Hoboken Churches

Home - Law Land - Percy Land - Blanck - Petermann - Hoboken Main Page

I am interested in Hoboken because several of my ancestors lived there. They were:
  1. Law and Elizabeth Land were born in Batley, England. They immigrated to Toronto, Canada where they spent approximately 10 years, before entering the United States at Detroit Michigan circa 1890. They subsequently lived in Hoboken at 14th street in Ward 4 for a few years circa 1896. Several family members were back in Hoboken in Ward 1 (or 2) circa 1907, after they had moved to Smithtown, Long Island circa 1900. The Lands held some alternative religious beliefs, but eventually attended the Methodist and Presbyterian churches on Long Island. I do not know what church in Hoboken (if any) they may have attended.

  2. John Berend Petermann and his family came from the Duchy of Oldenburg, Germany and were in Hoboken circa 1884 until 1909. The Petermanns lived in Ward 1. Berend Peterman was a foreman on the docks. Meta Petermann was known to have been confirmed at St. Matthew's Church in 1901. See Meta's Confirmation

  3. Henry Blanck, a shoemaker, came form Lehe German - a suburb of Bremerhaven. He was in Hoboken by 1871. He lived at various addresses in Hoboken.

  4. Melusine Erxmeyer and her mother and siblings came from Walsrode, Hanover, Germany and were in Hoboken by 1874 when she married Henry Blanck. Records for the Blancks and Erxmeyers were found at the German Evangelical Church at 6th and Garden.

  5. Fritz Kettler was born in Friesland. He married, Hannah Peter, a Norwegian, probably in Brooklyn circa 1886. They had several children in Brooklyn before moving to Hoboken circa 1891. I have not found any church records for the Kettlers or Hannah Peters.


Churches Listed in Hoboken in 1866

CHURCHES AND CLERGYMEN, HOBOKEN.

  1. First Baptist, Bloomfield, cor. Third. Rev. A. Harris.
  2. First Dutch Reformed, Hudson n Sixth. - Rev. William H. Vroom.
  3. Second Dutch Reformed, Sixth, cor. Garden. - Rev. Leopold Mohn.
  4. St. Paul's (Episcopal), Hudson, cor. Third. - Rev. V. Bruce.
  5. Trinity (Episcopal), Washington, cor. Seve'nth. - Rev. Frederick Fitzgerald.
  6. Free Church of the Atonement (Episcopal), Fifth n Garden.
  7. Lutheran, Washington, cor. Third. - Rev. Mr. Wassidlo.
  8. Methodist, Garden, cor. Fourth. - Rev. J. K. Burr.
  9. Presbyterian, Hudson, cor. Sixth. - Rev. William H. Babbitt.
  10. United Presbyterian, Seventh, cor". Bloomfield.
  11. St. Mary's (Roman Catholic), "Willow, cor. Fifth. - Rev. Anthony Cauvin.
Gopsill's Jersey City and Hoboken Directory for the Year Ending 30th April 1866


Churches Listed in Hoboken in 1881

A 1881 map of Hoboken listed:

  1. St. Mathews Lutheran Church, Hudson and 8th Sts
  2. Trinity Episcopal Church, Washington and 7th Sts.
  3. St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Hudson near 9th St.
  4. Holy Innocents Episcopal Church, 6th and Willow Sts.
  5. 1st Presbyterian Church, Hudson and 6th Sts.
  6. 1st United Presbyterian Church, Bloomfield and 3rd Sts.
  7. 1st Reformed Church, Hudson near 5th St.
  8. 1st Baptist Church, Bloomfield and 3rd Sts.
  9. German Methodist Episcopal Church, Garden near 3rd St.
  10. German Evangelical Church, Garden and 6th St.
  11. M. E. Free Tabernacle, Park Ave. near 6th St.
  12. Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Willow St. opp. Square.
  13. St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Monroe St.

St Matthews Evangelical German Lutheran, 8th and Hudson

57 Eighth Street, on the corner of Eighth & Hudson Street Hoboken, New Jersey 07030

The Rev. Peter Elrich of 11 8th street was pastor from 1879 to 1890.

1887: A CLERGYMAN DIVORCED

The Rev. Peter Elrich, Pastor of the German church on Hudson-street, Hoboken has been granted an absolute divorce from his wife. Five years ago the minister, who was then a widower with several children, married a widow. The couple could not agree and Mrs. Elrich left her home and went to relatives in Brooklyn. She refused to return and Mr. Elrich began suit for divorce on the ground of desertion to which no defence was made." (N Y Times)

The Rev. Alexander Richter was the pastor from 1890 until his death in 1914.

