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Subject: Emigration and immigration law


A Guide to the United States for the Jewish Immigrant A Guide to the United States for the Jewish Immigrant

This 63-page book, published in 1913 under the auspices of the Connecticut Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), serves as a guide for Jewish immigrants to the United States. It is a nearly literal translation of the second Yiddish edition and includes a large map of the USA in both Yiddish and English, as well as photographs. The book aims to assist Jewish immigrants in navigating their new lives in America.

American and Daily Advertiser, January 29, 1800: Newspaper Clipping Regarding Mordecai in Allentown, PA American and Daily Advertiser, January 29, 1800: Newspaper Clipping Regarding Mordecai in Allentown, PA

Newspaper clipping from the *American and Daily Advertiser*, published in Baltimore, Maryland on January 29, 1800. The clipping focuses on an article titled "THE FIRST JEW IN ALLENTOWN, PA." and mentions Mordecai. Page 1 of the newspaper is referenced. The article likely discusses the early history of Jewish settlement in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and the individual Mordecai's role within that community.

An Act for Naturalizing Such Foreign Protestants, and Others Therein Mentioned, as are Settled, or Shall Settle in Any of His Majesty's Colonies in America An Act for Naturalizing Such Foreign Protestants, and Others Therein Mentioned, as are Settled, or Shall Settle in Any of His Majesty's Colonies in America

This pamphlet reprints the text of an Act of Parliament passed in 1739 (13 George II, c. 7), which granted naturalization to foreign Protestants settling in British American colonies. Significantly, it included provisions for Jews, offering a path to naturalization without requiring adherence to Christian practices or oaths, a notable step toward religious tolerance in the British colonies. The act aimed to encourage foreign immigration to populate the colonies. This copy is from John Baskett's printing. The pamphlet includes the seal of King George II on the title page.

Antisemitic Cartoon: "An Interesting Question" Antisemitic Cartoon: "An Interesting Question"

A full-page black and white antisemitic cartoon published on June 22, 1893. The cartoon depicts rats with immigrant faces, posing the question: "An Interesting Question... How long will it be before the rats own the garden & the man is out?"

Citizenship Application of Isaac Stuttgart, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, September 27, 1810 Citizenship Application of Isaac Stuttgart, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, September 27, 1810

A signed petition and application for citizenship by Isaac Stuttgart (1785-1830) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 27, 1810. The document includes testimony and signature of Lyon Cadet (1754-1845), attesting to Stuttgart's residency in the United States. Stuttgart arrived from Amsterdam in 1807 and established a fancy goods store. He was a member of Rodeph Shalom Congregation and later Mikveh Israel Congregation. The application was submitted under the Act of March 26, 1804.

Collection of Decorated Greeting Cards Collection of Decorated Greeting Cards

A collection of 27 multicolored greeting cards, used to decorate Jewish New Year cards. The cards depict various religious festival scenes, life cycle events, patriotic themes, immigrant scenes, and figures holding Jewish flags. This lot contains 7 cards. The cards date from around 1900.

Collection of Multicolored Greeting Cards Depicting Jewish New Year Scenes Collection of Multicolored Greeting Cards Depicting Jewish New Year Scenes

A collection of sixteen multicolored greeting cards, used to decorate Jewish New Year cards. The cards depict various scenes related to religious festivals, the life cycle, patriotic themes, immigrant experiences, and figures holding a Jewish flag. A total of 27 different designs are represented within this collection. The cards date from approximately 1900.

Congressional Record: Bill to Raise a Regiment of Mounted Riflemen, April 7, 1846 Congressional Record: Bill to Raise a Regiment of Mounted Riflemen, April 7, 1846

This pamphlet contains a congressional record from April 7, 1846, concerning "A Bill to Raise a Regiment of Mounted Riflemen." Lewis Charles Levin, a founding member of the Know-Nothing Party, sought to amend the bill to restrict membership to native-born Americans. Printed by Gideon in Washington, D.C., this first edition paperback consists of 16 pages. The document includes details of Levin's political career and his involvement in nativist movements of the 1840s and 1850s, along with background on the political climate and the Know-Nothing Party's platform, including its anti-Catholic and anti-immigrant sentiments. References include Sabin 40756 and Wolf 167.

