Salomon Bédarrides

Salomon Bédarrides (1809-1886) was a French lawyer and politician. He served as the mayor of Aix-en-Provence from 1877 to 1884.

Biography

Early life

Salomon Bédarrides was born in a Jewish family on February 18, 1809 in Aix-en-Provence.^[1] His brother, Jassuda Bédarrides (1804-1882), served as the Mayor of Aix from 1858 to 1859.^[1]

Career

He started his career as a lawyer in Aix.^[1]

A supporter of the Republic, he decided to follow in his brother's footsteps and embark upon a career in politics. He was left-wing, and a Freemason.^[1][2] He was elected to the town council in 1870.^[1] He served as the Mayor of Aix-en-Provence from 1877 to 1884.^[1] As such, he was the second Jewish Mayor of this city, the first being his brother. One of his first decisions, taken on Novembre 8, 1876, was to rename the Cours Mirabeau as such.^[1] He reduced the debt the town has incurred and purchased more books for the public library.^[1] He commissioned the destruction of the Rue des Cardeurs and vowed to improve the lives of the poor in the town.^[1] He also commissioned the construction of the Lycée Mignet, a secondary school.^[1]

He received the Knighthood of the Legion of Honour on August 12, 1880.^[1]

Personal life

He resided at number 9 on the rue Beauvezet in Aix.^[1]

Death

He died on September 29, 1886 in Aix-en-Provence.^[1]

Legacy

The Rue Bédarrides in Aix-en-Provence is named in his honour and his brother's.^[1][3]

References