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Lithograph of the Interior of the Hebrew Synagogue of Charleston, South Carolina, Destroyed by Fire, April 27, 1838

Lithograph of the Interior of the Hebrew Synagogue of Charleston, South Carolina, Destroyed by Fire, April 27, 1838

Lithograph depicting the interior of the Hebrew Synagogue of Charleston, South Carolina, before its destruction by fire on April 27, 1838. The print is dedicated to Rev. Gustavus Poznanski by Solomon N. Carvalho. This synagogue housed the congregation where Reform Judaism in America originated. This is one of several known copies. The lithograph was sold at Sotheby's in New York City on January 18, 2018 for $43,750.

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An Exposition of the Affairs of the Medical Society of South Carolina

An Exposition of the Affairs of the Medical Society of South Carolina

This pamphlet, dated 1834, details a schism within the Medical Society of South Carolina regarding the establishment of a medical college in Charleston. Minutes from December 2, 1833, are included. The document highlights the disagreements between professors at the Medical College and the Medical Society. Jacob De La Motta, Secretary of the Medical Society, is identified as the author.

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Billhead - Kohn, Furchgott & Co., Charleston, South Carolina, January 28, 1889

Billhead - Kohn, Furchgott & Co., Charleston, South Carolina, January 28, 1889

Billhead from Kohn, Furchgott & Co., importers and dealers in foreign and domestic dry goods, carpets, cloaks, shawls, hosiery, notions, ribbons, and ladies and gentlemen's furnishing goods. The business is located at No. 259 King Street, Charleston, South Carolina. The billhead is dated January 28, 1889. The buyer is J. Charleston S. C. Jauey. The billhead features an image of a corset, ornate Victorian-style lettering, and a list of branches for the business in Jacksonville, Florida and New York City.

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Billhead - Louis Cohen & Co., Charleston, South Carolina, May 1, 1886

Billhead - Louis Cohen & Co., Charleston, South Carolina, May 1, 1886

Billhead from Louis Cohen & Co., dealers in Foreign & Domestic Dry Goods, Notions, and Fancy Goods. The business was located at 248 King Street, Charleston, South Carolina. The billhead is dated May 1, 1886, and contains a transaction record that is not completely visible. The billhead features two women in corsets, and the logo “Regal” is prominently displayed. Ornate lettering and stylized text are used throughout the billhead.

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Broadside - I. S. Cohen, Charleston, South Carolina, December 2, 1848

Broadside - I. S. Cohen, Charleston, South Carolina, December 2, 1848

Broadside advertisement for a wine auction by I. S. Cohen. Printed text lists a catalogue of superior old port, sherry and madeira wines to be sold at auction on Wednesday, December 13th, 1848, at 12 o’clock. The broadside includes handwritten notes listing the items and prices of the wines sold at the auction. It includes descriptions of wines, including a description of

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Letter from Anthony Wayne to Wilhelm Willink Requesting Funds, Charleston, South Carolina, September 28, 1785

Letter from Anthony Wayne to Wilhelm Willink Requesting Funds, Charleston, South Carolina, September 28, 1785

A signed letter written by General Anthony Wayne to Wilhelm Willink on September 28, 1785, from Charleston, South Carolina. Wayne requests Willink to draw money from Philip Jacob Cohen and offers collateral in the form of drafts. This retained draft letter is in response to a letter from Wilhelm Willink dated July 29, 1785. The letter highlights the financial dealings and interconnectedness between American figures and the "Port Jews" of Amsterdam.

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Birth Certificate of Junius Brutus Booth, Jr., Charleston, South Carolina, February 21, 1822

Birth Certificate of Junius Brutus Booth, Jr., Charleston, South Carolina, February 21, 1822

Birth certificate of Junius Brutus Booth, Jr., son of Junius Brutus Booth and Mary Ann Booth. The certificate, dated February 21, 1822, is an affidavit signed by Junius Brutus Booth and notes that the child was born December 21, 1821, on Clifford Street, Charleston, South Carolina, at the dwelling of Mr. Solomon Moses, Jr. The document is significant due to the involvement of Solomon Moses, Jr., a prominent Charleston resident and slave trader.

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Bill of Sale for Enslaved Individuals: Solomon Davis to Thomas R. Williams, Charleston, South Carolina, February 12, 1848

Bill of Sale for Enslaved Individuals: Solomon Davis to Thomas R. Williams, Charleston, South Carolina, February 12, 1848

Single-page printed bill of sale documenting the sale of three enslaved individuals—Fanny and her two children, Martha and William—for $575, and Sally for $425. The seller, Solomon Davis, a Jewish slave dealer from Richmond, Virginia, filled out and signed the document on February 12, 1848. The buyer was Thomas R. Williams. The sale took place in Charleston, South Carolina. This document highlights the involvement of Jewish individuals in the American slave trade.

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Letter from Moses Cohen Mordecai to Isaac Leeser Regarding Financial Assistance for Reinah Judah, January 5, 1855

Letter from Moses Cohen Mordecai to Isaac Leeser Regarding Financial Assistance for Reinah Judah, January 5, 1855

A one-page letter dated January 5, 1855, from Moses Cohen Mordecai in Charleston, South Carolina, to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mordecai declines Leeser's request for financial assistance for Reinah Judah, citing family obligations and questioning the extent of Judah's need. This letter provides insight into the personal and financial circumstances of various individuals within the Jewish community in the mid-19th century United States.

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Letter from Solomon Nunes Carvalho to Isaac Leeser, Charleston, South Carolina, October 15, 1851

Letter from Solomon Nunes Carvalho to Isaac Leeser, Charleston, South Carolina, October 15, 1851

A one-page letter written by Solomon Nunes Carvalho to Isaac Leeser on October 15, 1851, from Charleston, South Carolina. Carvalho details his incapacitation due to a boil, apologizes for delayed correspondence, relays a book order, and concludes due to his illness. This letter is one of five in the collection showcasing the correspondence between these two prominent figures in the American Jewish community.

