Subject: Pennsylvania History

Autograph letter signed by L. Hirschfeld to Jacobs, Meyer & Co., dated July 24, 1847. The letter, primarily in German with some English, discusses a draft for three hundred dollars and orders textiles. Postmarked Pittsburgh and docketed July 19, 1847, by the recipient. One of the earliest extant letters from a Jew in Pittsburgh.

A commercial letter dated August 31, 1886, from Michael & Neiman, a dry goods, groceries, clothing, boots and shoes, hardware, railroad ties, and lumber business in New Washington, Pennsylvania, to A. E. Patton. The letter, written in broken English, is a billing statement.

Cabinet card photograph of Philip De Young. The verso of the photograph contains biographical information about his family and career as a physician in Pennsylvania.

Two original holographic legal documents, each measuring 8 1/4 x 13 inches, dated March 25, 1794. These documents pertain to a caveat and subsequent judgment concerning land warrants filed by 58 applicants for 400-acre tracts. The case involved Aaron Levy and his partner, Robert Morris, who claimed prior rights to the land in question. The judgment ruled in favor of Levy and Morris. Both documents bear the signature of David Kennedy, the first Land Secretary of Pennsylvania, and an impressed state seal. The documents are in excellent condition. David Kennedy's appointment followed the 1784 treaty with the Six Nations, and his role involved overseeing the fair transition of Native American lands into private hands. Biographical information on Aaron Levy is included in the document.

Handwritten citizenship document on vellum, signed by Joseph Simon Cohen, Prothonotary of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, for Gustavus Rentak. Dated January 26, 1844, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Copy of a deed, dated July 31, 1830, and copied November 15, 1851, concerning the transfer of land in Haines Township, Centre County, Pennsylvania, from Simon Gratz to Jacob Spangler and Jacob Bollinger. The deed includes a map referencing several Gratz parcels, including one owned by Hyman Gratz.

This legal document, written entirely by Thomas McKean, details charges of treason against George Croghan, a prominent Indian agent and land speculator, during the Revolutionary War. The document mentions that merchant Barnard Gratz provided $1,000 for Croghan's bail. The charges, originating in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on June 15, 1778, contributed to Croghan's financial ruin. Croghan had previously served as chairman of the Committee of Correspondence in Pittsburgh.

Legal document detailing Gabriel Rothchild's claim for unpaid Civil War bounty monies. The document, dated November 1, 1867, originates from Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and indicates a ruling in Rothchild's favor. The case concerns events in Loyalsock, Pennsylvania.

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.

Deed from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to Moses Levy for 1000 acres of Indian land east of the Allegheny River. Document number 5079, signed by Thomas Mifflin. Dated February 4, 1794, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Deed conveying 400 acres of land in Tyrone Township, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, dated December 24, 1792. The deed is signed by the sellers, but not Aaron Levy, founder of Aaronsburg, Pennsylvania. The document was likely executed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Legal document recording the assignment of land from Alexander Tod Teuch to William Wistar. The deed was executed on July 10, 1793, in Plainfield Township, Pennsylvania. Myer Hart is also mentioned as involved in the transaction.

This deed, dated October 18, 1849, conveys a tract of land in Doddridge County, West Virginia, from Joseph and Jacob Gratz of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Henry Hallam. The land was originally purchased by their father, Michael Gratz, in 1786 and subsequently passed through a trust held by family members before being sold. The deed is four pages long, measuring 11" x 17", written in attractive calligraphy on thin, hard wove paper. It shows minor age-toning and some repaired tears.

Deed documenting a land purchase in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dated March 16, 1770. The deed was witnessed by a Quaker and signed by Judah Muhman, whose literacy appears questionable. The document is written on Great Water Seal laid paper. The buyer of the land was Samuel Wallis. Further research is needed to confirm whether Judah Muhman was Jewish.

Sheepskin deed dated September 8, 1749, documenting the sale of land by Joseph Simons to John Lowry in Donegal Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. This document is significant as it represents one of the earliest known commercial transactions involving Joseph Simons, an early Jewish settler in Lancaster County.

