USA > South Carolina > The Jews of South Carolina, from the earliest times to the present day > Part 20
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266
THE JEWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA
ferson Tobias, M. Triest, J. Visanska, J. A. Volaski, L. Wetherhorn, Sr., L. Wetherhorn, Jr., A. Williams, H. J. Williams, S. Williams.
Our task is ended. We have endeavored to present the story in as faithful a light as possible. Many errors have doubtless crept in, as they will into the most careful work, but every precaution has been taken to avoid them.º We can find no more fitting words with which to conclude than those of another historian of the ancient congregation that gave birth to our own Congregation Beth Elohim :
"I have tried to resuscitate the past and to bring it out in as faithful a light as documents and personal interpreta- tion of them could warrant. It is a remarkable history. Old names have again come to light Old passions have been exhibited which had long been extinguished. Old books have been opened, which had been closed for genera- tions, and though the voices are sometimes strange and the sound distant, and though tendencies and aspirations seem to run in different directions, and individual efforts are checked by insurmountable obstacles, yet there is a constant evolution upwards and downwards. At times, noble ideas prevail and lift the Congregation on to a pinnacle of lofti- ness, of progress, of light and learning; at others, retro- gression and narrow views prevail, and the consequences make themselves felt in a narrowing of interest, in the thinning of the ranks, in the decline of men of character and of men of courage. At times a perfervid enthusiasm prevailed, at others cool indifference; but above all the con- flicting currents, the great lesson stands out boldly, that good work yields a rich harvest, that great thoughts will succeed, however long and painful the process may be ere they do succeed, that the attachment to the synagogue
'Every reference in this volume has been verified from the paged proof.
267
MODERN PERIOD
grants to its followers and adherents some of its own eter- nity." 10
May the record of the past continue to live and to in- spire our children to emulate the virtues of their sires !
10 Gaster: History of the Antient Synagogue. A few verbal changes have been made in the text of the quotation.
MISCELLANEOUS BIOGRAPHIES.
R. SIMON BARUCH, formerly of Cam- den, S. C., now one of the leaders of the medical profession in America, was born on July 29, 1840, at Schwersenz, Prus- sia. He graduated at the Medical Col- lege of Virginia in 1862, and served as. a surgeon in the Army of Northern Virginia under General Robert E. Lee for three years. He practised medicine in Camden, S. C., for fifteen years, was president of the South Carolina Medical Society in 1873, and chairman of the State Board of Health of South Caro- lina in 1880. Later he removed to New York, where he was physician to the Northeastern Dispensary in 1883-84, and gynæcologist to the same dispensary for three years follow- ing. He was physician and surgeon to the New York Ju- venile Asylum for thirteen years, having the care of one thousand children, and was chief of the medical staff of the Montefiore Home for Chronic Invalids for eight years, during which time he organized its medical department, and since that time has been its consulting physician. He is now professor of hydrotherapy in the New York Post- Graduate Medical School and Hospital.
Doctor Baruch diagnosticated the first recorded case of perforating appendicitis successfully operated upon,1 and
' New York Medical Journal, 1889.
268
-
269
MISCELLANEOUS BIOGRAPHIES
Dr. J. A. Wyeth stated in a discussion in the New York Academy of Medicine that "the profession and humanity owe more to Dr. Baruch than to any other one man for the development of the surgery of appendicitis."
It would be impossible within the limits of a short biog- raphy to refer in detail to the many achievements of this great physician. One thing, however, might be mentioned, namely, that the successful introduction of free public cleansing baths in the largest cities of the United States is largely the result of his agitation of this subject before medical societies and boards of health.
