Loew, Jacques

Born congenitally deaf in Bosowitz, Austria; attended the royal institution for the deaf in Vienna for 6 years, then apprenticed to a workder in bronze, leather and wood for an additional 7 years, working in various major cities all over Europe and the Near East. Returning to Vienna in 1860, he went into business for himself, gradually enlarging his factory until after 8 years he had 128 skilled employees manufacturing all types of ornamental objects, including a major commission from French Emperor Napoleon III and a commendation from the Austrian Emperor Franz Josef. The financial panic of 1875 wiped out this successful business, and in 1876 Loew emigrated to America for a new start. After a side trip though South America and back to Europe, went to work for a manufacturer of leather, wood and bronze goods in Philadelphia in 1878, then similar positions in New York City and in Chicago (1890-1897) before returning to New York City.