Haym Salomon, a key financier of the American Revolutionary War, was born in Lissa, Prussia-Poland, around 1740 (or 1745 by some accounts), and passed away in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1785. His life and contributions underscore the vital role played by immigrants, particularly those of Jewish descent, in the founding of the United States.
Early Life and Emigration to America
Born into a Jewish family, Salomon fled Poland following the collapse of its independence movements and increasing persecution of Jews within the region. Arriving in New York in 1772, he quickly became an ardent supporter of American independence, aligning himself with the burgeoning revolutionary cause. His early involvement in revolutionary activities drew the ire of British authorities, and during their occupation of New York, Salomon was arrested twice for espionage. He managed to escape imprisonment, likely through bribing a jailor, and relocated to Philadelphia, which was emerging as the heart of the revolutionary movement.^1
Financial Contributions to the Revolutionary Cause
In Philadelphia, Salomon established a successful brokerage firm that became a cornerstone of the revolutionary financial network. His firm was instrumental in raising funds for the war effort, often underwriting loans to the fledgling U.S. government. Salomon negotiated war subsidies from France and Holland, endorsed and sold bills of exchange, and extended credit to American merchants—all while securing these transactions with his personal wealth. His commission for these efforts was a mere one-quarter of one percent, reflecting his deep commitment to the cause over personal profit.^2
Salomon reportedly lent over $600,000 in specie to the U.S. government, of which approximately $400,000 was unpaid at the time of his death. Despite his immense financial sacrifices, his descendants’ petitions for compensation from Congress have yielded no resolution, though congressional committees have often recognized the validity of their claims.^3
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Haym Salomon Advertisement in the THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, published on April 9, 1783. |
Role in Jewish and Civic Life
Salomon was a prominent member of Congregation Mikveh Israel in Philadelphia, known as the "Synagogue of the American Revolution." Founded in 1740, it remains the fourth-oldest continuous synagogue in the United States. Salomon was a significant benefactor, contributing to the synagogue's construction in 1782, and served as treasurer of the Society for the Relief of Destitute Strangers, the first Jewish charitable organization in Philadelphia.^4
In December 1783, Salomon joined Rabbi Gershom Seixas and other Jewish leaders in lobbying the Pennsylvania Council of Censors to remove religious test oaths for office-holding in the state constitution. These oaths required affirmations of Christian doctrine, effectively barring Jews from full participation in public life. The memorial, which argued against this discrimination, played a critical role in advocating for religious freedom.
Petition of the Philadelphia Synagogue to Council of Censors of Pennsylvania
To the honourable the COUNCIL of CENSORS, assembled agreeable to the Constitution of the State of Pennsylvania. The Memorial of Rabbi Ger. Seixas of the Synagogue of the Jews at Philadelphia, Simon Nathan their Parnass or President, Asher Myers, Bernard Gratz and Haym Salomon the Mahamad, or Associates of their council in behalf of themselves and their brethren Jews, residing in Pennsylvania,
Most respectfully showeth,
That by the tenth section of the Frame of Government of this Commonwealth, it is ordered that each member of the general assembly of representatives of the freemen of Pennsylvania, before he takes his seat, shall make and subscribe a declaration, which ends in these words, "I do acknowledge the Scriptures of the old and new Testament to be given by divine inspiration," to which is added an assurance, that "no further or other religious test shall ever hereafter be required of any civil officer or magistrate in this state."
Your memorialists beg leave to observe, that this clause seems to limit the civil rights of your citizens to one very special article of the creed; whereas by the second paragraph of the declaration of the rights of the inhabitants, it is asserted without any other limitation than the professing the existence of God, in plain words, "that no man who acknowledges the being of a God can be justly deprived or abridged of any civil rights as a citizen on account of his religious sentiments." But certainly this religious test deprives the Jews of the most eminent rights of freemen, solemnly ascertained to all men who are not professed Atheists.
May it please your Honors,
Although the Jews in Pennsylvania are but few in number, yet liberty of the people in one country, and the declaration of the government thereof, that these liberties are the rights of the people, may prove a powerful attractive to men, who live under restraints in another country. Holland and England have made valuable acquisitions of men, who for their religious sentiments, were distressed in their own countries.--And if Jews in Europe or elsewhere, should incline to transport themselves to America, and would, for reason of some certain advantage of the soil, climate, or the trade of Pennsylvania, rather become inhabitants thereof, than of any other State; yet the disability of Jews to take seat among the representatives of the people, as worded by the said religious test, might determine their free choice to go to New York, or to any other of the United States of America, where there is no such like restraint laid upon the nation and religion of the Jews, as in Pennsylvania.--Your memorialists cannot say that the Jews are particularly fond of being representatives of the people in assembly or civil officers and magistrates in the State; but with great submission they apprehend that a clause in the constitution, which disables them to be elected by their fellow citizens to represent them in assembly, is a stigma upon their nation and religion, and it is inconsonant with the second paragraph of the said bill of rights; otherwise Jews are as fond of liberty as their religious societies can be, and it must create in them a displeasure, when they perceive that for their professed dissent to doctrine, which is inconsistent with their religious sentiments, they should be excluded from the most important and honourable part of the rights of a free citizen.
