Compiled By: Barry Barton Shiloff 1937-_______ and Joyce Marie Wheeler Shiloff 1937-_______ This is a work in progress. Revised 23/Mar/02. Current work in 2010 to maintain the genealogy and to create coherent web content.
We encourage anyone who may possibly have information pertaining to the older generations to please provide it to us. We would especially like documents, if any exist, from the old country which contain family names or perhaps a letter exists.
When reading the following pages of this presentation please note: Spelling of the same name may vary as we have seen documents with variations and do not know which should be used. In some cases we have never seen any official documents therefore we chose a spelling.
This information was gathered by Barry Shiloff and spouse Joyce Shiloff (nee Wheeler). Our approach was to start with the living and ask for family information such as names, dates etc. There has been a lot of help, but, special thanks goes to the following: Ida Zoorwill Bercovici, my mom Mollie Zoorwill, Frieda Zoorwill Krizelman, Tobey Zoorwill Henis, Esther Zoorwill Weiner, and Bessie Zoorwill Strelsin who all gave us a good start by supplying their family information.
An awareness of time and sense of place are two essential aspects of the human condition. They help us understand who we are and how we came to be that way. Knowing ones family heritage is certainly a part of this.
Sometimes we may wish we could choose our family as we do friends -- still -- we may do no better. It is our hope that one or more members of the immediate and extended family will, if not continue the record keeping, will maintain what we have started until a new family member catches the historian bug.
It may look like a lot of work to some and a quirky hobby, but we find it quite exciting. We have learned a lot about our country's history as well as the family history. Vacations take us to various places looking for documents so we see parts of our country we would normally ignore and it has always been very enjoyable. Here is an example. Most people do not know that many of the people coming here on the Mayflower started on their journey from a town in England named Scrooby. We know it because we went there and found the people of the town are very much aware of this fact and have preserved parts of this tiny town for posterity. We went to England searching - you see Joyce traces her family to the Mayflower and beyond; one of Joyce's Mayflower family, (William Brewster's father and later William Brewster himself) was sort of an administrator of Scrooby Manor, a palace of the Archbishop of York.
That is the type information we think interesting and is a part of our history passed to our progeny. We hope to gather enough of these facts on any member of the "greater family" to enter into this book to make it interesting.
This book information starts in Russia and a good point is made in a dictionary of Jewish Surnames, from the Russian Empire by Alexander Beider (pub. Avotaynu PO Box 1138 Teaneck , NJ 07666). Beider points out; if one wishes to trace the families in Russia look in the "Pale of Settlement." In 1772 and 1793, potions of Poland were ceded to Prussia, Austria and Russia. In 1795 the final partition of Poland ceded the balance of Poland to these three countries, and Poland ceased to exist as an independent country until 1918. In the part ceded to Russia, Jews were permitted to live only in the area just acquired. This area became known as the Pale of Settlement.
At the time the author is writing this, it is not anticipated that much more will be done to trace the genealogy any further in Russia; if at a future time anyone takes on that task, keep the above issue in mind. Aside from our own pleasure gathering the data for this book, if delineating the known family members at this time helps in some small way to preserve any form of cohesiveness or any pleasure for others to simply know about the greater family, we will be pleased.
Immigrants coming to America must have had a lot of courage, and many apprehensions. They would be fearful of being turned away, they would not know the laws in the new country, they would not know the language, they would not have friends, maybe they would be lucky - a member of the family was already here and was waiting for them.
Unfortunately many documents were written in longhand, not spared from the ravages of time, and the style (or look) of some letters is not easily recognizable without a good deal of studying samples from the time period.
For those who like puzzles, you will understand when I say it is a real thrill to find documents such as a ships manifest that contains the sought after information. It can, however, be rather difficult locating a person when the name on the document differs far from the expected.
In the table below, I am showing information on each person gleaned from a ship manifest. These documents are in archives that are available to anyone. Usually one searches for an individual by name. The data bank of names is compiled by someone who looked at the original document and entered what they thought they saw, however, they did not realize what they saw was not what was meant. The names I show "listed on the ship manifest" is how they were listed.
| American Name | Name on Ship Manifest | Name of Ship | Arrival Date | Residence in Russia | Destination |
| David Philip Zoorwill | Dawid Faiwel Szuravel | SS Brandenburg | 5 Feb. 1912 | Kalinkowicz Minsk | Council Bluffs, Iowa |
| Elka Ida Zoorwill | Zurawel Chaia | SS Chemnitz | 18 Aug. 1913 | Mozyr | 2013 5th Ave. Council Bluffs, Iowa |
| Bennie Zoorwill | Abram Zurawel | SS Chemnitz | 18 Aug. 1913 | Mozyr | 2013 5th Ave. Council Bluffs, Iowa |
| Mollie Sarah Zoorwill | Malk Zurawel | SS Chemnitz | 18 Aug. 1913 | Mozyr | 2013 5th Ave. Council Bluffs, Iowa |
* Of note, is information on the legendary shipping company Red Star Line. They brought our family, and two million other passengers over time, in search of the American Dream. Red Line History, and Red Line Museum. Both are interesting reads.
Here is a .pdf of a chart showing most of the greater family which will be broken down into sections following this.
Acknowledgments
This genealogy will start with the male and female lines traced forward.
It is presented in segments (family lines) within one domain. I will normally show information collected with what ever errors it contains, rarely will I show (sic) indicating an error.
Schmiel ZHURAVEL was born c1850 in Russia. Schmiel died c1895 in Russia.
Notes for Schmiel:
A Dictionary of Jewish Surnames from the Russian Empire by Alexander Beider lists names by transliteration of Russian. Beider lists some Zhuravel like names: Zhuravl (Rechitsa, Gajsin, Odessa) A Crane (bird) Zhuravel, Zhuralev, Zorovel, Zhorov (Zarov, Zhorov, Zorov) Zhuravel (Mozyr, Ovruch, Vinnitsa) from the village of Zhuravel (Cherikov dist.) I have chosen to use the name Zhuravel I have been unable to obtain any document which shows the name either using the Cyrillic alphabet or printed very legibly so I will rely on Beider's work.
I have chosen to use the name Zhuravel. The only document I have seen with the name is the ticket of my grandfather. It looks like David Zhuravel; also the name on the ship manifest on which he sailed appears as though it should have been Zhuravel.
5 February, 2001 note: I am inserting Schmiel in the record. My sister Marsha found a letter postmarked 16 July 1958, addressed to our mother Mollie Beckstead (nee Zoorwill). This letter was a response, from Mollie's sister Esther Weiner (Zoorwill), to a request from Mollie for family history. Esther shows the father of Aaron Solomon as Schmil. I will show him as Schmiel. Schmiel's spouse is shown as Schma, which I will show as Shimka. In 1991 Esther responded to my request for data and listed a daughter of Aaron Solomon as Shimka so it seems logical that Schma should be Shimka. He married Shimka [__?__]. Known child of Schmiel ZHURAVEL and Shimka [__?__] is:
- (m) Aaron Soloman ZHURAVEL, born c1870, died c1910.