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Letter from Rumah Judah to Isaac Leeser, Charleston, South Carolina, November 14, 1831

Letter from Rumah Judah to Isaac Leeser, Charleston, South Carolina, November 14, 1831

A two-page letter (8" x 12.5") written by Rumah Judah in Charleston, South Carolina, to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on November 14, 1831. The letter details Judah's trip to Charleston to visit relatives, offering observations about her family and their customs. She mentions meeting cousin Isaac Mordecai and describes her impressions of various family members, including Mrs. Moses.

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Letter from B. Mordecai to Isaac Leeser Requesting a Character Reference for Esther Davidson, Charleston, South Carolina, November 28, 1858

Letter from B. Mordecai to Isaac Leeser Requesting a Character Reference for Esther Davidson, Charleston, South Carolina, November 28, 1858

Printed broadside letter dated November 28, 1858, from B. Mordecai of Charleston, South Carolina, to Isaac Leeser. Mordecai requests a character reference for Esther Davidson, who has applied for a position as governess to his four children and companion to his wife. Davidson's qualifications include teaching French, art, music, and English, and cultivating a moral sense in the children. This is the only correspondence in the collection requesting a background check in printed form.

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Letter from Samuel Hart to Isaac Leeser, Charleston, South Carolina, December 21, 1847

Letter from Samuel Hart to Isaac Leeser, Charleston, South Carolina, December 21, 1847

A three-page letter written by Samuel Hart to Isaac Leeser in Charleston, South Carolina on December 21, 1847. The letter discusses the upcoming marriage of Miss Tobias and Mr. Minnis of Savannah, Georgia, and raises questions about Mr. Minnis's circumcision status and its implications for the marriage. The letter also reflects Hart's views as a leader in the secession from Beth Elohim Synagogue and President of Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim of Charleston.

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Letter from Joshua Lavsano to Isaac Leeser Regarding the Conflict at Congregation Beth Elohim, Charleston, South Carolina, April 10, 1849

Letter from Joshua Lavsano to Isaac Leeser Regarding the Conflict at Congregation Beth Elohim, Charleston, South Carolina, April 10, 1849

A one-page letter dated April 10, 1849, from Joshua Lavsano in Charleston, South Carolina, to Rabbi Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The letter details the internal conflict within Congregation Beth Elohim, focusing on the dispute over the form of religious services and the divisions between Reform and Traditionalist factions. Lavsano describes the unsuccessful attempts at reconciliation and the rejection of a proposed joint synagogue. This letter provides firsthand insight into a significant event in the history of American Jewish Reform.

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Letter from Solomon Nunes Carvalho to Isaac Leeser, Charleston, South Carolina, April 20, 1852

Letter from Solomon Nunes Carvalho to Isaac Leeser, Charleston, South Carolina, April 20, 1852

Four-page letter written by Solomon Nunes Carvalho on April 20, 1852, from Charleston, South Carolina, to Rabbi Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The letter discusses internal conflicts and controversies within the Charleston Jewish community, mentioning individuals such as Henry Phillips, Rabbi Ellis Lyons, and Dr. Raphael. It offers insight into the dynamics of Reformed Judaism in Charleston during this period.

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Letter from J. Harvey to Isaac Leeser Regarding Reform Movement in Charleston, South Carolina, April 21, 1852

Letter from J. Harvey to Isaac Leeser Regarding Reform Movement in Charleston, South Carolina, April 21, 1852

Three-page letter dated April 21, 1852, from J. Harvey in Charleston, South Carolina, to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia. Harvey proposes an editorial for publication by Leeser, discussing his perspective on the Reform Movement within the Charleston Jewish community, specifically addressing the role of women in the Sunday school and the disharmony within the congregation. The editorial includes commentary on the Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim synagogue.

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Letter from Julius Eckman to Isaac Leeser, Charleston, South Carolina, May 13, 1851

Letter from Julius Eckman to Isaac Leeser, Charleston, South Carolina, May 13, 1851

A one-and-a-half-page letter written by Rabbi Julius Eckman of Beth Elohim in Charleston, South Carolina, to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia on May 13, 1851. Eckman responds to an article accusing him of inconsistency, defending his faith and principles. The letter includes a two-and-a-quarter-page handwritten response by Isaac Leeser, intended for typesetting in *The Occident*. This letter provides insight into the controversies surrounding Eckman's rabbinical career and his later role as a Western pioneer.

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Letter from Solomon Nunes Carvalho to Isaac Leeser, Charleston, South Carolina, May 26, 1852

Letter from Solomon Nunes Carvalho to Isaac Leeser, Charleston, South Carolina, May 26, 1852

A three-page letter written by Solomon Nunes Carvalho on May 26, 1852, from Charleston, South Carolina, to Reverend Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Carvalho details public disputes within the Shearit Israel congregation concerning the role of Reverend Ellis Lyons and the excommunication of Dr. E. (possibly Eckman). The letter offers insight into internal conflicts and personalities within the Shearit Israel congregation and the unusual use of excommunication in American Jewish communities at that time.

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Letter from Morris Ehrlick to Alexander Oelsner Regarding Brith Sholom Beth Israel, Charleston, South Carolina, May 28, 1858

Letter from Morris Ehrlick to Alexander Oelsner Regarding Brith Sholom Beth Israel, Charleston, South Carolina, May 28, 1858

A one-and-a-quarter page letter dated May 28, 1858, from Morris Ehrlick, President of the Berith Shalom Congregation in Charleston, South Carolina, to Alexander Oelsner. The letter discusses the need for a hazan and a mohel, emphasizing the necessity of a single individual capable of performing both roles and reading in Polish. It also includes a request for blessings for Oelsner and the congregation. The letter features a stamped seal of the Brith Sholom Beth Israel Congregation.

