He was to toil and save for several years before he would see his in-laws again. Rabbi Weisz, not having enough money to make the journey, had to stay behind.

Soon after the American Civil War ended, between 18, the two sisters, Rose and Sally, moved to the United States with their families and their mother, taking up residence in New York. On the train going to the Pacific coast, he met a congenial man who appealed to him to stop off at Appleton, in northern Wisconsin, as his father did, establishing himself as a rabbi there and making it his permanent home, and the birthplace of his son.īirds eye view of Appleton Wisconsin – 1874 shows a growing community along the Fox RiverĪccording to Weltman (Houdini: Escape Into Legend The Early Years: 1862-1900): In one of them, Mayer Samuel had been an “honor student” in England who won a prize of a trip through America, given by Lord Rothschild. Harry Houdini also gave dissimilar accounts of his father’s reasons for coming to America, and way of reaching America. And he was named Ehrich Prach after Prince Ehrich. and soon after her arrival Houdini was born April 6 th, 1874. Weiiss and said “why I am a Rabbi” and was given the job.

About 1874.Ī short time passed and as there were no syniogues in the town, the Mayor wanted to send to Milwaukee for one, but up spoke Mr. where he had friends by the name of Hammel, one being Mayor of Appleton at thattime. When did Houdini’s Father depart for America and arrive in Appleton?Īccording to Hardeen notes for an unpublished Houdini biography:įather insulted by prince Eric - challenged to dule- which was fought following morning and _ather killing his opponent Then fled to London and stayed there for a time after which he took sailing vessel to New York.Īfter reaching New York kept going to Appleton Wis.Since today is Father’s Day, I thought I would do a post about Houdini’s Father, Mayer Samuel Weiss, born August 27, 1829, died October 5, 1892:

Harry houdini mayer samuel weisz