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Wyzanski Family Papers

 Collection
Identifier: JHCP-003

Scope and Content Note

This collection contains photographs, correspondence, genealogies, and other documents pertaining to the lives and family history of the Wyzanski family, particularly Henry Wyzanski, Henry N. Wyzanski, Charles E. Wyzanksi, Jr., Maurice Wyzanski, and Elsie Wyzanski.

Dates

  • undated, 1890-1986

Creator

Language of Materials

This collection is in English.

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for researcher use. Please contact us to request access or to make an appointment to view this collection at jhcreference@nehgs.org.

Conditions Governing Use

There may be some restrictions on the use of this collection. For more information contact jhcreference@nehgs.org.

Historical Note

The Wyzanski family was a Jewish family originating in Bakałarzewo in Suwalki, Poland. Moses “Zoramber” Wyzanski and his first wife Eva had four sons together: Issac, Aaron, Perretz, and David. Moses also had four sons by his second wife. Branches of the Wyzanski family immigrated to America at different times and settled in the areas of Boston, Cambridge, and Whitman, Massachusetts.

Aaron Wyzanski and Family

Aaron Wyzanski was born in 1810. He and his wife Cyril, who died in Baklarova before the family immigrated, had four children: Sara, Henry, Samuel, and Bertha. Upon immigrating to the United States, he settled with his family in Cambridge, where he died in 1881.

His son Henry Wyzanski was born in Poland in 1848 and immigrated to Boston between 1866 and 1867. In 1870, he married Elizabeth Aaronson, and together they had three children: Max E., Charles E., and Carrie. Henry was a real estate operator and philanthropist until his death in 1898.

Henry’s son Max Wyzanski was born in Cambridge in 1871. He married Jeannette Waxman and practiced law, while also partnering in a real estate business with his brother, Charles E. He became the director of the Boston Real Estate Exchange and was one of the founding members of the Federation of Jewish Charities of Boston (later Combined Jewish Philanthropies), serving as its campaign treasurer for 48 years. Max died on October 16, 1959.

Max's son Henry N. Wyzanski was born on December 1, 1902 and was a Harvard Business School graduate. In 1952, he became the director of the National Retail Dry Goods Association. He died in November 1985.

Max's nephew, Charles E. Wyzanski, Jr. was born in Boston to Charles E. and Maude Wyzanski. A graduate of Harvard University and Harvard Law School, he became the first Jewish judge of the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts when he was appointed to the position in 1941 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and was later elevated as Chief Judge of the court. He also served as solicitor of labor for both the U.S. Departments of Justice and Labor during Roosevelt’s administrations. He died on September 3, 1986.

Perretz Wyzanski and Family

Perretz Wyzanski was born between 1813 and 1814. He immigrated to Boston circa 1869 or 1870 and spent a short time in Lynn, Massachusetts, before moving his family to Whitman, Massachusetts. He died on November 2, 1902.

Perretz's son Maurice Wyzanski was born between 1866 and 1867. Maurice jointly owned a dry good store with his brother Abraham in Whitman. Maurice married Eva B. Goldstein in 1888, and together they had four daughters: Edna (who died at birth), Eudice, Essner, and Leah. Eva died in 1905, and Maurice later married Rebecca Landau, with whom he had one daughter, Elsie. Maurice died in 1927.

Maurice Wyzanski’s daughter, Elsie Wyzanski, was born in on February 12, 1912. She was an active member of Temple Israel as a storyteller and a lead actress at Boston University, where she appeared in an article for her role in the play “Euripides.” She died on April 30,1992.

References

  1. Materials from this collection.
  2. "Max E. Wyzanski." Jewish Advocate, October 22, 1959.
  3. "Mr. Wyzanski has Served Jewish Charities for 48 Consecutive Years" Jewish Advocate, January 22, 1943.
  4. "Wyzanski Elected Real Estate Exchange Director." Jewish Advocate, July 17, 1931.

Chronology

1810
Aaron Wyzanski is born.
1813 or 1814
Perretz Wyzanski is born.
1848
Henry Wyzanski is born.
1866 or 1867
Henry Wyzanski immigrates to Boston.
Maurice Wyzanski is born.
1869 or 1870
Perretz Wyzanski immigrates to Boston.
June 21, 1871
Max E. Wyzanski is born.
September 26, 1881
Aaron Wyzanski dies.
May 5, 1898
Henry Wyzanski dies.
November 2, 1902
Perretz Wyzanski dies.
December 1, 1902
Henry N. Wyzanski is born.
May 27, 1906
Charles E. Wyzanski, Jr. is born.
February 12, 1912
Elsie Wyzanski is born.
1927
Maurice Wyzanski dies.is born.
October 16, 1959
Maurice Wyzanski dies.
November 1985
Henry N. Wyzanski dies.
September 3, 1986
Henry N. Wyzanski dies.
April 30, 1992
Elsie Wyanski dies.

Extent

6 folders

Abstract

This collection contains photographs, correspondence, genealogies, and other documents pertaining to the lives and family history of the Wyzanski family, particularly Henry Wyzanski, Henry N. Wyzanski, Charles E. Wyzanksi, Jr., Maurice Wyzanski, and Elsie Wyzanski.

Physical Location

Located in Boston, Mass.

Acquisition Information

Acquisition information is unknown.

Processing Information

Processed by Jeana Barry, 2019

Title
Guide to the Wyzanski Family Papers, JHCP-003
Author
Processed by Jeana Barry
Date
2019
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script

Repository Details

Part of the Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center at American Ancestors Repository

Contact:
99-101 Newbury Street
Boston MA 02116 United States
617-226-1245