Carrie Schwerin (1851 – 1929)

Caroline Schwerin, was born on February 27, 1851, and spent the first 15 years of her life in Kestrich, Germany. Growing up in this small village, Caroline’s early life was deeply influenced by her Jewish heritage and the close-knit nature of her community. These formative years in Kestrich were marked by Jewish traditions, family gatherings, and a strong sense of cultural identity.

Kestrich, Germany

Early Life in Kestrich, Germany

In Kestrich, Caroline experienced a traditional upbringing within the Jewish community. This period instilled in her the values of family loyalty, hard work, and religious observance. The small village environment fostered a strong sense of identity and community among its Jewish residents, which Caroline carried with her throughout her life.

May 25, 1867 Arrival in the United States

Caroline arrived in the United States on May 25, 1867, along with her family, on the S.S. Hermann, when she was 15 years old. The ship left from Bremen, Germany. According to the passenger list, the incoming family members were Isac (Isaac) Schwerin, 45, Gutel (Gitel, then Gilda,43, H. (Henry), 17, Carroll (Carrie or Caroline), 15, Jana (Jennie), 13, and Jette (Henryette), 9. Isaac was a merchant. Everybody in the family was from Germany and coming to the United States.1

Photo credit: Eltiste-Kaiser Website2

Jewish Emancipation in Germany

The mid-19th century was a period of increasing emancipation for Jews in Germany. The German states gradually began to grant Jews more civil rights, including the ability to live in cities and engage in various professions. This movement towards greater equality may have influenced Caroline’s family in terms of mobility and economic opportunities before they immigrated to the United States. This is also what might have given her family the freedom to leave Germany.

Immigration and Life in Newark, New Jersey

At the age of 15, Caroline immigrated to the United States with her family, settling in Newark, New Jersey. This city, experiencing rapid industrial growth, was home to a burgeoning Jewish community, which provided support and continuity as Caroline and her family adapted to their new urban environment.

European Immigration Wave

Between 1820 and 1870, the United States experienced a significant wave of European immigration. Many Germans, including Jews, fled economic hardships, political instability, and anti-Semitic restrictions. Caroline’s immigration to America in 1867 was part of this larger movement, seeking better opportunities and freedoms.

1870 United States Federal Census

In 1870, Caroline, 17, lived with her parents, Isaac, 45, and Gütle (Gilda) Schwerin, 40, and sisters, Jane (Jennie), 15, and Jettehe (Henryette), 12, in a home in Newark, New Jersey valued at $2,100. Isaac was a dry goods peddler in dry goods, and Carrie and her sisters worked in a “taylor” shop. Isaac and all the children were born in Darmstadt, Germany, and Gitel was born in Chur Hessen, Germany. There were many references to “Chur Hessen” in records between 1825 and 1889, but the name fell out of use after that and its current location is unknown. There is a German-speaking city named Chur in Switzerland,3 as well as a minor character in the Torah named Chur4, but it is unclear if either of these are related. Their personal estate was valued at $150. Name listed: Caroline Schwerin5

Newark, New Jersey

Industrialization and Urbanization

Newark was rapidly industrializing during Caroline’s early years in the United States. The city became a hub for manufacturing and industry, offering jobs and attracting a diverse population. This industrial growth likely provided economic opportunities for Caroline’s family and influenced the urban environment in which they lived.

1871 Marriage to Nathan Reiss

At the age of 20, Caroline married Nathan Reiss (spelled Reise) in Newark, New Jersey on May 26, 1871. Her parents were listed as Isaac and Gitel Schwerin. Name listed: Caroline Schwerin6

1880 United States Federal Census

In 1880, Caroline, 32, lived with her husband, Charles (actually Nathan) Reiss (listed as Rice), 34, and their sons: Louis, 8, Jacob, 7, and Henry, 3. Nathan was a butcher, while Caroline stayed home. They resided at 214 Springfield Avenue, Newark, New Jersey. Caroline’s birthplace was recorded as Bavaria, and Nathan’s as New Jersey, with their parents being born in the same places. All three children were born in New Jersey, with New Jersey listed as their father’s birthplace and Bavaria as their mother’s. However, much of this information was incorrect, including the spelling of their last name, Nathan’s first name, and the birthplaces of Nathan, Caroline, and their parents. The children’s first names and approximate ages were accurate, and some Reiss relatives did change their last names to Rice. The information was likely provided by someone unfamiliar with the family’s history. Name listed: Caroline Rice7

214 Springfield Avenue, Newark, New Jersey

This land was an empty field before 2015 but has since been developed into a building that hosts an Ashley Stewarts and a Popeyes.

