Settlement of the Jews in Texas [Electronic Edition]

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Illustrations have been included from the print version. Settlement of the Jews in Texas Rev. Henry Cohen

Reprint. Originally appeared in the Publications of the American Jewish Historical Society, No. 2, 1894.

American Jewish Historical Society, No. 2 Galveston, Texas 1894

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Library of Congress Subject Headings English Jews--Texas--History Texas--History.

[Front Cover Image]

SETTLEMENT OF THE JEWS IN TEXAS. BY REV. HENRY COHEN,

Galveston, Texas.

The first Jewish settler in Texas of whom any record is preserved was Samuel Isaaes, who came from the United States in 1821, with Austin's first colony of three hundred. As a colonist he received “a Spanish grant of one league, and one labor of land,” situated in Fort Bend county. A bounty warrant for 320 acres, located in Polk county, was issued to him in 1853 for services in the army of Texas in 1836—37. Nothing further is known of him, the land having been patented to strangers.*

Velasco, on the Gulf of Mexico, south of Galveston, claims the first permanent settlement of Jews in Texas. Abraham C. Labatt, whose biography immediately follows, visited Texas in 1831. His business took him to Velasco, and he there found two Israelites, Jacob Henry and Jacob Lyons—the former from England and the latter from Charleston—engaged in mercantile pursuits. They had been there for some years. When Jacob Henry died—without issue, be it said—he left his fortune to the city of Velasco, for the purpose of building a hospital at that port.

Abraham Cohen Labatt was born in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1802. He was one of the forty-seven Israelites who, in 1825, organized the first reformed Jewish congregation in the United States. The movement aroused such intense opposition in the orthodox congregations of the world that, for the time being, it was abandoned. In later years reform met with better success. In 1831 Mr. Labatt removed to New Orleans and followed a merchant's calling. * General Land Office, Austin.

He was one of the founders of the first Jewish congregation in Louisiana, as well as of the first firemen's charitable association in that state. In the same year he visited Texas, as stated above. In 1837, as supereargo of the steamship “Columbia”—the first merchantman that traded between the United States and the Republic of Texas—he brought to Galveston Mrs. General Bee and her son, now General Hamilton P. Bee of San Antonio. The vessel was subsequently bought from the owners, for the Texas trade, by a company of merchants.

In 1849 Mr. Labatt went to California and was a noted figure among the pioneers of that day. He was one of the founders of the San Francisco synagogue, the first Jewish congregation on the Pacific Coast; and when in 1856 a handsome brick edifice was erected, Mr. Labatt, by invitation, laid the foundation stone, and upon completion, participated in the dedication of the building. In 1849 he obtained a dispensation for the institution of a Masonic lodge—known as the David Crockett Lodge—the first regularly instituted in the state of California. Mr. Labatt, now in his 93d year, is in full possession of his mental faculties. He resides in Galveston and is the patriarch of five generations.

By this time Jews had located in Nacogdoches, in the eastern portion of Texas, and threw in their lot, for better or worse, with the country of their adoption.

Among them was Adolphus Sterne. The following biography is taken from “Sketches of the leading citizens of Eastern Texas,” and its correctness is vouched by the son of Adolphus Sterne, still living.

“Hon. Adolphus Sterne, deceased.—This memorial sketch is written of a distinguished old Texan, a native of Germany, born in the city of Cologne, April 5th, 1801. He left his native place at the age of sixteen, running away to escape military service. He came to the United States, stopping first at New Orleans, where he remained in the city and locality until 1824, when he came to Texas. He was then

an adventurous, rollicking young fellow, full of fun, and delighting in the dangerous life which then prevailed in this state. He had been very well educated, and possessing a bright mind, he picked up a large fund of information, becoming especially proficient in the languages. He spoke French, German, Spanish, and English fluently, and after coming to Texas he learned various Indian dialects. These accomplishments rendered him a useful man to have around in those days, when the population of the country was divided between French, Spanish, English and Indians, with a pretty good scattering of Germans.

