Frederick Trump is a notable personality in Trump family history. He is the grandfather of Donald J. Trump, the 45th and 47th President of the United States. Frederick’s life was full of adventure, hard work, and ambition. His migration from Germany to America set the stage for the success of the Trump family.
Quick Facts About Frederick Trump
| Full Name | Friedrich (Frederick) Trump |
| Birth Date | March 14, 1869 |
| Occupation | Barber, Restaurateur, Hotel Manager, Real Estate Investor |
| Spouse | Elisabeth Christ (married in 1902) |
| Education | Apprenticeship as a barber |
| Died
Age at Death |
30 May 1918
49 years old |
| Parents | Christian Johannes Trump, Katerina B. Kober |
| Siblings | Katharina (older sister) |
| Children
Grandchildren |
Fred Trump, John G. Trump, Elizabeth Walter Trump
Donald Trump, Fred Trump Jr., Robert Trump, Elizabeth Trump Grau, Maryanne Trump Barry, John W. Walter, John Gordon Trump, Karen Ingraham, Christine Philp |
| Net Worth | <$1 million |
| Cause of Death | Spanish flu pandemic |
Early Life in Germany
Frederick Trump was born on March 14, 1869, in a tiny village named Kallstadt in the present-day German region. He was the son of Christian Johannes Trump and Katerina B. Kober. Frederick’s father unfortunately died when he was only eight years old, putting the family into a difficult circumstance. Frederick learned to grow up quickly and figure out how to fend for himself.
At the age of 14, Frederick ran away from home to apprentice as a barber. He learned the trade in a town named Frankenthal. Upon completion of his apprenticeship, he returned to Kallstadt. But life in Germany was not easy, so he thought of seeking greater opportunities elsewhere.
Moving to America
In 1885, when Frederick was only 16 years old, he made up his mind to emigrate to America. He arrived in New York City on October 19, 1885. Initially, he resided with his elder sister, Katharina, and her husband, Fred Schuster, in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Frederick earned his living by working as a barber.
America was full of opportunity, and Frederick was ready to make his way. He finally settled in Seattle, Washington, in 1891. There, he started investing in property and owned his first restaurant. This was merely the start of his entrepreneurship.
Success During the Klondike Gold Rush
Frederick Trump accumulated wealth during the Klondike Gold Rush, which began in the late 1890s. Thousands of diggers flocked to the Yukon area of Canada, praying to become millionaires. Frederick recognized a market and relocated to Whitehorse, Canada, and established a restaurant. His company soon gained fame, as the diggers wanted food and accommodations.
But Frederick did not simply operate a standard restaurant. Some accounts indicate that he operated a brothel, too, to meet the needs of the miners. Donald Trump, though, has labeled these accounts “totally false.” In either case, though, Frederick’s business endeavors were highly profitable, and he became very wealthy.
Coming Back to Germany and Marriage
In 1901, Frederick came back to Germany with his savings, which amounted to 80,000 marks. This was an enormous sum of money then. During his stay in Germany, Frederick got married to Elisabeth Christ in 1902. They had three children together, among them being Fred Trump (Donald Trump’s father) and John G. Trump.
Struggles and Final Years
Frederick had a significant issue in 1905. The Bavarian government revoked his citizenship. This was due to the reason that he had departed from Germany to escape military service. This compelled Frederick and his family to come back to America.
Frederick went back to New York and worked as a hotel manager and a barber. He also started buying real estate in Queens, New York. Frederick worked diligently to provide a good life for his family. Frederick Trump passed away unexpectedly on May 30, 1918, at the age of 49, at the time of the Spanish flu pandemic.
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Legacy of Frederick Trump
Frederick Trump’s business and life established the foundation for the Trump family’s wealth and prosperity. Upon his death, his wife Elisabeth managed their real estate assets and assisted their son, Fred Trump, in establishing a larger business. They established E. Trump & Son, which expanded with the passage of time.
Frederick Trump’s life is a story of immigration, diligence, and determination. From a German village to the pinnacle of being a successful entrepreneur in America, his life laid the foundation for the future of the Trump family. His grandson Donald Trump became one of the most renowned leaders globally.
Frederick Trump’s legacy continues to be experienced today as his family is still active in business and politics. His story reminds one of the American dream and the might of hard work and perseverance.