Alexander Richter was born 25 Sep 1851 in Ohlaw Schlesien, Germany, He immigrated on the Schiller from Hamburg on October 28, 1874. According to his 1996 passport application he had lived in Rochester, N. Y., Philadelphia Pa. and Hoboken, NJ. He died on Long Island March 6, 1918.

1905: Hudson street, Alexander Richter, age, 53, clergyman born Germany, Bertha Richter, age 48 born Pennsylvania, Magdeline Richter, 11 born New York, Luny Frank, age 22, teacher, born France, Mary Ganby, age 16, servant, born Ireland

1910: 8th street Hoboken, Alexander Richter 58, clergyman, Beartha Richter 53, 0 children 0 living, Magadelene Richter 16, adopted daughter, Lucy Franco 27, niece, Beartha Sonenberg 19, servant

1915: Southhold Suffolk New York Alexander Richter 64, no occupation, Bertha C Richter 66, Magdaline Richter 21

American Lutheran Biographies

REV. ALEXANDER RICHTER, A.M.

"Rev. Alexander Richter, A.M., was born at Ohlan, Province of Silesia, kingdom of Prussia, Sept. 25, 1851. He went through a German Gymnasium, passed the regular state examination for admission to a university, and attended the university at Breslan, as student of theology. During that time he also served a year in the Prussian army, as required in that country. In 1874 he came to this country, entered the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia in 1875, and took, in addition to his previous studies in the old country, the full course of three years in order to thoroughly acquaint himself with the language and customs of this country. He graduated in 1878 and became assistant of Rev. J. T. Vogelbach at St. Jacobus', Philadelphia, Pa., who had suffered a stroke of paralysis and was unable to discharge his pastoral duties. In the same year he married Rev. Vogelbach's youngest daughter Bertha. After Pastor Vogelbach's death he was elected pastor of St. Jacobus'. In 1881 he took charge "of Zion's church, Rochester, N. Y., where he remained until December, 1890, accepting a very flattering, urgent and unanimous call to St. Matthews' church of Hoboken, N. J. His congregation was very loath to let him go, for he had labored among them with manifest blessing and great success. Besides starting a mission which is about to become a separate and self-sustaining congregation, he was instrumental in founding an institution, at that time called "The Lutheran Gro-seminary," but since then favorably and widely know as Wagener Memorial college, where boys of our congregation are educated for the ministry in the German and English languages, preparatory to their entering the Theological Seminary of Mount Airy, Philadelphia. The college belongs now to the New York Ministerium, and Rev. Richter is president of its board. In June 1890 he was elected President of the New York Ministeriums for a term of three years and is as such also Vice-Presiden ot the General Council......."
The Rev. Alexander Richter

According to their web site, the church was established in 1858.

St Matthews Hoboken


Postcard collection of Maggie Land Blanck

St Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 8th and Hudson, Hoboken, N.J.

Not posted

My grandmother, Meta Petermann, was confirmed in the German Evangelical Lutheran Church in 1901. For pictures and information on Meta's confirmation click HERE


Postcard collection of Maggie Land Blanck

St Matthew's Lutheran Church, 8th and Hudson, Hoboken, N.J. Interior

Not posted

Printed on back:

St. Mathew's (sic) Ev. Lutheran Church
8th and Hudson St. Hoboken, N.J.
H. Breuckner, Ph.D., Pastor
Service in English 10:15 A.M.
Service in German 11:15 A.M.
S.S. 9:15 A.M.
Note: Reverend Hermann Brueckner was pastor of St. Matthews Church, Hoboken, ca. 1919-1940.

1920: Hermam Bruckner 37, minister st. Mathews church, imm 1911, Elizabeth Bruckner 29, Elizabeth Bruckner 9, Emma Whitfeld 19, servant

1940: 57 8th street, Herman Brueckner 56, clergyman, born Germany, Julia Brueckner 51, wife,

WW II Draft Registration 1942: Hermann Brueckner Gender: Male Race: White Residence Age: 59 Birth Date: 12 May 1883 Birth Place: Eisenach, Germany Residence Date: 1942 57 8th street, Hudson, New Jersey, USA, wife Julia- employee St. Mathews Evangelical Lutheran Church, Hoboken


Trinity Episcopal Church, Washington and 7th Sts

According to their web site:

All Saints Episcopal Parish arose from the consolidation of three Episcopal churches in Hoboken in the early 1980's: St. Paul's (located at 820 Hudson Street) was founded in 1832; Trinity (our current worship site at 701 Washington Street) was founded in 1853 and is the oldest continuous congregation in Hoboken; and Church of the Holy Innocents (located at Sixth and Willow Streets) which was founded in 1874 by the Stevens family in memory of their daughter Julia who died of typhoid at the age of seven. It was intended as a church for Italian and German immigrant families and was unusual because it charged no "pew rental" in order to attend.
Described as Gothic style the church dated to 1856 with an addition in 1882.
The Trinity Episcopal Church, 701 Washington St. at 7th St., was designed by famous British architect Richard Upjohn and completed in 1856

Discovering Historic America: Mid-Atlantic States - Volume 3


St Paul's Episcopal, 820 Hudson near 9th

See Trinity Episcopal above.