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Letter from Isaac Harby to E. P. Cohen, Charleston, South Carolina, May 5, 1826

Letter from Isaac Harby to E. P. Cohen, Charleston, South Carolina, May 5, 1826

Autograph letter signed by Isaac Harby, written in Charleston, South Carolina on May 5, 1826, to E. P. Cohen. The letter discusses the historical arguments for not wearing a head covering in the temple, representing an early American document in the history of Reform Judaism. Harby, a key figure in the early American Reform movement, presents his own research and interpretation of scripture on this topic.

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Letter transmitting the Constitution of the Reformed Society of Israelites, Charleston, South Carolina, May 17, 1825

Letter transmitting the Constitution of the Reformed Society of Israelites, Charleston, South Carolina, May 17, 1825

Printed broadside letter dated May 17, 1825, transmitting the Constitution of the Reformed Society of Israelites. The letter was sent from Jacob Cohen in Baltimore, Maryland to Charleston, South Carolina. It includes the printed signatures of Isaac Harby, D.M. Carvalho, Abraham Moise, E.P. Cohen, and Isaac N. Cardozo, as the Corresponding Committee. This is considered an important document in the early history of Reform Judaism in America.

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Letter from S. Valentine to Isaac Leeser Regarding the Shearith Israel Congregation, Charleston, South Carolina, June 6, 1854

Letter from S. Valentine to Isaac Leeser Regarding the Shearith Israel Congregation, Charleston, South Carolina, June 6, 1854

A one-page letter written by S. Valentine, Secretary of the Shearith Israel Congregation in Charleston, South Carolina, to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on June 6, 1854. Valentine discusses the conflict between Orthodox and Reform Jews in Charleston, noting the ridicule faced by Orthodox congregations but highlighting the flourishing state of Shearith Israel. He encloses the proceedings of the congregation (not included in this archival item).

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Letter from H. A. Henry to S. Valentine, August 2, 1852

Letter from H. A. Henry to S. Valentine, August 2, 1852

A one-page letter written by H. A. Henry in Syracuse, New York to S. Valentine in Charleston, South Carolina on August 2, 1852. Henry demands justice for personal slander by Isaac Leeser. This letter is part of a larger correspondence documenting a public dispute between Henry and Leeser, two prominent figures in 19th-century American Judaism.

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One Dollar Continental Currency Note, Charleston, South Carolina, 1777

One Dollar Continental Currency Note, Charleston, South Carolina, 1777

Continental Currency one dollar note issued in Charleston, South Carolina in 1777. The reverse of the note features four Hebrew letters used as decorative motifs and anti-counterfeiting devices. The note was printed on a press previously owned by Francis Salvador, a Jewish American Patriot who died fighting for American independence.

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Charleston Courier, February 7, 1807

Charleston Courier, February 7, 1807

Issue of the Charleston Courier newspaper from Charleston, South Carolina, dated February 7, 1807. This issue contains advertisements for a public sale of an estate including sixty enslaved people, and for a cargo of sugar and brandies. The sale of the sugar and brandies was delayed due to weather.

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Charleston Daily Courier, January 7, 1858

Charleston Daily Courier, January 7, 1858

Issue of the Charleston Daily Courier newspaper published in Charleston, South Carolina on January 7, 1858. This issue features numerous advertisements, including prominent slave auction advertisements by Jacob Cohen & Sons, as well as advertisements for S.S. Solomon, engineer and superintendent of the Northeastern Railroad Company.

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Charleston Mercury, April 6, 1855: Newspaper featuring advertisement for D.J. & G.J. Levy's Southern Clothing Emporium and Marx Cohen's sale of enslaved people

Charleston Mercury, April 6, 1855: Newspaper featuring advertisement for D.J. & G.J. Levy's Southern Clothing Emporium and Marx Cohen's sale of enslaved people

This newspaper clipping from the Charleston Mercury, published April 6, 1855, in Charleston, South Carolina, features a prominent advertisement for D.J. & G.J. Levy's Southern Clothing Emporium and a notice of Marx Cohen's sale of thirty enslaved people, along with his plantation and brickyard. The Levy advertisement includes a lithographic illustration of their store at 288 King Street.

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Charleston Courier, August 28, 1815: Early Mention of Lord Byron's Hebrew Melodies

Charleston Courier, August 28, 1815: Early Mention of Lord Byron's Hebrew Melodies

Issue of the Charleston Courier newspaper from August 28, 1815, featuring an early mention of Lord Byron's "Hebrew Melodies." The article excerpts information from the Edinburgh Courant of May 8, 1815, provides examples from the work, and includes an advertisement for the sale of household goods, including Hebrew and English books, by a person leaving the state. Published in Charleston, South Carolina.

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Charleston Mercury, January 10, 1863: Article on Jews as Patriots

Charleston Mercury, January 10, 1863: Article on Jews as Patriots

Newspaper clipping from the Charleston Mercury, published in Charleston, South Carolina on January 10, 1863. The clipping features a half-column article discussing Jews as patriots during the American Civil War. It mentions Cohen (killed near Richmond, VA), Hertz (a doctor and auctioneer), and Wineman (a merchant at 29 Hayne Street).

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Printed Letter from General Beauregard to Rabbi Mechelbacker Regarding Jewish Soldiers' Leave, Charleston Mercury, January 27, 1863

Printed Letter from General Beauregard to Rabbi Mechelbacker Regarding Jewish Soldiers' Leave, Charleston Mercury, January 27, 1863

A reprint of a letter from General Beauregard's Assistant Adjutant-General, Thomas Jordan, to Rabbi M.I. Mechelbacker, dated September 1, 1861, declining a request for furloughs for Jewish soldiers during the High Holidays. This letter, published in the Charleston Mercury on January 27, 1863, explains the military's inability to grant leave due to the ongoing conflict. The newspaper also contains an advertisement for Isaac Eger Hertz.

