Fishel Yerichern Mendelson (1861 – 1937)

Fishel Mendelson, wife Nechama, and son Abraham soon after arriving in New York

Fishel Yerichern Mendelson’s life is a remarkable testament to resilience and adaptation during a time of profound change. Born May 5, 1861, in the Medvedivka, Russian Empire (now Ukraine), Fishel experienced the challenges of life in Jewish communities facing socio-political unrest and the difficulties of emigration. Alongside his wife, Nechama, and their children, Fishel embarked on a journey to the United States in search of safety and opportunity, leaving behind their home in Ukraine. Their story, marked by perseverance, unfolds from their small-town origins to their eventual settlement in New York City, where they overcame initial hardships to build a new life. This page chronicles Fishel’s legacy and the enduring strength of the Mendelson family.

Life in the Russian Empire

The former center of the shtetl in Medvedivka, Cherkasy Oblast (formerly Chyhyryn Oblast, Kyiv Gubernia), Ukraine. Credit: jewua.org

Before Fishel and his family left the Russian Empire, their last permanent home was in Medvedivka, approximately 230 km southeast of Kyiv. This town, established before 1790, boasted a lively Jewish community with synagogues, an active crafting industry, a savings and loans association, and numerous businesses.

The economic conditions for Jews in the Pale of Settlement were harsh due to discriminatory laws that restricted their rights to own land, practice trades, and access education. These systemic barriers made it difficult for Jewish families to achieve financial security.

Additionally, life in the Russian Empire during the late 19th and early 20th centuries was deeply affected by the wave of pogroms targeting Jewish communities. These violent outbreaks, particularly during the 1880s and early 1900s, created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity, prompting many Jewish families, including the Mendelsons, to seek safety and stability elsewhere. By 1919, six years after Fishel emigrated, the Pogroms intensified. The Jewish community was devastated: 62 people were killed, more than 1,300 fled, living as refugees in dire conditions. By 1926 only 26 Jews remained.1

1875 Ukraine Revision List

In 1875, Fishel lived with his father, Berko (son of Fishel) Mendelson, 32, and his brothers, Itsko-Moshko, 5, Moshko, 3, and Duvid, 2. He likely also lived with his mother, Pessie, and possibly sisters, though these records did not list women. The family resided in Medvedivka, Russian Empire (now Ukraine).2

Medvedivka, Cherkasy Oblast, Ukraine

Despite their address in Medvedivka, the family did not live there for very long. A little over a year before their departure, Fishel’s son, Pasi, listed his closest relative as his father, F. Mendelson, who resided in Nesterivka, Ukraine, just under 200 km west of Medvedivka.3 Medvedivka was likely the town where Fishel grew up

Nesterivka, Cherkasy Oblast, Ukraine

1913 Arrival to the United States

According to the New York incoming passenger manifest, Fishel Mendelson (spelled Fischel), 50, set sail from Libau, Russia (now Liepāja, Latvia) on May 27, 1913, and arrived at Ellis Island, New York City on June 9, 1913, as a steerage passenger aboard the Kursk. He traveled with his wife Nechame, 48, daughters Sane (later Sophie), 19, Mirel (later Minnie), 17, and son Avram (later Abraham), 11. They were processed the next day. Their last residence was listed as Medwedowki (then typically Medvedovka, today Medvedivka, Cherkasy, Ukraine). Everyone in the family was born in the Zigirin region of Russia (then typically Chigirin, today Chyhyryn, Ukraine). The family’s nationality was Russian, and their “race or people” was Hebrew. Fishel worked as a laborer, Nechama as a housewife, Sophie and Minnie as tailoresses, and Abraham was a child. None of the family had been to the United States before, nor did they have disabilities. They were all listed in good health, even Abraham, though it was noted he was admitted to the hospital. Only Fishel and Nechama were listed as able to read and write. They arrived with $150, and Fishel’s son, D (David) Mendelson paid for their passage. They planned to live with David at 318-20 East 101st Street, New York, New York.4

The Kursk

The Kursk, Credit: Dmitriy Lakhtikov Collection via The Ship List.5

The Kursk could carry 120 first-class passengers, 148 second-class passengers, and 1300 third-class passengers.6 Fishel’s family was in the latter.

From Liepāja, Latvia to Ellis Island

Formerly 318-320 East 101st Street, New York, New York

318-320 East 101st Street, East Harlem, New York City, New York is now an open grassy lawn behind an apartment building at 1956 2nd Avenue, New York City, New York.

1913 Record of Aliens Held for Special Inquiry

Fishel, Nechama, Sophie, and Minnie were held for a special inquiry upon their arrival at Ellis Island due to concerns they were “Liable to become a Public Charge” (LPC).7 Initially, they were ordered to be excluded and deported on June 11. However, after a second hearing on June 18, possibly with additional information from family members already in New York, they were admitted to the United States. Abraham (spelled Abram) was also held for special inquiry due to medical concerns (MC) but was released on June 18 and admitted to the hospital.8

Painting of Fishel, his wife Nechama, and their son Abraham, by Nacie Arnold, great-granddaughter of Fishel Mendelson. She can be contacted here.

