Lot 376 email save

Jewish farmer in New Milford, Penna. Oct. 23, 1848

Sign In to see what this sold for

"…In regard to business I am doing pretty well and the Lord has increased my basket. Our farms are not like old country farms nor Virginia plantations. We have dairies and raise stock…sufficient for our family use and to fat cattle, our good pastures [raise the grain for them]"… Neatly penned (in a small hand) lengthy three page (7 ½ x 10) letter signed "S. Meylert" [note: slight spelling difference is correct]" he writes: "…departing this afternoon on one of my land tours to sell [and] collect"; mentions his nephew's idea of moving [from Richmond] to Philadelphia to better himself and children's education: "…you want to be in that city to try to buy and sell [your stock] and chance to speculate…buying and selling cotton I don't understand the trade and cannot give you advice" and writes at length about his many children and their doings and his own farming business (at length); also writes the N.Y. and Erie Railroad soon to be finished and its importance to him and the region and travel time to Richmond would make it easy for nephew to visit him. Asks if Augustus ever "…hears from my friend Dr. Jacob Pinhas;" Ends with "May the blessing of God be with you wherever you go." Minor normal aging; exc.+. Accompanied with numerous photostats from "History of the Jews of Richmond" (1769-1917) by H. Ezekiel, (1917) clearly showing nephew's Richmond business "drygoods," numerous activities in Jewish affairs and treasurer of synagogue; also among very first from Richmond to subscribe to Leeser's "Occident" in 1843! (Note: In an earlier recorded letter by the uncle to his nephew specific mention was made of both their Jewish heritage.)^t

View Raynors' Historical Collectible Auctions next auction.

Similar lots up for auction