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Trade Card for Louis E. Levy, General Outdoor Photographer

Trade Card for Louis E. Levy, General Outdoor Photographer

This trade card advertises the services of Louis E. Levy, a general outdoor photographer. The front of the card features a stylized image of a camera lens on a black background. The back of the card provides more information about the business, including the address: 622, and Levy's specialization as a publisher of 'Levy's Photographic Advertising Albums.'

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Trade Card: B. Gallenberg, Gentleman Furnisher, Charleston, West Virginia

Trade Card: B. Gallenberg, Gentleman Furnisher, Charleston, West Virginia

This trade card advertises B. Gallenberg, a gentleman's furnisher, located opposite the Public Landing in Charleston, West Virginia. The front of the card features a comical illustration, rendered in reddish-sepia tones, depicting a man and a woman. The style of the illustration suggests a late 19th-century aesthetic. The text on the card clearly identifies the business as a "Gentleman Furnisher" and notes its location as being "Opposite Public Landing." The back of the card is blank.

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Trade Card for Austen's Forest Flower Cologne, L. W. Levy, Charleston, West Virginia

Trade Card for Austen's Forest Flower Cologne, L. W. Levy, Charleston, West Virginia

This trade card advertises Austen's Forest Flower Cologne, sold by L. W. Levy in Charleston, West Virginia. The front of the card is dominated by a large, elaborate illustration of the cologne bottle and flowers. The back of the card features three advertisements for other merchants in different locations. The first advertises a shoe store. The second advertises a dry goods store, and the third advertises a clothing store.

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Charleston Daily Courier, July 9, 1862

Charleston Daily Courier, July 9, 1862

Issue of the Charleston Daily Courier newspaper published in Charleston, South Carolina on July 9, 1862. Pages 2 and 3 feature advertisements by Tobias, A. L.; Solomon, A. L.; Goldsmith, Moses; and Dr. P. Melvin Cohen. Dr. Cohen's advertisement promotes liver and stomach bitters. The issue also includes a letter by Judah P. Benjamin regarding the Confederacy's stance on neutral cotton.

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Demand Note against David Lopez

Demand Note against David Lopez

Demand note dated March 15, 1855, against David Lopez. The note includes a notation that a letter was left at Lopez's residence because he could not be reached personally. The reverse of the note shows what appears to be a satisfaction of debt by P. M. Cohen and Company dated January 11, 1856. The note relates to financial dealings involving David Lopez, P. M. Cohen, J. W. Brownfield, and the Bank of the State of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina.

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Billhead - Cohen & Triest, Charleston, South Carolina, April 1, 1888

Billhead - Cohen & Triest, Charleston, South Carolina, April 1, 1888

Billhead from Cohen & Triest, importers and dealers in dry and fancy goods, silks, laces, and embroideries, located at 248 King St., Charleston, S.C. Dated April 1, 1888. The bill lists the purchase of one buggy blanket for $7 by J. L. Capplerman. The billhead has a printed header, ornate lettering, and clear details of the business address and transaction.

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Billhead - Hirsch, Israel & Co., Charleston, South Carolina, July 12, 1889

Billhead - Hirsch, Israel & Co., Charleston, South Carolina, July 12, 1889

Billhead from Hirsch, Israel & Co., a clothing store at 273 King Street, Charleston, South Carolina. The billhead lists a purchase of “2 doz. Gloves” and “4 Silk Handkerchiefs” for the amount of $2.20 on July 12, 1889. The billhead features an image of a building with a sign reading 'Clothing Palace' with ornate lettering. The style is consistent with other business billheads of the period.

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Charleston Gas Light Company Stock Transfer Receipt

Charleston Gas Light Company Stock Transfer Receipt

Stock transfer receipt for shares of the capital stock of the Charleston Gas Light Company, signed by Joshua Lazarus on October 22, 1858. The receipt shows a transfer of shares and indicates that Lazarus was president of the company. Each share of stock was valued at $25.00. The receipt is in excellent condition as it was kept in the original certificate of shares book.

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Charleston Gas Light Company Stock Receipt

Charleston Gas Light Company Stock Receipt

Stock receipt for one share of capital stock in the Charleston Gas Light Company. Issued on November 4, 1859, to Benjamin Dores Lazarus. The receipt indicates that one share of stock was valued at $25.00 at that time.

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Billhead - Kohn, Furchgott & Benedict, Charleston, South Carolina, December 31, 1885

Billhead - Kohn, Furchgott & Benedict, Charleston, South Carolina, December 31, 1885

Bill from Kohn, Furchgott & Benedict, importers and dealers in Foreign and Domestic Dry Goods, Cloaks, Shawls, Hosiery, Notions, and Ribbons, located at No. 275 King Street, Charleston, South Carolina. The billhead lists items purchased by J. D. Appleman, including 21 1/2 blankets and 29 1/2 matting. The billhead also indicates that the company has additional locations in Jacksonville, Florida and New York City. The date of the transaction is December 31, 1885. The billhead has decorative elements including a border around the company name.

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Charleston Gas Light Company Stock Transfer Sheet

Charleston Gas Light Company Stock Transfer Sheet

Stock transfer sheet for nine shares of the capital stock of the Charleston Gas Light Company, signed by Joshua Lazarus on November 15, 1858. The document details the transfer of shares and indicates that Joshua Lazarus was president of the Charleston Gas-Light Company. Additional dates mentioned are November 9th and 22nd, 1858.

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Letter from Falk, Hirsch & Co. to I. W. Hirsch Regarding Dissolution of the Firm, Charleston, South Carolina, November 6, 1883

Letter from Falk, Hirsch & Co. to I. W. Hirsch Regarding Dissolution of the Firm, Charleston, South Carolina, November 6, 1883

This letter, dated November 6, 1883, is from David B. Falk and I. M. Falk of Falk, Hirsch & Co. in Charleston, South Carolina, to I. W. Hirsch. It details the amicable dissolution of the firm Falk, Hirsch & Co. The letter is on illustrated letterhead and is signed by both Falks. The letterhead indicates the business was located at 291 King St., Charleston, S.C., and closed on Saturdays.

