The situation for Jews was especially severe in Russia during the early part of the 20th Century with pograms, persecution, and forced conscription into the Russian army.

Our family came from the small town of Nickolaev on the shore of the Black Sea, a few miles from Odessa. Our family name was Gegdesman. Our ancestors were metal workers who built items such as wrought iron fences, roof gutters, and metal doors. Nickolaev was part of Russia at that time and is now part of the Ukraine.

Ascher had many children. We only know about three of his sons: Reuben, Jake, and Benjamin.

It is not clear who came to America first. We believe it was Jake.  He was soon followed by Alex and Towie (Dave), two of Reuben's sons.  Alex and Dave soon brought their father and mother to America. Eventually all of Rueben's children came to this country.  Benjamin came to America in this same time frame. The exodus to this country   was just prior to WW1 because emigration was halted during the war and severely restricted afterwards.

It seems that the entire family ended up in Chicago, primarily because so many of their friends from Nickolaev went there. These "lansmen" became part of the Nickolaev Verein, a social network that was established for mutual support. They formed business and raised families and enjoyed the benefits of being in the land of opportunity.  Many of the original members of the Verein are buried in a cemetery Broadview, IL.

Please browse through the family tree and see how the seeds of Ascher blossomed.

Arnie Addison