AN ATTEMPT TO START THE JEWISH FARMING COMMUNITY IN GEORGIA !

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/31/2006

Boldly, neatly penned three page letter from Savannah, Ga March 12, 1890 by Sam’l Janison to prominent Jewish photo-chemist, inventor, author and founder/president of the “Assoc’n for the Relief & Protection of Jewish Immigrants” and more, LOUIS E. LEVY who is here addressed as “President, Jewish Immigration Society [at] Phila.” Letter opens: “have sent you a map describing the lands of the planned railroad system and for which I am commissioned to offer for sale, and having earnest desire to have JEWISH COLONIES ESTABLISHED in this healthy and beautiful country. I would be pleased to have the cooperation of any wealthy and benevolent brethren who desire permanently, to ameliorate the condition of our indigent people. COLONIZATION ASSOCIATIONS could be established and equip a large number of deserving poor families [who are presently unable] to raise themselves to a higher sphere. The lands could be leased to the Colonists…so as to encourage them to thrift an independence by earning their homesteads.” Describes how the money for the leases could be used for education, to teach farming “…and a thorough knowledge of Hebrew, English, German, etc…[and] to admit all children of indigent Jewish parents. Future generations, thus equipped would be worthy to populate and redeem the holy land. I am endeavoring to enlist cooperation of our brethren in Europe…have not the means, or I would send circulars to every congregation who would contribute, especially our southern brethren.” He further expresses feelings that eventually those same individuals instead of coming from Europe to populate America and the “west” will then march “eastward” and populate Palestine already equipped to farm, etc. He adds “I think the scheme would tend to solve the pauper problem.” Light aging; exc. Accompanied by 4 fine bio sketches of Edward Levy who was also publisher of two popular Philadelphia newspapers

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