Samuel (James) Travis

Sam Trivash, their youngest son ,born in Mariampole at the turn of the 20th century, only received the minimum kheder [religious school] education and worked in the family business. He immigrated to America about 1922 or 1923, when a wave of oppression and discrimatory measures rose against the Jews in Lithuania. The family surname Trivash was anglicized to Travis at the port of entry to the U.S., possibly a decision determined by the authorities. Immigrants usually followed those from their hometown. Sam settled in Chicago where his two older brothers were established in the tavern business. Sam, typical of new immigrants, lived economically. At first, he was a household boarder. Early in his marriage he and his wife lived in a one-room apartment in a run-down section of town. Sam took every opportunity to earn and save money, including collecting and reselling discarded materials such as tin cans from an alley near his place of business, the Manhattan Grill. Sam became a successful business owner and investor and provided his children with the best university education of their choice.

Sam Travis and his wife, Doris, were active in Chicago‘s Mariampoler Aid Society (M.A.S.) in Chicago. Sam served as its vice-president in the mid-1950s and supported the Society financially. Doris provided her artistic talents, making decorations for the Society‘s annual events.