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REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
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513
THE JEWS OF NEW
ENGLAND (OTHER THAN RHODE ISLAND) PRIOR TO 1800
BY LEON HÜHNER, A. M., LL. B.
FROM THE PUBLICATIONS OF THE AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY, No. 11, 1903.
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The Jews of New England (other than Rhode Island) prior to I Soo, by Leon Hühner ... Baltimore, Lord Balti- more press, 1903]
cover-title, (751-99 p. 24}=m.
From the Publications of the American Jewish historical society, no. 11, 1903.
SHELF CARD
Bibliographical foot-notes.
1. Jews in New England.
4-23277
Library of Congress
F15.J5HS C.17997
2 .
AUD 30 1920 A
THE JEWS OF NEW ENGLAND (OTHER THAN RHODE ISLAND) PRIOR TO 1800.
BY LEON HÜHNER, A. M., LL. B.
The Puritan Revolution in England had awakened a keen interest in the Jewish race and this interest was powerfully reflected in early New England history. It is in Massachu- setts that this tendency was most strongly exhibited. He- brew was carefully taught at Harvard College,' and the resto- ration of the Jews was one of the most popular topics.
In 1649 Eliot, the missionary, announced that the Indians were of Hebrew origin .? In the following year Downam issued an appeal to Englishmen for contributions to Indian missions, on the plea that those of New England were of Jewish descent.3 When in 1650 Thorowgood published his " Jews in America," Eliot of Massachusetts at once pro- claimed that the 37th chapter of Ezekiel principally applied " to the Indians as such Jews," and stated that the New England churches were the " preface to the New Heavens." '
1 Joseph B. Felt. Ecclesiastical History of New England. Bos- ton, 1862. Vol. 2, p. 10. Under date February 1, 1649, Presi- dent Dunster of Harvard, wrote to London concerning the re- markable proficiency of the students of his college in translat- ing Hebrew and Chaldee into Greek. (See Belknap MSS.)
2 Felt's Ecclesiastical History &c. Vol. 2, p. 12.
: Ibid., p. 17.
' Ibid. Vol. 2, p. 22. It is curious to note also the strange . arguments employed to prove the Indians of Jewish origin. Thus in connection with the settlement of Salem, in 1626, we read that it was called by the Indians "Nahum Keike." White says "the opinion is held by some that Indians might formerly have had some intercourse with the Jews. Howso- ever it be, it falls out that the name of the place which our late colony hath chosen for their seat, proves it to be perfect
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When in 1650 great mortality occurred among the col- onists, it was supposed to be the preparation for the calling of the Jews." This subject engrossed the leading minds, and Roger Williams, sending a pamphlet on the subject to Win- throp in 1654, says: "I pray you to read this Jew."? By 1665 the view was generally held, in Massachusetts at least, " that the outcasts of Israel were about to be gathered to- gether,"' and the great number of works published on that topic at that period in Massachusetts alone is simply amazing.'
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The same influence was also reflected in the governmental history of Massachusetts." Already in 1634 Cotton pre- sented to the General Court a code of laws called "Draft of
Hebrew, being called Nahum Keike, by interpretation 'The Bosom of Consolation.'" Cotton Mather also says: "Of which place I have also somewhere met with an odd observation that the name of it was rather Hebrew than Indian, for Nahum signifies comfort and Keik means a Haven, and our English not only found it a haven of comfort but happened also to put a Hebrew name upon it for they called it Salem, for the peace they had and hoped in it and so it is called unto this day."
See Chronicles of the First Planters of the Colony of Mass. Bay, from 1623-1636, by Alexander Young, Boston, 1846, p. 12, where other authorities on this subject are collected.
1Felt's Ecclesiastical History, &c. Vol. 2, p. 23. See also Wonder Working Prov., p. 205-6.
2 The Winthrop Papers. Collections of Massachusetts Histor- ical Society. Vol. 36. (Vol. 6, 4th Series), p. 291.
& Felt's Ecclesiastical History, &c. Vol. 2, p. 369. Increase Mather alone opposed this view, claiming that "the time had not yet come." His discourses on the subject were published at London in 1669, under the title of "The Mystery of Israel's Salvation."
