# Six Generations Beat the Small Business Curse, Surviving Since Lincoln

A family business has defied the odds by operating continuously since the 1860s, spanning six generations. The company’s endurance through wars, recessions, and economic shifts offers a rare example of long-term small business success. This story matters because it highlights strategies for overcoming the high failure rate of family-owned enterprises.

**Importance:** 3/5

## Sources

### Business
- [Fox News Business](https://www.foxbusiness.com/media/surviving-since-lincoln-how-six-generations-beat-small-business-curse) — Sat, 04 Jul 2026 11:00:04 GMT