Vellum deed documenting the sale of a twenty-foot-wide alleyway in Easton, Pennsylvania, on March 31, 1812. The sellers were John Penn, William Penn, and Juliana Catharine Penn, heirs of William Penn, represented by their attorney John R. Coates. The buyer was Jacob Hart. The deed includes the signatures of John Geyer, Mayor of Philadelphia, and witnesses Tobias Scheonheit and Frederick Beates. The document details the legal transfer of property from the Penn heirs to Jacob Hart.

Vellum deed of sale from "The Pennsylvania Company for Insurances on Lives and Granting Annuities" to Joshua Hartshorne. The deed is signed by Hyman Gratz as president and dated May 29, 1834 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Deed for the direct sale of land in Aaronsburg, Pennsylvania, from Aaron Levy to James Duncan and Henry Weiss. The deed is dated August 23, 1803, and features Levy's signature twice, with two Hebrew letters beneath one of the 'Y's. Levy, a partner of Joseph Simon, was involved in supplying troops and loaning money to the Continental Congress during the American Revolution and was a close associate of the Gratz family.

This document is a deed of sale, dated August 15, 1792, for 400 acres of land in Loyalsock Township, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. Abraham Singer sold the property to Aaron Levy. The deed is a printed form completed in ink and signed by witnesses.

This document is a deed of sale for 400 acres of land in Loyalsock Township, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. Dated August 15, 1792, the deed records the sale from Casper Haines to Aaron Levy. The deed is a printed form completed in manuscript ink.

Deed of sale for land in Germantown, Pennsylvania, dated July 27, 1778. The document records the transfer of land from George Klingle to Barnard Jacobs. It is partially printed with a masthead by Francis Bailey of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and witnessed by Ezekiel Levy.

Deed poll transferring property from Patrick Moore to Aaron Levy in Tyrone, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, dated December 24, 1792. The document is written in English.

Deed conveying land in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania to Isaac Franks. Signed by Charles Biddle as a member of the Pennsylvania Executive Council, September 25, 1786.

This deed documents the sale of land from the estate of Isaac Phillips and Joseph L. Moss to Joseph Gratz. The deed was signed by both executors on June 5, 1838, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

This document is a deed conveying land from William Levy and Henry Levy to Joseph Thomas. The deed describes the land as adjoining land granted to Henry Levy on September 22, 1794. It is one of nine contiguous documents. The deed was signed by William and Henry Levy and dated October 8, 1794. The transaction took place in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.

Legal document detailing the sale of a 400-acre land grant in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, from John Boyd to Aaron Levy of Lancaster County. The grant, awarded as payment to a Revolutionary War soldier, was sold for 5 shillings on December 24, 1792. A later annotation indicates a date of March 20, 1795.

Deed transferring land in Aaronsburg, Pennsylvania from Simon Gratz to James Duncan and John Forster. The deed is dated May 18, 1830. The land was originally purchased by Simon Gratz from Aaron Levy on July 24, 1792. The deed includes two signatures of Simon Gratz. Aaronsburg, Pennsylvania was founded and named after Aaron Levy.

Deed transferring property in Aaronsburg, Pennsylvania from Simon Gratz to an unnamed party. The deed notes that the land was originally purchased by Simon Gratz from Aaron Levy on July 24, 1792. Edward Gratz signed as attorney for Simon Gratz. Dated July 10, 1827.

This document is a deed transferring property in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from Peter Bolz to Simon S. and Yette Myers. The deed is dated May 17, 1876.

A deed transferring property, dated January 18, 1864, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The document includes the signatures of Sarah Goldsmith, Eliza Goldsmith, and Nathan Goldsmith, along with Elisha Stephan, Robert, and Jeremiah.

This deed, dated March 8, 1841, documents a property transaction in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It involves Hyman Gratz, and the Pennsylvania Company for Insurances on Lives and Granting Annuities. The deed is signed by Hyman Gratz as president of Mikveh Israel.

Account of the estate of Aaron Levy, listing 10 tracts of land with their names and values, totaling $330.67. The document dates from 1819. Aaron Levy (1742-1815) was a Revolutionary patriot, founder of Aaronsburg, Pennsylvania, and a prominent land owner in Pennsylvania.

