Subject: Gratz family

Congressional Record accompanying Senate Bill 81, 23rd Congress, 1st Session. The report deals with Continental Congress notes and a claim brought by the estate of Michael Gratz, who had lost and never made a claim for these notes. Date: December 23, 1833.

This is a lunar calendar covering the years 5566-5619 Anno Mundi (1806-1859 CE), authored by Moses Lopez and recommended by Rev. Mr. Seixas. Published in Newport, Rhode Island, by the Office of the Newport Mercury in 1806, it's considered the first Hebrew Almanac published by a Jew in the USA. This particular copy belonged to Rebecca Gratz, who inscribed it in 1808 and used it to record the deaths of family members in the margins. The calendar includes a table for determining Sabbath candle-lighting times for New York City, developed by Rev. Joseph Jessuran Pinto in 1759 and widely adopted by Jewish communities.

This 32-page pamphlet from 1855 details the legal title to the Willington Estate, formerly owned by Simon Gratz. It includes a three-page extract from Simon Gratz's will (dated February 16, 1839), outlining the disposition of his 71-acre estate. The pamphlet also notes the acquisition of the Willington Estate by the Farmers and Mechanics Land and Building Association in 1852. This is a rare item, not indexed in OCLC prior to this cataloging effort, though two copies of an 1871 edition are known to exist.

This ledger sheet, dated July 1, 1773, records payments to William Murray for land purchases from the Illinois Indians during July, August, and November 1773. The document details 13 shares in total, with 5 owned by the Gratz brothers and 4 by David Franks. The sheet, measuring 8.5" x 11", consists of two pages and appears to be the work of a scribe. It is a significant artifact in the history of the Illinois Company.

A ledger page (6.5" x 16") detailing funds owed to Bernard Gratz by the Illinois Company between 1778 and 1779. The document, in Gratz's handwriting, includes entries for ledger copying and tavern expenses, less cash received. Individuals mentioned include David Frank, J. Simon, and Michael Gratz. This document was used in 1823 to settle Bernard Gratz's estate.

One-page court document concerning the collection of judgment against the estate of William McFloain. Dated October 1774, it outlines instructions for collection and notes that Bernard Gratz is the executor of the estate of George Croghan, deceased in 1769. The document originates from the Gratz Collection in Canada and the Nathan Family Archive.

Letter written by Solomon Moses to Harman W. Hendricks on April 30, 1829, concerning copper. Moses was active in Jewish affairs and married to Rachel Gratz (sister of Rebecca Gratz). He was trained in his father Isaac Moses' counting house in New York City. The letter was sent from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to New York, New York.

Power of attorney document authorizing Jacob Gratz to act on behalf of his brothers, Joseph and Simon Gratz, in settling the lands in Virginia from their father Michael Gratz's estate. Dated October 24, 1838, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Printed and handwritten protest note against Michael and Bernard Gratz regarding an uncollected debt. Served at Michael Gratz's home on June 5, 1795, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His wife refused to accept it, citing his illness. The note was signed by a magistrate. From the Gratz Collection in Canada, Nathan Family Archive.

Power of attorney document executed by Jacob Gratz on July 16, 1846, authorizing him to act on behalf of his brother, Joseph Gratz, in settling lands in Virginia inherited from their father, Michael Gratz's estate. The document reflects the protracted settlement of a complex estate involving twelve children.

Deed to settle the estate of Michael Gratz. Witnesses include Mordecai Lewis, Isaac Prince, and Benjamin Etting. The document was created in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 28, 1819.

A two-page genealogical manuscript detailing the family tree of Michael Gratz, including birth, death, and marriage information for his children and grandchildren. The manuscript, possibly written by a sister of Rebecca Gratz, traces the family's history back to Michael Gratz's emigration from Europe in 1759. The latest date mentioned is 1817. Found tipped into Rebecca Gratz's family bible.

Four-page letter written on April 18, 1865, from Mrs. Moran to her son, Hugh A. Moran, in Danville, Kentucky. The letter discusses a visit to a Lexington, Kentucky synagogue with Minerva Gratz, the Lincoln assassination, and the shooting of Confederate Major Turner. The original envelope is included.

An eight by nine and a half inch, four-page letter written circa 1840 by Sarah Ann Minis (Sally) Hays to her mother-in-law, Richa Gratz Hays, sent by train. The letter contains personal family details. Her children, Frank and Henrietta, also added notes to their grandmother. Richa Gratz Hays was the sister of Rebecca Gratz.

A three-page letter written in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on February 20, 1810 by Sarah Gratz (1779-1817) to her brother Joseph Gratz in Hamburg, Germany. The letter provides family news, including the recovery of her ill sisters Rachael (1783-1823) and Frances (1771-1852). Sarah, as the eldest daughter living at home after the death of her mother in 1808, acts as the matriarchal head of the family. Her father was to die in 1811.

