David Levy Yulee was the the first Jewish member of the United States Senate. He was a sharp business man, serving as president of several companies. While living in Fernandina with his family , David Yulee founded the Florida Railroad Company and became known as the Father of Florida Railroads. Yulee served as a member of the Confederate Congress where his passionate speeches in support of Confederate causes gained him another nickname: "Florida Fire Eater" . These passions also gained him a 9 month imprisonment @ Fort Pulaski . He was granted pardon and has since been named a "Great Floridian"