Subject: Inheritance

Affidavit signed by Alexander Hart, mentioning Aaron and Moses Hart, dated April 25, 1803. This document is one of approximately 28 legal papers from the archive of 56 documents related to the division of Aaron Hart's estate. Aaron Hart died December 28, 1800, in Trois-Rivières, Quebec. These documents were found among the papers of Judge James Reid (1769-1848), the Hart family's lawyer.

Appointment of Guardianship - a 4 page Court manuscript from Montreal (a true copy)…9/6/1836. It is a petition by Ralph(Raphael) Schoyer to become guardian on belhalf of his minor sister Sarah who has inherited properties from her deceased father, Abraham Schoyer…all until she reaches the age of Majority. Attesting on behalf of the petitioner are Benjamin Hart (father-in-law of Raphael), Aaron Hart (esquire), Henry Judah, Moses David and Theodore Hart (converted0 ...all of Montreal. Benjamin Hart's eldest daughter Francis (1807-1849), married (on 10/26/1835) Raphael Schoyer; they were members of his Congregation. Mrs. Schoyer was a most accomplished musician and linguist, the charm of the social circle and one who was held in love and respect by all who knew her. She died in New York, and with her infant son lies buried in the Beth Haim in Twenty-first Street. Of interest is that Abraham Schoyer died and was buried in Beth Haim in1823, possibly his him was not able to continue her role and therefore the need for a guardian.

A copy of the final audit for the settlement of the M. Gratz estate, conducted 41 years after the initial documentation. Most of the family listed in the 1819 documents are deceased. The audit, prepared by Frank Etting, reveals a remaining balance of $5802.77 in the estate. The audit is dated October 5, 1860, and pertains to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Court writ ordering appearance in a complaint filed by Benjamin Hart and Alexander Hart concerning the estate of Aaron Hart. Dated February 24, 1804. This document is part of a larger archive of 56 documents related to the division of Aaron Hart's estate after his death on December 28, 1800, in Trois-Rivières, Quebec. The documents were found among the papers of Judge James Reid (1769-1848), the Hart family's lawyer. This specific item belongs to the first category of documents – those written after Aaron Hart's death, primarily legal in nature.

Deed settling the estate of Moses Isaac, dated February 16, 1801, in New York City. The deed transfers $5000 to Joshua Jones and was signed by Isaac Gomez Jr., Abigail Gomez, and Esther Gomez. Esther Gomez was the daughter of Aaron Lopez of Newport, Rhode Island, and the wife of Moses Isaac Jr., son of the deceased Moses Isaac. Isaac Gomez Jr. was married to Abigail, also a daughter of Aaron Lopez.

Deed settling the estate of Michael Gratz. Dated October 25, 1819, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Signed by Rachael Gratz, Hyman Gratz, Benjamin Gratz, Joseph Gratz, Jacob Gratz, Simon Gratz, Ruben & Francis Etting, Samuel & Richea Hays, Sol. & Rachel Moses, and witnessed by Ellen Hays, Isaac Prince, and Abraham Myer Cohen.

Handwritten deed detailing the sale of land from the estate of Mordecai Cohen, deceased, in Charleston, South Carolina. Dated January 14, 1852. The deed is signed by executors Marx Edwin Cohen and Benjamin Dores Lazarus. The three-page document provides detailed information about the property transaction.

Legal deposition given by Thomas Bradford in London, England on March 16, 1716, attesting to his acquaintance with Daniel Tittery and Joshua Tittery of Philadelphia. Bradford's testimony details the inheritance of land in Maryland by three daughters of Joshua Tittery, who is described as a potter of Philadelphia, and the family's Jewish origins and history as glass blowers.

This collection contains estate distribution documents related to Henry Etting (1799-1876) and Miriam Gratz Etting (1807-1879). The first set pertains to Henry Etting's will, including a deposition signed by Miriam Gratz Etting on March 15, 1877. The second set, circa March 15, 1879, details the distribution of funds held in trust for Miriam Gratz Etting under her brother's will after her death. The documents specify the distribution of $37,658.27 (equivalent to approximately $956,000 in 2015), with beneficiaries including nephews Ruben and Charles Etting, and the Female Hebrew Benevolent Society.

Two estate documents pertaining to Isaac Eliezer Israel. The first document, dated June 18, 1818, is an appointment of administrators for Israel's estate, naming Michael E. Cohen, Abram L. Hart, and Richard Roe as administrators. The appointment was requested by Michael E. Cohen, brother of the deceased. The second document, dated December 15, 1819, is a two-sided ledger sheet detailing the assets, debts, and expenses of the estate, including burial expenses. The documents indicate that Isaac Israel's debts were settled at 20 cents on the dollar. Note: Some confusion arises in names; Michael Eliezer Cohen is the brother of Isaac Eliezer Israel; his grandfather was a Cohen, and he adopted that surname. (See Malcolm Stern, pg. 128).

Printed document detailing the final estate settlement for Jacob Florance and his wife, Mrs. Jacob Levy Florance. The 163-page document, dated January 24, 1872, in New Orleans, Louisiana, lists numerous claimants from around the world and includes references to the Florance, Minis, Cohen, and Levy families.

Court document from February 8, 1806, concerning interrogatories in the case of Ezekiel Hart vs. Louis & Joseph Bellair in Montreal. This document is part of a larger archive (56 documents) related to the division of the estate of Aaron Hart, who died on December 28, 1800, in Trois-Rivières, Quebec. The documents were found among the papers of Judge James Reid (1769-1848), the Hart family's lawyer. This specific item is categorized among papers written after Aaron Hart's death, mostly of a legal nature.

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."

