Frederick Bruce Thomas facts for kids
Frederick Bruce Thomas (also known as Fyodor Fyodorovich Tomas in Russian) was an American businessman. He was born on November 4, 1872, in Coahoma County, Mississippi. He became very successful in the entertainment world, first in Moscow, Russia, and later in Istanbul, Turkey.
Thomas was born to Lewis and Hannah Thomas, who had been slaves but later owned their own farm. After his father passed away, Frederick left Mississippi. He traveled to London, hoping to work as a waiter. However, his journey led him to Russia, where he found great success. For 19 years, he owned and managed many popular theaters and restaurants.
During the Russian Revolution, a time of big changes and conflict in Russia, he had to leave. He moved to Istanbul, Turkey. There, his businesses faced more challenges, and he ended up owing money. He tried to get a new passport from the United States, but his request was not approved. This meant he could not return to his home country. Frederick Bruce Thomas died on June 12, 1928, while being held in a special prison for people who couldn't pay their debts. He was buried in the Pangaltı Catholic Cemetery in Istanbul.
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Who Was Frederick Bruce Thomas?
Frederick Bruce Thomas was an amazing person who started from humble beginnings and built a business empire. He was born in the southern United States, a time when many African Americans faced huge challenges. Despite this, he traveled the world and became a very important figure in the nightlife and entertainment scenes of two major cities. His story shows how someone can overcome difficulties to achieve great things.
Early Life and Journey
Frederick was born in Mississippi in 1872. His parents, Lewis and Hannah, had been slaves before the American Civil War. After the war, they became free and worked hard to buy their own farm. This was a big achievement for them.
When Frederick was older, his father died. This sad event led Frederick to leave Mississippi. He decided to seek new opportunities abroad. He first went to London, England, where he planned to work in restaurants. But his journey didn't stop there. He soon moved to Russia, a country far from his home.
Building an Empire in Russia
When Frederick arrived in Russia, he started working in the entertainment business. He was very good at it and quickly became successful. He understood what people wanted for fun and entertainment. Over 19 years, he opened and ran many popular theaters and restaurants in Moscow.
His businesses were known for their lively atmosphere and good service. People loved to visit his places for music, shows, and delicious food. Frederick became a well-known and respected businessman in Moscow. He showed great skill and determination in building his empire.
New Beginnings in Istanbul
Life in Russia changed dramatically with the start of the Russian Revolution. This was a time of great unrest and change, and it became unsafe for many business owners. Frederick had to leave Russia and seek safety elsewhere.
He moved to Istanbul, Turkey, which was another bustling city. He tried to start new businesses there, similar to what he had done in Moscow. However, he faced more difficulties in Istanbul. His new ventures were not as successful, and he began to struggle financially.
Later Years and Legacy
As Frederick faced financial troubles in Istanbul, he tried to return to the United States. He needed a new passport to travel home. Sadly, his request for a passport was denied by the US consulate. This meant he could not go back to America.
Frederick Bruce Thomas died in Istanbul in 1928. He was held in a prison for people who couldn't pay their debts. He was buried in a Catholic cemetery in Istanbul. Even though his life ended in hardship, Frederick Bruce Thomas's story is one of incredible ambition and achievement. He traveled the world, built successful businesses, and left a mark on the entertainment industries of two different countries. His life shows the power of hard work and dreaming big, no matter where you start.
