The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-09-19
BARON HIRSCa 8 FOR TUNE,
How the Nucleus OF His Wealth Was
Gained by His Grandfather.
From the Mem Yo,k Yo,oId

HOW the nucleus or His Wealth Was
Gained by Ills Grandfather.
From the Ne,C York Herald.
Baron Hirsch's immense gifts to assist the
unfortunate Russian Jews has aroused nat.
urally wide interest in the man himself
and his family. At the beginning of the
century Joseph Hirch, grandfather of the
present baron, lived in Wurzburg. Bavaria,
his home being an old, spacious mansion
back of the cathedral. The old house still
stands, and is all object of interest to visi-
tors. In front is a little narrow street, and
right across is Paradeplatz. A large gate.
with a smaller door in it forms the entrance
into a square courtyard, from which doors
lead into the various chambers. An ordi-
nary well-to-do Hebrew tradesman was
this Joseph Hirsch a&san neither richer nor
poorer than the tstAH Hebrew tradesman
Of that day, and viz no visible NEAR of
bettering his condition to any considerable
degree Old Joseph, however, had lots of
'pluck." He used his small capital wisely.
and on one notable occasion risked con-
siderable sum where others would not have
risked penny. And the result of his re-
fusal to keep his talent tied up in a napkin
is that his grandson to-day is one of the
richest men in Europe. The notable occa-
sion was when he purchased the Rottendorf
properly, uodE w 10 ble
French revolution Wurzburg and a con-
siderable portion of Franconia had been
ruled by bishops. who held the rank of
princes. When Napolean, however, upset
the framework Of Europe, the prince
bishops troubles began. Deprived Of their
secular powers, they were constrained to
conflne themselves TO their church functions,
and the large estates accumulated by the
monks and nuns were gradually seized and
Dnt<Apdarf nf atas ~
the property OF the Franciscan monks,
shared the fate Of the best. When it was
offered for sale. however, few persons in
Murzburg thought it would find a pur-
chaser, For sconfisicatei church estates
Catholics would not bid on account OF reli-
gious scruplcs, and others were loath to bid
because they expected THAT Napolean would
be- overthrown and the clergy would return
to power.
Joseph Hirsch did not hesitate. He bought
the Rottendorf property and bought it for
song. But he did not discover what an ex-
cellent bargain he had made until he caused
a thorough inv estlgation to be made Of the
property. Then he discovered, hidden in
the old FRANCISCAN chapel, many priceless
pieces of church furniture. Among them
were many rare paintings and costly orna-
msnts. The gem of the collection, however,
was Madonna and Child" of solid gold
and ornamental with many jewels. The
ewes we're fashioned OF splendid diamonds
and the image itself was wrought in exquis-
tie style.
How much solid cash Joseph Hirsch obs
tanned for this costly image has never been
ascertained, but it must have been large
sum, and &c certainly formed the nucleus of
his descendants great fortune. Before he
obtained IL be was q simple. unassuming
Hebrew brakeman. After he obtained it
he became a banker, a Spectator, and when
ne d.ed he left TO his son Joel Jacob, more
money than he had ever dreamed of possess
ing. But even then with this ample Inherit
ance Josl Jacob was not satisfied. More
conservative than his father, be vas quite
as good a business man, and as a financier
his name soon became known throughout