Abe Sperling

In 1898, following the death of her husband Jake Sperling, Eva Breyer Sperling admitted 11-year-old Abe and his four younger siblings (Louis, Ida, Rosa, and Meyer) to the Home from San Antonio. In January 1901, Abe returned to his mother, who had moved to New Orleans to live near her children.

Although he left no photograph of himself, Abe left a record of achievements.  In May 1901, reported the New Orleans Item, Abe celebrated his confirmation at Touro Synagogue by reading a portion from the Torah. He found work in Tulane University’s industrial department where, according to the Home’s records, he took “charge of the tools and machinery” under the supervision of a Professor Morgan. At age 17, shortly after receiving a certificate in business from Sophie Wright Night School for Workingmen and Boys, Abe invented and obtained a patent for a “winding indicator” to improve the operation of electric alarm clocks. By 1909, he passed the examination to receive his license as a master electrician, which became his lifetime career. Along the way he found time to play violin, at least once performing a solo for the Jewish Chatauqua Society. 

In 1914, in a ceremony officiated by Rabbi Emil Leipziger, Abe married Emma Labe. Together they raised two children. Abe died in 1961 and was buried in Hebrew Rest Cemetery #2.