Montague Triest | Melvin M. Israel
Triest & Israel, real estate insurers and auctioneers, was founded in 1903 by Montague Triest (1871–1927) and his brother-in-law Melvin M. Israel (1870–1931). Montague—“Mr. Mont” in the business world, “Bubba” to his family and friends—was married to Adelaide Israel (1876–1960), the youngest daughter of prominent banker and wealthy philanthropist Morris Israel and his wife, Rebecca Elias.
A number of changes took place at Triest & Israel in the 1920s: Melvin moved to New York, where he died in 1931 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Montague Triest died unexpectedly of a heart attack, and the business moved to 28 Broad Street. Maier Triest, who had been working alongside his father after graduating from the College of Charleston, took over the business, joined by his brother-in-law Samuel Jacobs. The agency was renamed Triest & Sholk years later after Harry Sholk became a partner.
Israel-Triest prayer book
In 1917, Melvin M. Israel (1870–1931) passed down this Israel family prayer book, published in 1846, to his niece Adelheid (Adelaide) Rebecca Triest (1905–1998), daughter of Montague Triest and his wife, Adelaide Israel Triest, and granddaughter of Morris Israel and Rebecca Elias Israel.
Passbook of Montague Triest (1871–1927)
Used for admission to the South Carolina Inter-State and West Indian Exposition, held in Charleston, 1901–1902. Courtesy of Larry Freudenberg.
Montague and Addie Triest
Montague Triest (1871–1927) married Adelaide Israel (1876–1960) in 1898 in Charleston, with Rabbi Barnett A. Elzas officiating. This photo, dated 1909, is courtesy of Larry Freudenberg.
Melvin M. Israel (1870–1931)
Son of Morris and Rebecca Elias Israel, Melvin partnered for a time in the early 20th century with his brother-in-law Montague Triest in an insurance and auctioneering business, Triest & Israel. Courtesy of Larry Freudenberg.
43–47 Broad Street, no date
Early in the 20th century, Triest & Israel, insurers and auctioneers, occupied number 43, the office furthest to the left in this building on the corner of Church Street. Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, reproduction number HABS SC,10-CHAR,212--1.