Israel Abramson

Grandpa arrived in New York City with very little money. He had traveled by cattle boat to save money, after having workeda long time in Hamburg to save enough for his ticket. He and Grandma arrived on the same day-- she on a luxury liner and he on a cattle boat. He spent all the money he had when he debarked. He bought himself a flower for his lapel and a ticket for the Opera and arrived at his relatives who were hosting him for a year, with absolutely no money. At one time Grandpa tried to convince Grandma to upstakes and move to Colorado and buy a cattle ranch, but she refused as they'd have to buy a "Shochet" to live with them in order to have kosher food. Grandpa had a beautiful singing voice and used to sing to me and read me stories in English. He spoke beautiful English with a strong German accent.