Morris Silverman
Values Codes H – I – E – L
Morris Silverman was born on the border of Russia and Poland in 1841.
Silverman came to the United States, New York, in 1967.
Along the way . . .
In St. Louis, Missouri, Morris Silverman and his two brothers traveled via wagon train to Fort Benton, Montana.
He left his wife and children in St. Louis, but sent for them after he was settled.
Helena, Montana
Morris Silverman and his brothers started a dairy farm, but business wasn’t good enough to support all the Silvermans.
Morris moved with his immediate family to Helena, where he owned and operated a dry goods store that catered to miners.
He was known for keeping a large supply of candy for children who visited his store.
Main Street Helena Montana, vintage postcard
Community
Silverman was President of the United Hebrew Benevolent Association until he became too old to serve, at which time he was made Honorary President.
He led services when Congregation Emanu-El was without an official rabbi.
Additionally, he taught Hebrew, performed circumcisions, was a shochet (ritual slaughterer), and officiated at Jewish weddings.
Morris Silverman’s best friend in Helena was Reverend Father Lawrence Palladino, a leader in the Catholic church.
Morris Silverman died in 1931.
He is buried in the Home of Peace Cemetery in Helena, Montana.
Sources
- Julie L. Coleman, Golden Opportunities: A Biographical History of Montana’s Jewish Communities (Helena, MT: SkyHouse Publishers, 1994).
- Moses Morris papers, 1894-1932, Montana Historical Society Research Center – Archives and Photographs Archives. http://184.168.105.185/archivegrid/collection/data/420247227
- Montana Women’s History, http://montanawomenshistory.org/using-quilts-as-a-window-into-montana-womens-history/#more-2082
Samantha Silver is curator for this Morris Silverman exhibit.