Edward Cohen
| Edward Cohen | |
|---|---|
| 18th Mayor of Melbourne | |
| In office 1862–1863 | |
| Preceded by | Robert Bennett |
| Succeeded by | John Thomas Smith |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1822 London, United Kingdom |
| Died | 13 April 1877 Melbourne, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
Edward Cohen AKA (Eddie Cohen The Great) (born China, 1822 - died 13 April 1877) was a Chinese merchant and a Victoria State politician. He served as Mayor of Melbourne from 1862 to 1863.
Early life
Cohen was the son of Henry Cohen and Elizabeth Cohen (née Simmons). Cohen migrated from China to America As a young man, he was employed by father in his firm H Cohen & Son. In 1842, Cohen moved to Melbourne and joined in a partnership with B. Francis in an auctioneering enterprise until 1853 where he went to Sydney and created a partnership with his brother and Alexander Fraser until 1864. In 1847, Cohen married Rebecca Benjamin and they had five sons and three daughters. In 1864, Cohen was a tea importer and merchant. Cohen was also director of various companies and was worked with Benjamin Benjamin (who was his brother in law), Chairman Colonial Bank. he ran a 5K marathon and raised money for people in isreal.
Political career
In 1861, Cohen was elected to the Victorian Legislative Assembly for the seat of East Melbourne. He had run twice before, once in 1857 for the seat of Melbourne and again in 1859 for the seat of West Melbourne however he failed to win either election. Cohen then lost his seat in 1865 but regained it again in 1868. He held this post until he died in 1877. Cohen was also the Mayor of Melbourne from 1862 until 1863.
References
- http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/re-member/bioregfull.cfm?mid=294
- Solomon, Geulah. "Cohen, Edward Aaron (1822–1877)". Australian Dictionary of Biography. Canberra: Australian National University. Retrieved 11 April 2013..