This document is an estate account listing lands owned by the estate of Aaron Levy in Boggs Township, Pennsylvania. Seven tracts of land are listed, along with the taxes owed for 1834 and 1835, totaling $9.59, paid on March 21, 1836. The document also includes additional names associated with each parcel: H. Levy, Lebeen, Rasky (?), Rebecca Levy, and Joseph Levy.

Manuscript resolution from the Lancaster, Pennsylvania City Council, dated February 27, 1839, requesting the Mayor inform the Governor of Pennsylvania about the murder of Lazarus Zellerbach. The document includes a reference to a letter from Baltimore police regarding the arrest of Henry Kobler Musselman and Lewis Wilman, suspects in the murder.

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.

A ledger sheet (8" x 6") dated January 22, 1793, documenting financial transactions between Aaron Levy and William Morris, and other transactions involving Robert Morris. The sheet also includes transactions dated January 29th and February 10th, 1793. This document is from Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

This archival collection consists of three documents related to the arrest of Lazarus Ulman for peddling without a license in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1862. The documents include a subpoena, an arrest warrant, and an indictment sheet. The subpoena also names Isaac Ulman. The documents are housed together in an original court jacket. Lazarus Ulman (ca. 1793-post 1860) was a Jewish merchant who immigrated to the United States before 1828 from Germany or Russia. His sons served in the Civil War, and his grandson changed his name to Douglas Fairbanks, a renowned Hollywood actor. The documents provide insight into 19th-century legal practices and the life of a Jewish merchant family in Pennsylvania.

A handwritten letter from David Gratz to his brother Edward Gratz, dated May 19, 1844, from Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. David discusses the financial difficulties related to their shared landholdings, noting that the land is not producing well and funds are running low, expressing concern over impending tax bills. He also mentions returning from Aaronsburg. The document is a multi-page letter on plain paper, with an autograph address panel on the verso for "Messrs Edw: D. Gratz, Philadelphia Pa." 3.

This archival item consists of a letter and its accompanying envelope. The letter, dated from Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was sent to Jenkins, Stuben in Wyoming, Pennsylvania, circa 1870s. The letterhead indicates that H. G. Lazarus was a watchmaker, successor to W. C. Freeman, in Pittston, Pennsylvania. The envelope is addressed to Jenkins, Stuben in Hyde Park, Pennsylvania. The letter and envelope provide insight into business correspondence and the clock and watch industry in 19th-century Pennsylvania.

Two-page letter written by Elijah Gratz Etting in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania on November 5, 1821, to Joseph R. Ingersoll in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The letter discusses a lawsuit between Major Pierce Butler and Charles Huston, concerning an overdue promissory note. Etting enclosed a copy of the note and Huston's authorization to confess judgment. The letter includes a manuscript town mark "Bellefonte" and a double-rate 37 cents mark. A large red seal with Etting's initials "GE" is also present.

Autograph letter signed by Horace Binney to William Rawle, dated August 23, 1813, concerning legal matters possibly related to Benjamin Gratz and his involvement with the Pennsylvania Volunteers during the War of 1812. The letter mentions Colonel Andrew M. Prevost and an impending attachment unless a response is filed by September 6th, 1813. Written in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

A one-page letter written by Isaac Cohn, an oil producer, to Judge J.P. Elkins on March 10, 1910. The letter discusses the necessity of taking over a lease. Cohn's letterhead identifies him as an oil producer and mentions a partnership with Mr. Curtis Elkins of Indiana, Pennsylvania.

Handwritten letter from J. Silberman in Apollo, Pennsylvania to L. Meyers & Co., likely in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dated December 6, 1852, the letter encloses a payment of $271.80 for goods received and instructs that the goods be sent to A. Fink in Pittsburgh for forwarding to Silberman. This suggests Silberman may have operated a store or peddled goods in Apollo.

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-part letter dated June 30, 1788, from Captain John Clarks to Michael Gratz in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The first part lists items and prices purchased from Gratz. The second part, in Gratz's hand, discusses the value of their land investment, considering factors like immigration, the recent Indian treaty, and westward expansion. Gratz suggests selling the land in England. This letter provides insights into 18th-century land investment strategies.