1915 New York State Census

In 1915, Fishel, 52, and Nechama Mendelson (listed as Anna Mandelson), incorrectly noted as 57, lived at 339 101st Street, Manhattan, New York, with their children Hyman, 23, Morris, 21, Sophia, 19, Minie, 18, and Abe, 13. Fishel had no occupation, Nechama did housework, Hyman, Sophia, and Minie were cap makers, Morris owned a candy store, and Abe was a fruit peddler. The entire household was born in Russia. Fishel, Nechama, Sophia, Minie, and Abe had been in the country for 2 years, Hyman for 3 years, and Morris for 4 years.9

Settling in a bustling immigrant neighborhood, Fishel would have been immersed in the vibrant yet difficult environment of early 20th-century New York. Living in tenement housing on East 101st Street, he and his family navigated the complexities of urban immigrant life, including finding work, maintaining cultural traditions, and adapting to their new surroundings.

Formerly 339 101st Street, Manhattan, New York

Their home has been replaced by the Addie Mae Collins Community Services, Inc., an early childhood education program.10

World War I

The Mendelson family’s arrival in the United States coincided with the outbreak of World War I, which disrupted global trade and immigration. The war likely created additional challenges for Fishel as he worked to establish his family in a new country amidst economic uncertainty.

1920 United States Census

In 1920, Fishel, 58, and Nechama Mendelson (listed as Anna Maindelson), 58, lived with their children Minnie, 21, and Abe, 19. They rented apartment 84 at 308 East 101st Street, Manhattan, New York City, which occupied the same plot as their previous residence at 318-320 East 101st Street, where their son David lived. Everyone in the household was born in Russia and spoke Yiddish, as did their parents. Fishel and Minnie had submitted papers to become citizens, but all household members were still listed as aliens, with their immigration year noted as 1914. Fishel was not working, Nechama was a housewife, Minnie was a trimmer at a cap factory, and Abe was a self-employed fruit and vegetable dealer. Fishel, Nechama, and Minnie could read and write, but only Minnie and Abe could speak English.11

1920-22 Becoming a United States Citizen

Fishel began the process of becoming a United States Citizen in 1920.

January 12, 1920 Declaration of Intention

On January 12, 1920, Fishel (listed as Fisel Mendelson) submitted his Declaration of Intention to become a United States citizen. He was 58, born on October 15, 1861, and worked as a watchman. He was 5’6″ tall, weighed 150 pounds, had gray hair, brown eyes, a fair complexion, and no visible distinctive marks. He was born in Kiev, Russia (now Kyiv, Ukraine), his previous foreign residence, and departed from Libau, Russia (now Liepāja, Latvia) on the Kursk, arriving in New York City around June 15, 1914. His wife was Nechama, also born in Russia, and his current residence was 308 East 101st Street, New York, New York.12

May 12, 1922 Petition for Naturalization

On May 12, 1922, Fishel (listed as Fisel Mendelson) submitted his Petition for Naturalization. Much of the information on the form was the same as what was listed on his Declaration of Intention. He still lived at the same address but was now working as a sexton. He corrected his arrival date in New York to June 10, 1913, and listed his wife as Nechoma. He noted that he lived with her and listed his children as Minnie, born August 10, 1899, and Abraham, born March 5, 1902, both born in Russia and now living in New York. His witnesses were Abraham Medow (a relative of his son’s wife, David) and Harris Dubinsky. Both swore that they had known Fishel since May 1, 1917, attested to his good moral character, and confirmed he was qualified to become a United States citizen.13

October 3, 1922 Oath of Allegiance

Fishel renounced his allegiance to the Russian government and became a citizen of the United States on October 3, 1922.14

1925 Witness for Naturalization of Son-In-Law

In 1925, Fishel (spelled Fischel) served as a witness for his son-in-law, Nathan Ehrlich, during Nathan’s attempt to become a naturalized U.S. citizen. Fishel’s occupation was listed as superintendent, likely for his synagogue, and his address was 222 (East) 103rd Street, New York, New York.

Nathan, who was married to Fishel’s daughter, Sophie, had three children with her: Benny, Isidore, and Irene. Unfortunately, Nathan was denied citizenship the following January due to a “lack of knowledge,” likely indicating that he did not pass the naturalization examination.15

Formerly 222 East 103rd Street, New York, New York

The 200 block of East 103rd Street has been replaced with two school buildings and a housing project.