'Prominently among these may be mentioned "Jews in America " by John Eliot, London, 1660.
" Felt's Ecclesiastical History, &c. Vol. 1, p. 262.
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the Model of Moses his Judicials,"' and in 1658 Plymouth seems to have expressly adopted the Jewish code as a model.2
The New England Puritans followed the events leading up to the resettlement of the Jews in England with keen interest. If it be permitted to digress, attention might be called to an item in that connection, which is interesting because it evi- dently does not refer to Mannassah ben Israel. In 1653 John Haynes writes to Winthrop " that the Jews from Hun- garia have sent to England for safe convoy for their great Rabbi Abraham to come thither to consult before their next meeting and it is granted." ª
Despite all this general interest in the Jews, the earliest reference to a Jew in Massachusetts is coupled with a direction for him to leave the colony." The attitude of the New Eng- land Puritan on the subject of religious liberty is strikingly brought out in a letter written in 1645 by Winslow of Ply- mouth to Governor Winthrop. It shows, however, that uni- versal tolerance had been the subject of a heated debate in the legislature and had powerful adherents. Winslow writes as follows: "I utterly abhorred it as such as would make us odious to all Christian commonweales." This document pro- posed " to allow and maintaine full and free toleracon of reli- gion to all men that would preserve the civill peace and sub- mit unto government and there was no limitacon or excepcon against Turke, Jew, Papist or any other. But our Governor and divers of us having expressed that sad consequences would
1 Justin Winsor. The Memorial History of Boston. Boston, n. d. Vol. 1, p. 125, 145.
2 Felt's Ecclesiastical History, &c. Vol. 2, p. 236. See also Plym. Col. Laws.
3 The Winthrop Papers. Collection of Mass. Historical So- ciety, 1865. Vol. 37. (Vol. 7, 4th Series), p. 464.
+ Records of the Governor and Company of the Massachusetts Bay, &c., edited by Nathaniel B. Shurtleff. (Printed by Order of the Legislature), Boston, 1853. Vol. II, p. 273. Vol. III, p. 159- 160.
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follow ... the governor would not suffer it to come to vote, as being that indeed would eate out the power of godliness. . . By this you may see that all the troubles of New Eng-
land are not at the Massachusetts. The Lord in mercy looke upon us, and allay this spirit of division that is creeping in amongst us."1
The earliest reference to a Jew in Massachusetts appears under date May 3, 1649, and refers to Solomon Franco, the Jew. "The court doth allow the said Solomon Franco 6 shillings per week out of the treasury for 10 weeks for subsist- ence till he can get his passage into Holland so as he do so within that time."" Another entry dated May 9, 1649, recites almost the same fact."
It is therefore improbable that Jews had settled in Massa- chusetts earlier than 1649. The pronouncedly Jewish names like those of Joseph Isaack ' and his sister Rebecca Isaack 3 which appear between 1634 and 1636 may have belonged to Jews who had become converts in Europe or perhaps to per- sons of merely Jewish origin. In 1679 we find reference
1 Felt's 'Ecclesiastical History, &c. Vol. 1, p. 551-2.
2 Records of Massachusetts (Shurtleff), supra. Vol. II, p. 273.
3 Ibid. Vol. III, pp. 159, 160. " Solomon Francho the Jew." See also Felt's Ecclesiastical History, &c. Vol. 2, p. 11.
Report of the Record Commissioners of the City of Boston. Vol. 29, p. 137. Also Records of the Governor and Company of the Massachusetts Bay in New England, edited by N. B. Shurtleff, M. D., Boston, 1853. Vol. 1, pp. 372, 342, 220. Also Lucius R. * Paige, History of Cambridge, Mass., Boston, 1877, pp. 35, 592. Also The Register Book of the Lands and Houses in the "New Towne" & the Town of Cambridge. Cambridge (1896). The name ap- pears frequently and with different spellings, as Isaac, Isaak, Isaacke, &c.