Formation of Jewish Communities

As Newark grew, so did its Jewish community. Synagogues, Jewish schools, and cultural organizations were established, helping immigrants maintain their cultural identity and religious practices. Caroline would have been part of this vibrant community, which provided social support and preserved traditions.

1885 New Jersey State Census

In 1885, Caroline (listed as Carry), aged 20-60, lived in Newark, New Jersey with her husband, Nathan Reiss, also 20-60. They were both German. All their children were native-born, and they were listed as Louis, Jacob, Henry, and Gilda, aged 5-20, and Bella, aged under 5. Name listed: Carry Reiss8

1895 New Jersey State Census

In 1895, Caroline, age 20-60, lived in Newark, New Jersey with her husband Nathan Reiss, also 20-60, who were German immigrants. Their children, born in the United States, were Louis and Jacob, 20-60, Henry, Gilda, Bella, and Sydney, 5-20, and Tessie, under 5. Also living with them was Jas (probably Jason) McConnick, native-born, age 5-20. Name listed: Carrie Reiss9

Residences and Social Mobility

Throughout her time in Newark, Caroline’s family resided at various addresses, including 332-334 South 10th Street and 148 South 11th Street. These moves might reflect changes in their financial situation or the pursuit of better living conditions within the city.

1900 United States Federal Census

In 1900, Caroline, 48 (born February 1851), lived with her husband Nathan Reiss, 53 (born June 1846), and the following children: Louis, 27 (born March 1873, spelled Lewis), Henry, 21 (born July 1878), Gilda, 19 (born October 1880), Belle, 17 (born July 1883, spelled Bella), Sidney, 13 (born April 1887), and Tessie, 10 (born January 1890, spelled Thresa) in a rented house at 334 South 10th Street, Newark, New Jersey. Nathan and Caroline were born in Germany and their children were born in New Jersey. Everybody’s parents were born in Germany. Caroline and Nathan had been married for 28 years and Caroline had given birth to nine children, seven of whom were living. Both Caroline and Nathan listed their immigration year as 1870, that they had been in the United States for 30 years, and that Nathan was naturalized. Caroline, Nathan, and Gilda did not have jobs in 1900, but Louis was an artist, Henry was a butcher, Belle was a bookkeeper, and Sidney and Tessie were both in school. Everybody in the household could read, write, and speak English. Name listed: Carrie Reiss10

332-334 South 10th Street, Newark, New Jersey

The image above shows the location of 334 South 10th Street, Newark, New Jersey. However, the current building, which consists of 332-334 South 10th Street, was built in 2006.11

1905 New Jersey State Census

In 1905, Caroline, 54 (born February 1951) lived with her husband, Nathan Reiss, 59 (born June 1845), and the following children: Lewis H., 32 (Louis, born March 1873), Henry, 26 (born July 1872), Bell F., 22 (Belle, born 1883), Sydney A., 18 (born April 1887), and Tessie B., 15 (born January 1890) in a mortgaged house at 148 South 11th Street, Newark, New Jersey. Nathan and Henry were butchers, Louis was a jeweler, Belle was a bookkeeper, Sidney was a silk salesman, Caroline was home, and Tessie was in school. Nathan and Caroline had been married for 45 years. Nathan was listed as naturalized, and everybody could read, write, and speak English. Name listed: Carrie Reiss12

148 South 11th Street, Newark, New Jersey

The house that once stood at 148 South 11th Street has been replaced by an abandoned commercial building. The construction date of this building is unknown, but it was last sold in 2015 for $1,13 The neighboring house was built in 1940, suggesting that the houses present in 1905 no longer exist.

