ISAACS, MYER SAMUEL:

American lawyer; born in New York city May 8, 1841; educated at the University of New York. He was admitted to the bar of New York in 1862, and in 1880 became a judge of the Marine Court of New York. Isaacs has always been identified with municipal affairs. He was a member of the Committee on Reform Legislation for New York in 1884, and of the Republican Club committee which, in 1894, proposed amendments to the state constitution. As a member of the Outdoor Recreation League he assisted in establishing Seward Park, on the East Side of New York city, and the Roof-Playground of the Hebrew Institute. He has been active in the movement for improved dwellings for the poor and in behalf of other civic improvements. He assisted in the organization of the Citizens' Union in 1897. During the years 1886 to 1890 he was a director and vice-president of the Real Estate Exchange.

Isaacs has been equally prominent in Jewish affairs. One of the founders of the Board of Delegates of the American Israelites (1859), of the Hebrew Free School Association (1864), and of the Educational Alliance (1889), he took the initiative in organizing the United Hebrew Charities (1873). He was one of the founders of the Montefiore Home; a member of the executive committee of the Alliance Israélite Universelle (1881); president of the Baron de Hirsch Fund (1890). In December, 1881, he called a meeting to consider the action to be taken for the relief of the Russian exiles. Isaacs has also taken an active part in the establishment of the agricultural school at Woodbine, N. J.

Isaacs was connected with the "Jewish Messenger" from 1859 to 1884.

Bibliography:
  • Markens, The Hebrews in America, p. 219;
  • Nat. Cyc. Biog. vi. 87;
  • Lamb, Biog. Dict. of the United States.
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