" Collections of the Mass. Historical Society. Vol. 30 (Vol. 10, 3d Series), Boston, 1839, p. 141. " A note of the names of all the passengers which tooke shippinge in the Elizabeth, of Ipswich, bound for New England the last of Aprill, 1634. Re- becca Isaacke, 36 years."
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made to a suit in the County Court of Boston against Sarah Franks,1 and in 1680 Samuel Isaac is mentioned.2
Before the end of the 17th century several Jews are men- tioned as residing as such in Massachusetts. Some valuable pioneer work in this connection has been done by Dr. Cyrus Adler, whose notes were published in " The Menorah " about 1888. In his article Dr. Adler called attention to Frazier or Frazon, the Jew whom Cotton Mather tried to convert,3. and to Simon, the Jew who became a Christian in 1702.+
1 " Joseph Rock plff. agt. Sarah Ffrancks widdow." Records of the Court of Assistants of the Colony of Mass. Bay, 1630-1692. (Boston, 1901), pp. 142, 180.
2 Ibid., pp. 173-4. In 1683 one Joseph Simons is mentioned, but nothing to indicate his race. See The Register Book of Lands &c. in Cambridge (1896), p. 163.
3 Sources of American Jewish History, edited by Cyrus Adler. 5 Menorah, p. 256. It seems that Cotton Mather resorted to some unscrupulous device in this attempted conversion. In the words of Samuel Sewell, a contemporary: " The forgery was so plainly detected that Mr. C. M. confest it, after which Mr. Frasier would never be persuaded to hear any more of Xianity." See Diary of Samuel Scwell, reprinted in Collections of the Mass. Hist. Soc. Vol. 5, 5th Series. Boston, 1878.
See also " A Modest Inquiry into the Grounds & Occasion of a late Pamphlet Intituled 'A Memorial of the Present Deplorable State of New England by a Disinterested Hand. London, 1707.'" Reprinted in Col. of Mass. Hist. Soc. Vol. 6, 5th Series, 1879, p. 80.
" Feb. 4, 1703/4. Joseph Frazon the Jew dyes at Mr Majors. . . . Feb. 5, Satterday, is carried in Simson's coach to Bristow, from thence by water to Newport where there is a Jews Bury- ing place." Diary of Samuel Sewell, reprinted in Vol. 6, 5th Series of Mass. Hist. Soc. Col., p. 9.
* "Sr. 13, 1702, Lords Day. Mr. Bradstreet baptiseth Simon the Jew at Charlestown, a young man whom he was instru- mental to convert. Ibid., p. 65.
Since this paper was written. Rev. G. A. Kohut has kindly called my attention to the fact that Simon the Jew assumed the name of Barns, as appears by the following: "1702, Bap- tized Sept. Mr. Simon (quondam Judeus) Barns." Records
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Among the inhabitants of Boston in 1695 the records men- tion Samuell the Jew1 and one Raphaell Abandana.2 In 1699 appears Isaac De Coster,' whose sons Isaac and Joseph De Coster figure frequently in colonial records." There is nothing, however, to indicate his race.
The Puritan divines were always interested in the conver- sion of Jews, and Cotton Mather, writing. to Winthrop in 1716, gives a detailed account of a reported wholesale conver- sion of Jewish children in Berlin.6
The most interesting of the early Jewish converts in New England was Judah Monis, who became a Christian in 1722, and for 40 years was instructor at Harvard. The detail of his career will be omitted here, as it has been written up by Rev. George A. Kohut, Mr. Lebowich and others. I desire, however, to call attention to part of the inscription on his tombstone at Northborough, which refers to his Jewish origin, and has not been noted before. It reads :
" A native branch of Jacob see, Which once from off its olive broke, Regrafted from the living tree, Of the reviving sap partook
of the First Church in Charlestown, Mass., 1632-1789. Boston, 1880, p. 97. Also "Mr. Barnes (quondam Judeus), bapt. Aug. 30, 1702." The Genealogies and Estates of Charlestown, Mass., by Thomas Bellows Wyman, Boston, 1879, p. 60. This item Mr. Kohut obtained from Rev. Louis Meyer of Hopkinton, Iowa.
