Jews of Montana

 The history of the Jewish people in Montana begins about in 1862, when the Jews began arriving. These first Jews were drawn by the discovery of gold in Bannock and Virginia City. They worked in the mines, ran hotels and saloons, were merchants and leaders in the community.

The oldest Jewish settlement in Montana was in Helena, home to newly arrived Jewish merchants. The first synagogue, Temple Emanu-El was built in 1891. There were also a synagogue in Butte, it's synagogue was built in 1904. The state has never had a large community, perhaps never more than 2,000 or so, but the Jewish influence has been felt. Even before statehood came in 1889, Jews held political offices in various cities, and many were leading citizens. 

One early leader was Jacob Feldberg, an early member of the Virginia City town council. The marriage license and certificate (shown here) are for Belle Feldberg, the daughter of Jacob Feldberg and Emma Hyman. She was married, by Rabbi Jacob Millziner, to Alfred K. Wertheimer on 17 January 1902.

This record (FHL Film #00435167 item 4) is part of the Marriage License, Lewis and Clark County Collection at FamilySearch.org.

California, Napa and Butte Counties, Obituaries, 1866-1992

FamilySearch has added some obituaries for 2 counties located in Northern California. The bits are part of the collection of California, Napa and Butte Counties, Obituaries, 1866-1992. The collection as of now has just a little under 50,000 images, however the information provided is very good.
I did a search for someone I knew who should be in this collection. Sadie Cohen was the wife of Nathan Manuel Appel. Not only did I find her listed in the obituary of her husband but the information provided in the basic search  gave me many family connections.

The original clipping of the obituary is also available but I have not added it here. If your family resides in this area this could be a very valuable collection. As with all FamilySearch collections it can be searched free of charge from home.