Joseph's father wanted him to enter the family wool business, but circumstances made this difficult; in particular, migration of the peasant class (Seligman's father's customers) from rural areas to urban meant a loss of job opportunities and a shrinking economic base in Baiersdorf. At fourteen, Seligman attended the University of Erlangen. At seventeen, he boarded a steamer at Bremen and sailed to America.
Joseph's father wished him to join the family wool business, but circumstances made it challenging; in particular, the migration of peasants (Seligman's father's customers) from rural areas to urban centers led to job losses and a reduced economic base in Baiersdorf. At fourteen, Seligman enrolled at the University of Erlangen. At seventeen, he boarded a ship at Bremen and sailed to America.