Temple Sinai Cemetery in Sumter receives historical marker

A small group of community members gathered on the grounds of the Temple Sinai Cemetery to witness the marking of the historical site.

According to Diana Roof, site manager for the Temple Sinai Jewish History Center, around 1815, the first Jewish settlers to arrive in Sumter were Marks and Rachel Solomons, of Charleston. A decade later, Franklin and Esther Moses arrived, followed by Montgomery and Catherine Moses and Andrew Jackson and Octavia Moses before the Civil War. Gen. Edwin Warren and his wife, Esther Moise, arrived shortly after the war.

Located on Oakland Avenue, the first two acres of land for the Temple Sinai Cemetery were acquired from John H. Furman by the Sumter Hebrew Cemetery Society, also known as The Burial Society, in 1874. Lots were initially 25 by 40 feet and were priced at $25 per lot, Roof said.

Two additional acres were purchased by H.J. Harby and J.D. Blanding in 1907, and members of the Moise family donated an adjacent lot in May 1977 to "enhance the size and beauty of the cemetery, thus ensuring there would be plenty of room for future generations," Roof said.

There are 555 buried in the cemetery, according to Roof. Though the Solomonses were laid to rest in Charleston, three of their four children remain in Sumter. A.A. Solomons, the eldest son and founder of the A.A. Solomons store, has a distinctive headstone on the right of the cemetery.

With so much history buried beneath its sacred ground, it was fitting that a national historical marker be placed inside, courtesy of the South Carolina Society Daughters of the American Colonists.

Frances Williams, national chairwoman for the Historic Landmarks and Memorials of the DAC, said the organization's objectives are patriotic, historical and educational; to research the history and deeds of the American colonists and to record and publish them; to commemorate deeds of colonial interest; to inculcate and foster love of the United States of America and its institutions by all its residents; and to obey its laws and venerate its flag, the emblem of its power and civic righteousness, according to the organization's website.

"Markers are one way of showing the community what is actually in their own community," she said. "Today, we're happy to be here; the Jewish community has been here since the early 19 century, and we're here to recognize their service to the community as well as just providing history on the cemetery."

"Some people may look around this cemetery and see hundreds of headstones. But when I look around, I see hundreds of people of the Jewish faith who have made a huge influence on the City of Sumter. They have contributed to the business, educational, cultural and moral improvements of the community life here in Sumter as well as in areas beyond," Roof said.

During her time working at the Temple Sinai Jewish History Center, Roof has met numerous guests who shared stories about their families and businesses. One in particular was when Jewish-owned stores would extend credit to people unable to pay their bills.

"I think that speaks volumes about our Jewish community, don't you?" Roof said, followed by the small group affirming. "May their memories be for a blessing."