Abraham Moise

Abraham Moïse emigrated from Strasbourg, Alsace, to the West Indies, where he established himself in trade. On the little island of St. Eustatia he met and married Sarah, 26 years his junior. The couple lived with their four small sons on a plantation in the northwestern corner of Santo Domingo, now Haiti.

The slave uprising of 1791 sent them fleeing to Charleston. They carried with them the clothes on their backs and a small trunk of valuables. Family historian Harold Moïse reports that the couple never regained their former affluence. This miniature of Abraham, mounted in gold with the family monogram engraved on the back, remains the only relic, “to attest his erstwhile prosperity.” From their house on Queen Street, three doors from King, the Moïses sold cloth and tea.

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Abraham Moïse was born in Strasbourg, Alsace, in 1736. As a youth he left his home and crossed the ocean to Cape Francois in the beautiful island of San Domingo, where he established himself in business. Several years later in about 1779, Abraham traveled over to the little island of St. Eustatia, which was an important centre of shipping trade. While here he met and married Sarah, daughter of a prominent Jewish family residing in the French colony. Sarah was twenty-six years his junior; Abraham about 43 and Sarah about 17. They had a total of nine children {7 sons and 2 daughters} - Jacob, Cherie, Aaron, Hyam, Benjamin, Rachel, Penina, Abraham II and Isaac.

Abraham Moïse became a very wealthy merchant and trader on the island of San Domingo; building a large plantation with many acres. In 1791, their was a rebellion against the landowners, so Abraham and his family had to flee with only the clothes on their backs and just a few family mementos. They boarded a ship for Charleston, South Carolina.

Starting over, Abraham and Sarah Moïse set-up a trading import business out of their home; and soon became prominent citizens of Charleston. Their children each became well educated eligible man in Charleston society.

Abraham Moïse departed this life on the 8th day of March 1809 at the age of 73. He was laid to rest in Hebrew cemetery, now known as Coming Street Cemetery. His wife, Sarah would not join him for another 33 years.