Moses Levy (b. Philadelphia 1757; d. May 9, 1826)
His father, Samson Levy, was a signatory of the celebrated resolutions not to import goods from England until the Stamp Act had been repealed. Moses was educated at the University of Pennsylvania, from which he graduated in 1772.
On March 19, 1778, he was admitted to the bar; from 1802 to 1822 he was recorder of Philadelphia; and from 1822 to 1825, presiding judge of the district court for the city and county of Philadelphia.
At one time he was a member of the Pennsylvania legislature, and he was a trustee of the University of Pennsylvania for twenty-four years.
Levy was also a slave ship owner, owning as many as five vessels.
Why was Levy buried in St. Peter's Cemetery?
This entry from "All My Abercrombies," www.karenrobert.com...
"Written by Moses Levy of the city of Philadelphia: 13 July 1798.
My daughter Martha Mary-Anne Levy was born. She was soon after baptized by the Rev. James Abercrombie. She has also taken the smallpox by inoculation."
The inference is that Levy had married an Anglican.
There are three separate references in Nathan-Kraus Family Collection in the American Jewish Archives listing Levy, Moses, marriage and Christians.
Initially, I assumed that the Jews might have had a scriptural prohibition against slave trade, but Jews were involved in slave trade, according to the administrator of the historic website, www.blacksandjews.com
There was no prohibition or sanction by Jews against Jews who were involved in the slave trade. Throughout America, the slave trade provided substantial revenue for Jewish communal activity including the purchasing of property for cemeteries, schools, hospitals, and synagogues.
In Newport, RI, the slaves of Jews actually built the synagogue, and in Charleston, S.C., the newspapers are filled with slave sale ads by the very Jews who were credited with starting "Reform Judaism"--all of whom were proud members of the Jewish community and all of whom are buried in the Jewish cemetery.
In Philadelphia, the Gratz family was deeply involved in slavery.
The following letter was written to Bernard Gratz:
Reading, March 2, 1772.
Mr. Bernard Gratz, Merchant in Philadelphia
Sir: I took your negroe George, some time ago, home, thinking I might be the better able to sell him, who, after being with me a night, behaved himself in such an insolent manner I immediately remanded back to the jail. About a week since, I put him up for sale at a tavern.
. But he protested publickly that he would not be sold, and ifanyone should purchase him, he would be the death of him, and words to the like purpose, which deterred the people from bidding. I then sent him back again with directions to the jailer to keep him at hard labour, which he refuses to do, and goes on in such an insolent manner that it is impossible to get a master for him here. I therefore request you'll send for him on sight hereof, or send me aline by Drinkhouse, or the first opportunity, what I shall do with him. He's now almost naked, and if not furnished soon with some clothes, I fear he'll perish.
Pray let me hear from [you] and, in the meantime, I remain, with great regard, sir,
Your humble servant,
George Nagel
N. B. He's now chained and handcuffed on account of his threats.
Note will of Martha Levy, mother of Moses:
LEVY, MARTHA. City of Philadelphia. Widow of Samson Levy, late of sd. city. Merchant. 1801. April 1, 1807. 2.78.
Legacies to nieces Abigail Israel and Margaret Ross. Daughters-in-law: Mary and Sarah Levy, a suit of mourning and mourning ring each. Legacies to sons Moses, Samson and Daniel Levy. To dau. Rachel Levy, granddau. Martha Levy Jones, dau. Arabella Jones, wife of James Morris Jones, granddau. Henrietta ---, plantation in Sussex Co., N. J. devised to her by her late husband. Former husband: Jas. Stell Thompson. Exec. and Trustees: Moses and Samson Levy. Witnesses: Jos. Reed, Benjn. F. Pearce. Codicil: January 16, 1806. Revokes some of legacies. Mentions rent charges payable out of a lot in Philadelphia purchased of Joseph Shippen.
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