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Letter from J. J. Klein to Moses Goldsmith & Son, December 30, 1874

Letter from J. J. Klein to Moses Goldsmith & Son, December 30, 1874

Letter written by J. J. Klein to Moses Goldsmith & Son on December 30, 1874, concerning business matters related to the Charleston and Savannah Railroad. The letter, written on letterhead, originated in Waterboro, South Carolina and was addressed to Charleston, South Carolina. An envelope is also included in this archival record.

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Legal Document: Payment Assignment, Charleston, South Carolina, December 7, 1869

Legal Document: Payment Assignment, Charleston, South Carolina, December 7, 1869

A payment assignment document dated December 7, 1869, in Charleston, South Carolina. Alexander Hezekiel Abrahams, his son Adolphus Hezekiel Abrahams, and Theodore H. Abrahams bind themselves to E.W.M. Mackey, Sheriff of Charleston County, for $9,666.00, payable in two installments with interest. Sheriff Mackey assigns portions of the bond to Hannah Enston and James E. Walker. An attached section shows A.H. Abrahams' payment to Stephen Thomas on June 7, 1870.

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Post-Marital Settlement Agreement of J.R. and Rebecca Solomons, Charleston, South Carolina, August 16, 1875

Post-Marital Settlement Agreement of J.R. and Rebecca Solomons, Charleston, South Carolina, August 16, 1875

Five-page legal document detailing a post-marital settlement between J.R. Solomons and Rebecca Solomons of Charleston, South Carolina. Drafted and signed by T. Moultrie Mordecai on August 16, 1875. The agreement outlines the distribution of J.R. Solomons' property, including real estate and personal belongings, to Rebecca Solomons. Measures approximately 10 x 15 inches when unfolded and 4 x 10 inches when folded. Some pages exhibit light staining and minor tears.

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Billhead - H. H. DeLeon, Charleston, South Carolina, March 24, 1887

Billhead - H. H. DeLeon, Charleston, South Carolina, March 24, 1887

Invoice from H. H. DeLeon, a broker, auctioneer, and commission agent located at No. 24 Broad Street, Charleston, South Carolina. Dated March 24, 1887. The billhead features a decorative border and a stylized company logo. The document likely represents the purchase of bonds or other securities by T. G. Summons, who is named at the top of the billhead, from H. H. DeLeon. The transaction value appears to be $100 for 478/32nds.

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Business Card: B. Feldmann & Co., Grocers, Charleston, South Carolina

Business Card: B. Feldmann & Co., Grocers, Charleston, South Carolina

This business card advertises B. Feldmann & Co., grocers, located at 350 King Street in Charleston, South Carolina. The front of the card is simple and features the business name, type of business, and address printed neatly. The card appears to be a standard business card format, small and rectangular. The image shows text only; no illustrations or decorative elements are present. The back of the card is blank.

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Billhead - McDuff Cohen, Charleston, South Carolina, January 1, 1869

Billhead - McDuff Cohen, Charleston, South Carolina, January 1, 1869

Invoice from McDuff Cohen, a dealer in tinware, stoves, grates, house furnishing goods, and other items located at 130 Meeting Street, opposite Pavilion Hotel, Charleston, South Carolina. Dated January 1, 1869. The invoice is for “3 1/2 lbs Sheet Iron,” “Repairs to Stove” and “Setting up panner” purchased by Col. Nichols. The invoice is handwritten, and the billhead has a printed header featuring a drawing of a stove, a company address and details, ornate lettering, and a line of decorative dots under the business information.

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Letter from John Wagner to Mordecai & Co., Charleston, South Carolina, July 6, 1852

Letter from John Wagner to Mordecai & Co., Charleston, South Carolina, July 6, 1852

A letter dated July 6, 1852, from John Wagner to Mordecai & Co. in Charleston, South Carolina. The letter, which is a broadside with a cover from the M.C. Mordecai Co., discusses coal for their steamship Isabel bound for Cuba. The broadside also lists the signatures of agents of Mordecai & Co., including Moses Cohen Mordecai, J.R. Mordecai, Isaac Eger Hertz, and J.A. Enslow.

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Billhead - J. L. David & Bro., Charleston, South Carolina, July 2, 1885

Billhead - J. L. David & Bro., Charleston, South Carolina, July 2, 1885

This billhead belongs to J. L. David & Bro., a clothing, furnishings, and hatters business located at 301 and 303 King Street in Charleston, South Carolina. The billhead is dated July 2, 1885, and lists a purchase made by J. D. Cappleman. The item purchased is likely a coat. The billhead features a decorative banner with the name of the business, the address, and a list of services offered. The billhead is printed on light-colored paper with a ruled grid layout. It is filled in by hand with cursive script. The handwritten portion of the billhead is dated June 17, 1885, suggesting a period of time between purchase and payment. The billhead is a good example of a business document from the late 19th century. It provides details about the business, the transaction, and the buyer.

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Billhead - The Charleston Dental Depot, Charleston, South Carolina, January 1, 1874

Billhead - The Charleston Dental Depot, Charleston, South Carolina, January 1, 1874

Billhead for The Charleston Dental Depot, located at No. 263 King Street, Opposite Hasel Street, Charleston, S.C. Dated January 1, 1874. The billhead is for a purchase made by Alexander & Bland, and indicates that they bought dental plaster for the sum of $0.00. The billhead notes that gold foil scraps and old gold plates will be taken in payment for materials, at the best price. It also includes information on ordering goods and how to send payment, including the option of paying by mail, express, or in person. The billhead also notes that the dental depot offers a variety of services and goods, including dental chairs, cabinets, and instruments. The billhead is printed on a plain white paper with black ink. The layout is simple and clear, with a border around the edges and a centered title at the top.