According to a 1955 Centennial celebration booklet, St. Paul's was founded in 1835.


Postcard collection of Maggie Land Blanck

St Paul's Episcopal Church, Hoboken, N.J. founded 1832

Posted 1907

Located 816-820 Hudson Street near 9th Street.

May 24, 1931

My dear Dr. Armstrong:

I am deeply interested to learn of the dedication at St. Paul's Church, Hoboken, on Sunday May 24th, of a World War Shrine commemorating Hoboken as the Port of Embarkation and Debarkation and the place where so many of our soldier dead lay under the flag upon their return from service abroad. It is indeed fitting that such a Shrine should be adorned with memorials of their supreme sacrifice, and that our countrymen should resort there for remembrance.

Yours faithfully,

HERBERT HOOVER

The American Presidents project

The Rev. William R. Jenvey (1844-1924)

The Rev. William R. Jenvey was rector of St. Pauls form 1883 until 1920.
"Rev. William R. Jenvey, for over thirty years rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church of Hoboken, went to California to spend his remaining days."

(Christian Intelligencer, Volume 91, 1920)

He died in Burlingame, San Mateo County, California in 1924 and was buried in Masonic Memorial Gardens in Reno, Nevada.

1900: 814 Hudson street, William K Jenvey, minister, born 1845 in England, Saida wife born Maine, 1858, 2 children 2 living, Arthur C born 1880 New --- Elsie B. born 1885, New Jersey, and a servant.

The church sexton, --- McMahon born 1860 and his family were at 820 Hudson in 1900.

William R. Jenvey was a veteran of the American Civil War.

Jenvey, William "R", 814 Hudson street, R. St. Paul's Ch Hoboken (The American Church Clergy and Parish Directory, 1903)

In June 1908 William R. Jenvey 814 Hudson Street, St. Paul's Rectory wrote that he was celebrating his 25th anniversary of his rectorship at St. Pauls. The parish was sending him and his wife aboard for a four months vacation.


Holy Innocents Episcopal Church, 6th and Willow Sts.

Built by the Steven's family in 1873. See Trinity Episcopal above.

Church of the Holy Innocents is a historic church at Willow Avenue and 6th Street in Hoboken, New Jersey. The congregation was founded in 1872. It was built 1871-1872 to the designs of Edward Tuckerman Potter and Henry Vaughn. The choir was added in 1913, the baptistery in 1932. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. The church parish merged with All Saints Episcopal Parish int 1983. Presently the church is not in use, but has been targeted by the parish for future restoration and renovation.

Holy New York a brief reference to NYC places of worship


1st Presbyterian Church, Hudson and 6th Sts.

Listed in Woman's Work for Woman in 1872: Little Missionaries, and Workers for Jesus at the First Presbyterian Church Hoboken.

The First Presbyterian Church of Hoboken celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1902.

According to a 1955 Centennial booklet, 1st Presbyterian was founded in 1852.


1st United Presbyterian Church, Bloomfield and 3rd Sts. (7th)

The First United Presbyterian Church was organized in 1854. In 1856 a church was erected at the corner Bloomfield and Seventh Streets.


1st Reformed Church, Hudson near 5th St. till 1890 - Bloomfield street near 8th after 1891

The original 1st Reformed church was erected on Hudson street between 5th and 6th in 1855. On November 2nd 1890 the building burned down. A new church was erected on Bloomfield street between 8th and 9th.

The Reverent Henry Mattice was pastor from 1890 to 1895. On November 18th 1890 Rev. Henry Mattice officiated at the marriage of Eliza Louise Morris and Al Ringling (the eldest of the Ringling brothers of circus fame). In September 2018 Jim Dexhelmer shared a copy of the marriage certificate and the following info:

"The certificate from Nov 18, 1890 contains several false statements which are highlighted. But it contains enough factual information to identify the bride and groom as Eliza Louisa (Lou) Morris and Al Ringling, oldest brother of the Ringling Brothers. There are several mysteries associated with this wedding. Al and Lou claimed to be married either 8 or 10 years earlier but researchers have found no record of this. It is speculated that the first marriage either did not exist or was somehow flawed. (Lou was married previously).

