age of four, the child was first brought to America by his
parents, but they could not adjust themselves to the new conditions and they
returned to Russia, taking their child with them. When Solomon Henry was
eight years of age his family brought him back again.

He was at first sent to the Pittsburgh public schools, but he passed only
through the first grades, and then, like many other poor children, he was tossed
upon the battlefield of life. He 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 went to work as a cash boy in a department store. Afterwards he
became a messenger boy for the telegraph company and then he found a berth
as clerk with the telephone company, at which he stayed for fully eight years.

In 1906 he came to Farrel. He had but a scanty sum of money with him,
but a thorough life-experience unusual for his years. His past connections
have earned him a good name and he decided to utilize it for his purposes.
He opened a small store which gradually began to expand, and under his able
management and through honest and diligent work the business grew to large
proportions. It existed for nine years. In 1915, realizing that the rapid
growth of the city necessitated a department store, he organized the Farrel
Dry Goods Company, becoming its general manager. Thus Mr. Kusminsky
came to be the head of a large department store which could easily fit into a
town larger than Farrel.

So much about Mr. Kusminsky's achievements im 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 of Pittsburgh. For
ten years he has been prominently connected with the organization known as
“Tiphereth Zion,’ and he was one of the pillars on which the Zionist move-
ment was built in Pittsburgh. No toil was ever too hard for him, no sacrifice
too great whenever Zionism was the issue. Outside of his Zionist activity
Mr. Kusminsky is not active in social life, being too much taken up with his
business. but he belongs to every important Jewish institution in Pittsburgh.

Discussing the question of what constituted success in life, Mr. Kusminsky
answered after a few moments of consideration, “Persistent, honest work
must always be crowned with success.”

Mr. Kusminsky is the father of two children, Evelyn, aged eight, and
Bernard, six years of age. Their mother, nee Pauline Av erbach, died i in May,
1914, and Mr, Kusminsky has since devoted his life to the education and mak-
ing happy 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 Podola, Guberne, Russia, in the year 1856.
He was 32 years old before he decided to come to America, an age when most
men would consider it rather late to embark upon a new career.

He landed in this country July 3, 1888, and found his way to Pittsburgh,
Pa., where he peddled dry goods for six months. Finding this most unsatis-
factory, he started buying and selling junk, and three years later went to Wash-
ington, Pa., where he opened a junk yard. Under his able management the
business has proved a wonderful success and goes to show conclusively that
Mr. 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
1891, to Miss Rifka Goldenberg. 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, Pa.

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

Unfailing 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
 

JOSEPH LASDUSKY
financial prosperity, the benefits of which are not enjoyed by himself alone, as
he is most generous in his gifts to charities, both local and national.

Mr. Landskroner was married in New York City, May 22, 1904, to Miss
Lena Rubin, and their family consists of two fine boys, who are going to school.

Like all successful business men, Mr. Landskroner realizes the necessity
of hard work and absolute honesty. These are the principles which he feels
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-
gheny section of the state. Among its citizens known for their rugged honesty
and integrity, the writer had the occasion to interview a man who, taken from
all angles, deserves that mention be made of his personality and achievements,
Joseph Lasdusky, owner of a general store at Nos, 337 to 341 Eighth avenue.

Mr. Lasdusky is the scion of a scholarly family, his great-grandfather,
Rabbi Moses Lesdeier, being one of the most famous Lamdanim of his day
and time. Joseph Lasdusky’s father, Moses, was named after his illustrious
ancestor, and it was he who decided in 1875 to exchange their humble sur-
roundings of a little town, Kalvaria, in Russian Poland, for ‘the unlimited
possibilities and the boundless opportunities of free America. It was, there-
fore, in 1875 that the subject of this article first landed on the friendly shores
of the United 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. Lasdusky is as thoroughly 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 “Lasday,” Mr.
Lasdusky staunchly sticks to 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 for existence, selling
matches, and then at eighteen he became a clerk in a store. Two years later
we see him conducting a little store in Coal Center, Pa., and at the age of.
twenty-two he settled in Homestead, where he owns the general store of which
mention has already been made. The store, small and insignificant at first, is
today the pride of the town, and its owner, one of the pillars of society. Mr.
Lasdusky is a great communal worker, is very prominently connected with the
Congregation Rodeph Sholom, of which he was President at the time of the
construction of the beautiful synagogue that was built in 1914, which is indeed
a pride and a credit to the Jewish community of Homestead. He was also
President when the first synagogue was built in 1900. He is now a member
of the Executive Committee to construct a new $200,000 hospital, and also a
member of the Board of Directors of Homestead Hospital. Was very active
in Odd Fellowship in all its branches. He was the President and a member
of the Executive Board of the local B'nai B'rith and he was also a number of
times delegate to its conventions. He is a Director of the Home of the Or-
phaned and Friendless Children of Erie, Pa., which is an institution founded
and organized by the order. In the elections for the Jewish Congress, held in
June, 1917, Mr. Lasdusky appeared as a candidate for delegate. He is also a
Director of the Home for the Aged of Pittsburgh and a former President of
the local lodge of the I. O. B. A.

Mr. Lasdusky’s interest in matters of education caused him to accept

166
office as Chairman of the Educational Committee of the Independent Order
B'nai B'rith. This committee looks after the religious training of the Jewish
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 President 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. Lasdusky 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 full 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. I., 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.
He is also an ardent supporter of various charities, both local and national.

167
 

LOU LEBSTER

 
MAX LEBSTER

It is a pleasure to record the events in the life of a man of whom it can
be truly said, “He 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.

He was born in Husityn, Galicia, Austria, July 17, 1869, 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.

He was twenty-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 $6 per week. He remained one year, when his
first great misfortune overtook him. His right hand was caught in the machin-
ery and not only was he incapacitated for further work of this nature, but
nearly lost his hand.

When he became well enough, he secured employment in a furniture store,
and during the next year accumulated $400 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 of charity is the first duty, and in this he is ably
seconded by his wife, who, prior to her marriage to Mr. Lebster, June 15,
1894, was Miss Lena Kavinsky, of Fall 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. He 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 Commerce.

Among prominent charities having reasons for gratitude to Mr. and Mrs.
Lebster may be mentioned the Onphans: Home of Cleveland, Old Age Home
of Detroit and Talmud Torah.

The Lebsters have one daughter, the wife of Dr. Abe Korrisky, of Detroit.

JOSEPH LEFKOFSKY

Some one has said that the soul of a poet can be expressed in the perfec-
tion of a pie, and if that is true, the business establishment of Mr. Joseph
Lefkofsky emanates the perfection of true artistry, as any one who has visited
his delicatessen store at 255 Gratiot avenue, Detroit, Mich., can attest.

He was born in Bilistock, Russia, February 16, 1864, and came to America
at the age of 19 years.

His first business experience was that of a salesman in a dry goods firm
in Canada, where he remained four years. He then went to Chicago and
started in the restaurant and delicatessen business, which he conducted for eight
years. Going to Detroit, Mich., he established himself at his present location,
where his business has been constantly i 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 formerly Miss Lea Lepsky of Brooklyn,
Ni Ye

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 people are very popular in their social circle and are always
ready to give liberalty 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 say that the vision of the camels and caravans of the Ishmaelit-
ish merchants toiling through the deserts did not fire the childish imagination
for a commercial career ?

He was born in Krakow, Austria, March 13, 1866, the son of Akivar and
Sarah Leibel, 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 Flomenhaft, and two
years later the young people decided to try their fortunes in America.

Landing in New 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 he remained nine years, having his
salary raised from nothing during the days of his apprenticeship to $5,000 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 and 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 Leibel label is now being shipped
to every section of the United States.

The Leibels have three fine children, one boy 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 plays 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 Odd Fellows, the Congregations B’nai Ishurim and
B’nai B’rith.

JACOB LEIBOVITZ

4 Success is the reward of those who “spurn delights and live laborious
ays. ; ‘ | 7

The iron of opportunity is shaped in life’s red-hot forge by unceasing
toil and perseverance. It is never a stroke of luck; the reins of the world are
drawn too tightly for that. ;

These principles are aptly illustrated in the career of Mr. Jacob Leibo-
vitz, who has known the bitterness of failure that, by contrast, he might enjoy
to the full a success so hardly gained.

He was born in Roumania, August 15, 1878, and was fortunate in having
his childhood surrounded by an atmosphere of intellectuality, as his father was
a fine Jewish scholar.

_ He came to Montreal, Canada, in 1902, and having a little capital, went
into business for himself and was at first very successful. However, he was
most unfortunate in losing his money during a panic and arrived in Cleve-
land, Ohio, with but $500, which he invested in the millinery business. Since
that time his unceasing labor and able management have resulted in an enor-

170
mous wholesale millinery establishment, and also a fur manufacturing com-
pany at 6307 Euclid avenue.

Mr. Leibovitz was married in December, 1901, 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, 1913.

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
NATHAN LESHNER

The spirit of independence and self-help is the source of all genuine worth
in the individual, and is the means of 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 man’s life.

One of the best examples of these principles is Mr. Nathan Leshner, who
was born in Keiver, Guberne, Mosnue, Russia, February 20, 1887, the son
of a distinguished Jewish scholar and wine merchant. At the age of twelve
he started earning his own living working for a wholesale grocer.

He came to America in July, 1906, and landed in New York, where he
remained only about eight days, going in turn to Fall River, Mass., and Mid-
dletown, Ohio. He started buying and selling rags—first with a push cart‘and
later with a horse and wagon.

A little later he went to Hamilton, Ohio, where he was so successful that
in less than a year he had saved $1,000. He then went back to Europe with
his brother Jacob.

During his stay in Europe he was married to Rosa Strauss, and in the fall
of 1907 returned with his bride to America.

Mr. Leshner landed in Buffalo with absolutely no money and suffered
fearful deprivations until he reached Middletown, Ohio. Here he worked
fora short time, then went to Hamilton, Ohio, the city which was to be his
permanent home, and where his fortune was made.

JOSEPH LEVENE

The Jews have given to the world the basic principles upon which all law is
founded. Their ancient codes have for centuries balanced the scales of
human justice. We never realize so fully the import of that old truism “There
is nothing new under the sun” until we find how easily traceable is our mod-
ern law, back to the old Talmudic principles.

It is not strange therefore that some of the leading legal practitioners of
our country are Jews, as centuries of training and tradition have peculiarly
fitted them for this profession.

One of the leading attorneys of Yonkers, N. Y., is Mr. Joseph Levene,
whose offices are located at 193 S. Broadway. Mr. Levene claims America as
the land of his nativity, being born in Mt. Vernon, N. Y., March 12, 1888.
His father, Morris Levene, was a prominent manufacturer of that city.

Mr. Levene graduated from the Mt. Vernon High School in 1905, from
New York City College in 1909, and completed the law course in the same
institution in 1912. He was admitted to the bar in 1913, and so rapid was his
rise in the profession that he held the position of city attorney during 1916 and
1917. He is also a member of the legal advisory board and although still a
very young man, has made remarkable progress.

At the present time he is expecting to be called to the colors, and is wait-
ing anxiously to serve his country in any capacity.

Mr. Levene is a prominent member of the Elks and is also a member of
the New York Federation of Charities and the Mt. Vernon Home for the Aged.

He is a fine example of our best citizenship and has a brilliant career
before him.

172
HERMAN LEVENDORF

One of the most striking characteristics of the Jewish people is the high
standard of scholarly attainment achieved by even those engaged in humble
occupations. ‘i

It is common practice for the Jew, working from sunrise to sunset at a
menial occupation, to devote his evenings to the study of some leather-bound
tome of the Talmud, thumbed and frayed from years of use. This has devel-
oped a scholarly standard that is enlarged to the highest degree by those whose
lives have been devoted to the study and propounding of Jewish doctrines.

Such a man is Herman Izikeil Levendorf, who was born in Wilna, Rus-
sia, December 15, 1870. His father was a wealthy merchant of that city and
was able to give his son excellent educational advantages.

He was married in his native town November 5, 1891, to Miss 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 in Cleveland, where Mr. Levendorf took up 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 in each place.

His next ministry was in Monessen, Pa., where 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.

He 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.

Of 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,
W. Va., and Esther, who is a fine musician, is still at home. She has a won-
derful voice, which has delighted hundreds who have heard her.

As might be expected, both Mr. and Mrs. Levendorf are most generous
in their subscriptions to charities, among which we might specially mention
the Los Angeles and Denver hospitals and the Hebrew Immigrant Society.

It is the earnest desire of the people of Monessen that Mr. I.evendorf
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 H. Levenson can hardly be rivaled by any one. All classes
of the 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 Jewish 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 whose

173
 

HERMAN LEVENDORE
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 that 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 Boston, and yet owing to the systematic manner in which he
goes about his tasks, he finds time and leisure enough to actively interest himself
in the doings of his fellow man. Hours does 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 H. Levenson was born in Zizmo, Province of Vilna, Russia, on
April 22, 1877. He came to America with his parents at the age of fifteen,
and as he was young enough to be sent to elementary school, his parents sent
him there and’ later to high school. As a boy 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 be 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 only a business man. He decided to
gain a thorough preparation in the law, and he entered the Harvard Univer-
sity Law School, from which he graduated in 1913, and was admitted to the
bar in the same year. His place of business is located at 27 School street.

Mr, Levenson organized the first Zionist society in Boston, naming it the
B’nai Zion Educational Society, and becoming its first President. He 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 funds. In the civic life of
Boston Mr. Levenson made his mark by 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-
cently 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 Director of Federated Jewish Charities of Boston. He is a member
of the Boston Chamber of Commerce, the Secretary of one of the local
boards of the National Credit Men’s Association and a prominent figure in
the commercial life of the city.

On June 10, 1917, Mr. Levenson was honored by an election to the first
American Jewish Congress. His great popularity made him an easy winner
in the election and the fact that he is a member of the Executive Committee
Z the Congress Organization Committee contributed largely to his success at
the polls.

in addition to his civic interests, Mr. Levenson is socially prominent and
a member of the Elysium Club, one of the finet of its type in Boston.

174
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
Jew 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.

With 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 New 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 Hoeosic 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 New 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 New 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 National Director of the Denver Hospital
and subscribes liberally also to all local charities.

MAX LEVINE

Books alene 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 te 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 1888. 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
 

HERMAN C. LEVINGER
four years when he decided to go to Africa. This was a most unfortunate
move from a financial standpoint, but very rich in experience. Returning to
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
still in school, as is the daughter who is also an accomplished musician.

The Levines are very prominent socially in Harrisburg as they are 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 Order of B’rith Holam, and is a liberal contributor to Denver
hospitals, the Immigration Society of New 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 jovs and perplexities of this great world. His father was a very
scholarly 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
$2.00 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 he was very
successful, but the road work did not appeal to him, so he quit and went into
the cloak and suit business.

Three years later he came to Ohio and started working in a junk yard,
with the idea of learning the business, and how admirably he succeeded in this
is attested by the fact that within a few years he had established himself in an
iron and metal yard of his own at Fremont, Ohio, where he is at the present
time engaged in a most profitable and flourishing business at No. 1200 Carbon
street.

Mr. Levinger was married January 1, 1907, to Miss Dora Weisman of
Fremont, a charming lady who is very popular in their social circle.

Although Mr. Levinger’s education is to some extent acquired, owing to
the early age at which he was obliged to leave school, he is a firm believer in
the great value of education in a business career. At the same time he believes
that the young man who is obliged to work his own way in the world is most
likely to develop strong traits of character so necessary to success.

Mr. Levinger is a member of the Hungarian Congregation 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 I’. Levinson, who was born in Kieff, March 9,
1888, 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
to 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 Beth 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.

Here 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
 

IVY

JACOB
Their business has grown very rapidly, and they are rated among the
most successful business men of their community.

A year prior to coming to America Mr, Levy was married to Miss Sara
Sashonski, and they have five children who seem to have inherited their father’s
independence of spirit and business ability, as they are all earning their own
living. :

ee Levy is a member of Aguahas Acham Congregation of Columbus,
Ohio, and is also affiliated with the Knights of Joseph.

He is a liberal contributor to Denver and Los Angeles hospitals, the
Orphans’ Home of Cleveland, Ohio, and the Talmud Torah of Columbus, Ohio.

MAX M. LEVY

The Jewish community of New Orleans, La., includes with just pride the
name of Max \I, 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. He was born in New
Orleans on November 26, 1883, 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 and a half later he
changed positions and served in a similar capacity, and for a similar period of
time in another banking institution, the State National Bank. With the three
years’ experience behind him, he was now prepared to reach out for a larger
field of activity, and his father, who recognized his sterling qualities, entrusted
to him the management of a sugar plantation which he owned. In 1905 Mr.
Levy organized the Stern Foundry, in which concern he has held the office of
Vice-President and which he has helped to make a large and flourishing
enterprise.

Mr. Levy's ability and fine personality are readily recognized, however,
and greatly appreciated, not only in the business world but also in the fields
of philanthropy, civic and social progress. Thus, he is a member of every
leading Jewish institution of the city and of many institutions and associations
of a general character. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, a Shriner and an
Elk; he is a director of the Touro Infirmary and has served on the boards of
the Young Men’s Hebrew Association and of the Touro Synagogue. He has
taken also an active and leading part 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. He is on the
Executive Committee of the War Savings Stamp for Louisiana Commission.

Mr. Levy’s services to the community were immeasurably enhanced on
October 18, 1911, when he was married to Miss Louise Isaacs, a charming
young lady and a member of one of the leading and most prominent families
of New Orleans, for Mrs. Levy is also an ardent and active worker in the
various fields of charity and philanthropy.

178
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
bas 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. He immediately
entered elementary schooi and then attended high school and the University of
Pittsburgh, receiving his M. D. degree in 1892, and M. U. 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 to 1902. In this way his scientific
training was very comprehensive. In a féw 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
 

DR. ADOLPH L. LEWIN
native of Pittsburgh. The couple was blessed with a son named Herbert
Aaron.

Dr. Lewin is a modern Orthodox in religion, and believes in the impor-
tance of Jewish education to a boy.

MAX LEWIS

One of our great writers has said that the talent of success is nothing
more than doing what you 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 Oil 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 quiet and
unassuming of men, and very modest regarding his own achievements.

Max Lewis was born in Eydtkuhuen, East Prussia, March 23, 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. Having a brother in Oil 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 Odd Fellows, and the Young Men's Hebrew Association.

He also subscribes liberally to all charities including the Denver Hospitals
and the Orphans’ Home in Erie.

BEN LICHTER

Chelsea, Mass., is fortunate in having prominently identified with its
business life a number of influential Jews, among whom it is our pleasure to
mention the name of Mr. Ben Lichter.

Mr. Lichter was born in Valino, Guberne, Russia, in September, 1885,
and came to America in the year 1905, landing in Philadelphia, where he
obtained employment in a shoe factory at the small sum of $5.00 per week.
This he continued for two and one-half years, gaining much valuable experi-
ence, and then went into business for himself, the line being bags and burlap,
and he is today one of the most successful business men in Chelsea, the name
of the firm being Lichter Bros.

In February, 1911, occurred the marriage of Mr. Lichter to Rosa Mar-
golins of Chelsea, and Mrs. Lichter is today occupying a very prominent place
in the social life of the community. Both herself and husband are most gen-
erous in their gifts to charity and are active in all movements for civic
betterment.

Mr. Lichter is a member of the B’nai Zion and Dobno Volina Association
of Boston, Mass.

180
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
Norwalk, 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 Tenate: Lichtesi¢n
of the large iron and metal yard owned and operated by himself and son in
Norwalk, Ohio.

We feel a word should be said regarding the able assistance which Mr.
Lichtesien 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 whonr
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. Lichtesien’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 Lichtesien 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.

“Tt 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 men and women who are having a hard struggle to
succeed.

He was born in Laskrung, Komino Spodolsky,
Russia, fifty-eight years ago, his father being 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 was married at the age of 25 to Miss Etta
Altman. Five years later we find them departing
for America to seek their fortune in the new world.

Their destination was Buffalo, where Mr.
Lichtman bought and sold rags 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.
After 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 ; ;
a short term of partnership with Mr. Horick. Sstieaany aa

By this time Mr. Lichtman’s sons, Jacob and Victor, had grown old enough
to help assume the business responsibilities, so they were taken into partner-
ship with his father, and the business is today being operated under the firm
name of S. Lichtman & Sons, and occupies a fine four-story, modern brick
building devoted to the re-sale of paper and woolen rags. Mr. Lichtman was
one of the first in Buffalo to start the cotton and woolen rag business.

The Lichtmans have seven children, three boys and four girls, who are
well educated, and the older ones already occupying positions of importance
and responsibility. They are being thoroughly trained in business principles
so they may carry 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 and all the Yishivas.

Mr. Lichtman is a prominent member of B’nei Israel. His career is one
of the most interesting and successful in the business history of Buffalo.

 

ABE LICOFSKY

Of all the races of the world, none have fought so many battles for free-
dom and moral uplift as the Jews. Since the earliest dawn of civilization
they have always been arrayed upon the side of right and justice.

Small wonder, then, that in the present international crisis thousands of
Jewish homes have given their most priceless possessions—the sons—in whom
all their hopes are centered.

We mention this in connection with the biography of Mr. Abe Licofsky,
whose son Nathan is now serving as an officer under our beloved Star Spangled
Banner.

Abe Licofsky was born in Vilna, Guberne, Russia, in the year 1860. He
did not come to America until in August, 1899, some years after his father
had made his home in the new world. Consequently, when he arrived at our
shores he came direct to Wooster, Ohio, where his father resided, and began
peddling junk. This he continued for thirteen years, accumulating enough
money to go into the grocery business. That he has succeeded is attested

182
by 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 boys
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. Both 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 Vilna, 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 only 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 many 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 of them
is Mr. Max Lieber, who is now a prominent resident of the United States.

Mr. Lieber was born in Kiev, Russia, in 1880, the son of Tankel Lieber,
a much respected Shochet, who died in Kiev in 1916, 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.

When Mr. Lieber was but sixteen years of age a revoluntionary movement
was started in his section of the country and he was one of the prominent
participants, with the result that he was thrown into prison for six months.
\Vho shall say how much influence the sufferings of Mr. Lieber and other kin-
dred spirits have had upon the recent uprisings in Russia and how much they
have contributed toward a new liberty for their native land.

After his release from prison he started in business for himself in the
town of Slobodka, where he was quite successful, but 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 1904.