Aaron Soloman ZHURAVEL was born c1870 in Russia. Aaron died c1910.
Notes for Aaron:
In the 1958 letter from Esther it shows her grandmother as Bluma Bealah (I will spell Beila) and also shows the father of Bluma Beila unk (unknown). Fathers name was Nokem. The mothers name was not shown. She is said to have died giving birth to twins, Bluma Beila being one of them. He remarried to a Sarah Molka (last name not provided) Esther's letter lists the following children of Aaron and Bluma Beila:
He married Bluma Beila (unknown). She was born c1870 in Russia. She was the daughter of Nokem [__?__] and 1st wife who died. Bluma died c1902.
Notes for Bluma:
According to Esther Zoorwill, Bluma Beila's mother died giving birth to her and a twin. Known children of Aaron Soloman ZHURAVEL and Bluma Beila (unknown) are:
- (f) Shimka ZHURAVEL
- (m) Dovid (David) Fival (Philip) ZOORWILL, born c1890, died 24 Jul 1964
- (f) Sonya ZHURAVEL
- (m) Morris ZHURAVEL
- (f) Hana ZHURAVEL
- (m) Nokem (Norman) ZHURAVEL
- (m) Harry ZHURAVEL
Dovid (David) Fival (Philip) ZOORWILL was born c1890 in Russia. Dovid died 24 July, 1964 in Philadelphia, PA.
Notes for David:
The certificate of death for David shows his birth date as Jul 18 1893, with data supplied by his wife Elka, however, his ticket to America in 1912 shows his age as 22, thus a three-year conflict exists. Cause of death is shown as acute myocardial infarction.
He married Elka (Ella) Chaia (Ida) KOMISAR. She was born 15 Mar 1886 in Russia. She was the daughter of Benjamin Komisarcyk and Pescha (Bessie) (unknown). Elka died 9 Sep 1978 in Philadelphia, PA, at the age of 92. While in Philadelphia David registered for the draft. It was 27 April 1942, he was 54 years of age, 5'5" 184 pounds, living at 616 Snyder Ave.
David received his Certificate of Naturalization 5 Feb. 1943. At that time he also had his name officially become David Zoorwill.
Ticket No. 1623 dated 11 Jan 1912 on the ship Brandenburg to Galveston Texas from Bremen Germany. Of particular notice to me is the spelling of his last name; on the first line it is Szurawel. On the next line, in a different hand, it is written again as Zuravel. Other information is as follows: coming from Kalinkowicz Russia -- Age 22 -- Cost 150 Marks.
I obtained a copy of the Brandenburg's manifest from the Rosenberg Library in Galveston, Texas. It sailed on 12 Jan. 1912 arrived 5 Feb. 1912. Shown below is a portion from the manifest. #18 The name was indexed as Szuravel Dawid Faiwel which complicated my search. The manifest shows: Szuravel Dawid Faiwel, Shoe Maker can read and write -- a portion not shown says: from Kalinkowicz Minsk going to Council Bluffs Iowa -- wife Elka Zuravel -- height 5'1'' -- hair brown -- eyes brown -- age 22.
Shown below is a copy of the name from the ship's Manifest. The first letter is an S in the old style of writing. One can only wonder about these things. I regret not taking an interest in this when I could have asked him about it.
Below:
a copy of David's ticket.
Notes for Elka:
Elka arrived on the Ship SS Chemnitz leaving Bremen July 17 1913 arriving at Galveston, Texas Aug. 18 1913.
Shown below is a copy of a portion of the ships manifest showing her nearest relative where she last lived and Elka gave mother's name.
Source: Texas Seaport Museum in Galveston Tx and microfilm from the Rosenberg Library in Galveston. A portion of the ships manifest shows # 8 Zuravel Chaia, Malk, Abram (two children). Ship SS Chemnitz left Bremen July 17 1913 arrived at Galveston Aug. 18 1913. Listed are: Chaie or Chaia Zurawel age 25 cannot read or write, with her are Malk (my mother Mollie) age 2 and Abram (Abraham Benjamin) age 6, coming from Mozyr Russia going to; Husband, 2013 5th Ave. Council Bluffs, Iowa. Mother listed as Peshe Komisarczyk (as best as I can read it) from Mozyr. The next entry for daughter Malk refers to Pesche as grandmother which would be correct.
Elka was apparently traveling with a relative as there is also on the ship Sore Zhurawel age 18, a dressmaker, from Kalinkowitz, and destination as going to D. Zurawill, 2013 Fifth Ave Council Bluffs.
Dovid and Elka lived in Council Bluffs IA. until about 1947 when they moved to Philadelphia Pa. In Council Bluffs they had a building with a shoe repair shop and in the custom of the day they lived in the rear. The kids all went to Thomas Jefferson High School.
I have no documentation other than what I have shown above, and I have done my best to decipher what looks something like Komisarczyk listed as Elka's mother in the ships manifest, and relying on Beider's book - he shows various spelling for the name and Komisarczyk seems probable to me.
As best I can remember: some time in the mid 60s I was told by bubbe Elka that when in Russia Dovid was in the Army and she wrote a letter to his commander telling him that there was a death in the family and could Dovid come home for the services. He was allowed to go and when he got there and asked who died she said no one. He replied "are you crazy they will kill me" to which she said she knew that and so he must go to America and she had made plans for that. She then wrote to the commander and asked where was Dovid "you said he could come home." She followed him to America the next year.
The Galveston Movement
David Zoorwill and wife Ella came to America through the port of Galveston Texas. Most people think the only port for immigration was New York, however, there were several, Galveston being one of them, so it seems appropriate to mention the Galveston Movement. The following is information from the Texas State Historical Association and the book Galveston: Ellis Island of the West by Bernard Marinbach
The Galveston Movement operated between 1907 and 1914 to divert Jews fleeing the pogroms of Russia and eastern Europe from Congested communities of the Atlantic coast to the interior of the United States. The Jewish Immigrants' Information Bureau directed the movement as a means of preventing an anticipated wave of anti-Semitism on the Eastern seaboard, which might lead to immigration restrictions. Several benevolent groups tried to find a southern port of entry to disperse the burgeoning population.
The bureau considered three ports. Charleston and South Carolina, explicitly wanted Anglo-Saxon immigrants. New Orleans, a thriving urban center where Jews might be inclined to settle instead of moving on into the interior, posed a recurrent threat of yellow fever. Galveston, which was closed to job opportunities in the West, seemed the best policy. Besides its location, Galveston was a passenger port for Lloyds Shipping Company, which served the German port of Bremen, through which East European Jews traditionally left the continent. Also, Galveston's small size did not encourage large numbers of Jews to settle there permanently.
