Benjamin Borstein

Rank: Corporal, U.S. Army

Unit: Company 41, 153rd Depot Brigade

Entered service from: New Jersey

Died: September 30, 1918

Buried at: Old Jewish Section, New Camden Cemetery, NE Corner of Mount Ephraim & Ferry Avenues

Corporal Benjamin Borstein was born in Louisville, Kentucky on October 16, 1894 to Joseph and Celia Borstein. The Borsteins had come to America from Russia in 1889, living in Kentucky for several years in the 1890s and in Louisiana early in the century, before coming to Camden, NJ, eventually settling at 1200 Everett Street. Benjamin Borstein was living there on June 5, 1917 when he registered for the draft. He was then working as a brakeman for the Pennsylvania Railroad in Philadelphia.

Benjamin Borstein was called to service on July 16, 1918 and sent to Camp Dix, NJ, where he was assigned to Company 41 of the 153rd Depot Brigade. While on furlough from Camp Dix he came down with Spanish influenza and died at home on September 30, 1918. He was survived by his parents, brothers Isadore and Meyer, and sisters Sadie, Clara, Rhenette, Rebecca, and Adele. His family later moved to 606 South 5th Street, and later to 1500 Baird Boulevard in Camden, NJ.

Isadore and Meyer Borstein went on to become successful and well known merchants in the electrical supply and appliance business in Camden.