Jean Bernstein (1880)
| Jean ("Eugene") Bernstein | |
|---|---|
| Born |
November 26, 1880[1] Romania[2] |
| Died | around 1930? |
| Residence |
Bacau, Romania (1880–1900) Elgin, Illinois (1900) |
| Spouse | Minnie Simon (m. c. 1901–) |
| Children |
Reva Bernstein (b. c. 1904) Isabelle Bernstein (b. 1906) Adolph Bernstein (b. 1908) Morris Bernstein (b. 1911) Beatrice Bernstein (b. c. 1916)[3] |
| Parents | Avram Bernstein |
Eugene immigrated, from Bacau, Romania. His father's grave is in Bucharest, Romania.
Immigration
In November 1880, Jean left from La Havre, France, aboard the SS La Lorraine (left)[4]. He gave his place of last residence as Paris and classified himself as "student". The day before his 20th birthday, on November 25, 1900, he arrived in New York and entered via Ellis Island[5].
According to the ship manifest, Jean was headed to his cousin's place. His cousin, Seth (or Josh or Jeff or John) Golden lived in Manhattan's lower east side, at 83 Eldridge Street.
Historical Records
- There is an interesting record in the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index, 1763–1900. It lists a "Max Bernstein" rather than "Jean" or "Eugene", but the timing and location are about right, and the bride's name is right:
| Groom | Bride | Date | Vol./Page | License No. | County |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BERNSTEIN, MAX | SIMON, MINNIE | 1901-02-17 | 322200 | COOK |
- Jean's (age 37) WWI Draft papers. Address: 219 Summit, Elgin, Kane, Illinois. B'day: Nov 26, 1880. Occupation: Fruits/produce. Nearest Relative: Minnie Bernstein
- Jean (age 39), Winnie, Reva (age 16), Isabelle (age 13), Adolph (age 11), Morris (age 8), and Beatrice (age 4) live in Elgin, Kane, Illinois in the 1920 Federal Census. They are renting their home. Isabelle, Adolph, and Morris (but not Reva?) attended school in the last year. All can read/write. Jean born in Romania (as are parents). Winnie born in Austria (as are parents). Reva, Adolph, Morris and Beatrice born in Illinois; Isabelle born in Wisconsin?
- Jean's naturalization card. Birth date: Nov 26, 1880. Date of naturalization: June 8, 1921. Address: 219 Summit St. (Elgin, Kane, Illinois). Country of birth: Romania.
- Eugene (age 49), Minnie (age 49), Eabel (age 23), Morris (age 18), Beatrice (age 14) live in Elgin, Kane, Illinois in the 1930 Federal Census. The family lives in a home valued at $7,500. Eugene and Minne got married at 21 years old (c. 1901). All in home are able to read/write. Eabel not in school, but Morris and Beatrice are. Eugene born in Romania (1st language: Romanian), Minnie born in Poland (1st language: Polish). Eabel born in Wisconsin, other children born in Illinois. Both immigrated in 1900 and are naturalized and can speak English. Eugene is a fruit and produce merchant. Minnie not employed. Eabel is a stenographer at a merchant office.
Additional Daughter?
Jean's son Adolph Bernstein apparently made a big deal of telling his son Eugene Bernstein that they were both fourth children and the first son in their families. That would mean that Jean and Minnie have one older daughter beyond what this page shows. Perhaps she died before adulthood?