Gabay - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Re: Getting Started

ZBeca — 2009-06-27 18:02:49Z

GABAJ and KARAFA in Slovak Republic's phone book.
www.zoznamst.sk
www.iabsi.com/gen/public
www.ellisislandrecords.org
www.cgsi.org
www.iarelative.com

Re: Getting Started

dckarafa — 2009-06-27 17:08:27Z

I hope this helps. Maybe your Anna M. Karafa is the same one in my family tree. Anyway here is what I have.
John Karafa b. abt. 1852 Austria, Hungary wife Mary ? Karafa b. abt 1870 Austria, Hungary.
children: Joseph John Karafa
Anna M. Karafa
George Karafa
My Karafa Family Tree is public so please go for a visit. I am so hoping that our branches cross. Because I have nothing on Anna M. Karafa.
John Karafa husband g g grandfather
Joseph John Karafa husband g grandfather
John Cyril Karafa husband grandfather
John Betts Karafa father in law
John Raymond Karafa husband
John Micheal Karafa our son

love,
Deborah Karafa

Isaac Levy Gabay and Rafael Gabay in Cuban cemetery

silviaeaston — 2009-06-24 19:15:31Z

To give you a more "profesional" explanation of gabay I googled it and it means:
"A gabay works in the synagogue; I guess you'd say he's the manager (but not the rabbi)."
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_meaning_of_the_Hebrew_...'

Jewish (Sephardic and eastern Ashkenazic): status name from Hebrew gabay ‘warden’, denoting a trustee or warden of a Jewish public institution, especially a synagogue, or a manager of the affairs of a Hasidic rabbi.
http://genealogy.familyeducation.com/surname-origin/gabay

Re: Isaac Levy Gabay and Rafael Gabay in Cuban cemetery

tel372701 — 2009-06-24 17:05:03Z

Silvia,

This is in reply to both your responses today. "Both" means Henry and David each had a daughter Esperanza.

I understand the Jewish connection and why so many southern Europeans migrated to Germany from Spain, etc. History tells us there were many religious uprisings throughout Europe. The immigrants would have migrated to Germany to escape the Spanish inquisition and the Napoleanic wars.

I don't know if the Isaac Gabay in NYC had a middle initial or name. Thank you for the translation of Gabay to the "guy". I love word connotations and finding the root of words.

Because my David Gabay married a protestant with British ancestory, I did not have the Jewish link in mind when researching David. The more I learn, the more I realize that link.

Thank you so much.

Nancy

Isaac Levy Gabay and Rafael Gabay in Cuban cemetery

silviaeaston — 2009-06-24 15:25:58Z

Forgot to ad that in the following site http://jewishcuba.org/famties/burials.html there is listed an Isaac Levy Gabay (1876-10 Apr. 1957 and a Rafael Gabay (1879-11 Mar 1951)

Esperanza Gabay relative of Rafaela Gabay from Hamburg to Cuba?

silviaeaston — 2009-06-24 15:20:22Z

you mentioned "they both had daughters named Esperanza" but I don't see who you refer to "both" (?) Keep in mind that the surname Gabay is surely a Jewish surname (it means the "guy" that helps run the services at the synagogue!) and that the name "Esperanza" is also, since after the Jews were outstead from Portugal and Spain, they had to prove that they had indeed converted to Christian, and what better way than have their kids named with Christian names...such as: Sacramento, Rosario, Caridad, Jesus, Christobal, etc Esperanza etc

Re: Esperanza Gabay relative of Rafaela Gabay from Hamburg to Cuba?

tel372701 — 2009-06-24 14:41:37Z

Silvia,

I would love to learn more about David Antoine Gabay who immigrated from Hamburg to Cuba c. 1842. His father is unknown, possibly mother's first name was Esperanza, no surname. Her first name appears on his death certificate in January 1905 as his mother.

David was a pharmacist working in the Sponge Department for McKesson Robbins until his death. McKesson submitted his obituary to a pharmacutical magazine in which it states that David spent several years in Cuba before coming to the US.

In 1850 he appears for the first time in NYC in several directories, with several other Gabay surnames, namely Samuel and Henry. Their occupation was first mentioned as "cegars", and they all lived in the same area of NYC.

As I am merely a research/biographist, I have no family connections with the Gabays. My Esperanza was his daughter and an American woman artist. I have two of her oil paintings, which started me trying to write her biography.