With the impulsiveness characteristic of his nature, Sterne joined the English settlers in their early struggles in this state against the Mexicans, and took part in the Fredonian war. He shared to some extent the fate of the other insurgents. The particular act for which he was called to account was the supplying of flint and powder, the implements of war in those days, to the insurgents. He was sentenced to be shot by Mexican authority, and pending the time between the date of sentence and execution (two weeks) he was chained in an old building in Nacogdoches. The staple to which he was chained remained in the old stone house for many years afterwards, and there are men now living who remember having seen it.” Meanwhile an amnesty had been declared, and certain concessions had been made to the revolutionists, which led to a compromise.*

“After taking the oath of allegiance to the Mexican government he became a trusted employee, and was awarded the contract of furnishing clothing to the Mexican soldiers. Later he engaged in the mercantile business at Nacogdoches, where he continued for a long time, and there he was living when the fight known as the `Nacogdoches Battle' took place, in August, 1832. The oath of allegiance he had taken prevented him from taking part against Mexico in that war, but his sympathies were all with the settlers, and he offered * Texas History.

no objection to the use they chose to make of his premises or property.

Mr. Sterne became one of the public characters of eastern Texas, and his name was known even through the scattered settlements. He studied law, so that he could give legal counsel to those around him, and was Alcalde for a considerable time at Nacogdoches. He served as interpreter for the government and for the citizens, for years. After Texas won her independence he was called upon to serve in both upper and lower houses of Congress. He was an eminent Mason, a member of the first Grand Lodge of the Republic of Texas.

Mr. Sterne was married to Miss Rosine Ruff, a native of Eslinger, Würtemberg, Germany, who was born July 23d, 1810, and brought to this country when she was a child. She was reared in the family of a distinguished French gentleman, a Louisiana planter. The wedding took place June 2d, 1828, at Natchitoches, Louisiana. Mr. Sterne at once brought his wife to Nacogdoches, and this attractive lady is still living, hale and hearty, at the age of 82 years. She is a woman of superior intelligence, and an exceedingly beautiful old lady, retaining many of those graces of person which must have been of extreme attractiveness in youth. Her mind is as clear as ever and her memory wonderful, making her companionship delightful.

Adolphus Sterne was a genial companion and a universal favorite. He was full of life, had a fine sense of humor, and was a fluent talker. One of his ways of amusing his friends was that of imitating an auctioneer and of bidding off the articles at a public sale in English, German, French, Spanish, Mexican and Choctaw. Once while he was serving in the Legislature of the Republic, when the house had been bored with long-winded harangue over some inconsequential matters, he arose and delivered a very solemn address, of a few minutes length, in Choctaw. The effect, as may be imagined, awoke the sleepers and relieved the monotony, bringing the members back to business. He was the life of the lobbies,

the wayside taverns and stage-coach parties, and knew all the old-timers, many of whom were frequently his guests at his home. General Sam Houston made his home with the subject of this sketch, both before and after his marriage. Mrs. Sterne has a beautiful diamond ring presented to her by General Houston.

Mr. Stern's death occurred March 27th, 1852, while on a visit to New Orleans. His remains were brought to Nacogdoches, where they were interred with Masonic honors. As stated, he was an eminent Mason, having become a member of the fraternity at the age of 21, in New Orleans. He had taken all of the degrees, even the thirty-second, of the Scottish rite. He left surviving him a widow and six children.”

Dr. Joseph Hertz and his brother, Hyman Hertz, were born in Germany, and came to the United States in their early manhood, in the year 1832. Shortly after their arrival they moved to Nacogdoches, Dr. Hertz practicing his profession and his brother becoming a merchant. They both stood high in the community as men of integrity, and were considered the two most thoroughly educated men in the country. Hyman Hertz, while on a trip to New Orleans in 1833, by way of the Red river, lost his life by the burning of the steamer “Pioneer” on which he was traveling.

