MOÏSE, ABRAHAM

MOÏSE, ABRAHAM (c. 1736–1809), progenitor of the Moïse family of South Carolina. Born in Strasbourg in Alsace, France, Moïse immigrated to the West Indies and was living at Cape François, Santo Domingo, when a black slave insurrection broke out in 1791. He and his family were forced to flee and made their way to Charleston, South Carolina, reputedly leaving their wealth behind. Aged 56, he started anew as a small shopkeeper and later became a vendue master (auctioneer). His descendants achieved distinction in various fields. -BIBLIOGRAPHY: H. Moïse, The Moïse Family of South Carolina, (1961). (Thomas J. Tobias)