1 First Report of the Record Commissioners of the City of Boston, 1876. Boston, 1881, List of Inhabitants of Boston in 1695, p. 164. 2 Ibid., p. 158.
' He may have been a Jew. He married a Christian lady and their children were in all likelihood Christians. See Report of the Record Commissioners, &c., Boston, 1883. Vol. 9, p. 250.
* Ibid., Vol. 19, p. 299. Vol. 21, pp. 203, 255. Vol. 29, pp. 243, 319.
" The Mather Papers. Collections of Mass. Hist. Soc., 1868. Vol. 38 (Vol. 8, 4th Series), p. 420.
6 G. A. Kohut in The American Journal of Semitic Languages and Literatures. Vol. XIV, pp. 217-26, Vol. XV, p. 56 &c. Joseph Lebowich in Jewish Comment, Baltimore.
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From teeming Zion's fertile womb, As dewy drops in early morn, Or rising bodies from the tomb, At once be Israel's nation born." 1
In 1732 mention is made of Joseph Simpson and Hannah Miers, of Boston,' and in 1733 of Isaac Solomon, whose pro- posed marriage to Mary Todd was forbidden by the clergy- man.'
Between 1740 and the Revolution only four persons were naturalized in the Superior Court of Boston; one of these was Aaron Lopez,‘ a Jew, described as "a native of Swansey in the County of Bristol, merchant, Jew, formerly residing at Newport from 1752 to 1762 and at said Swansey since."5 Lopez was one of the most prominent merchants of New England, and an appreciative account of him may be found in Washburn's History of Leicester," and more re-
1 Historical Collections, &c., by John Warner Barber, Wor- cester, 1841, p. 590. Monis died in 1764 aged 81.
" It is doubtful whether they were Jews. See Report of the Record Commissioners, Boston, 1885. Vol. 13, p. 220.
8 Ibid., Vol. 28, p. 220.
* Collections of Mass. Hist. Soc. (1858-60). Vol. 4, p. 342.
" Ibid., p. 343.
' Emory Washburn. Historical Sketches of the Town of Leices- ter, Mass., Boston, 1860, pp. 120, 121, 124. " Mr. Lopez was one of the merchant princes of his day. His estate inventoried at about $100,000, and indicated by the character of the furniture and family stores on hand, a style of living not common at that day in this country. Washburn's Brief sketch of the History of Leicester Academy. Boston, 1855, pp. 7, 8. Also Mass. H. S. Col., Vol. 11, p. 11. Also Daly, History of the Settlement of the Jews in North America, N. Y., 1893, pp. 76-9, 82, 83, 85, 86.
See also The Worcester (Mass.) Magazine and Historical Journal, edited by Wm. Lincoln & C. C. Baldwin, Worcester, 1825, Vol. 2, pp. 78, 90, 91. 6
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cently in an interesting paper prepared by Hon. N. Taylor Phillips.
In 1756 mention is made of Benjamin Brandon, author of poetical and political essays, though there is nothing to indi- cate his race.2
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In the correspondence of prominent men of Massachusetts, members of the Franks family are frequently mentioned. They were the great traders of their day.3 David Franks is repeatedly referred to in the Aspinwall papers between 1760 and 1769." Hoops, writing to General Monckton, refers to an exclusive grant of land on the Ohio made to "David Franks, Joseph Symonds (Simons), Levy Andrew Levy " and others." Watts, writing to Monckton during the French and Indian War, thus refers to Jacob Franks: "Jack Franks has your papers, votes, speeches and addresses."" Quite a few such references appear,' and on February 4, 1769, Watts, writing to Monckton concerning the death of mutual friends, says : " Father Franks has been obliged to bow to four score years and better and is just gone." 8
Under date May 18, 1762, the Boston records state that
' Jewish Comment, Baltimore, Oct. 18, 1901.
The venerable Andrew H. Green has told the present writer that on his estate at Worcester are trees planted by Aaron Lopez.
' Collections of the Mass. Hist. Soc., Vol. 3, Boston, 1810, p. 300.
" A list of writers who were citizens of Boston."