1910 United States Census

In 1910, Caroline, 59, lived with her husband, Nathan Reiss, 65, and their children, Louis H., 37, Henry, 30, Sydney, 23, and Tessie B., 20, at 148 South 11th Street, Newark, New Jersey. They still had a mortgage on their house. Nathan worked as a self-employed butcher, Louis and Henry were self-employed insurance brokers, and Sydney worked as a button salesman. Caroline and Nathan were married for 38 years, and seven of Caroline’s nine children were still living. According to the records, Caroline arrived in 1867 and Nathan in 1869, with only Nathan being naturalized. Everyone in the household could read, write, and speak English. Name listed: Carrie Reiss14

Further down the census page, Caroline’s daughter, Gilda, and her family were recorded. They rented an apartment in a building right behind the Reiss household on Central Avenue.15

Caroline with grandson, Sanford, about 1914

1915 New Jersey State Census

In 1915, Caroline, 64 (listed as Hana, born February 1851), lived with her husband Nathan Reiss, 67 (born June 1847), and her sons Sydney A., 28 (born April 1887) and Henry, 35 (born July 1879). They lived at 32 Baldwin Street, Newark, New Jersey. Nathan was a butcher, Sydney was a salesman, and Henry worked in real estate. Name listed: Hana Reiss16

32-34 Baldwin Avenue, Newark, New Jersey

The house above, now located at 32-34 Baldwin Avenue, Newark, is a multifamily home built in 1917.17 Caroline and her family were probably among the last to live in the house situated here before this one was built.

June 5, 1917 – Death of Caroline’s Husband, Nathan Reiss18

1918-1927 Newark Directory

Caroline was first listed in the Newark Directory in 1918, as the widow of Nathan. She lived at 77 Girard Place, Newark, New Jersey, and continued to be listed at this address until 1927, when it is noted that she moved to Long Island, New York.19

77 Girard Place, Newark, New Jersey

The home at 77 Girard Place was built in 1912 and is still standing.20

The Women’s Rights Movement

The late 19th and early 20th centuries were also a time of growing activism for women’s rights in the United States. The suffrage movement culminated in the 19th Amendment in 1920, granting women the right to vote. While it is not specifically documented how this movement affected Caroline, it was part of the broader societal changes that influenced women’s roles and opportunities during her lifetime.

1920 United States Federal Census

In 1920, Caroline, 69 and a widow, lived with her daughter, Tessie, 30, and Tessie’s family: husband, Sidney Stein, 34, son, Sanford, 6, and a servant from Poland, Julia Hazewsky, 23. They owned the house under mortgage at 77 Girard Place, Newark, New Jersey. He was a self-employed lawyer in general practice, and Sanford was in school. Caroline was born in Germany, as were her parents. Both Sidney and Tessie were born in New Jersey to German parents. The record indicates that Caroline immigrated in 1878 and was naturalized in 1885. Sanford was born in New Jersey, as were his parents. Julia was born in Poland to Polish parents and immigrated in 1912 but was not naturalized. Everyone in the household could read, write, and speak English. Name listed: Caroline Reiss21

Caroline with her son, possibly Louis, in 1921
Caroline is to the far left. Everyone else in the photo were her children, a son-in-law, and three grandchildren
Caroline, date unknown

Later Years in Jamaica, Queens, New York

After living for some years with her daughter, Tessie, Carrie spent the final eight years of her life in Jamaica, Queens, New York City to live closer to her daughter, Gilda Pollak. This diverse neighborhood had a growing Jewish population, offering Caroline new opportunities for social and religious involvement. The move to Queens marked a significant transition from her long-standing ties in Newark to a vibrant urban community in New York City.

Growth of Jewish Communities in New York City

During the early 20th century, New York City, including areas like Jamaica, Queens, saw a significant increase in its Jewish population. Many Jewish immigrants and their descendants moved to these neighborhoods, establishing strong communities with synagogues, schools, and cultural institutions. Caroline’s move to Queens placed her in a dynamic Jewish environment that offered new social and religious opportunities.

Death of Caroline Schwerin Reiss – October 12, 1929

Caroline died on October 12, 1929, at the age of 78 years, 7 months, and 15 days at home in the Hotel Whitman, which was a residence hotel located at 161st Street and Shelton Avenue, Jamaica, Queens. She died of cerebral apoplexy (a stroke) which occurred that day. Contributing factors were myocarditis and hypertension, which had ailed her for the last 10 years of her life. She was born on February 27, 1851, in Germany, but had lived in the United States for 60 years, and in New York City for 8 years. Her parents were Issac Schwerin and Gilda Plaut, both born in Germany. Her daughter Gilda Pollack (Pollak) acted as her executor. She was buried at B’Nai Jeshurun Cemetery in Elizabeth, New Jersey.22

El Camino (formerly Hotel Whitman), 161st Street and Shelton Avenue, Jamaica, Queens, New York

Caroline’s final home was the Hotel Whitman. Originally opened in February 1927 as a hotel for long-term and transient visitors and costing $1,000,000 to build, Caroline was among its first residents.23 Today it is known as El Camino, and it is run by New York City’s Department of Homeless Services as a homeless shelter for couples.24

Caroline was buried at B’Nai Jeshurun Cemetery next to her husband, Nathan, and her son, Louis.25

Caroline Schwerin passed away in 1929 in Jamaica, Queens, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to her family and community. Her life’s journey—from a small village in Germany to the bustling urban settings of Newark and Queens—embodies the adaptability and resilience of many Jewish women of her era.