Your memorialists beg further leave to represent, that in the religious books of the Jews, which are or may be in every man's hands, there are no such doctrines or principles established as are inconsistent with the safety and happiness of the people of Pennsylvania, and that the conduct and behaviour of the Jews in this and the neighbouring States, has always tallied with the great design of the Revolution; that the Jews of Charlestown, New York, New-Port and other posts, occupied by the British troops, have distinguishedly suffered for their attachment to the Revolution principles; and their brethren at St. Eustatius, for the same cause, experienced the most severe resentments of the British commanders. The Jews of Pennsylvania in proportion to the number of their members, can count with any religious society whatsoever, the Whigs among either of them; they have served some of them in the Continental army; some went out in the militia to fight the common enemy; all of them have cheerfully contributed to the support of the militia, and of the government of this State; they have no inconsiderable property in lands and tenements, but particularly in the way of trade, some more, some less, for which they pay taxes; they have, upon every plan formed for public utility, been forward to contribute as much as their circumstances would admit of; and as a nation or a religious society, they stand unimpeached of any matter whatsoever, against the safety and happiness of the people.
And your memorialists humbly pray, that if your honours, from any consideration than the subject of this address, should think proper to call a convention for revising the constitution, you would be pleased to recommend this to the notice of that convention.
23 Dec. 1783" ^5
Advocacy for Equality Amid Anti-Semitism
Despite his significant contributions, Salomon faced anti-Semitic slander. In response, he publicly declared: "I am a Jew; it is my own nation; I do not despair that we shall obtain every other privilege that we aspire to enjoy along with our fellow-citizens."^6 Salomon’s advocacy for Jewish inclusion in civic life laid the groundwork for broader acceptance of religious minorities in the United States.
Personal Life and Legacy
Though details of Salomon's personal life remain sparse, records indicate he owned at least one enslaved individual, as suggested by a runaway advertisement for "Joe, a Black man," in 1780.^7 This fact presents a complex aspect of his legacy, juxtaposing his commitment to liberty with the realities of his time.
On January 6, 1785, Haym Salomon passed away after a prolonged illness. The Independent Gazetteer noted his integrity and generosity, stating, "He was remarkable for his skill and integrity in his profession, and for his generous and humane deportment." He was interred in the burial ground of Congregation Mikveh Israel in Philadelphia.^8
Conclusion
Haym Salomon’s contributions to the American Revolution were pivotal in sustaining the financial stability of the cause. As a financier, advocate for religious freedom, and prominent member of the Jewish community, he left an indelible mark on the early United States. His story is a testament to the role of immigrants and religious minorities in shaping the nation’s founding ideals of liberty and justice.
Footnotes
- Espionage and Escape: Documentation of Salomon’s arrests and escape can be found in the revolutionary records of New York and Philadelphia.
- Brokerage and Financial Contributions: See historical analyses of revolutionary financing, including Robert Morris’s correspondence, which highlights Salomon’s role.
- Unpaid Loans: Congressional reports from the 19th century detail the unresolved claims of Salomon’s descendants.
- Congregation Mikveh Israel: Archival records of the synagogue document Salomon’s contributions and leadership roles.
- Memorial to the Council of Censors: The text of the memorial can be found in The Pennsylvania Archives.
- Response to Anti-Semitism: Salomon’s declaration was published in Philadelphia newspapers in 1784.
- Runaway Advertisement: This advertisement appeared in the Pennsylvania press, highlighting Salomon’s involvement in slavery.
- Obituary: The Independent Gazetteer, January 1785, provides an account of Salomon’s death and legacy.
