My 2nd great-uncle Benjamin Deutsch was born in September 1st, 1896 in New York to Hungarian immigrants Samuel Deutsch and Rose Grossman. He was one of ten children growing up in the Deutsch household including his sisters Sadie, Blanche, Regina, Gene, Ella, Bertha, and Antonette and his brothers Milton and Raymond.
The 1910 United States Census
Benjamin can first be found in the 1910 United States Census where he was living with his parents. His father is listed as working as a cigar maker at his store in New York and he likely wanted his son to eventually join him in his business.
Benjamin's Revelation
In this same census, Benjamin is listed as attending school when he was fifteen years old. It was during this time where Benjamin had his revelation of what he wanted to do.
Was He Successful?
When looking into censuses from 1920, 1930, and 1940, it can be seen that Benjamin did achieve his dream of becoming a dentist. In each of these censuses, it is seen that Benjamin was able to start his own practice as a dentist and would have this practice until his death in 1948 when he was 52 years old.
From Benjamin Deutsch to Hermey the Elf
To determine if my 2nd-great uncle was the inspiration for Hermey the elf we have to look at the facts.
Exhibit A
Both Benjamin and Hermey are both unsure of what they want to do for their career. Hermey was pressured into staying in his career as an elf, like his family before him, whereas Benjamin likely received pressure to go into the same business as his father. 1 Point for confirmation
Exhibit B
Both Hermey and Benjamin had a realization that they wanted to become a dentist. 2 Points for confirmation
Exhibit C
The creator of Rudolph of the Red-Nosed Reindeer Romeo Muller Jr. was born in New York in 1928. Since he was growing up in New York at the same time as Benjamin had his practice up and running. it was possible that Romeo Muller Jr. could have heard the story about Benjamin and his realization that he wanted to become a dentist. Muller could have used this story as inspiration for his character Hermey. 3 Points for confirmation
Conclusion
To me, the evidence seems very convincing that my 2nd-great uncle Benjamin was the inspiration for the character Hermey the Elf but I'm wondering what you think. Comment below if you believe that Benjamin Deutsch was the inspiration for Hermey or not and will determine the accuracy of this story together.
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