Semon, Charles

Philanthropist; born in Danzig 1814; died in Switzerland July 18, 1877. He emigrated to England and settled in the manufacturing town of Bradford, Yorkshire, becoming one of its most prominent citizens. He was elected mayor in 1874, and was a justice of the peace, and a deputy-lieutenant of the riding. He was also a member of the chamber of commerce from its foundation, served for several years on the council of that body, and in 1871 was elected a vice-president. In 1874 Semon built the Convalescent Home at Ilkley, which in 1876 was handed over to the local corporation. He promoted the formation of the Bradford branch of the Anglo-Jewish Association; and on his initiative the Bradford chamber of commerce made representations to the British government on the subject of the proposed Rumanian commercial treaty.

At his death Semon bequeathed £35,000 ($175,000) for the benefit of educational institutions in the town of his adoption.

Bibliography:

  * Jew. Chron. July 27, 1877;
  * Jew. World, Aug. 10, 1877;
  * Bradford Observer, July, 1877.



J. G. L.