Edwin Warren Moïse (born 1832) facts for kids
.jpg)
Edwin Warren Moïse (born May 21, 1832 – died December 8, 1902) was an important Jewish-American lawyer and military officer from South Carolina. He also served as the Adjutant-General for the state.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Edwin Warren Moïse was born in Charleston, South Carolina, on May 21, 1832. His aunt was the famous poet Penina Moïse. His family were Jewish and came from places like France and the Caribbean.
Edwin went to schools in Charleston. He had to leave school at age 15 to help his family. He first worked in a grocery store. Later, he worked in an office and studied law.
In 1854, Charleston faced serious diseases like yellow fever. Edwin volunteered to help sick people as a nurse. He also started a small business. But a big storm in 1855 destroyed it. After this, he moved to Columbus, Georgia. There, he worked for his uncle and finished his law studies. He soon became a lawyer.
Service in the Civil War
Before the American Civil War began, Edwin Moïse did not support states leaving the United States. He spoke out against it in Georgia. But when Georgia decided to leave, he joined the Confederacy.
In 1861, he volunteered to help capture Fort Pulaski. In 1862, he used his own money to create a company of 120 soldiers. Fifty of these soldiers rode horses. This group was called the Moise Company. Edwin was chosen as their captain. He was later promoted to major in 1863.
He fought in many important battles. These included Gettysburg and Petersburg. He was wounded at Gettysburg. Three horses were shot from under him during fighting at Petersburg. He also helped burn a bridge to protect his generals during a retreat. His company was one of the few named after a Jewish Confederate officer. He surrendered with his general in Greensboro, North Carolina, at the end of the war.
Legal Work and Politics
After the war, Edwin Moïse moved to Sumter, South Carolina. He started a law practice there. For a few years, he worked with other lawyers.
He also worked as an editor for local newspapers. He used his writing to share his opinions. In 1880, he helped organize the first county fair in Sumter.
In 1876, he stopped practicing law for a while. He wanted to help Wade Hampton III get elected as governor of South Carolina. Moïse was a good speaker. He supported a group called the Red Shirts. This group worked to influence elections and keep Republicans from voting.
Moïse also ran for South Carolina's Adjutant and Inspector General. He won this election. This marked the end of the Reconstruction period in the state. He gave his first year's salary to public education. He was re-elected in 1878. People called him "General Moïse" for the rest of his life. He believed in fair treatment for all races. He even invited Black South Carolinians to join the state militia. He served in this role until 1880.
He continued to be active in politics. He ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in 1892 but did not win. He retired from law in 1891. Later, he helped judge farm products at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. He also served as a commissioner for the 1901 South Carolina Exposition.
Family Life
In 1854, Edwin Moïse married Esther Lyon. They had many children. Their son, Marion Moïse, became a state senator. He was also the father of David DeLeon Moïse, who served in the South Carolina House of Representatives.
Death
Edwin Warren Moïse passed away at his home on December 8, 1902. Many people attended his funeral. Cadets and soldiers escorted his hearse. He was buried in the local Jewish cemetery.