Four-page letter written by Mariam Gratz Hays to Rebecca Gratz on July 1, 1841. Hays writes from Bordentown, New Jersey, to Gratz in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The letter discusses family matters and provides insight into their lives. This unpublished letter was found tipped into Rebecca Gratz's family Bible.

Manuscript record of the births of Solomon, Frances, and Simon Gratz, the first three children of Michael and Miriam Gratz. The births occurred in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania between 1770 and 1773. The record is written in English and Yiddish and may have been a blank leaf from a bible.

A handwritten prayer and speech, undated, found tipped into the family Bible of Rebecca Gratz. The speech, not in Gratz's handwriting or that of her successor Louisa Hart, references the clash of armor and cannon, suggesting a possible connection to the Civil War era. The speech was researched by Professor Dianne Ashton.

A check issued by the Northern Liberties Gas Works in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on March 18, 1839. The check is signed by Joseph Gratz as chairman. Joseph Cresson Jr. also signed the check. The check is associated with the Gratz family, noting that Joseph Gratz was the brother of Rebecca Gratz.

Check drawn on the Kensington Bank in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dated September 10, 1844. The check is endorsed by Joseph Gratz and his brother Jacob Gratz, and signed by the treasurer of the Northern Liberties Gas Works.

Three-page letter (8" x 9.5") written by Joseph Gratz to his brother Benjamin Gratz on November 9, 1810, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The letter discusses family matters while Benjamin was traveling in Europe. It is an early example of correspondence between the two brothers, who were sons of prominent Philadelphia merchant Michael Gratz and the brother of Rebecca Gratz.

Parchment deed signed by Hyman Gratz, President of the Pennsylvania Company for Insurances on Lives and Granting Annuities, dated October 8, 1845. The deed features an intact wax seal. Hyman Gratz was the brother of Rebecca Gratz.

Manuscript will of Hyman Gratz, written in his hand on January 21, 1857, detailing the distribution of his estate. The will, written six days before his death, names Rebecca Gratz as the primary beneficiary, with further bequests to Horace Mose upon her death. The document, measuring 13" x 9", comprises two sheets written on both sides. It begins with the phrase "In the Name of the God of Israel Amen."

Stock transfer certificate for the Northern Liberties Gas Works, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dated January 26, 1844. The certificate was made out to Joseph Gratz and signed by Hyman Gratz, chairman of the board. This is noted as the first gas works in the United States. The document shows a connection to Mikveh Israel.

This pamphlet is a catalog for the tenth annual exhibition of the Artists' Fund Society of Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, held in 1845. Hyman Gratz, a prominent Philadelphia merchant and one of the founders of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, is listed as a director on the first page. The catalog details the artworks exhibited, including artists' names and descriptions of their pieces. It was printed by King & Baird in Philadelphia.

This pamphlet presents the annual report of the Union Canal Company of Pennsylvania for the year 1828, its first year of operation (commencing March 17, 1828). The report details the company's activities, finances, and progress during that year. Jacob Gratz is listed as a manager (director) of the company in this report. Printed by Lydia R. Bailey.

Ledger page showing funds owed to Bernard Gratz by the United Illinois and Wabash Land Companies. Dated April 5, 1779, the page, in Bernard Gratz's hand, lists stock sold and to whom. It contains 14 entries and is part of a larger ledger (Arc.MS.56, Volume A, Page 13). This document was used in 1823 to settle Bernard Gratz's estate.

Three-page letter written by Sarah Minis Hays to her sister-in-law, Francis Rosa Marx, on August 13, 1839. Written from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the letter details family affairs, including Francis's cancelled visit to Philadelphia and Rebecca Gratz's delayed country trip.

This congressional report from December 23, 1833, addresses a claim filed by the administrators of the estate of Michael Gratz. The report recommends payment to the estate for lost Continental Office Loan Certificates dating back to 1779. The report references a letter from Gratz (dated June 3, 1779, from Williamsburg) explaining that the funds from these certificates were used to procure goods from West Indies ports during the Revolutionary War.

A single-page, stampless letter written by David Gratz of Philadelphia on August 18, 1854, to an attorney. The letter encloses a list of warrants (not present) for lands in Pennsylvania, south of the West Branch, belonging to his father's estate. Gratz mentions that many other lands were conveyed to his uncles and relatives of the late Aaron Levy, for which he cannot provide a list. The letter refers to the estate of Simon Gratz (1733-1839), son of Michael Gratz and brother of Rebecca Gratz. The verso of the letter also mentions Edward Gratz, David's brother.

This is the catalog for the 10th Annual Exhibition of the Artists' Fund Society of Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, held in 1845. The catalog lists the artworks exhibited, artists, and other relevant details. Notably, Hyman Gratz is listed among the directors of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts on the first page. Printed by King & Baird in Philadelphia.