Person:Marcus Elcan (4)

ELCAN, MARCUS (c. 1757–1808), early settler of Richmond, Virginia. Elcan probably was born in Germany. He arrived in Richmond by 1782, when his name appeared as witness to a deed, although he was listed as a member of Philadelphia's Mikveh Israel in the same year. A founder of Beth Shalome Congregation, Elcan was a successful merchant and highly respected citizen; his will provided an endowment of $1,000 to the Richmond Charity School. A man of cultural attainments, he willed his considerable library of almost 200 volumes to Joseph Marx, a friend and one of his executors. Elcan's widow, Phila (c. 1760–1820), is buried in the cemetery of Touro Synagogue, Newport, Rhode Island. http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/judaica/ejud_0002_0006_...

Meeting December 19, 1794.

At a called meeting of the “Richmond Royal Arch Chapter,” held December 19, 1794, it is of record, “Companion Marcus Elcan, this night made a present to the Chapter of an elegant box containing the Sacred Treasure, so highly necessary for perfecting the sublime work,” Whereas it was “Resolved that the thanks of the Richmond Royal Arch Chapter be presented to our well-beloved Companion Marcus Elcan, for this particular manifestation of his zeal and attention to the cause of Masonry in general, and to this Chapter in particular, and that the Reverend High Priest signify the same to Companion Elcan.” This is doubtless the beautiful ark now in use. At this meeting Companion William Nimmo was elected H.P. On Sunday morning, July 26, 1796, Companion Alex. Yuille was elevated to the High Priesthood. Companion William Nimmo was again elected H.P. August 27, 1797.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richmond_Royal_Arch_Chapter_No._3

Early Jewish settlers were an impressive part of colonial society, not least for their reputation as learned people, who participated in the international exchange of ideas. Marcus Elcan, for example, was known for his extensive library of 200 volumes, boasting works of Paine, Rousseau, Lessing - all representative of the Enlightenment. http://www2.lib.virginia.edu/exhibits/seek/early.html

Marcus Elcan Bequests

1.   Elcan Will info taken from internet but same info was found also on Ancestry.com.