For the first five years he was obliged to work at the leather goods trade
at a very small salary, but here his musical talent again came to his aid, and
he gave evening lessons, as well as acting as leader of an orchestra. He finally
accumulated $200 and started in business in Cleveland, 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, Prospect and Wade Park avenues.

In June, 1906, Mr. Lieber was married to Miss Jennie Goldstein, and he
attributes a part of his success to his wife, as she is a thorough business woman
and still assists him in the management of the stores. They 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 by adoption. He is
an active member of the Knights of Pythias and the Knights of Joseph and
contributes liberally to all worthy charities.

183a
DR. JAY S. LIEBMAN

It 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, 1884, 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 University 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 United 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
Linder, the subject of this sketch.

He was born in Swinuch, Russia, December 18, 1880, his father being an
employe in government work, so Solomon had ample opportunity to learn much
of the methods by 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 Deni, having in
mind a trip to America.

On January 19, 1907, he landed on our shores, and going to Pittsburgh,

184
 

SOLOMON LINDER
 

ALEX. LISCHKOFF
began to buy and sell junk. Two years later he bought a horse and wagon
and going to New Philadelphia, went into partnership with Mr. Weisman.
This continued for some time, when the partnership was dissolved and Mr.
Linder conducted the business independently.

In 1915 he was joined by 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,
N. Y., and their family consists of one boy and one girl, both in school.

He is a member of Wolina of Pittsburgh, B'rith Abraham and Royal
Order of Lyon.

There are no citizens of New Philadelphia held in higher repute than the
Linder family. They are a fine example of ideal American citizenship and
are always ready to generously give money 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.

May they have many years of prosperous contentment in the land of their
adoption.

ALEX LISCHKOFF

Mr. Alex Lischkoff is not only President of B'nai Israel, the only Ortho-
dox congregation in Pensacola, Fla., but he is the recognized head and leader
of the Orthodox community of the city.

He is an Orthodox 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
is clear that his home life is conducted with the strictest regard to Jewish
observance, particularly if one learns that he is a former Yeshibah Bochur. But
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 is 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 EI.
He is Chairman of the House Committee and one of the founders of the
Progress Club, which is a remarkable Jewish institution and can be considered
as the leading Jewish club in southern United States. For two terms he has
been a Director of the Chamber of Commerce. He 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. Alex Lischkoff was horn on the 23d of December, 1867, in Lozdzei,
Russian Poland, the son of Yakir and Esther Lischkoff. Both his father and
mother were of the most prominent families of that city, and on his mother’s
side he is the descendant of prominent Rabbis. One of his grandfathers was
Rabbi Moshe of Lezdzei, a well-known “‘gaon” in his days.

Mr. Lischkoff came to America in 1883. For a time he stayed in New
Haven, Conn., then in Cincinnati. 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 real estate
operator, having closed the largest cash deal in real estate in the whole history
of Pensacola.

On April 30, t889, Mr. Lischkoff was married to Frances Forcheimer, and
they are the parents of three very accomplished children. Their oldest son,

185
Dr. M. A. Lischkoff, 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 $3.00 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. Irom there he went to Aperson, Wis., and after
three years, having saved some money, went to Bath, N. 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 Mr. 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
worthy of study and emulation,

LUCIEN 8S. 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.

Mr. 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
yery 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 Constitution Grand Lodge conventions of that order
five consecutive times—in 1895 at Cincinnati, in 1900 at Chicago, in 1905 at
New Orleans, and in 1910 at Washington, D. C. He was also Vice President
of the 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 of 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, Vice President of the Montgomery Chamber of Com-
merce and Chairman of its transportation bureau, a Director in the Capital
National Bank, Treasurer of the Montgomery Live Stock Fair Association, a
Director of the Montala Manufacturing Company, and a Director of the
Dixie Cotton Oil Company. He headed the committee in charge of the Red
Cross membership drive last December and is a member of the war camp com-
munity service.

Mr. Loeb’s Jewish affiliations and activities are equally numerous and
noteworthy. He is a Trustee of Kahl Montgomery and of Emanuel Lodge
103 of the B’nai B'rith. He is a member of the Graduate Menorah Society,
a member of the General Committee of District Grand Lodge No. 7, I. O. B. B,.
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 t908. He thereupon returned to his native
city, where he entered his father’s firm, which is a Jarge and flourishing whole-
sale concern bearing the name of Winter-Loeb Grocery 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 unselfishly and unstintingly to the service of
his country, his city and his community.

HERMAN H. LOUIS

This country owes 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.

Our resources have been so vast that we have grown into a nation of
wasters,

It remained for the Jew to come to America, gather up the waste and
divert it to new uses.

Every iron and metal yard in the country is a monument to Jewish enter-
prise and a rebuke to our lack of thrift.

Herman H. Louis is one of the men who has made a fortune from that
which other men have cast away.

He was born in Ezno, Russia, November 25, 1868, and came to America
in May, 1882. He first found employment in a junk yard at Cleveland, Ohio,
and two years later went to Parkersburg, W. Va., where he worked on the rail-
road for three years. Then followed a number of years of varied experiences,

187
including the management of a junk yard, three years in a grocery and three
years as motorman.

Going to Ashtabula, Ohio, he 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 nctice 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 Hanna, 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- Samuel Maltinsky
‘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 Walter Damrosch; she has held for
three years a scholarship at the Peabody Institute at Baltimore, and she is not
only extremely pretty, but also known as an amiable young 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
Hyman and Sarah Maltinsky. His father was a “Dayyan’” and one of the

188

 
 

MAIER

SIGMUND
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
avery 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 peddling 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
ina 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 here 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. And time proved
him entirely right in his judgment, as he was advanced to the position of
manager at a fine salary, and remained with this concern for twenty-three
years.

Mr. Maier was married August 21, 1893, to Miss Charlotte Lowenstein of
Fort Wayne, Ind.

They have five children, four boys and one girl.

The son, 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 firm believer in the gospel of hard work and advises young

189
people to 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 Orphans’ 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 North 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 North Adams and
engaged in the junk business.

Mr. Manes is today 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
 

DR. RABBI DAVE BEHR MANISCHEWITZ
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
United 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 1858, 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 Neshe,
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 go 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 years 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 New York.

Mamie, married to Dr. Reuben Finkelstein, son of prominent Rabbi of
Brooklyn, N. Y. Three children.

Jacob Uriah, married to Pearl Quitman of Cincinnati. He is the father of
two children.

Joseph, married to Bessie Sagalowsky of Indianapolis, Ind. He is the
father of two children.

Rose, married to Sol Rogen, of New York.

Max, married to Edith Cohen, of Jerusalem, Palestine.

Harry, married to Sara Malka Gelerinter, daughter of Rabbi A. Galerinter
of New York, and formerly of Jerusalem, where they were married. He is
the father of four children.

Rae, married to Bernard Prensky, of New York.
JOSEPH MARIL

The Orthodox Jewish community of Savannah, Ga., consists of a number
of highly influential citizens, among whom we cannot fail to mention Mr.
Joseph Maril. Mr. Maril was born 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, Georgia, where he started his successful business career. He par-
ticularly made a mark in the business of real estate and building. Now Mr.
Maril is interested in various business enterprises, among them being a skirt
factory at No. 110 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 Josephi Marit
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 1, 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
 

WILLIAM MARCUS
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
Joseloff of Slonim, and they are 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. Frank and lives in New York. Rosa is
the wife of Mr. Frohmberg of Charleston, S. C., who is a member of the legis-

193
lature of his state. Fanny, the youngest daughter, is married to Mr. Ravson
of Atlanta.

Mr. Marcus is one of the oldest Jewish settlers in Savannah, and 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 B'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 every 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 is
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 very small child gathering something in the yard, “this is my youngest 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 1864 in Rib-
nitz, Hungary, as the son of Henry and Lena
Markowitz. He came to America in 18809.
Being 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 Braddock, where, with
a small capital, but a vast store of energy, he opened the bakery 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 day and night. During
the whole year I did not sleep in bed even once, except on Saturdays, when
we did not bake.”

 

194
As a result of this hard work Mr. Markowitz now owns the large bakery
at Nos. 1019 and 1021 Talbot street, and his splendid home at No. 1o17 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 of the following children: Sadie, now Mrs. Myers; Harry, Ja-
cob, a student of law; Morris, Julis, 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 Agudath 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 they read with such interest was a
New York manufacturer. But such is actually the case. Putting all literary
fame aside, Mr. Margulies is a first-rate business man.

Born in Pren, Government of Suwalk, in 1848, Mr. Margulies came to
America in 1890. He 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 Orthodox, a strict Sabbath observer and a
Director of the Machsikei Talmud Torah. He is a former pupil of the re-
nowned Rabbi Abraham Yekutiel Mapu. He was married in 1872 to Soshe
Marion, who died in 1916, leaving four sons and four daughters.

NATHAN MARSHALL

One of the finest traits of Jewish character is the remarkable capacity
for adaptability to new conditions and environment. Few men at the age of
thirty-six would consider it possible to go to a new country and, starting at
the bottom of the ladder, work out a career culminating in great financial
success.

However, this is the experience of Mr. Nathan Marshall, who was born
in Minsker, Guberne, Russia, in the year 1867. He came to America in 1903,
landing in Boston, Mass. The only available occupation was that of peddling
with a basket, which he did for one year. He then went to Gloucester, Mass.,
where he started in working as a laborer for the city. However, he was fired
by an ambition to have a business for himself, and his spare time was de-
voted to buying and selling junk in a very modest way. This business devel-
oped so rapidly that he was soon able to devote his entire time and attention
to same, and he is today one of the most prominent business men in the com-
munity.

Mr. Marshall was married in Russia in 1891 to Miss Ida Yardha, and
they have eight children, six boys and two girls.

195
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 seryv-
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 11
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 Tenn Make
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.

 

196
 

JACOB MASUR
JACOB MASUR

Mr. Jacob Masur is foreign-born, having come to the world in Russia in
December, 1869, the son of Rubin and Ida 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 fit 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 Masur devoted all his spare time
to study, attending the evening high school, and had ambition of entering a
university and studying for a profession; but circumstances turned him into
the commercial world.

But there was something in Mr. Masur that kept on telling him that he
would certainly succeed if he but attempted the right thing. Mr. Masur took
cutting. For three months he worked for nothing; in fact, even paid $100 in
cold cash to learn the trade, 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 No. 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 bank and as soon
as that gave out, Mr. Masur had to close his shop and seek employment. He
secured a position as cutter at $4 per week. Within a year he found a job
elsewhere and for a time kept changing places from year to year. His salary
rose to $25 per week, and then he felt secure enough to venture into business
for himself again.

He opened a loft at University place and Twelfth street, manufacturing
cloaks and suits, and for five years he struggled very hard to make both ends
meet, working day and night at his new business. But work had its reward,
and Mr. Masur stands today as a successful manufacturer at his line. His
place of business is at 131 West Thirty-fifth street, New York City.

Having founded his financial success, Mr. Masur went back to the subject
of his early interest and for a time delved into the studies long neglected, of
the Talmud and its commentators, and also secular education. Following in
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 to Miss Rose Brandus, since 1894, and is the father
of four children. The oldest daughter, Sophie, graduate of New York Uni-
versity Law School, is married to Mr. Alexander H. Weinberg, a lawyer by
profession, as his wife is, and a lieutenant in the United States army. He
is in the service in France and has recently been wounded.

William, a younger son, is a student at a private military 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. He also
belongs to the Hebrew Free Loan Association, the Hebrew Orphan Asylum
and other Jewish charities. His gospel is “Hard work.”

197
OTTO J. MAYER

A community looks for leadership not only to the men who have attained
to 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. Otto Jacob Mayer of New Orleans.

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 New Orleans, and received his education in a private school of his native
city. He comes from an old, well-established and highly esteemed New 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. On 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.

On 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.

NG
 

DR. EDWARD E.

 
The picture of this young boy 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 of purpose.

He continued in this way 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, Ohio, and started business in a
modest way, where his business has grown to the present large institution
located at Sixth and Canal streets.

Mr. Mehl was married April 13, 1897, to Miss Minnie Kleine of Cin-
cinnati, Ohio.

Their family consists of three girls and two boys, all of whom are 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 are very active in benevo-
lent organizations.

He is former President and now Treasurer of Anshe Sholurn Yahreda,
a member of the Chamber of Commerce, an active worker for hospitals and
flood prevention and is Captain of the Red Cross. His fraternal affiliations
are the Masons and the Knights of Pythias.

He advises all young people to obtain all the education they can and be at
all times a true and loyal citizen.

EDWARD EVERETT MAYER

The Jew has been a most prominent figure in the field of medicine as far
back 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 and in surgery, on the side of the Allies or on that of the central
forces, 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.
Dr. Edward Everett Mayer comes from a scholarly and rabbinical family, and
he can point with justifiable pride to his illustrious parentage. His father
was the late Rev. Lippman Mayer, for a generation rabbi of the Rodef Sha-
lom Congregation of Pittsburgh, and the predecessor of the late J. Leonard
Levy. His mother, Elise (Hecht), was a daughter of the famous Professor
Hecht, of the Real Schule and member of the Diet of his state, whose biog-
raphy appears in the Jewish Encyclopedia.

Edward E. Mayer was born in the city of Allegheny, Pa., June 18, 1876.
He received his education in the grammar and high schools and later in the
Western University of Pennsylvania, since changed to the University of Pitts-
burgh, from which he graduated in 1895.

He later continued his studies at the university, receiving the degree of
Master of Arts and that of Doctor of Medicine in 1897. Subsequently he
went to Europe, where he furthered his studies in Vienna, Paris and London,
specializing in neurology. Since his return to America he has practiced medi-
cine in the city of Pittsburgh and is at the present time located in the Jenkins
Arcade Building of that city.

Dr. Mayer’s ability in his chosen specialty in the field of medicine, namely,
mental diseases, soon came to be recognized universally, and he has for a num-
ber of years held the post of associate professor of mental diseases at the
University of Pittsburgh. At the present time he is the chief neurologist at
the Presbyterian, Montefiore, South Side and Crippled Children’s Home.

199
Prior to that he 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 Oppen-
heim’s famous text-book on “Diseases of the Nervous System,” and is the
author of many important contributions to medical and neurological journals.
He 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 whose 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 Hebraist and a Talmudical scholar of note, from whom young Mayer
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.
Born 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 had 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
Orchard 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
Leth David Hospital, Hebrew National Orphans’ Home, Jewish National Fund
Bureau, Rabbi Jacob Joseph School, Adas Israel Hebrew Kindergarten and
Day Nursery, Hebrew Sheltering Society, Hebrew Free Loan Society, Noshim
Rachmonoth Society, Mt. Vernon Home for Aged, Hebrew Free Burial Asso-
ciation, Talmud Torah Darchei Noam, Congregation Ohab Zedek Maskil Fl
Dol, and there are also other organizations and charities to which he contrib-
utes with a free hand.

Mr. Michelsohn had married at the age of nineteen Miriam Abramowitz,
and there are seven children, four sons and three daughters. The eldest son,
Abraham, is married and a father of three sons. He is associated in business’
with the elder Mr. Michelsohn, as are the other of his three brothers, Martin,
Adrian and Max, all of whom are well reputed and well educated both in
Hebrew and English. They are considered by the trade to be making good
progress in business.

The eldest daughter, Sarah, is married to Mr. Irving Signer, who is now
established in business for himself. The second daughter, Nettie, was mar-
ried to Mr. Sam Sirkin, the executive of Sirkin & Sirkin, jobbers of hosiery at
407 Broadway. They have one son. His youngest daughter, Clara, is mar-
ried to Mr. Mitchel Fliegel, of the firm of Fliegel & Son, manufacturers of
raincoats at 40 East Twelfth street.

Mr. Michelsohn has taken under his charge his brother’s grandchild,
who is an orphan, and he and his wife are showing her parental care. They
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 fine spirits from across the seas who have
added laurels to her artistic, educational and commercial activities.

In the latter field, no name is. more worthy of prominence than that of
Alexander Miller of Detroit, who was born in Koyno, Vilna, Guberne, Rus-
sia, December 11, 1885, and came to America when a young man of twenty
years.

He obtained employment in a New York fur factory at only $4 per week,
but advanced his salary to $25 per week in the short
period of one and one-half years.

While this measure of success would have ap-
peased the ambition of most young men, Mr. Miller
wanted a business of his own, however modest the
beginning might be, so he purchased a wagon and
engaged in the junk business. This venture prov-
ing successful, it was followed by a partnership
with Louis Miller, and their untiring efforts and
exceptional executive ability have resulted in the
development of a large commission business, deal-
ing in butter, eggs and other produce; also a grain
elevator.

Mr. Miller is still a young man with a roseate
future before him.

He was married in New York January 27,
_ 1909, to Miss Gussie Bagdonofsky, and they have
two promising boys of school age.

Mr. and Mrs. Miller are large contributors to all worthy charities, and
the joy they derive from-their beneficence leads us back to the old truism:
The truly generous is truly wise, and he who loves not others, lives unblest.”

201

 
MIKE MILLER

One of the leading citizens of Sunbury, Pa., is Mr. Mike Miller, owner
of a large iron and metal business operating under his name. Mr. Miller was
born in Koyno, 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 and the 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, where for the sake of experi-
ence he continued at the meager salary of $2 per week. He 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 they 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
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.

Born in Vilna, Guberne, Russia, August 15, 1875, he 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.

PN
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 Mr. Eli Minsker, who was born in Letova, Guberne,
Russia, in April, 1873. His father, Mr. David Minsker, was a successful
merchant and a man of fine 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 Fate 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., where 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,
Secretary 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
 

CHAUNCEY A. MINTZ
 

ISRAEL MORRIS MINTZ
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 sucha 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
effort and its result are equally commendable.

Such a man was Mr. Israel Morris Mintz of Oil City, Pa., who, as a very
young man, came with his bride to seek his fortune in America.

He was born in Suwalk, Guberne, Russia, in September, 1847.

The Mintzs are descended from a long line of cultured people and the
father of our subject was no exception. He 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 1866 was united in marriage to Miss
Eva Oshinsky. Shortly after their marriage they departed for America, com-
ing direct to Titusville, Pa., where an uncle resided.

His first occupation was peddling merchandise from a pack, which he con-
tinued for ten years. Then followed another ten years with a horse and wagon,
after which he had accumulated sufficient capital to open a store and later
another in Petrola, Pa. :

205
Although these ventures were very successful, Mr. Mintz saw 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.
He is assisted by his son, whose separate biography appears in another place.

He also has a daughter, Rae, 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 Odd 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 $9.00 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 Wigutoof and they have five chil-
dren, four boys 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 Old Age Home, the Orphans’ Home, and
many others too numerous to mention. They also contribute to the Denver
Sanitarium.

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MICHAEL MOHR
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 city
and its schools, for more than a quarter of a century.

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 Della 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

From 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 Vilna, Guberne, Russia, in October, 1881, he was the son of Louis
and Freda Morrison, his father conducting a tannery in his native town. Like
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 school opportunities would
not afford.

He came to America May 29, 1898, his destination being Grand Rapids,
Mich., where he worked in a factory for about eight months, until he could
accumulate sufficient capital to buy a horse and wagon.

He then began buying and selling old iron and metal and from this small
beginning, by unceasing industry and courage, has amassed a fortune and is
considered one of the leading business men of his city.

Mr. Morrison was married October 29, 1906, to Miss Rose Wepman of
Grand Rapids, and they are the parents of three fine children, all going to
school and, in addition, receiving musical training. In addition to the careful
home training of their children, Mrs. Morrison finds time for many social
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 quite prominent in fraternal circles, being a member of
Order Independent Western Star, Jewish Social Club, Woodmen of America,
nai B'rith and Alavas Soham.

He is also trustee of the West Side Congregation and is very devout in his
adherence to Jewish principles.

DR. BERNARD MOUNT

For a city to have only two Jewish physicians and to know that both of
them have achieved distinction and are prominently and actively 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.,
is thus fortunate and privileged. For the success and distinction, both in a
professional and communal way, which Dr. Greil enjoys are shared in the
largest possible measure by Dr. Bernard Mount.

Dr. Mount has been splendidly prepared and eminently fitted for the
position of leadership which he occupies in his profession. He is, com-
paratively 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 born in Forsyth, Ga., on
January 4, 1880. His father, Isidor Mount, immigrated to this country at an
early 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
1900. The same year he established himself in Batchelor, La., where he built
up a large practice during a stay of six years. Being desirous of specializing
in internal medicine, however, and of reaching out for a larger field and a
wider scope of activity, he went to New York, where he pursued post-graduate
studies and then came to Montgomery and opened officés in the Bell building of
that city.

Dr. Mount’s affiliations in his city and community are very numerous, and
his services and active co-operation in the 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. He 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 his 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 scen. 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 Bassarolia, 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 first 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
Detroit, 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 may be 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 citizens.

SAM MOSTOV

The life history of Mr. Sam Mostov proves conclusively that no matter
how humble the beginning, success is bound to follow hard work and business
ability rightly applied.

Mr. Mostov was born in Valencia, Witipsk, Guberne, Russia, December 15,
1880, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Chaim Mostov. His father was not only a suc-
cessful merchant of his native town, but also a most accomplished Jewish

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.

He came to America in March, 1905, 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 Koyno, Guberne, Russia, in 1878, and came to
America July 3, 1893. Landing in Boston, he took the first honest occupation
which came to hand, and which happened to be peddling potatoes. A few
weeks later he obtained employment in a junk shop, where he continued for
three years, and then, going into business for himself, was so unfortunate as
to lose all of his capital. He went to work again, devoting three years to the
hay and grain business, after which he established his present wholesale liquor
house, which is a success in every way.

Mr. Norwich was married in the year 1900 to Miss Ida Cohen, of Chelsea,
and they have five children, one boy and four girls, all going to school. The
eldest daughter, Jennie, is a graduate from high school, and also business col-
lege at Malden.

Mrs. Norwich is very prominent in various social and charitable activities,
one of the institutions of which she is a patroness being the Old Age Home.
Mr. and Mrs. 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 Congrega-
tions, as well as B’rith Abraham.

His financial prosperity is a distinct advantage not only to his family, but
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 be able
to produce strong spiritual leaders. There were some, in fact it seemed 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 be expected.
But, as is usual with prophets of evil, their fears were proved groundless, and
we witness today the remarkable growth of rabbinical talent among the present
generation of American Jewry coupled with thorough preparation for the duties
of spiritual leadership.