Caroline’s story provides valuable insights into the experiences of Jewish women during a transformative period in American history. It highlights their crucial roles in maintaining cultural and religious traditions while navigating the challenges of immigration and urbanization. Her legacy is a testament to the enduring impact of Jewish women in shaping their communities and preserving their heritage amidst the complexities of life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Sources
  1. “Passenger Lists of Vessels Arriving at New York, New York, 1820-1897,” S.S. Hermann arriving 25 May 1867, sailing from Bremen, Germany to New York, NY, entries for Isac, Gutel, H., Carroll, Jana, and Jette Schwerin, unpaginated, 13th page, 5-10th lines, image, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed 26 May 2024), citing NARA microfilm publication M237, roll 36. ↩︎
  2. “S.S. Hermann,” Eltiste-Kaiser Web Site (http://www.eltiste-kaiser.com/Immigration/Hermann-Ship.htm : accessed 26 May 2024). ↩︎
  3. “Chur,” last modified 3 May 2024, Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chur : accessed 26 May 2024). ↩︎
  4. Jack Beiler, “The Enigmatic Chur,” Rabbi Yaakov Bieler ~ Contemporary Explorations of Jewish Texts and Thinkers (https://yaakovbieler.wordpress.com/2017/02/22/the-enigmatic-chur/ : accessed 26 May 2024). ↩︎
  5. 1870 U.S. Census, Essex County, New Jersey, population schedule, Newark City, Ward 13, p. 647B (stamped), p. 242 (penned), dwelling 993, family 2200, Caroline Schwerin, image, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 27 February 2021), citing NARA microfilm publication M593, roll 882.  ↩︎
  6. “New Jersey, U.S., Marriage Records, 1670-1965,” entry for marriage of Caroline Schwerin and Nathan Reise, 26 May 1871, index, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed 27 February 2021), citing New Jersey State Archives, Trenton, NJ, microfilm 004208618. ↩︎
  7. 1880 U.S. Census, Essex County, New Jersey, population schedule, Newark, enumeration district (ED) 41, p. 425C (stamped), p. 43 (penned), dwelling 214, family 457, Caroline Rice, image, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 27 February 2021), citing NARA microfilm publication T9, roll 777. ↩︎
  8. 1885 New Jersey Census, Essex County, population schedule, Newark, Ward 6, p. 227, dwelling 652, family 1099, Carry Reiss, image, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 27 February 2021), citing New Jersey State Archive, Trenton, NJ, microfilm 13. ↩︎
  9. 1895 New Jersey Census, Essex County, population schedule, Newark City, p. 119, dwelling 374, family 555, line 3546, Carrie Reiss, image, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 27 February 2021), citing New Jersey Department of State, New Jersey State Archive, Trenton, NJ. ↩︎
  10. 1900 U.S. Census, Essex County, New Jersey, population schedule, Newark City, ward 6, enumeration district (ED) 60, p. 19 (stamped), p. 6B (penned), dwelling 69, family 110, Carrie Reiss, image, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 27 February 2021), citing NARA microfilm publication T623, roll 964. ↩︎
  11. “332-334 S 10th St, Newark, NJ 07103,” Zillow (https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/332-334-S-10th-St-Newark-NJ-07103/38699104_zpid/ : accessed 27 February 2021). ↩︎
  12. 1895 New Jersey Census, Essex County, population schedule, Newark, ward 11, p. 8B, dwelling 80, family 126, Carrie Reiss, image, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 27 February 2021), citing New Jersey State Archive, Trenton, NJ. ↩︎
  13. “148 S 11th St, Newark, NJ,” block 1857, lot 35, NJ Tax Records (https://www.njtaxrecords.net/r/148-s-11th-st-newark-essex-county-nj-property-tax-record-3215760 : accessed 27 February 2021). ↩︎
  14. 1910 U.S. Census, Essex County, New Jersey, population schedule, Newark, ward 11, enumeration district (ED) 97, p. 217 (stamped), 90A (inked), dwelling 161, family 213, Carrie Reiss, image, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 27 February 2021), citing NARA microfilm publication T624, microfilm 954, roll 880. ↩︎