They had been living as husband and wife and probably could have continued in what was possibly a common law marriage, except that he was becoming famous and wealthy. One question is did something happen in 1890 that motivated them to legalize their marriage? Another is why did they travel nearly a thousand miles by train to get married? And why Hoboken? There was a news item in the Baraboo paper before they left stating that they were going to visit Lou's parents, both of whom were deceased many years before. One possibility was that they visited Lou's sister who had married a dentist and live at W 117th St in Manhattan in 1890.

There is a marriage certificate for Lou's first marriage in 1868. It appears that she eloped across the Mississippi River from McGregor, Iowa to Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin and may have provided some questionable information for that document. She used Louisa as a first name and her husband's name does not appear to exist before 1868 nor after the 1870 census. It's possible more records will turn up but at this time there is no record of what happened to her three children or husband.

One last thing, that may be just coincidence, but on December 29, 1905, Al's younger brother, John, also of circus fame, married Mable Burton in Hoboken. They built a home in Alpine, NJ in 1918."

The marriage certificate states: Theodore Albert Ringling a resident of Chicago Ill cor w Madison and Canal street age 35, 1st marriage occupation mercantile born in america, father August Ringling mother Sarah Schulya both born Germany wed Annie Liza Morris born in America residence Chicago Ill cor w Madison and Canal street age 32 1st marriage, father John Morris mother Christine Seyson (sp?) November 18, 1890, 419 Park Ave. Hoboken in the presence of Tillie ---- son and E. J. Mattice pastor Henry Mattice pastor of First Reform Church of Hoboken

The Rev. Henry Mattice does not appear to have been connected with this Hoboken church for very long. See Henry Mattice

Ringling Brothers

First Dutch Reformed Church, now Christian Science Church, Hoboken, NJ Bloomfield Street near 8th Street (Rutgers University Library)


1st Baptist Church, Bloomfield and 3rd Sts.


German Methodist Episcopal Church, Garden near 3rd St. - 151 Garden


German Evangelical Lutheran, 6th and Garden

Postcard collection of Maggie Land Blanck

German Luth. Church, 6th & Garden Streets, 606 Garden, Hoboken, N.J.

Posted 1913

This church, also called the German Evangelical Church, was the church where the Erxmeyers and Blancks were baptized, confirmed, married, and buried.


German Luth. Church, 6th & Garden Streets, Hoboken, N.J.

From the Confirmation certificate of Margarethe Johanne Luhrs 18 March, 1894, courtesy of her grandson, Pete VanSeggern, February 2010.


German Luth. Church, 6th & Garden Streets, Hoboken, N.J. Pete VanSeggern, February 2010.


Marriage certificate of Hermann Schumacher and Caroling Kornmeier 16, September 1867, German Luth. Church, 6th & Garden Streets, Hoboken, N.J., Leopold Mohn pastor - courtesy Rick Schumacher March 2013

Leopold Mohn was the pastor of the German Lutheran Church for many years.


Baptismal certificate of Anna Catherine Schumacher October 1868, German Luth. Church, 6th & Garden Streets, Hoboken, N.J. - Leopold Mohn pastor - courtesy Rick Schumacher March 2013

The German Evangelical (German Reformed Church) at Garden and Sixth streets, Hoboken was organized by the Rev. Leopold Mohn in 1856. He served as pastor until his death in 1885. The services were in German.

The church was built in 1860.

The churches records are searchable through German Genealogy Group at Hoboken Community Church

Marriages for this church are available at German Gen

The original books are now in the Archives of the (German) Reformed Church of America in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

The records are also available on LDS microfilm and on Ancestry.com.

Leopold Mohn

Leopold Mohn
Birthdate: February 13, 1833
Birthplace: Stuckenbock, Westphalia, Prussia, Germany
Death: March 08, 1885 (52)
Hoboken, Hudson County, New Jersey, United States
Place of Burial: North Bergen, Hudson County, New Jersey, United States>br? Immediate Family: Son of Johann Wilhelm Mohn and Wilhelmine Henriette Mohn Husband of Cornelia Mohn Father of Martha Mohn; Otto Leopold Mohn; Winfred Mohn and August Mohn Brother of Auguste Caroline Wilhelmine Arzinger; William John Mohn; Arnold Mohn and Amalie Mohn (Geni) (Thanks to Brian Murphy for the connection.)

