Albert’s mother, Rosalie Przylubska, embarked on a significant journey that shaped the course of her life and the lives of her children. Born in 1832, Rosalie married Samuel Michelson when she was 24 years old, and together they decided to move to Strzelno, where Samuel opened a shop. Their family expanded with the birth of their son Albert in 1852, followed by the arrival of their daughter Paulene in 1854.

Seeking new opportunities, the Michelson family made the bold decision to relocate from Poland to the United States. They boarded the ship Harmonia, which departed from Hamburg on June 30, 1856, and arrived in New York City on July 19, 1856. Image of the Hammonia courtesy of norwayheritage.com

However, seeking new opportunities and a better future for their family, Rosalie and Samuel made the bold decision to relocate to the United States. They boarded the ship Harmonia, which departed from Hamburg on June 30, 1856, and arrived in New York City on July 19, 1856. The ship’s manifest documented the journey and listed Rosalie as 28 years old, Albert as 3 years old, and Paulina as 2 years old.

Upon their arrival in New York City, Rosalie and her children sought refuge with Rosalie’s relatives, the Friedenburgs. After taking some time to rest and gather their bearings, they made the decision to follow Samuel’s sister, Bell (Bertha), and her husband Oscar Meyer, who had found success in Murphys Camp. Excited by the prospect of a prosperous future, Rosalie, Albert, and Paulina embarked on a harrowing journey across the Isthmus Route to San Francisco, where they would then travel by stagecoach to reach Murphys.

The Isthmus of Panama route remained a vital link in the nation’s cross country travel until the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869.

This journey on the Isthmus of Panama route was undoubtedly filled with challenges and uncertainties, as they navigated unfamiliar territories and faced the physical and emotional strain of such a significant relocation. Nevertheless, fueled by the hope of a better life, Rosalie and her children persevered. Their courage and determination served as a testament to their resilience and the sacrifices they were willing to make to secure a brighter future.

The story of Rosalie Przylubska and her family is a testament to the courage and resilience of immigrants who sought new opportunities and faced the unknown with unwavering determination. Their journey from Europe to the United States and their subsequent travels to Murphys Camp exemplify the trials and tribulations faced by countless families who embarked on similar journeys during that era. Albert Michelson, who would go on to become a renowned physicist and the first American Nobel laureate in the sciences, was shaped by the experiences of his mother and the sacrifices she made to provide him with a better life.

In 1857 Murphys Grammar School had 55 students, Mr. Jaquith was the principal, aided by the capable Isaac Ayres. Among the students was a young boy named Albert, who would later become an inspiring figure in the history of science.

Michelson’s first-grade teacher was Mary Anne Conway, who arrived in California from Ireland. Having been educated in Spanish at the Convent of Monterey, she had almost forgotten her native English. Despite this linguistic challenge, she dedicated herself to teaching and nurturing young minds, including that of Albert.

By 1864, at the age of 12, he found himself relocating to San Francisco with Belle and Oscar Meyer, along with their sons Mark and young Oscar. Albert’s thirst for knowledge led him to attend Lincoln Grammar School for the next two years, where he resided with the Meyers. Harriett Levy, a cousin of his, remarked on the living arrangement, mentioning that Albert lived with her family during this period.

In September of 1866, Albert transferred to the renowned San Francisco Boys’ High School, now known as Lowell High School. Principal Theodore Bradley recognized Albert’s exceptional potential and invited him to reside in his own home. This gesture not only provided Albert with a place to stay but also granted him the opportunity to participate in various experiments and assist with household chores. Under Principal Bradley’s guidance, Albert even received violin lessons and learned self-defense skills, fostering a well-rounded education.

Albert’s educational journey is a testament to the transformative power of learning and the influence of dedicated educators. From his early days at Murphys School to his experiences at Lincoln Grammar School and San Francisco Boys’ High School, Albert’s thirst for knowledge remained unquenchable. The support and mentorship he received along the way shaped him into a remarkable individual.

In conclusion, Albert’s educational odyssey in 19th-century California serves as a reminder of the importance of access to education and the impact of devoted teachers. Through their guidance, Albert’s academic journey became a tapestry of diverse experiences, from the Irish girl who rekindled her English skills to the principal who embraced him as a member of his own household. These formative years laid the foundation for Albert’s future accomplishments and reflected the profound influence of education on his life.

