Grace Aguilar, an English authoress, born at Hackney, near London, June 2, 1816, died in Frankfort on-the-Main, Sept. 16,1847. She was descended from a family of Jewish merchants in Spain, who lied from that country on account of religious persecution, and found a refuge in England. She was instructed wholly by her father and mother. At 14 she commenced the study of history, beginning with Josephus. Her first work was "The Magic Wreath," a small volume of poems, published anonymously. At a very early age she wrote a pleasing religious fiction, "The Martyr, or the Vale of Cedars." Her other works are: "The Spirit of Judaism"; "Israel Defended," translated from the French; " The Days of Bruce," a story from Scottish history; "Jewish Faith"; "Women of Israel"; " Home Scenes and Heart Studies "; "Home Influence"; "Josephine, or the Edict and Escape"; "The Mother's Recompense"; and " Woman's Friendship." In 1835 her constitution received a severe shock from an attack of measles, which left her in a state of debility from which she never fully recovered.

She died on a visit to the continent for the benefit of her health, and was buried in the cemetery of the Jews at Frankfort.