Bettie, Etta, Rachel & Minnie Markson

In the 1890s, Russian immigrants Louis Markson and his wife, the former Sarah Cohen, were living in Nashville, Tennessee, where they ran a grocery store.  By the 1900 census, Sarah was a widow who continued to run the store and raise their six daughters. In May 1902, according to her death certificate, Sarah died of “ventral hernia with strangulated omentum.” Six months later, the four youngest daughters – Bettie (13), Etta (11), Rachel (9), and Minnie (5) – entered the Home. Three days after her arrival, however, Bettie was returned to Nashville under the auspices of Rabbi Isidore Lewinthal; the Home’s registry curtly explained, “Above the age limit.”

Etta remained in the Home until 1907, when she was discharged to her oldest sister, Annie, who was now married to Benjamin Fein).

During her time in the Home, Rachel performed in the play, “The Court of Somnus,” as part of the Home’s 1908 anniversary celebration.

In June 1909, Rachel and Minnie left the Home, joining their sister, Etta, in the care of their older married sister, Annie.

 Tragically, a few months later, a fire believed to be caused by arson, destroyed the building in which Rachel Markson was then living with her other married sister, Dora Markson Fishman, and Dora’s family. Rachel, Dora, and Dora’s family perished in the fire. “Whole Family Burn to Death,” Commercial Appeal (Memphis, TN), October 11, 1909. 

Bettie married Roy Homer Riggan and had a son. Bettie died in 1942.

Etta married Morris Gross. She died in 1975.

Minnie, who remained single and continued to live for many years with her sister, Annie Markson Fein, died in 1980.