  15. 1910 U.S. Census, Essex County, New Jersey, population schedule, Newark, ward 11, enumeration district (ED) 97, p. 217 (stamped), 90A (inked), dwelling 162, family 215, Gilda Pollak, image, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 27 February 2021), citing NARA microfilm publication T624, microfilm 954, roll 880. ↩︎
  16. 1915 New Jersey Census, Essex County, population schedule, Newark, ward 16, enumeration district (ED) 4, p. 4B, dwelling 182, family 240, Hana Reiss, image, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 27 February 2021), citing New Jersey State Archive, Trenton, NJ, publication L-05, microfilm 23. ↩︎
  17. “32-34 Baldwin Ave, Newark, NJ 07108,” trulia (https://www.trulia.com/home/32-34-baldwin-ave-newark-nj-07108-38704968 : accessed 27 February 2021). ↩︎
  18. Joseph Fulford Folson, “Nathan Reiss,” The Municipalities of Essex County, New Jersey, 1666-1924 (New York, NY: Lewis Historical Publishing Company, Inc., 1925) ps. 388-89, image, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed 27 February 2021). ↩︎
  19. Newark Directory 1918, vol. 83 (Newark, NJ: The Price & Lee Co., 1918), p. 1290, image, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed 27 February 2021); Newark Directory 1920, vol. 84 (Newark, NJ: The Price & Lee Co., 1920), p. 1283, image, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed 27 February 2021); Newark Directory 1922, vol. 85 (Newark, NJ: The Price & Lee Company, 1922), p. 1120, image, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed 27 February 2021); Newark City and Industrial Directory 1923, vol. 86 (Newark, NJ: The Price & Lee Company, 1923), p. 1321, image, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed 27 February 2021); Newark City and Industrial Directory 1924, vol. 87 (Newark, NJ: The Price & Lee Company, 1924), p. 1358, image, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed 27 February 2021); Newark City and Industrial Directory 1925, (Newark, NJ: The Price & Lee Company, 1925), p. 1353, image, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed 27 February 2021); Newark Directory 1926, (Newark, NJ: The Price & Lee Company, 1926), p. 833, image, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed 27 February 2021); Newark Directory 1927 (Newark, NJ: The Price & Lee Company, 1927), p. 913, image, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed 27 February 2021). ↩︎
  20. “77 Girard Pl, Newark, NJ 07108,” realtor.com (https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/77-79-Girard-Pl_Newark_NJ_M55993-78638 : accessed 18 January 2021). ↩︎
  21. 1920 U.S. Census, Essex County, New Jersey, population schedule, Newark City, district 10, enumeration district (ED) 284, p. 203 (stamped), 10A (penned), dwelling 156, family 226, Caroline Reiss, image, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 18 January 2021), citing NARA microfilm publication T625, roll 1038. ↩︎
  22. “State of New York, Department of Health of the City of New York, Bureau of Records,” image, NYC Municipal Archives Historical Vital Records (https://a860-historicalvitalrecords.nyc.gov/view/5999470 : accessed 26 May 2024), death certificate for Caroline Reiss, certificate no. 6228, filed 18 October 1929. ↩︎
  23. “New $1,000,000 Hotel to Open Next Month,” The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, 23 January 1927, Page D3. col. 6, image, Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle/71927027/ : accessed 24 February 2021), clip page by user genistory. ↩︎
  24. Matt Hampton, “Jamaica Couples Shelter Open For Nearly One Year,” 3 April 2008, Queens Chronicle (https://www.qchron.com/editions/eastern/jamaica-couples-shelter-open-for-nearly-one-year/article_71d5b1d5-75e2-5e67-a1db-75a78938e569.html : accessed 27 February 2021). ↩︎
  25. Find a Grave (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/214378596/caroline-reiss: accessed 26 May 2024), memorial page for Caroline Schwerin Reiss (27 Feb 1851–12 Oct 1929), Find a Grave Memorial ID 214378596, citing Congregation B’Nai Jeshurun Cemetery, Elizabeth, Union County, New Jersey, USA, Maintained by 46512307 (contributor 46512307). ↩︎

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