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Billhead - Mrs. M. J. Zernow, Charleston, South Carolina, September 30, 1890

Billhead - Mrs. M. J. Zernow, Charleston, South Carolina, September 30, 1890

Billhead from Mrs. M. J. Zernow, located at No. 315 King Street, Charleston, South Carolina. The business is described as a ‘Fashionable Millinery and Fancy Goods Establishment’ and advertises “A Full Line of Modern Styles of Corsets at the Lowest Prices, Always on Hand.” The bill, dated September 30, 1890, lists a purchase by Carrie Marks. The billhead is printed with an ornate Victorian-style design.

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Billhead - L. Weiskopf, Charleston, South Carolina, September 22, 1876

Billhead - L. Weiskopf, Charleston, South Carolina, September 22, 1876

Invoice from L. Weiskopf, an importer and dealer of paints, colors, oils, varnishes, glues, brushes, and window, picture, and carriage glass. The bill is for two quarts of ‘Bosh Lamp oil’ (a likely misspelling of ‘Bohemian Lamp oil’) and is dated September 22, 1876. The billhead features a logo of a barrel with a stylized “L. WEISKOPF, PURE LINSEED OIL” printed on it. The billhead lists a variety of other items for sale including French Glass Shades, Gold and Metal Leaf, Bronze Powders, and Udell Patent Excelsior Stepladders. The printed header has bold, decorative lettering and the business address is located in the bottom left corner.

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Bill of Exchange from Edmond Charles Genet to Abraham Sasportas

Bill of Exchange from Edmond Charles Genet to Abraham Sasportas

Bill of exchange for $444, written in Charleston, South Carolina on August 9, 1793, payable to Abraham Sasportas from Edmond Charles Genet, French Ambassador to the United States. The bill is endorsed on the verso by Abraham Sasportas. This document is a significant piece of Judaica Americana, highlighting the commercial activities of Abraham Sasportas, a prominent Jewish merchant in Charleston known for his trade with France and his later dealings with James Madison regarding British privateering.

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Letter from Abraham Tobias & Co. to Tobias I. Tobias, October 8, 1836

Letter from Abraham Tobias & Co. to Tobias I. Tobias, October 8, 1836

Two-page business letter from Abraham Tobias & Co. in Charleston, South Carolina to Tobias I. Tobias in New York, New York, dated October 8, 1836. The letter details business matters including a wine shipment, the cholera epidemic, cloth materials, and a draft on books. It concludes with a note from D. C. Levy expressing gratitude for hospitality in New York City.

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Letter from David Cardoza Levy to Tobias I. Tobias, September 4, 1840

Letter from David Cardoza Levy to Tobias I. Tobias, September 4, 1840

A one-page letter written by David Cardoza Levy in Charleston, South Carolina to Tobias I. Tobias in New York City on September 4, 1840. Levy requests Tobias forward a letter to Bordeaux, France, and discusses the business of selling port wine, gin, and champagne. He also expresses condolences on the death of Tobias's daughter-in-law.

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Autograph Letter Signed by Aaron Lopez Regarding the Health of 'Boy Samuel', Charleston, South Carolina, December 10, 1839

Autograph Letter Signed by Aaron Lopez Regarding the Health of 'Boy Samuel', Charleston, South Carolina, December 10, 1839

Autograph letter signed by Dr. Aaron Lopez of Charleston, South Carolina, dated December 10, 1839, reporting on the health of "the boy Samuel" to Colonel J. G. Moses at the Charleston Hotel. The letter discusses Samuel's health and lack of information regarding his parents, hinting at the possibility that Samuel was an enslaved individual whose health was being assessed for a potential buyer. The letter also mentions a deed held in the Secretary of State's office in Charleston, South Carolina.

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Lawsuit: McDonald v. Levy Brothers, Charleston, South Carolina, 1798

Lawsuit: McDonald v. Levy Brothers, Charleston, South Carolina, 1798

Legal document detailing a lawsuit filed by William McDonald against Samuel and Solomon Levy in Charleston, South Carolina on April 5, 1798. The suit concerns an unpaid debt of approximately £82.4.9 (converted to $705) for goods and merchandise purchased on April 10, 1797. The document includes the original complaint, filing information, and a record of payment made by the Levy brothers on April 5, 1798. The document is a single sheet of paper, approximately 12.5 x 15.625 inches, with some edge damage.

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Miller's Planters' and Merchants' Almanac for the Year of Our Lord 1829

Miller's Planters' and Merchants' Almanac for the Year of Our Lord 1829

This is the second edition of Miller's Planters' and Merchants' Almanac, published in Charleston, South Carolina in 1828 for use in 1829. Calculated by Joshua Sharp, it provides a calendar, including a section dedicated to Jewish holidays for the year 5589. The almanac also contains various information relevant to planters and merchants in South Carolina and Georgia, such as details on government officials, the South Carolina College, banks, insurance companies, the post office, the South Carolina Railroad, foreign coin values, fire companies, a gardener's calendar, steamboat rates, roads, and an advertisement for Clements Ferry. It also includes agricultural information, pilot details for Charleston harbor, and pilotage rates.

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Miller's Planters' and Merchants' Almanac, 1844

Miller's Planters' and Merchants' Almanac, 1844

This is the third edition of Miller's Planters' and Merchants' Almanac for the year 1844. Calculated by David Young, it's designed for the states of Carolina and Georgia. In addition to the typical astronomical and agricultural information found in almanacs, this edition includes a calendar of Jewish Fasts and Festivals for the year 5604, lists of important government officials in South Carolina and the Federal Government, details on Charleston's civic institutions (including the Police, Custom House, and South Carolina College), as well as information on banking, insurance, the post office, and the South Carolina Railroad, freight rates, and a gardener's calendar. Published and sold by A.E. Miller in Charleston, South Carolina.

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Continental Currency One Dollar Note (1776)

Continental Currency One Dollar Note (1776)

One dollar Continental Currency note dated December 23, 1776. The reverse features four Hebrew letters used as decorative motifs and anti-counterfeiting devices. This note was printed on a press formerly owned by Francis Salvador, a Jewish American Patriot who died fighting for American independence.

