User:Bingay2/Henry M. Hyams

Henry Michael Hyams (1806-1875) — also known as Henry M. Hyams — of Louisiana. Born March 4, 1806. Married to Laura Matilda Smith (1817-1875); cousin of Judah Philip Benjamin. Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana, 1859. Jewish. Died June 25, 1875. Entombed at Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, New Orleans, La.

Source: Political Graveyard: Jewish Politicians In Louisiana, http://politicalgraveyard.com/geo/LA/jewish.html

HYAMS, Henry Michael, lieutenant governor. Born, Charleston, S. C., March 4, 1806; son of Samuel Hyams. Removed to New Orleans, 1828, with cousin Judah P. Benjamin (q.v.). Education: s chools in Charleston; read law in New Orleans. Married Laura Mathilda Smith. Six children baptized in Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral between 1846 and 1857: Henry Michael, Ingram R., John B., Judah B., Miriam, Richard, and Samuel S. Admitted to the bar, 1830; cashier of Donaldsonville, La., branch of Canal Bank; leader at anti-abolitionist meeting in Donaldsonville, 1835; appointed member of vigilante committee to thwart anti-slavery propaganda and quell any rebellions; active in Democratic party in New Orleans, 1853; elected to state senate, 1855; elected lieutenant governor, 1859; first Jew known to serve in that office in any state in the Union. Vice president, Association for the Relief of Jewish Widows and Orphans, 1855-1857. Died, June 25, 1875; interred Lafayette Cemetery, New Orleans. J.B.C. Sources: New Orleans Daily Picayune, obituary, June 26, 1875; Bertram Wallace Korn, The Early Jews of New Orleans (1969); New Orleans Genesis, IV (1865).

Source: Louisiana Historical Association,  http://www.lahistory.org/site25.php