Camden People - Jacob Silver

JACOB SILVER was an early member of Camden's Jewish community. He was born in Russia in December of 1858 and married around 1881. Arriving in America in 1891, he brought his wife Rebecca and four children, Gertrude, Dora, Herman, and Bessie, over the following year. The family first lived in Pennsylvania, where children Edward and Julia were born. The Silvers came to Camden and in 1895 son Frank arrived, followed by Eva in 1898. Sadly, little Eva died, and when another daughter was born around 1904, she was also named Eva. William was the last child, born around 1909.

When the Census was taken in 1900, Jacob Silver and his family lived at 709 Chestnut Street. His next-door neighbor was Gustav Schwoeri, who operated Camden's first brewery. Jacob Silver at this time was operating a store. He later owned a home at 452 Mechanic Street.

For many years Jacob Silver worked for the city of Camden in the Water Department. By 1930 he had retired. He and wife Rebecca were still living on Mechanic Street in April of that year, as were son William and daughter Eva.

Jacob Silver passed away on February 9, 1933. He was preceded in death by his wife Rebecca.

Camden Courier-Post - February 10, 1933

JACOB SILVER, VETERAN CITY EMPLOYEE, DIES

Jacob Silver, 72, an employee of the Camden water department for years, died last night at his home, 306 Linden avenue, Woodlynne, after a long illness. The funeral will be held at 1:00 PM today at his home. Nine children survive: Herman, Edward, Frank, William and Eva Silver; Mrs. Gertrude Berman, Mrs. Dorothy Bornstein, Mrs. Bessie Wessel, Mrs. Julia Bush. Eleven grandchildren also survive.