Rabbi Abraham Nowak has been in Boston only a very short time, and
yet he has already accomplished wonders. He has become the conceded
leader of the Jewry. A strong force and a brilliant future is undoubtedly his. It
is almost inconceivable to think that this well-known rabbi and great leader is
only twenty-seven years of age, having been born in the city of New York on
August 15, 1890. Rabbi Nowak is the son of Harris Nowak, a clothier in
New York, who is a thorough Orthodox and imbued his son with a love for
Jewish tradition and history and threw the first seed of love for Judaism in the
receptive mind of the young boy.

Abraham attended the public school in New York and the College of the
City of New York, from which he was graduated with a B. S. degree in 1910.
He then entered the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, receiving his
degree of rabbi in 1913, in which year he was also made a M. A. at Columbia
University, where he took his post-graduate studies. Immediately after his
admission to the rabbinate he was offered a pulpit in Louisville, Ky., becoming
associated with a conservative congregation, the Adath Jeshurun, in which he
remained for four years, until he was called to assume the pulpit of the Con-

all
gregation Ohabei Sholom in Boston, which duties he assumed on August 1,
1917.
While in Louisville, he was actively engaged in the promotion of the
Zionist movement and held prominent office in the Zionist organization of the
city. He was also the president of Louisville Lodge, Branch No. 14, Inde-
pendent Order 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. He 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 Nowak 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 Novek, 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 anironer. During this time he received no salary, as he was just learning
the trade. Not finding this to his 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 No. 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. Novek is president of
Ayas Achem and B'rith Jacob Congregation, and is also prominent in
Bristol County 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 New 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
After his marriage, on the 14th of December, 1903, he decided to start into
business for himself, and he entered the theatrical field, a 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
1908 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. Ochs 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 of the 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 are at
No. 1587 Broadway.

Mr. Ochs is a Master Mason and a Shriner of the Mecca Temple, a mem-
ber of the Elks, New York No. 1, and other fraternal organizations, and he
contributes to all charities. His wife, who was Miss Nana K. Kaufman, is the
daughter of Jonas Kaufman, the well-known president of the Standard Wire
Works. Two children have blessed their union, a son, Millard, and a daughter,
Willa.

DAVID OPPENHEIM

The best experience in merchandising which the world affords is found on
the streets 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
wkere human nature may be read as an open book; that has given to many of
our foremost business and professional men that keen insight and thorough
understanding of their fellows which has served them so well in after years.

This may be said of Mr. David Oppenheim, who sold papers upon the
streets of Detroit when only a small boy going to school. That he learned how
to deal successfully with people of nearly all walks in life is evidenced by the
fact that he was first proprietor of a restaurant; next ran a billiard academy,
and in 1912 started in the real estate and fire adjusting business. In all these
he attained fair success, but the venture in which he was destined to make his
forture and reputation as a business man was asbestos mining.

He is one of very few Jews engaged in the development of this industry
and has large holdings which are immensely valuable. He still continues his
real estate and insurance business, his office being located in the Dime Bank
building, Detroit.

Mr. Oppenheim is American born, the son of Benjamin and Jennie Oppen-
heim, born April 16, 1872, in Detroit, Mich. His father is a retired merchant
of that city.

He received a high school education, earning his own money selling papers
while going to school.

He was married in Detroit in 1896 to Miss Sarah Rosenthal, and they
have five children, all in school.

Mr. Oppenheim finds time to become affiliated with a number of charitable
organizations, being trustee of the Jewish Old Folks’ Home, the House of
Shelter, and president and founder of the largest (Machpeleh) Cemetery in
Detroit. He is also a member of Shaarey Zadek Beth Jacob and B'nai Israel.

Mr. Oppenheim considers morality and honesty the two cardinal virtues
worthy of cultivation by the young.

213
LOUIS OPPENHEIMER

The pages of modern biography contain many 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 Oppenheimer, who was born in Alsheim, Germany, May 31, 1855, the son
of Simon and Sarah Oppenheimer. He 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 Norwalk,
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. Oppenheimer was married January 11, 1885, to Miss Blanche Lobel,
of Cleveland, Ohio, and they have one son, who is in the service of his country.

Mr. Oppenheimer is a member of the Odd Fellows, Orphans’, and Jewish
Old Folks’ Home, is a national director of the Denver Sanitarium, and one
of the advisory committee of Memorial Hospital of Norwalk. 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 they 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. Ozersky 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 his 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. He spent two years
at it in New 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 Ozersky—a firm very popular and among the most successful in its
line.

But the most important things about Mr. Ozersky are his social connec-
tions. He is the president of the Hebrew Institute, ex-president of the Con-
gregation Emanu-El, member of the 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.
He had served many times as a delegate to conventions of the B’nai B’rith and
was also a duly nominated candidate for the Jewish Congress.

It goes without saying that such many-sided participation in public work
requires many sacrifices, and Mr. Ozersky gives ungrudgingly. His readiness
to serve when business would call him away have brought him nearer to many
hearts.

On June 15, 1902, Mr. Ozersky was married to Anna, daughter of the well-
known Youngstown “Lamdan” Mr. Altshuler. Mr. and Mrs. Ozersky are the
parents of five accomplished children, Sarah Norma, Saul David, Ruth Bessie,
Mildred Dorothy, and Miriam.

Not only is Mr. Ozersky a great philanthropist, but he is a charming con-
versationalist and one greatly 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 is so much life, they are not apt to come to public notice. The late
Benjamin Altman belonged to that type. No matter how charitable or philan-
thropic such a man may be, he tries to pass by unnoticed, but their good deeds
are, nevertheless, recognized and appreciated by the hundreds who come within
the radius of their beneficence.

Mr. Nathan Ozersky, the older brother of the firm of Ozersky Brothers
of Youngstown, Ohio, is in the full sense of the word a quiet, retired and char-
itable citizen, a man who looks for no credit or appreciation ; but he is a kind-
hearted man, possessing the true Jewish spirit and the community bade him
come forth from his retirement to which he naturally inclines and showed him
to the world in his true colors. Though he dreads publicity and would prefer
an unassuming and retired life, he was for five years president of the Congre-
gation Emanu-El which he had helped establish and which he helped to a
remarkable synagogue building. He was also for the period of six years presi-
dent of the Hebrew Institute.

As has been said, Mr. Ozersky looks for no recognition, yet the com-
munity cannot get along without his assistance and he has been brought into
the limelight of publicity not once but many times.

Nathan Ozersky was born on the 24th of December, 1867, in Moglin,
Chernigov Government, as the son of Reb Isaac and Nachmah Ozersky. In
his youth he studied the Talmud and dreamed of becoming a great Rabbi and
teacher in Israel. But when he came to America he learned the baker’s trade,
and, through his hard work and honest methods, he and his younger brother
brought about the present successful firm of Ozersky Brothers in Youngstown
(see preceding sketch).

Mr. Nathan Ozersky was married in April, 1898, to Miss Sophie Adel-
man, and they are the parents of a very accomplished daughter, Cecilia, who
is a high school student.

Mr. Ozersky is not as active in social affairs now as he was formerly, but
he is a Jew of a large heart and always ready to help his fellow-Jew and
fellow-man.

215
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 Perell, who has likewise had a most astonish-
ing rise in commercial circles.

Mr. Perell was born in Chirvint Wilna, Russia, July 21, 1882, the son of
Jacob and Frieda Perell, his father being a commission merchant and Talmud-
ist of note.

He came to America during the winter of 1901 and, landing in New York,
found his first employment in a shirtwaist factory, where he worked for three
weeks at $5 per week. He 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 1914 he opened a
yard in Franklin and also became interested in the business in Jamestown, N. Y.,
which he operates in partnership with Mr. Rosen, under the firm name of
Chataqua Iron & Coal Company.

Mr. Perell was married in Erie, November 3, 1907, to Miss Nellie 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. They are also contributors to Denver and Los Angeles
Sanitariums.

Mr. Perell is a member of Orthodox Shule, the Odd 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 Pearlman, who
came to America a young man of but eighteen years, without friends or influ-
ence to assist him. ;

He was born in 1860 in Kovna, Russian Poland, and came to New York
in the summer of 1878.

Being 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. Here
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 hard work, decided that he would find bigger opportunities in the
fruit business. Consequently he sold the junk yards and engaged in the new
line, where he has been very successful.

Mr. Pearlman was married in Cleveland, in the year 1882, to Mrs. Anna
Wolf, and they have one son, Louis, who is married to Rose Gottleib, of
Buttalo.

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 Brith Abraham. Both himself and

216
 

DR, LEONARD M. PALITZ
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 Mordecai 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 oth of February, 1881, in Novo-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. Not 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.

He 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 Orthodox Jewry. As evidence of his popu-
larity, we must take his recent election as “headworker” or superintendent of
the Jewish Educational Alliance.

Dr. Palitz was married on the 24th of October, 1899, to Dorah Lefkonsky,
who, in the words of Dr. Palitz, is responsible to a large degree for his unusual
social and educational rise.

217
SIMON PFEIFER

Among the most highly esteemed and best known men in the city of New
Orleans 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 1, 1861, in Brookhaven, Mississippi. He received his early education in
the public schools of New Orleans and then continued his studies in Germany.
Upon his return, in 1885, 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 Nettie Newman, whose family came orig-
inally from Mississippi and was rightly counted among the very leading fam-
iles of New Orleans. Mr. and 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 only 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 only 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 Jersey Shore, Pa., and opened a
store where he remained for the next few years. He then sold out and went
to Ashtabula, Ohio, where he opened a store and has prospered until he. is
today one of the leading merchants of the town.

He was married in Buffalo, N. Y., April 29, 1894, to Miss Hattie Assel,
of Ashtabula, Ohio, and we do not feel that Mr. Pickard’s entire success as a
citizen 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 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. He not only contributes to local
organizations, but to national charities as well, and his 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 for everyone interested in American history, does
not contain a large Jewish settlement. Among the best and most prominent
Jews we must assuredly number Mr. William A. Pinkoson, owner of a large
dry goods and clothing store at 90 and 92 St. John’s street.

Mr. Pinkoson is interesting not on account of his material success. There
might be 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 his business as an avocation.

Mr. William A. Pinkoson was born in the third week of the Jewish month
of Shebath, in the year 1879, at Krasnow, Government of Suwalk, as the son
of Leib and Libbe Pinkoson. His grandfather, on
his mother’s side, was a renowned “Lamdan,” and
he comes from a very respectable and prominent
family.

In 1891, when William was barely twelve
years of age, his family moved to Boston, where
the boy entered school. After they moved to St.
Augustine, he clerked for a while, after which he
went into business for himself, and-from 1905 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 is an Orthodox, and is Secretary
of the Congregation B'nai Israel since its inception
in December, 1908.

On the 6th of July, rg01, Mr. Pinkoson was
married to Minnie Talinsky, a relative of his, and
there are four children of this union, named Harry, Libbie, Abe and Joseph.

 

219
LOUIS PLACK AND NATHAN LIFF

Russia has given to America some of her most valued and progressive
citizens, notable among whom we wish to mention Messrs. Louis Plack and
Nathan Liff, two rising young business men of Delphos, Ohio, and partners
in the iron and metal business, which is conducted
under the firm name of Plack and Liff.

Mr. Plack was born in Vitipski, Guberne,
Russia, Nov. 15, 1882, and came to America in
August, 1901. His first employment in New York
was in a factory which was followed by a venture
in the grocery business. This he sold at the end of
four years 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 New York again engaged in the gro-
cery 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
iron and metal business with his present partner,
Mr. Liff, where they have attained a large degree of success.

The fortunes of Mr. Liff were, for a number of years, as uncertain as
those of his partner, Mr. Plack.

Born 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 Americu 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. Liff was married June 2, 1917, to Miss
Fannie Levine of New York, a charming lady who
is a great addition to the community.

Both Mr. Plack and Mr. Liff are generous in
their contribution to charities and have an enviable reputation for honesty and
business ability.

 

Mr. Louis Plack

 

Mr. Nathan Lift

MORRIS PLEKANSKY

One of the most distinguished Jewish citizens of Miami, Florida, is Mr.
Morris Plekansky, owner of two great stores, the Century Clothing Store at
No. 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, 1912, 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 what
he says 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 2ld country and
at that trade he worked and saved until he had a few hundred dollars. With
that small capital 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 $2,000,000 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 so, but on the contrary is daily supervising his entire and immense
business, tending that 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 fine Jewish family, and has six children, two boys and four girls, all of
whom are getting an education and musical training that befits the children of
such fine parents.

Mr. Plotkin is not only a business man, but is devoting both his time

221
and wealth to charity. He is a member of Sharey Zedek Congregation, Beth
Jacob Congregation, Denver Hospital, Old 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
toward 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 Society of New 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 to buy a team and for the next seven years bought and sold junk so
successfully that at the expiration of this time he was able to open a yard.
Today the frm of Mayer Pollock is the largest concern in the state of Penn-
sylvania devoted to the dismantling of factories and old buildings. They also
do a tremendous business in iron and steel scrap, machinery, and building 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 is also the younger son,
Abraham; Albert is connected with a railroad, and Leonard is still in school.

Among the prominent charities supported by Mr. Pollock may be men-
tioned the Denver Hospital, Immigration Society of New York, and the
Orphans National Home of New York. He is also a member of Congrega-
tion Mercy of Truth, B’rith Abraham and the Order 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 Harrisburg, Pa.; Gussie has displayed considerable
business ability and is now one of her father’s most able assistants; Dora is
still 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 born September 8, 1887, in Kovno, Guberne, Russia,
and came to America February 6, r901. 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 shirt factory, continuing there for six years. He then
went into the junk business for himself, and in 1916 was joined by his brother
Henry, whom he took into the firm, known as Pollock Brothers. They are
today doing a splendid business.

Mr. Pollock was married December 30, 1906, to Miss Mary Sasman, of
Reading, Pa., and they have four children, one boy and three girls, all going
to school,

Although Mr. Pollock's business interests occupy a great deal of his time,
he still fnds opportunity to promote a number of benevolences, prominent
among them being the Immigration Society of New York and the Hebrew
Institute. He is also a member of Congregation Mercy of Truth, Brith Abra-
ham, and the Odd Fellows.

BARNEY PORTNOY

The Jews are essentially leaders among business men. The ambition to be
in business for themselves seems to be an inherent characteristic of the race.
Therefore, when Mr. Barney Portnoy came to America, although he pos-
sessed no funds or influential friends, his first ambition was to own and man-
age his own business.

Mr. Portnoy was born in Kovno, Guberne, Russia, December 27, 1875. At
the age of twenty-three he was married to Miss Ida Portnoy.

Not being satished with the opportunities which the Old World offered,

223
Mr. Portnoy came to America in 1907, going direct to Chelsea, Mass., where
he began working in a coal yard at a very small salary. However, it was an
opportunity for him to demonstrate his 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. His business has prospered in a remarkable manner and he is
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 United Brothers of Anix, which position
he 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 Order
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 United Hebrew charities. Their family consists of two
daughters, the eldest of whom is in school.

PHILIP PRESENT

Among the Jewish citizens of Rochester, N. 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.

He 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. He 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,
who 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 Western 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, partly due to ill health.

Mr. Present’s membership in the Chamber of Commerce has made him

224
 

BERMAN RAFF

 

 
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, 1898, 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 on Sixth avenue, New York
City. His capital was small and so was his stock in trade. But there was one
asset which has stood him in good service from the first day he commenced
business right up to the present time, when Mr. Raff’s business reaches into
six figures. It was his unflinching rule never to deceive a customer, never to
misrepresent an article in any way; this, combined with strict attention to the
wants of his customers, an unselfish desire to please, and a willingness to be
satisfied with moderate profits, was the real foundation of Mr. Raff’s remark-
able success, so that within a comparatively short time he found himself the
proprietor of a large store at the corner of Sixth avenue and Twenty-sixth
street. That was twenty-one years ago. Mr. Raff remained true to his princi-
ples in his new establishment, and the business continued to grow to such an
extent that he was obliged to seek larger quarters. He finally secured a store
at 455 Sixth avenue, which is now bountifully 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-
ings that were in later years, to a large extent, responsible for the enviable
reputation he now enjoys.

He comes of a good family and is one of five brothers, all of whom
are leaders in their particular fields of endeavor in New York and Chicago.

Mr. Raff was married in 1893 to Betty Euer, at the age of 26, in the City
of New 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 J. 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 93d 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
goddess is Success. 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 genius.

The career of Louis Rappoport is just such an interesting story of
achievement in business.

Born in Warsaw, Poland, October rr, 1889, 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 being
$2.50 per week.

After over a year of this severe apprenticeship, he removed to Cleveland,
where he secured a position in a similar capacity at $10.00 per week. Here he
advanced rapidly, but decided to go into business for himself.

His entire capital consisted of $20.00, but owing to his excellent reputation
and recognized ability, he was able to obtain $3,000 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 $65.00 borrowed capital they rapidly 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
is a liberal subscriber to every worthy charity.

226
 

ISAIAH RAPPORT
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
very 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. z

“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 of obtaining a thorough education with
little assistance from outside sources.

In such a home Aaron Rauzin first saw the light of day. He was born in
a little village in Grodno, Russia, November 4th, 1874, the son of Yechiel
Mechel and Amelia Rauzin. At his own father’s fireside he received a thor-
ough Jewish education, which has probably been largely responsible for his
signal success in later life.

_ In 18¢o he came to Augusta, Ga., where his father had preceded him and,
in accordance with his father’s wishes, he worked on a farm. However, he
did not find this occupation congenial and within a few years both father and
son went to Savannah, where Aaron became a member of the police force.
Here he continued for five years, when he decided to start his business career

227
and founded a new industrial insurance company, which is now operating
under the title of Mutual Benefit Insurance Company of Georgia. This organ-
ization today has offices in every prominent city of the state and Mr. Rauzin
is president.

In 1916 he organized the Mercantile Bank & Trust Company, of which he
is also president. This bank is devoted largely to the interest of Jewish clien-
tele, as the majority of its investors and directors are of this nationality.

Mr. Rauzin was married January 31st, 1904, to Miss Anna Helfant,
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 Kehillah. He
is also an enthusiastic Zionist and organized the Zionists of Savannah.

He is the possessor of a most genial but modest personality and performs
his many public-spirited and charitable acts without ostentation or desire for
public recognition.

MORRIS RATNER

Russia has given to America some of her
best and most successful business men, and among
them we wish to mention the name of Mr. Morris
Ratner. p

He was born in Minsker, Guberne, Russia, in
the year 1870, and came to America at the age of
26. He found his way direct to Fail River, Mass.,
where he first began peddling. He then spent one
and one-half years in a. junk shop, and having
mastered all the details of the business, started in
for himself. He is now proprietor of a large con-
cern at 172 Broadway, which is operated under
his name.

Mr. Ratner was married in New York in 1909
an.l has five children, three boys and two girls, all
going to school.

He is a liberal contributor to all charities and
is a member of I. O. B. A. and Abas Israel.

 

MARCUS RAUH

The great American need in these days of stress and strain is a citizenship
willing to 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 be the promotion of intensive religious precepts. In this
biographical cyclopedia it is intended to prove that the Jew in America has
made and is making a liberal contribution to such a citizenship.

Marcus Rath was born in Dubuque, Iowa, April 14, 1859, his parents being
Solomon and Rosalia (Lippman). His father died in 1880, and his mother
lived until 1915, when she died at the age of 82, revered by Jew and Gentile,

228
 

MARCUS RAUH
 

ENOCH RAUH
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
1go9 the Pittsburgh Civic Commission of Fifteen was created by the then out-
going mayor, Hon. George W. Guthrie. Mr. 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 years 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 years he
has become active in the Boy Scout movement, and holds the office of vice-
president of the association.

ENCCH RAUH

One of Pittsburgh’s foremost citizens, who holds a prominent place in the
Jewish community, is Mr. Enoch Rauh. He was born June 12, 1857, in
Dubuque, Iowa, his parents being Solomon and Rosalia (Lippman). When
Enoch Rauh was a boy, his father moved to Pittsburgh. He went to the
public school until the age of thirteen, when he was obliged to go to work. He
started as an errand boy and attended the night school. Thirty years 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 frm Mr. Rauh is the senior member, associated with his two brothers,
Marcus Rauh and Abraham L. Rauh. The present location of the business is
at 951 Penn avenue, Pittsburgh. Mr. Rauh is also a large stockholder in the
Homer Laughlin China Company.

For the last 35 years Mr. Rauh has been a member of the Rodef Shalom
Congregation. He is at the present time a member of the advisory board of
the Y. M. H. A. For one term he served as president of the Concordia Club,

229
when it was located on Stockton avenue. He was also on the executive board
of the J. M. Gusky Orphanage 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.

Of his mother, Mrs. Rosalia Rauh, it was said recently in connection with a
historical reference to the Hebrew Ladies’ Aid Society:

“Tt 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. Mrs. 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 1915. Here was a beneficient influence upon the community, that of
‘a mother in Israel,’ beloved by thousands.” (Jewish Charities, Vol. VIII,
No. 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, Ohio, where 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 Mr. 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, Mr. 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. Mr. Rauh is a Republican in national politics, but
strictly non-partisan in local politics. :

He was for six years president of the Pittsburgh Association of Credit
Men, and for four years one of the vice-presidents of the National Association
of Credit Men. In 1911 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 any public office voted upon by the people. In the capacity 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.

Mr. Rath 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 Mrs. 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
and Ice Association, a member of the Board of the Associated Charities, and
connected with probably two dozen other philanthropic organizations, a number
of these of state and national scope.

JOSEPH RITTENBERG

Ina city like New Orleans, which is justly famous for its charitable insti-
tutions and the spirit of generosity and liberality with which these institutions
are 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 ofa struggling young man who came
to this country from a foreign land and finally won out against many difficul-
ties and great obstacles. He was born in Byelostok, Russia, on October 25,
1868, 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 tried to gain fame and fortune in other large cities until
he finally came to New Orleans, where he clerked in a store at first and then,
in 1895, established a business of his own. Since that
time his business, which consists of a loan office and
jewelry store, and is located at 166 to 186 South Ram-
part street, has 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 Orleans Jewish commu-
nity. He is President of the Beth Israel Congregation
and holds membership also in the Touro Synagogue.
He is 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.
He is also a thirty-second degree Mason and takes an
active interest in movements of a patriotic character.

