Alter Barbel
Alter Barbell, born on January 24, 1877, in Pruzany, Russia, embarked on a journey to the United States via Hamburg. He, along with his wife Dora and sons Myer and Elmer, arrived at Ellis Island, New York, on February 28, 1902, aboard the Hamburg-American line steamship Phoenicia. The family initially settled in South Philadelphia, where, by the 1910 Census, another child named Israel had joined the family. Shortly after the census, they relocated to 327 Liberty Street in Camden, possibly influenced by local businessman Abraham Lichtenstein, a patron of Camden's first synagogue, known as the Lichtenstein Shul.
Initially a tailor, Alter Barbell transitioned to become a Hebrew teacher, a role for which he is most renowned. In March 1917, Alter filed his declaration of intention to become an American citizen while residing at 1122 Baring Street. By the 1920 Census, the family had moved to 1130 Baring Street, near Kaighn Avenue, with sons Myer working as a draftsman and Elmer as a bookkeeper at a furniture store.
In April 1930, the Barbell family still resided on Baring Street. Myer had married and established his medical practice as a physiotherapist at 2 Leonard Avenue in East Camden. Elmer had become an accountant, and Israel pursued a career as a dentist.
Alter Barbell continued teaching Hebrew in Camden until at least 1938. He passed away at 69 on July 14, 1946, and was laid to rest in the new Jewish section at New Camden Cemetery. Widow Dora Barbell lived at 1227 Langham Avenue with son Elmer and daughter-in-law Sadie. Rose Lillian Barbell also resided at this address, while Israel Barbell lived at 297 Rand Street in East Camden. Dr. Myer Barbell had relocated to 2737 Federal Street, just around the corner.
