Moses Michael Hays (1739-1805). Autograph Letter Signed, written to Michael Gratz.

(AMERICAN-JUDAICA).

June

(New York

1769)

Hays congratulates his business partner Michael Gratz upon his marriage: “I sincerely congratulate you on yr altered & I hope Happy State. May your & Mrs. Gratz’s Days be long, with uninterrupted felicity & that the Almighty may crown your Table with Olive Branches.”

Born in New York City to Dutch Sephardic immigrants, Moses Michael Hays extended his family’s successful shipping and retail business. Moses also continued his father’s commitment to Congregation Shearith Israel, serving as Parnas (president) 1766-67. In later years he helped establish the New England Masonic movement and in 1792 was elected Grand Master, with Paul Revere as his deputy. Michael Gratz (1740-1811) was, along with his brother Barnard, instrumental in opening up the American West through their extensive business interests. He married Miriam Simon of Lancaster, Penn., daughter of Jewish pioneer and Indian trader Joseph Simon, on June 20, 1769. They had 12 children, one of whom was the celebrated Rebecca Gratz.