Recently Mr. Rittenberg has acquired a beautiful home at the corner of
Rosa Park and St. Charles avenue and is now happily domiciled there with
his good wife, who heartily co-operates with him in his various interests and
activities. Mrs. Rittenberg’s maiden name was Miss Rebecca Baron, and her
former home was in San Francisco, Cal.

Mr. and Mrs. Rittenberg were married on July 11, 1900, and are the par-
ents of four talented children, the eldest of whom, Leon, is at present a student
at the Tulane University, to which institution of learning he won a scholarship
from the Warren Easton Boys’ High School. The other three children are
Philip Dave, Mildred and Ida Rittenberg.

 

231
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, Ohio.
We refer to Mr. Sigmund Ravinson, sole proprietor of a gents’ furnishings
and clothing establishment at 4315 Woodland avenue.

Mr. Ravinson upon his arrival in this country had practically nothing
but ambition 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
part in all of them. He is also Director of the Merchants Savings and Bank-
ing Company. 5

The achievements of Mr. Ravinson, although covering but a short period
of time, are very remarkable and would be considered by most men suff-
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 $16 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, 1912, 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 are 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 has handicapped many an otherwise success-
ful career. The young man who is not ready to put his whole energies to any
task that comes to hand is not likely to find the occupation for which he is
by nature and capacity best fitted.

The advice of Mr. Rockowsky of Lima, Ohio, 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 fitted. Don’t depend upon help, but make your
every act earn for you a reputation for honesty and integrity.

Mr. Rockowsky was born in Warsaw, Russia, in April, 1886, and at a
very early age was obliged to leave school to assist his father, who was a wood
merchant and prominent Jewish scholar of his native town.

At the age of twenty-six he decided to come to America, and landing in
this country without money, he worked his way to Galveston, Texas, where
he worked as a laborer for several months. We then find him in Hibig, Minn.,
Duluth, Minn., and Chicago, Il. From Chicago he went to Toledo, Ohio.
Here he worked as conductor on a street car and after eight months, having
saved a little money, he decided to go into business for himself.

Taking his small capital to Lima, Ohio, he opened a junk yard, which has
grown today into a large, modern institution, from the proceeds of which he
has amassed a fortune.

Mr. Rockowsky is not content to selfishly enjoy his prosperity, but con-
tributes most liberally to various charities, regardless of race or religion,
although he is a good Jew, and takes every opportunity to promote the welfare
of his race. There 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 to our country, and it is not strange that they should have retained to
a remarkable degree the Orthodox beliefs and customs of their religion. It
is our pleasure to here narrate the lives of three young business men who, al-
though born in America, have held to a strict observance of the rites of Juda-
ism. We refer to, three brothers, Louis A., Harry and Selig Roggen, sons of
Nathan and the late Anna Roggen.

These young men, whose place of business is located at 653-655 Broad-
way, New York City, have worked together harmoniously and have never felt
the need of a written agreement of any kind. Their high integrity has placed
them above any suggestion of petty jealousy or animosity.

233
Mr. Harry Roggen was born July 4, 1880. He was married to Miss
Hattie 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 has since become quite general at Orthodox weddings in
our large hotels.

Mr. Selig Roggen was born June 19, 1882, and was married June 16, 1910,
to Miss Etta 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 Oshinsky.

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, who was born in Vilna, 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 1908. 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, 1908, 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 Society 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
 

THOMAS ROSEN
ABRAHAM ROSEN

Mr. Abraham Rosen began his life in America by offering the country
of his adoption the greatest service which any man can render. He came to
New York at the age of nineteen, and his first act was to enlist in the United
States army and fight for Old Glory until the close of the Spanish-American
War.

He was born in Minsker, Guberne, Russia, in August, 1875, his father,
Yehel Rosen, being an accomplished Jewish scholar.

His first employment in America after 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 firm, recognizing in him an expert at his work, arranged
matters so Mr. Rosen did not have to work on Saturday. After he had saved
his first hundred dollars, he opened a butter and egg store for himself, where
he remained six months. He later went into the country, and started buying
cattle, sheep and poultry, which he continued for two years, and saved enough
money 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 next two years he lost not only his
own capital, but also money which he had borrowed, and the misfortunes of
this time would surely have overwhelmed a less courageous man.

With stout heart Mr. Rosen set about carving another career, this time
buying and 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 Sora Molsasky, September 5, 1893, and
they have a family of seven children, four boys and three girls.

Mr. Rosen is a member of Newport Shule, of which he was a former
Trustee, Chesid Shellames and the Odd Fellows. He is also a loyal supporter
of all worthy charities.

THOMAS ROSEN

The atmosphere of a city expresses personality as distinctly as does an
individual. We go into a community and are welcomed or repelled by an in-
tangible something which emanates from the life and activity about us. In
reality this is but a composite expression of the citizens who form the commu-
nity, a reflection of their individual characters.

If you were to go to Jamestown, N. Y., and ask to be introduced to her
leading citizens, one of the first gentlemen you would meet would be Mr.
Thomas Rosen, a man of affairs whose success is a direct result of his own
individual efforts.

Mr. Rosen was born in Politskwitipker, Guberne, Russia, March 4, 1890,
and although he is still a very young man, has achieved a prominent place in
the community. He came to America during the summer of 1906, and land-
ing in New York, worked as a plasterer for three months. He then went to
Stanford, where he engaged in the junk business for two years, after which he
continued in the same business for three years in Jamestown. Deciding to try
his hand in another line, he went into the cattle business, which held his atten-
tion for two years, after which he decided that his best interests could be
served in the junk business.

He therefore started a yard in partnership with Mr. Morris Perell, which
partnership has continued most successfully up to the present time.

235
Mr. Rosen was married in Jamestown in September, 1917, to Miss 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 certainly a
Ce 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, Guberne, 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 years he was able to send for his two
sons, and with their assistance opened the present
business, taking them into partnership with him.
They 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 is 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 imar-
ried to Mr. Farker, a prominent business man of
Waterbury. é :

: a s Samuel Rosenbaum

Mr. Rosenbaum is a most generous contributor
to charities and is also prominent in B'rith Israel Congregation, B'rith Abra-
ham and the Waterbury Hebrew Free Loan Association.

 

236
 

WALTER ROSENBAUM
SAMUEL ROSENBAUM
Cambridge, Mass.

Few American-born men have any conception of the privation and suf-
fering endured by 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 Volina, 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 every one would like to associate and make
friends.

Born in the city of Pittsburgh, at the corner of Franklin and Sedgwick
streets, Allegheny, on July 18, 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 still living. The elder Mr. Rosenbaum
was the founder of the well-known department store bearing his name in the
city, and it was there that Walter learned the business from the bottom up.
Mrs. Sidonie Rosenbaum was highly active in the organization of Jewish 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 his native
city. He graduated with the highest honors from Grant public school in 1890,
and then entered the Pittsburgh High School, which he left in 1894, graduat-
ing with honors and going into his father’s store. He went through all its
branches, becoming an expert in the science of buying and selling, and training
for the position of leadership he was in time to assume in the mercantile world.
As a result Mr. Rosenbaum possesses in a very remarkable degree a complete
knowledge of his business.

In due time, and after his father’s untimely death, Mr. Walter Rosenbaum
became the general superintendent of their department store, located at Sixth
street, Liberty and Penn avenues, and occupying a full front block. He is the
Secretary-Treasurer of the Rosenbaum Company, a corporation which owns
this store. They employ some 2,000 people in all of their departments.

237
Mr. Rosenbaum, as can well be expected, is very prominent in the social
and communal life of Pittsburgh. He is a member of the Concordia Club,
which consists of the most influential Jews of the city, and in 1917 was elected
its President. He is also a member of the Rodeph Sholom Congregation and
of many charities. Mr. Rosenbaum is a Mason of many degrees and was
elected an honorary member of his lodge, having served as Master thercin
in 1907. He is also a member of the B'nai B'rith.

On October 31, 1905, Mr. Rosenbaum was married to Miss Eva Heymann
of New York City, and they are the parents of three children, Stanley, Made-
ieine and Ruth.

EPHRAIM ROSENBERG

Among the best-known and representative members of the Jewish com-
munity in New Orleans, La., is Mr. Ephraim Rosenberg, who is very promi-
nently connected with the commercial, social and philanthropic life of the city.

Mr. Rosenberg was born in New Orleans to his parents, Benjamin Rosen-
berg and Rachel Wolff, on February 19, 1868. His father had come South
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
firm he founded later became one of the largest business concerns in the entire
South. With the example of thrift and intellig gent application to business which
his father was continuously setting before him, young Rosenberg, after gradu-
ating from public school, entered his father’s business at the age of seventeen
and within a few years became a partner in the concern, whose firm name
was then and js still B. Rosenberg & Sons. In 1910 Mr. Rosenberg retired
from that firm and four years ago he engaged in the
real estate business and became connected with the
Rosenberg-Rowan Company, whose offices are at 904
Gravier street. Among his other commercial interests
may be mentioned that he is President of the Knight
Land and Oil Developing Company and of the River
and Rail Terminal Company.

The business example set him by his father was
not the only one, however, that Mr. Rosenberg felt
inclined and disposed to follow. The various in-
terests and activities of his father in a religious, civic
and philanthropic way strongly appealed to Mr. Eph-
raim Rosenberg, and in these, too, he has been a
true follower of the example that he had before him
at a very early age. Thus the religious interests which
had led his father to donate a synagogue building to
the Chevra Thilim Congregation could not fail to im-
bue him with the religious spirit, and he has taken an active part in the religious
life of the Touro Synagogue, with which he is connected. Institutions of a
charitable character appeal to him with equal force, and he has been affiliated
with the Touro Infirmary, the Jewish Orphans’ Home, the Young Men’s He-
brew Association, the B’nai B’rith and the order of Elks.

On January 5, 1897, Mr. Rosenberg was married to Miss Jessie Hillborn
of Summit, Miss., and Mrs. Rosenberg has not only shared her husband’s
charitable inclinations and philanthropic interests, but has herself taken an
active part in the affairs of the different charitable institutions of the city.

Mr. and Mrs. Rosenberg’s home life is made bright and happy by the
cheer and sunshine of a child, Lillie.

238

 
ABRAHAM ROSENBERG

The prosperity and usefulness of any city or community is largely depend-
ent upon those public-spirited citizens who take time from their own affairs
in which to promote and develop institutions for the public good.

Such a man is 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 their community. He came to America nineteen years ago, and
became interested in the shoe business, which field he has developed into the
present large establishment at 2404 Woodland avenue, Cleveland, Ohio.

Mr. Rosenberg has been in Cleveland for seven years, and 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 Knights of Joseph,
Independent Gradner, of which he is a member of the Executive Committee.
He is also on the Executive Committee of Aliskir Babariskir and is President
of the Paltyr Society. He is also an active member of the Sick Benefit Associ-
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 and educational circles in their native town. They have one son,
seventeen years of age, who is in business with his’ father.

Mrs. Rosenberg co-operates with her husband in matters of charity and
they are both prominent contributors to Jewish Hospital.

Mr. Rosenberg regards integrity and honesty as the two prime requisites
for a successful business career.

HARRY ROSENBERG

The traditions and spirit of the Jews have ever been philanthropic to the
highest degree. ’

They are the people who have followed most closely the old Biblical laws
regarding the relief of the poor and the welfare of others. We find that the
Hebrew term for charity is Zedokoh, righteousness, which implies an obliga-
tion, and in this spirit the Rabbis of the Talmud maintained that payments of
money for charitable purposes were as much an obligation as the payment of
one’s debts.

This is not only worthy of note as a national trait, but we feel should be
given special mention in connection with the life histories of Harry Rosenberg
and Isaac Rudolph, who are not only partners in business, but both give gener-
ously of their wealth in the aid of the unfortunate of all classes.

The story of these men is the old, old story of determined struggle from
obscurity to positions of prominence and influence.

Harry Rosenberg was born in Kieve, Guberne, Russia, September 5, 1883,
and came to America July 25, 1901. He first went to Montreal, but finding
nothing to his liking, came to New York, where he first found employment in
a factory and later went into the butcher business for himself. Selling out in
1910, he came to Reading, Pa., and joined his present partner in the iron and
metal business, where they have achieved wonderful success.

239
He was married in New York City, June 1, 1901, to Miss Anna Mahel,
and they have three 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 New 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 he 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,

Fe is also a member of the Congregation Beth El.

240
SAMUEL ROSENBERG

The Jews 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 by the march of progress which has ever followed the*torch of
commercial activity. It has opened the doors for the arts and sciences; it has
been the great patron of education; it has been the chief incentive for the dis-
covery of new lands, and in all this the Jew has played a leading part.

Some such spirit of adventure must have guided the footsteps of Samuel
Rosenberg when he came to seek his fortune in a new land. He was born in
Kishiniff, Guberne, City of Beltz, Russia, April 2, 1857, his father being Mr.
Jacob Loeb Rosenberg of that city, and like many of the older generation of
Jews, a great scholar as well a successful merchant.

Mr. Rosenberg came to America February 26, 1890, landing in New York
City, 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, they refused to give him
employment. 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 1900, 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 Lebel,
daughter of Solomon and Rachel Lebel, and Mrs.
Rosenberg’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 of whom
are highly educated and fitted to fill positions of prominence and usefulness.
‘The eldest daughter, Anna, is in the Active Motor Corps and is subject to be
called to France within a short time. The youngest daughter, Rose, has a gov-
ernment position. The youngest son, Max, is a buyer for a large woolen mill.

Despite Mrs. Rosenberg’s many duties in the care of her family, she finds
time for many charitable activities.

Mr. Rosenberg is ex-President 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 Jewish charities, all the Yishivas in Europe and America, and Philadelphia
farm and Denver and Los Angeles hospitals.

 

241
SAUL N. ROSENBERG

After 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 Odis 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 \Velfare 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 America in 1892 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
ARTHUR ROSENBLATT

The finest heritage any young man can receive is a noble, cultured par-
entage. It is more to be desired and is in itself a liberal education, as tha
. early influences of home environment often shape the entire career.

Happy indeed is the man who, in the years of maturity, in the light of
a broad experience, can look back upon his father’s life and precepts and say:
“TI owe my success to the fact that I followed in my father’s footsteps.”

Such were the words of Mr. Arthur Rosenblatt, wealthy iron and metal
broker of Tiffin, Ohio.

Mr. Rosenblatt was born in Cleveland, Ohio, February 15, 1878, the son
of Mr. Max Rosenblatt, successful merchant, exemplary citizen and accom-
plished scholar.

He went to school until eighteen years of age, when he began working
for his father. Three years later he was married to Miss Gertrude Barnett,
a prominent young woman of Cleveland, the biography of whose brother, Mr.
Sam Barnett, also appears in this volume.

Just after his marriage, Mr. Rosenblatt decided to go into business for
himself, and started the present iron and metal brokerage business, which has
had a phenomenal growth, 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 five children, four boys and one girl, all
going to school. Two of them are already started upon a musical education,
Harold studying violin and Herman the piano.

The true test of a wealthy man is the account he makes of his stewardship.

The old Judaic law which regards giving to charity as a sacred obligation
is carefully observed by both Mr. and Mrs. Rosenblatt, who are continually
making contributions to charities of all kinds.

They not only assist all local charities, but contribute to many of national
scope, two of which are the Denver and Los Angeles hospitals. The Old 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.

He is a representative type of that staunch American citizenship upon
which the future welfare of our nation largely depends.

SOL ROSENBLOOM

One of Pittsburgh's Jewish citizens who has made a remarkable business
success is Mr. Sol Rosenbloom. Although his youth was spent in the study
of Rabbinical lore to prepare him for the ministry, for which his type of mind
seems to have been pre-eminently fitted, his deeply philosophic outlook on life
has not been a hindrance in his business, but seems rather to have been the
cornerstone of his success.

He certainly applied this attitude of mind when at the age of 18 he came
from Russia to these hospitable shores and determined then to make of his
life a success in this land of opportunities and to take up the struggle for life
as a business man.

Through dint of perseverance and many sacrifices of things which youth
today will not go without, setting for himself a high ideal of a future, not

243
only financially but also spiritually, with the hope of what he wanted his life
to stand for, he succeeded in laying the founda-
tion for 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 stands
high for fairness and integrity.

But 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 \Ir. 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 aad on ‘heir traditions, and so maintain for all
time a source of spiritual cnergy and religious inspiration for all the Jews all
over the world.

It is through men of his type, many of 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 professioual teachers in Juda-
ism, who takes the problems of their. people so seriously as does Mr. Rosen-
bloom.

In March, 1896, Mr. Rosenbloom married Miss Cecilia Newmark, daugh-
ter of the late Dr. Abraham S. Newmark, 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

 

Sol Resenbloom

244
 

MAX ROSENBLUM
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 worthy 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 Newman Bros., another credit clothing firm. This was in 1900, 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
2014 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 15, 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-year-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 be the companion of this rising young man of business.

245
PHILIP ROSENFIELD

That failure is often but a stepping stone to success is demonstrated in the
life history of Mr. Philip Rosenfield, prominent iron and metal scrap dealer of
Chelsea, Mass., whose plant is located at 86 Elm street.

Mr. Rosenfield was born in Volina, Guberne, Russia, in March, 1886, and
came to America at the age of fourteen. Having a brother residing in North-
ampton, Mass., he came direct to him, and it being necessary that he earn his
own living, he began peddling rags. After five years he opened a shop for
himself in Springfield, Mass., and two years later went to Chelsea, Mass.,
where he established a wholesale woolen and cotton rag business.

In 1908 he met with serious financial reverses and lost everything he pos-
sessed except his indomitable courage, which brooked no discouragement. He
immediately went to work in a junk yard and as soon as he was able to save a
small amount of money, opened another yard for himself, where he is today
doing an immense business and has accumulated a comfortable fortune.

Mr. Rosenfield was married in Chelsea, June 18, 1914, to Miss Cecelia
Slotnick, and they have one daughter.

The Rosenfields are members of Orthodox Congregation and are promi-
nently identified with the promotion of all charities.

CHARLES ROSENTHAL

on value of ease and many opportunities in early life is often overesti-
mated. ;

Andrew Carnegie, who himself started as a poor boy, says: “A basketful
of bonds from father’s safe is the heaviest load a young man ever had to
carry.

“Such a boy will never trouble you much, but look out that some boy,
poorer—much poorer than yourself, whose parents cannot afford to give him
any schooling, does not challenge you at the post and pass you at the grand-
stand.

“Look out for the boy who has to plunge into work direct from the com-
mon school, and begins by sweeping out the office. He is the probable dark
horse. who will win all the money and win all the applause.”

Mr. Carnegie knew whereof he spoke, as he himself started at the very
foot of the business ladder. However, we have many other notable instances
of this kind, notable among them being the career of Mr. Charles Rosenthal.

Mr. Rosenthal is a native of the United States, being born in Newburgh,
N. Y., March 17, 1869.

At the early age of twelve years young Charles started out to earn his own
living, acting as messenger boy in Chicago. He displayed such marked execu-
tive ability that he was soon put in charge of the balance of the boys in the
office, and here he remained four years. At the expiration of that time he
resigned and started selling real estate, and was quite successful, but five years
later real estate suffered a very serious slump, so he gave it up and accepted
a position as receiving clerk in a department store, where he remained four
years. He then went to Detroit and accepted a position as bookkeeper for
I. Applebaum, who was in the iron and metal business. Later he worked for
Joseph Rosensweig in the same line of business, and upon the death of Mr.
Rosensweig started in for himself on a small scale under the firm name of
Rosenthal Metal Company. His business venture was successful from the
start, and under Mr. Rosenthal’s able management the business has grown to
enormous proportions and he is now supplying the largest firms in Detroit with
steel rails.

246
Mr. Rosenthal was married in Chicago, August 17, 1896, to Miss Lillian
Jacobs, whose father, Jacob Jacobs, was one of the oldest Jewish settlers in
Detroit.

They have two children, a son, Harold, who is in business with his
father, and a daughter, Evelyn, who is still in high school.

A characteristic trait of the Jews is generosity in all matters of philan-
thropy, regardless of race and religion, and in this respect \[r. Rosenthal and
his wife are notable examples, as they not only assist the United Hebrew Chari-
ties, but all other worthy causes that are brought to their attention, and contrib-
ute liberally to the Denver Sanitarium.

Mr. Rosenthal is a member of the Temple Beth El, and is very prominent
in the Knights of Pythias, having been installation officer, and at the present
time occupying the position of Past Chancellor.

His life is one of inspiration and helpfulness.

JOSEPH ROSENTHAL

Among the men whose high standing and great popularity in their com-
munities fully equal the measure of their well-merited success, few have
achieved more than has Mr. Joseph Rosenthal of Beaumont, Texas.

Mr. Rosenthal has made an honored and enviable place for himself in the
city and community, primarily and chiefly through his fine qualities of heart
and mind. He has carved his own career. He was born at La Grange, Texas,
on September 30, 1866, the son of Ernestine Rosenfield and the late Isaac Ros-
enthal. At the age of eighteen he went to Houston, Texas, where he took up
the work of a clerk in a dry-goods business owned by his uncle. After serving
for four years in that capacity he went to Beaumont, Texas, where he held a
similar position for three years. Thereupon he decided to utilize the thorough
knowledge he had gained from the years of conscientious and intelligent appli-
cation to his work in a business establishment of his own and, as a result, the
firm of Rosenthal & Deutcher Dry Goods Company was organized.

In 1907, Mr. Deutcher died, and his place in the concern was taken by
Mr. Rosenthal’s brother, the firm name being changed then to that of Rosen-
thal Dry Goods Company. In that firm Mr. Joseph Rosenthal holds the posi-
tion of President, and under his guidance the business, which is located at 338
Pearl street, has come to be a department store so modern in its equipment and
SO progressive in its methods that Beaumont is justly proud of it.

But it is not only in a business way that Mr. Rosenthal has achieved a high

measure of success and distinction. Along the lines of civic enterprise and
charitable endeavor he is recognized as one of the most prominent and leading
men of Beaumont, while in the Jewish community he has held various posi-
tions of trust and responsibility. Among those deserving to be especially men-
tioned is the fact that he has served as President of the local lodge of the
B'nai B’rith and as Treasurer of the Temple. For several years he has been
President of the Harmony Club of Beaumont, and the excellence and great
popularity of that institution are to no small degree attributable to his own
prominence and his fine type of leadership.
_ Mr. Rosenthal’s advice to the young who would attain success in business
is: Be careful about the beginning; start on a small scale and be economical
until you obtain the means to widen the scope of your enterprise. Be particu-
larly careful of maintaining a friendly and harmonious relationship with those
who are associated with you in your work.