' In fact a town seems to have been named for them, Franks Town near Fort Du Quesne mentioned in Niles' History of the French und Indian War. See Col. of the Mass. Hist. Soc., 1861. Vol. 35 (Vol. 5, 4th Series), p. 428.
'Ibid., 1871. Vol. 39 (Vol. 9, 4th Series), pp. 319, 341.
· Ibid., 1871. Vol. 40 (Vol. 10, 4th Series), p. 606.
· Ibid., p. 502.
1 Ibid., p. 504.
, ' Ibid., p. 603. Jacob Franks, died at New York, January 16, 1769. See Record Book of Shearith Israel Congregation (MSS.), p. 62.
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" the selectmen are informed that one Isaac Moses, a Jew, has lately come to town."1 This is one of the earliest refer- ences to that well-known Revolutionary patriot, who subse- quently became one of the foremost members of the New York Chamber of Commerce.2
The most prominent Jew of Boston prior to the Revolu- tion was Moses Michael Hays, concerning whom a most in- teresting paper might be written. He lived in Boston years before the struggle, and was in correspondence with many prominent characters.3 Thus in 1770 James Rivington, the New York publisher, writes to him, addressing him through- out as "My dear Moses," and discussing the rebellious atti- tude of the colonists." Hays was a man of means, and we find his bond for the newly elected town treasurer accepted without question by the selectmen in 1790." His name ap- pears in the Boston Directory for 1789 " and 1796."
1 Report of the Record Commissioners of the City of Boston. Boston, 1887, Vol. 19, p. 195. Isaac Moses is identified with New York. During the Revolution he was one of the patriotic citizens who advanced monies to the cause. On his removal to Philadelphia he materially assisted Robert Morris. He was one of the founders of the Philadelphia Congregation, and one of the leading members of the New York Chamber of Com- merce.
2 Of his prominence in the New York Chamber of Commerce mention is made in Grant Wilson's Memorial History of the City of New York, N. Y., 1893. Vol. 4, p. 538.
" See letter from Elias Boudinot to Moses Hays of Boston. Vol. 7, Bailey-Myers Collection (MSS. at Lenox Library, N. Y.), No. 611. Also letter from General Glover, Ibid., Vol. 5, No. 51.
' Ibid., Vol. 7, No. 688.
5 Report of the Record Commissioners of the City of Boston. Vol. 27, p. 129.
As to his prominence as a merchant, see also Justin Winsor's Memorial History of Boston, Vol. 4, p. 200.
Ibid., Boston, 1886. Vol. 10, p. 187. M. M. Hays: Insurance Office, State St.
1 Ibid., p. 254. In 1790 his household is described as follows: 2 white males, 2 white males under 16, 11 white females, 2 other free persons, no slaves. See Ibid., Vol. 22, p. 445.
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In connection with the general distress incident upon the shutting up of Boston harbor we find the name of a New York Jew. A shipment of corn had been sent by Virginia for the relief of Boston. This was sold and letters from Samuel Adams and John Hancock acknowledge receipt of the proceeds in the form of a bill of exchange drawn by Sampson Mears on Isaac Moses, of New York.1 Jona. De Costa is mentioned as a patriot citizen in 1775.2
Quite a number of patriot Jews removed from Newport in 1777 after that city had fallen into the hands of the British, and settled at Leicester, Massachusetts. Including their servants they numbered about seventy souls and embraced members of the Lopez, Rivera and Mendes families. An ap- preciative account of these Jews may be found in Washburn's History and other New England works.3
The most prominent Jew in the Massachusetts line during
1 Collections of the Mass. Historical Society, Boston, 1858. Vol. 34 (Vol. 4, 4th Series), p. 84. See also letter from Isaac Van Dam to John Hancock. Ibid., pp. 190-1.
