Arsenal Hill in Columbia in Richland County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Cemetery of the Columbia Hebrew Benevolent Society
Photographed By Mike Stroud, August 16, 2009
1. Cemetery of the Columbia Hebrew Benevolent Society Marker
In this cemetery, 2½ blocks south, on Gadsden Street, are buried many distinguished Jewish citizens, including two mayors of Columbia: Mordecai Hendricks DeLeon (1791-1849) and Henry Lyons (1805-1858). The Benevolent Society was organized in 1822: charted 1834.
Erected 1938 by The Columbia Sesquicentennial Commission of 1936. (Marker Number 40-11.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Cemeteries & Burial Sites. A significant historical year for this entry is 1822.
Location. 34° 0.501′ N, 81° 2.673′ W. Marker is in Columbia, South Carolina, in Richland County. It is in Arsenal Hill. Marker is at the intersection of Gadsden Street and Richland Street, on the left when traveling north on Gadsden Street. Located opposite the Gadsden Street entrance to the Governor's Mansion. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Columbia SC 29201, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lace House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Figure Eight in South Carolina (about 300 feet away); Sir William Berkeley (about 300 feet away); Lord William Craven (about 400 feet away); Duke of Albemarle (about 400 feet away); Sir John Colleton (about 400 feet
this page online
Regarding Cemetery of the Columbia Hebrew Benevolent Society. Dr. Mordecai Hendricks DeLeon, son of the original South Carolina settlers, Jacob and Hanna DeLeon, built a lucrative medical practice amoung the Midlands elite and operated a small hospital that included "six wards for negroes." In 1833 he was elected Columbia's intendant, or mayor, for the first of three straight terms. (A portion of the people: three hundred years of southern Jewish life By Theodore Rosengarten, Dale Rosengarten, McKissick Museum, page 116)
Columbia, South Carolina.—We are pleased to learn from the public prints that our worthy friend, Captain Henry Lyons, was chosen on the first of April, Intendant (Mayor) of the capital of South Carolina, a position which we are sure he will fill to the satisfaction of his constituents and with honour to himself. (The Occident and American Jewish Advocate; Vol. VIII, No. 2, May 1850
Photographed By Brian Scott, July 25, 2011
2. Cemetery of the Columbia Hebrew Benevolent Society Marker
Also see . . .
1. Find-a-Grave > Cemetery of the Columbia Hebrew Benevolent Society. Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina. (Submitted on July 27, 2011, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)
2. Columbia Hebrew Benevolent Society. Official website of the Columbia Hebrew Benevolent Society. (Submitted on July 27, 2011, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)
Additional commentary.
1. Mordecai Hendricks De Leon
In the South Carolina capital, Mordecai Hendricks De Leon (1791-1848) was recognized as an outstanding citizen and as one of the region's leading physicians. It was due in part to his efforts that an insane asylum was established in the town and he served it for years as its chief physician. Three members of this family practiced medicine; two had studied at the University of Pennsylvania. During the 1830s, De Leon served as mayor of Columbia; he was a politician and something of a writer. His leadership and literary qualities were reflected in his three sons, all of whom became notable figures in the United States during the second half of the century. Tradition has it that Abraham, his father, gave the local Jewish benevolent society the ground for its cemetery. (Source: United States Jewry, 1776-1985,
Photographed By Mike Stroud, August 16, 2009
3. Cemetery of the Columbia Hebrew Benevolent Society Marker, opposite Governor's Mansion, Gadsden St.
— Submitted July 27, 2011, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, August 16, 2009
4. Cemetery of the Columbia Hebrew Benevolent Society Marker
Photographed By Mike Stroud, August 16, 2009
5. Cemetery of the Columbia Hebrew Benevolent Society Marker
at the corner of Gadsden and Richland Streets
Photographed By Brian Scott, July 25, 2011
6. Cemetery of the Columbia Hebrew Benevolent Society
Photographed By Brian Scott, July 25, 2011
7. Cemetery of the Columbia Hebrew Benevolent Society
Photographed By Brian Scott, July 25, 2011
8. DeLeon Family Area
Photographed By Brian Scott, July 25, 2011
9. Henry and Rachel Mark Tombstone
Confederate States Army
Dec 24 1812 - Sep 13 1903
Photographed By Brian Scott, July 25, 2011
10. Fleischman Family Chapel
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 23, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 2,641 times since then and 28 times this year. Last updated on March 3, 2010, by Michael Sean Nix of Spartanburg, South Carolina. Photos: 1. submitted on August 23, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 2. submitted on July 28, 2011, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 23, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. submitted on July 28, 2011, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