247
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:

Use 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 pays
even in business.”

Jacob Roth lives at 6561 Bartlett street, Pittsburgh, Pa. He was born in
Zemplin, Cond., Hungary, September 16, 1871. A year after he was born
Mr. 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 National Bank 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 National
Bank of Suterville, Pa., of which he was President for twelve years. Not 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 Bank, 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 Loeb 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 generously of his
service in all the important communal activities that make for the welfare of
his people.

247a
 

JACOB ROTH
SIMON D. ROSENZWEIG

Life is never a smooth road for any of us, but in the invigorating atmos-
phere of high aspirations we find the very roughness stimulates us to steadier
steps until the truism, “over steep ways to the stars,” is fulfilled.

This is the experience of every man who has had to ascend the steep
pathway to success, with no aid, except his own ability and determination, and
it is well exemplified in the life history of Mr. Simon D. Rosenzweig, who was
born in Suwalk, Guberne, Russia, September 17, 1870. His father, Abraham
Rosenzweig, was engaged in the lumber and grocery business and was also an
accomplished scholar.

At the age of ten years young Simon came to America, to the home of his
grandfather, and went to school until he was thirteen.

Feeling that it was now necessary to contribute to his own support, he
obtained employment as cash boy in a clothing store, but the salary 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. After
a number of years of hard work and persistent saving he accumulated enough
to buy an interest in the business, but in 1910 decided to conduct a business of
his own, and started for himself at his present location, where he has been
wonderfully successful and has all modern equipment for conducting the
business.

He was married January 5, 1896, to Miss Anna Rashman and they have
three fine 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.

He is most liberal in his contributions to various charities, including Tal-
mud and Denver Hospital. .

AARON ROTTER

Aaron Rotter, iron and steel broker, is one of the most influential and pros-
perous citizens of Cleveland. His education was obtained in the great world
of business, and he knows from experience that riches and power are not easily
won. He also knows that determination and hard work can overcome almost
every obstacle.

Aaron Rotter was born in Gorlice, Galicia, Austria, on August 20, 1861.
His father, Simon Rotter, was a Jewish scholar, and his mother, Hannah Rot-
ter,a woman of strong character. In 1884 he came to New York and for the
first eleven months after he landed he peddled matches and other small wares.
Then he decided that opportunities were greater farther west, so he came
to Cleveland and started to sell dry goods, carrying his merchandise with him
as before. After two years he was able to buy a horse and wagon to use in his
business. A 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 six months he had recoy-
ered, but he was too ambitious to stay in a land where he had so little opportu-
nity to succeed. America still called him, so he came again to Cleveland and
opened a small grocery store. This was the only time that his efforts brought
him no money, and he remembers that experience as a year of unrewarded
effort and suffering. He gave up the grocery and again went into the country
with his scrap iron, and not long after was able to open a place of business in
Norfolk, Ohio.

248
Mr. Rotter stayed in Norfolk for twelve years and then returned to
Cleveland, where he bought out the iron yard of H. Silvern & Co. This con-
cern grew rapidly under the new management and he kept it for 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. This enterprise has
brought great wealth to its owner, and he is known as one of the big, reliable
business men of the city.

Aaron Rotter was married in Cleveland on June 16, 1889, to Katy, daugh-
ter of Isaac and Hanna Fielkowitz. Mrs. Rotter’s loyalty and good judgment
have been no 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 who 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-trades 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 Feige
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 1903 Mr. Rozner was married to Miss Freda Israel of McKeesport,
Pa., and 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.

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

249
 

MORRIS ROZNER
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 Mayerberg 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
away the best hours of life’s opportunity waiting for dead men’s shoes, to find
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
his native town, when he decided to come to America, and landed on our shores
in September, 1895.

Going to Chicago, he obtained employment in a factory and remained
there eight years, during which time he was busy learning the new language,
manners and customs, and fitting himself for a position of more responsibility.

His next venture was in the real estate business, but in a short time he gave
this.up and came to Erie, Pa., where he 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 his reputation for honesty and ability for assets,

His next venture in the same line was in partnership with his brother,
and by persistent effort they gradually built up the present large business which
they now operate under the firm name of Nickel Plate Iron & Metal Company.

Mr. Rubin was married in Chicago in September, 1897, to Miss Marie
Klein, and they have a fine 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 his father, while Joe has gone into
business for himself. The balance of the children all are in school and are
being well educated in music also.

Mr. and Mrs. Rubin are interested in all charitable movements, not only

250
of local character but also the Immigration Society of New York, the Denver
and Los Angeles sanitariums, and all the Yishivas in Europe and America.
Mr. Rubin is also affiliated with B’nai Ainsa Hesed Congregation, B’nai B’rith,
Modern Woodmen 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 Boston, 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 type of character. Prominent among them is Mr.
Joseph Rudnick, who was born in the Province of Vilna, Russia, January 10,
1869, the son of Abraham and Sarah Rudnick.

He came to America thirty years 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 has branched out into mortgage brokerage, his office being at No. 40 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 to social and civic betterment.
He is Treasurer of Baldwin Place Congregation, Director of Baldwin Place
Talmud Torah, Chairman of Construction and First Vice President of Congre-
gation Adath Yeshurun. At the present time he is Vice President and Chair-
man of Construction of a Home for Jewish Children. He is also a Director
of the Home for the Aged, the Hebrew Free Loan Association and is Director
in the Federated Jewish Charities of Boston. He is honored with the presi-
dency of the Sheltering Home and served for some time as Director of Beth
Israel Hospital.

Mr. Rudnick was married twenty-six years ago to Miss Rose Siegel, and
they have six daughters. Their only son, David Jacob, died at the age of
twelve. Their daughters are Lena, May, Ida, Anna, Frances and Evelyn.

Mr. Rudnick has a code of life which has perhaps unconsciously placed
him in his enviable position among his fellows. He says: “Be right, act right
and make friends under all circumstances.”

Mr. Rudnick has adhered so strictly to his first two admonitions that the
matter of friendship was easily solved. No one can come in contact with his
kindly personality without wishing to possess his friendship. Any community
is fortunate in having as a part of its citizenship such a man as Mr. Rudnic&.

MRS. MAX RUDNER

In volume one of “Distinguished Jews of America” is published the life
history of Mr. Max Rudner, whose commercial, philanthropic and civic activ-
ity are known and appreciated not only in Canton,
Ohio, where he resides, but throughout the entire
country.

It is now our pleasure to publish a brief
sketch regarding the activities of his wife, who is
one of the most popular and charitably inclined
ladies in the city of Canton.

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
to him. She has not only been an ideal mother
to their seven children, but has devoted a great
deal of time to charitable work, where her abilities
have been much appreciated.

This estimable lady is the finest type of mod-
ern woman, who without neglecting the duties of
her home, makes opportunity to promote the larger
affairs of her city and nation.

 

252
ISAAC RUDOLPH

was born in Kieve, Guberne, Russia, in April 1874, and came to America in
October, 1904, bringing with him his wife, who was Miss Rachel Rosenberg,
whom he married in June, 1902, 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 he 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 New York and all the
Yishivas. Mr. Rudolph is a member of Congrega-
tion Homan Abrith, Director of the Hebrew Insti-
iute 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 said of the Jew, “Where his
home is, there his heart is,” and as patriotism is but the home-loving spirit
enlarged to national proportions, the Jew 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 their 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 his family from Russia
many years ago, and although he has long since retired, his sons have become
very prominent business men and have taken up the burden of sustaining the
family reputation for business acumen where their father laid it down.

The elder Mr. Ruttenberg began his business experience in America by
peddling junk. Later he opened a yard, where he was very successful, and
after having accumulated a fortune, retired from business.

Of the fine family of eight children which constitute the Ruttenberg fam-
ily, George, John and Abraham have all engaged in the same business in which
their father made his success, and they are all three in partnership, 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
is still in school. Jacob holds a responsible position in a hosiery mill, and Lewis
is a recruiting officer in the United States army.

George Ruttenberg was married in Pottsville, Pa., October 31, 1911, to
Miss Minnie Fine, who is very prominent in social circles of Reading, being
Recording Secretary of the Ladies’ Hebrew Charity League, Secretary of the
Ladies’ Auxiliary and a member of Hodesa. They have one small daughter.

John Ruttenberg is also married, his wife having formerly been Miss Laura
Vogelman, a prominent young woman of Reading. They were married May
14, 1915, and have one young child.

The Ruttenbergs are all very active in charitable and fraternal organiza-
tions, all being members of Kosher Israel and the Y. M. H. A., and making
most generous contributions to Denver and Los Angeles hospitals, the Erie
Orphans’ Home, National Orphans’ Home of New York, the Immigration
Society of New York, all the Yishivas and many other charities too numerous
to mention. Such a family is a priceless acquisition to the community, state
and nation.

MOSES SABEL

If the city of Montgomery, Ala., is justly proud of its pretty homes and
the Jewish community points with just pride and satisfaction to its beautiful
Standard Club, both the city and Jewish community are equally and as justly
proud of the owner of one of the prettiest homes and the President of the
Standard Club of that city. The man who holds that dual position is Mr.
Moses Sabel. Mr. Sabel was born to his parents, Mark and Minna Sabel, in
Louisville, Ky., on January 27, 1863, and practically carved his own successful
and distinguished career. He received his first education in the public schools
of Louisville and continued his studies at Montgomery, to which city his par-
ents had removed. His father had intended him for a legal career, but young
Sabel had no taste or desire for the rather dependent life of a professional

254
man, and so, at the age of 16, he started to work for his father. After six
years of faithful and 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. Sabel became the head of the large enterprise,
the largest of its kind in the South, whose firm name
is that of M. Sabel & 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 originally 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 Board 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 Board 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 academy
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 New 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
 

ALEXANDER SALES
seven girls, who are all going to school, with the exception of the elder son
and daughter, Julius and Flora, who are in business with their father, and of
much assistance to him.

Mr. Sahpiro is very devout in his religious beliefs and is Director of the
Beth Israel Congregation. He is also a member of B'nai B'rith, B’rith Abra-
ham, Minsker Ferein and the Board 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

As an illustration of what straightforwardness, integrity and an intelligent
application to one’s work may accomplish, the career of Mr. Simon Sakowitz
of Houston, Texas, is eminently worth while perusing and contemplating.

Mr. Sakowitz is a young man who has carved his own career, yet he is
today among the most highly esteemed residents and business men of the pro-
gressive and flourishing city of Houston, Texas. He was born on January 1,
1884, in Kiev, Russia, the son of Louis and Lina Sakowitz, and arrived in
this country in 1890. His 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 boy in a store. Step by step he worked his
way up, at first becoming salesman and then manager of that store. After 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 they organized the
firm 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 be seen from the fact that the firm of Sakowitz Brothers,
at Main and Preston streets in Houston, is today counted among the biggest
concerns that deal in men’s, boys’ and children’s clothing.

The most beautiful part of Mr. Sakowitz’s career, however, is that hard
work and his own remarkable success has not made him indifferent to the
struggles and sufferings of his fellow men. For he is a liberal contributor to
all the Jewish charities and institutions of Houston and takes a deep interest
in every movement of gn altruistic and ameliorative character.

In August, 1909, Mr. Sakowitz was married to Miss Clara B. Bowsky of
New Orleans, and they are now the happy parents of two fine children, Julia N.
and Louise.

ALEXANDER SALES

The reputation of a community is but a composite representation of the
characters of its citizens. Thus, the town of Dennison, Ohio, has been made
better and more prosperous by the residence of Mr. Alexander Sales.

He was born in Wladislovov, Russian Poland, September 6, 1888, and
came to America at the age of eighteen. He had a brother residing in Sala-
manca, N. Y., for whom he worked for a short time.

256
After saving sufficient money, he went to Monongahela, Pa., and started
clerking in a store, where he remained for a year and a half.

\Ve next find him in California, Pa., where he remained six months. Here
ended his career as a clerk, for, although his salary had been steadily advanced,
he felt that his best opportunity lay in a business of his own.

\With the few hundred dollars he 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. ;

On November 18, 1913, Mr. Sales was married to Sarah B. 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 fully 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
Jew, 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 $6 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.
He immediately started peddling again and three years later opened a yard
in Huntington, W. Va. 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-
tify 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.

Both he 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
 

HERMAN SALLE
JOSEPH SANDERS

Every 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 New 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 DeWitt 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 5, 1910.

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
today known as Sharrey 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 years 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
the following: Morgen 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 are the Fiftieth Regiment, Company E, Michigan State
Troops.

His wife is a charming woman, highly accomplished and exceedingly active
in charitable works.

Mr. Sanders is still a young man. The morning sun of life is still shining
upon his many activities. May both he and Mrs. Sanders be given the full
allotment of years to work out the fine examples of right living’ which their
actions exemplify.

258
ISIDOR SALLE

If the immigrant problem concerned no other people than the Jews, the
question would be an easy one to solve.

Rather than become a burden, the Jew has ever been an indefatigable
worker, and has most cheerfully contributed his best powers to the commu-
nity and nation of his adoption.

While keeping true to themselves and the traditions of their race, they
have nevertheless devoted themselves to the common interest of those with
whom they found themselves associated, regardless of race or creed.

The Salle family is a notable example of useful, influential citizenship
with which the old world has enriched the new.

Of the fortunes and vicissitudes which beset the path of the elder brother,
Herman Salle, we have spoken at length in a separate biography.

Isidor Salle, the subject of this sketch, was born in Vilna, Guberne, Russia,
in 1888, and came to America in 1906. His brother was at that time engaged
in business in Canton, Ohio, 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
Tronton, Ohio, and is known under the firm name of Salle Bros.

Mr. Salle was married to Miss Dora Farber of Parkersburg, W. Va., and
they have four fine 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 Odd Fellows, the Elks and the Chamber of Commerce.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Salle are of great service to the community, making
liberal contributions to all charities, which is one of the finest traits of Jewish
character.

MORRIS SANDMEL

“Tf at once you don't succeed, try, try again,” seems to be the motto whiclr
has inspired the career of Mr. Morris Sandmel.

Born 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 New York City, where he remained for four
weeks. He then went to visit his uncle in Dayton, Ohio, and started out ped-
dling a basket of notions, 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. He next found employment 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. After a number of weeks of the strictest economy he
managed to save fifteen dollars, 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.

After 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 shores.

After a short trial of the laundry business and then the fish business, he
decided that his future success was to be found in scrap iron and metal, and
time has proven the wisdom of his judgment, as he is today one of the leading
dealers in this line.

259
 

ISIDOR SALLE
The Sandmels have six children, three hoys 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 Secretary 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
his 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; his business succumbs and
finally gives way to the proprietor of more reliable and fairer methods.

One of the most dependable jewelers and diamond brokers of Cleveland,
Ohio, is Mr. Ben Sands, who conducts his business at 1736 East Ninth street.
His commercial activities date back to about thirty-five years ago, when as a
child he was already earning his own livelihood and paying his way through
school. Not only did Ben inherit his father’s industrial instincts, but it was
due to the latter's training and sound advice that he was finally able to build up
his present vast enterprise and occupy an enviable position among Cleveland’s
most prominent and influential business men.

Mr. Sands was born in Utica, N. Y., in 1875, the son of Zorach and Dinah
Sands. At the age of nine both he and his brother Harry showed their aptitude
for industrial success by soliciting the sale of shoe brushes and matches from
door to door. When one of his older brothers, who was engaged in the jew-
elry business, saw Ben's abilities along commercial lines, he immediately took
him into his establishment, assigning at first some very menial tasks, and ad-
vancing him as fast as his merits warranted. When later this business was
transferred to Cleveland, young Sands was taken along, being employed here
at a salary of five dollars a week, acting as salesman and window trimmer.
So earnestly did Ben Sands apply himself to his daily tasks that in a few years
his salary was increased to thirty-five dollars a week, and he soon saved up a
capital of approximately $5,000.

With this amount Mr. Sands shortly afterward bought out a part of his
brother’s store, whereupon the present firm became known as “Ben Sands.” It
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
his popularity has grown and the faith of his customers in him has never
declined. With the exception of a short period of financial reverses during
the severe panic years of this country, Mr. Sands has enjoyed a very successful

260 6
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 1898 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 1907, 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. He 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
very freely to the Mount Sinai Hospital, and it is due in a large measure to
the benevolence of such citizens as Ben 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 work, from his father who was engaged in the live stock and meat
business.

Coming to America June 18, 1881, the city of Cleveland, Ohio, admitted
within her gates a young boy self-reliant in every fiber 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
temporary 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 No. 3 of the Independent Order of B'nai B'rith, and is

261
 

MORRIS SCHAFFNER
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 years 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 any 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 successfully.

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 Verybest 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. He
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 best abilities were derived from heredity or edu-
cation.

The 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 born in Gorlitz,
Austria, May Ist, 1863. His father, Julius Schonberg, being one of the lead-
ing lawyers and Talmudists of that section. His mother was also a woman of
strong character and one of the most kindly and charitable personalities in their
native town.

Mr. Schonberg came to America at the age of nineteen and for the first
three years peddled dry goods and small merchandise in Cleveland, Ohio.

Later, he managed to buy a horse and wagon, and continued to peddle in
the country for the next four years, when he was so unfortunate as to become
very ill and lost everything he had saved.

After his recovery, he went to Newark, Ohio, with but 9o cents in the
world, and for the next six months sold writing paper, envelopes and pencils.
He 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 firm on a profit-sharing plan.

In 1893 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 Toba Frankel of Cleveland, March 3,
1883, and they had a family of three boys and four girls, who are all happily
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, but by the community at large.

Mr. Schonberg is a member and chief contributor to Congregation Oshav
Israel of Newark, and is also active in the Masons, Elks, B’rith Abraham,
Chamber of Commerce, Dramatic Order of Knights of Cores, and all Jewish
Charities, including the Sanitariums of Denver and Los Angeles.

JACOB SCHORIN

Mr. Jacob Schorin is still a young man, but, judging from his success in
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 born in
Vistki, Mohilever Gubernia, Russia, on the 23d of Tebeth, 1880, as the son of
Hirsh and Rebecca Schorin. His uncle, Talman Motlin, was Rabbi in Homel.
There also are other distinguished relatives. However, all this availed him but
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 years sold all sorts of
merchandise, until he found enough funds at his disposal to come to Akron, O.,
and embark in business for himself. He opened a store, which he is still con-
ducting, and under the firm name of J. Schorin he has been 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.

263
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 his 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

One 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 his lot by emigrating to the New World, and he landed in Montreal,

264
Canada, where he went to work immediately as a beginner in the cigar trade.
There was scarcely an opportunity for him to gain 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 by work at the
cigar factory, earning $1.50 per week. Four years
later his weekly wage was increased to S4, when he
decided to 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 he 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 150 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. He is a very active
member of the Temple Beth-El and was repeatedly
offered office there. In religious affairs Mr. Bernard Schwartz
Schwartz believes in Reform Judaism.

On March 26, 1895, Mr. Schwartz was married to Miss Esther Rothstein,
and he is the father of two sons, Norman and 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 the scale of this eternal
justice, and writes itself indelibly into the lives of our associates as well as
ourselves.

If you were to inquire into the remarkable success achieved by Mr. Ben-
jamin B, Schwartz you would have to traverse not only the length and breadth
of his own state, but far distant sections of the country as well, in order to
realize the extent of his charitable activities. p

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.

Tle was born in Ivia, Vilna, 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, but Mr. Schwartz had able
assistance in the person of his wife, whom he married in Detroit, February 19,
1906, and who, before her marriage, was Miss Bella Smith.

Gradually 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, 1880, 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, 1911, 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 e¢
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 so 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
courage 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,
4o1 East Federal street, Youngstown, Ohio, is the type of the self-made man
who started at the lowest rung of the ladder of human ambition and ulti-
mately finds himself 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, 1886, when just 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.

His 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 are many and varied. He is an
active member and was the President and Treasurer of the Federated Chari-
ties of Youngstown, was twice President of the Congregation Children of
Israel, President of the Federal Lodge of the Independent Order B’rith Sho-
lom, a member of the Progress Club and a good many social organizations too
numerous to be mentioned. He 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.

On August 17, 1897, he was united in marriage to Miss Pauline Klein, who-
is of Hungarian descent, and they are the parents of two accomplished daugh-
ters, Helena E. and Regina.

Mrs. Schwartz is President of the Ladies’ Aid Society and very interested’
in the social and communal work of her husband.

NATHAN AND JACOB SCHWARTZ

It is 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 time.

We refer to Nathan and Jacob Schwartz, proprietors of the firm of
Schwartz Brothers, dealers in bags and burlap. They were born in Vilna,
Guberne, Russia, the sons of Joseph and Malka Schwartz. Nathan came to:
America in 1909 and Jacob four years later. Both came direct to Chelsea,
Mass., and for some time worked in a bag and burlap shop, learning all they
possibly could regarding the business, with the idea of going into business
for themselves. This they did a few years later, and 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 Society of
Chelsea.

One of the finest attributes of Jewish character is generosity in matters
of charity, and in this regard Schwartz Brothers are no exceptions, as they
give most liberally to all worthy causes appealing to them for 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. His 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 they 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 Yarner 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
tris land of many opportunities.

Business has run smoothly for him by reason of his excellent judgment,
perseverance and self-control. Undoubtedly the 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.

To confine what could easily be made a lengthy story within due limits,
it is only possible to touch upon the most vital points in the biography of
Mr. Selker. He was born December 22, 1887, in Griva Lumzer, Ubern, 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 he was allowed to remain in school until the age of seventeen, and in
this he had an advantage over many other boys who are obliged to fight 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 his 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 very extensive
business in fertilizers, hides and junk, under the firm name of Wernick &
Selker, Fostoria, Ohio.

Mr. Selker was married July 8, 1916, 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 Shaava 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. Early 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
farmer 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 today 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 B’nai 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
 

X SEGAL

MA
Rose M. is Private Secretary to District Judge Westenhaver, Cleveland,
Ohio; Minnie A. is in the office of Attorney John A. Carpenter, Cleveland,
Ohio; and Frances L. is a student at Ohio State University at Columbus, Ohio.

Mr. Segal, Sr., is a prominent Odd Fellow and in matters of charity is
most generous in his gifts. Among the organizations to which he contributes,
we might mention the Cleveland Orphans’ Asylum, Denver Jewish Consump-
tive Relief Society 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 good 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
Tron and Metal Co., owned and managed by Mr. Michell Sesen.