My questions about David stem from his lineage, which is listed as both Spanish and Italian on manafests to this country. Why did he go from Hamburg to Cuba if there was no family to connect with in that island country? Are he and Henry Gabay related in any way? They both had daughters named Esperanza, that name being common amongst that culture, but maybe more than a coincidence.

IF you have a chance when you are in Hamburg, it would be lovely to find a connection with David A. Gabay to the other Gabays who migrated to our shores in the 1800s.

Thank you for keeping in touch. Good luck in your search, and how wonderful it would be if we could establish a link.

Sincerely, Nancy

Esperanza Gabay relative of Rafaela Gabay from Hamburg to Cuba?

silviaeaston — 2009-06-23 22:22:53Z

My gggrandfather was Jacobo Heymann married to Rafaela Gabay both also from Hamburg, who went to Cuba, where I was born.
In 1960 most of my family moved to USA.
I'll be visiting Hamburg in Aug 2009 and would like to know more of your family to see if we are related.
Silvia

Re: Gabays in NYC

kafheytav — 2008-08-18 03:33:14Z

Henry A. Gabay b. 1821 in the Netherlands,came to NYC via England in 1850. He married Mary Maddy about that time. He fathered Algenna and David L. b.1858-9 according to 1860 NY Census. 1870 Census lists children: Alphonso(formerly Algenna), Leullin(formerly David L.), Elizabeth, George, Schriza(later Esperanza), James and Mary.By 1880 also added: Frederick. Frederick is my grandmother's father.
On his petition for citizenship papers his occupation is noted as "Cigars." His later occupations are noted as "segars" and "retail tobacconist."

Re: Gabay's clothing store in NYC

tel372701 — 2008-08-16 16:09:00Z

NYC directory from archives of NY Historical Society:

1860-61 Gabay, Samuel, clothing 89 W Broadway

He is also listed in 1862, clothing

I am researching David Antione Gabay, also NYC, but saw your query, thought the above might fit into your research.

David had a daughter, Esperanza, who was an artist. His family is buried in Greewood Cemetery, Brooklyn.

Thanks. Nancy

Re: Gabay Family Name

tel372701 — 2008-08-16 15:57:52Z

Cynthia,

I posted another message to Robert and a reply to you at that link earlier this morning.

However, reading your May, 2008 response to Michael only brings me closer to MAYBE finding the Gabay family who I am researching!

According to information that I have gathered over the past eight years,David Antoine Gabay MAY have been born in Germany with Spanish ancestry. That would stand to reason why Henry alledgedly came to America from the Netherlands.
During that period of history, with the Spanish inquisition, etc, people just kept migrating further North.

David also married a woman whose parents came from England...surname Blackburn. Henry also had a daughter named Esperanza. David's death certificate says his mother's name was Esperanza.

Lots of coincidences here.

Would love to hear more from you all. I, too, have a message board, quest for Esperanza Gabay.

Thanks to you all. Nancy

Re: Gabays in NYC

tel372701 — 2008-08-16 15:45:10Z

See my query posted today, in response to Robert.

My David Gabay came to America prior to 1858, possibly as early as 1844. However, I have not found any mention of him on a ship's list. His obit says that he came here from Cuba. He was a druggist in NYC before joining McKesson Robbins in 1877. He died in1905. His family, self, wife Sarah, daughters Esperanza and Charlotte are all buried at Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn.

I am interested in the other Gabays living in NYC at that time period, as I feel they are somehow related.

Thanks. Nancy

Re: Gabays in NYC

tel372701 — 2008-08-16 15:36:33Z

Regarding the Gabay surname in NYC.

In 2006 we visited the NY Historical Society microfilm room. In 1857-58 NY directory: Trow's: Isaac Gabay, h 171 Av A.

1858-59 Trow's directory: Gabay, Isaac, sears, h 163 Av A

1860-61 Trow's directory: Gabay, David A, segars 904 Broadway, h 870 Broadway
Isaac, segars, h 155 7th Ave
Samuel, clothing 89 W Broadway

1862 Henry, segars, 2283 H Hudson and Samuel, clothing

I am interested in Etti Esperanza Gabay, daughter of above David. Esperanza was also the name of one of Henry's daughters

David Gabay MIGHT have had a mother, Esperanza. That name is listed under "mother" on his death certificate.

