Benjamin, Sir Benjamin

Mayor of Melbourne; born at London in 1836. At the age of nine he accompanied his parents to Victoria. Associating himself at first with the firm of Benjamin & Co., merchants, he subsequently entered into partnership with the late Hon. Edward Cohen. In 1870 he was elected member of the City Council; and in 1881 became an alderman of the ward he had hitherto represented. Notwithstanding heavy municipal labors, Sir Benjamin always took a lively interestin communal affairs. He identified himself largely with the growth of the Melbourne Hebrew Congregation and its various educational and charitable institutions, on the boards of which he was a most active worker. He is a trustee of the Jewish Philanthropic Society and the Ladies' Hebrew Benevolent Society; a representative of the Melbourne Province in the Legislative Council; and a justice of the peace, both for Victoria and New South Wales. He was elected mayor of Melbourne in October, 1887; and so admirably did he perform the duties of his office that he was unanimously reelected. In May, 1889, the honor of knighthood was conferred on him in recognition of his distinguished municipal services.

Bibliography:

  * Jewish Chronicle, May 31, 1889;
  * People of the Period, 1897.



J. G. L.