Hyam Cohen

Obituary listed in the Occident and American Jewish Advocate, Oct. 1850: Died at Sullivan's Island, on Saturday morning, August 24th, Mr. Hyam Cohen, in the 62d year of his age.

"The days of our life are three-score years and ten, and if, by reason of strength, they be four-score years, yet is that strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away."

Although the deceased laboured, for a protracted season, under the agonies of a direful malady, yet quick and unexpected was the summons of the angel of death, that snatched from its long-tenanted abode the soul of this virtuous man, and plumed it for its heavenly flight.

Apparently free from earthly care, and insensible to suffering, he sunk into a sound, sweet repose, which was the unfortunate harbinger of death. None who gazed upon the unruffled features of his countenance, in which were visibly shadowed the influences of balmy sleep—none who observed the ease and comfort in which he reclined, ever dreamed of the inroad that was working its way into the heart of the domestic circle.

But, alas! it was speedily, yet sorely, perceived that his was the sleep of eternity, and that the flower of vitality was to be crushed in the sigh that gently heaved from his dying breast. How trying then the affliction, how unassuageable the sorrow, how immeasurably painful the occurence, when the "silver chord" is so suddenly snapped asunder, sensibility itself becomes instinct, and the unwavering devotion of a wife, lavished and reciprocated in life, to be now wasted over the silent tomb of him who lies insensible of her effeminate grief.

But a longing family, fondly-attached kindred, zealous and sincere friends, all unite in paying homage to his memory, an desire to weave a garland over his mortal remains as a slight token of affectionate regard.

For in life he was no less kind and tender than social and condescending. In him those charming qualities of "head and heart" were blended in one harmonious whole, which, imparting tone and dignity to his virtuous and manly actions, commanded the unceasing admiration and undying respect of his numerous associates. Integrity of purpose was his fixed aim, the attainment of truth the goal of his aspirations, and these, triumphantly achieved and centered in him, shed a lustre over his many excellent qualities. Benevolence, an upright, comely deportment, candour, amiability, and an admirable share of general, well-directed information, were the attributes of his untarnished character, and the effectual means of securing and retaining his popularity. Steadfast in the beautiful, hallowed faith of the Jewish religion, he energetically espoused and advocated its principles, and this, affording him consolation amid the intensity of advanced sufferings, caused his dying hour to be unattended with those agonies which too often hurry their victims from this terrestial abode.

How beautiful the thought that his spirit, as it strove to attain its destined haven, caught up and mingled in the sanctity of the Sabbath. A devoted household band are merged in grief; an affectionate family deplore his removal, and this is but a faint tribute to his peaceful ashes at the shrine of departed worth.