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Moses Myers Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MSS 0385

Scope and Content

The Moses Myers Papers consist of a handful of letters, shipping inventories, and a printed broadside relating to the early Jewish American merchant Moses Myers (1735-1835). Myers lived in Norfolk, VA, and his merchant business was involved in the Caribbean. His ships were instrumental during the War of 1812.

Dates

  • Creation: 1796-1820

Creator

Access

The collection is open for research.

Biographical/Historical Note

Early American Jewish merchant Moses Myers (1753-1835) was born in New York City to Dutch merchant Hyam Myers and Rachel Louzada. After serving briefly in the New York Second Battalion during the American Revolution, he went into business with his cousin Samuel Myers. Shortly after marrying Eliza Judah in 1787, he moved to Norfolk, Virginia and established an import/export business there. Myers and his family were the first permanent Jewish-American residents in the Norfolk area, and would compose the regions entire Jewish population for over a decade. His house constructed in 1795 and occupied by the Myers family until 1935, still stands in downtown Norfolk and is the oldest Jewish home in America operated as a museum.

Extent

.21 Linear feet (1 box and 1 flat folder)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The Moses Myers Papers consist of a handful of letters, shipping inventories, and a printed broadside relating to the early Jewish American merchant Moses Myers (1735-1835). Myers lived in Norfolk, VA, and his merchant business was involved in the Caribbean. His ships were instrumental during the War of 1812.

Physical Location

University of Florida Smathers Library Building

Acquisition Information

Purchased in 2017.

Alternative Format Available

Digital reproductions of the items in the Moses Myers Papers are available online via the University of Florida Digital Collections (UFDC). Please read the Permissions for Use statement for information on copyright, fair use, and use of UFDC digital objects.

Title
A Guide to the Moses Myers Papers
Status
Completed
Author
Finding aid created by Matt Kruse
Date
March 2017
Description rules
Finding Aid Prepared Using Dacs
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Description is written in English.

Repository Details

Part of the Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Repository

Contact:
George A. Smathers Libraries
PO Box 117005
Gainesville Florida 32611-7005 United States of America
352-273-2755