Dr. Hertz continued to practice medicine in and around Nacogdoches till 1835, often having to travel fifty and sixty miles to attend those who were at distant points trading with the Indians for pelts and hides. This caused his health to give way, and in 1835 he removed to Natchez, Miss. He lived some time in that town and then returned to Europe, where he subsequently died.*

Simon M. Schloss was born at Frankfort-on-the-Main in 1812, and came to Texas in 1836, settling at Nacogdoches. He was engaged in the real estate business, which he conducted for several years, afterwards moving to New Orleans. He * Probate Gourt, Nacogdoches, Estate of Hyman Hertz.

was a bright, energetic man, and was favorably regarded in Texas.*

Davis S. Kauffman was born in Cumberland, Pennsylvania, and for some years resided at Natchez, Miss., where he studied law with General John A. Quitman, the governor of that state. About 1839 he removed to Nacogdoches, where he soon took first rank as a lawyer and orator. On the admission of Texas into the Union he became, at the first election, one of her Congressmen, which position he held till his death in 1851. He was wounded in the face at the battle of Neches, while serving as aide under General Douglas. Kauffman County, in Texas, is named in honor of him. He was the framer of what is known as “Kauffman's Good-Faith Law,” a law by which compensation was secured to a settler for bona-fide improvements on land.†

Albert Emanuel was born in Arolsen, Prime Waldeck, in Germany, in the year 1808; his father's name was Joseph Emanuel, and his mother's, Adelaide Hart. In early life he assisted his father, who was Chief Ranger for the Prince of the country, but before he had reached his majority he left Europe for America, landing at New Orleans, from which point he made several trips to Mexico and Texas. In 1834 he moved permanently to Texas, settling at Nacogdoches and entering upon mercantile pursuits.

In his disposition he was enterprising and adventurous, and became the firm friend of Sam Houston, General Rusk, and other choice spirits of the time, imbibing their love of freedom and retaining their friendship till his death.

He acquired large estates of land in Texas, but when the tocsin of war sounded, was one of the first to volunteer in the Texas army, though defeat of the cause meant the loss of all he had accumulated. In the battle of San Jacinto he served in Captain Kimbo's company of cavalry in the second regiment of Texas volunteers. At the close of the * Nacogdoches Records and Notarial Records of New Orleans. † Encyclopædia of the New West.

war he returned to Nacogdoches, and shortly afterwards, June, 1836, married Miss Louisa C. Hart, of New Orleans. He continued as a merchant till 1840, when he removed to New Orleans permanently. He there became a lawyer, practising his profession till his death in 1851.*

Another Israelite—Kohn—a member of the Texas Spy Company—also fought at San Jacinto.†

Sam Maas, a native of Germany, settled in Nacogdoches, coming from New Orleans in January, 1836. After living there three years he moved to Galveston, where he still resides. For some years he was a merchant, after which he entered the real estate business. During one of his visits to Europe he married Isabella Offenbach, sister of the Offenbachs of musical fame.

Simon Weiss was born in Germany. He came to Texas about 1836, and engaged in business as a merchant, first at Nacogdoches, then in Southeastern Texas, at Weiss Bluff, on the Neches river, where he married. He died many years ago, leaving a family.‡

After the independence of Texas, Jews began settling in all portions of the republic. Simon and Jacob Mussina moved to Texas in 1836, their mother and sister coming to them the next year. Jacob engaged in mercantile pursuits in Galveston, remaining there some years; thence he removed to New Orleans, but returned to Texas and made his home at Austin, where he died in January, 1892, leaving one daughter and one son, Dr. D. Mussina.

Simon Mussina engaged in various callings, editing a paper, conducting a real estate business, and finally becoming interested in some heavy litigation, turned his attention to the law, becoming a member of the bar after his sixtieth year. He thenceforth conducted his litigation with unflagging * Nacogdoches Records. Baker's History of Texas. Court Records of New Orleans. † Baker's History of Texas. ‡ Nacogdoches Records.

energy and zeal, till his death ended his cause forever. He made and lost several fortunes, but, rich or poor, he never complained; he was always bright and cheerful in his social relationship; nothing could dampen his spirits or lessen his ardor in anything he undertook. When once asked if he did not regret having given away a piece of property that afterwards became worth a small fortune, he laughingly said that it had done the owners more good that it would probably have done him, and he did not know but that they would have done the same for him if he had needed it. He died in Galveston in 1889, beloved by all who knew him. Miss Mussina, his sister, married the Rev. Mr. Henderson, the first Presbyterian minister at Galveston.*

Edward J. Johnson was born in 1816, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was a son of Mr. David Israel Johnson. The breaking out of the Texas revolution attracted great attention and elicited much sympathy for the revolutionists, in Cincinnati. Among others who sought service on the patriotic side was young Johnson. He volunteered in Capt. King's company, and was among those slain, March 27, 1836, at Goliad with Fannin, after the surrender to the Mexicans.

