Meyer Kubelsky
(b. March 1864, d. October 15, 1946)

Meyer Kubelsky, the son of a Lithuanian wine merchant, arrived in America in 1889. Armed with the names of family friends from the old country, Meyer headed west to Chicago where he did a variety of odd jobs while learning english and saving his money - he wanted to go into business for himself.

Soon, Meyer had rented a horse and wagon and became a travelling salesman along the shores of Lake Michigan until in 1892, when he had been sold on the idea of settling down and opened a tavern in Waukegan
, and quickly with the assistance of a matchmaker, met and married Emma Sachs, another Lithuanian immigrant.

On February 14, 1894, Emma gave birth to their first child, Benjamin.

1896, Meyer became one of the thirteen founders of the Am Echod congregation in Waukegan.

Emma was never happy with the tavern business, and sometime during the late 1890's, Meyer sold the saloon and opened a habadashery.

In 1900, the Kublskys had another child, Florence. It was also the year that Bennie was given his first violin.

After Bennie was expelled from high school, Meyer took him on at the store, where he did not fair any better than at school.
Everett (Stub) Wilbur was also working at the store, so it was no hardship when Bennie was let go and went to work at the Barrison Theater.

When pianist Cora Salisbury came to the Kubelsky's with the idea of taking Bennie on tour with her, Meyer initially resisted.

Emma passed in 1917.

After retirement, Meyer moved for a time to Florida, moving back to Illinos and living with Florence until his death in 1946.

Meyer was burried at the Am Echod Cemetary in Waukegan.