Michelson impressed his teachers with his aptitude in science and math and they encouraged him to apply to the US Naval Academy for further study.

Michelson was admitted to the Academy on the recommendation of President Grant.

Albert Michelson was a student at the US Naval Academy from 1869 to 1873. His years at the Academy were challenging but formative, as he developed his skills as a scientist and gained a deep appreciation for the importance of careful experimentation.

Michelson was known as a dedicated and hardworking student. He excelled in his studies, particularly in mathematics and physics, and graduated second in his class. During his time at the Academy, he also developed a lifelong interest in optics and light, which would become a major focus of his scientific research entation and measurement.

— From the Nobel Prize Presentation Speech by Professor K.B. Hasselberg, member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, on December 10, 1907

Albert Michelson, a renowned physicist and pure experimentalist, received the Nobel Prize in Physics for his groundbreaking achievements in optics, precision measurement, and spectroscopy. Throughout his career, Michelson demonstrated exceptional skill as a scientific observer, but it was his relentless pursuit of refined measurement techniques that truly set him apart and opened new horizons of knowledge.

By pushing the limits of measurement in optics, Michelson showcased to a skeptical world the far-reaching consequences of such precision and the potential for new discoveries. His pioneering work in measuring extraordinarily minute quantities and effects laid the foundation for significant advancements in various fields, including electronics, radioactivity, vitamins, hormones, and nuclear structure.

Beyond his scientific accomplishments, Michelson was also known for his honesty and exceptional dependability in his relationships with colleagues. He was a dedicated individualist with a clear, singular objective in his work, refusing to be diverted by external pressures or distractions. While he focused primarily on his own field, he maintained a deep passion for playing the violin throughout his life.

A significant contribution leading to Michelson’s Nobel Prize was his invention of the Michelson interferometer, a precise measuring instrument based on the laws of light interference. This instrument greatly enhanced accuracy in measurements, enabling scientists to achieve results up to a hundred times more precise than the best microscopes. The interferometer found diverse applications, such as measuring heat expansion of solids, investigating elastic behavior under stress, and determining the Earth’s gravitational constant and mass.

One of Michelson’s most crucial achievements was his work in metrology and spectroscopy using the interferometer. He successfully measured the value of a standard length and the length of the meter itself with unprecedented accuracy, demonstrating the constancy of the international prototype meter. His research revolutionized spectroscopy by revealing the complex structure of spectral lines, leading to new areas of exploration in molecular structure and Zeeman effect research.

In addition to physics, Michelson’s interferometer had significant applications in astronomy, providing more reliable measurements of celestial bodies, including the diameters of Jupiter’s satellites and the planets between Mars and Jupiter.

Overall, Albert Michelson’s contributions to precision measurement and optics earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics and left a lasting impact on the scientific community, paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in various fields.

— Biographical memoir of Albert Abraham Michelson 1852-1931 by Robert A. Millikan, presented to the Academy at the Annual Meeting, 1931.

Albert Einstein called Albert Michelson “the father of physics” and said to Albert Michelson at a presentation they did together on January 24, 1931: “It was you who led the physicists into new paths, and through your marvelous experimental work, paved the way for the development of the theory of relativity…Without your work, this theory would be scarcely more than an interesting speculation.”
Source: https://electricladiespodcast.com/albert-abraham-michelson/

— Albert Einstein (Livingston, Dorothy Michelson. The Master of Light: A Biography of Albert A. Michelson (p. 10). Plunkett Lake Press. Kindle Edition.)

Rosalie Przylubska, Michelson’s mother and the second of three daughters of Abraham Przylubski, a businessman in Inowroclaw, Poland, was a strong maternal influence, emphasizing hard work and valuing literature and beauty.

Albert Michelson’s familial roots trace back to Inowroclaw, Poland, where his mother, Rosalie Przylubska, was the second of three daughters of Abraham Przylubski, a businessman. The family likely descended from Polish peasant origins. Rosalie met and married Samuel Michelson, a merchant of Jewish heritage. Samuel had a modest financial background and probably began his business selling goods from a pushcart. The couple settled in Strzelno after marriage.

