Like so many other immigrants, my Grandparents emigrated to this Country in the Mid 1860’s. At that time, the immigrants were under the impression that the streets of New York were paved with Gold. They were soon to learn, this wasn’t the case, and that getting ahead was NOT an easy road to follow.. It was only through diligence, hard work, and ingenuity that these immigrants became successful
My Grandmother on my Father’s side came from Germany, and my Grandfather came from Lithuania which later became part of Poland. He and his family came to this country to avoid conscription into the Russian Army, for that meant a lifetime of duty. Then too, because he was Jewish, more than likely he would have been sent to the front-lines,
My Grandfather started as a Peddler, and then supplied other peddlers with Merchandise, which they manufactured in their own home, He saved his money and later went into Real Estate, accumulating his own properties.
Now, most European Immigrants brought their Children into the business, and my family was no different. My Grandfather brought his oldest Son, into the business, and my Uncle E.A, multiplied my Grandfathers holdings, becoming extremely wealthy.
Later my Uncle brought my Father into the business to manage his properties! My Father, did very well for my Uncle, but not so well for himself, mainly because he was in love with the Arts, but that is another part of my story! Shelby