Dr. Kellogg, in an appreciative biography which he printed in Modern Medicine for May, 1903, has well summed up Dr. Baruch's work in these words:
"The pioneer work which he has done for physiological therapeutics and rational medicine and in the philanthropic application of hydropathic principles entitles him to a splendid monument which the next generation will doubtless see, and has earned for him a large place in the hearts of all who are interested in the progress of rational medicine and in the development of physical methods in therapeutics. Certainly there is not a man in the medical profes- sion to-day whose services have been of greater worth than have those of Dr. Simon Baruch. He is a man of whom any country might be proud, and, although he was born in a foreign land, he had adopted America as his home, and America has adopted him as one of her chosen sons and a man whom the medical profession delights to honor for the noble and practical way in which he has devoted his distin- guished abilities to the betterment of his fellow-men."2
C. HENRY COHEN, one of the leading members of the Augusta Bar, was born in Charleston on April 7, 1854. While quite a child his parents removed to Augusta, Ga.
" See Modern Medicine for May, 1903.
270 THE JEWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA
He was educated at the Richmond County Academy, then conducted by General Frank Capers, and also at George- town College, D. C., from which he graduated with distinc- tion in 1877. On his return from college he studied law in the office of Messrs. Barnes & Cumming, and was admitted to practice in 1877. He was for fourteen years Solicitor of the City and County Court of Richmond County, where he made an enviable reputation, and left the office with one of the largest practices in the State. Mr. Cohen is now City Attorney of the City of Augusta, and is one of the most influential political leaders in the Tenth Congressional Dis- trict of Georgia. He is a prominent member of several secret organizations, has been Grand Chancellor of the Knights of Pythias, of Georgia, and has also held the highest offices in the Order of B'nai B'rith. He is highly esteemed by all classes in the city of his adoption. Mr. Cohen's father was Mr. John Jay Cohen, of Charleston, and his mother Miss Cornelia Ann Jacobs, daughter of Colonel Myer Jacobs, for many years Surveyor of Customs in Charleston.
JUDAH BARRETT COHEN was a prominent member of the Charleston Bar. He was born on August 5, 1835, received his education in Charleston, and was graduated at the Col- lege of Charleston, where he won the gold medal for oratory in his class. After graduation he continued his classical studies and also made himself master of several modern languages. He was a scholar both in his tastes and acquire- ments, and his reading and culture were wide and varied. Soon after his graduation he was selected to deliver the anniversary address before the South Carolina Historical Society. His oration exhibited marked ability and was worthy of the occasion.3 He was admitted to the Bar in 1857 and soon after became a resident of New York, where
' This address is printed in Collections of the South Carolina Historical Society, Vol. 2, pp. 104-117.
271
MISCELLANEOUS BIOGRAPHIES
he was entering upon the successful practice of his profes- sion when the war broke out. After an adventurous experi- ence he came home to share the fortunes of his native State. After the war he resumed the practice of his profession in Charleston with eminent and acknowledged ability. At the same time he took part in editing the original Charleston News, and later he was associated with the editorship of the old Courier. This was at a critical period in the history of the State, and in all his work at that time he displayed an admirable comprehension of the duties and necessities of the political situation, and did manful battle for truth and for justice for his people. On the occasion of the celebration of the hundredth anniversary of the birthday of Sir Moses Montefiore he was chosen by the Jews of Charleston to represent them in an appropriate oration, which was an eloquent and impressive effort.4
As a lawyer Mr. Cohen was both subtle and philosoph- ical. In private life he was singularly genial, and no one was more generous in his appreciation of the successful efforts of other men. He died on July 16, 1885.5
DR. DAVID CAMDEN DE LEON was the son of Dr. Mordecai H. De Leon, of Columbia. His career was a very active and eventful one. Born and reared in South Carolina, shortly after obtaining his medical diploma at Philadelphia he entered the United States army as assistant surgeon, and went through the Seminole War, after which he was sta- tioned for several years at outposts on the Western frontier. At the breaking out of the Mexican War he went with General Taylor to the Rio Grande, was present at most of
.' Celebration of the Centennial Anniversary of the Birthday of Sir Moses Montefiore at the Hasel Street Synagogue, Charleston, S. C. Charleston, S. C., 1884.
" The above sketch is taken from an appreciative editorial obituary in The News and Courier of July 17, 1885. For resolutions on his death by the United States District Court see the issue of July 18, 1885.
