Dade-Indian River-Palm Beach County FlArchives Biographies.....Cohen, Isidor 1870 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/fl/flfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com February 1, 2008, 12:09 am Author: B. F. Johnson Isidor Cohen Fleeing from his native country to escape a barbarous prejudice that made life and the possession of property hazardous, Isidor Cohen came to free America as the land of liberty and opportunity, where he might live without fear of massacre, and have an equal chance with all in the race of life. Mr. Cohen was born in Russia June 1, 1870, his parents being Lazarus and Pearl (Gettel) Cohen. The family came to America in 1883, and Mr. Cohen learned to speak English and received his education in the public schools of New York City. In 1891 he removed to Savannah, Ga., where he clerked for two years. In 1894 he moved to Fort Pierce, Indian river, Fla., where he began business in a small way practically without capital. He made some progress, however, and had saved a few hundred dollars, which he lost as a result of the disastrous freeze of 1895. He was neither discouraged nor dismayed, however, but removed to West Palm Beach where he waited on the coming of the East Coast Railway into the Biscayne Bay country. His business judgment enabled him to foresee the rise of Miami and in March, 1896 he moved to that point, three months ahead of the first train, and there he made another start. The fire in 1897 and the yellow fever scare of two years later caused him considerable loss, but he was making and saving all the time, and, since 1900, has had an uninterrupted course of prosperity, firmly establishing a splendid business and winning an enviable position in the commercial world of his adopted home. His ability and high standing is attested by the fact that he has frequently been honored by election to positions of importance and trust. From 1902 to 1906 he was President of the Merchant's Association of Miami, which included in its membership practically every business man in the city, and has for its object mutual protection and concert of action in every movement towards the general welfare and development of the city and section. He is an active and influential member of the Miami Board of Trade, of which body he was elected Treasurer in 1906 and Trustee in 1907 for the funds given to establish new industries in Miami. He is now serving as President of the Dade County Fair Association, to which position he was elected early in 1908. He is an honorary member of Company L, Second Regiment of Infantry of the National Guard of the State of Florida, and is Treasurer of Lodge No. 124, Free and Accepted Masons. Mr. Cohen is a Democrat in politics and a student of history and political economy. He was married September 1, 1904, to Ida Herbert, daughter of Morris and Clara Herbert. They have two children, Clara and Edward H. Cohen, and a stepson, Morris. Isador Cohen possesses the qualities of a successful business man. He is optimistic, industrious, and persevering. Among the business men of Miami he is recognized as a man of integrity and ability. During the earlier years of his business career a combination of circumstances rendered success very difficult. He never lost courage nor became despondent, but persisted with determination to apply himself to duty till success was achieved and his standing in the business world securely established. He conducts a well regulated business in a progressive up-to-date manner. Mr. Cohen has been generous in contributing his time, energies, and means in securing the success of movements that promise to improve ethical, civic, sanitary, business or aesthetic conditions in Miami. He is one of the leading spirits in the Merchants Association, Board of Trade, Dade County Fair Association, and Dade County Civic Association. Few men devote themselves so assiduously to the promotion of public enterprises as does the subject of this sketch. No opportunity for creating new industries that promise to enlarge the limits of the city, attract capital, and furnish employment for laborers escapes his notice. Largely through his efforts the streets of the business portion of the city have been brilliantly illumined which has added much to their attractiveness and beauty. He has been actively interested in securing a public park and having shade trees planted along the streets. Mr. Cohen is a close student of history, economics, literature and religion. He seems to use his information for the public good. His influence is felt in public assemblies where the citizens are discussing subjects of popular interest. He has facility in speech, considering that English is not his mother tongue. His arguments are forceful, his thoughts clear, his words well chosen, making him a formidable opponent in debate. Another praiseworthy characteristic of Mr. Cohen is his devotion to his family. He recently built a neat, conveniently arranged home. His wife and three children,-one a step-child, a fact which a stranger would never suspect,-are contentedly and happily domiciled in this home. As an illustration of his devotion to his family, during a recent political campaign in which he was a candidate for office, and in the results of which for additional reasons he felt the keenest interest, a message announcing the illness of his aged mother was received just a few days before the election. He at once laid aside everything else, and went to his mother's bedside, hoping that his presence might cheer and comfort her and perhaps aid in her restoration to health. A less devoted son would have postponed his visit until the election was over. Mr. Cohen seeks to identify himself with the people and institutions of the community in which he lives. He is liberal in his judgment of others, tolerant in his religious convictions, and scrupulous in his moral character. As a business man Mr. Cohen is respected, as a citizen honored, as a son, husband and parent he is admired. He enjoys the highest esteem of the community in which he lives for his individual worth and for his unselfish interest in the public good. To attain success Mr. Cohen advises that those ambitious to succeed should never make any misrepresentations, never betray a confidence, never permit your expenditure to exceed your income; employ worthy men and trust them. He believes in the organization of civic societies and the liberal maintenance of charitable organizations and public schools. He opposes the annexation of Cuba, but is a warm advocate of immigration. He believes that the reclamation of the Everglades and building of an adequate system of public roads would do much toward the development of the State. He favors government aid in the development and promotion of the agricultural interests, and thinks the time has come for the government to not only regulate, but to control corporations, in the interest of the many as against the few. Additional Comments: Extracted from: FLORIDA EDITION MAKERS OF AMERICA AN HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL WORK BY AN ABLE CORPS OF WRITERS VOL. III. Published under the patronage of The Florida Historical Society, Jacksonville, Florida ADVISORY BOARD: HON. W. D. BLOXHAM COL. FRANK HARRIS HON. R. W. DAVIS SEN. H. H. McCREARY HON. F. P. FLEMING W. F. STOVALL C. A. CHOATE, SECRETARY 1909 A. B. CALDWELL ATLANTA, GA. COPYRIGHT 1909 B. F. JOHNSON Photo: http://www.usgwarchives.net/fl/dade/photos/bios/cohen16gbs.jpg File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/fl/dade/bios/cohen16gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/flfiles/ File size: 7.8 Kb