His parents are long since dead, but he has still surviving him a sister, Mrs. Selina Abrams, of Cincinnati, and two brothers, David I. Johnson, and Hon. Edgar M. Johnson, of New York, now a member of the firm of Hoadley, Lauterbach and Johnson.†

Three other Israelites fought under Fannin in the famous and tragic encounter at Goliad: Benjamin H. Mordecai, whose life was spareed by the Mexicans, but who was subsequently killed by the Indians in 1840, M. K. Moses and Herman Ehrenberg, who escaped.‡

Capt. Levi Charles Harby was born in 1793, at Georgetown, S. C. He passed examination in June, 1812, as midshipman * Reports of the United States Supreme Court. Supreme Court of Texas. Encyclopædia of the New West. † Baker's Scrap Book of Texas. ‡ Baker's Scrap Book of Texas. Brown's History of Texas.

in the U. S. navy. While the war of 1812 was being fought he was eighteen months a prisoner in Dartmoor, England. During his incarceration a Jewish baker daily sold bread to the prisoners. One day a loaf was offered to Capt. Harby, which he refused to take; the baker, however, insisted. On breaking the bread, a newspaper was found telling of the battle of New Orleans. He eventually escaped from Dartmoor. In 1836 Harby resigned from the U. S. navy in order to bear arms with the Texans. He subsequently took part in the Mexican War, and also in the Seminole War of Florida. At the battle of Galveston (in the Civil War) he was commander of the “Neptune,” and did good service for his cause, now a matter of general history. He died in Galveston, December 3, 1870, his last words being, “There is no God but Israel's God.” Mrs. Lee C. Harby, of New York, is the daughter-in-law of the deceased captain.

Isidore Dyer was born in Dessau, Germany, in 1813. He came to America while young and resided in Baltimore, whence in 1840 he moved to Galveston. He engaged in mereantile pusuits till 1861, and after a successful business career he retired. He was, however, too valuable a citizen to be allowed to enjoy his well-earned repose. In 1866 to be allowed to enjoy his well-earned repose. In 1866 he was elected to the presideney of the Union Marine and Fire Insurance Company of Galveston, which position he filled until the company retired from business in 1880, leaving behind a record of which any company might feel proud. He held high place in the Odd Fellows lodge, and his name was early among the past grand-masters. The first Jewish religious services in Galveston were held at Mr. Dyer's house in 1856, in a special room dedicated to that purpose. He was closely connected with every vital interest of the people, and when he died he was universally mourned. He left a widow and two sons. His death took place at Waukesha, Wisconsin, in the summer of

1888.* Extracts from his will relating to charitable bequests are to be found in the appendix to this paper. He was a brother of Leon Dyer and of Mrs. Rosanna Osterman, whose brief biographies immediately follow.

Colonel Leon Dyer, brother of the subject of the preceding sketch, was born in Dessau, Germany, October 9, 1807, and while yound was brought by his parents to the United States, where they settled in Baltimore. He was self-educated, having to attend to his father's business when he should have been at college. Leon Dyer was very popular with the masses, and it was through his intervention that the Baltimore bread-riots were quelled. He was acting-mayor of that city during the time of the riots, and remained so until order was restored. He entered the U.S. army shortly afterwards. When Major McDade was massacred in Florida by Osceola, the Seminole chief, Leon Dyer was on General Scott's staff, ranking as major, and when General Scott was sent against Osceola, Major Dyer naturally accompanied him. En passant, it may be of interest to mention that in one of the regiments of this expedition, General Geo. B. McClellan served as lieutenant. During the Mexican War, Leon Dyuer acted as quartermaster-general for General Scott. When, in 1836, Texas began to struggle for her freedom, Leon Dyer, although in business in New Orleans, was holding the position of Quartermaster-general of the State of Louisiana. When Texas called for aid, Dyer, with several hundred citizens of Louisiana, responded, attaching temselves to the forces commanded by General Thomas Jefferson Green, Leon Dyer being gazetted major. Green's army reached San Jacinto too late to participate in that memorable battle, but it performed honorable service in ridding Texas of the Plundering Mexican troops that infested the republic. The commission attesting Leon Dyer major, signed by the first president of the Republic of Texas—Burnett—is in the hands of Dr. J. O. Dyer, of Galveston.