Petition of the Philadelphia Synagogue to Council of Censors of Pennsylvania
To the honourable the COUNCIL of CENSORS, assembled agreeable to the Constitution of the State of Pennsylvania. The Memorial of Rabbi Ger. Seixas of the Synagogue of the Jews at Philadelphia, Simon Nathan their Parnass or President, Asher Myers, Bernard Gratz and Haym Salomon the Mahamad, or Associates of their council in behalf of themselves and their brethren Jews, residing in Pennsylvania,
Most respectfully showeth,
That by the tenth section of the Frame of Government of this Commonwealth, it is ordered that each member of the general assembly of representatives of the freemen of Pennsylvania, before he takes his seat, shall make and subscribe a declaration, which ends in these words, "I do acknowledge the Scriptures of the old and new Testament to be given by divine inspiration," to which is added an assurance, that "no further or other religious test shall ever hereafter be required of any civil officer or magistrate in this state."
Your memorialists beg leave to observe, that this clause seems to limit the civil rights of your citizens to one very special article of the creed; whereas by the second paragraph of the declaration of the rights of the inhabitants, it is asserted without any other limitation than the professing the existence of God, in plain words, "that no man who acknowledges the being of a God can be justly deprived or abridged of any civil rights as a citizen on account of his religious sentiments." But certainly this religious test deprives the Jews of the most eminent rights of freemen, solemnly ascertained to all men who are not professed Atheists.
May it please your Honors,
Although the Jews in Pennsylvania are but few in number, yet liberty of the people in one country, and the declaration of the government thereof, that these liberties are the rights of the people, may prove a powerful attractive to men, who live under restraints in another country. Holland and England have made valuable acquisitions of men, who for their religious sentiments, were distressed in their own countries.--And if Jews in Europe or elsewhere, should incline to transport themselves to America, and would, for reason of some certain advantage of the soil, climate, or the trade of Pennsylvania, rather become inhabitants thereof, than of any other State; yet the disability of Jews to take seat among the representatives of the people, as worded by the said religious test, might determine their free choice to go to New York, or to any other of the United States of America, where there is no such like restraint laid upon the nation and religion of the Jews, as in Pennsylvania.--Your memorialists cannot say that the Jews are particularly fond of being representatives of the people in assembly or civil officers and magistrates in the State; but with great submission they apprehend that a clause in the constitution, which disables them to be elected by their fellow citizens to represent them in assembly, is a stigma upon their nation and religion, and it is inconsonant with the second paragraph of the said bill of rights; otherwise Jews are as fond of liberty as their religious societies can be, and it must create in them a displeasure, when they perceive that for their professed dissent to doctrine, which is inconsistent with their religious sentiments, they should be excluded from the most important and honourable part of the rights of a free citizen.
Your memorialists beg further leave to represent, that in the religious books of the Jews, which are or may be in every man's hands, there are no such doctrines or principles established as are inconsistent with the safety and happiness of the people of Pennsylvania, and that the conduct and behaviour of the Jews in this and the neighbouring States, has always tallied with the great design of the Revolution; that the Jews of Charlestown, New York, New-Port and other posts, occupied by the British troops, have distinguishedly suffered for their attachment to the Revolution principles; and their brethren at St. Eustatius, for the same cause, experienced the most severe resentments of the British commanders. The Jews of Pennsylvania in proportion to the number of their members, can count with any religious society whatsoever, the Whigs among either of them; they have served some of them in the Continental army; some went out in the militia to fight the common enemy; all of them have cheerfully contributed to the support of the militia, and of the government of this State; they have no inconsiderable property in lands and tenements, but particularly in the way of trade, some more, some less, for which they pay taxes; they have, upon every plan formed for public utility, been forward to contribute as much as their circumstances would admit of; and as a nation or a religious society, they stand unimpeached of any matter whatsoever, against the safety and happiness of the people.
And your memorialists humbly pray, that if your honours, from any consideration than the subject of this address, should think proper to call a convention for revising the constitution, you would be pleased to recommend this to the notice of that convention.
23 Dec. 1783
I am a Jew; it is my own nation; I do not despair that we shall obtain every other privilege that we aspire to enjoy along with our fellow-citizens.
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Haym Salomon Advertising in The Freeman's Journal or the North-American Intelligencer, Philadelphia, PA dated July 31, 1782 |
Thursday, last, expired, after a lingering illness, Mr. Haym Salomon, an eminent broker of this city, was a native of Poland, and of the Hebrew nation. He was remarkable for his skill and integrity in his profession, and for his generous and humane deportment. His remains were yesterday deposited in the burial ground of the synagogue of this city.
By: Madison Clinton Peters
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Haym Salomon's [1740-1785] Hand-colored Ketubah [Jewish marriage certificate] dated July 6, 1777 in New York - image Courtesy of the American Jewish Historical Society,New York and Newton Centre, Massachusetts |
This broker has been useful to the public interests. ... I have consented, as I do not see that any disadvantage can possibly arise to the public service, but the reverse.