1870: Leopold Mohn 38, clergyman, $1,000, Carolin Mohn 34 Nellie Mohn 10 Lena Mohn 5 August Mohn 3 Louisa Clyburn 44, hosekkeeper, Charlie Clyburn 13

1880: Leopold Mohn 46, born Prussia, clergyman, Cornelia Mohn 43, born New Jersey, August Mohn 13, Otto Mohn 6, Martha Mohn 2, Winfred Mohn 9m and a servant.

1885: New York Times March 10 obit of the Rev. Leopold Mohn - born in Westphalia in 1833. At 18 he went as a missionary to the South Pacific Islands. He came to Hoboken circa 1855.


M[ethodist] E[piscopal] Free Tabernacle, Park Ave. near 6th St.


Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Roman Catholic, Willow St. opp. Square AKA St Mary's.

Our Lady of Grace, between 4th and 5th, Clinton and Willow was first built at Willow and 5th in 1855. The current structure was built in Gothic style in 1876. Designed by Francis G. Himpler and William J. Whyte it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.

Postcard collection of Maggie Land Blanck


St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 61 Monroe St.


First M[ethodist] E[piscopal] Church - 717-727 Washington street, between 7th and 8th
Postcard collection of Maggie Land Blanck

First M E Church, Hoboken, N.J.


Scandinavian Evangelical Trinity Lutheran, 833 Clinton 1890

1893 9th and Clinton

According to the 1955 Centennial booklet Trinity Lutheran was founded in 1890 with a mostly Norwegian congregation. The congregation originally met at St Matthew's. The church was built in 1893.


Scandinavian Lutheran Chruch (organized 1890) 9th and clinton street (original building)


General Information

By 1900 there were 5 German language churches in Hoboken:

  1. The German Evangelical Church at 606 Garden

  2. St. Matthew's Lutheran at 8th street

  3. St. Joseph's R. C. 61 Monroe

  4. German Methodist Episcopal, 151 Garden

  5. St Peter and Paul at 404 Hudson (founded 1889)

In addition there were two synagogues: Adath Emuno, 637 Garden founded in 1871 and Moses Montefiore 76 Grand founded 1901 - Orthodox

History of Essex and Hudson Counties, New Jersey vol 2 at History of Essex and Hudson Counties, New Jersey, Volume 2 offers information on the foundlings of some of these Hoboken churches.


Jewish Temples

In March 2016 Janet pointed out that I had completely ignored the Jewish places of worship in Hoboken. Janet informed me of three Temples in Hoboken:

  1. Adath Emuro built in 1883 - now apartments.

  2. Star of Israel is now called United Synagogue - 115-117 Park Avenue - built in 1912.

  3. Moses Montefiore built circa 1910 - merged with the Star of Israel.

Janet notes that "Hoboken's highest population of Jews was in 1930 at about 3,500, a not insignificant minority."

Adath Emuno (Adath Emunoh) - German Synagogue

Adath Emuno - 637 Garden street established 1871. When it opened it had 55 members. The congregation worshiped in the Odd Fellows Hall from 1871 to 1874. From 1874 to 1883 they met at Bloomfield and 5th street. In 1883 the temple on Garden between 6th and 7th streets was dedicated. Early rabbis were: Solomon Schindler, Isaac Schickler, M Karash, M Kauffmann, S Langer, and Nathan M Wolf. In 19078 the congregation had 53 members.

1871: In 1871 Solomon Schindler led the Jewish congregation of Adath Emuno in Hoboken.

"On arriving in New York with his family, Mr. Schindler, who was without money or friends, found the darkest hours of his life before him. He made a brave struggle against starvation and death, which at this sad time robbed him of the dearest of his children. He found that fate was summoning him back to the pulpit, a sphere he wished to avoid. Yet in the battle for bread he was tempted to respond to a call from a small Jewish congregation in Hoboken, N. J., named Adath Emuno. Out of several candidates, Mr. Schindler was chosen, and in November, 1871, he again donned his sacerdotal robes, and from that time the star of fortune began to illumine his sky. In 1874 he came to Boston and took charge of the congregation Adath Israel, which then worshiped in a small chapel on Pleasant Street." (One of a Thousand: A Series of Biographical Sketches of One Thousand ... edited by John Clark Rand, 1890)

1874:
In 1874 Adath Israel, a reformed Synagogue in Boston, hired Solomon Schindler, age 32 a "Prussian born son of a cantor" "who had been leading a small shul in Hoboken, New Jersey." (Becoming American Jews: Temple Israel of Boston By Meaghan Dwyer-Ryan, Susan L. Porter, Lisa Fagin Davis)

Note: There is a lot on the internet about Solomon Schindler.

