Horace Augustus Nathans

From: The Jews of Philadelphia: their history from the earliest settlements to the present time; a record of events and institutions, and of leading members of the Jewish community in every sphere of activity Library of American civilization Author Henry Samuel Morais Publisher The Levytype Co., 1894

Horace Augustus Nathans a son of Moses and Benvenida Valentina nee Solis Nathans was born in Philadelphia October 10th 1840 His maternal ancestors were Spanish Jews and some of their descendants became prominent in our local affairs Mr Nathans received his education at an Academy and partly at the University of Pennsylvania In early years he entered into business and is still active in that sphere having attained success by his diligence and intelligent ways Mr Nathans from his youth has been a lover of music and has studied that art and the composers with true fervor as evidenced in his vocal talents and in his authorship of songs and other morceaux

He became an ardent worker for the Abt Male Singing Society of which he was Vice President This society or chorus numbered the best male amateur talent of the time and its concerts at Musical Fund Hall were attended by interested audiences who hailed their return with intense pleasure So capable and well trained a body of choristers has rarely been heard in this city and the Abt rose to an eminence richly deserved However in course of years some of its members became so deeply engrossed in various pursuits and others were so much occupied with music as a calling that the organization disbanded to the general regret. Mr Nathans has since given his attention to affairs of a different character while still displaying his interest in music in its progressive stages He has become active in congregational and educational movements

His wife nee Marie Louise Samson of New York City whom he married February 14th 1877 is a Director of the Hebrew Education Society and an enthusiastic laborer in its cause as in that of others Mr Nathans after serving awhile as a member of the Board of Directors of the Congregation Mickvefi Israel was recently 1893 elected as its President and he has already evinced determined energy Since his entry into office this Congregation has come into possession of an enormous legacy conveyed in a deed of trust executed by Hyman Gratz This gift for the establishment of a college for the education of Jews in Philadelphia will soon be applied to the uses for which it was bequeathed and President Nathans will as a member of the Special Committee have much to do with the administration of the Trust and with the direction of the institution provided for by Mr Gratz

What adds interest to Mr Nathaus's presidency of Mikveh Israel Congregation is the fact that several of his ancestors were among its original or early members among them Mordecai M Mordecai Philip M Russell and Isaiah Nathans Maternally Mr Nathans is related to the family of Solis of whose members Solomon was a valued worker and David his brother was a well known Israelite