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1781 Haym Salomon payment of 3000 L in French with endorsement signed by Salomon |
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Haym Salomon advertisement in THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST & PUBLIC ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, dated April 9, 1782 |
Haym Salomon, broker to the Office of Finance, having provided a license of exercising the employment of an auctioneer in the City of New York, has now opened for the reception of every species of merchandise, his house, No. 22 Wall Street, and every branch of business, which in the smallest degree appertains to the profession—factor, auctioneer and broker, will be transacted in it, with that fidelity, dispatch and punctuality which has hitherto characterized his dealings. The house, in point of convenience and situation, is exceedingly well calculated for the different kinds of business above mentioned, and he thinks it is almost unnecessary to assure those who favor him with their orders that the strictest attention shall be paid to them and the utmost care and solicitation employed to promote their interests. The nature of his business enables him to make remittances to any part of the world with peculiar facility, and this he hopes will operate considerably in his favor with those who live at a distance. A desire of being more extensively useful and of giving universal satisfaction to the public are among his principal motives for opening the house and shall be the great leading principles of his transactions. By being broker to the Office of Finance and honored with its confidence, all those sums have passed through his hands, which the generosity of the French Monarch, and the affection of the merchants of the United Provinces, prompted them to furnish us with, to enable us to support the expenses of the war and which have so much contributed to its success and happy termination. This is a circumstance which has established his credit and reputation, and procured him the confidence of the public, a confidence which it shall be his study and ambition to merit and increase, by sacredly performing all his engagements. The business will be conducted upon the most liberal and extensive plan, under the firm name of Haym Salomon and Jacob Morde.
From the evidence in the possession of the committee, the patriotic devotion of Haym Salomon to the cause of the American Independence cannot in their judgment be questioned. The proof of his eminent character and standing as a citizen and merchant is very clear and abundant." Further in the report, the committee found Mr. Salomon to have been "the negotiator of all the war subsidies obtained from France and Holland, which he indorsed and sold in bills to the merchants in America, at the credit of two or three months on his own personal security.
The committee from the evidence before them are induced to consider Haym Salomon as one of the truest and most efficient friends of the country in a very critical period of its history and when its pecuniary resources were few and its difficulties many and pressing. He seems to have trusted implicitly to the National honor; and the committee are of the opinion that, as in the case of Lafayette and others, the Nation ought to be liberal in their indemnity to a son of any early benefactor in the day of its prosperity. France, in the most pressing times during the Revolutionary struggle, redeemed her paper obligations by means of the public domain; and generation after generation of Revolutionary claimants in this country have been rewarded by a grateful people; nor ought the memorialist to bear exception. His claim, in the opinion of the committee, to the amount which the United States owed to his father when he suddenly died, and which has been clearly established by documents referred to in this report, is a just one, and the recompense he seeks ought not to be longer delayed. "Abundant proof is presented that Haym Salomon rendered very essential aid to the cause of the Revolution, and that he did so, judging by so many of his acts, disinterestedly and from a sincere and ardent love for human freedom.
It is also proven by the vouchers before your committee that Haym Salomon provided the means to support the ambassador of the King of Spain, Don Francisco Rendon, who was in secret alliance with the Revolutionary Government, and whose supplies were cut off by the British cruisers. This fact was acknowledged in an official letter from that minister to the Governor-General of Cuba, and the original orders, uncancelled, to the amount of ten thousand Spanish dollars, are before your committee, showing that the amount was never paid. But the memorialist does not nor never has asked this Government to pay that sum. All the former reports from the committees of both houses show that Haym Salomon supported from his private means many of the principal men of the Revolution, who otherwise, as stated by themselves, could not have attended to their public duties, among whom are mentioned Jefferson, Madison, Lee, Steuben, Mifflin, St. Clair, Blond, Jones, Monroe^ Wilson and others.
It is not our duty to leave wealth to our children, but it is our duty to leave liberty to them. We have counted the cost of this contest and find nothing so dreadful as voluntary slavery.
I have accepted a seat in the House of Representatives and thereby have consented to my own ruin, to your ruin and to the ruin of our children. She replied: I am willing, in this cause, to run all the risks with you and be ruined with you if you are ruined.
Haym Salomon Sons of Liberty 1956 Cartoon Page |
At the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, a Mr. Gomez, of New York, proposed to a member of the Continental Congress that he form a company of soldiers for service. The member of Congress remonstrated with Mr. Gomez on the score of age, he being then sixty-eight, to which Mr. Gomez replied that he ' could stop a bullet as well as a younger man.'
