Lopez, Aaron (1731–82). Manuscript note: "Received of John Hyer for Acct. of Mr. Aaron Lopez six half barrels of Jew beef… four keggs of Jew beef salt and two kegs of tongue."

(AMERICAN JUDAICA).

13th June

(Jamaica)

1771

Born in Lisbon, Aaron Lopez was a Jewish merchant and philanthropist who left Portugal for America in order to reclaim his Jewish identity. Through his varied commercial ventures, he became the wealthiest person in Newport, Rhode Island. In 1761-62, Lopez unsuccessfully sued the Colony of Rhode Island for citizenship, eventually obtaining it in Massachusetts.