Haym Salomon, (born 1740, Lissa, Pol.—died Jan. 6, 1785, Philadelphia), U.S. patriot who was a principal financier of the fledgling American republic and a founder of the first Philadelphia synagogue, Mikvah Israel.
In 1772, probably because of his revolutionary activities for Polish liberty, Salomon fled to New York City, where he established himself as a commission merchant. He soon became a successful financier and supported the patriotic cause on the outbreak of the American Revolution. In 1776 the British, who controlled New York City, arrested Salomon; exposure suffered in prison later contributed to his early death. He was paroled but was ... (100 of 266 words)