Groundwork for the Galveston Movement was shared by several Jewish organizations in America and Europe. Jacob Scoff presided over the "Galveston Committee" in New York City, which coordinated the recruiting efforts of the London-based Jewish Territorial Organization and the Jewish Emigration Society of Kiev with the reception and relocation activities of the Jewish Immigrants Information Bureau, based in Galveston. David Brewster, honorary secretary of the bureau, administered the program from his New York office.
The first refugees, fifty-four men and two women, arrived on the steamship Cassel in early July 1907. Two days before the ship docked, a warehouse remodeled as a reception center burned down, raising questions about the welcome likely to be afforded the newcomers. Mayor Henry Lands, however, spoke to the immigrants; a schoolteacher from southern Russia answered with a grateful speech on behalf of the group.
Rabbi Henry Cohen
The members of the first group were distributed between cities and communities throughout the western states and as far north as Fargo, North Dakota. The main territory to which the bureau directed immigrants was between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains. Four of them settled in Fort Worth. None remained in Galveston, in keeping with the movement's policy. Despite the economic Depression 900 immigrants passed through Galveston before the end of 1907. The following year only 106 came, and Jewish organizations worked hard to stimulate interest in absorbing the immigrants among the smaller communities across the United States. Within Texas the focus was on Tyler, Texarkana, Marshall, and Palestine, since the railroad fare from Galveston to these towns, at the half-priced charity rate, was only four or five dollars.
Recruiters stipulated that immigrants should be able-bodied laborers and skilled workers under the age of forty. The number of Hebrew teachers and kosher butchers was restricted in the belief that strict religious adherence would limit the immigrants' ability to work and be assimilated. Teachers were deemed unskilled, though some entered, as did others, on the pretense that their skills or training met job needs.
In 1909 a total of 773 Jews landed at Galveston, and by the following year 2,500 had sailed to the port, most originating in small towns. In 1911 some 1,400 arrived, only 2 percent of the total Jewish immigration to the United States in that year. By 1913 the situation had worsened; merchants became concerned about competition from immigrants, and an increasing number of immigrating Polish Jews who would not work on Saturday reduced the waning enthusiasm of American Jewish communities further. Three communities declined to take more; the representative from Cleburne, Texas, complained about the immigrants' "exactions, faultfinding, and refusal to abide by the labor conditions upon which they come."
Throughout the period of the Galveston Movement, its chances of success were handicapped by continual infighting among the cooperating organizations on both sides of the Atlantic, by the unfavorable condition of the American economy, and by the restrictive attitudes and behavior of Galveston immigration authorities. Further, European Jews did not recognize Texas and the Southwest as the America of their dreams; the area satisfied no religious or nationalistic expectations. Between 1907 and 1914, when it ceased operation, the Jewish Immigrants' Information Bureau brought 10,000 immigrants through Galveston, approximately one-third the number who migrated to the Holy Land during the same period.
Looking at all information from the past, I have the following census data.
1920 census, ED157, sheet 2A, Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie county Iowa. The family is living at 506 and what looks like 25th St. Shown are: Zooravi David age 30, unable to read and write, can speck English, year of immigration 1912, born in Russia, Mother tongue Jewish, mother and father both born in Russia, Mother tongue Russian, Occupation - shoemaker. Eigie, wife, age 30 unable to read and write, can speak English, year of immigration not shown, born in Russia, Mother tongue Jewish, mother and father both born in Russia, Mother tongue Russian, Occupation - none. Benjamin, son, age 12, able to read and write, can speck English, year of immigration not shown, born in Russia, Mother tongue Jewish, mother and father both born in Russia, Mother tongue Russian, Occupation - none. Mollie, daughter, age nine, able to read and write, can speak English, year of immigration not shown, born in Russia, Mother tongue Jewish, mother and father both born in Russia, Mother tongue Jewish, Occupation - none. Freda, daughter, age six, unable to read and write, can speak English, born in Iowa, Mother tongue not shown, mother and father both born in Russia, mother tongue Jewish, Occupation - none. Trisha, daughter, age four, unable to read and write, can speak English, born in Iowa, Mother tongue not shown, mother and father both born in Russia, Mother tongue Jewish, Occupation - none. Bessie, daughter, age two ½, unable to read and write, can speak English, born in Iowa, Mother tongue not shown, mother and father both born in Russia, mother tongue Jewish, Occupation - none.
The Iowa 1925 Census - book 216 lines 53 thru 59, ward 5 Council Bluffs, shows Zoorwell D owning a home on 5th Ave. valued at $3500 and insured for $3000, age 38, a citizen of USA 12 years, a citizen of Iowa 12 years, unable to read or write, born in Russia, name of father - Zoorwell S who was born in Russia and age is 70, and it is shown his mothers maiden name as Comesar B or age 68. Allice, wife age 38 age a citizen of USA 12 years, a citizen of Iowa 12 years, unable to read or write, born in Russia, name of father - Comesar Bennie who was born in Russia and age is not shown, mothers maiden name as not known. Bennie, son, age 17 a citizen of USA 12 years, a citizen of Iowa 12 years, able to read or write, born in Russia, name of father - Zoorwell D who was born in Russia and age 38, mothers maiden name Comesar Allice born in Russia. Mollie, daughter, age 14 a citizen of USA 12 years, a citizen of Iowa 12 years, able to read or write, born in Russia, name of father - Zoorwell D who was born in Russia and age 38, mothers maiden name Comesar Allice born in Russia. Frieda, daughter, age 10, able to read or write, born in Russia, name of father - Zoorwell D who was born in Iowa, name of father - Zoorwell D who’s age 38, mothers maiden name Comesar Allice born in Russia. Tobey, daughter, age 9, able to read or write, born in Iowa, name of father - Zoorwell D who was born in Russia and age 38, mothers maiden name Comesar Allice born in Russia. Bessie, daughter, age 7, able to read or write, born in Iowa, name of father - Zoorwell D who was born in Russia and age 38, mothers maiden name Comesar Allice born in Russia.
The US 1930 Census ED 78-66 Sheet 14A. Shows the family owning a home at 332 South Twenty First St. Council Bluffs. The name is shown as Zoorwell Dave, Home valued at $3000, has a radio, age 43, age when married 19, unable to read or write, born in Russia as were his parents, immigrated in 1912, naturalized citizen, speaks English, owns a shoe repair shop, not a veteran. Alice, wife, age 42, when married 18, unable to read or write, born in Russia as were her parents, immigrated in 1913,not a citizen, speaks English, not employed. Bennie, son, age 22, able to read or write, born in Russia as were her parents, immigrated in 1913, naturalized citizen, speaks English, not employed. Mollie, daughter, age 19, able to read or write, born in Russia as were her parents, immigrated in 1913, not a citizen, speaks English, not employed. Freda, daughter, age 15, able to read or write, a citizen, born in Iowa, parents born in Russia, speaks English, not employed. Toby, daughter, age 13, able to read or write, a citizen born in Iowa, parents born in Russia, speaks English, not employed. Bessie, daughter, age 11, able to read or write, a citizen, born in Iowa parents born in Russia, speaks English, not employed. Esther, daughter, age 4, a citizen born in Iowa parents born in Russia, speaks English, not employed.