Mr. Sesen was born in Volina, Guberne, 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 pay five dollars in
cash and give his services without remuneration. After learning the trade,
he received a number of advances in salary and continued in this line for six
years. He next spent two years in buying and selling junk through New
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, 1898, to Miss Etta
Fadeske, and they have five children, three boys and two girls. 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 selfishly enjoy his own good fortune, but is
very liberal in his gifts to all charities and is a regular attendant of the Ortho-
dox Congregation, of which he is Past Secretary and Treasurer. He is also
a prominent member of Independent Order of B'rith Abraham.

MORRIS SHANE

One of the many foreign-born Jews who have become Americans by
adoption, and whose name stands out prominently as a progressive business
man, is Mr. Morris Shane, who was born in Moscow, Russia.

Although his early boyhood was spent in that dismal land where no Jew
ever realizes the blessings of liberty, he allowed no combination of circum-
stances to be strong enough to thwart his career. ;

At the age of twelve years, when most boys are entirely dependent upon
their parents, young Morris landed in New York Harbor, all alone. He knew
that a number of people from his native land had come to America, and he
started out to try to find some friendly and familiar face. He managed to get

270
to Dayton, where he had the address of some old friends, but was unable to
find any trace of them, and being without money, was forced to seek some
sort of employment.

His first job was in an iron works, where the young boy did the work
of a man for only $2.75 per week. He-remained there nine months, and then
found employment in a glass factory at $7 per week. After two or three
years of hard work of various kinds the qualities of energy and thrift which
he inherited from his parents asserted themselves, and he saved up enough
money to go into business for himself. That he has been unusually successful
can be easily ascertained from any of the business fraternity in Dayton, where
he stands in high regard. His business is operated under the firm name of
Greater Dayton Iron Metal Company.

Mr. Shane was married to Miss Dora Burd, and together they do a great
deal of good among the local charities in Dayton.

Mr. Shane is also an active member of the Odd Fellows, Knights of
Pythias and Eagles.

MOSES SHAPIRO

There are ten men who acquire wealth to one who wisely and righteously
applies it.

Until the 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 man or woman who possesses it.

Jewish literature and history testify to the fact that the Jews have ever
been wise and generous in philanthropy; 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 11, 1868, where
his father, Isia Shapiro, was a successful merchant and a man possessing a
high order of scholarship.

He came to America in the fall of 1891, landing in Boston, Mass., where
he peddled dry goods for the first year. He then sold fruit for the four fol-
lowing years, but decided to go into the rag business. :

His first venture was in Buffalo, N. Y., with a partner, but in 1900 they
dissolved partnership and he continued alone. His business has grown enor-
mously, enabling him to give his children every advantage of education and
position.

He was fortunate in his marriage to Miss Esther Rockloff, which oc-
curred in Buffalo in March, 1893, as she has been an ideal wife and mother
to their eight children, besides finding time to devote herself to social and
charitable activities, of which she is the recognized leader in their circle.

Of their eight children, Joseph and Isidor are in business with their father,
Hyman is in business for himself, and Sophie is married to a clothing merchant
of Buffalo. The balance of the children are still in school.

Mr. Shapiro is a member of Temple Beth Fl, B’nai B’rith, Talmud Torah,
and contributes liberally to both national and local charities, including the
Manhattan Social Benefit Association, Queen City Benefit Association, Feder-
ation of Jewish Charities, Denver and Los Angeles hospitals and all the
Yishivas in Europe and America.

2771
 

SHAW

ABRAHAM
SAMUEL SHAPIRO

One 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 comfort her.

In a figurative sense this is true, inasmuch as the Jew has “made good”
in every nation which he has favored with his adoption.

Under the most adverse circumstances was the career of Mr. Samuel
Shapiro launched in this country.

He was born in Vilna, Guberne, Russia, in December, 1880, the son of
Mr. and Mrs. Chatcha Shapiro, the father a successful and well-educated
merchant.

He came to America in September, 1903, and landed in New York with
but one shilling, six pence, a very small capital with which to start life in an
alien land.

His 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.
He was gradually raised to $6 per week, but owing to failing eyesight, was
obliged to give up his position and resume his old occupation of carpentering,
which he had followed in Europe.

He then went into the delicatessen business and was rather unfortunate
in this venture, losing all his money, so he had to go back to the carpenter
trade, at which he 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 busi-
ness, he 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 five 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, Old Age Home
of New York, and Yishivas.

Mr. Shapiro is a member of the Odd Fellows, Independent Order of
B'rith Abraham and the Congregation of Middletown.

ABRAHAM SHAW

_ The world judges the character of a community by that of its representa-
tive citizens and yields its tribute of admiration and respect for the genius.
learning or virtues of these guiding spirits of civic life.

- It is therefore proper that a just celebrity should be given to those men
who are distinguished in their day and generation that they, living, may enjoy
the approbation of their contemporaries, as well as that of a grateful posterity.
Also that the young may ever have before them these worthy examples for

- their regard and emulation.

Such a man is Abraham Shaw of Cleveland, Ohio, who operates an im-
mense iron and metal yard at 976 East Sixty-seventh street, as well as looking
after large real estate interests.
He was born March 15, 1863, in Sczagerm, 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
Phoenixville, 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 16!4-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 Beis 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 Home.

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
would ordinarily occupy the allotted three score vears and ten.

Mr. Sherman was born in Minsker, 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 New 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
 

LOUIS SHERMAN
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, both 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 necessary 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.

274
ABRAHAM SHEWITZ

There is no element entering into our composite national fabric which has
been of more practical strength and value than that contributed by the Jews.

They are the captains of commerce, the bulwark of the merchandising
world.

Thousands of them have sought our shores and without financial backing
lave erected giant monuments to enterprise and thrift which will endure
through many generations of posterity.

Such a man is Abraham Shewitz, who was born in Kosova, Grodno,
Guberne, Russia, December 15, 1878. He inherited his commercial instinct
from his father, who was a merchant of his native city, as well as a man of
considerable scholarship. ;

He came to America in May, 1892, 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 dress 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. Shewitz'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 field of activities.

Before her marriage to Mr. Shewitz, on May 10, 1898, she was Miss Flora
Katlar, daughter of Moses and Fannie Katlar of Trob, Russia.

They have one daughter, Fannie, who 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.

They are also members of Beth Jacob 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 1880, in Wolozin, Russia, there was born to Shlome, a great
Jewish scholar, and his wife, Dwora Shiff, a son who was named Isaac, but
Tsaac, like many foreign-born children, heard of the Land of the Free, and in
1904 bade fond farewell to his native land and came to America.

For two years he peddled jewelry in New York, but such was not his

275
 

ISAAC SHIFF
aspiration, and thinking Cleveland had something better in store for him, he
came here, with the result that after six months, with much hardship and
saving, he contrived to save $500, and went to Lorain, Ohio, where he is now
running a jewelry store and making good.

Mr. Shiff is Vice President and Treasurer of B'rith Jacob Congregation,
Vice Presidnt of B’rith Abraham, is a Mason and a liberal contributor to many
charities. Was at one time Director of the Orphans’ Home.

Rich in business success, he is still richer in his home life, having a wife
and three children, to whom he is devoutly attached. He was married in
New York, April 1, 1907, to Miss Rose Schmitt.

JACOB SHLAIN

The world bestows an involuntary tribute of respect to the self-made
man who has faced the stern realities of life, and this is not only an apprecia-
tion of the worldly goods he has acquired, but a perception of the sterling
worth of character which has thus been able to battle successfully with adverse
circumstances.

That this is particularly true of Mr. Jacob Shlain is attested by the very
high esteem in which he is held in the city of Detroit, Mich., where he is rec-
ognized as a most capable business man and public-spirited citizen.

He was born in Vladimar, Voline, Guberne, Russia, in December, 1872,
and came to merica at the age of twenty-eight years.

Landing in Boston, he began working for a junk dealer at $8 per week.
He 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.

The panic from which the country suffered a few years later caused him
to meet with very severe reverses and he decided to go to Detroit, where his
permanent business success was made.

Having no capital with which to start into business, he was obliged to
work very hard in order to support his family and at the same time save money,
but eventually his efforts were rewarded and he has today a fine, modern
equipment and a large, flourishing iron and metal business.

He was married in Russia, just prior to coming to America, to Miss Lena
Buslik, and they have five children, three boys and two girls, who are, with
the exception of one, all in school. The eldest son, Benjamin, is a student in
Ann Arbor, taking literary work preparatory to a course in medicine. Their
eldest daughter, Ida, is married to 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 Teferes 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 they are most generous contributors.
MAX SHURE

Prominent among the great army of conservationists to whose ability the
country owes 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
Shure, successful dealer in iron and metal scrap, whose business is located at
Kenton, Ohio.

Mr. Shure 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, but 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 he 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, October 13, rg11, 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 Mr. Shure regarding what 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.

Both 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 certainly 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,
Galicia, 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 Britain, 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.

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SHURE

MAX
Mrs. Shurberg is very active in social affairs and is at the present time
Secretary of the Ladies’ Aid Society. She devotes a great deal of time to
the promotion of charity, and she and her husband jointly contribute to the
Denver Hospital, the Immigration Society of New York, the National Or-
phans’ Home of New York, all the Yishivis, the Red Cross, the Y. M. C. A.,
the Y. W. C. A., 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 Israel,
B'nai B'rith, Independent Order B'rith Abraham and Odd Fellows.

JACOB SIEGLE

The city of Dayton, Ohio, may well be proud to number among its citi-
zens Mr. Jacob Siegle, who within a space of comparatively few years has
found time to attain the foremost rank in the business life of the community,
and at the same time is always ready to assist any movement for individual or
civic betterment.

Mr. Siegle was born in Aniksta, Kovna, Guberne, Russia, March 24, 1879.
His father was a well-known farmer in the community, but young Jacob
decided that he did not care to make this his life work, so he came to America
in 1900, finding his way to Cleveland, Ohio, where he started working in a
junk yard. The salary was small, but with him this was a minor consideration,
as 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, Ohio, 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 his
brother-in-law, Mr. Cohen, and they have built up a-fine business which is
one of the leading institutions of the city.

Mr. Siegle was married January 17, 1907, to Miss Rachel Cohen of Cleve-
land, Ohio, and they have four very charming children.

A word of advice from a man of Mr. Siegle’s prominence and proven
ability should be regarded as of much value to the rising young man, and we
are pleased to state that his policy is summed up briefly as follows: ‘Work
hard, consistently and earnestly. Be honest, faithful and trustworthy.”

A liberal contributor to all charities, Mr. Siegle is at the same time quite
active in a number of fraternal organizations, prominent among them being
the Knights of Pythias, Talmud Torah, K. K. House of Abraham and a num-
ber of others. He has a most genial personality and is a fitting representative
of our best citizenship.

HARRY SILBERMAN.

In Lawrence, Mass., the name of Mr. Harry Silberman is considered one
to be reckoned with in business circles, as he is owner and manager of Silber-
man Brothers and prominent in all the civic affairs in the community.

Mr. Silberman was born in Volina, Guberne, Russia, in 1873. He came
to America in 1895. He landed in New York, but shortly after went to Law-
rence, Mass., where he worked in a junk yard for six dollars per week, but
after a short time, being ambitious to go into business for himself, he started

278
out peddling. This he continued for three years, when he 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 number of organizations, being Treas-
urer of Sons of Israel and is also active in the Knights of Pythias, I. O. 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 Harrisburg, Pa., no name is regarded with
muore respect than that of Joseph J. Silberman.

Mr. Silberman is not only prominent in the business life of the city,
Lut 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, Apri!
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 factory, and later
started a small factory in New York on his own account, but this venture
proved unsuccessful. He then turned his attention to the buying and selling
of scrap metal and gradually prospered until he had saved enough money to
eugage 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, his 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 United Charities, the Hebrew Immigration Society
aud 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
Odd 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 hurry
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 faith
are in no way incompatible.

279
 

JOSEPH SILBERMAN
JOHN SILBERMAN

It is a pleasure 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. John Silberman is 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.

Jokn Silberman was born in Lincawa, Kovna, Russia, in September,
1880, and enjoyed with his brother the same advantages of home culture as
his father was a most learned Hebrew scholar.

He came to America in August, 1896, his brother Joseph having pre-
ceded him in 1894. Upon his 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 are
conducting so successfully.

He was married to Miss Bertha Jason and they have two small daugh-
ters, aged one and three years. :

We feel that a word should be said regarding the social and charitable
activities of both Mrs. John and Mrs. Joseph Silberman. They have always
the larger interests of the community at heart and devote a great deal of
time to the promotion of charities.

Mr. Silberman greatly emphasizes the importance of honesty and thrift
and feels that any young.man who obeys the precepts laid down by God
fearing parents cannot stray far from the paths of rectitude and success.

He himself is an active member of Kesher Israel and B'nai Jacob Syna-
gogues. B'nai Brith, Independent Order of B'rith Abraham, Order of Elks,
Odd Fellows, Masons and the Young Men’s Hebrew Association.

He contributes most generously to the charitable organizations of Pales-
tine, the United Charities, Hebrew Seminaries, Hebrew Immigration Socie-
ties, and Sanitariums of Denver and Los Angeles.

Silberman Brothers have made a fine contribution to the business, social
and religious life of Harrisburg and as they are both still in the prime of life,
it is hoped that they will be given many more years in which to dispense
happiness to their fellowmen.

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 country
without any assistance whatsoever.

Mr. Silberman was born in Kovno, Guberne, Russia, in 1872 and came to
America in 1892. He landed in New York and having very little money,
worked for one week at any odd jobs which he could pick up. He then
started out 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 Luria, daughter of a prominent family of that
city. After his marriage he continued buying and selling in the old way for
about two years, when he was offered a partnership in the firm of Luria Broth-
ers. This he accepted and one of his first ventures was opening a small yard
in Lebanon, Pa., where, due to his efforts and unusual ability, the firm has at
the present time a yard occupying twenty-eight acres, equipped with every
modern convenience. They have offices in New York, Reading and Pittsburgh,
and are the largest dealers in scrap in the United States.

280
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 five children, giving much personal 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., Kasher 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 New 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 toth 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
he became one of the most prominent politicians in the town himself, and was
even for a time acting Mayor or Mayor pro tem. 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 First Vice President of the Jewish Educational Alliance
and he is interested in everything Jewish.

On the 16th of February, 1910, he 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
 

ISAAC E. SILVER
LOUIS SILBERSTEIN

In former dark Russia, hidden away 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 that so many heard the call to the new world and followed the
guiding light of liberty to our shores.

In Zagostok, Russia, October 15, 1880, occurred the birth of Mr. Louis
Silberstein, who was among those ill-content with conditions in his native
country.

During the summer of 1895 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 his own. He has achieved an extraordinary com-
mercial success, the benefits of which are not selfishly enjoyed by him alone,
as he is very active in the promotion of all charitable organizations, including
the Jewish war sufferers and many others of national and local importance.
In this he is greatly encouraged by his mother, who is, of course, very proud
of her son’s success, and anxious that his good fortune shall be passed along
to those living in less happy circumstances.

He is also a member of Agudas Achem Congregation, Sons of Joseph and
B'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 this religious festival over when another and still greater one occurred, which
was to play a great factor not only in the lives of the famous Jewish scholar
at Stavisk and his wife, but one which was to have a similar effect upon the
Jewish community of Cleveland as well.

The birth of Harry 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 Harry knew. It was when his parents
decided to take their fortunes to the shores of America that his world grew
larger and larger until Ohio was decided upon as their future home.

Harry received his education at home, and whatever he has obtained in
life can largely be traced to his excellent home training. Nor was his Hebraic
training in any way neglected when so fine a Talmudic scholar as his father was
there to teach him.

But young Simon had dreams 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 his lot along those lines. Thoroughness, he was
taught, was one of the chief ingredients to success; so it was just the natural
course for him to desire to begin at the bottom. He became a bookkeeper in
an iron and steel company in Cleveland at a monthly salary of twenty-five
dollars, his ultimate aim being experience rather than temporary remunera-
tion. The eagerness with which he entered into his work soon brought him
promotion, and after remaining with the same firm for a period of five years,
he decided that he was ready to start out on his own enterprise. But success
was not to come so soon.

He entered into several partnerships, and as is usually the case with these

’ first business entanglements, they were not successful. So he again went to

282
work for a steel concern, this time 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 forth into business for himself after a two years’ stay 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 1915 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
B’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, N. 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 to wealth and position in
the Jewish community of Jersey City, hardly 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
every handicap that a lad could have. He was a stranger in a foreign land;
he did not know the language; he did not have any money, and he did not
have any friends or relatives who could give him advice as to his future liveli-
hood and existence. He was left to his own resources, but through hard, per-
sistent labor and an unquenchable desire to get ahead, he has made his way
through hardships that men of less strong will would never have. succeeded in
overcoming.

Joseph S. Singer, son of Meyer and Rebecca, was born April 12, 1877, in
Stebnick, Austria. He received a school education and at the age of sixteen
came to America. He had no trade, and to earn
enough for his own support he began to peddle with
matches. As his capital increased, he turned to sell-
ing table oilcloth and allied articles. He struggled
hard, saved some money, and learned the language.
He then entered the insurance business, but contin-
ued in it only a short while. His money gradually
disappeared, and when he had only twenty-five dol-
lars left he invested it in a small candy store. Here
he prospered, and after a number of years drifted
into the wholesale business. Mr. Singer is now the
head of the firm of Singer Bros., wholesale jobbers
of candy, at 326 Montgomery street, Jersey City.
Since Mr. Singer has become more successful, he
has associated himself with almost every charitable
organization in Jersey City. He is a member of the
Congregation Tifereth Israel. He is a Mason,
Shriner, Elk and member of the orders B'rith Abraham and B'nai B’rith. He
is also one of the founders and directors of the Hebrew Orphan Society of
Jersey City, Director of the Talmud Torah and Hebrew Free Loan and con-
tributes to the Home for Consumptives at Denver. He is a member and
organizer of Beth El Lodge F. and A. M. and a member of the Salaam Tem-
ple, A. A. O. N. M. S.

On March 10, 1900, Mr. Singer was married to Miss Rose Singer, daughter
of the well-known private banker, Mr. Marcus Singer, who died June 15,
1917. Marcus Singer was noble and charitable, and it was with sincere regret
that the news of his death was learned by the community.

Mrs. Singer is prominently connected with the communal work of Jer-
sey City, and has been affiliated with almost every movement for the welfare
and improvement of the poor and needy. Mrs. Singer is a member of the
Auxiliary of the Temple Beth El, Past Matron of Colonial Chapter No. 42,
Order Eastern Star, and Royal Matron of Emerant of Jersey City.

" She is also a member of Ladies’ Hebrew Aid Society and Clara De Hirsh
ociety.

Mr. and Mrs. Singer are the parents of six children, one boy and five girls,
all of whom attend school.

Mr. Singer attributes his success to hard work, honesty and business
ability and feels that any young man who persists will get ahead.

 

284
JACOB SINGER

The life history of 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.

He was born in Volkovisk, Grodno, Guberne, Russia, July 4, 1883. His
parents, Hanan 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, 1904, 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 No. 245 Erskine street, which he 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 Novick, an
eastern girl, the daughter of Yantov and Merka Novick. 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, 1914, he married Miss Sarah M. Monhiemer, who is the
daughter of Mr. and \Irs. 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 his 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 all 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 an active member of Rabbi Lefkowitz’s Temple, and is always at the
service of the best 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 America, the land of promise.

The vigor of the United States has been largely acquired from this rest-
less, energetic element to whom difficulties and dangers were breath of life
and in whom the conquering spirit ran high.

Israel and Samuel Smith are fine examples of this sturdy type who dared
the hazards of the new world that their abilities might find a proper avenue of
expression.

Israel Smith was born in Suwalk, Guberne, Russia, in 1875, and Samuel,
two years later.

Their father was a merchant in their native town and a most learned
Jewish scholar.

Coming to America at an early age, they peddled through the state of
Ohio, first with a pack and later with a horse and wagon.

Later they went to Grand Rapids, Mich., opening an iron and metal yard,
which business has had a phenomenal growth under their able management,
and is now the largest business of the kind in the city.

They were both married in Grand Rapids; Israel to Ida Davidson, who
have three children who are very brilliant in their studies. Their son, Ben-
jamin, although only seventeen years of age, has graduated with honors from
high school and is attending the law school at the University of Michigan.
He also received a diploma and gold medal from the Daughters of the Revo-
lution for unusual proficiency in the study of American history. The daugh-
ters are still in school and are being educated in music.

Samuel Smith was married June 10, 1900, to Miss Rose Karbafsky, and
they have two boys and one girl who also are developing much talent along
literary and musical lines. Their son, Lester, when only eight years old won
a prize from the Detroit Free Press for writing stories, and although only
eleven at the present time, is recognized as a leader of his school in scholarship.

Mr. Israel Smith is a member of the Odd Fellows and Mr. Samuel is
affiliated with the same organization, as well as both Jewish congregations,
B'nai B'rith and Masons.

Both brothers and their wives are very public-spirited and charitable,
being liberal contributors to Denver and Los Angeles hospitals, Max Nathan
Orphans’ Home and the Immigration Society of New York.

The father is still living, but has retired from business and devotes his
entire time to Jewish study, in which he is so proficient.

286
MAX SNITZ

Ii we were 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, who 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 Union, 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. rit, 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 New 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 any importance.

Mr. Sobul was married in 1887 to Miss Yetta Brown, who was born in his
native town. They have a fine family 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 are still students in high school.
They have all been most thoroughly educated both in the regular academic
branches and in Hebrew.

According to Mr. Sobul’s expressed opinion, success is only a matter of
effort and ambition, and he is certainly in position to speak with authority on
the subject, as he has won his own pre-eminent position in business without the
aid of initial capital or assistance of any kind. In addition to the Cleveland
Raincoat Company, Mr. Sobul is treasurer of J. J. Fried Co., another large and
prosperous firm.

