Moses Cohen Mordecai facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Moses Cohen Mordecai
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| Born | February 19, 1804 |
| Died | December 30, 1888 Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
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| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Spouse(s) | Isabel Rebecca Lyons |
| Children | 4 |
Moses Cohen Mordecai (1804-1888) was an important American businessman and politician. He owned a shipping company called the Mordecai Steamship Line. This company imported many goods like fruit, sugar, tobacco, and coffee.
He also served as a member of the South Carolina Senate. People saw him as a very important Jewish leader in Charleston during the 1850s and 1860s. During the American Civil War, he supported the Confederate States of America. His ships were even used by the Confederate States Navy. He later retired in Baltimore, Maryland.
Contents
Early Life and Beginnings
Moses Cohen Mordecai was born on February 19, 1804. His birthplace was Charleston, South Carolina.
A Career in Business and Politics
Mordecai had a busy career in both business and politics.
Shipping and Newspapers
He owned the Mordecai Steamship Line. This company brought in goods like fruit, sugar, tobacco, and coffee. He also co-owned a newspaper called the Southern Standard. This newspaper was published in South Carolina from 1851 to 1858.
At the same time, he was a member of the South Carolina Senate. Before the American Civil War (1861-1865), he voted against states leaving the United States. He used his newspaper to share this view. Many people saw him as a politician who supported merchants and free trade.
A Leader in Charleston
According to author Robert N. Rosen, Mordecai became "the most prominent Jewish Charlestonian of the 1850s and 1860s." He served as the parnass (pronounced PAR-nass). This means he was the main administrative officer for the Congregation Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim. This was a synagogue in Charleston.
He generally did not face much open prejudice because he was Jewish. However, some historians have noted that Senator James Henry Hammond privately wrote negative things about him in his diary.
The Civil War Years
During the American Civil War (1861-1865), Mordecai changed his mind about states leaving the Union. He decided to support the Confederate States of America. Some of his ships were used by the Confederate States Navy.
For example, his ship Isabel was named after his wife. This ship was used to move Major Robert Anderson from Fort Sumter. This happened during the Battle of Fort Sumter on April 14, 1861. After the Civil War, his shipping business was ruined. He also became blind. He then moved to Baltimore, Maryland.
Like many wealthy people in the South at that time, Mordecai owned enslaved people.
Family Life
Mordecai married Isabel Rebecca Lyons (1804-1896). They had four children together:
- Hortensia Mordecai (1830-1899)
- Rosa Hays Mordecai Tobias (1832-1897)
- Minnie Mordecai Lazarus (1839-1913)
- Isabel Mordecai (1842-1927)
In 1837, he bought a large house in Charleston. It was built in the Adam style, which is a type of architecture. This house became his family home. It is located at 69 Meeting Street in Charleston, South Carolina. The house is still standing today.
Later Years and Death
Moses Cohen Mordecai passed away on December 30, 1888. He died in Baltimore.
