2008-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2008
BENJAMIN GRATZ (1792-1884) son of Michael Gratz and nephew of Bernard Gratz, most prominent Jewish American colonial families of Phila.; famous for opening the early American West and Frontier trade (especially in Ky., Illinois and Western Pa. territories). Benjamin Gratz actually settled in Kentucky (in 1819); active in Lexington communal life; made trustee in 1823 of Transylvania University, then a leading college of the South; an organizer and President of Lexington and Ohio railroad (1830) and much more. Also he was brother of the renowned REBECCA GRATZ (1781-1869) (romanticized by Sir Walter Scott in his famed work "Ivanhoe") and widely esteemed for her important Jewish philanthropic and social work. Benjamin Gratz's role in civic life of Kentucky well shown in this 16 page (5 x 8 ½) pamphlet "STATUTES OF TRANSYLVANIA UNIVERSITY" published Lexington, 1842. At very top of first page, listing the eight members of the "BOARD OF TRUSTEES" his name appears immediately following that of the Chairman. Exc.+ condition. Original bright yellow paper covers (exc.) some light penciled names in the upper corner, but easily erased. Accompanied with copies of bio sketches of Michael and the Gratz family………………
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