Hi, Max. Nice to meet you, since I'm 1/8 you. Wish it could have been in person!
Unfortunately, great-grandfather Max died in 1940, well before I was born. But I found out recently that one of his sons, my dad's uncle, wrote a book about him that was published in 1950. It must be somewhat rare, as copies of it are offered on the internet between $200 and $600. The photo on the cover is scary, as the resemblance to my father is striking.
It contains some information on his life that I didn't know, such as the part of the Hapsburg Empire he was born into is now either in the Czech Republic or Slovakia (in 1950 it was still Czechoslovakia). Many of the qualities that made him one of the top trial lawyers of the early 20th century (he emigrated to the USA with his family in 1876, at age 6) are also to be found in my younger daughter, such as thoroughness and intolerance of sloppy work. In law school, she even studied a case he litigated, having no idea she was a direct descendant of his. When he started out in New York in the 1890s, he couldn't even get a $6 per week clerking job. Decades later, William Randolph Hearst used to dis him in print, even though he sometimes used his services, My great-grandfather confronted Hearst with this, and Hearst said it was just journalism. My great-grandfather remarked that he would be sure to mention that in court the next time Hearst asked him to represent him. The slamming ceased. DAMN, I wish I could have known this man!
I knew almost none of this. I wasn't about to lay out $200 (let alone $600!) for the book, but I did leave a comment somewhere that I was a direct descendant of this man. A guy on the west coast of the USA contacted me out of the blue, and said that years ago, he had picked up a copy for next to nothing at a yard sale somewhere, and would be glad to send it to me for free. I took him up on it, and sent him a copy of my book in return (fair is fair), as my book touched on themes he was interested in.
Sometimes, living in the internet age ain't so bad after all.
= new reply since forum marked as read
That is the coolest thing I've read today. Your great-grandfather sounds like quite a guy, wish you could have met him, too! How fortunate that you can get to know him through this book - and that you actually found a copy - and a generous online friend who was willing to part with his copy. What were the odds?? Learning where we came from is an enlightening experience, both for you and your family and learning the details of his life and where you came from has to tell you more about yourself. It sounds like he led a fascinating life, their relationship says quite a bit about Hearst! 
I found myself identifying a little since my grandfather died in 1940, so I obviously never met him. He was only 48 and my Dad was 12, so it was a tough thing for the family. My grandfather's parents emigrated from Ireland and he was the eldest boy of 11 and became an electrical engineer. My Dad's cousins liked to talk about him, he was apparently fond of kids. My grandmother was strong and pretty resourceful - and a teacher - and made sure all her four kids went to college. She was probably my favorite person and I was fortunate to be close to her. Her funeral was on her 98th birthday. I miss her a lot. 
Legal talent is obviously inherited! And congrats on your daughter, no big surprise, but you have reason to be very proud! 
Still waiting for someone to write and sell the screenplay! 
A Hapsburg descendant, how many can claim that? I'm sure you are glad your branch of the family tree has branches!
Would have made an even better story! 
