Louis Abrams

Louis Abrams was born 15 May, 1865 in Odessa, Russia. He married Fannie Westelink in 1888.

In 1890, Louis emigrated to Canada via Hamburg. He lived in Winnipeg for three years and emigrated to the US in 1892 and lived in San Francisco. He was naturalized before the Superior Court of San Francisco in May of 1898.

Louis’ passport application from March 1912 describes him as 5’8″, with blue-gray eyes, a straight nose, dark gray hair, and an oval face.

His occupation was listed as a Hotel Proprietor of the Russ House in San Francisco at 520 Hayes Street. He was also a furniture manufacturer and leader in Jewish charities and religious activities. Louis was one of the founders of the Hebrew Free Loan Association, Congregation Beth Shalom, and Chevrakadisha.

He had four children: Tilly Abrams Linsey, Isadore Harry Abrams, Joseph Abrams, Sarah (Zelda) Abrams, and Minnie Abrams Passer. Joseph was unfortunately killed at the age of 16 in an elevator accident.

Louis was the sponsor for Sol and Sam in their journey from Kopaigorod to Galveston and finally to San Francisco. His name was on the ship manifest, and he had told the boys’ father, Israel Friedman, about the Galveston Plan. He also helped them find work in San Francisco when they first arrived.

Louis died 24 May, 1948 and is buried at the Salem Memorial Park and Garden in Colma, California.