Skip to content

Subject: 19th Century Life

No additional authority information available for 19th Century Life.


Letter from Charles Tobias to Henry Tobias, Liverpool, England, February 6, 1839Letter from Charles Tobias to Henry Tobias, Liverpool, England, February 6, 1839

A 2 1/2 page letter from Charles Tobias in Liverpool, England, to his brother Henry Tobias in New York, New York, dated February 6, 1839. The letter discusses family matters, business ventures, and the health of Rosalie. Charles also mentions his uncle, Asher Levy, and plans to contact Mr. Melhado. The letter includes an anecdote about a steamer captain ordering kosher meat for the Tobias brothers.

Letter from Isaac Hays to his Wife, Sarah Minis Hays, Philadelphia, November 5, 1837Letter from Isaac Hays to his Wife, Sarah Minis Hays, Philadelphia, November 5, 1837

This four-page letter, dated November 5, 1837, was written by Isaac Hays (1796-1879), a prominent ophthalmologist, to his wife, Sarah Minis Hays (1811-?), who was visiting her parents in Savannah, Georgia. The letter details personal matters and includes a reference to purchasing a boy from Georgia. It offers insight into daily life in the 1830s. The letter is unfolded and bears a Philadelphia town mark and a 25-cent postage rate. Sarah Minis married Dr. Isaac Hays on May 7, 1834. Isaac Hays' mother was Richea Gratz (1774-1858), sister of Rebecca Gratz (1781-1869). Therefore, Rebecca Gratz was Sarah Minis' aunt. Dr. Isaac Hays was a physician (ophthalmology), teacher, and editor of "The American Journal of Medical Sciences." He was a founder of the American Medical Association and the Franklin Institute, and a member of the prominent Gratz family of Philadelphia.

Letter from Jesse Joseph to Isaac Leeser, March 19, 1848Letter from Jesse Joseph to Isaac Leeser, March 19, 1848

Two-page letter from Jesse Joseph in Montreal, Quebec, to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dated March 19, 1848. Joseph discusses personal matters, including a potential romantic relationship, and mentions a recent marriage within the Solomon family. The letter provides insight into the personal life of Jesse Joseph, contrasting with his public image as a lifelong bachelor.

Letter from L. J. Sylvester to Tobias I. Tobias, November 17, 1854Letter from L. J. Sylvester to Tobias I. Tobias, November 17, 1854

Three-page letter written by L. J. Sylvester in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Tobias I. Tobias in New York City, New York on November 17, 1854. The letter contains personal news and gossip about mutual friends and family, including a mention of Charles Tobias' illness. Sylvester discusses his plans to return to New York City by Christmas.