* Records of the city of Galveston. Encyclopædia of the New West.

Leon Dyer, by reason of his natural talents and patriotic tendencies, enjoyed the acquaintance of many great men in ante-bellum days. President Van Buren appointed him special envoy to Germany. He acted as guard of honor when Santa Anna was taken from Galveston to Washington. An autograph letter from Santa Anna to Leon Dyer, thanking him for courtesies, is in the possession of Col. Dyer's sister. He died in Louisville in 1883, aged 76, and his remains lie in Galveston. A widow and four children survive him.

It would be interesting to edit the life and history of the late Col. Leon Dyer, and incidentally to reproduce the autograph letters addressed to him by prominent men—a pleasurable task reserved for some future paper of the Jewish Historical Society. To whet the appetite of the lover of history, it may be mentioned that Leon Dyer's grandfather was commissary in Napoleon's army, and until the great fire in Frankfort, when all the family belongings were burnt, a genealogical tree existed tracing the family through the ages as far back as the Asmoneans, of whom the Maccabees were the representatives par excellence. But here history and legend are intermingled.

The lamented Mrs. Rosanna Osterman, widow of Joseph Osterman, who came to Texas during the Republic, and sister of the Dyer brothers, was a unique character in the records of womanhood. The unbounded charity and benevolence of this estimable woman has been the theme of many a Southern hearth. During the Civil War she nursed the soldiers through sickness and trial, and tended the wounded like a guardian angel. As a tribute to her goodness, Col. Hobby, stationed in Galveston at the time, wrote a poem telling of her virtues. The Osterman Building in Galveston is a monument of her bounty, for she bequeathed it to the poor; but a far greater monument in built in the hearts of those with whom she came in contact, and the many who have been her beneficiaries. Upon her death, in 1866, the bulk of her foptune went to charity, as will be seen in the appendix.

Michael Seeligson was a figure of some note in early Texas history. Together with his two sons, he worked for the annexation of the Republic of Texas to the United States. He came to Texas from Michigan in 1838, and was followed by his family in 1839. He was elected alderman of the city of Galveston in 1840 and 1848, and mayor of the city in 1853. He resigned his position a few months after his election. He was especially noted for his sagacity and kindness. He died in 1868, and left four sons, one of whom is the subject of the following sketch.*

Henry Seeligson was the son of Michael Seeligson and Adelaide Gottschalk, aunt of the great composer, and was born in Philadelphia in 1828. He came to Texas in 1839. He was elected first lieutenant of the Galveston Cadets when the Mexican invasion of Galveston was attempted, and although the corps was composed of young men from 15 to 18 years of age, it rendered efficient service. In the Mexican war of 1846 he enlisted in Capt. McLean's company, and subsequently volunteered as a member of Capt. Bell's regiment, which was soon ordered to join the command of General Taylor en route for Monterey. He bore so conspicuous a part in the battle that he was sent for by General Zachary Taylor and highly complimented, being offered the second lieutenancy in the second dragoons, which he declined. After this conflict he embarked in business. He was subsequently an active participator in a Mexican revolution under General José Maria Carabajal, who was defeated. At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in the Southern army, joining a cavalry company commanded by Captain Woodward. He was in several engagements. It was his boast in his latter days that he had fought in three wars. He died in 1886.†

Eugene Joseph Chiméne settled in Houston in 1835, coming from New York. He fought at San Jacinto, and was * Records of the City of Galveston. † Encyclopædia of the New West.

one of Sam Houston's escort when the latter went to plan Austin City.*

Henry Wiener, another Houstonian, served in the Mexican war of 1846, and fought in the battle of Buena Vista.†

Moses Albert Levy served as surgeon-general in Sam Houston's army throughout the Texas-Mexican war. He was present at the storming of the Alamo by the Texans in December, 1835, serving at that time in the regiment commanded by Col. Frank W. Johnson. Col, Johnson's report of the capture of San Antonio, Dec. 5, 1835, states, “Doctors Levy and Pollard deserve my warmest praise for their unremitted attention and assiduity.”‡

Upon the monument erected in Austin to the memory of the martyrs of the Alamo is engraved the name of A. Wolf.§

Dr. Isaac Lyons, of Charleston, served as surgeon-general under General Tom Green in the war of 1836, and upon his return to his native place, died at the residence of A. C. Labatt, whose biography is given above.

