Judah Moss Solomon
Judah Moss Solomon | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1818-12-21 London, England |
| Died | 1880-08-29 Adelaide, South Australia |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, politician |
| Years active | 1839–1880 |
| Known for | Mayor of Adelaide, Member of South Australian Parliament |
Judah Moss Solomon (21 December 1818 – 29 August 1880) distinguished himself as a prosperous entrepreneur, served as Mayor of Adelaide, and held seats in both chambers of the South Australian Parliament.
History
Solomon was born in London to parents Moss Solomon and Elizabeth Myers. Around 1831, he migrated to Sydney where he received his education at Sydney College, which later became the University of Sydney. Early in his career, he acted as supercargo on trading ships owned by his uncles, making his initial visit to Adelaide in 1839 with cargo that included Timor Ponies. After gaining experience working under his uncle Israel Solomon, he moved to Moreton Bay (modern-day Brisbane, Queensland) in 1842. There, he was appointed Government Auctioneer and managed the inaugural sales of township allotments.
In 1846, Solomon settled in Adelaide and established the auctioneering company E. Solomon & Co. alongside Emanuel and Isaac Solomon. He spent several years in England from 1854 to 1857 to recuperate his health. Following his return, the partnership of E. Solomon & Co. was dissolved, after which he continued business independently until shortly before his passing.
Politics
Solomon’s political career began with his election as an alderman on the Adelaide City Council in 1852; he resigned from this position toward the end of 1854. He was chosen as Mayor in December 1869 and was re-elected without opposition the subsequent year. Renowned for his thoroughness, sound judgment, financial acumen, and efficient management skills, he was widely regarded as exceptionally qualified for leadership roles.
During his mayoralty, he organized a conference involving South Australian mayors to address municipal problems that surpassed local jurisdiction, which contributed to shaping the Public Health Act. He spearheaded efforts against the sale of contaminated meat and championed the implementation of government-installed deep drainage systems; numerous committee proposals under his guidance were adopted. Additionally, he uncovered excessive charges imposed by the water corporation amid the consolidation under the Waterworks Act. The opening of Victoria Bridge also occurred during his tenure.
Solomon represented the City of Adelaide in the South Australian House of Assembly from September 1858 until March 1860. Subsequently, he served in the South Australian Legislative Council between March 1861 and August 1866. He returned to the Lower House in December 1871 as a member for West Adelaide, serving alongside W. K. Simms until February 1875. A dedicated advocate for Free Trade, his political effectiveness was somewhat constrained by a rigid stance once decisions were finalized.
Other interests
For many years, Solomon contributed to the Destitute Board and was appointed Chairman in March 1877. He firmly supported the boarding out system for destitute children and regularly conducted inspections of foster families and guardians to safeguard their welfare.
He held one of the longest tenures as a Justice of the Peace within the colony and succeeded Rupert Ingleby as Coroner.
A practicing Jew with progressive social and political perspectives, Solomon was elected as the inaugural President of the Adelaide Hebrew Congregation and frequently fulfilled this role.
He also endorsed J. L. Young's Adelaide Educational Institution, where several of his sons received their education.
Family
Solomon (1818–1880) entered into matrimony twice: initially with Rachel Cohen (1819 – 9 January 1864) on 7 August 1842, and subsequently with Adela Pulver (circa 1844 – 21 September 1875) on 4 September 1867. He fathered sixteen children with Rachel, seven of whom outlived him, including:
- Moss Judah Solomon (15 June 1843 – 11 February 1933), an auctioneer; he first wed his cousin Anna Benjamin (circa 1842 – 24 October 1894) in 1865, and later married Fanny Bennett (circa 1857 – 1927), daughter of Gabriel Bennett, in 1895.
- (Colonel) Benjamin Solomon (3 November 1844 – 18 September 1922), notable for his leadership in the Volunteer Militia; he married Louise Lee in 1867.
- Vaiben Louis Solomon (13 May 1853 – 20 October 1908), who served as Premier of South Australia; he married the widow Mary Ann Bridgland in 1880 and later took Alice Cohen as his wife in 1896.
- Selena Sarah "Lena" Solomon (died 1939), who married Henry Louis Harris M.B. in 1881.
Adela bore two children to Solomon: Elias (born 1870) and Rosetta (born 1871), though no additional information about them has been documented.
Solomon passed away from cancer in Adelaide on 29 August 1880.
Note: There were at least three other South Australian descendants named Judah Moss Solomon—two of whom were lawyers practicing separately—who were disbarred due to unrelated infractions.