The Hidden Criminal Past of Michael's Grandfather | Uncovering Family Secrets

TLDRMichael's grandfather Harry Demsky and great-uncle Movsha had a secret criminal past in Russia. They were involved in armed robbery and were wanted by the authorities. This revelation sheds light on their struggle to make a living and survive in a discriminatory society. It also challenges the narrative that Harry came to America to escape military service.

Key insights

🕵️‍♂️Michael discovered that his grandfather and great-uncle were involved in criminal activities, including armed robbery.

😱This revelation challenges the belief that Harry came to America to avoid military service. He was actually escaping the law.

🌍Chausy, Russia, was the ancestral hometown of Michael's family. It was part of the Pale of Settlement, where Jews faced discrimination and restrictions.

📜Harry and Movsha's criminal records provide insight into the challenges faced by Jewish people in the Pale of Settlement.

🔍Researching family history can uncover surprising and previously unknown aspects of one's ancestors.

Q&A

What crimes were Harry and Movsha accused of?

—Harry and Movsha were involved in armed robbery in Russia.

Did Harry come to America to avoid military service?

—Contrary to popular belief, Harry actually came to America to escape the law and not military service.

What was the Pale of Settlement?

—The Pale of Settlement was a region in Russia where Jews were confined and faced discrimination and restrictions.

Why were Harry and Movsha involved in crime?

—Due to the limited opportunities and discrimination they faced, Harry and Movsha resorted to crime as a means of survival.

What does this revelation say about Michael's family history?

—This revelation sheds light on the struggles and challenges faced by Michael's ancestors and provides a deeper understanding of their lives.

Timestamped Summary

00:01Harry Demsky's family history becomes a challenge for researchers, with little information available about his roots.

00:10There are no records of Harry at Ellis Island, making it difficult to determine when he came to America.

01:08The passenger list for a ship reveals the arrival of Michael's great-uncle Abram in New York.

01:24Abram's arrival record shows their ancestral hometown to be Chausy, Russia.

01:40Chausy was part of the Pale of Settlement, where Jews faced discrimination and restrictions.

03:35Movsha, Michael's great uncle, was wanted for armed robbery in Russia.

04:00Harry, Michael's grandfather, was also involved in robbery but not with a weapon.

06:31There are no records of Harry and Movsha's arrival at Ellis Island, suggesting they may have used aliases.

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