Hart, Ephraim, 1747-1825

Ephraim Hart (1747 - July 16, 1825) was an American merchant who helped to organize the Board of Stock-Brokers, now known as the New York Stock Exchange. Hart was born in Fürth, Germany; Hart's original surname was Hirz which he changed when he came to the United States. By 1782, he was residing as a merchant in Philadelphia; he later moved to New York and engaged in the commission and brokerage business. By 1792, he had become one of the most successful merchants in New York City, and helped to organize the Board of Stock-Brokers, now known as the New York Stock Exchange, being one of the signatories of the Buttonwood Agreement of 1792 that founded the Exchange. He owned at least one enslaved Black woman named Silvia.