Background
Tobenkin, Elias was born on February 10, 1882 in Russia. Son of Mark A. and Fanny Tobenkin.
Tobenkin, Elias was born on February 10, 1882 in Russia. Son of Mark A. and Fanny Tobenkin.
Came to the United States in boyhood. Bachelor of Arts, University of Wisconsin, 1905, Master of Arts, 1906, graduate scholar, 1905-1906 (specialized in German literature and philosophy). Fellow New School for Social Research, 1935-1936.
1 son, Paul (deceased). Began as reporter, Milwaukee Free Press, 1906, later on Chicago Tribune, San Francisco Examiner and New York Herald. Editorial writer (mainly on social justice), Chicago Tribune, 1912-1914.
Covered San Francisco Exposition for Hearst Newspapers, 1915.
On staff Metropolitan Magazine, 1915-1916. Russian and German expert, Foreign Press Bureau, United States Committee on Public Information, 1917-1918.
European correspondent New York Tribune, 1918-1919. In eastern Europe for New York Evening Post, 1920.
In Soviet Russia for New York Herald Tribune, 1926.
Spent 10 months in Russia, 1930-1931, and made first study by foreign investigator of Soviet prisons and penal system. Findings incorporated in monograph for Bureau of Social Hygiene of the Rockefeller Foundation and subsequently included in volume on Russia entitled, “Stalin’s Ladder.” Made nine months’ trip around world, 1935-1936, visiting 15 countries to study economic causes of war and outlook for world peace (study undertaken on an initial grant from the William C. Whitney Foundation). Made 1st investigation by foreign writer of the planned Siberian republic for the Jews, Birobidjan.
Tobenkin Collections on 20th Century political movements at University Texas.
Completed many major Soviet studies.
Member of Academy of Political Science.
Married Rae Schwid, September 20, 1907 (died 1938).