Daughter of Miriam Simon and Michael Gratz, Rachel grew up in one of the most prominent and affluent Jewish families of turn-of-the-19th century Philadelphia. She counted among her eleven siblings, Benjamin, Hyamn, Frances and Joseph. Of all of them, however, it was Rebecca with whom she was closest. Born just a year and half apart, the sisters were both regarded as great beauties, they confided in each other, and their extent letters offer an intimate glimpse into the lives of young society women of the time.
In 1804 Solomon Moses, the son of Isaac and Reyna Levy Moses, close friends of Rachel’s parents, came from New York for a visit, spending several months with the Gratz family. The daughters all found him an insufferable bore, yet he found himself in love with Rachel. Though he left without his affections reciprocated, Solomon returned two years later, and his persistence paid off. Rachel wrote Rebecca initially that Solomon had “secured my everlasting friendship. I think him much improved in every respect.” Then only a few days later, Rachel wrote again, saying Solomon inspired “greater agitation than any other gentlemen ever occasioned me… Every day has increased those feelings and I cannot myself account for this change but I have learned from my heart to love him.” Worried that her sister disliked the man she now loved, Rachel wrote, “You my beloved Sister shall decide my future. I will give up the man my heart has chosen if you wish it.” Of course, Rebecca wouldn’t stand in the way, and she even interceded on Rachel’s behalf in convincing their sister Sarah, who loathed Solomon most of all, to approve.
They married in Philadelphia that same year, and would have nine children, six of whom survived childhood. Rebecca was a particularly doting aunt when it came to Rachel’s children. When Rachel died in childbirth in 1823, Rebecca resigned from her philanthropic posts and took in all six of her nieces and nephews. In 1825 Solomon bought the house across the street, and Rebecca now raised the Moses children together with a brother-in-law she once couldn’t stand.