2 Report of the Record Commissioners, &c. Vol. 29, p. 328.
' Emory Washburn. Historical Sketch of the Town of Leicester, Mass. Boston, 1860. Also The Worcester (Mass.) Magazine and Historical Journal, edited by Wm. Lincoln and C. C. Baldwin, Worcester, 1826, pp. 78, 90, 91, where the writer says: "They always observed the rites and ceremonies of their law and their stores were closed from Friday until Monday morning. They were prudent, industrious and enterprising and many of them were elegant in their address and deportment and pos- sessed an extensive knowledge of the world. They were always respected and esteemed by the inhabitants of the town and always seemed to remember with pleasure the kindness and civility they on their part received while residents there and availed themselves ever afterwards of every opportunity that presented to express these feelings, as many who experienced their attentions when in Newport would attest."
The following curious example of the orthodoxy of these Jews is likewise given in the same publication: "A child of one of the families having one day tasted some pork in one of the neighbors' houses, its mother immediately upon learning
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the Revolution was Isaac Franks. His career has been written up by Professor Jastrow,' and a detailed record of his mili- tary career may be found in the last volume of the Society's publications.2
Among the Jewish residents of Boston between 1790 and 1798, besides those already referred to, were Judah Hays, Isaac Solomon ' and Abraham Solis, the latter being de-
the fact, administered a powerful emetic and thus cast out the sin of which it had been unconsciously guilty."
The following is from Washburn's History of Leicester, p. 123.
" Though without a place of assembly for worship here, they rigidly observed the rites and requirements of their own laws, keeping Saturday as holy time, but out of regard to the senti- ments of the people among whom they were settled, carefully kept their stores closed from Friday until Monday morning of each week."
" Though differing from their neighbors in matters of relig- ious faith, they won the confidence and esteem of all by their upright and honorable dealing, the kindliness and courtesy of their intercourse and the liberality and public spirit which they evinced as citizens."
" They remained here until the ratification of peace in 1783, when with the exception of Mr. Lopez, they returned to Newport, carrying with them the respect and kind regard of a community with which they had been intimately associated for six years."
The most influential of these Jews was Aaron Lopez, above referred to. His house subsequently became the Leicester Academy. He was drowned, May 20, 1782. Of him a contem- porary paper says: "He was a merchant of eminence, of polite and amiable manner. Hospitality and benevolence were his true characteristics. An ornament and a valuable pillar in the Jewish society of which he was a member. His knowl- edge in commerce was unbounded and his integrity irreproach- able. Thus he lived & thus he died, much regretted, esteemed and loved by all. See Washburn's History, &c., p. 124.
1 Vol. 5, Amer. J. H. Soc. Publications, p. 7, &c.
' Ibid., Vol. 10, pp. 168-170. Note by the present writer, and authorities cited.
3 Report of the Record Com. of the City of Boston. Vol. 22, p. 68 (1798).
· Ibid., p. 479.
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scribed as "Interpreter of Foreign Languages."1 In con- nection with Salem prior to 1800 mention is made of Joseph Franks.'
Leaving Massachusetts, we find Connecticut next in im- portance. Connecticut had a singularly homogeneous society and framed the strictest code of laws of any in New England ; laws that continued in force longer in that colony and were more effective there as well. Strangely enough, however, although these very "Blue Laws " provided that "no food or lodging could be given to a Quaker, Adamite or other heretic,"' Jews settled there at a very early period and even obtained an express sanction for their residence.
The earliest reference to a Jew in Connecticut is an entry dated November 9, 1659, reciting that a fine of 20 shillings has been imposed on David the Jew." A recent work by the President of the Connecticut Historical Society fixes that entry as early as 1650." The first mention of Jews in num- bers, however, appears in the Hartford Town Records, Febru- ary 11, 1660, stating "that there remains in John Allyns hands 10 shillings for the Jews."" This entry is followed by
' Ibid., Vol. 10, p. 283. See also Ibid., Vol. 22, p. 469.
'Collections of the Essex Institute, Vol. 4, p. 5. (An Account of Salem Common, by B. F. Brown.)
* William B. Weeden. Economic and Social History of New Eng- land, Boston, 1890. Vol. 1, p. 223.
" The Public Records of the Colony of Connecticut, edited by J. Hammond Trumbull, Hartford, 1850. Vol. 1, p. 343. Weeden's History, Vol. 1, p. 200.
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