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Billhead - Simons Brothers, Charleston, South Carolina, January 1, 1855

Billhead - Simons Brothers, Charleston, South Carolina, January 1, 1855

Statement of account from Simons Brothers, a business in Charleston, South Carolina, for J. B. Waring. Dated January 1, 1855. The statement lists a variety of items purchased by Dr. Waring, including flour, vinegar, molasses, soap, bitters, Rio coffee, lard, segars, lobsters, pickles, butter, raisins, figs, cheese, beef, and more. The total amount owed is $374.53. The billhead is written in cursive script, and is approximately 7 by 17 inches.

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An Oration, Delivered in the Independent, or Congregational Church, Charleston

An Oration, Delivered in the Independent, or Congregational Church, Charleston

This pamphlet contains the text of an oration delivered by Henry Laurens Pinckney on July 4, 1833, in Charleston, South Carolina, before several prominent organizations including the State Rights & Free Trade Party, the State Society of Cincinnati, the Revolution Society, the '76 Association, and the State Volunteers. Published by request, the oration commemorates the 57th anniversary of American independence and reflects on the recent Nullification Crisis. Myer M. Cohen, a prominent Charleston Jew and chairman of the Committee of the '76 Association, is mentioned. The speech defends State Rights advocates against accusations of opposing the federal government.

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Letter from Horace E. Baldwin to Charles Tobias, Charleston, South Carolina, March 11, 1851

Letter from Horace E. Baldwin to Charles Tobias, Charleston, South Carolina, March 11, 1851

A one-page letter written by Horace E. Baldwin in Charleston, South Carolina, to Charles Tobias in New Orleans, Louisiana, on March 11, 1851. Baldwin discusses a visit to New Orleans with his sister Mary, his travels to New York City after visiting Cuba, and requests that Tobias hold a $1,000 note for two months. Baldwin was a partner in the firm Taylor, Baldwin and Co. in Newark, New Jersey, before moving to New Orleans in 1842, and appears to have remained there until 1853.

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Letter from Thomas Jefferson Tobias to T. I. Tobias, August 11, 1851

Letter from Thomas Jefferson Tobias to T. I. Tobias, August 11, 1851

Two-page letter from Thomas Jefferson Tobias in Charleston, South Carolina to T. I. Tobias in New York City, dated August 11, 1851. The letter discusses a wine order, including cask specifications, and congratulates T. I. Tobias on a new grandchild. Family news and affections are also included. Thomas Jefferson Tobias (1830-1878) was married to a member of the Hendricks family, a family with connections to the Cohens and Levys of Charleston, who were also involved in the wine trade.

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Letter from J. S. Cohen to Tobias Isaac Tobias Regarding Wine Shipment, Charleston, South Carolina, July 10, 1849

Letter from J. S. Cohen to Tobias Isaac Tobias Regarding Wine Shipment, Charleston, South Carolina, July 10, 1849

A one-page letter dated July 10, 1849, from J. S. Cohen in Charleston, South Carolina, to Tobias Isaac Tobias in New York City. The letter discusses a shipment of wine arriving from Madeira aboard the brig Caroline and the necessary procedures for its delivery and forwarding. Cohen details communication with the charterer, Mr. Wm. Depew, and the importance of the bill of lading.

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Billhead - Louis Cohen & Co., Charleston, South Carolina, October 2, 1884

Billhead - Louis Cohen & Co., Charleston, South Carolina, October 2, 1884

Billhead from Louis Cohen & Co., dealers in foreign and domestic dry goods, notions, and fancy goods, with a specialty in ladies' underwear. The business was located at 248 King Street, Charleston, South Carolina. The billhead is dated October 2, 1884. The bill includes an itemized list of transactions, likely for cloth or fabric. The bill is paid by the News and Courier Co. and annotated with a payment for 'cover for new press'. The billhead is adorned with an elegant illustration of a woman in a corset and includes the caption 'The Perfect Contour Corset' underneath the image. The billhead has a simple design with a basic header and ornate lettering.

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Letter from Aaron Moise to J.H. Cook regarding Charleston Courier subscriptions, 1828 October 6

Letter from Aaron Moise to J.H. Cook regarding Charleston Courier subscriptions, 1828 October 6

A single-page letter written and signed by Aaron Moise on October 6, 1828, from the Courier Office in Charleston, South Carolina. The letter is addressed to Major J.H. Cook, U.S. Army, in Washington, D.C., confirming the discontinuation of Charleston Courier subscriptions for officers of the 6th U.S. Infantry Regiment in St. Louis, Missouri, upon expiration of their 18-month subscription. The letter was written by Moise on behalf of A.S. Willington, editor and co-founder of the Charleston Courier.

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Letter from Samuel N. Hart to William Jessop & Sons, October 17, 1844

Letter from Samuel N. Hart to William Jessop & Sons, October 17, 1844

A one-page letter, dated October 17, 1844, from Samuel Nathan Hart of Charleston, South Carolina to William Jessop & Sons in New York City. Hart encloses a check for payment on an invoice for steel from 1842 and explains the delay in payment. The letter features a Charleston, S.C. postmark and a red "25" rate handstamp.

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Bill of Sale for Enslaved Person Chloe, Charleston, South Carolina, March 4, 1847

Bill of Sale for Enslaved Person Chloe, Charleston, South Carolina, March 4, 1847

Partially printed bill of sale, 8 x 13.25 inches, Charleston, South Carolina, March 4, 1847. Documents the sale of an enslaved woman named Chloe by Solomon Davis to Mary Kennedy for $430.00. The verso records the subsequent sale of Chloe by Kennedy to Henry Willis for $275.00 on September 1, 1847, with Thomas W. Mordecai witnessing the transaction as an officer of the court. This bill of sale highlights the involvement of Jewish slave traders in the American South.

