M A Rothschild was born in Frankfurt (or Frankfort)and created an empire that came to prominence with his five sones. They were pioneers in international banking.
“The Jews’ Street in Frankfort. – In the Jews’ street at Frankfort-on-the-maine, in the midst of Gothic facades, black copings, and sombre alleys, there is a house of small exterior, distinguished from others by its luxurious neatness, which gives it an appearance of singular cheerfulness and freshness. The brass on the door is polished; the curtains of the windows are as white as snow; and the staircase (an unusual thing in the damp atmosphere of this dirty quarter) is always dry and shining. The traveller who from curiosity visits this street – a true specimen of the times when the Jews of Frankfort, subjected to the most intolerable vexations, were restricted to this infected quarter – will be induced to stop before this neat and simple house, and perhaps ask, ‘who is that venerable old lady, seated in a large armchair behind the little shining squares of the window on the first story?’ This is the reply every Frankforter will make:- ‘in that house dwelt an Israelite merchant, named M. A. Rothschild. He there acquired a good name, a great fortune, and a numerous family; and when he died, the widow* declared she would never quit, except for the tomb, the modest dwelling which had served as a cradle to that name, that fortune, and those children.’ Continued prosperity has attended the sons of this pious and modest widow. Their name is become European, and their wealth proverbial. They inhabit sumptuous palaces, in the most beautiful quarters of Paris, London, Vienna, Naples, and Frankfort. But their mother, persevering in her admirable modesty, has not quitted her comparatively humble house, where they come to visit her with respect and reverence, and discharge their duties in memory of their estimable father – thus presenting bright examples for the present time. The illustrious family are characterised for their modesty. They have generously provided for the unfortunate, assisted the persecuted and supported the feeble.”
The Stamford Mercury, 15th October, 1847.
* Gutle Schanpper, the daughter of a money changer. She married Rothschild in 1770 and gave birth to ten children – five sons and five daughters.