Samuel Abrabanel was a distant relative of Balthazar Abrabanel. His father was a banker in Italy. He and his cousin Moses Abrabanel traveled to the time-lost town of Grantville in October, 1631. Initially, both experienced substantial culture-shock, as both were quite surprised by the generally liberal attitude of the Americans. They were also quite astonished by a campaign speech Mike Stearns gave in support of the proposed Constitution.