1874:

"Churches abound of Catholic and other denominations, including two German Lutheran and a Scotch Presbyterian. There is also a Synagogue." (Pen and Pencil Pictures on the Delaware, Lackawanna, and Western Railroad By J. K. Hoyt, 1874)

1884:
"The only Jewish synagogue in the city is the temple, Adath Emuno, located at 279 Garden Street, dedicated April 15, 1883. The Rev. Isaac Schickler is the pastor and also the superintendent of the school. The church has thirty-three members, and the services are held Friday evenings and Saturday mornings. The school has forty scholars. Prominent among the members are Louis Ettinger, president; S. Wolfe, vice-president; M. Lesser, secretary; and Louis Hart, treasurer. The trustees are Messrs. R. Berel, M. Kouert, A. Marks and Charles Cohen. (History of Essex and Hudson Counties, New Jersey, Volume 2)
1884/1888/1891: Rev Isaac Schickler 256 Bloomfield Hoboken (also spelled Schiekler)

Louis Ettinger died in Parkville, Long Island April 5, 1893

Solomon Wolff born circa 1809 in Germany dry goods store owner, died 25 September 1890 in Hoboken. He was listed in the 1870 and 1880 censuses with his wife Henrietta. In 1878 he was in business with William S. Wolff born 1837.

Morris (Moritz) Lesser born 1826 was a medal dealer at 212 Washington street in 1878. He died in Hoboken May 21, 1891. Find a Grave

Louis Hart was born in Bavaria circa 1839. In 1870 and 1880 he ran a clothing store in Hoboken. He was listed in the 1910 census.

Reno Berel was born in Germany circa 1827. In 1870 he was a bookkeeper, and in 1880 he was an insurance agent.

Max Kouert born in Germany circa 1813 died in Hoboken May 17, 1885.

Mendel Marks ran a dry goods store in Hoboken in 1878.

Charles Cohen, born in Germany circa 1850, had a produce store in Hoboken in 1878.

1896:
The Temple Adath Emunoh of Hoboken recently celebrated its twenty- fifth anniversary with a banquet and dance at the Quartett Club Hall. (The Menorah, Volume 21 By Jewish Chautauqua Society, 189)

1896:
H. Heyman, President of the Congregation Adath Emuno advertized for a "lecturer who was competent to act as reader with choir, reform service, also teach Sabbath-school" (The American Hebrew, Volume 59)
Herman Heyman, born circa 1833, of 84 Washington Street was an Insurance Agent and Real Estate agent in Hoboken in 1900 and 1903.

1899:
Congregation Adath Emuno Hoboken (The American Jewish Year Book, Volume 1 edited by Cyrus Adler, Henrietta Szold)

1905: Nathan Wold was the Rabbi at Adath Emuno

Hoboken Historical Museum Moses Montefore - Orthodox

Moses Montefiore Orthodox Synagogue was established in in 1892. It opened in 1901 at 76 Grand Street. The first rabbi was German born Chayim Hershensohn who came to Hoboken in 1903.

Star of Israel

Star of Israel Hoboken Historical Museum

Star of Israel - photo from Janet 2016.


1905/1907

Hoboken has two congregations, each with its synagogue: Adath Emuno, founded in 1871 (rabbi, Nathan Wolf), and numbering about 55 members; and Moses Montefiore, established in 1892, and numbering about 60 members. It has also a Hebrew Institute, a free school, a Young Men's Hebrew Association, Ladies' Aid Society and Social Club, and a Benevolent Association. (The Jewish Encyclopedia: A Descriptive Record of the History ..., Volume 9 edited by Isidore Singer, Cyrus Adler)

1919

HOBOKEN (Jewish pop. 5000)

Cg. Adath Emuno, 637 Garden. Org. 1871. Rabbi, Jacques Landau; Pres., Charles Heller; Sec, Gustav Konert. Members, 60; Income, $2000. Services: Sabbath and Festivals, Hebrew and English. School: Classes, 2; teachers, 2; pupils, 40; sessions weekly, 1. Auxiliary Societies: Hebrew Ladies' Aid Society; Herman Heyman Auxiliary, Pres., Mrs. Albert Schiller.

Beth Jacob, Clinton Av. and Hague. Inc. 1906. Rabbi, Ch. Hirsehensohn.

Moses Montefiore. Rabbi, Ch. Hirsehensohn, 521 Washington.

Star of Israel, 115 Park Av. Org. 1905. Rabbi, Simon Grossbein. Services: Hebrew and English. School: Teachers, 6; pupils, 101; sessions daily. Educ. Hebrew Institute of Hoboken, 79 Grand. Org. 1904. Pres., Sol. Lubash: Sec, Max Ress; Dlr., Rabbi D. Hoexter. Members, 120; income, $2000. Laidies' Auxiliary. Young Men's Hebrew Association, 115 Park Av. Pres., Leonard Jordan.