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Invoice detailing expenses of B. H. Jacobs to the estate of A. McRae, Charleston, South Carolina, January 8, 1842

Invoice detailing expenses of B. H. Jacobs to the estate of A. McRae, Charleston, South Carolina, January 8, 1842

Manuscript invoice detailing the expenses of B. H. Jacobs incurred on behalf of the estate of A. McRae on January 8, 1842, in Charleston, South Carolina. The invoice primarily lists shipping-related costs and includes a charge of $1.00 for "dinner for Negros." B. H. Jacobs may have been part of a prominent Jewish family in Charleston and served as an agent for Holmes & Co. at the wharf. The invoice suggests the shipment of slaves and other goods from Jacksonville, Florida to Charleston for the McRae estate.

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Bond for Loan to Sarah N. Nathans, Executrix of Nathan Nathans Estate

Bond for Loan to Sarah N. Nathans, Executrix of Nathan Nathans Estate

Bond dated January 10, 1860, for a loan of $6,500 (equivalent to $188,000 in 2019) to Sarah (Hertz) Nathans, Executrix of the Estate of Nathan Nathans, from George W. Airmar and Charles P. Airmar, pharmacists and doctors in Charleston, South Carolina. The loan was to be repaid in five equal annual installments of $1,300 plus interest, beginning January 10, 1861, and concluding March 15, 1866. The bond bears the signatures of Sarah Nathans and S. S. Solomons, and includes a U.S. revenue stamp. Nathan Nathans was a prominent Charleston merchant and a founding member and trustee of Shearith Israel Synagogue.

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Collection of 24 Letters from the Tobias Family Archive, 1843-1865

Collection of 24 Letters from the Tobias Family Archive, 1843-1865

This collection comprises 24 miscellaneous letters from the Tobias family archive, spanning the years 1843-1865. The letters, written between various members of the Tobias family and their associates, discuss personal and business matters, including family health, shipping, money issues, and general news. Geographic locations mentioned include Liverpool, England; New York, New York; Charleston, South Carolina; Boston, Massachusetts; Paris, France; and Cheltenham, England. Addresses mentioned in the letters include Board Street, New York, NY; 29 Nassau Street, New York, NY; Bleecker Street, New York, NY; Broad Street, New York, NY; and 38 Harley Street, London, England. The collection provides insight into the lives and business dealings of a Jewish merchant family in the mid-19th century.

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Trade Card: May Brothers, Dry Goods and Clothing, Charleston, West Virginia

Trade Card: May Brothers, Dry Goods and Clothing, Charleston, West Virginia

This trade card advertises May Brothers, a dry goods and clothing store located at 214 & 216 Front Street in Charleston, West Virginia. The card's design is simple. The front of the card (Image URL: https://iiif-images.library.upenn.edu/iiif/2/f2262799-750b-4b12-862f-b048abfa8559%2Faccess/full/!600,600/0/default.jpg) clearly displays the store's name, merchandise (Dry Goods, Notions, Clothing, &c.), and street address. The back of the card (Image URL: https://iiif-images.library.upenn.edu/iiif/2/a274c8bc-9290-4bd2-8971-9d8124ba8358%2Faccess/full/!600,600/0/default.jpg) is blank. The card is associated with the trustees of the Hebrew Educational Society (1884-1885).

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Receipt for the Sale of Two Enslaved Individuals, Charleston, South Carolina, May 10, 1858

Receipt for the Sale of Two Enslaved Individuals, Charleston, South Carolina, May 10, 1858

Receipt documenting the sale of two enslaved individuals, Scott (approximately 28 years old) and Antoinette (approximately 24 years old), for $2,500. Dated May 10, 1858, the receipt was issued by Benjamin Mordecai, a prominent Charleston slave trader, to T.B. Taylor. The receipt guarantees the health and freedom from claims of the enslaved individuals. The document is signed by Benjamin Davis. It measures 4" x 8".

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Trade Card: Philip Frankenberger, One Price Clothier, Charleston, West Virginia

Trade Card: Philip Frankenberger, One Price Clothier, Charleston, West Virginia

This trade card advertises Philip Frankenberger, a clothier in Charleston, West Virginia. The front of the card displays text indicating that Frankenberger is a "One Price Clothier." The image shows text but it is illegible. The back of the card is blank. A second image is available, but the description of its contents is not included in the provided metadata.

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Letter from Samuel Sterett to Mordecai Gist, April 14, 1787

Letter from Samuel Sterett to Mordecai Gist, April 14, 1787

Four-page letter written on April 14, 1787, by Samuel Sterett, a Baltimore merchant, to General Mordecai Gist in Charleston, South Carolina. The letter discusses business interests, financial problems in Maryland, figures from the American Revolution and government, and alludes to the first case docketed with the United States Supreme Court. The letter mentions Major David Salisbury Franks' return from confidential negotiations connected with the Treaty of Peace and Commerce.

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Letter from S. Strauss & Co. to Ben Baer, September 25, 1880

Letter from S. Strauss & Co. to Ben Baer, September 25, 1880

A commercial letter dated September 25, 1880, from S. Strauss & Co., Bourbon & Rye Whiskey distillers and wholesalers in Charleston, West Virginia, to Ben Baer in Rheims, New York. The letter mentions warehouses in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Lawrenceburg, Kentucky; and Augusta County, Virginia.

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Autograph Letter Signed by J.M. Seixas to General Daniel Ruggles, November 21, 1861

Autograph Letter Signed by J.M. Seixas to General Daniel Ruggles, November 21, 1861

One-page autograph letter signed "J.M. Seixas" dated November 21, 1861, addressed to General Daniel Ruggles. The letter discusses the writer's inability to deliver an enclosed letter from General Gladden in person and mentions the St. Charles Hotel in Charleston, South Carolina. J.M. Seixas, a Charleston Jew, was sent to Wilmington, N.C. by the Confederate War Department to find blockade runners to keep the Southern supply line moving. He was later appointed a War Department Agent at Wilmington, North Carolina.

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