Jews with the name Gans lived in Frankfurt before the creation of the Judengasse. In 1550 a further family moved to Frankfurt and temporarily occupied the Gans. In the subsequent centuries the family belonged to the middle classes, but is not recorded as being involved with significant commercial activities. It was not until the 19th and early 20th century that the family produced individuals who contributed significantly to Frankfurt's social and commercial life, such as Leo Gans (1843 1935), cofounder of the "Cassella Farbwerke" dyeing company and a Freeman of the City.