ISADOR SOBEL

Tsador Sobel, lawyer, was born in New York City, August 28, 1858, son of
Semel and Cecelia (Kunz) Sobel. His father, a merchant, came from Posen,
Germany, in 1847, and settled in New York City. The son received his pre-
liminary education in Public School No. 3 of his native city, subsequently
attending the College of the City of New York, and the Erie (Pa.) high
school. He studied law under the preceptorship of Hon. S. M. Brainerd, of
Erie; was admitted to the bar in 1888, and that same year, in association with
Mr. Brainerd, established the firm of Brainerd & Sobel. He has since con-
tinued a general law practice in the county, superior and supreme courts, giv-
ing special attention to commercial and bankruptcy law, also corporation law.
From the beginning of his active career he has been closely identified with local,
state and national politics, as a Republican. He was elected a member of the
Erie city council in 1891; was re-elected in 1893, and was president of that
body in 1894. During 1889-91 he was Secretary
of the Erie County Republican Committee, and was
its Chairman during 1893-1896. He became Vice
President of the Republican League of Pennsylva-
nia in 1894, and was President during 1896-98, and
he was a presidential elector in 1896. President
McKinley appointed him postmaster of Erie in
1898, to which office he was reappointed by Presi-
dent Roosevelt in 1902 and 1906, and by President
Taft in 1910. Meanwhile, in 1908, he served as
President of the Postmasters’ Association of Penn-
sylvania. He was elected President of the National
Association of Postmasters of First-Class Offices
of the United States in 1912, and the following year
became the first Honorary President of the organ-
ization. He became a member of district No. 3,
Independent Order B’nai B'rith, in 1908; of the gen-
eral committee of that order in 1910, and was president of the district grand
lodge during 1910-12. He is a member of the executive committee of the
American-Jewish Committee : president of the board of governors B'nai B'rith
Orphanage and Home for Friendless Children of District No. 3; president
Anche Chesed Reform Congregation, Erie; member advisory council Home for
the Friendless, Erie; manager of Hamot Hospital, Erie, and a member of the
Jewish Historical Society, Jewish Publication Society, and of the Erie, Elks,

288

 
Shriners and Country clubs, Erie; is a thirty-second degree Mason and mem-
ber of the Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias. He was married March 17,
1891, 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 i 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 for 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 Back, 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 duty 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 B'nai Abraham Congre-
gation of Elyria and of the B’nai Yitzhog Verein, Voloziner Unterstitzung
Verein and Vinsker 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
by all who know him.

289
JACOB SOHNEN

Experience is by far the best 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 best fitted. This is the case with Mr. Jacob Sohnen, who was
born in Austria, August 22, 1882.

He came to America January 24, 1894, arriving in New York, where his
parents were already located. He went to school for two years and then went
into the feather business with his father. This he continued for four years,
and then went to work in a skirt factory. He was quite successful and later
became a partner in the business, but did not find it to his liking, and after try-
ing a number of 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 Anna
Zwerdling. They have five children, all boys. Three of them are old enough
to go to school, and they 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 rising young business
man can possess. The elements of nature by a trick of fortune may wipe away
all other possessions within a day, but the reputation for good character is a
solid foundation upon which another fortune can be reared.

Such was the experience of Mr. Jacob Solomon, who found that neither
the calamities of flood or fires could permanently stop his progress as long as
this one priceless possession was his.

Jacob Solomon was born in Kovno, Guberne, Russia, in September, 1881,
the son of Hiam and Getta Solomon. His father conducted a grocery and
was also a fine Hebrew scholar.

At the age of seventeen, 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 brewery at the meager compensation of $6.00 per
week. Six months later he started peddling junk, which he continued for two
years, at which time he came to Sidney, Ohio, and opened an iron and metal
che This business was flourishing, but in 1912 was totally destroyed by

ood.

Here his reputation for honesty and ability stood him in good stead and
he again resumed business, building up a small fortune, but in 1914 his plant
was destroyed by fire and, having no insurance, he was again penniless. With
marvelous determination and faith in his ultimate power to triumph over mis-
fortune, he again started into business and in 1916 joined forces with his pres-
ent partner, Mr. William Joffe.

Their combined efforts have been successful beyond his wildest dreams,
and he has been able to accumulate some fine real estate besides his interest in
their flourishing plant.

He was married January 28, 1906, to Miss Fannie Jofee, sister of his pres-
ent partner, and a lady who is very prominently connected with all charitable
movements in their city. They have four children, who will be well educated
and given a thorough training in music.

290
Mr. Solomon is a member of Congregation Wayne Ave. of Dayton; is ¢
member of the Immigration Society, and the Miznuch Society of New York,
and is a patron of Denver and Los Angeles Hospitals, as well as many other
charities.

KASKEL SOLOMON

Every 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
of those enterprises and organizations which constitute the special glory of
cities. A representative of this 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 of many of the large
undertakings and institutions which have so largely contributed to her present
prosperity and importance.

Kaskel Solomon was born April 30, 1851, in Wreschen, Province Posen,
Germany, son of Morris and Leah (Krieger) Solomon. He came to New
York from Germany August 10, 1868, 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. On 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 1882 Mr. J. M. Gusky bought the interest
of S. Cohen, and from that date the firm name was J. M. Gusky, and in which
business Mr. Solomon was interested for a long term of years. It was with
this firm that 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 Smithfield street which
bore his name until February 1, 1917, 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. His foresight in this
respect 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 any movement which, in his judgment, would tend to advance the public wel-
fare. He 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. His allegiance is given to the
Republican party, but he has 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
 

KASKEL SOLOMON
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, 1915. 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 of 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 on April 9, 1917. His mother is still living.
The boy, on coming to this country, started out peddling in the State of Maine.
Later he went into the grocery business, a few years later starting the whole-
sale grocery firm of S. Solomont & Sons. In this concern he was associated
with his father and brothers. Nineteen years ago he became part owner of
the Standard Grocery Company, remaining in it until September 1, 1917, when
he became a member of the firm of James Solomont & Bros., jewelers, 36
Salem street, Boston.
_ __Mr. Solomont is a member of a considerable number of charitable organ-
izations. He is, in addition, a member of two congregations, and whenever any
social or religious activity is shown one may be sure to find Mr. Solomont’s
name among the most active supporters.

On June 25, 1893, Mr. Solomont was married to Anna 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 Orthodox Rabbinical Semi-
nary of New York.

JOSEPH SPECTOR AND ABRAHAM LAPINSKY

Prominent in the business life of Springfield, Ohio, 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 his 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, he 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 affliated 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

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SUMER SOMERMAN
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 years in succession he worked as a machine hand in the Singer works:at
Elizabeth, N. 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 Unterstizung Verein, Austrian Beneficial Society and the
B'rith Schulem Verein.

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 1871, 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, Neugass & 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 he ad-
vanced, until in 1880 he was admitted as a partner
in the business establishment of his former employ-
ers, the firm’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 firm’s name was once more changed
and the business was incorporated under the title of
Lehman, Stern & Co. And it was not long before
Mr. Stern became the President of that vast concern
which handles many million dollars’ worth of cotton
every year.

In addition to the presidency of his own con-
cern, whose offices are at 840 Union street, Mr.
Stern holds many other positions of trust and re-
sponsibility. He 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 States Land and Timber Co., a Director of the Whitney Central
National Bank and of the Whitney Central Trust and Savings Bank, 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 his
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 Orphans’ Home, the local
Treasurer of the Jewish War Relief Committee, and a member of the Execu-
tive Board 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. Of 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. ts 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 23, 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
 

JUD STEIN
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 vears 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 many 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. .\t this time he met with severe reverses, through no fault
of his 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.

He 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. Stober without assistance.

He was married in Montreal. March 15, 1914. to Miss Bessie Friedlip,
daughter of Aaron and Sarah Friedlip, of that 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.

296
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 he 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. He 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 only 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 1903 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
history 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 Vilna, 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 to
save, he started for the West. However, he met a friend in Chicago who
advised him to go to Virginia, which he did. After peddling junk for three
months he went into business in the oil district and was quite successful. He
then started a livery stable and this venture proved most unfortunate, as he
lost his entire capital and found himself in debt $1,500. Going to Wheeling,
W. Va., he again started in the junk business, and in a short time was able to
discharge all of his obligations and is today doing a large and very prosperous
business.

Mr. Strauss is a member of the congregation of Wheeling, W. Va., of
B'nai B’rith, Y. M. H. A. and is a liberal contributor to Denver and Los An-
geles hospitals, as well as all local charities.

ABRAHAM J. SUNSTEIN

Abraham J. Sunstein of Pittsburgh, Pa., was born January 25, 1861, in
the city of Suwalk, Russian Poland. His parents were Cass (deceased in
1913) and Tillie (Shapira), deceased in 1879. Mr. Sunstein on his father’s
side is a descendant of Elijah Wilner Gaon and his son Abraham and his grand-
son Jacob. Both the latter only second in fame to the Gaon. His grandfather
was Noah Landau, who was also a Rabbi. On his mother’s side his 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, his father was given the surname of Sunstein, the name of a close
friend and neighbor of the family.

Mr. Sunstein came to America with his mother and his two brothers,
Meyer E. and Solomon H. (the latter deceased in 1899), in 1870 to join his
father, who had preceded them by nearly four years. His sole education was
in the public schools of Pittsburgh and private
tutoring in Hebrew and German in this coun-
try and Europe. Mr. Sunstein has been en-
gaged in the wholesale liquor business since
early youth and also in the distilling business
since early manhood. He was associated with
his father until his decease in 1913 and at
present his son, A. Cass Sunstein, is associated
with him in the business, the firms being C.
Sunstein & Sons and the Thompson Distilling
Co. Mr. Sunstein in rgor and rgo02 was Pres-
ident of the National Association ‘of Distillers
and Wholesale Dealers and has been on its
Executive Committee practically since its or-
ganization in 1896. At present he is Presi-
dent of the Distillers’ Association of Penn-
vania.

In October, 1887, Mr. Sunstein married
Nora O. Oppenheimer, a native of Pittsburgh and a descendant of the oldest
Jewish settlers in Pittsburgh. Mr. Sunstein and his wife are closely related
through his father’s and her mother’s side. He has two children, Mrs. Tillie
S. Speyer and A. Cass Sunstein, Mrs. Speyer being married to Alexander
C. Speyer and A. Cass: to Aimee Rauh, daughter of A. L. Rauh.

For many years Mr. Sunstein has been a member of the Board of Trus-
tees of the Rodef Shalom Congregation, one of the principal Reformed con-
gregations of the United States. At present he is Treasurer of the congre-
gation and Chairman of its Cemetery Committee. He is also Treasurer of

298

 
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 B'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 Board 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 Rodef 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
Henry 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
way 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 considereth 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, Ore., to manage
“The White House,” a store which he started just before returning to Ohio.

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.”

They have one young son, fourteen years of age, who is being giver
excellent educational advantages and is also receiving instruction on the
piano.

Mr. Suwalky 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, Ohio, may 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. Only himself and the
wife who braved with him the darkness of misfortune .will ever know the
full price which they paid for the happiness they now enjoy.

He was born in Vitobsk, Guberne, Russia, November I, 1882, his father,
Samuel Swidlow, being a grain merchant and also a man of considerable
scholarship.

He came to America in December, 1905, 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. He had but $18 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 city of Marysville offered more opportunity, he moved his
business there and remained five years. Then followed one year in Marion,
Ohio, which was later to be his permanent home. Going 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 boy and one girl.

Mr. Swidlow is a member of Ahgudas Acham in Columbus, Ohio, 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 Orphans’ Home
of Cleveland. :

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
different projects and bring them all to a most successful termination.

Such a man is Mr. Joseph Tahl, who, only thirty-three years of age, has
attracted a great deal of attention in business circles.

At the early age of eighteen years he was honored with election as Assist-
ant Secretary and Treasurer of Dayton City Club, which responsible position
he held for two years with great credit to himself. He then resigned to be-
come associated with his father in the firm of Tahl & Factor, and for two
years directed his 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. Tahl’s removal to Cincinnati in 1916 met with deep regret
on the part of his many friends in Dayton. He there associated himself with
his father and Mr. Harry Blasburg under the firm name of Queen City Rag &
Paper Company, which is now recognized as one of the most successful busi-
ness houses in the city.

300
Mr. Tahl is Treasurer and very capably takes care of his business
interests.

The Tahls have two daughters, who are attending public school, and show
great promise for the future.

Although Mr. Tahl's business interests occupy considerable time, he does
not neglect the various charities in which he is interested. He 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, as well as
many other institutions for the alleviation of suffering. ~

ALFRED TANZER

When Mr. Alfred Tanzer 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. His family preceded him in coming to this coun-
try, and so, though there were excellent prospects for him in his native land
and emigrating to America was staking all on one card and taking a tre-
mendous risk, he nevertheless decided to go to America and cast his lot with
his parents and other relatives. Mr. Tanzer was born on May 28, 1871, at
Rosenberg, Lopto County, Hungary, the son 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 scholars.

Mr. Tanzer came to America in 1893 and began in New York the study
of law, which he continued for one year. He then held positions with a
number of German-language newspapers in different capacities, including that
of assistant editor. For the next five 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
Company.

Mr. Tanzer is a great communal worker. He is the President of the
Congregation 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, the 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 the 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.

On June 27, 1897, Mr. Tanzer was married to Lottie Friedman, and they
have four 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 flourishing business, their plant being located at 117-
119-121 Wilkins street.

Mr. Teper was married in October, 1911, 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. He represents the
best type of hustling, clean-cut business man.

 

DANIEL TEMCHIN

_ Under another heading in this biographical work will be found the life
history 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, 1889. His father
was an accomplished scholar and a dealer in cotton bedding. He came to
America in 1910 and finding his 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. During this
time he was sending money to Russia for the support of his family, but by
the exercise of the greatest economy was also able to save a small capital,
with which to go into business for himself. His first venture was on Brady
street, where he remained for one year, then sold out and engaged in business
with his present partner, Mr. Cooper.

_. One of the finest traits of Jewish character is their willingness to lend
aid to members of their families in order to see them established in business.

302
In this Mr. Temchin has followed the best traditions of his race, having
brought his brother over from Europe and established him in the metal busi-
ness at a cost of about $1,500.

Mr. Temchin was married in Russia in March, 1907, to Miss Rivka Gen-
delman. They have three children, two girls and one boy, who are going to
school. The family is still 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 is a devout member of Congregation Beth Jacob, being
Secretary for five years. He was also Vice President for two years of
Turover 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
of 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,
Guberne, Russia, February 15, 1859, and came to America in June, 1834.
Three years prior to his coming to America he was married to Miss Hattie
Burnstein, 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 New York, he was sent by a charitable committee to a farm
in New Jersey, where he remained for several years, working for $15 per
month and board.

However, he did not feel that he was adapted to his 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. Obtaining from them enough money to purchase a horse and wagon,
he began peddling junk, assisted by one of his sons, and here began the
remarkable success which has made him one of the most respected and influ-
ential men of Circleville, Ohio.

He is today a very large shipper of iron and metals, doing a business of
international scope.

Mr. and Mrs. Topolosky 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 son Will
being a sergeant in the Rainbow Division of the U. S. Army, and Joseph,
who was formerly 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 Knights of Joseph and both himself and
wife contribute liberally to all charitable organizations, regardless of race or
religious creed.

303
 

JACOB TOPOLOSKY
 

ISAAC TOPPER
DAVID TREICHLINGER

Among the Jewish citizens of St. Louis, Mo., mention must be made of
Mr. David Treichlinger, of the Rosen Reichardt Brokerage Company, 425
South Seventh street. Not only is Mr. Treichlinger a well-known communal
and social figure, but he is foremost whenever Jewish affairs are in the lime-
light, and his advice is eagerly sought by people of all conditions in life. In
fact, his name has become a synonym for all that is good and noble, and the
love and reverence of his community have endeared him to hundreds.

Born in Strakonitz, Bohemia, on the 18th of December, 1852, he is the
son of Herman and Anna (Bloch) Treichlinger, who both died in this coun-
try. December 18 proved an important date 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.

He at first had difficulty in finding employment, but finally became con-
nected with the firm of Jacob Furth of St. Louis, Mo., where he stayed for
several years. In 1880 he became a partner of the firm and its name was
changed to Jacob Furth & Co. 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. He became President of the Jewish
Educational Alliance, Temple Israel and is now Vice President of the Jewish
Charitable 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 Ibn Ezra Lodge, of the B’nai
B'rith, and he is a member of the Cornerstone Masonic Lodge of St. Louis.
He 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.

On January 14, 1880, Mr. Treichlinger was married to Miss Bertha
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 Sunday Association. She is also Vice President of the
Gertrude Society and the Treasurer of the Ladies’ Auxiliary of Temple Israel.

Mr. and Mrs. Treichlinger are the parents of one daughter, who is now
Mrs. 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 and
limitless energy which would never stop short 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 Columbus, Ohio, is an example of Jewish personal-
ity at its best, which has been refined and humanized in the fires of adversity
and by this process has been made fit for the highest citizenship.

Mr. Topper was born in Bialostok, Russia, March 17, 1866, the son of
Joseph Topper, a grain merchant. During his early years he had no oppor-

304
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, Ohio, 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 grew 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
 

MAX MEIER TOPPER
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 he was a
former Director.

Here is an individual example of the Jewish personality at its best which
works out its salvation in the face of obstacles, becomes refined and human-
‘ized by the process and made fit for the highest citizenship.

The family of Mr. Topper is an exceptionally charming one, his children,
‘two boys and two girls, are all musically talented, and his daughter, Matilda,
who goes to the Ohio 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, 1898, 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. F

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

One of the first citizens of Painesville, Ohio, admired and respected for
his many fine 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
greater opportunities, he came to America. For
four years he bought and sold junk, and finally
accumulated enough capital to open a yard in
Painesville, where he has been very successful.

After having become well established in busi-
ness, he was married to Miss Ida Breenblatt, a very
popular young lady of Painesville. Their beautiful
home is now a social center utilized for many of the
most successful social events in the community.

They have two children, a small son and
daughter.

Mr. Troponsky's advice to young people is as
follows: ‘Work hard, and above all, be honest.”
These are the two principles which have been most
active in placing him where he is today.

Possessing a genial kind of personality, Mr.
Troponsky is always most generous in his gifts
to the unfortunate, and no charity appeals to him for aid in vain.

 

306
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 Unterstitsing Verein, 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. -\ 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
friends.

On March ar, 1895, Mr. Ulendorf was FRilipUlendors
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, 1860,
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 memory is still cherished not only in the immediate home circle, but also
among 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 \eil 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 2oth 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 little 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-
known 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 born in Alsace on the 15th of February, 1868, the son of Simon
and Florette (Sichel) Weil, and came to America at the age of twenty. He
landed in New 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 New Orleans, and after a series
of little excursions to many towns and villages in the country, he finally set-
tled in Orange, Texas, in 1902. 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 509 Front street, Orange, Texas.

Mr. Weil came to America to escape intolerable military service in the
Prussian army, and he is very anxious to prove his loyalty and devotion to the
country of his adoption, which is now fighting for the 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. Nathan Weinberg, owner of highly: successful millinery shops in
Hoboken and Jersey City, came to America at the age of nineteen. He was
the son of Pincus and Dina 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 Nathan was obliged to work
hard to maintain himself in the new land. Nathan Weinberg was born in Cra-
cow on February 21, 1875, and is, perhaps, the most prominent man today in
the large colony which Cracow contributed to American Jewry.

When Mr. Weinberg started to work in the new country he went to St.
Louis, Mo., and entered a shirt factory, where he worked for $3 per week.
But he rose almost from the start, and in the brief space of a year was earn-
ing between $12 and $15 per week. He was so economical in his ways that
he was able to save up $300, 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 successful enough to receive a credit of $1,000, and he went
to make his fortune with confidence in the future and a full conviction of
undaunted honesty.

Encouraged by the success he found, Mr. Weinberg turned to New York,
where, on January 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-
worthy, 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

311
went to Jersey City with a capital of $126, where he started business at No.
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 EI,
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 New 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 New 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 New 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 ability
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
he 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. N.
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 you 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

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HARRY WEINGARTEN
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. He had charge of the com-
mittee that raised $13,000,000 for Jewish war sufferers, and is a liberal con-
tributor to Denver and Los 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. \Veinman is known, and altogether can
conscientiously record the following about him:

Isac Weinman was born December 25, 1875, in Lezaynsk, 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 Vorstand (burgo-
master) of Lezaynsk. 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 Lezaynsk.

His wife, whom he married in Galicia on October 20, 1894, when 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 Likevir Rav, known as Reb.
Koppel Likevir, 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 8o 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

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MARCUS J. WEINKLE
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 1911 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 Jeck-
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 HERSHEL 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

Among the young attorneys who occupy a distinguished position of lead-
ership and prominence in their community few have attained io the success
and standing that are enjoyed by Mr. Sol Weiss of New Orleans.

Mr. Weiss was born in Union Parish, La., on April 17, 1885. His father,
Theodore Weiss, came originally from Alsace; his mother is American-born.
After attending the public schools of New Orleans, Mr. Weiss entered the
Tulane University, from which institution he graduated with the degree of
A. B. in 1905, and the University of Virginia, which conferred upon him the
degree of LL. B. in 1907.

Mr. Weiss is prominently connected with the Jewish community and the
civic, social and fraternal life of the city in general. He served as president
of Crescent City Lodge, I. O. B. B., and was the orator for District No. 7 at
the B’nai B'rith Convention in Galveston. He is a member of Temple Sinai
Congregation and has served on the board of directors
of the Young Men’s Hebrew Association. He has held
the position of President of the Ohavei Zion Society
and holds membership in the Touro Infirmary, the Jew-
ish Federation of Charities, the Jewish Orphans’ Home
and the Graduate Menorah Society. In the general
community his connections are also noted and numer-
ous. He has served on the Legislative and Public Util-
ities Committees of the Association of Commerce; he
is a Director of the Conservative Homestead Associa-
tion, a member of the Louisiana and American Bar
Associations and is Chairman of the Membership Com-
mittee for Louisiana of the Commercial Law League
of America. He holds membership also in the Choctaw
and Press Clubs, the Lyceum Association and the Phil-
harmonic Society.

Mr. Weiss’ popularity and prominence in the city and community were
increased to no small degree on March 4, 1913, when he was married to Miss
Estelle Davis, who had been widely known before and has been prominent
since for her musical talents and accomplishments. She has held the position
of secretary in the Saturday Music Circle and has delighted large audiences
on various occasions with her sweet voice and musical talents. She is a mem-
ber of the Temple Sinai choir and has also taken an active part in Anti-Tuber-
culosis work and Red Cross endeavors.

Mr. and Mrs. Weiss are the happy parents of two talented children, Sol.,
Jr., and Doris Lene.