Indenture Contract for John Gillard, 1712 Indenture Contract for John Gillard, 1712

Indenture servant contract dated March 2, 1712, between John Gillard of Ireland and Herman Ball and Hugh Paine & Co. Gillard bound himself to serve as an indentured servant in Philadelphia for four years. The contract included the right for Ball and Paine & Co. to assign Gillard's service. Research suggests a John Gillard was held in the Philadelphia jail in 1771, leading to legislation for his release.

Letter from Adolphus S. Solomons regarding Memorial Book presented to the children of Myer S. Isaacs, July 7, 1904 Letter from Adolphus S. Solomons regarding Memorial Book presented to the children of Myer S. Isaacs, July 7, 1904

A one-page letter and cover letter, signed by Adolphus S. Solomons, agent, on the letterhead of the Central Committee of the Baron De Hirsch Fund. Dated July 7, 1904. The letter accompanies a memorial book (Item 13-1687 in the collection) presented to the children of Myer S. Isaacs. Solomons describes his long-standing association with Myer S. Isaacs and expresses his deep interest in the Baron De Hirsch Fund. The memorial book is a leather portfolio containing calligraphic text on six pages of parchment paper, signed by trustees of the Baron de Hirsch Fund.

Letter from Charles Tobias to Henry Tobias, Liverpool, England, September 12, 1841 Letter from Charles Tobias to Henry Tobias, Liverpool, England, September 12, 1841

A three-page letter written by Charles Tobias in Liverpool, England, to Henry Tobias in New York City on September 12, 1841. The letter discusses Charles's impending departure for New York, his sister Sophie's health, the purchase of silk and gold dials, difficulties obtaining Hebrew books, the cost of a medical operation, the number of steerage passengers on his ship, suspicions of smuggling, sending a chronometer, and the purchase of an iron chest for transporting letters.

Letter from George Raudorf to Ferdinand Levy Regarding the Baggage of Benjamin Chercosky, July 11, 1890 Letter from George Raudorf to Ferdinand Levy Regarding the Baggage of Benjamin Chercosky, July 11, 1890

Letter from George Raudorf, agent of the Association of Jewish Immigrants, to Hon. Ferdinand Levy, concerning the delayed baggage of Benjamin Chercosky in New York. Raudorf requests an update on the case. The letter is written on Association of Jewish Immigrants letterhead and dated July 11, 1890. The letter originates from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and references New York, New York.

Letter from John B. Weber, Superintendent of Immigration, to Ferdinand Levy Regarding Benjamin Chercosky's Baggage, New York, May 16, 1890 Letter from John B. Weber, Superintendent of Immigration, to Ferdinand Levy Regarding Benjamin Chercosky's Baggage, New York, May 16, 1890

Letter written on official letterhead from John B. Weber, Superintendent of Immigration at the Office of U.S. Superintendent of Immigration, Barge Office, New York, to the Hon. Ferdinand Levy on May 16, 1890. The letter concerns the baggage of Benjamin Chercosky, which was being held. The letter references previous correspondence between Levy and General O'Beirne and a letter from Mr. Raudorf.

Letter from Mendes I. Cohen to Isaac Leeser, July 22, 1849 Letter from Mendes I. Cohen to Isaac Leeser, July 22, 1849

A one-page letter written by Mendes I. Cohen of Baltimore, Maryland to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 22, 1849. Cohen writes on behalf of Rev. S. M. Isaacs of New York City, requesting Leeser to publicize the job search of Rev. Professor David M. Isaacs of Liverpool, England, who was seeking a position in the United States.