D. I. Kokernot, a native of Holland, came to Texas in 1830 and lived in Gonzales. He fought at Anahuae in the opening campaign of the Texas revolution, he was in the Grass fights of 1835, and also in active service in the war of 1836.|

There were other Jewish pioneers in Texas, but their records are meager.

Michael De Young, a French Jew, settled in San Augustine 1840-1850 and aided Texas during the Mexican war by furnishing volunteers with necessary equipment for the protection of the Republic. He came from the same family as the present De Youngs of San Francisco and Philadelphia.

Edward S. Solomons, of the firm of Solomons and Letchford, of San Augustine, came to Texas in 1837.¶

* Family records, name not on roster. † Family records, name not on roster. ‡ Baker's Scrap Book of Texas. § Baker's Scrap Book of Texas. | Baker's Scrap Book of Texas. Brown's History of Texas. ¶ Records of San Augustine.

There are to-day many acres of land in Texas that were originally donated to David Moses and Michael De Young, for services rendered to the Republic. The heirs of the late Judah P. Benjamin and Albert Emnauel are also the possessors of real estate in Texas.*

After the Civil War, hundreds of co-religionists gradually settled in the cities and towns of the state, and to-day Texas has a large Jewish population. With a few congregational statistics, our paper is finished.

The first Jewish cemetery in Texas was established in Houston in 1844, and the Israelites of the same city built the first synagogue in Texas, exactly ten years later. Galveston followed with the establishment of the cemetery in 1852, and the organization of the congregation in 1868. Religious serives, however, had been held since 1856. Other cities in the following order: San Antonio, cemetery 1854, congregation 1872. Religious services under the auspices of the Hebrew Benevolent Society had been held since 1856. Austin, cemetery 1866, congregation 1876; Waco, cemetery 1869, congregation 1881; Dallas, cemetery 1872, congregation 1876.

There are also cemeteries and organized benevolent institutions in twenty-six smaller towns, Tyler, Marshall, and Gainsville each possessing a synagogue.

APPENDIX. EXTRACTS FROM WILL OF ISADORE DYER, PERTAINING TO CHARITABLE BEQUESTS.

Item 11. $2000.00 in trust, interest and revenue to be applied to embellishing the two Hebrew cemeteries.

Item 12. In trust “Congregation B'nai Israel,” Galveston, one-half of the residuum of my estate to be expended and applied to the enlargement and improvement of the present synagogue, and to afford increased pews and seating capacity * Land Office Records, Austin.

for the poor Israelite families who are unable to purchase or rent same.

Item 13. Remaining one-half to “The Protestant Orphans Home of Galveston.”

WILL OF ROSANNA OSTERMAN.—EXTRACTS PERTAINING TO CHARITABLE BEQUESTS, ETC.

(Items 8, 13 and 19 refer to property bequeathed to family or friends, but upon their death, to the charitable institutions specified; hence the word “eventually” is used.)

Item 1. After my death, I desire that my executors cause my mortal remains to be interred in the Portuguese cemetery in the city of New Orleans, La., as soon as practicable after my decease, provided the remains of my late beloved husband have already been there deposited. If not, it is my earnest desire (if not in violation of our holy religion) that both of our remains be buried beside my dear departed brother, Abraham Dyer, in our family lot in the Portuguese cemetery in the city of New Orleans.

Item 8. The revenue from two brick buildings situated in the city of Galveston, to be eventually applied for the founding and defraying expenses of a “Widow's and Orphan's Home” in the city of Galveston, the “Home” to be undenominational, “for are not all men brothers before God.”

Item 13. The dividend declared upon fifty shares of Galveston City Wharf stock, to be eventually appropriated for the support of indigent Israelites, if any there be; if not, of any other denomination, residing in Galveston.