Their first child, Albert, was born on December 19, 1852, and he had two younger sisters: Pauline and Johanna. While Pauline lived a long life, Johanna faced challenges from the outset, including being registered under an incorrect name at birth. She presumably died young, as there are no subsequent records or mentions of her by family members.

Rosalie was a strong maternal influence, emphasizing hard work and valuing literature and beauty. This upbringing led Albert to prioritize values over quick financial gains throughout his life.

Albert’s aunt Bertha Meyer, Samuel Michelson’s sister, was the reason that the Michelson’s came to the Gold Rush town of Murphys. Bertha and her husband Oscar were established in Murphys and their success drew Samuel to move his family from New York to Murphys. Bertha continued to play an important part in young Albert’s life. When Oscar and Bertha moved to San Francisco, Rosalie felt comfortable sending Albert to live with his aunt and cousins while attending school in San Francisco.

The family grew with the additions of Julie, Benjamin, Bessie, and Miriam. Amid the waning days of gold rush peak, Samuel relocated his family to Nevada from Murphys, seeking better opportunities in the silver-mining town commonly referred to as Virginia. They settled in a two-story dwelling at 24 South C Street, where the ground floor served as Samuel’s store. Albert’s youngest sibling Charlie was born in Virginia City.

Life in Virginia was challenging. Rosalie was particularly protective, even boarding up the home nightly to shield her family from potential harm. Despite these dangers, the Michelson children found joy in their mountainous surroundings. Miriam, who later became a successful novelist, vividly captured the essence of their life there in her writings.

As Albert grew older, his interests began to differ from those of his siblings. After completing high school, he showed promise in the field of optics, writing a paper that garnered positive feedback. While his visits to Virginia City became infrequent, Albert continued to stay in touch with his family, each member pursuing their own path. Charlie became a journalist, Miriam a renowned author, while others pursued teaching or other professions.

By this period, Samuel and Rosalie had relocated to San Francisco, moving with the ebbs and flows of Samuel’s unpredictable investments. Rosalie remained resilient, drawing joy from the accomplishments of her children.

Albert’s younger brother, Charlie was the most adventurous who took on various jobs from clerking to bartending. Charlie’s adventurous spirit led him to explore the wilderness, trading game meat, and eventually getting involved in journalism. Working in San Francisco’s thriving news scene, Charlie frequently covered sensational stories, from waterfront crimes to political scandals.

Albert’s return to San Francisco after years of absence showcased the dynamic among the Michelson siblings. Their interactions reflected their contrasting careers and personalities. Charlie, despite his youth and very different career trajectory, never showed deference to Albert’s profound scientific pursuits, once even questioning Albert’s passion for studying light. Albert’s succinct reply, “I just enjoy it”, underscores the personal drive behind his scientific endeavors.

In essence, the Michelson family narrative is a tapestry of individual pursuits, resilience, and diverse careers, set against the backdrop of significant American historical moments like the gold rush. They were a family of individuals, each carving their own path, but united by their shared heritage and values.

1852-1931

1826-1899

1852-1931

1866-1942

​(m. 1877; div. 1898)​; 3 children

(m. 1899)​; 3 children

In the summer of 1876, Albert Michelson was introduced to Margaret Hemingway during her visit to Annapolis. An imaginative girl with a background of privilege, Margaret was instantly taken by the young, handsome officer. Margaret hailed from a successful New York family, quite the contrast to Michelson’s immigrant parents who grappled with a modest dry goods business. Nevertheless, by summer’s end, they were secretly engaged. They married the following year, opting for an Episcopalian ceremony at Mrs. Heminway’s request.

The initial years of their marriage saw the birth of two sons, the family’s relocation to Annapolis, and Michelson’s growing absorption in his scientific work. His obsession with light distanced him from family life, often leaving Margaret alone, even during her pregnancies. Such periods of separation and Michelson’s intense dedication to his work would become recurring themes in their relationship.

The Michelsons moved to Germany in 1880, where the scientist furthered his education. However, the challenges of living abroad and Michelson’s continual preoccupation with work strained their relationship. A new baby, Elsa, added to their family, but did little to bridge the growing gap between the couple.