Elka's certificate of death shows She died 9 Sept. 1978 in Philadelphia, PA. at the age of 92, and birth shown as 15 May 1888, however, it also shows her being 90 on her last birthday, and my aunts have told me her birthday was in 15 March, 1886. Cause of death is shown as acute myocardial infarction due to congestive heart failure. She is shown to have Diabetes Mellitus.
Known children of Dovid (David) Fival (Philip) ZOORWILL and Elka (Ella) Chaia (Ida) KOMISAR are:
- (m) Abraham Benjamin ZOORWILL, born 27 Nov. 1908, died 24 Aug 1983
- (f) Mollie Sarah ZOORWILL, born 5 Nov. 1910
- (f) Frieda ZOORWILL, born 1 June 1914, died 23 June 2008
- (f) Tobey ZOORWILL, born 20 Nov. 1915
- (f) Esther ZOORWILL, born 4 Jan. 1926
Descendants of Bennie
Abram Baruch ZOORWILL (changed legally to Bennie A.) was born 27 Nov. 1908 in Russia. Bennie died 24 Aug. 1983 in Omaha, Nebraska, at the age of 74.
*Ben at his junior high graduation.
Notes for Bennie:
Bennie came to America with his mother and sister on the SS Chemnitz (Addendum 1A). When he got his Certificate of Citizenship it states, By order of the Court dated October 5, 1932, the name of the petitioner Abram Baruch Zuravel was changed to Bennie A Zoorwill. Ben went to a business college and worked as an accountant. He married Ida BERCOVICI in Omaha, Nebraska, at the Rabbis Home. She was born 7 Nov. 1911. She is the daughter of Meyer BERCOVICI and Yetta SEGAL.
Copy of Bennie and Ida's Ketubah, and an explanation of what a ketubah is.
Known children of Bennie A. ZOORWILL and Ida BERCOVICI are:
- (f) Sarita ZOORWILL
- (f) Bette Elaine ZOORWILL
Sarita ZOORWILL was born 7 Jan. 1935 in Omaha Neb. She married David COOPER 15 March 1959. Known children are:
- (m) Jeffery COOPER
- (f) Felicia COOPER
- (f) Amy COOPER
Jeffery COOPER married Jennifer Dee HADDOCK June of 1991 in Omaha, Nebraska; they divorced. Known child of Jeffery COOPER and Jennifer Dee HADDOCK is:
- (f) Julianna Marilee COOPER
Jeffery married Julie Lee WORKMAN (Fahimi) in January of 1999. Known children of Jeffery and Julie are:
- (f) Isabella Erica COOPER
- (m) Paul Martin COOPER
NOTES for Jeff:
Julie is a Critical Care Nurse. She has been involved with several surgical missions overseas with Operation Smile. Jeff is an Emergency Physician. He has been involved with Okinawan Karate since college. He served as a Diving and Submarine Medical Officer in the US Navy (1988-1992).He is involved with disaster and law enforcement medical support.
Felicia COOPER received a BS from the University of Iowa, Sigma Delta Tau. She married Scott LITTKY in 1990 in Omaha at Beth EL Synagogue. Known children are:
- (m) Benjamin Michael LITTKY. Benjamin was stillborn
- (f) Sarah Rose LITTKY
- (m) Avi Benjamin LITTKY
Amy COOPER has a degree in teaching but does not like to teach so she works in another field. Amy and Kenneth Kahn had a son, Adam Cooper-Kahn. Known child is:
- (m) Adam COOPER-KAHN
Amy married Paul M. Rabinovitz about 5 years ago. He has 2 children from a prior marriage, Katelyn E. Rabinovitz (age 21) and Amanda M Rabinovitz (will turn 18 on July 13th):
- (f) Katelyn E. Rabinovitz
- (f) Amanda M Rabinovitz
Bette Elaine ZOORWILL was born 25 June 1944 in Omaha, Neb. She married Raymond ZDAN 31 Oct 1964. Notes for Bette: Ray is Catholic and Bette converted. Known children are:
- (f) Deborah ZDAN. She married Timothy FORNSTROM
- (f) Andrea ZDAN
- (f) Ruth ZDAN
Andrea ZDAN married Ray Arvid GREGERSON, Oct 1993. Known children are:
- (m) Luke Ray GREGERSON
- (m) Alex James GREGERSON
- (m) Michael Andrew GREGERSON
Notes: Andrea and Arvid adopted Michael in March of 2007. His birth name was Michael Clint Patrick and he as born in 1994 in Texas.
Ruth ZDAN married Brent DeWayne ADKISSON, Nov 1990. Known children are:
- (m) Kye Alan ADKISSON
- (m) Kane Patrick ADKISSON
- (m) Collin Foster ADKISSON
Descendants of Mollie
Mollie Sarah ZOORWILL was born 5 Nov 1910 in Mozyr, Russia.
Notes for Mollie:
Mollie received her certificate of citizenship on 22 May 1939 issued by the Department of Labor Northern District of Iowa U. S. District Court. Her name was officially changed from Malka to Mollie.
She married Herman Harry SHILOFF 14 Aug 1932 in Council Bluffs, Iowa; they divorced. He was born 19 Mar 1909 in Sioux City, Woodbury, Iowa. He was the son of Myer SHILOFF and Gittel (Gertie) GLICK. Herman died 4 Sep 1974 in Nevada, at the age of 65, and was buried 5 September 1974 in Reno, Nevada.
Copy of Mollie's naturalization document. Proof of age for school: larger version here, plus the one Ben signed, here.
Copy of Mollie's Ketubah, and an explanation of what a ketubah is.
Mollie and Herman were divorced and remarried and divorced once more. The decree was signed in Richmond California 28 April 1947. Mollie married Alton Berg Beckstead on 6 July 1947 in Yuma, Arizona. Alton went by the name Jim. He was named after someone who ran for a political office and one of his parents would not call him Alton as Alton was not that parents choice for the office. Jim was born 20 Oct. 1904 in Pocatello, Idaho, and died 2 September 1968 after suffering a long time with cancer. Jim was a hard-working man who married late in life (43 years of age) and had to deal with three kids and he did not have a clue about raising children!