Item 19. The whole of the dividends on one thousand shares of Canal Company stock, to be eventually paid over to the officers of the Jewish Foster Home of Philadelphia, Penn.

Item 20. Five thousand ($5000.00) dollars to be applied towards the building of a synagogue in the city of Galveston, State of Texas, on the following conditions, viz.: First, the building to be used for a synagogue must be built of brick;

secondly, that one third of the building must be up, and my executors satisfied that everything has been complied with, and duly organized like other religious congregations; upon satisfactory proof to my executors, they will pay principal and interest to the proper representatives of said congregation.

Item 21. Twenty-five hundred ($2500.00) dollars, the same to be invested, the principal and interest to be applied toward the building of a synagogue in the city of Houston, State of Texas; the same evidence being given to my executors as those for the erection of a synagogue in Galveston, before any portion of the money I have set aside for the erection of the two synagogues be paid.

Item 22. Three thousand ($3000.00) dollars for the benefit of the “Jewish Hospital” in the city of New York.

Item 23. Three thousand ($3000.00) dollars for the benefit of the “Jewish Hospital” in the city of New Orleans, La.

Item 24. Three thousand ($3000.00) dollars for the benefit of the “Jewish Hospital” in the city of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Item 25. One thousand ($1000.00) dollars for the benefit of the “First Jewish Benevolent Society” that is or may be organized and incorporated in the city of Galveston, State of Texas.

Item 26. One thousand ($1000.00) dollars to the “Galveston Sailors Home,” whenever one is organized and is incorporated, as is customary in the seaport cities of the United Staes of America.

Item 27. One thousand ($1000.00) dollars for the benefit of the “Galveston Howard Association.”

Item 28. One thousand ($1000.00) dollars for the benefit of the “Jewish Ladies Benevolent Society” of New Orleans, Louisiana.

Item 29. One thousand ($1000.00) dollars of the “Hebrew Foreign Mission Society” of New Orleans, La.

Item 30. One thousand ($1000.00) dollars for the benefit of the first “Jewish Benevolent Society” that is or may be

organized and incorporated in the city of Houston, State of Texas.

Item 31. One thousand ($1000.00) dollars for the benefit of the “Hebrew Talmud Yelodim School” in the city of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Item 32. One thousand ($1000.00) dollars for the benefit of the “Hebrew Educational Society” in the city of Philadelphia, Penn.

Item 33. One thousand ($1000.00) dollars for the benefit of the “Talmud Torah School” attached to the Hebrew congregation “Shearith Israel” in the city of New York.

Item 34. One thousand ($1000.00) dollars to the “North American Relief Society” for the indigent Jews of Jerusalem, Palestine, of the city and state of New York, Sir Moses Montifiore of London, their agent.

Item 35. One thousand ($1000.00) dollars for the benefit of the “Hebrew Benevolent Association” of New Orleans, Louisiana.

Item 36. One thousand ($1000.00) dollars to the “Ladies Benevolent Society” of Philadelphia, Penn., Miss R. Gratz, secretary.

Item 37. One thousand ($1000.00) dollars for the purchase, embellishment, and keeping in repairs, of ground adjoining our present burial ground in the city of Galveston. The lot now used for the interment of Israelites being too small, and our dear friend the Rev. M. N. Nathan having consecrated said lot, I greatly prefer enlarging same to purchasing another.

Item 38. One thousand ($1000.00) dollars, the interest thereof to be expended yearly for keeping in repair and embellishing our family lot in the Jewish Portuguese burial grounds belonging to the Hebrew congregation of the “Dispersed of Judah” of New Orleans, La.

Item 47. One thousand ($1000.00) dollars for the founding of a “School Fund” for the education of poor Jewish children of Galveston and Houston, State of Texas.

All of these bequests were faithfully carried out by Isadore Dyer, her executor and residuary legatee, although he knew that some were void for uncertainty. One one occasion he was advised by a lawyer that the last bequest had lapsed and was his in law. His reply was, “I know that, but in this matter it is not to the law, but to my sister, that I am answerable, and the fund is intact for the purpose named by her.” In 1887 he paid the balance of the fund and its accumulations to a properly organized corporation formed for the education of poor Jewish children in Galveston. He had previously paid a moiety to a Houston association of like nature.

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