Returning to the U.S., Michelson’s intense work habits and the couple’s drifting relationship culminated in a severe mental breakdown for the scientist. Margaret, overwhelmed by his behavior and fearing for his sanity, turned to Dr. Allan Hamilton. The nerve specialist’s involvement, however, exacerbated the rift between the couple, leading Michelson to deeply resent Margaret.

Post-recovery, Michelson’s outlook changed. The once open-hearted man grew cynical and guarded. Attempts at reconciliation, including trips with family, were short-lived. Despite having three children together, Michelson’s work and their growing individual lives made them drift further apart.

Eventually settling in Chicago, the city became the backdrop for the final act of their marriage. The separation and subsequent divorce was shocking for the tight-knit academic community. The divorce proceedings, particularly their children’s testimonies against Michelson, hurt him deeply. Margaret took full custody, disappearing with the children to New Rochelle, while Michelson was consumed by loneliness.

Below: Albert & Margaret’s Children

1878-1915

1879-1938

1881-1967

In the aftermath, Michelson found solace in Edna Stanton, a woman strikingly similar to Margaret in background and demeanor. Yet, Michelson’s inherent aloofness and hesitance towards intimacy, traits that had marred his relationship with Margaret, persisted.

In essence, Michelson and Margaret’s union was one of contrasts – a merging of different backgrounds and expectations. While both had moments of connection and shared joys, like the births of their children, the overwhelming narrative of their relationship was one of distance, misunderstandings, and the challenges of reconciling work with personal life.

After his divorce from Margaret Heminway, Albert Michelson was an aloof figure, distancing himself from affection, although this very trait attracted people to him. It wasn’t until he met Edna Stanton that he once again became involved. Intriguingly, Edna had many characteristics that Michelson had once found appealing in Margaret – intelligence, gentleness, beauty, and a good social standing.

Edna Stanton had a dynamic past. In 1895, she joined the University of Chicago, surrounding herself with literary figures that shaped American thought, such as Robert Herrick and Robert Morse Lovett. At the Poetry Club, she met notable poets like Robert Frost and Carl Sandburg. Known for breaking societal norms, she smoked publicly and admired radical thinkers like Thorstein Veblen.

She first saw Michelson at a social gathering in Chicago and was immediately interested in him, despite the ongoing gossip about his divorce. Their mutual attraction was undeniable, and soon they began seeing each other. Edna cherished the maturity that Michelson brought to their relationship, which was a stark contrast from her younger suitors.

Edna was born in 1871 in Bristol, England. Due to her father’s duties as an American consul, she lived in various cities, spending a significant amount of time in St. Petersburg, Russia. This exposure gave her a unique education and perspective. Later, in Chicago, her interests shifted towards physics, partly to be closer to Michelson, much to her friends’ amusement.

Their relationship evolved, but Michelson’s love for Edna was not as spontaneous as hers for him. The scars from his previous marriage made it hard for him to trust and deeply love another. After their honeymoon, Michelson quickly returned to his work, leaving Edna to find solace in university social circles.

By December 1901, Edna was pregnant. The next summer, they settled in Annisquam, Massachusetts, often sailing around Cape Ann. Their first daughter, born in 1902, had a romantic disposition. Two more daughters, Beatrice and Dorothy (Dody), followed. Dody was particularly feisty and often challenged gender norms, which concerned Michelson.

Outside work, Michelson was a different man, especially with his daughters. He introduced them to science, taking them to his lab, and also taught them to play the violin. They lived in a beautiful home near the University of Chicago, and their residence was a blend of comfort, art, and intellect. While Michelson was a thoughtful and fun-loving father, there were times when he was consumed by his work, leaving a tense atmosphere at home. During these periods, Edna turned to her faith, involving her daughters in church activities. Michelson, however, always remained distant from religious practices.

Below: Albert & Edna’s Children

1902-1996

1905-1972

1906-1994

As the couple grew older, their age difference became more pronounced, leading to increased disparities in their interests and needs. After a particularly taxing event, Michelson’s health deteriorated, causing concern for Edna, who had always longed for his attention. She was now devotedly caring for her ailing husband, showcasing a deep bond that went beyond their differences.

This website was made possible with the support of the Murphys Old Timers Museum & the Calaveras Community Foundation