272 THE JEWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA
the battles which led the victors to the gates of Mexico, and entered that city when it surrendered, riding at General Scott's left hand. For these services, as well as for gal- lantry in action (when commanding officers were killed or wounded and he took their place), Dr. De Leon twice re- ceived the thanks of Congress, but was again assigned to frontier duty in Mexico on the ground of his great energy and hardihood. When secession took place he ranked very high on the list in his department and was in sight of its highest place by seniority, yet he was one of the first of the Southern officers of the army to tender his resignation. When he did so he was sent for by his old commander and friend, General Scott, who refused to accept it, at the same time offering to send him to the Northwestern frontier, with the pledge that he should be kept there while the strife continued. In the alternative of his refusal General Scott threatened to put him under arrest, giving him a few hours for his decision. He returned home, packed his trunk, and immediately started for the South and reported to Mr. Davis, the Provisional President of the Confederacy, who assigned him the difficult but important task of arranging the Medical Department, at the head of which he acted for several months, until the resignation of Dr. Moore (who ranked him in the old army), under Mr. Davis's rule, gave that gentleman the highest post. Transferred to another department and to various places during the war, he shared the struggles and sufferings of his brethren until it closed in disaster and defeat. After the war, with several other officers, he passed from Texas into Mexico, vowing that he would never return to the conquered South until she was free. After a few years' trial of Mexico he left it in disgust and returned to New Mexico, where he had been stationed for many years and owned property. Here he planted and practised his profession until his death, which occurred at Santa Fe, N. M., on September 3, 1872. Dr. De Leon was
--
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MISCELLANEOUS BIOGRAPHIES
unmarried. Both as a surgeon and as a man of science he stood high. He was a man, too, of considerable literary cul- ture and a terse and vigorous writer.6
EDWIN DE LEON, brother of David C. De Leon, was born in Columbia, S. C., in 1828. He was well known on both sides of the Atlantic as an author, lecturer, and diplomatist. He started his career as a lawyer, but soon abandoned law to take charge of the National Democrat, a paper published at Washington, D. C. In 1854 he was appointed by Presi- dent Pierce Consul General and Diplomatic Agent at Cairo, Egypt, which post he filled for eight years, under Pierce and Buchanan. At the commencement of the war between the States he resigned and was appointed by Jefferson Davis a special agent of the Confederacy to negotiate with France and England. He made frequent ocean trips during this period and ran the blockade seven times. He contributed his whole personal fortune to the Confederate cause. After the war he remained abroad, writing for various English periodicals. In 1881 he established the Bell telephone in Egypt. He published several books. the best known being The Khedive's Egypt and Thirty Years of My Life on Three Continents. He also wrote two Eastern romances and numerous magazine articles. He was a friend of Chi- nese Gordon, De Lesseps, King Otho of Greece, from whom he refused a decoration, Louis Napoleon, and Lord Palmer- ston. He came to New York a few weeks before his death for the purpose of going on a lecture tour, when he was stricken with the disease that soon proved fatal. He died on December 1, 1891. His wife was a Miss Nolan, of Dublin, who survived him only a few days.7
" The above sketch is taken from a biography printed in the Savannah Republican of Sept. 22, 1872, which was reprinted in The Courier of Sept. 24, 1872.
The New York Times, Dec. 2, 1891. See also issue of Dec. 8.