Last will and testament of Judith De Cordova, executed July 21, 1874, in New York, New York. The will details the distribution of her estate to her surviving family members, including provisions for Phineas De Cordova (Austin, Texas), Alfred De Cordova (son of Aaron & Julia of NYC), and Flora Cohen De Leon (daughter of Abraham Cohen De Leon of Philadelphia). The document specifies her address as 69 West 53rd Street, New York, New York.

A legal document detailing the expenses incurred in settling the estate of Michael Gratz in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, between 1858 and 1860. The document, prepared by Frank M. Etting, shows a remaining balance of cash and receivables in the estate.

Signed legal letter addressed to James Reid on January 20, 1807, concerning the estate of Aaron Hart, who died December 28, 1800, in Trois-Rivières, Quebec. This document is one of approximately 28 legal papers from the archive of 56 documents relating to the division of the Aaron Hart estate. These papers were found among the papers of Judge James Reid (1769-1848), the Hart family's lawyer.

A one-page stampless letter written by David Gratz of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 18, 1854, to attorney John C. Heylman. The letter encloses a list of land warrants (not present) located south of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, pertaining to the estate of Simon Gratz (1733-1839), David's father. Gratz mentions additional lands conveyed to his uncles and relatives of Aaron Levy. The verso mentions Edward Gratz, David's brother.

A letter written by J. B. Alexander to Solomon Etting on March 6, 1832, concerning a land matter involving Simon Gratz. The letter discusses efforts to contact Gratz, possibly in relation to the settlement of Bernard Gratz's estate. It also mentions a deed from David Franks to Bernard Gratz dated October 18, 1780. A copy of the letter was sent to S. Gratz the previous day. The letter was written in Baltimore, Maryland.

A one-page letter, approximately 7-1/2" x 9-3/4", dated October 8, 1848, from Jacob Gratz in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Josiah W. Smith in Clearfield, Pennsylvania. The letter discusses the disposition of land holdings, including those of Jacob and Benjamin Gratz and the estate of Robert Morris.

A two-page letter written by Solomon Solis to his sister, Sarah Miriam Carvalho, on November 28, 1850, in Philadelphia. The letter discusses the status of a parcel of property owned by their late father in New Orleans, including attempts to locate his books and details regarding foreclosures and lawsuits. The letter also includes personal reflections on their parents. A small illustration of the property is included on the second page. The letter shows tears.

One-page letter written by Tobias I. Tobias in New York City to E. E. Nicholls in New York City on August 8, 1824. The letter mentions enclosing a draft related to the account of Judah Cohen as a legacy bequest to friends in Richmond, Virginia. The letter may be a draft itself.

One-page letter written by Wickliffe E. Baldwin in Newark, New Jersey, to Charles Tobias in New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 8, 1853. The letter discusses questions regarding an invoice for guns and the estate of H.E.B.

This archival item contains two documents related to the estate of Aaron Hart, who died on December 28, 1800, in Trois-Rivières, Quebec. The first document is a memorandum referencing findings in a Father's Day book. The second is a detailed list of exhibits submitted by Ezekiel Hart, circa 1802. These documents are part of a larger collection of 56 documents related to the division of the Aaron Hart estate. These documents were found among the papers of Judge James Reid (1769-1848), the Hart family's lawyer. This specific item is from the first category of papers—those written after Aaron Hart's death, primarily of a legal nature.

Notarized Document – This document (10/29/1836), prepared and signed by the Consul for the Netherlands in NYC, deals with the claim of the children of the late Abraham Solomons Schoyers legatees under the will of Nathan Solomons (Schoyers?)of Amsterdam deceased. Rika Anderson (signed), as the Aunt of the children, swears that she is familiar with the family since the children's infancy and that there are no other living children other Raphael, Solomon, Jacob, David and Sarah.

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.

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.

Copy of the will of Aaron Hart, written in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, on December 11, 1800. The will, a 20-page folio document (4 pages blank), was signed by Hart and notarized by Joseph Badeaux. The original will, witnessed by six individuals in addition to Hart, was kept in Badeaux's office. This copy notes that Hart was near death when the will was prepared; he died on December 28, 1800, at the age of 76. The will details numerous bequests to his wife, Dorothea Judah, four sons (Moses, Ezekiel, Benjamin, and Alexander), four daughters, and brother-in-law Bernard S. Judah of Newport, Rhode Island. Hart's considerable wealth, amassed through fur trading, real estate, and business ventures in Trois-Rivières, is reflected in the extensive list of properties and assets bequeathed to his heirs.

Certified copy of the will of Amelia B. Lazarus (1825-1906), written in New York, New York on May 13, 1897. This document, along with a companion will of her husband Jacob H. Lazarus, offers insight into the personal lives of this well-known Jewish artist and his wife, both members of wealthy early American Jewish families and aunt and uncle to Emma Lazarus.

A signed and sealed copy of the will of Levy Solomons (the younger), dated September 29, 1820, in Montreal. He is identified as a citizen of Albany, New York. The will details provisions for his wife, Catherine Manuel; his son, Levy Solomons; and a special bequest for his mentally impaired son, Samuel David Solomons. Alexandar Hart of Montreal and Benjamin Hart of Montreal are listed as trustees, along with other trustees in Albany and Montreal. Levy Solomons (Jr.), born in Montreal in 1771, was the son of a prominent fur merchant. After his father's death in 1792, he attempted tobacco manufacturing, then moved to Albany, NY in 1800, marrying in 1801. He became a prosperous tobacco, snuff, and chocolate merchant in Albany, becoming a US citizen shortly before his death in 1823. The will consists of 5 pages, folio, measuring 12 x 7 1/4 inches.