George Henry Benioff was born in Russia (possibly in Rostov), Dec 1 1883 or 1884, to Isaac Jacob Benioff and Anne Fierkelman. Anne may have lost a daughter (Elka) in Rostov, before George was born, in 1882. According to the 1900 US Federal Census, Isaac came first, in 1886, followed by Anne, George (3) and David (2), in 1887. They lived in NYC at 342 Cherry Street (1992) and then 150 6th Ave (Anne had 3 more children and then died October 24, 1894 of cerebral hemorrhage (a stroke). Isaac married Ida Edith Baylis 7 Jul 1895, an arranged marriage, they were both widows. Ida was a first cousin to Menahem Mendel Beilis whose notorious trial played out in Kiev in 1913.
Ida lost her first son Isaac, born about March 1896 and died on March 1st 1897. He was a year old and died of convulsions in Delaware. The family moved to Viola, Delaware because Ida’s infant daughter, Sarah, who was born 25 Nov 1896 and died at 7 months, was doing poorly and the Dr. advised they move to the country. She died nonetheless, in May of 1897. She was buried in Queens at the Mount Zion Cemetery.
He married Anna Chlebnikov February 28, 1911 at 144 5th Avenue, NY, NY.
He married Jesse Orene “Rene” Wright on May 20, 1947 in Tulare, California. Their marriage was annulled a month later because he said “she had no intention of consummating the marriage”.
He married Lucy Read Adler in 1947. They were divorced in 1949.
He married Phyllis Olive Wright in 1950.
George attempted suicide a number of times later in life, apparently concerned about his ill health.
The City of New York, Department of Health
State of New York
Certificate and Record of Marriage
No. of Certificate – 5793
George H. Benioff and Anna Chlebnikov
Groom’s Residence 1368 Boston Rd.
Age: 26
Color:White
Single
Birthplace: Russia
Occupation: Furrier
Father’s Name: Isaak Benioff
Mother’s Maiden Name: Etel Fierkelmann
Number of Groom’s Marriage: 144 5th Ave N.Y. {they must be using this space for an alternate address – I assume this is a first marriage for them both}
Bride’s Residence: 80 Park Ave Paterson {NJ}
Age: 25
Color: White
Single:
Maiden name if a widow: {blank}
Birthplace: Russia
Father’s Name: Josef P.? Chlebnikov
Mother’s Maiden Name: Zirl? Chlebnikov
Number of Bride’s Marriage: 144 5th Ave.
I hereby certify that the above =named groom and bride were joined in Marriage by me, in accordance with the Laws of the State of New York at 144 5th Ave, in the Borough of Manhattan, City of New York, this 28 of February 1911
Witnesses to the Marriage:
Herman Lewis
Beni Bruck
Signature of person performing the Ceremony: Rev. U Levy
Official Station: First alStater K.U. Verein
Residence: 74 Willett St.
You will note that the County of Santa Clara chose to block his cause of death.