274 THE JEWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA
Ex-JUDGE A. J. DITTENHOEFER Was born in Charleston on March 17, 1836. His parents came from Germany, arriving in Baltimore in 1834. They removed from that city to Charleston and then to New York. The father, Isaac Ditten- hoefer, became a prominent merchant in New York, was one of the founders of the Order of B'nai B'rith and of the Hebrew Benevolent Society, one of the original founders and the first President of Temple Emanu El, of which Judge Dittenhoefer is at present a trustee. The Judge attended the public schools in the city of New York and finished his education at Columbia College, from which he graduated in 1856 with high honors. On reaching his majority he was admitted to the Bar, and shortly thereafter was selected as the Republican candidate for Justice of the City Court, and was appointed by the Governor of New York to fill a vacancy in that Court. While on the Bench he gave his entire salary to the widow of his predecessor, who had been left in desti- tute circumstances. At the expiration of his term he de- clined a renomination and resumed his practice. He was one of the Presidential Electors for Lincoln and Johnson in 1864, and was on intimate terms with Abraham Lincoln, ... who, before the end of the Confederate war, offered him a judgeship of one of the Federal Courts in South Carolina, " which he declined. He was a delegate to the National Re- publican Convention that nominated Hayes and Wheeler, and for many years was president of the Republican Com- mittee of New York. Judge Dittenhoefer is one of the counsel for the Lincoln National Bank in New York and other corporations. He married Miss Sophie Englehart, of Cleveland, who died in May, 1901. He has built up a large practice in all branches of the law, being senior mem- ber of the firm of Dittenhoefer, Gerber & James, one of his partners being his son, Irving M. Dittenhoefer. He is acknowledged as an authority in litigations relating to the law of the stage, and has been connected as counsel with
-
275
MISCELLANEOUS BIOGRAPHIES
some of the most important lawsuits. In fact, there have been few important litigations within the last twenty years in which he has not been counsel on one side or the other.
JUDGE DAVID LEVENTRITT Was born in Winnsboro, S. C., in 1845. He was educated at the public schools of New York and at the College of the City of New York, from which he graduated -- the salutatorian of his class -- in 1864 .. He at- tended the law school of the University of the City of New York and was admitted to the Bar in 1871. Among the notable cases in which Mr. Leventritt has been engaged was the one for the City of New York in reference to the con- demnation of lands for park purposes between Harlem and Washington Bridge, in which the property owners claimed damages of $1,500,000, but through his efforts they were awarded less than half that amount. He was president of the Commission appointed to investigate the new Third Avenue bridge over the Harlem River, and is counsel for the Theatrical Syndicate. He has been chairman of the Tammany Hall Committee, and for many years has been vice-president of the Aguilar Free Library. He is asso- ciated with many charitable institutions of the City of New York, and since 1899 has been a Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York.8
' The New Era for October, 1902.
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A
"AN Acr for the Making Aliens Free of this Part of this Province, and for Granting Liberty of Conscience to all Protestants.
"WHEREAS Prosecution for Religion hath forced some Aliens, and trade and the fertility of this Colony has en- couraged others to resort to this Colony, all which have given good testimony of their humble duty and loyalty to his Majesty and the Crown of England, and of their fidelity to the true and absolute Lords and Proprietors of this Prov- ince, and of their obedience to their Laws, and their good affections to the inhabitants thereof, and by their industry, diligence and trade have very much enriched and advanced this Colony and Settlement thereof :
"I. BE IT ENACTED That all Aliens, male and female, of what nation soever, which now are inhabitants of South Carolina, their wives and children, shall have, use and enjoy all the rights, privileges, powers and immunities whatsoever, which any person may, can, might, could or of right ought to have, use and enjoy; and they shall be from henceforth adjudged, reputed and taken to be in every con- dition, respect and degree, as free to all intents, purposes and constructions, as if they had been and were born of English parents within this Province. *
"VI. AND WHEREAS several of the present inhabitants of this country, did transport themselves into this Province, 276
277
APPENDICES
in hopes of enjoying the liberty of their consciences accord- ing to their own perswasion, which the Royal King Charles the Second, of blessed memory, in his gracious charter was. pleased to impower the Lords Proprietors of this Province to grant to the inhabitants of this Province for to encourage the settlement of the same, BE IT THEREFORE ENACTED by the authority aforesaid. That all Christians which now are, or hereafter may be in this Province (Papists only excepted) shall enjoy the full, free and undisturbed liberty of their consciences, so as to be in the exercise of their worship according to the professed rules of their religion, without any lett, molestation or hindrance by any power either ecclesiastical or civil whatsoever. ALWAYS PROVIDED, That they do not disturb the publick peace of this Province, nor disturb any other in the time of their worship.
"Read three times and ratified in open Assembly, March 10, 1696-7."'
APPENDIX B DIRECTORY 1695-1800.
1695-1750.
Avila, Abraham (1697).
Carvallo, --- (1734).
Depaz, Isaac (1738).
