Genistory

Nechama Kanefsky was born in 1861 in Ukraine and emigrated to the US in 1913 to escape anti-Semitic violence. She and her family built a life in East Harlem, New York. Despite challenges, Nechama provided for her family and helped others in need. She passed away in 1934 at the age of 73.

Grady Franklin Stauffer was a dedicated and resilient individual, born on May 9, 1901, in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. He actively participated in motorboat racing, assisted in flood relief efforts during World War II, and co-owned a woodworking business. His legacy of service and community involvement is remembered fondly by his family and serves as an enduring inspiration.

Alma Gertrude Edgar Stauffer, born April 8, 1881 in Fishing Creek Township, Pennsylvania, led a life marked by family, marriage, and societal change. With her husband Charles Oliver Stauffer, she moved through several states, actively supporting women’s suffrage and community events. Following Charles’ passing, she continued to travel and passed away in Florida at the age of 94.

Hezekiah K. Crenshaw, born in South Carolina,1839, served in the Civil War, was captured at the Siege of Petersburg, and held at a POW camp on Hart Island, New York. After the war, he returned to South Carolina where he married and became a farmer, and had 11-13 children. He died in 1906, leaving his land assets to his wife and children.

Myrtle Lee McDonald, born in 1906, experienced rural life in South Carolina during the 1920s. She faced personal hardships, including giving up a baby for adoption in 1927. She married Charles H. Earley in 1929 and starting a family of her own. She moved frequently, navigating the Great Depression. Myrtle eventually became a telegrapher for Western Union, showing resilience as a widowed working woman. She passed away in 1973, witnessing significant historical events and societal changes.

Caroline Schwerin, born in Germany in 1851, immigrated to the United States with her family in 1867. Settling in Newark, New Jersey, they became part of the growing Jewish community. Caroline married Nathan Reiss, and together they raised their children, adapted to urban life, and experienced social mobility. Caroline moved to Jamaica, Queens in 1921 and passed away in 1929. Her story reflects the adaptability and fortitude of Jewish women during a transformative period in American history, embodying the enduring impact they had in shaping their communities and preserving their heritage amidst the complexities of immigration and urbanization.

Catherine Louise Grimm Boytim, born in 1929 in Indian Head, Pennsylvania, lived through historic events like the Great Depression, World War II, and the Civil Rights Movement. She married Michael Boytim in 1956, had a son who tragically passed away, and a daughter. She passed away in 2001 and is buried with her husband.

Louisa Myrtlelee Elbrook was born in 1850 in Charleston, South Carolina, and experienced the hardships of the Civil War. She married Hezekiah Crenshaw and raised 13 children. Her active community role led to her appointment as Postmaster. Despite health challenges, she continued her dedication until her death in 1933, leaving a legacy of resilience.

Martha Golder, born in 1859 in Stillwater, Pennsylvania, led a life marked by resilience and adaptability. She married twice, each time to a widower, and raised her children and stepchildren while frequently relocating on the East Coast. Her experiences mirrored broader societal trends, including the importance of extended family support and the evolving role of women. Amidst times of war and economic shifts, Martha’s strength and flexibility embody the challenges faced by women in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in America.