Benjamin Hart | The Canadian Encyclopedia

Article

Benjamin Hart

Benjamin Hart, businessman (b at Montréal 10 Aug 1779; d at New York, NY 27 Feb 1855). Brother of Moses Hart and son of Aaron Hart, a prominent Trois-Rivières merchant, Benjamin followed his father's occupation, first at Trois-Rivières and Montréal, then almost exclusively in Montréal.

Benjamin Hart, businessman (b at Montréal 10 Aug 1779; d at New York, NY 27 Feb 1855). Brother of Moses Hart and son of Aaron Hart, a prominent Trois-Rivières merchant, Benjamin followed his father's occupation, first at Trois-Rivières and Montréal, then almost exclusively in Montréal. A persistent advocate of Jewish civil liberties, in 1833 he was offered an appointment as a Montréal justice of the peace, as were Samuel B. Hart and Moses Hayes; he and Hayes refused the appointment until 1837 when legislation was passed enabling Jews to take an oath of office which was not repugnant to their religion. Benjamin Hart was also a leading advocate of the revival and restoration of Montréal's Shearith Israel Synagogue. A wealthy merchant, a generous patron of charitable organizations, an outspoken opponent of the Patriote cause and a member of the militia, in 1849 Hart signed the Annexation Manifesto. Shortly thereafter he moved to New York.

External Links

Challenge yourself - take the CC Quiz!

The Canadian Encyclopedia is a project of Historica Canada, a non-profit, nonpartisan organization devoted to teaching Canadians more about our shared country.  We also produce the Heritage Minutes and other programs. If you believe all Canadians should have access to free, impartial, fact-checked, regularly updated information about Canada’s history and culture in both official languages, please consider donating today. All donations above $3 will receive a tax receipt.

Book a Speaker