I have often felt that David had some kinship to Henry, Isaac and maybe Samuel.

Any help in my quest would be deeply appreciated.

Thanks.

Re: Gabay Family Name

kafheytav — 2008-05-11 11:11:57Z

Good morning, Camille!
As I mentioned, Henry A. Gabay was as far back as I've been able to trace the family and he came to America from the Netherlands. He married Mary Maddy who was from England. They lived in New York City, NY and raised a family and worked as tobacconist and cigar maker (I think he must have opened his own shop eventually but have not proved that yet). My grandmother, Mary Elizabeth changed her name to Ruth Espranza Gabay. She told my mother and others that there was Castillian Spanish in the family tree. Though her father was an Episcopalian, I feel that there is Jewish blood in the veins somewhere. I know from my research that a good many Gabays in the Netherlands ARE Jewish and I know that the Gabay line in Spain was also Jewish. My grandmother married a Jewish man but he did not practice his religion. Her children were raised without a family religion, but did attend Christian churches. My mother converted to Catholicism before she married my father. We are practicing Catholics. I don't know if this interests you or not. I find the religious aspect of genealogy fascinating.
So, I'd like to know about the French connection with the Gabay name. Tell me your story, if you will.
Cindy

Re: Gabay Family Name

mlm09261999 — 2008-05-10 17:28:18Z

Hello,
I'm new to this. I am also a Gabay, but my family lives in Jamaica. I know there is a French connection somewhere. Not sure if your Gabay is related to mine, but would like to find more.
Camille

Re: Gabays in NYC

kafheytav — 2008-04-15 15:14:03Z

Robert,
My great2 g'father was Henry A Gabay, a retail tobacconist, from the Netherlands. Is this the same Henry you refer to?
-Cynthia

Re: Gabay Family Name

kafheytav — 2008-04-15 15:01:33Z

Michael,
I have not read your reply or inquiry until now, 4 years later! My maternal grandmother was born a Gabay. In New York. Her father was Fred(erick) and his father was Henry. He was a cigar maker from the Netherlands. This is about all I know. Any relatives in that mix possible?
-Cynthia

Re: Gabay's clothing store in NYC

princess1109 — 2008-01-30 19:43:39Z

Re: Ness Gabay was my paternal Grandfather from his first marriage (before 1920). I've seen a photo of Gabay's Clothing Store, which I think my Grandmother continued to run after their divorce. I'm aware of just 2 marriages, so I'm not sure of your husband's relation to him.

Gabay's clothing store in NYC

2005-08-28 08:59:22Z

Hello all.

It's been a long time since I was on rootsweb so i thought i would give this another try.

I'm researching my husband's family but keep getting stuck.

I'm looking for a Ness Gabay who started the original Gabay clothing store in NY. The story in the family is that he went through turkey at some point before coming to the US and might have changed his name to Gabay from something else.

Any help would be most appreciated. When my husband wakes up (yes, I have horrible insomnia - it's 2 am!), I'll get the vitals on Ness or at least those we have.

Thanks in advance!

Anna Schwartz

Re: Gabai/Gabbai - Italy/Turkey

2005-08-28 08:46:18Z

Hello.

I just noticed your post on Rootsweb and had to write. I have been researching my husband's geneology for a few years now and keep getting stuck on his grandfather, Ness Gabay. The story in the family goes that he went through turkey, maybe at an early age and possibly changed his name before coming to the US, settling in NYC and opening Gabay's Clothing store. Is his name on the list of grandkids? Or do you know if he ties in anywhere??

Thanks so much!

Anna Schwartz

Re: Gabays in NYC

2004-08-10 07:52:16Z

I can give you information about The Gabays in N Y City. Henry A. Gabay fought in the U S Civil war and lived in Greeich Village. He had quite a family.

Gabay Family Name

2004-03-13 13:37:14Z

Hi,

This is Michael. I have not done much research on the family history for a little while. I have however just recently started again - now searching for the Portuguese connection.

Cynthia, do you have any more information on the Gabays and could you tell how you are related to the Gabays?