This was hard on him and certainly on us. Mom met Jim on a blind date, she thought he was Jewish, turns out, he was Mormon and not religious, the religious issue never caused any problem that I know of. When they married, Mom had a house on West Spruce Street in San Diego which was sold after approximately a year, and they purchased a lot in Del Mar Terrace (a suburb of San Diego). 
A small mobile home was put on the lot and a home built there in a year or two -- I don't remember the exact time. During this time Libby lived with the Shiloff Grand Parents, and other family members, and Ed and I were in foster homes. Unfortunately, I can only recall this period with some bitterness. When Jim died, Mollie married William Martin. The marriage took place on 28 December 1970, and was performed by Charles Broadus, Justice of Peace in Theodore, Alabama. This did not last very long and they were divorced, and Mollie then married Max Greenberg.
NOTE added from Dayna: when Herman's sister Dee died, Dee's three sisters cornered me and told me that there were actually three marriages, not just the two. Dad has found no proof of this...yet.
Notes for Herman:
* Mollie and Herman, and the kids.
Herman went by the name Herman Harry, however, his birth certificate does not show the second name Harry. Herman's birth certificate was amended 1 Jan 1952. The first name, Himan was crossed out with Herman replacing that name:
The 1930 U.S. Census ED 2-34, sheet 1A, precinct 19 shows Herman at Fort Armstrong in Oahu Honolulu. Delineated on the form is: Shiloff Herman H age 24, single, can read and write, soldier in US Army a citizen and place of birth - New York with NY for mother and father as place of birth. I suspect Herman was not present when the census taker filled in the census form.
Herman entered the US Army a second time on 28 Apr 1942 and was discharged as a First Sargent in a Medical Detachment Technical School Army Air Force Training command Yale University New Haven, Connecticut.
Known children of Mollie Sarah ZOORWILL and Herman Harry SHILOFF are:
- (f) Libby Lee Shiloff, born on 3 Jul 1933 in Sioux City, Woodbury, Iowa
- (m) Barry Barton Shiloff, born on 20 Sept. 1937 in Sioux City, Woodbury, Iowa
- (m) Edward Shiloff, born on 27 May 1939 in Sioux City, Woodbury, Iowa.
- (f) Marsha Beckstead, born on 8 Apr 1948 in La Jolla, San Diego, California.
Libby Lee Shiloff was born on 3 Jul 1933 in Sioux City, Woodbury, Iowa.
Libby married Victor T Hoffman on 6 Dec 1951 in Del Mar Area. Victor was born on 25 Dec 1929 in Brooklyn, New York. They had the following children:
- (f) Kathleen Ann Hoffman, Born 1952, Died 2011
- (f) Christine Allison Hoffman
- (f) Ruth Elaine Hoffman
Kathleen married Miles Lynn Nelson in December of 1972.
* Kathy and Miles Wedding.
Kathy died June 9th, 2011. It was very unexpected.
The marriage ended in divorce. They had the following children:
- (m) Stacy Miles Nelson
- (m) Travis Dustin Nelson
Stacy Miles Nelson had a child with Miranda Moore. This couple did not marry.
They had the following children:
- (m) Braden Hardy Nelson
Christine Allison Hoffman was born in Poughkeepsie, New York. Christine married Walter Calvin Porter in May of 1974 in San Diego CA. They had the following children:
- (f) Charity Marie Porter
- (f) Crystal Lynn Porter
Charity Marie Porter married Brian Michael Parks in May of 1999. They had the following children:
- (f) Sydney Michele Parks
- (m) Hunter Alan Parks
* Charity and her family.
Crystal Lynn Porter was born in San Diego, she had the following children:
- (f) Xena GARIBY. Notes: David Gariby is the father of Xena Renee
- (m) Michael David Alexander Porter
Ruth Elaine Hoffman married Richard Allen Podwoski in March of 1978 in San Diego, CA. They had the following children:
- (f) Brandi Lynn Podwoski
- (f) Krystie Renae Podwoski
- (m) Tanner Alan Podwoski
Brandi Lynn Podwoski married Andrew Gordon Scharfenberg in Novemember of 1997. Krystie Renae Podwoski married David Mathew Schillo in June of 2000. They had the following children:
- Danica Lily SCHILLO
* Cousins Kathy, Dayna, Chris, with Hank's wife Robin.
Barry Barton Shiloff was born on 20 Sep 1937 in Sioux City, Woodbury County, Iowa, at the Lutheran Hospital.
Barry married Joyce Marie Wheeler on 17 Sep 1955 in Del Mar, CA. Joyce was born on 12 Dec 1937 in W. Springfield, Hamp. Mass and was christened in Springfield, Mass.
Notes: My parents' address at the time I was born was 2415 Pierce, Sioux City Iowa. As a teen, I worked in my stepfathers' gas station and did farm work including tractor driving. In 1970 with Joyce, formed Jupiter Electronics. In 1974 with partner Richard Van Antwerp formed Electronic Solutions and 1984 formed I-Bus Systems. These were all sold at a nice profit and although financially independent, not quite ready to retire, I joined Paralan Corporation in 1991 taking the position of President, and Joyce retired.
When I was about 14 years of age, my parents bought 30 acres in the country; we raised pigs, rabbits (about 200), chickens, ducks a goat and a cow. I killed any rattlesnake I ran into and skinned them. I had about 10 skins on the wall in my bedroom; Joyce did not think too highly of this endeavor. Joyce and I met in high school, we dated for two and one half years. I had a horse and Joyce got one and we enjoyed riding together. I got into a fight with my stepfather so I quit school, left home and joined the USAF. I finished high school via a correspondence course.
After basic training in the USAF Joyce and I married. I was sent to Denver and received good training in the field of electronics. In 1957 after training I was stationed at McCord AFB, Tacoma WA. 318th Fighter Interceptor Squadron.
We bought our first new car for $1776. It was a red 1958 Hillman Husky, a four-cylinder station wagon. My first car was a 1938 Chevy (junk), the second one was a metallic green 1947 Mercury convertible (pretty), the third one was a 1949 Chevy. which was what I had when we married. We bought our first house in a new development for $13,695 on Canosa Ave. San Diego. I was earning $2.50 / hr at the time working for General Dynamics on the Atlas Missile. I worked on the one that launched John Glenn into space (Project Mercury). I was scared to buy the house but Joyce was insistent and we were able to get in for $100 down and $100 / month and since we were paying $90 rent, it seemed like a good deal. We lived there for 14 years until I persuaded my brother Ed, who had become a building contractor, to let me work with him and build a home on Castleton St. San Diego.
Joyce and I are interested in genealogy and as mentioned in the preface, Joyce traces her family to the Mayflower and beyond. We also like to play cards, go to movies and travel a bit. We used to ski, but, when I broke my ankle I decided it was too dangerous for me and quit. I like to repair things and read. Joyce used to like to sew, now she surfs the web.
