Fischel Ship

A position of leadership is accorded Fischel Ship in Jewish circles in Montreal because of his active and prominent identification with commercial, educational and benevolent projects. He was for many years a very successful business man, and as he has prospered he has given generously in support of measures tending to the intellectual progress of his people, and generous aid to those in need of assistance. He was born January 6, 1853, in Paranshoff, Poland, a son of Abraham Jacob and Pearl (Leah) Ship. The father engaged in the tailoring business in Poland, and it was in that country that Fischel Ship pursued his education. He was a young man of nineteen years when he crossed the Atlantic, making his way to Montreal in 1872. He had received business training under his father and had become thoroughly acquainted with the tailoring trade. Following his arrival in this city he established a merchant tailoring business and as the years went on won a liberal patronage, bringing him a gratifying competence. At the time that he entered trade circles of Montreal there were only five merchants in his line of business in the city. Throughout the succeeding period up to the time of his retirement he always managed to keep in the front rank among the merchant tailors of Montreal, receiving a liberal patronage from the best class of citizens, because of excellent style and workmanship, which were features of his shop, and his thoroughly reliable business methods. He always carried on business on St. Lawrence Main Street, but about eleven years ago retired from active connection with commercial interests to enjoy a well earned and well merited rest.

Mr. Ship, however, continues his activities along other lines resulting directly in the benefit of his fellowmen. He is chairman of the building committee, governor, trustee, and member of the relief and cemetery committees of the Baron De Hirsch Institute. He is a life governor of the Montreal General Hospital. For a quarter of a century he has been a trustee of the McGill College Avenue synagogue, was vice president of the synagogue for four years and has always been chairman of the building committee. He is most loyal to his religious belief and at all times has been generous and helpful toward the unfortunate.

On the 10th of February, 1869, Mr. Ship was united in marriage to Miss Flora Blumenthal, a daughter of Phillip Blumenthal, who was the first owner of the coaches in Ozerkoff, Poland. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ship have been born three children: Leah, now the wife of C. Sisenwain; Ray, now Mrs. S. P. Myers; Abe Phillip, who is engaged in the practice of medicine in Montreal and who married Leah Sessenwain, of this city. In politics Mr. Ship has always been a liberal, nor has he sought office as a reward for party fealty. However, for the past sixteen years he has been justice of the peace for the island of Montreal and has discharged his duties with promptness, fidelity and impartiality. He is a veteran of the Odd Fellows Association and also a member of the Royal Arcanum. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, for here he has found the opportunities which he sought and has gradually worked his way upward until he has won place among the substantial and highly respected citizens of Montreal.