The Journey
'White' Russia
Like many Jews of the time, Lewis wanted to leave his home region of 'white Russia' because of the severe anti-Semitism the Tzar encouraged. Additionally, economic opportunity was low. The rumor was that in America the streets were lined with gold, and steak was served for supper every day.
American Roots
Lewis would return to Ellis Island every single year, filling his identification card. He entered the United States in his mid-twenties. Louis waited a long time for his naturalization identification card when he was 41 years old. He made connections with other poor Jewish locals and decided to start a tailor shop to feed his growing family.
Settles in Somerville
Louis spent time in Worcester before settling at his tailor shop in Somerville. Louis loved Somerville due to its proximity to the city. 'Location, location, location" was one of Louis' favorite sayings. He noticed the location of everything was important in America.
Family
Lewis had four children with his loving wife Esther. They had (in order) Helen, Fran, Silvia, and my grandfather's father: Isadore/Israel. He went by Izzy for short. Louis was a big family guy and treated his family dearly. Although Louis was Jewish, he was considered not religious for his time, unlike his wife Esther.
Louis' Passport
It is noted on his will in Louis' Russian Passport (original document to the left) that if an accident occurred, his possessions would be noted to his family. Additionally on the passport were stamps from The German Empire and Austria-Hungary which were places he had visited as a boy. The passport also says he had brown hair, gray eyes, and was about 5 foot 5 inches tall. No wonder why I'm short...