The first results of the evaluation of the tax lists of the village Šakiai (Szaki), Lithuania for the years 1821-1836 showed that the number of Jewish craftsmen was predominant here. This represents a difference from other places, such as Vilkaviškis, Virbale or Vištytis, where the number of Prussian craftsmen was also significant for the overall spectrum in the period. Grain merchants played an essential role in Šakiai. A noticeably high proportion of Jews were also engaged in the production and distribution of wood tar. The grain and the wood tar (an essential product for shipbuilding) were probably exported to Königsberg via the Memel River.
Prof. Dr. Ruth Leiserowitz