Article from WEDDING:
Joyce Marie Wheeler Bride Of Shiloff in Church Rites
Honeymooning this week somewhere between Del Mar and Denver, are Mr. and Mrs. Barry Barton Shiloff whose marriage took place last Saturday, Sept. 17, at St. James Catholic church in Del Mar. The wedding trip will culminate Sept. 26, when the bridegroom concludes his fortnight's leave from Lowry Air Force base where he is stationed as an Airman third class. Plans were to take in points of interest on the leisurely motor trip via Hoover Dam.
The bride is the former Miss Joyce Marie Wheeler, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry J. Wheeler of Del Mar. The bridegroom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. A B. Beckstead of Carmel Valley. Rings were exchanged by the couple at the 11 a.m. ceremony performed by Rev. James Gilfillan, pastor of the church, and attended only by family members and a few close friends.
Miss Wheeler was given away by her father. She was a lovely picture in her strapless ballerina gown of white net over taffeta. The full bouffant skirt was attached to a fitted bodice fashioned with a lace insert several inches in width. She wore long mitts and an elbow-length veil of net, falling from a floral coronet of lily-of-the-valley. Her only adornment was a gold cross on a fine chain encircling her neck. It was lent to her by her aunt for her "something old" and "something borrowed." A garter was her "something blue." White gardenias formed her bouquet. Miss Karlene Whitt, the bride's only attendant, was wearing pastel blue in a strapless ballerina gown of net over taffeta and matching accessories. Her headband was a three-inch strip of net trimmed with lily-of-the-valley. A pink carnation bouquet complemented her attire.
Mrs. Wheeler, mother of the bride, chose an early fall suit of light-wool fabric in green for the event. Black accessories and a gardenia shoulder corsage completed her ensemble. The bridegroom's mother, Mrs. Beckstead, also decided on a suit for the wedding. Hers was a navy faille contrasted with red accessories and a shoulder corsage matching Mrs. Wheeler's.
Edward Shiloff served as his brother's best man. After the rites a reception for the wedding party was held at the home of the bride's parents, where a tiered cake was cut.
The new Mrs. Shiloff is a 1955 graduate of San Dieguito High school.
Mr. Shiloff, who was born in Iowa, attended schools in that state. He also attended San Dieguito High school.
Article from Paper on Their 50th ANNIVERSARY:
Golden Anniversary
Barry Shiloff and Joyce Wheeler were married at St. James. Catholic Church on September 17, 1955, in Del Mar, Calif.
They spent two years in Denver, Colorado, and two years in Tacoma, Washington, when Barry: was in the Air Force. They returned to San Diego in 1959 where they raised two children, Dayna (Marty Hydrick), and Henry (Robin Barrows).
They have three grandchildren, Heather, Ian, and Heidi, and six great-grandchildren Evan, Joey, Savannah, Gregory, Dallas Jr., and Lillian.
A family celebration was held at the Butcher Shop Restaurant in, Kearny Mesa on September 10. Henry and Robin Shiloff and their daughter Heather traveled from North Carolina, and Heidi and Dallas Greve plus son Gregory traveled from Oklahoma to the celebration.
They had the following children:
- (f) Dayna Shiloff
- (m) Henry Joseph Shiloff
* Kids: Hank, Dayna and her son Ian, during one of Tobey's San Diego visit.
Dayna married James Edwards in 1977. The marriage ended in divorce. James was born in Kansas. They had the following children:
- (m) Ian Edwards
Ian married Sarah Michele Spurgeon on 6 Feb 2006 in Las Vegas Nevada.
* Ian and Sarah.
Notes for Dayna:
Dayna then married RA Siegal. They had no children, and marriage ended in divorce.
Dayna next married Donald Hydrick. Third husband owns his own ice business and dabbles in web work.
* Shiloff grandkids, Heather, Ian, and Heidi when they were younger.
Henry Joseph Shiloff married Robin Rene Barrows on 25 Jun 1977 in San Diego, CA, Presidio Park. They had the following children:
- (f) Heather Claire Shiloff
- (f) Heidi Wheeler Shiloff
Heather Claire Shiloff had a child with Kenneth Preston Ramsey. The couple did not marry. They had a child:
- (m) Kenneth Joseph Ramsey
Heather married Danny Ray Dalton in July of 1997 in Harmony, North Carolina.
They had the following children:
- (f) Savannah Rae Dalton
- (m) Evan Dalton NOTE: Danny's son from his first marriage.
Heidi Wheeler Shiloff and Kenneth Wayne McCoy had child Gregory Russell McCoy.
- (m) Gregory Russell McCoy
Heidi married Dallas Ray Greve on 4 Sep 2004.
* Heidi and Dallas, with Hank and Robin, and son Greg.
* Heidi with Hank and Robin.
They together had the following children:
- (m) Dallas Ray Greve Jr.
- (f) Lillian Marie Greve
* Hank and Robin with daughters Heather and Heidi, and their grandkids.
* Hank and Robin at Shiloff 50th Wedding Anniversary visit.
Edward Shiloff was born on 27 May 1939 in Sioux City, Woodbury, Iowa.
Edward married Maryalice Rosalie Tassaro on 2 Sep 1961 in San Diego, CA. Maryalice was born on 2 Oct 1938 in San Diego, CA. at home on Lincoln St. in San Diego. They had the following children:
- (f) Kelly Ann Shiloff
- (m) Edward Anthony Shiloff
Kelly Ann married Nassar Namvar in San Diego. This marriage ended in divorce. They had the following children:
- (f) Layla NAMVAR
Marsha Beckstead, born on 8 Apr 1948 in La Jolla, San Diego, California.
* Mollie and Jim, with Barry, Eddie, Marsha, plus Libby and Kathy.
Marsha married Calvin Curlee McGaugh on 30 Mar 1969 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The marriage ended in divorce. Calvin was born on 18 Jan 1945 in Dallas, TX. They had the following children:
- (m) James Christopher McGaugh
- (m) Michael Patrick McGaugh
James Christopher McGaugh married Sarah Jane Hawkins January 1995 in Three Rivers, CA. They had the following children:
- (m) Zachary McGaugh
- (m) Lucas Stanley McGaugh
Michael married Amanda (Mandy) Marie Galyean on 22 Jul 2005 in Pala Mesa Resort, Fallbrook CA. They have one child:
- (f) Dahlia McGaugh
* Marsha and family in 2004.
Descendants of Frieda
Frieda ZOORWILL was born 1 Jun. 1914 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She married Max KRIZELMAN. He was born 8 Jul 1909 in Omaha, Neb. He was the son of Samuel KRIZELMAN and Pauline [__?__] .
Max died 19 Dec 1986 in Omaha, Neb, at the age of 77.
Notes for Frieda:
In 1933 when Frieda graduated from high school she was asked to do some part time work at the Dixie Frock shop. This turned into a full time job and eventually the position of assistant manager at $12.50 per week.
