Alan R. Ludmer, U.S.A.

part 4.3

Two Brothers, one Sister, and their Mother go to America: 

In the early 1900's, life became even worse for Lithuanian Jews. The Russian Empire was in the throngs of a major political upheaval which would culminate in a failed revolution and a disastrous war with Japan.  Russian Army Conscription and government sanctioned Anti Semitism increased dramatically. In early 1904, Saul sent funds to Shadeva for his mother Rachel, bothers Lazar, Israel, Label, and their sister Sarah to move to the RSA.  Label, who was the community Hazen and had a flax business, chose to stay in Shadeva with his family.  

My Grandmother Sarah, although the youngest, was the leader.  Sarah was smart, tough, and a natural leader. My mom tells the story that Sarah was injured around this time during an Easter Pogrom. She was working at a local store and got caught on the street after Church services ended, and was severely assaulted.  My grandmother never spoke of this, but her dislike of everything Lithuanian was visceral.   

Sarah drove the decision to leave Shadeva, and decided to move to the USA than the RSA.  It isn't clear why she chose the US or Louisville, but I believe that that Sarah had a romantic motivation.  Alec Gradman who came from Shadeva had immigrated to Louisville in 1903.  His Alec's brother had emigrated there earlier and had a junk business.  In 1904, Sarah, Rachel, Lazar and Israel moved to Louisville. Alec and Sarah were married in 1907.  Sarah's decision to move to the USA created hard feelings with Saul, who had paid for the passage.  These hard feelings were reconciled over time.