Two letters, dated August 11 and 20, 1857, from Joseph B. Nones to George B. Youngman in Sunbury, Pennsylvania, concerning a land purchase made by Nones' brother Jefferson in 1831. The first letter initiates the inquiry, and the second is Youngman's reply.

Three-page letter dated February 16, 1779, written in Lancaster, Pennsylvania by Levy Andrew Levy and Joseph Simon to Michael Gratz in Philadelphia. The letter discusses potential army irregularities in handling the goods of Brizard Magruder, brother-in-law of Levy. It includes a signed note by Michael Gratz dated March 3, 1779. The letter offers insights into family and business matters during the early days of the American Revolution.

A one-page stampless letter dated August 10, 1847, from Samuel Hecht in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, to Jacob, Mayers & Co. in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Hecht encloses a payment of $20.00 on a note and requests the note be held until his next visit to Philadelphia. The letter bears a red "POTTSTOWN/Pa." postmark and a red "5" rate handstamp.

A letter written by Samuel Pettigrew of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Caleb Taylor in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on November 19, 1817, concerning an order for drugs. The letter provides insights into the business of medicine in early 19th-century America.

A letter dated December 10, 1817, from Samuel Pettigrew in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Caleb Taylor, a druggist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Pettigrew orders various drugs and encloses $200, utilizing a method to protect the money from theft during transit. The letter provides insight into the commercial transactions and security practices of the time.

Autograph letter signed by Solomon Etting to Michael Gratz, dated May 7, 1787. Written from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the letter discusses family matters, finances, and a planned visit by Shinah Simon. The letter is two pages long.

Partly-printed letter signed by the Librarian of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa., dated June 12, 1854. The letter expresses thanks for a donated Bible (4to, after the Massoretic text, with notes).

Newspaper clipping detailing the arrival of Mordecai M. Mordecai, identified as the first Jew in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Published January 31, 1800, in Baltimore, Maryland. The clipping originates from the American and Daily Advertiser newspaper.

Land warrant issued on February 25, 1793, by Thomas Mifflin, Governor of Pennsylvania, to Joseph Henry for 400 acres of land in Northumberland County (or Luzerne County, depending on existing land grants). The warrant, copied and attested on March 19, 1794 by Surveyor General Daniel Brodhead, details the land's boundaries and specifies payment terms. The document measures 8" x 13".

Issue of the Pennsylvania Packet, or, the General Advertiser newspaper published in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on January 29, 1780. The issue includes a large advertisement for the Proprietors of Indiana, a land speculation company, with David Franks listed as president. The advertisement calls for a meeting.

Power of Attorney document signed by Henry Drinker, witnessed by William Drinker and Abraham Mitchell, appointing John Ewing as his attorney. The document, dated March 3, 1807, pertains to a land matter in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, involving Drinker and the deceased Abel James. The document is written in legible ink on hand laid paper and features clear, bold signatures and seals.

Receipt issued by the Mutual Benefit Company of Pennsylvania to Mayer Sulzberger on May 10, 1873, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The receipt documents a financial transaction.

Deed of a sheriff's sale of land and an unfinished cabin in Aaronsburg, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. The deed, dated November 27, 1798, transfers property from Frederick Henning the Elder to James Duncan. Robert Irwin signed the deed, which was completed on June 20, 1800. The document mentions Aaron Levy, a business partner of Joseph Simon and former employee of Robert Morris, who played a role in supplying troops and lending money to the Continental Congress during the American Revolution and was closely associated with the Gratz family.

Writ issued by the Sheriff of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania on April 22, 1780, against James Bogle, accused of trespass by Simon and Joseph of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The writ measures 13" x 4", is partially printed, and bears an embossed seal of Cumberland County. The verso is docketed July 3, 1780. Joseph Simon (1712-1804), a prominent member of the Lancaster, Pennsylvania Jewish community and associate of the Gratz family, and John Campbell, a Revolutionary War soldier, Kentucky legislator, and early recipient of Lord Dunmore's land grants, were influential partners in frontier Kentucky. They planned and founded the city of Louisville, with Simon providing financial backing and securing a lien on a portion of the city's land. A 1000-acre tract within Campbell's military survey was deeded to Simon within the present city limits of Louisville in 1786.