The Jewish Encyclopedia
of Western Pennsylvania
A project of the Rauh Jewish Archives at the Heinz History Center
“My Life History,” by Jacob deSourdis Freund. Describes family background in Spain, France, Germany, Curacao, and Columbia; upbringing in Detroit; professional development and romantic courtship in New York, Baltimore; arrival in Pittsburgh to work for Union Switch & Signal Company; joining family business American Cement Tile Company; opening plant in Wampum, Pa.; relocating to Beaver, Pa.; securing contract on Panama Canal construction site; selling business and starting Lastik Products Company.