Joseph Mordecai

The first permanent synagogue community Kehilah ha Kadosh Beth Shalome, was founded in 1789 in Richmond, Va.. Beth Shalome built its first permanent building in 1820 in Richmond. The president of the congregation at the time of dedication was Jacob Mordecai.------------------------------

Joseph was the third-born son of Moses Mordecai from Bonn, Germany and Elizabeth "Esther" [Whitlock] Mordecai who was born in England. His mother was a Jewish convert and changed her name to Esther. Joseph was born into a Jewish family and remained true to the faith throughout his life.

On October 25, 1786 in Philadelphia, PA in a Hebrew ceremony, Joseph married Esther "Hetty" Marache, daughter of Solomon Marache and Rebecca "Myers" Marache. They moved to VA and on to Charleston, SC, where they lived for many years. They were the parents of six known children: Solomon Joseph, Rebecca, Judith, Thomas Whitlock, Harriett and Esther "Hetty".

Their eldest son, Solomon Joseph (1790-ca 1843), went to Missouri and married in Franklin, Howard Co, MO to ISABELLA JANE KINCAID in 1817. Solomon Joseph was the founder of the Missouri Line where some of his descendants changed their surname spelling to MORDICA.

Family links: Parents: Moses Mordecai (1707 - 1781) Elizabeth Whitlock Cohen (1744 - 1804)

Spouse: Esther Marache Mordecai (1768 - 1810)*

Children: Rebecca Mordecai Hertz (1792 - 1833)* Judith Mordecai (1797 - 1820)* Thomas Whitlock Mordecai (1806 - 1865)* Hariett Mordecai (1810 - 1873)*

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