When in 1935 the Zoorwill family moved to Philadelphia Frieda stayed in Council Bluffs with the Hanson family at four Charles Street, paying $2.50 a week room and board. One rainy day in late September 1935, Frieda went to a wiener roast at a friend's home. A young fellow Named Max came over to her and said "lets go outside, I have something to tell you". Frieda said, "so tell me", but Max insisted and she gave in and went out whereupon Max asked her to marry him. Of course she said no, you don't even know me, to which he replied that none the less she was the one he wanted for a wife. They did not wed that day, however, they began courting. Max planned and made all the arrangements (he did forget to get a photographer) and with 100 people present, Rabbi Berger performed the wedding ceremony the following January 19, 1936 at 5:00 pm. It was 19 below zero with 17 inches of snow on the ground. So although they met on a cold rainy day and married on an even nastier day it seems that they loved each other and stayed married for more than 50 years. Copy of Frieda's ketubah, and an explanation of what a ketubah is.
Max wanted Frieda to quit work which she did. They lived for about one year with Max's mother until Frieda insisted that they move. They did so to a small furnished apartment at 3150 Myrtle Ave. This place did not have a sink and only a wooden box for food storage. They moved in a few months to 18th and Maple and from there to a small four room brick house at 1708 Willis Ave. Max and his brother worked in their mothers plumbing business. In 1945 Frieda and Max opened their own plumbing supply store. The rent was $50 / month. There was a place in the rear of the store where they lived for approximately three years at which time, with a loan of $5,000 from First National Bank they bought the property. There was a house on the property into which they moved and lived for eight years.
* Newspaper article about Frieda. Mollie had this in her picture books.
Known children of Frieda ZOORWILL and Max KRIZELMAN are:
- (f) Sandra KRIZELMAN, born 27 Sep 1937
- (m) Norman A KRIZELMAN, born 28 Sep 1941 in Omaha, Neb. He married Judith DABOOSKY.
Notes for Norman:
Norman has a bent for music and art; he attended college for a time studying music. Normans' creative outlet is sculpting. Norman had worked in the family business and continue to run it when his parents retired.
Sandra KRIZELMAN was born 27 Sep 1937. She married David Harry COHEN. Known children of Sandra KRIZELMAN and David Harry COHEN are:
- (f) Pamela Terri COHEN
- (f) Laurie Ann COHEN
- (m) Phillip Lee COHEN
Pamela Terri COHEN was born in Omaha Neb. She married Donald SMITH. Known children of Pamela Terri COHEN and Donald SMITH are:
- (m) Zachary Paul Smith
Laurie Ann COHEN married Phillip Robert APPLEBAUM 15 Aug. 1982 in Houston, Texas. Known children of Laurie Ann COHEN and Phillip Robert APPLEBAUM are:
- (f) Shayna Brittany APPLEBAUM
- (f) Michelle Cherie APPLEBAUM
NOTES for Laurie:
14 year-old Laurie Cohen met 15 year-old Phillip Applebaum in June of 1975 at the Jewish Community Center in Houston Texas. She taught swimming to summer campers. Phillip was in training for his Jr. High football team. He sat on her chair to talk to a mutual friend and they have been together ever since.
Athletic Phillip was a three-letter-man -- track, basketball, and football. Phillip was in Shapiro AZA and graduated from Bellaire High School in 1979. Laurie was very active in Bnai Brith Youth Organization and was a founding member of Malev BBG. Laurie competed in the arts and won the Burns Art Award upon graduation from Westbury High School in 1978. They dated for seven years and married in 1982 after Laurie graduated from college.
Laurie received her BBA from The University of Texas at Austin and majored in Finance. She was a member of Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity and a little sister for Alpha Epsilon Pi. She began a banking career that lasted seven years and had achieved vice-presidential level when she chose to leave in 1989 in order to raise a family. Laurie has taught Sunday School since 1990, she enjoys art, needle crafts, decorating, organizing, and is an avid walker.
Phillip also attended The University of Texas at Austin and received a BS in Electrical Engineering. He was a member of Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity. Upon graduation and marriage to Laurie they moved to Dallas. In 1991 Phillip received his Professional Engineering License. Phillip has several engineering positions in Dallas and in 1992 founded his own firm, Applebaum and Associates Consulting Engineers (A & A ). The company grew steadily along with the economy and had an abundance of work. Phillip ran the engineering division and Laurie handled the finances, payroll and personnel on a part time basis. In 1998 A & A was acquired by a large established competitor and Phillip continued to oversee their Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing divisions for the Texas area. Phillip is a member of several professional organizations in his field including TSPE, IES, ASPE and toastmasters. He enjoys playing basketball and golf.
Phillip Lee Cohen married Lisa Denice Gamez in Corpus Christi, Texas. Known children of Phillip Lee COHEN and Lisa Denice Gamez are:
- (m) Parker Ryan Cohen
- (m) Blake Andrew Cohen
Descendants of Tobey
Tobey ZOORWILL was born 20 Nov 1915 in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
* Tobey and Mollie during San Diego visit in 1983 or 84. Also pictured are Joyce and Dayna.
Tobey died 10 Dec. 1997 in Philadelphia, PA. She married Lou HENIS 21 Aug 1938. He was born 1 Nov 1915 in Philadelphia, PA. He was the son of Nathan HENIS and Sarah [__?__]. Lou died 18 Jan 1981 in Philadelphia, PA, at the age of 65. Known children of Tobey ZOORWILL and Lou HENIS are:
- (f) Sharon HENIS
- (m) Howard HENIS
Sharon HENIS was born 10 Jul 1941 in Philadelphia, PA.
She married Harold RIFFKIN 18 Aug 1968 in Philadelphia, PA. Harold was born 14 Feb 1941 in Atlantic City, N.J. Known child of Sharon HENIS and Harold RIFFKIN is:
- (f) Felica Ilene RIFFKIN
Felica RIFFKIN was born in Philadelphia, PA. She married Dave RENZ in November of 1992. Known child of Felica RIFFKIN and Dave RENZ is:
- (f) Sarah Grace RENZ
Howard HENIS was born 24 Apr 1945 in Philadelphia, PA.
