Benjamin Pizer
History of Montana,by Joaquin Miller, 1894
USGENWEB Montana Archives
May be copied for non-profit purposes.

Benjamin Pizer, one of the old time merchants of Montana, 
and one of the oldest businessmen of Phillipsburg, was born 
in Poland, December 15, 1848.When in his eighteenth year he 
was married to Jessie Silverman, a native of his own country, 
and not long after their marriage, they emigrated to America, 
sailing from Europe April 15, 1868, and landing at New York 
after an ocean voyage of seventeen days. From New York they 
went to St. Louis, expecting to come on up the Missouri 
River by steamboat to Montana, but they missed the boat 
and were obliged to spend the winter in St. Louis. During 
their sojourn in that city their oldest child, David, was 
born. In the spring they came up to Fort Benton and thence 
by wagon to Helena, being eight days in making the trip 
from the fort, camping out every night.At the time of 
their arrival here, Mr. Pizer's capital consisted of 
$150.00. With this he purchased dry goods and started 
out as a peddler in Helena. Dry goods here in those 
days were high, and his first bundle did not exceed 
fifty pounds in weight. It was large enough however, 
to give him a start. For seven years he continued 
peddling in this way, and by perseverance and economy 
accumulated a little money. He then bought a wagon and 
for two years longer continued peddling, traveling over
 nearly the whole state of Montana, and during that time 
making a wide acquaintanceamong the early settlers. 
March 28, 1878, he opened up in business in 
Phillipsburg, having bought out Harry Sims, who 
was a dealer in fruit, tobacco and cigars. Mr. 
Pizer continued in that business for several years. 
In 1889 he built his brick storeroom, 19 x 60 feet, 
where he has since done a gents' furnishing goods 
business, keeping a nice stock, selling at reasonable 
prices, and meeting with success.Mr. and Mrs. Pizer 
have had three more children added to their family 
since they came to Montana, all born in Helena. Two, 
Mary and Lottie are living. Abraham died in his eighth year.

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