Michael

Re: Gabays in NYC

2002-12-28 00:45:38Z

Also the time frame for this family in New York City was at the turn of the century. Many of my Great Uncles were in WW I. Several of them are berried in Woodlawn Cemetary in the Bronx as are my Grandparents Madeline & Al Gabay. For what it's worth I am in Southern Florida.now.

Re: Gabays in NYC

2002-12-28 00:20:22Z

The Gabays were in Greenwich Village. My Grandfather ( Al Gabay ) grew up there. It was a family of 10 children. My mother has two books on the Gabays. Her maiden name was Madeline Gabay

Robert Gabay Smith
954-753-9031

Reply to Cheryl Philips on Gabays in Jamaica

2001-04-11 06:31:18Z

Thank you for the response. My father's name is Edmund Gabay and his father's name was Samuel (I believe). He was an Accountant for Serge Island Diaries, loved cricket and women.

I am the middle child of three - with older brother Edmund and younger, Hudson.

I am interested in tracing the family line back to Portugal and/or the Middle East.

Have your search identified Gabay's in the UK, USA and other places.

Search for family history

2001-01-31 03:25:21Z

I am trying to find information on my family history. I am not sure if there may be any lineage with your family histroy. I have been living in Jamaica for the past 20+ years, but it is my understanding that the family of Gabays in Jamaica came from Portugal.

Could you please reply.

gabay family from poland

2001-01-16 10:29:04Z

looking for ancestry of the gabay (or gabaj)family from poland (bialistok)

Getting Started

jgabay — 2004-09-29 19:06:12Z

I'm trying to find information on Gabay/Gabaj from the Chicago area, we are purported to be of Slovak origin. My grandfather was Joseph Edward Gabay. I don't have a DOB, but he worked for Crane Plumbing during WW I, married Anna M. Karafa, lived in Berwyn, IL during this time and moved to what is now Crestwood, IL in the 20's or 30's, where he died in 1951. His father, my great-grandfather, owned property/lived in the Wireton area of Blue Island, IL. Noone in the family kept or is keeping records, if any one can help I would be extremely grateful.

TIA

Joe Gabay

Birthdate and place

CWeaver9134 — 2001-12-03 14:07:07Z

Father of Frederick Gabay, brother of James Gabay. Henry arrived in USA May 1868 from the Netherlands and became a citizen in 1884. He was a cigar maker. In 1884 was living at 204 Prince St NY NY

Re: Gabays in NYC

konamike — 2007-10-11 17:42:13Z

hi- i went nyu college of engineering in 1947-1951 with robert gabay. last night i had a vivid dream that we met again after all these years. is he still alive and where can i contact him? mike carness

Re: Reply to Cheryl Philips on Gabays in Jamaica

blyth_grant — 2003-06-28 05:01:36Z

Hi Michael. My name is Karen. I am Mavis' (see the message from Cheryl concerning Mudie) daughter. I also am searching family. I have just started and am a bit lost. Perhaps you can help.

Surname - Gabair

JoannaWilson50 — 2004-09-28 04:05:58Z

I recently received a death certificate for my great great grandmother...found that her mothers maiden name was Gabair..( I am not sure if they spelled it right) I cannot seem to find anything on it...so I thought I would post in a few places to see if anyone has heard of it........All I know about her is that her name was Mary Ann Gabair and she was from Lennox, Mass. She married Hilton Jerome and they lived in Renneslaer County,NY - she died in her 30's on 4/24/1849 - this would make her birth year about 1819.

.Any assistance anyone can provide will be most appreciated.

Thanks.....

Joanna Wilson

Gabay's of Jamaica

cdtp1 — 2003-10-30 08:25:36Z

Michael, My father is Douglas Ignatious Gabay, he is 65 years old and of Jamaican Lineage although we now live in Toronto, Canada. I am also told my ancestors were Portuguese Jews who were forced out of Portugal during the Spanish Inquisition. I have just started a geneology search and wonder if any information I have may be helpful to you. One of my father's brothers as well as his half brothers and sisters children, and his cousin's children, all Gabay's still reside in Jamaica. My father's father's name was Edmund Gabay. I believe the region of Prtigal our ancestors were from was called Faro.

Gabay's

cdtp1 — 2003-10-30 08:25:36Z

Hi Michael!!!
We met a number of years ago when you and your brother Hudson came to visit Toronto. You are Blue's son! My grandfather is Edmund, and my father is Douglas.