Franks, David (1743).
Gutteres, Aaron (1734).
Hart, - (1744).
Isaacs, Solomon (1748).
Isack, Abraham (1710).
Aaron, Solomon. Abraham, Philip. Abrahams, Emanuel.
, Isaac Brisco. , Joseph. , Judah.
Levy, Samuel ( (1741). Mattos, Moses De (1739).
Mendis, Jacob (1697).
Nathan, Mordicai (1715).
Solomons, Moses (1741).
Tobias, Joseph (1737). Valentine, Simon (1697).
1750-1783.
Abrahams, Levy. Alexander, Abraham. Cardozo, Abraham N. ~ , David N. , Samuel N. Cohen, Abraham.
278 THE JEWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA
1750-1783 (Continued).
Cohen, Gershon.
, Is.
16 , Jacob.
36 , Jacob I. 66 , Moses.
66 Moses. . , Philip. , Philip Jacob. , Solomon.
Cortissoz, Imanuel.
Da Costa, Abraham. 65 Isaac. , , Isaac, Jr. , Joseph. , Samuel.
David, Joseph.
De La Motta, Emanuel.
De Leon, Jacob ( ?).
De Lieben, Israel ( ?).
De Lyon, Abraham.
Isaac.
, Barnard, Jr. 65 , D.
De Palacios, Joseph. , Joseph, Jr. 46
De Young, Bernard.
Dorres, Benjamin (Tores?).
Eliazer, Moses.
Franks, Myer.
Harris, Henry.
46 , Mordecai.
66 , Moses.
Hart, Joshua.
" , Moses. , Philip. " , Simon. Isaacs, Henry.
, Solomon. Jacobs, Frederick.
, Israel. , Jacob. , Philip.
Jones, Samuel. Joseph, Israel. Lazarus, Marks. , Michael. Levi, Solomon.
Levy, Ezekiel.
, Hart. 66 , Israel. 16 , Joseph. Michael. ,
, Moses Sim.
, Nathan. " , Samuel.
Lindo, Moses.
Lyon, Mordicai.
Marques, Joseph.
Minis, Philip.
Mordecai, Samuel. Moses, Abraham.
, Barnard.
, Henry.
66 , Jacob. , Meyer. , Philip. Myers, Joseph.
, Mordecai. " , Moses.
Noah, Mordecai M. (?).
Olivera, David De. , Jacob De.
Phillips, Jonas.
Pimenta, Moses.
Pinto, Isaac.
Polak, Samuel (Pollock ?).
Pollock, Solomon.
Ramos, Jacob.
Salomons, Myer.
Salvador, Francis,
279
APPENDICES
1750-1783 (Continued).
Sarzedas, David.
Sasportas, Abraham.
Seixas, A. M. Sheftall, Levi.
6 , Mordecai.
Simons, Montague. , Moses. $6 , Sampson. , Saul.
Solomon, Joseph.
, Myers. , Zadok.
Solomons, Hyam. 66 , Joseph. $6 , Levi. , Levy. Spitzer, Bernard M.
Tobias, Jacob.
Jacob, Jr. ,
, Josepb. , Joseph, Jr. Meshod.
Wolf,
1783-1800.
[Names occurring in previous lists omitted.]
Aaron, Solomon, Jr.
De Lieben, Israel.
Aarons, Jacob.
De Pass, Ralph.
Abendanone, Joseph,
Derkheim, Myer.
Abrahams, Abraham,
Elizer, Eleazer.
Gomez, Elias.
Harby, Isaac.
, Solomon. Harris, Andrew.
Azuby, Rev. Ab.
Barrett. Solomon.
Benedix. Isaac.
Benzakin, Joseph.
Bash, David. Canter, David. , Emanuel. , Joshua. Cantor, Jacob. , Jacob, Jr. Cohen, Jacob A. , Levi. , Mordicai. , Solomon I.
Da Costa, Aaron. De La Motta, Isaac. De Leon, Jacob.
Isaac.
, Jacob.
Abrams, Moïse.
Alexander, Abraham, Jr.
, Hyam. Hart, Abraham Levy.