According to Fishel’s granddaughter, Anne Mendelson Rosenbaum:

“The Jewish people in the neighborhood wanted to build a synagogue. They asked everyone to contribute. My grandfather gave them all his money. Then he told them he could not pay his rent. So they built him an apartment in the synagogue on 101st St.“

The synagogue Ahawath Israel once stood at 222 E. 103rd Street, but by 1939, it had become an empty lot.16 It’s possible Anne remembered the wrong street. However, another synagogue named Ahawath Israel of Harlem was located at 317 East 101st Street, closer to Fishel’s original home. By 1939, this synagogue’s location had become a tenement building, so it might have been housed there.17

Anne didn’t specify when the synagogue was established, but it would make more sense if it were the 103rd Street location. This would have given Fishel more time to establish himself in the neighborhood before it was built, and it aligns with the address he provided in 1925.

1928 Lawsuit

In 1928, Fishel sued Paul Stofherr in civil court in Bronx County. There is no further information about the case, and no records for the defendant are available.18

The Great Depression

In his later years, Fishel likely experienced the economic impact of the Great Depression. This era of widespread unemployment and financial instability may have strained his family’s resources, requiring significant resilience.

1930 United States Census

In 1930, Fishel (listed as Fischel), age 70, lived with his wife Nechama (listed as Anna), age 68, in a rented apartment at 1254 Manor Avenue in the Bronx, New York City, for $47 per month. Both were born in Russia, as were their parents, and they spoke Yiddish. They married when Fishel was 19 and Nechama was 17. The couple arrived in the United States in 1912 and became naturalized citizens. Although they could speak English, they were unable to read or write. Fishel worked as a sexton at a synagogue and oversaw the maintenance of the place of worship.19

1254 Manor Avenue, Bronx, New York City

1254 Manor Avenue (the right side of the above building) in the Bronx was built in 1926 and was sold in 2015 for $900,000. It contains six units and is listed on many apartment-finder websites.20

The Mendelson Family

The Mendelson Family at Ruth Kornbluth Zuckerman’s wedding, May 26, 1930. Fishel and Nechama are marked in the right-center of the picture. Some of the people have been superimposed.
Nechama and Fishel Mendelson

1931 New York Directory

In 1931, Fishel (listed F. Mendelson) lived at 1255 Manor Avenue, Bronx, New York.21

Formerly 1255 Manor Avenue, Bronx, New York

This home has been replaced by an elementary school, P.S. 195.

Death of Fishel Yerichern Mendelson – June 22, 1937

Fishel Mendelsohn passed away on June 22, 1937, at 3:20 a.m., at the age of 76. His cause of death was mesenteric vein thrombosis and paralytic ileus, resulting from atherosclerotic heart disease. He died at Mount Sinai Hospital in the Bronx. His last residence was at 782 Pelham Parkway, Bronx, New York, and he had worked as a sexton in a synagogue until June 1927. Born on May 5, 1861, in Russia, Fishel was a widower who had lived in New York City for 20 years. His parents, Benjamin Mendelsohn and Pessie Cohn, were also from Russia. He was laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery, Saddle Brook, New Jersey, next to his wife, Nechama.22 The informant on his death certificate was his son, Abraham Mendelson, with whom he lived.23

The life of Fishel Yerichern Mendelson embodies the courage and determination of immigrants seeking a better future in the face of adversity. From his early days in Ukraine to the challenges of emigration and adaptation in New York City, Fishel’s journey reflects the resilience of countless families who reshaped their destinies in the New World. His legacy lives on through his descendants, who carry forward the values of perseverance and hope that defined his life. Fishel’s story is not only a testament to his unwavering spirit but also a reminder of the rich tapestry of immigrant experiences that have shaped history.

