Civil court records

The Leo Hershkowitz Collection of Court Records consists of affidavits, complaints and various orders that were filed in New York City between 1835 and 1910 presumably by Jews based on name or company of those involved in lawsuits. This includes cases of divorce, naturalization, business and estate disputes, and petitions for guardianship, among a variety of other lawsuits.

The collection consists of personal papers, records from educational institutions and articles written by Robert Simon. Also included are items related to Simon’s burning of his draft card to protest the Vietnam War, including court records, personal notes and correspondence. The collection reflects the role in modern American society of a young Jew involved in liberal causes and the literary world.