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Issac Franks Advertisement in the THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, dated April 5, 1783 |
He was one of that smallest of all classes into which mankind can be divided —of men who accumulate wealth without ever doing a wrong, taking an advantage, or making an enemy; who become rich without being avaricious; who deny themselves the comforts of life that they may acquire the means of promoting the comfort and elevating the condition of their fellowmen.At a dinner given at Faneuil Hall on June 17, 1843, to celebrate the completion of the monument, the two great benefactors of the association were remembered by the following toast:
Amos and Judah, venerated names, Patriarch and Prophet press their equal claims; Like generous coursers running neck and neck, Each aids the work by giving it a check. Christian and Jew, they carry out one plan, For, though of different faiths, each is in heart a man.
For students and teachers of U.S. history, this video features Stanley and Christopher Klos presenting America's Four United Republics Curriculum at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School. Filmed in December 2015, this video is an informal recording by an audience member capturing a presentation attended by approximately 200 students, professors, and guests. To explore the full curriculum, [download it here].
September 5, 1774 | October 22, 1774 | |
October 22, 1774 | October 26, 1774 | |
May 20, 1775 | May 24, 1775 | |
May 25, 1775 | July 1, 1776 |
July 2, 1776 to February 28, 1781
July 2, 1776 | October 29, 1777 | |
November 1, 1777 | December 9, 1778 | |
December 10, 1778 | September 28, 1779 | |
September 29, 1779 | February 28, 1781 |
March 1, 1781 to March 3, 1789
March 1, 1781 | July 6, 1781 | |
July 10, 1781 | Declined Office | |
July 10, 1781 | November 4, 1781 | |
November 5, 1781 | November 3, 1782 | |
November 4, 1782 | November 2, 1783 | |
November 3, 1783 | June 3, 1784 | |
November 30, 1784 | November 22, 1785 | |
November 23, 1785 | June 5, 1786 | |
June 6, 1786 | February 1, 1787 | |
February 2, 1787 | January 21, 1788 | |
January 22, 1788 | January 21, 1789 |
Commander-in-Chief United States of America
United States in Congress Assembled (USCA) Sessions
USCA | Session Dates | USCA Convene Date | President(s) |
First | 03-01-1781 to 11-04-1781* | 03-02-1781 | |
Second | 11-05-1781 to 11-03-1782 | 11-05-1781 | |
Third | 11-04-1782 to 11-02-1783 | 11-04-1782 | |
Fourth | 11-03-1783 to 10-31-1784 | 11-03-1783 | |
Fifth | 11-01-1784 to 11-06-1785 | 11-29-1784 | |
Sixth | 11-07-1785 to 11-05-1786 | 11-23-1785 | |
Seventh | 11-06-1786 to 11-04-1787 | 02-02-1787 | |
Eighth | 11-05-1787 to 11-02-1788 | 01-21-1788 | |
Ninth | 11-03-1788 to 03-03-1789** | None | None |
* The Articles of Confederation was ratified by the mandated 13th State on February 2, 1781, and the dated adopted by the Continental Congress to commence the new United States in Congress Assembled government was March 1, 1781. The USCA convened under the Articles of Confederation Constitution on March 2, 1781.** On September 14, 1788, the Eighth United States in Congress Assembled resolved that March 4th, 1789, would be commencement date of the Constitution of 1787's federal government thus dissolving the USCA on March 3rd, 1789.
Philadelphia | Sept. 5, 1774 to Oct. 24, 1774 | |
Philadelphia | May 10, 1775 to Dec. 12, 1776 | |
Baltimore | Dec. 20, 1776 to Feb. 27, 1777 | |
Philadelphia | March 4, 1777 to Sept. 18, 1777 | |
Lancaster | September 27, 1777 | |
York | Sept. 30, 1777 to June 27, 1778 | |
Philadelphia | July 2, 1778 to June 21, 1783 | |
Princeton | June 30, 1783 to Nov. 4, 1783 | |
Annapolis | Nov. 26, 1783 to Aug. 19, 1784 | |
Trenton | Nov. 1, 1784 to Dec. 24, 1784 | |
New York City | Jan. 11, 1785 to Nov. 13, 1788 | |
New York City | October 6, 1788 to March 3,1789 | |
New York City | March 3,1789 to August 12, 1790 | |
Philadelphia | Dec. 6,1790 to May 14, 1800 | |
Washington DC | November 17,1800 to Present |
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