Background
In 1797, Etting and his father-in-law Bernard Gratz petitioned to “be placed upon the same footing with other good citizens" but were unsuccessful then, as well as in 1802 and 1824.
In 1797, Etting and his father-in-law Bernard Gratz petitioned to “be placed upon the same footing with other good citizens" but were unsuccessful then, as well as in 1802 and 1824.
Before moving to Baltimore in 1791, Etting lived in York and Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Maryland banned non-Christians from holding office or practicing law. Henry asked, "Will you drive from your shores and from the shelter of your constitution all who do not lay their oblations on the same altar, observe the same ritual, and subscribe to the same dogmas? If so, which among the various sects into which we are divided shall be the favored one?"
Around 1820, there were about 4,000 Jews in the United States.
Only seven of the original 13 states recognized them politically.
Etting was then elected to the Baltimore City Council. At that time, the American Jewish population numbered 6,000.