Char. Hebrew Ladies' Aid Society, 637 Garden. Org. 1875. Pres., Mrs. Max Drlesen; Sec, Mrs. L. Engler.

Independent Ladies' Society. Henry Tanenbaum, 115 Hudson.

Cem. Kehillah of Hoboken. Reorg. Sec, pro-temp., Max H. Ress.

Cem. Hoboken Cemetery, North Bergen, N. J. Owned by Congregation Adath Emuno.

(American Jewish Year Book, Volume 21 edited by Cyrus Adler, Henrietta Szold)


Jacob (Kupper/Kuppel) Bier - Jewish Pioneer in Hoboken

There is a rather popular story on the Internet and also written up in various newspapers over the years about a Hoboken resident named Kupper Bier (aka Jacob Bier). He was a Jewish Pioneer in Hoboken, who died at the reported age of 110 in 1930. It is said he was survived by his wife, Ethel, "thirteen children" of whom the eldest was "seventy-five", forty grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren. See Jewish Patriarch Succumbs to Burns at Age of 109 April 6, 1930

The story would imply a birth circa 1820. However, the census records consistently indicate that he was most likely born between 1835 and 1837 - Making his age at death closer to 95.

His wife (at the time of his death) is listed in various records as Ethel, Yetta, Etta and Anna.

The censuses indicate he had at least 9 children (by his wife Ethel). Which is what Ethel Bier stated in 1910.

Several of the known children were born in "Russia". The family immigration most likely after 1890.

1930: Jacob Bier died in Hoboken 5 April 1930 age 109/110.

1899: LDS records indicate that in May 1899 Koppel Bier and his wife Etta lost a newborn child May 4, 1899 in Brooklyn

1900: Brooklyn War 16, Cook Street, Jacob "Beard" age 60, butcher, Yetta Beard 44, 11 children 8 living, Harry Beard 20, baker wagon, Louis Beard 17, peddler, Morris Beard 15, tailor, Charles Beard 12, Max Beard 10, Abe Beard 7, Rudy Beard 5, Eva Beard 2/12, all born Russia except Abe, Rudy and Eva

1905: Hoboken - Coppel Bier M 68, Anna Bier F 46 Louis Bier M 21 Morris Bier M 19 Charles Bier M 17 Max Bier M 15 Abraham Bier M 11 Rudolph Bier M 8 Eva Bier F 5 Arthur Bier M 3 (no image available - LDS). Would indicate a birth year circa 1837.

1910: Jacob Bier born in Russia circa 1835 was listed as a butcher at 80 Grand Street Hoboken in the 1910 census. Jacob Bier 75, Ethel Bier 48, married 29 years, 12 children, 9 living, Morris Bier 23, Abraham Bier 16, Rudolph Bier 14, born New York (circa 1896) Eva Bier 9, Arthur Bier 7. This would indicate Jacob was born circa 1835. The census indicates immigration in 1890.

1920: Hoboken 85 Grand Street, Jacob "Beir" "70", born Austria, owner retail butcher, Ethel Beir 55, born Austria, Max Beir 27, Taxi driver, born New York, Arthur Beir 18, helps in butcher shop, born New Jersey, Eva Beir 19, peddler vegetables, born New Jersey

1922: Hoboken directory, Bier, Abr (Anna) meats 257, 9th h 735 Garden, Arthur, (J Bier and sons), r 85 Grand, Jacob, (Yetta) (J Bier and son) H 85 Grand, Morris (Rose) variety, 454 Newark and others

1923: December, 19, "Kopel" Bier, butcher, age 104 of Grand street Hoboken, was to meet President Coolidge in Washington. Kopel's son, Joseph, had been to Washington the day before to make arraignments for the trip. Also written up as "Kupper" Bier age 103 and the son as Max.

1923: Another coverage of the 104th birthday claimed eleven sons, Samuel age 65 the eldest, Arthur 22 the youngest (born after Kupper's 82 birthday) - two daughters (not named). Kupper had been married three times and it was said his current wife was 40 years old. According to her death record, in 1923 Ethel Bier was circa 74 years old.