 

BENJAMIN WEITZ

The Congregation B’nai B'rith Jacob of Savannah, Ga., is the center
of Jewish activity in the city. The Congregation possesses one of the largest
and wealthiest synagogues which one could meet within such _ localities.
Around it is grouped everything that is Jewish, and the fact that Mr. Benja-
min Weitz is its president for the second time is a sufficient testimonial of its
importance.

But one who is better acquainted with Mr. Weitz will see at once that
he has to deal with more than the president of a congregation. He is a man
of wide experience in life and one who knows how to utilize this experience
for the benefit of society at large.

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BENJAMIN WEITZ
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 roth of February, 1863.-in Novo
Alexandrowsk. He is’ the son of Nahum and Menuha Weitz. [lis 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 grocery 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 enjov 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, 1916, 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
 

ER

WELLE

D.

BENJAMIN
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 early 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.

321
 

MAX WILENSKY
 

 

SAMUEL WILKOFF
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 gth, 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 \[r. 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 every 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 Verein and Vinsker 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. \Vhen
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, Mr. 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, Nans., 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 medieval 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 10, 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 $10 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. j

He immediately started in peddling again, and, }

   
 

continuing for two years, was able to save enough | _
capital to start in the junk business with 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. Max: SWAN mss

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 New 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 Hamona 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.

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.
They 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
Meyer Levin. They now have an immense plant where they handle one of
the largest businesses of the kind in that section of the state.

325
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 1go1 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. Ujhely, County of Zemplin, Hungary, on New Year’s
Day, 1880, of an old and respected family, a number of whom attained dis-
tinction 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 United 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. No less than one-half of the merchants of East
Pittsburgh owe their start in business and success directly 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. Windt 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 sth, 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

Tow 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
 

HARRY WISMAN
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 vears 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 1903, 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, Ohio, 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 Marysville, 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 toth 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 Volhynia, on June 15, 1887, Mr. Yawitz is the son of
David and Jennie Yawitz, who brought him to the United 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
boy 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

a29
 

JOSEPH J. YAWITZ
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 Yarashefsky.

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. J., 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 Liberty 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 baby, whom he hoped
soon to bring to America.

Benjamin A. Zacks was born in Kovno, Guberne, Russia, February 10,
1859, 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 small 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, 1911 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
exigage 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
Kovno, 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 July 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, 1870, 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

   
  

 

 

  
 

  

 

Abenso:Saulvscn.etac ase nenten satiate 1
Abrich; 2zAbrahamy, sigs s agate iseeah end se 1
Ackerman, Rabbi William. 2
Adler: Ben. 2. .nccdecic ages 2
Adler, Lazar ........ So)
Alderman, Abraham ................. 3
Alderman, <Mase, paocestatarsenisaeasaue 3
Alderman, William . 3
Alexander, Leo ........ 4
Alper, Meyer Solomon. . tee! th
Altschuler; Oscat: Hiiciicssssqakincaads 5
AMPOlty JaCObi vse zmes yn eiducs s aaste casts 5
Aronovsky, Aaron H.. 7
Aronson, I. Leonard. . 7
Aronstein, Walter: 203.035 scsq0506506 8
Babcock, Benjamin’ ihc comida oceennacg+as 9
Barnett; Joseph 5s.ies cored aa re hd
Barnett, Samuel (N. Y. City).. + 10
Barnett, Samuel (Cleveland)... si
Baum Samitell ccccicssecatadsameae ae 2
Bean, ‘Samuel’ pisccecxoecaesadannaerss at4
Bear, Max Lee. 13
Beck, Sam 2 . 1
Beckerman, Sam ee)
Belensky;. (Harty: 4.0005 sao atond tae i
Belitat;~‘Sati .dacicier sa vce rseweee ean 15
Belsky, Charles a 1s
Benstock, Max ... 16
Bercovitz, Adolf . . 16
Berens lias etapa aa as wee ae 17
Beren, > Harry: xia iesavaekandien dxaearnes 18
Berger, Abraham 18
Berger, Wolf 0.3.5 20
Berkman, Hyman .. 19
Berman; -JUliis? on 34 auese ganas opens see 20
Berita; (Oseary ieanauconiuker pong osstun a)

Berner, Isaac ....
Bernstein, Jacob ..
Blanck, Philip G...
Blasberg, Harry B
Blasberg, Samuel

 

Belicksiges avn fennes 24
Blattner, Israel S........

  
   

Blattner, Mary E..
Blickstein, Israel .
Bloom; Harry sitcces chew tees tantas
Blumberg, Isaac
Boff, Moses
Bonart,. Sam’ i9:c0.i
Borofsky, Samuel H..
Borowsky, Jacob
Botwinik, Harris
Botwinik, Hyman
Brickman, Barnett
Browarsky, Philip

Burg, Dr. Sigmund Schulem
Burginy sSam Aascures seems
Burstein, Jacob

 

Caplan Gutman naiacscbunseconne cane
Caplan, Julius Harry
Caplan, Samuel occ.5 cc... ie

Carntchk;, Aibrahain’ ss vac iene wets sone 3
Gagnick} Jacob acscdeneceusruaneanres
Carnick, Robert ...
Cassel): Usidor 2Mstiaissessiey ant
Chaimowitz, Bernard
Chesney, David

    
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 

  
 
 

Cohen, Harty: snc wscar tee eee

Cohen, Harry I. oe

Conem, Jacob Maoicuscsevener muciceed 44
‘Cohen, Josiah ten varices sevancacnves aoe 45
Goheny Louis tenn5 cocker aca ene: 202
Cohen, Max (Cleveland, O.).......... 47
Cohen, Max (Harrisburg, Pa.) . .. 48
Cohen, Max (Chelsea, Mass.)......... Ag
Cohen, Samuel. 22h sca cetan wae sa ear nasa 49
Cohen, Sol .... .. 50
Colp, Isaac .... 2900
Cooke, Samuei .. re)
Cooper, “Samuel sncese casas ocean teuies 52
Corman; [sraell santas sesa gees en ay ode
Corman, Joseph .. 53
Cousins, Jacob M... 53
Cousins, Joseph .... bd

Crema, Samuels. wae aacsn ween wate id
Cutler, Oscar
Cutler, Philip ...
Cuttler, Benny
Cuittlens Hiyimansy.veoaga caeareae voxdnean 56

 

Datla,” Miyek sara macyace snes 4 amount
Daniel, Max A.
Daniels; Wolt sscis6 yon ds eae tenG

Dannel,. :Samtiel <:s2casssiee casas eng 59
Davidson, Jacob
Davis, Samuel
Dezen, Nathan ...
Duberstein, Ben
Dunn, Joseph

 

 

Dushinan, Benjaiiin 23.553 c4e0. vd daas 63
Bb T lich PE GUIS Hs setisics fi aass ste dean ok deals. chdees 36
vi Richnen, Hermalin ty. ¢dacca basses Does deacess 63
Eidelman, Mortis) M...c0.+.dse0s dea 64
Eisendrath, Nathan J.................. 65
Elkins) ‘Samuel. .oeheucrawucatan seeds 65
Emerman, Samuel! .. 4406
Engler, Abraham ... . 66
Ettingers Philp: +. isevaccacs same aancaies 67

 
Bader [sidore: Sscavashiaectin tov t deed eats
Fealk, Benjamin ....
Fealk, Israel ...... ah
Bealk) Sam: wcuis ees ewe oaraameatecen Asien

Beinberg, Harris Ti Bigi. 2.9 daca sence a
Feldman, William
Feldstein, Samuel
Felheim) Lyman: fu seckiakssisacnnaas fi

 
 

Ferguson, Herman B.. 72
Ficksman, Harry ... 74
Field, Abraham .... eho
Hume, wLZOUIS! Jena coh ated Cros Sea 75
Hine, Sai ss spe eeae weaves nee Tt
Fine, Samuel ecn6
Bingen: OMG. asa ua caves Sasa nanie eee G7
Finkelhor, Benjamin ...............008 V7

Finkelstein, Neal

Firstenberg, Jacob
Fisher, Jacob
Fishman, Abraham ..
Fogelman, Samuel I

   

 

Pox, Morris: « scataaiie user's wears oats suis
Franks, ows ¥o:.5'; dasacvcss seseaun sae
Fredland, Abraham W............0.+5 85
Treedbergeér, Henry ine nnane dneandes abe 83
Freedman, Moses B oi sia. vaca sonics 84
Freedman, Wolf sas vicssomesascee 84
Hreid, David: vuncncwwentweradenveds ess 86
Breyman;, Henry Tosca seescdeieaasavae 86
Friedberg; ‘Charles: esssanisscnvesdt one 87
Friedman, Hyman Albert............. 8&8
Prtedinan;.” Jacobs “os assggyctaws cao 89
Friedman; Joseph. 2 ar2ad cacunca vena ton 89
Friedman, Louis
Friedman, Max
Rriedman,, “atl: csi song cone ead tee 91
Friedman, Sam ......
Friedman, William
Breemany Facob: danrsaveune ices aaaws 94
Gash; “Abraham 24 scwesnataes surest oe 94
Gendelmany Isaac: 4 .cawvasa-sntananatas
Ginsburg, Louis ......
Glosser, Moses .......
Glosser, Wolf Loeb...
Goell,, Jacob:..535 cs. seas
Goldberg, An. mis paresiciagnatt eeinegseies 15
Goldberg, Abraham (Art Cloak Co.,
Gléveland, ‘O2)i as cecesnoretskievenss 99
Goldberg, Abraham (Corset Mfr.,
Gleveland;: (O°): saseescosets cagveides 100
Goldberg, Abraham (Columbus, O.)...101
Goldberg, Wsaac: eG; saavcaas seuss 102
Goldberg, ‘Samuel 2s 2.05 03325 nos ccacere 101
Goldenberg, Morris ...............08- 103
Goldman: GHlartis Pi sgkoaavuaeeyc aes 103
Goldman, Israel 5

Goldstein, David .
Geldstei, “Samuel! siscsssaaiaowistye 196

 

 

 

 

 

 

Golland, Dr. Michael................. ld
Goodman, Harry
Goodman, Henry
Goodman, Theodore
Goodwin, Isadore
Sordon, Harry M........
Gordon, Sol Engel.......
Goren, Jacob
Gorman, Israel
Graff, David: Aaronexi<c 44 da0a3osacde
Grant, Harry S
Greenberg, Harry M..............008- 113
Greenberg, Max
Greenberg,
Greenblatt,
Greenstein, Samuel
Greil). (Dri. Gaston Js acscccs
(orodine Tsaac- vrose acs cess oatia
Grosberg, Oscar ..
Gross, Max
Grossman, Morris
Grundstein, Samuel L
Gvber, Aaron
Gurevitz, Ely David

 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 

Halberstein; Louis: ...2 02.0025 ees nyse 121
Harris, Solomon
Hayman, Joseph

 

 

Helper Tarry.3 htsa pocecewe cere ae 124
Hermans: WOuiS:-easah ici vxasees atacateas 124
Herman, Max .... sacak25
Héritian;. Morris: 253.0 :82cdcn6aae52 cc 126

Hirsh, Nathan
Hoffman, Harry ..
Hoffman, Jacob
Holtsberg? Branken. a¢..Acaesew das caehsow
Holtsberg, Theodore 4
HornjsLouisi ost tarcsdiacuetapieranegn te :
Horowitz. Robert: Gisanietatiaraaden ts

Hurwitz, Harry

 

 

Isaacson, (Nathan Denisscawes sca saat 132
Tsrael, Max: Louisi. scccascicte sacs sates: 132

Jacksons Williat ccs aie caves sicaawaceccns 133
Jacobs, Hyman S..
Jacobs, Max ......
Jacobson, Samuel
Jaffa, Abraham ... welt
Joffe, William, <s.is0s05 cena pai re eases 136

  

Kahn,
Kahn,
Kahn,
Kahne, Max
Kaminsky: lsaac, wisn sancwuinsoaam peace
Kander, Harry ...
Kaplan, Benjamin
Kaplan, Isaac

 

 
Kaplan, Jacob
Karp, Joseph
Karpel, Max

 

 

Karpt; Benjamitescid sccue ances cera sse dtd
Kasle, oA De! cat cGerc anions bo tasie coclcrsanatenies 146
Kasle, Samuel WF

Kastner, Joseph! Mss ccaacaaiesaureves 148
Katzenstein, Samuel) sci: se ias.2 sccemanee Wi

Kaufmann, Edgar J..
Kaufmann, Otto ...
Kemper, Henry ...
Kesselman, Max
Rinigsbacher; NICKS: cin cess aececaes 152
Klein, Ignatz
Klein, Simor
Rleinés otis Vicvaat Pains. aman aeeirnseviel 153
Kline, Isidor ....

Klotz, Simon

  

 

 

 

Knofsky, Isador- Loeb................. 17
Knofsky, Jacob ......

Koblitz, Rudolph C

Kohlman, Dr. William................ 157
Koby, Adolph’ -vcjtselspiasa western west 3

Koppelman, Dave
Koppelman, Samuel
Kovinsky, Jacob
Kovinsky, Joseph
Krall, Joseph
Kramer, Ben hs etree aes
Horatio Hina 5 ods dockadedanteccse
Kurtiltsky: [saat soscsace nde

Kusminsky, Sclomon Henry

 

bandeye Charles: shareamcal on au cenetekus 165
Landskroner, Morris ..........+..s05+ 165
Lapinsky, Abraham .................- 293
Lasdusky, Joseph

Bebsters (outs, a wea acaveercensroe eset
EO AS oi pits amen ned concent
Lefkofsky, Joseph

Legomsky, Abraham H............... 169

Ecibelle | onasm sarees Coe eee
Leibovitz, Jacob
Leibovit, Jacob
Desliner;: Nath ati, sis, nueeasenc aoeee
Levendorf, Herman
eveness Jose phivctancstactsacbiitn secre 172
Levenson, Henry Huw. iieescieesscnes

Levin, Meyer
Levine, Jacob .
Levine, Max
Levinger, Herman C
Levinson, Benjamin F.....
Levy, Jacob
Levy, Max M..
Levye, Joseph
Lewin, Dr. Adolph L....
Lewis) Mase. icaivasd ac catecs
LACHER AD enna cighaierd aautesm mone Hotes

 
 
 

  

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

Lichtesien,, Ignatz ccc ccusntasoun mena s ae 181
Lichtesieny, Morris: s.c4nhu eden 03 ep he 181
Lichtman, Samuel

Licofsky “ADE. aac aca Siang we edene oe 182
Locoisky Louise eta incarsbaeanne ony oe 183

Lieber, Max
Liebman, Dr. Jay S
Liff, Nathan
Linder, Solomon
LASCHKO,. Adlex: sinehhciaseatosay
Loeb, David ...

   
 
 

Maier, Sigmund
Mallinger, Samuel
Maltinsky, Samuel
Manes. Morris
Manischewitz, Rabbi Dave Behr
Marin: Aaron a t-iiidialecaecd bd ceeis SeSee dts 192
Manin) Hatry a: cacy aecaccyted ioe neti

Marcus, William
Margulies, Eliezer
Maril, Joseph
Markowitz, Benjamin
Marks, John
Marshall, Nathan
Masur, Jacob
Maver, Edward Everett ........-.-+-- 199
Mayer, Otto J ......--.+.-5-- Senha 198
Mehl, George
Michelson, Israel
Michelson, Philip
Miller, Alexander
Miller, Jacob ..
Miller, Mike ..
Minsk, Carl ...
Minsker, Eli
Mintz, Chauncey A.......-.-eee eee eee
Mintz, Israel Morris
Mintz, Louis
Mohr, Michael
Morrison, Abraham ......-. : ;

Moscovitz, Jacob ...-.------0eee rere eee 209
Mostov, Sam
Mount, Dr. Bernard
Myers, Simon

 

 

 
 
  
  
  

   
  
 
  
  
 
 
 

Norwich, David
Novek, Abraham
Nowak, Abraham .......-.-+seeeeeees 2
Nurenberg, Samuel

 

Ochs, Lee A
Oppenheim, David ......
Oppenheimer, Louis ....
Ozersky, Louis A.....--
Ozersky, Nathan

 
Palitz, Dr. Leonard Mordecai 217

Pearlraan, Moses 216

Perell, Morris
Pfeifer, Simon
Packard, “MOnnis: srt Aout savers aac eee
Pinkoson, William A
Placks WsOuiS) scesrcaney eveeras eee eee
Plekansky, Morris
Plotkin, :Satti: <jcc20%0 nate oa eas
Pollock, Charles
Pollock, Mayer ...
Pollock, Nathan
Portnoy, Barney
Present, Philip ives geeseess tees oe 224

 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Rabinovitz, Frank
Raff, Berman
Rappoport, Louis

 

Rapport,. Usaial. 2 taccasc waite eee 227

Ratner, Morris
Rauh;, Bnoeht csssicnc ccc canes cea ayes
Rauh, Marcus
Razin; AarOn hee sas acts smcarssai
Ravinson, Sigmund
Rittenberg, Joseph
Robinson, David
Rockowsky, Ben
Roggen Brothers ...
Rosefsky. Samuel
Rosen, Abraham
Rosen, Thomas
Rosenbaum, Samuel
Conny ek sah tates o Nosae eae ue ee 236
Rosenbaum, Samuel
Mass.)
Rosenbaum, Walter
Rosenberg, Abraham
Rosenberg, Ephraim
Rosenberg, Harry
Rosenberg, Hyman
Rosenberg, Samuel
Rosenberg, Saul Newinerscanatarrasan’ 242
Rosenblatt, Arthur
Rosenblatt, Louis
Rosenbloom, Max
Rosenbloom, Sol
Rosenfield, Philip
Rosenthal, Charles
Rosenthal, Joseph
Rosenzweig, Simon D
Roth, Jacob
Rotter, Aaron
Rozner, Morris
Rubenstein, Hyman ..
Rubenstein, Sol

 

 

Rudner, Mrs. Max .......-scee eee e rene 252

pin aldara aepat anaes 261

Rudnick, Joseph

Riudolpho isaac weak ate monee en chee
Rudolph, Samuel
Ruttenberg,
Ruttenberg,
Ruttenberg,
Ruttenberg,

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
   
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
  

Abraham D.

Mass Mosh coved een Diode cies 254

Sabelt -WioSess Scecameusrien cunts mame sacar
Sahpiro, Meyer J...
Sakowitz, Simon ...
Sales, Alexander ...
Salle, Herman
Salle Isidore’ esa eacindd as sa aacee
Sanders, Joseph ....

Sandmei, Morris
Sands, Ben.
Schaengold, Charles H
Schafiner: Manns? as sssaeveiaeus anger beat
Schonberg, Michael
Schorin, Jacob
Schreiber, ‘Lens ae cscs cceacannd totvetonce
Schwartz, Bernard
Schwartz, Benjamin
Schwartz, Edward E
Schwartz, Tenate? sa: adc deacs
Schwartz, Jacob ..

Schwartz, Nathan
Segal, Max

Selik, Joseph
Selker, Sam W..
Sesen, Michell
Shane, Morris
Shapiro, Moses
Shapiro, Samuel
Shaw, Abraham
Sherman, Joseph
Sherman: Louis: v< acdvac ace cae ss aes ea
Shewitz, Abraham

Shlain, Jacob
Shurberg, Solomon
Shure, Max
Siegle, Jacob
Silberman, Harry
Silberman fF Onn syiccea tales dots ee SOS
Silberman, Joseph J
Silberman, Max
Silberstein, Louis
Silver, Isaac Es. scisc ccc sceee ces
Simon, Harry
Simon, Morris
Singer, Jacob ...
Singer, Joseph S...
Slavin, Sol
Smith, Israel
Smith, Samuel
Snitz, Max
Sobel, Isador
Sobuli Max: cctcsuass veacaud Sah eeeee 45 287
 

Serle SADE. 206 wee eae 28 oma edny ahaa 289
Solinel, PacODnsnaswerns es, anes fete eO0
Soloition; Jacob’: cna x rece reancnes 290
Solomon, Kaskel ...........

Solomont:. Simoit 2..222.00005 os neeweys
Somerman, Sumer
Spector, Joseph
Stein, Jud
Stern, Maurice
Steber, David
Stone, Hyman
Strauss, Herman
Sunstein, Abraham J]
Suwalsky, Henry
Swidlow, Frank

   

Tall Joseph AtySs he weeds een Pa. ko 300
Tanzer, Alfred
Temchin, Daniel
Teper, Sam
Topolosky, Jacob
LODPEi USAAG saa Shy? teh wy ues Genel
Topper, Max Meier ...

Treichlinger, David
Troporsky, Pincus
Tuch, Herman

 

Whilendort) Philip: 2:0 ve cAcus sae eae BOT
Melick: Goodmans tGs aces sueehoe aes 308
Wasman, Leis’ s<decis ac6 sha eee B09
Wagner, “Samuel: sh.c.0 oh eure tees eos 309

Weil, Felix
Weil, Leon

 

 

 

   
 
 

\Wrelabéere Nathan < cu ncsorantaawe ames 311
Weinberger, Charles ..............5-. 312
Weingarten, Harty sian vacsagenaaes 313
Weinklé; Marcus.) .2cic3.05¢ weaas ea 315
Weeéinmialti, (saae; Gree. ade Sed eer eee 314
Weisman, Arthur Hershel....... B16
ANeiss: lemma rss St cat cas cer eee oe 318
NWEISS. SOL: s.ai4 dan vanaetaecetemiet cece 317
Weitz, Benjamin seen
Weller, Benjamin David..............319
Weller, Hymar /Ptong pos asnsk on dete sauce 21)
Wernick, Alexander

‘Wiidzer Davide sis asessaas ron dé
Wilensky, Max

Walkofl, Sammiel csi a) neccstee hatte Be

Walkoff; (Williain 3 ni4460i¢ Gare taco see
Williams, Max
Williams, Sam
Windt, Herman
Wisman, Harry .

 

Wolk’ Jacke: cpa chur oanswniae Seer Rea 227
Wolfson, Louis 23s
Wolkowsky, Herman .........
Yarashefsky,. Benjamin .2...0.. 002054 330
Vas eur ADEM gicwas siete sil closers niees= 331
Nawitz): Joseply.Jacececs ade pean te 329

Zacks, Benjamin A
Zaff, Morris
Zeiger, Louis
Ziskind, David ...
Zuckerman, Harry }
Zuckerman, Sam

 
  
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