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CDV - Taken from a negative by M. B. Brady and published by E. Anthony. David Levy Yulee (1810-1886) was born to a Sephardic Jewish family in St. Thomas, West Indies, before relocating to Florida where he studied and practiced law in St. Augustine. When Florida became a state, Yulee was elected to serve. In 1841, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, though his position was disputed under claims that he was not a citizen – though in 1842 his position was clarified as acceptable. Yulee later served in the U.S. Senate, from 1845-1851 and again from 1855-1861, as a Whig-Democrat in the 27th and 28th Congresses. With his successful 1845 election, Yulee became the first individual of Jewish ancestry to be elected to the United States Senate. He resigned to join the Confederacy. Hailed as the “Father of Florida Railroads,” Yulee also founded the Florida Railroad Company.

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