Sources

  1. “Cherkassy region: Shtetls: Medvedovka,” History of Jewish Communities in Ukraine (https://jewua.org/medvedovka/ : accessed 15 April 2021). ↩︎
  2. “Ukraine Revision Lists, Group 2,” Medvedovka, Chigirin, Kiyev, 1875, entry for Berko, Fishel, Itsko-Moshko, Moshko, Duvid Mendelson, p. 81, line 335, image, JewishGen (https://data.jewishgen.org/imagedata/ukraine/Chigirin_district/12-3-654/82.jpg : accessed 28 July 2024). ↩︎
  3. “New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1957,” S.S. Vaderland arriving 8 May 1912, sailing from Antwerp, Belgium to New York, NY, entry for Peisech Mendelsohn, list 10, p. 28, line 6, image, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed 15 April 2021), citing NARA microfilm publication T715, roll 1855. ↩︎
  4. “New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1957,” S.S. Kursk arriving 10 June 1913, sailing from Libau, Russia to New York, NY, entries for Fischel, Nechame, Sane, Mirel, and Avrum Mendelson, list 32, p. 86, lines 16-20, image, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed 15 April 2021), citing NARA microfilm publication T715, roll 2100. ↩︎
  5. S. Swiggum and M. Kohli, “Kursk 1910,” TheShipsList (https://www.theshipslist.com/pictures/kursk.shtml : accessed 15 April 2021), updated 25 February 2006. ↩︎
  6. “New Steamer From Russie Due Here To-Day,” The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Brooklyn, NY, 12 November 1910, picture section, p. 1, cols. 5-7, image, Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle/75727020/ : accessed 14 April 2021), clip page by user genistory. ↩︎
  7. Nancy Loe, “Immigrants Detained at Ellis Island,” 4 February 2018, Sassy Jane Genealogy (https://www.sassyjanegenealogy.com/immigrants-detained-at-ellis-island/ : accessed 15 April 2021). ↩︎
  8. “New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1957,” S.S. Kursk arriving 10 June 1913, sailing from Libau, Russia to New York, NY, form 518: Record of Aliens Held for Special Inquiry, entries for Fischel, Nechame, Sane, and Mendelson, p. 98, image, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed 15 April 2021) citing NARA microfilm publication T715, roll 2100. ↩︎
  9. 1915 New York Census, New York County, population schedule, New York, p. 187, line 15, Fishel Mandelson, image, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 15 April 2021) citing New York State Archives, Albany, New York. ↩︎
  10. “Addie Mae Collins Community Services, Inc.,” Candid (https://www.guidestar.org/profile/13-6183590 : accessed 15 April 2011). ↩︎
  11. 1920 U.S. Census, New York, New York, population schedule, enumeration district (ED) 1234, p. 116 (stamped), 4B (penned), dwelling 5, family 84, Fishel Maindelson, image, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 15 April 2021), citing NARA microfilm publication T625, microfilm 236, roll 1218. ↩︎
  12. “New York, County Naturalization Records, 1791-1980,” entry for Fisel Mendelson, Declaration of Intention (1920), naturalization file no. 209980, Supreme Court of New York County, image, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QP8L-JRZB : accessed 28 July 2024). ↩︎
  13. “New York, County Naturalization Records, 1791-1980,” entry for Fisel Mendelson, Petition for Naturalization (1922), naturalization file no. 134531, Supreme Court of New York County, image, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:WNMH-4MT2 : accessed 28 July 2024). ↩︎
  14. “New York, County Naturalization Records, 1791-1980,” entry for Fisel Mendelson, Oath of Allegiance (1922), Supreme Court of New York County, image, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:WNMH-493Z : accessed 28 July 2024). ↩︎
  15. “New York, Naturalization Records, 1882-1944,” entry for Nathan Ehrlich, Petition for Naturalization (1925), naturalization file no. 65971, Supreme Court of New York County, image, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 18 August 2024). ↩︎
  16. “New York Historical Synagogue Map: Ahawath Israel,” Ackman & Ziff Family Genealogy Institute (https://genealogy.cjh.org/synagogue/1660 : accessed August 18, 2024). ↩︎
  17. “New York Historical Synagogue Map: Ahawath Israel of Harlem,” Ackman & Ziff Family Genealogy Institute (https://genealogy.cjh.org/synagogue/1639 : accessed August 18, 2024). ↩︎
  18. “Bronx County, New York, Divorce and Civil Case Records, 1914-1995,” entry for Fishel Mendelson v. Paul Stofherr, October 3, 1928, index, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 18 August 2024) citing microfilm roll 19, vol. M, ps. 118-119. ↩︎
  19. 1930 U.S. census, Bronx County, New York, population schedule, Bronx Boro, New York City, enumeration district (ED) 3-433, p. 17A, dwelling 112, family 314, Fischel Mendelson, image, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 15 April 2021); citing NARA microfilm publication T626, microfilm 2341213, roll 1478. ↩︎
  20. “1254 Manor Ave, Bronx, NY 10472,” realtor.com (https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/1254-Manor-Ave_Bronx_NY_10472_M48680-24219 : accessed 15 April 2021). ↩︎
  21. Manhattan and Bronx Residential Directory 1931, (New York City: Manhattan and Bronx Directory Publishers, 1931), p. 670, image, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed 14 July 2024). ↩︎
  22. Find a Grave, database (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/85649377/fishel-mendelson : accessed 18 August 2024), memorial page for Fishel Mendelson (1861–22 Jun 1937), Find a Grave Memorial ID 85649377, citing Riverside Cemetery, Saddle Brook, Bergen County, New Jersey, USA, Maintained by Brady Hatfull (contributor 50743123). ↩︎
  23. “State of New York, Department of Health of the City of New York, Bureau of Records,” image, NYC Municipal Archives Historical Vital Records (https://a860-historicalvitalrecords.nyc.gov/view/6673432 : accessed 18 August 2024), death certificate for Fishel Mendelsohn, certificate no. 14967, filed 22 June 1937. ↩︎

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