Letter from S. Baroway to Louis Levy Regarding Jewish Immigrants in Baltimore, December 14, 1892 Letter from S. Baroway to Louis Levy Regarding Jewish Immigrants in Baltimore, December 14, 1892

Letter from S. Baroway, agent for the Baltimore Committee of the Baron de Hirsch Fund, to Louis Levy in Philadelphia. Dated December 14, 1892, the letter responds to Levy's request for the number of Jewish immigrants who arrived in Baltimore in September, October, and November 1892. The letter is written on the letterhead of the Baltimore Committee of the Baron de Hirsch Fund, located at 1208 East Baltimore Street. Levy's address is given as S.E. Corner 7th & Chestnut St., Philadelphia.

Letter from S. Haibloom of the Jewish Immigrant's Protection Society of New York to George Raudorf, Esq., August 11, 1890 Letter from S. Haibloom of the Jewish Immigrant's Protection Society of New York to George Raudorf, Esq., August 11, 1890

Letter written on office letterhead by S. Haibloom, secretary of the Jewish Immigrant's Protection Society of New York, to George Raudorf, Esq., on August 11, 1890. The letter requests assistance with an enclosed letter, as per the request of Hon. Ferdinand Levy, President of the Jewish Immigrant's Protection Society of New York. The letter originates from 10 Battery Place, New York, NY.

Letter from S. Sheneinan to George Raudorf Regarding Detained Baggage, June 25, 1890 Letter from S. Sheneinan to George Raudorf Regarding Detained Baggage, June 25, 1890

Letter from S. Sheneinan, Secretary of the United States Commissioners of Immigration, to George Raudorf, dated June 25, 1890. Written on office letterhead from 1224 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, the letter explains that the Commissioners cannot assist with the case of Raudorf's client's detained baggage because their office only handles immigrants arriving in Philadelphia, while the client arrived in New York.

Letter from Zalma Rehine to Isaac and Jacob Leeser, Baltimore, Maryland, January 15, 1833 Letter from Zalma Rehine to Isaac and Jacob Leeser, Baltimore, Maryland, January 15, 1833

A one-page letter written by Zalma Rehine from Baltimore, Maryland, on January 15, 1833, to Isaac and Jacob Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The letter offers advice and encouragement to Jacob, who had recently immigrated to America, urging him to learn English and conduct himself well in business. It also mentions potential business contacts for Jacob. This letter provides insight into family relationships and the experiences of early Jewish immigrants in the United States.

Naturalization Certificate of Jacob Wertheim, New York, April 6, 1858 Naturalization Certificate of Jacob Wertheim, New York, April 6, 1858

Naturalization certificate filed with the Court of Common Pleas in New York, New York, on April 6, 1858, documenting the naturalization of Jacob Wertheim. The document includes an affidavit attesting to Wertheim's character by Leopold Goldschmidt and a renunciation of allegiance to other governments. The certificate measures approximately 8" x 13" and shows minor edge damage and wrinkling.

Naturalization Certificates of Joseph Simon Cohen Naturalization Certificates of Joseph Simon Cohen

Two blank printed naturalization certificate forms. The name of the Prothonotary, Joseph Simon Cohen, is printed on the forms. Additional information indicates that he was the grandson of Joseph Simon of Lancaster, Pennsylvania; an officer in the Society for the Visitation of the Sick and Mutual Assistance; and a member of the Athenaeum of Philadelphia. The date is inferred from the context of other materials in the collection, circa 1840.

Niles' Weekly Register, October 21, 1820: Editorial on the Jew Bill Niles' Weekly Register, October 21, 1820: Editorial on the Jew Bill

Issue of Niles' Weekly Register published in Baltimore, Maryland on October 21, 1820. This issue contains an editorial ostensibly in support of a 'Jew Bill,' but expresses highly antisemitic views, characterizing Jewish people as consumers rather than workers and suggesting that the United States would benefit more from Irish laborers or German farmers. Page 114, Column 1.

