Maria Cecil Gist was born a Christian, into a prominent Kentucky family. She was, in fact, the niece of the American statesman Henry Clay. But she became part of an extensive Jewish family when she married the young lawyer Benjamin Gratz in Lexington, Kentucky, in November 1819. Her initial excitement over her marriage must have been tempered, however, by the tepid reception she was given by her new husband’s older sister Rebecca, who disapproved of intermarriage between Jews and Christians.

In time, however, Rebecca warmed to Maria and decided “not to remember that there is a difference of opinion on any subject between us.” The two women became very good friends and frequent correspondents, sharing opinions on morality, spirituality and literature. Rebecca also advised Maria on social welfare projects for children, on which she was something of an expert, and her advice proved instrumental to Maria as she worked to establish the first orphan asylum in Lexington in 1833.

Over the years, and thanks to Maria’s familial connections, Benjamin came to play a dominant role among Lexington’s business elite. Their five children were educated to know both Jewish and Christian traditions, but as adults veered toward Christianity. Maria passed away in 1841 at age 44, when her youngest child was just 12. Her husband remarried two years later.