Tobias Family Ledger

Book Description

(CHARLESTON) Tobias Family Handwritten Ledger Sheets. Charleston: July 1-December 31, 1825. Four pages (two leaves) 12 1/2 inches x 7 1/2 inches, removed. Near Fine Condition. These ledger pages record the progress of the Tobias family accounts with D. Judah & Co., Listed in a meticulous 19th century hand are the sums paid out for yards of calico, cashmere shawls, bundles of flannel and the shipping costs of each. Among the clients with whom the Tobiases conducted business was the honorable B.M. Meyer. This is a valuable, personal insider's look into the business practices of an early American Jewish family.The economic and political power of the Tobias Family of Charleston, South Carolina was maintained by prosperous businessmen and merchants for over 100 years; principally Joseph (1764-1810) and later his son Abraham Tobias (1793-1856). Abraham served for over twenty years as the Director of the Union Bank of South Carolina and variously held memberships on the Board of Health, Commission of Pilotage and in the States Rights Party. His wealth was acquired primarily from his works as an auctioneer and commissions merchant. He was extremely active in the religious as well as political life of the Beth Eloyim synagogue of Charleston, the second oldest synagogue in the United States and the oldest in continuous use.At a time when the Jewish population in America numbered about 3,000 (out of ten million citizens) Charleston, with nearly 700 Jews, was home to the largest Jewish community in the nation. This invaluable ledger records the participation of one Jewish family in the well being of Charleston citizens.

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