I am following a few leads i have regarding tracing the family back to their arrival in Jamaica, but do not have anything concrete yet (I have only just started). I will definately let you know when I do. My Dad knows very little about his grandparents as they had passed on when he was born. He grew up at Serge Island. He actually doesn't even recall his grandparents name. You mentioned Samuel as our grandfather Edmund's father's name. Wonder if you could search the registry information in Jamaica for our grandfather's birth certificate which would name his mother and father. Or check for records of his (Samuel's marriage). Do you recall the name of his wife? I know they had a few children, Ramona, one sister of his went to live in Panama, another Ivy lived on High Holborn Street in Kingston.
Wow, this is great. It is such a small world. please e-mail me directly at cdtp@hotmail.com

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Cheryl

Edmund Gabay

cdtp1 — 2003-10-30 08:25:36Z

Dear Michael,
After re-reading your entry I believe your father (Blue) was named Edmund. His father (who you think might have been named Samuel) was named Edmund as well. He worked for Serge Island when it was a Sugar and Rum Estate from the 1940's to early 50's. It became a dairy in the 1970's when it was purchased from the Elders who had owned it during it's time as a sugar and rum estate.

Don't have much information beyond this at the moment, and would love to be where you are in jamaica so that i could search the documents on file re births, deaths, and marriages. Please let me know what you find out if you have occasion to do this as before his father, my Dad has very little information on the family history.

Edmund (your grandfather died in 1963). His full name was edmund Austin Gabay. He married my grandmother Irene Chambers in 1933. I thought this information might prove helpful when doing a records search. perhaps the Samuel was the thing that foiled you efforts. Please let me know if this helps.
Cheryl

Re: Reply to Cheryl Philips on Gabays in Jamaica

cdtp1 — 2003-10-30 08:25:36Z

Hi Karen/Micheal,
(Karen Michael is Blue's son...one of my grandfathers son's but not by Irene) Would love to hear from you both.
Cheryl

Re: gabay family from poland

sigal21 — 2007-08-29 16:00:49Z

Hi
My name is sigal and I have been trying to trace my family from my mother's side. Her mother (my grandma) are originally from Poland from a town close to Bialistok. Her last name was Gabay or gabaj.
Would love to hear from you and see if there is any ancestry connection.
Best regards,
sigal Friedmann
Vancouver canada

Esperanza Gabay

tel372701 — 2007-07-16 15:13:01Z

I am seeking information about the heritage of Etti Esperanza Gabay, whose father was David Antoine Gabay, born in Hamburg, Germany in 1832. Her mother was Sarah Lawton Blackburn, born in Poughkeepsie, NY to Joseph and Elizabeth Blackburn.

David Gabay came to New York City from Havana, Cuba in the 1840s. NYC directories list him as "cegars". There was also an Isaac and a Samuel Gabay listed. Isaac was also "cegars", Samuel, "merchant".

David went to work for McKesson Robbins in 1877 where he became head of the sponge department and worked there until his death in 1905.

Esperanza Gabay was an artist and a teacher, living in New York City until she moved to the Berkshires in Massachusetts in 1927. She died there in 1963.

I am looking for any and all information regarding the Gabay and Blackburn surnames that would be links to my Gabay.

The Gabays that I have found, namely David, Sarah, their children Arthur, Charlotte and Esperanza were of the Episcopal faith and are all buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Brooklyn.

Gabays in NYC

realdee — 2001-09-14 18:01:57Z

Looking for Gabay who are related through marriage to my Ggrandfather's sister Anne Bruckner. I think she was born after 1872.

Re: Gabai/Gabbai - Italy/Turkey

sgabai — 2001-06-30 19:15:13Z

One addition...my grandfather's (Benjamin Gabbai) father was Abramo.

sgabai@hotmail.com

Gabai/Gabbai - Italy/Turkey

sgabai — 2001-06-30 17:46:13Z

My great grandparents - Benjamin & Joya Gabbai (or Gabai) -were from Livorno Italy. But during the mid 1890's they moved to Izmir, Turkey.

They had 10 children, the first 5 or 6 in Livorno. Benjamin was a worker at the ports in Livorno & Izmir.

My grandparents, Dave Gabai and Cadem Algranati, came to America in 1920. They settled in NYC.

Sound familiar? please email - sgabai@hotmail.com