David Solis Cohen

author

David Solis Cohen

1852–1928

A lively 19th-century writer, civic leader, and Jewish community figure, he helped shape Portland, Oregon, while also publishing journalism, humor, and children’s books. His career moved easily between public service, literature, and communal life.

1 Audiobook

Our Show A Humorous Account of the International Exposition in Honor of the Centennial Anniversary of American Independence, from Inception to Completion, Including Description of Buildings, Biographies of Managers, Receptions of Foreign Dignitaries, Opening Ceremonies, Poem, Oration, Amusing Survey of All Departments, Incidents, Etc., Etc.

Our Show A Humorous Account of the International Exposition in Honor of the Centennial Anniversary of American Independence, from Inception to Completion, Including Description of Buildings, Biographies of Managers, Receptions of Foreign Dignitaries, Opening Ceremonies, Poem, Oration, Amusing Survey of All Departments, Incidents, Etc., Etc.

by David Solis Cohen, H. B. Sommer

About the author

Born in Philadelphia in October 1850, David Solis-Cohen came from a prominent Jewish family with Sephardic roots on his mother’s side. Sources describe him as a journalist and writer in his early years, and he later made his way west, living in California before settling in Portland, Oregon, in 1878.

In Portland, he became active in both civic and Jewish communal life. He served as a police commissioner and is also described in reference works as having served as mayor of Portland in the late 1890s. Family and historical sources also note his work in Jewish organizations and Zionist activity, and later writers remembered him as an especially respected figure in Portland Jewry.

He also wrote for general readers, including humorous work connected with the 1876 Centennial Exposition and several books for children. David Solis-Cohen died in Portland on November 7, 1928, at the age of 78.