NOTES for Howard:
Educated at Temple University in Accounting. He married Sharon SAX in June of 1966 in Philadelphia, PA. She was born 13 Jan 1947 in Philadelphia, PA. Known children of Howard HENIS and Sharon SAX are:
- (f) Jill HENIS
- (f) Nori Lynne HENIS
Jill HENIS was born in Philadelphia, PA. She married Scott Allen SHAPIRO in June of 1993. He too was born in Philadelphia. Known children of Jill HENIS and Scott Allen SHAPIRO are:
- (f) Lindsay Jessica SHAPIRO
- (f) Melanie Elizabeth SHAPIRO
Nori Lynne HENIS was born in Philadelphia, PA. She married Joshua JACOBSON in November of 1997. He was born in Warrington PA. Known children of Nori Lynne HENIS and Joshua JACOBSON are:
- (f) Rebecca Tobey JACOBSON
- (m) Zachary JACOBSON
Descendants of Bessie
Bessie ZOORWILL was born 1917 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She married Abraham (B00) STRELSIN. He was born 1916 in Philadelphi, PA. He is the son of Harris STRELSIN and Yetta [__?__]. Known child of Bessie ZOORWILL and Abraham (B00) STRELSIN is:
- (m) Lenny STRELSIN, born 24 Nov 1946
Lenny STRELSIN was born 24 Nov 1946 in Philadelphia, PA. He married June GIBERSON 21 Jan 1984 in New Jersy; they divorced. Known children of Lenny STRELSIN and June GIBERSON are:
- (f) Melisa Aileen STRELSIN
- (f) Sarah Beth STRELSIN
Descendants of Esther
Esther ZOORWILL was born 4 Jan 1926 in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
* Esther is in the middle of the second row in this picture taken in 1933.
* Esther, and Sid. I think.
She married Sam WEINER 25 Nov 1945 in Philadelphia, PA. He was born 22 July 1922 in Russia. He was the son of Joseph WEINER and Ida FLEISHMAN. Sam died March 29, 1972 in Philadelphia, PA at the age of 49. Known children of Esther ZOORWILL and Sam WEINER are:
- (f) Eileen (Cookie) WEINER
- (m) Jay WEINER
- (m) Aaron WEINER
Eileen (Cookie) WEINER was born 30 Jan 1947 in Philadelphia, PA. She married Howard COHEN September of 1965 in Philadelphia, PA. He was born 11 Nov 1944 in Philadelphia, PA. Known children of Eileen (Cookie) WEINER and Howard COHEN are:
- (f) Debbie Fern COHEN
- (m) Michael Lewis COHEN
- (m) Samuel David COHEN
Debbie Fern Cohen married Scott Michael WALDMAN Aug 1990 in Philadelphia, PA. They have three children:
- (m) Zachary Evan WALDMAN
- (f) Ashley Elizabeth WALDMAN
- (m) Jake Samuel WALDMAN
Michael Lewis COHEN married Hilary Elizabeth MASON in August of 1993, but are now divorced.They have two children:
- (m) David Eric COHEN
- (f) Rachel Emily COHEN
Samuel David COHEN married Janet Lynn Bahnsen in October of 2000. They have two children:
- (f) Sarah Emma COHEN
- (f) Abigail Caitlin COHEN
Jay married Cynthia DIBONO May of 1987 in Philadelphia, PA. She was born in Philadelphia, PA.
Aaron WEINER was born in Philadelphia, PA. He married Dov HYATT August of 1978 in Philadelphia, PA. She was born in Rhode Island. Known children of Aaron WEINER and Dov HYATT are:
- (m) Sam WEINER
- (f) Stacey WEINER
- (f) Erica WEINER
Abraham Komisarczyk was born c1835. Abraham died c1915.
Notes for Abraham:
I believe Komisarczyk is correct due to the name on manifest of Ella Zoorwill. He married Sarah (unknown). She was born c1835. Sarah died c1885. Known child of Abraham Komisarczyk and Sarah (unknown) is:
- (m) Benjamin Komisarczyk, born c1855, died c1890.
Benjamin Komisarczyk was born c1855 in Russia. Benjamin died c1890.
Notes for Benjamin:
5 Feb. 2001 My sister Marsha found a letter postmarked 16 July 1958, addressed to Mollie BECKSTEAD (nee Zoorwill). This letter was a response, from Mollie's sister Esther Weiner (Zoorwill), to a request from Mollie for family history. Esther shows her mother as Elka Komisarchik and Elka's mother and father as Bessie and Benjamin.
Tobey Zoorwill Henis and Esther Zoorwill Weiner provided me the name Pesche as their Grandmothers name. Pesche is also shown as Elka's mother on the ships manifest when Elka came to the USA. Esther Zoorwill Weiner provided the name Abraham Ben as her grandfather's name.
He married Pesche (Bessie) (unknown). She was born c1855 in Russia. She was the daughter of Isadore (unknown) and Frieda (unknown). Pesche died c1914.
Source Notes for Pesche:
Pesche is shown on ships manifest, see Ella Komisar. Known children of Benjamin Komisarczyk and Pesche (Bessie) (unknown) are:
- (f) Elka (Ella) Chaia (Ida) KOMISAR, born 15 Mar 1886, died 9 Sep 1978.
- (m) Aaron Komisarczyk.
- (m) Isadore Komisarczyk, born in Russia
- (m) Morris Komisarczyk, born in Russia
- (m) Frank Comesar
- (m) Nathan Komisarczyk
Elka (Ella) Chaie was born 15 Mar 1886 in Russia. Elka died 9 Sep 1978 in Philadelphia, PA, at the age of 92. She married Dovid (David) Fival (Philip) ZOORWILL. He was born c1890 in Russia. He was the son of Aaron Soloman ZHURAVEL and Bluma Beila (unknown).
Frank COMESAR was born in Russia.
NOTES for Frank:
On the 1920 US Census ED 25, Sheet 2 Douglas county Omaha, Nebraska, I have found a Frank COMESAR and wife Rose living on Patrick Avenue. The age of Frank is 23. Rose is 21. Immigration data; Frank came in 1914 Rose in 1914. Not citizens in 1920. Both born in Russia, both speak Yiddish and English and can read and write. Frank is shown as a laborer in steel works.
The 1930 US Census ED 28-31 Sheet 7B. Frank and Rose Comesar are in Omaha living on 20th St. They now have a son Hyman age 10. Frank and Rose are both age 32. Frank is shown to have immigrated in 1913 Rose in 1914. Frank is a naturalized citizen, but Rose is not. Occupation, Frank - Retail Merchant in a grocery store, Rose is a Clerk in a grocery store.
SOURCE NOTES for Frank: I obtained the name of Frank from Frieda Zoorwell Krizelman and Toby Zoorwell Henis and Esther Zoorwell Weiner.
He married Rose POLANSKY. Known children of Frank COMESAR and Rose POLANSKY are:
- (f) Saddie COMESAR
- (f) Bessie COMESAR
- (m) Stanley COMESAR
- (f) Lillian COMESAR
SOURCE NOTES for Rose: UPDATE: 23 APR 1995 name supplied by Frieda (Zoorwill) Krizelman.
Glossary of some Jewish terminologies.
Family members who are looking through the genealogy are encouraged to give input. If you have a much clearer understanding of dates, or names, please tell us. Or if you find an error, or if you wish to contribute photos, documents, notes or historical memories of some kind. Please contact Barry: