Mordecai, Jacob, 1762-1838

Educator, of Warrenton, N.C., and Richmond, Va.

From the description of Jacob Mordecai papers, 1784-1936; (bulk 1784-1904). (Duke University Library). WorldCat record id: 20019259

From the description of Papers, 1784-1904; (bulk 1784-1866). (Brandeis University Library). WorldCat record id: 45450153

From the description of Papers, 1805-1881. (Duke University Library). WorldCat record id: 40422002

From the guide to the Jacob Mordecai Papers, 1784-1936, (David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University)

Jacob Mordecai was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on April 11, 1762, the son of Moses Mordecai (1707-1781). Jacob Mordecai served as clerk to David Franks, aide-de-camp to Benedict Arnold, during the American Revolution. After the war, Mordecai settled in Warrenton, North Carolina, where he established the Warrenton Female Seminary. Mordecai later moved to Richmond, Virginia, where he was active in the Jewish community. In the early 1830s, he served as a member of the Richmond Academy's board of trustees. After the death of his first wife, Judith Myers, Mordecai married Myers's half-sister Rebecca. He had thirteen surviving children: Moses (b. 1785), Samuel (1786-1865), Solomon (1792-1869), George Washington (1801-1871), Alfred (1804-1887), Augustus, Rachel (1788-1838), Caroline, Eliza, Julia, Laura, Ellen (1790-1884), and Emma (1812-1906). Jacob Mordecai died in Richmond on September 4, 1838.

From the guide to the Jacob Mordecai collection, Mordecai, Jacob collection, 1804-1835, (William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan)