The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1867-09-02
DEATH OF REV. DIR. MAURICE MAYER,

Wewere panied to learn on Saturday evening the
sudden death of the above named getleman, at his
residence in New York, on Wednesday last. We
regret not having tho requisite material at hand
for full sketch of the life of the deceased,
| Dr. MAURICE MAYER was born in Durkhelm, in
the Palaiinate (Rhcnish Bavaria), about the year
1926, and there received his elementary education.
Giving early promise Of quick and sprightly
mind, his parents made great efforts to procure
for him the advantages OF liberal education. He
passed through the gymnasium in Spires, and
then, we believe, entered the University ut Mu-
| nich where he finished his liberal studies. He
subsequently, studied law at Heidelberg, and after
having obtained his degree, returned to the place
OF his birth, small Palatine town, where he pro-
posed to establish himself in the practice Of the
law cotemporary, who knew him at that time,
tells US that, notwithstanding the prejudice still
prevalent in that country against those OF the
Jewish faith, DR.. MAYER enjoyed the esteem
of the entire community, and had the entIee into
the best society Of the Pfalz.
| Unfortunately for his future career, he became
involved in tho political troubles that resulted in
the revolution of 1S4S. With commanding in
tellect fiery enthusiasm, and unparalleled
enerey, he took very active part in the struggle,
and when his party suffered final defeat in the
fall of Rastadt in 1S49, he, with many others, was
captured, and tried for high treason. Upon his
acuuittal of this crime he was indicted for some
minor State offence, the exact technical term OF
which wo do not now recollect. He was found
guilty, and sentenced to imprisonment for term
of years, but the penalty was afterwards commut-
ed to punishment, when he emigrated to the Unit
ed States about the year 1850
While in New York, if we have boen correctly
informed, he prepared for the ministry, and in
1853 was called to the congregation Beth Elohina,
worshipping in the Hasel street Synagogue in
this CITY. II 1854 he married Miss OTroLENdUI,
OF this city, In 1859 he returned to New York,
where he resided up to the period of his death,
engaged in the practice Of the law, and in literary
pursuits. In religion, as in politics, be was O.
Liberal; nationalist in his views Of biblical
hermencutlcs and by no means orthodox In his
opinions of the Mosaic creed. The office and
duties of tho ministry, therefore, we have reason
to believe were distasteful to him and nothing
could induce him to resume its functions after he
had resigned his position in this city.
Dr. MAYER was fine scholar. He had enjoyed
the advantages OF the best schools in Germany,
and with superior mental endowments, and fine
literary taste, he invariably strove to make the
most of his opportunities He was good ingulst.
His familiarity with the classics was such as Is
only attained by thorough European training.
He was fine Hebrew scholar, and spoke and
wrote the German, his native language, with re-
markable grace, elegance and beauty OF dlctlon.
Ho was master also of the French, English, and
other modern tongues. For years he contributed
freely to the jewish periodicals of the United
States and OF Germany, and his articles were
always well received both by editors and readers.
He translated many works from German into Eng
lish and, we believe, at the time Of his death was
engaged in On important work Of this character.
Dr. MAYER was of fine personal presence,
| amiabe in character OF thorough goodness OF
! heart, and pleasant in manner. Hence he was
well received in every sphere of life or society with
| which bis chequered career brought him in con-
| sact. His friends are to be found throughout the
| United States. During the past few years he has
held the Office of "Grand Maskir" Secretary OF
the Order of B'NA1 BIRTH, secret Jewish organi-
zation, extending throughout the United States.
He had rendered valuable services in the estab-
lshment OF this Order, and its members every
where will hold bis memory dear. The B'NA1
BIRTH lodges in New York charged themselves
with his burial, and inferred him with all the hon.
ors the simple Jewish ritual permits of
| DR.. MAYER leaves an afflicted widow to mourn
l..