Notes: It is not clear if the meeting with the president was prearranged or if Kupper just dropped in, but the story was carried all across the USA. I cannot find a Samuel Bier in Hoboken born circa 1855/58. There is a Samuel born in Austria circa 1868. He was the owner of the Old Jersey Model Baking co. He lived art 74 Grand street, Hoboken in 1910. Samuel Bier 42, own account bakery, imm 1887, Sadie Bier 41, wife, Benjamin Bier 19 Louis W Boiford 24, son in law, Sarah Boiford 21, daughter, Ethel Boiford [6/12], grandchild, Lena Bier 17, sister. Samuel and Sadie were also listed in Hoboken in 1920 and 1930. They were in Manhattan in 1900. Samuel had a brother and business partner, Joseph, born according to the censuses circa 1868. Samuel and Joseph are said to be the children of Goldie Powder and Jacob Koppel Bier.

1924: In January 1924 Koppel Bier, butcher, of 85 Grand street Hoboken celebrated his 104th birthday. It was said he was the father of "17" children, the oldest aged 70 and the youngest aged 26. There were reportedly 147 members of the Bier clan in Hoboken. His secret to longevity get to bed at 7 PM and "eat plenty of meat and smoke and drink as much as you want."

1925: Jacob Bier, 85 Grand Hoboken Occupation: Meats Spouse: Ethel Bier Publication Title: Jersey City, New Jersey, City Directory, 1925 - also listed at 85 Grand, Abraham meats, at 454 Newark variety, Morris and his wife Rose, at 82 Grand, Rudolph chauffer and his wife Sadie.

1925: Kupper Bier age 105 was the guest of honor at the marriage of his 23 year old son, Arthur to Miss Ethel Batemans. Ethel Bier age 70 also attended. (Evening News Harrisburg Jan 12, 1915).

1926: Jacob Kupper Bier and his "75" year old wife lived behind their small kosher butcher shop at 85 Grand street, Hoboken. He had nine children 42 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. He liked his wine and his pipe.

1930: Jacob Koppel Bier Birth Date: 5 Jan 1821 Death Date: 5 Apr 1930 Cemetery: Riverside Cemetery Burial or Cremation Place: Saddle Brook, Bergen County, New Jersey, USA Spouse: Ethel Bier

Find a grave

According to the 1900 census: Jacob Bier was born circa 1840.

According to the 1905 census: Jacob Bier was born 1837.

According to the 1910 census Jacob was born circa 1835.

According to the 1920 census Jacob was born circa 1850

According to the 1923 meeting with President Coolidge, Jacob was born circa 1819.

According to the 1900 and 1905 census and other records Jacob Bier had: Samuel (c. 1868) Joseph (c.1868), Harry (circa 1880), Louis (c 1884), Morris (c. 1886), Charles (c. 1888), Max (c 1890), Abraham (1894), Rudolph (c 1897), Eva (c.1900) and Arthur (c 1902).

Depending on the document Ethel Bier was born, 1851, 1855, 1856, 1849, 1862, 1865 or 1883. According to Find a Grave Ethel Kanner Bier was born 1849 and died 1934. If the death records are to be believed Arthur Bier was born 1902/1903 when his parents were 82 and 53!!!

Samuel Bier (c 1868-1939)

1900: Samuel Bier 32, birthday Feb 1868, immigration 1884, teamster, Sadie Bier 30, 4 children 2 living, Sarah Bier 11, Benjamin Bier 9

1930: Washington street, born Austria imm 1880, bakery, Samuel Bier 62 Sadie Bier 60, wife, Sarah Bofird 40, daughter, Ethel Bofird 20, granddaughter, Pearl Bofird 16, granddaughter

Joseph Bier (c. 1868-)

1910: Madison street, Joseph Bier 42, imm 1880, own income, Mary Bier 38, Ben Bier 18, Jacob Bier 16, Goldie Bier 14, David Bier 11, Rose Bier 9, Bertha Bier 4, Max Bier 2, Lillie Reich 18

Max Bier (1896-)

1917: Max Bier, 85 Grand Street Hoboken born November 5, 1890 natural born, New York, baker salesman forJoseph Bier Hoboken father and mother partially dependent, single. On his 1942 draft registration he gave his birthdate as August, 14, 1890.

1948: Max Bier, Death 08 Apr 1948, Brooklyn, Kings, New York, United States, 1320 54th St. Brooklyn, Kings, New York, Age 52, Married, Salesman, baking, Birth Year (Estimated) 1896, Birthplace U.S.A., Burial Date 09 Apr 1948, New York City, New York, New Montefiore Cemetery, Father's Name Koppel Bier, Father's Birthplace Austria, Mother's Name Ethel Kranner, Mother's Birthplace Austria, Spouse's Name Miriam

Kupper was/is a Beer manufacturer in Germany. Kupper memorabilia is very popular with collectors. Bier is the German word for beer.


Jewish Gen

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