. , Alexander M. , Bernard. , Daniel. , Ephraim. , Hart Moses. , Hymon. , Naphtali. , Nathan. , Simon M. Hyams, Samuel. , Solomon. Isaacks, Moses. Isaacs, Abraham. Jacobs, Abraham. " , Samuel.
280 THE JEWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA
1783-1800 (Continued).
Jonas, Joshua.
Moses, Joseph, Jr. " , Lyon.
Joseph. Solomon M.
Labatt, David.
Moses, Philip ( from St. Eustatius).
Lazarus, Aaron.
Myers, Abraham.
Levi, Abraham.
Levy, Hyam.
, Hyam E.
, Lyon. , Mordecai.
Nathan, Abraham. 6 , Solomon.
, Moses.
Nathans, David.
, Moses C.
Noah, Manuel.
, Reuben.
Phillips, Benjamin.
« , Solomon, Jr.
. David (from Jamaica). Pimentel, Aaron.
Lopez, Aaron (from Newport).
. " , David.
Polock, Solomon (from Newport).
Marks, Humphrey.
Salvador, Joseph.
Milhado, Benjamin ( from Jamaica), Sarzedas, Moses.
Moïse, Abraham (from Cape Fran-Solomons, Francis. çois).
« , Cherry.
Tobias, Isaac.
, Hyam.
Tongues, Mark.
Molina, Moses.
Wolfe, Henry.
Moses, Hart.
Woolf, Solomon.
APPENDIX C
THE SALVADOR GRANT OF ARMS.
"To ALL AND SINGULAR to whom these Presents shall come John Austis Esqr. Garter Principal King of Arms, and Stephen Martin Leake Esqr. Clarenceux King of Arms, send Greeting. WHEREAS Francis Salvador of Lon- don Merchant, hath represented unto the Right Honourable Thomas Earl of Effingham, Deputy (with the Royal appro- bation) to the most Noble Edward Duke of Norfolk, Earl Marshal and Hereditary Marshal of England that he is the
Suares, David (from Cuaraçoa).
" , Isaac.
" , Israel. " , Levi. " , Samuel.
281
APPENDICES
Son of Joseph Salvador, late of Amsterdam, Merchant de- ceased, after whose death coming over into England, and setling here, he was Enfranchised, and made a ffree Deni- son, by Letters Patent dated at Westminster, the Twenty fourth Day of April, in the Fifth Year of his late Majesty : And that his said Father during his Life, did constantly bear and use for his Arms, Vert a Lyon Rampant, between three Flowers de Lys Or, and for his Crest a Demi Lyon Gules, langued and Armed Azure holding between his Paws a like flower de Lys, which said Arms he hath likewise con- tinued to bear, as his Father did, But as he cannot produce such Authentick proofs of his Right thereto as the Laws of Arms require, hath therefore prayed his Lordship War- rant for our Granting, and Exemplifying. to him and his Descendants, and likewise to all the Descendants of his said Father Joseph Salvador deceased. the said Arms, or with such Variation as may be necessary; And that the same so Exemplified may be entred upon Record among the Gentry of this Realm, in the College of Arms. And FOR- ASMUCH as his Lordship being satisfied of the truth of the Premises, did by Warrant under his hand and Seal bearing date the Nineteenth Day of March One Thousand and Seven Hundred and Forty four, Order and direct us, to Grant such Arms and Crest accordingly Now KNow YE that We the said Garter and Clarenceux Kings of Arms, in Pursuance of the said Warrant, and by Virtue and Au- thority of the Letters Patent of our several Officers, to each of us respectively granted, under the Great Seal of Great Britain, do by these Presents, Grant, Exemplify and Con- firm, unto the said Francis Salvador, the aforesaid Arms and Crest that is to say. Vert a Lyon Rampant, between three Flowers de Lys Or, and for his Crest a Demi Lyon Gules langued and Armed Azure, holding between his Paws a like Flower de Lys as in the Margin hereof are more Lively Depicted, To be borne by him the said Francis Salva- dor and his Descendants, and likewise by the Descendants
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