Recruitment Poster for Canadian Jewish Immigrants, Montreal, Quebec Recruitment Poster for Canadian Jewish Immigrants, Montreal, Quebec

A color graphic recruitment poster for Canadian Jewish immigrants. The poster's theme is: "We have given you your freedom and now it is time to fight for it." This is one of a set of two posters; the other is in Yiddish (see 2006.12.26.00574). Published in Montreal, Quebec, Canada; undated. Possibly only three sets exist.

Silk Political Ribbon of the Native American Republican Association, 1844 Silk Political Ribbon of the Native American Republican Association, 1844

An original 1844 white silk political ribbon from the Native American Republican Association, commemorating the Philadelphia nativist riots in Kensington. The ribbon features black lithographed patriotic symbols. The riots, occurring in May 1844, involved deadly clashes between nativist groups and Irish Catholic immigrants, resulting in deaths and destruction of property. This ribbon reflects the anti-immigrant sentiment of the Know-Nothing movement. The accompanying textual description provides extensive historical context on the riots, the Know-Nothing movement, and the prominent role of Lewis Charles Levin, a first-generation American Jew who was elected to Congress and later became a leader in the movement.

Silk Political Ribbon: 'Our Country and Her Flag,' Native American Party, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, circa 1844 Silk Political Ribbon: 'Our Country and Her Flag,' Native American Party, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, circa 1844

Silk political ribbon from the Native American Party, circa 1844. The ribbon features a lithograph depicting patriotic symbols, including a man waving a flag, an eagle, and George Washington. The printer's name and address are at the bottom. This artifact relates to the nativist riots in Philadelphia's Kensington Ward, which involved violence between nativists and Irish Catholic immigrants.

Souvenir Pin Dish: 'Compliments of Sam Schwarzwald, Deadwood' Souvenir Pin Dish: 'Compliments of Sam Schwarzwald, Deadwood'

Milk glass souvenir pin dish inscribed 'Compliments of Sam Schwarzwald, Deadwood.' This item dates from circa the 1890s and originates from Deadwood, South Dakota. Sam Schwarzwald (1848-1927), a Jewish immigrant who arrived in Deadwood in 1876, operated a successful furniture store there. The dish measures 4.5" x 4.5".

Speech by Lewis Charles Levin to the Congressional Record, April 7, 1847 Speech by Lewis Charles Levin to the Congressional Record, April 7, 1847

This item contains a speech delivered by Lewis Charles Levin to the Congressional Record on April 7, 1847. Levin, considered the first Jewish Congressman, proposed raising a regiment of mounted riflemen composed solely of native-born Americans. The speech is part of the Congressional Record and is described as having only six known copies worldwide according to OCLC WorldCat. The provided metadata also includes extensive biographical information on Lewis Charles Levin, detailing his political career, his involvement in the Know-Nothing movement, his anti-Catholic activism, and his later mental health decline.

Stereoscopic Photograph: Immigrants Landing at Ellis Island Stereoscopic Photograph: Immigrants Landing at Ellis Island

Stereoscopic view card depicting immigrants landing from a barge at Ellis Island. The photograph likely dates from around 1900, given the context of Ellis Island's operation and the lack of more precise dating information. The image provides a visual record of the immigration experience at Ellis Island, capturing the arrival of immigrants by barge.

Trade Card: Ben Monowski Trade Card: Ben Monowski

Trade card depicting a caricature of a family, possibly intended to be antisemitic. The card features a well-dressed couple and children, suggesting the arrival of new citizens. Undated; likely from the 1860s based on style and context.

What Shall We Do With Our Immigrants?: An Address Delivered Before the Young Men's Hebrew Association of New York What Shall We Do With Our Immigrants?: An Address Delivered Before the Young Men's Hebrew Association of New York

This book contains the text of an address delivered by Benjamin F. Peixotto before the Young Men's Hebrew Association of New York on February 2, 1887. Entitled "What Shall We Do With Our Immigrants?", the address discusses immigration policy and its impact on immigrant communities. It includes an appendix on "The Jewish Colonies in America" by M. Heilprin and an abstract from an address on "How to Promote Agriculture Among the Jews." Published in New York in 1887.