Biography of Solomon Hirsch, 1899, State of Oregon Surnames: Hirsch, Mayer ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives (http://files.usgwarchives.net) to store the file permanently for free access and not to be removed separately without written permission. ************************************************************************ Transcribed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: W. David Samuelsen - December 2001 ************************************************************************ Oregon Native Son, Vol. 1, May 1899, page 52-53 SOLOMON HIRSCH. Ex-United States Minister Sol. Hirsch was horn in Wurttemberg Germany, March 25, 1839, and attended the common schools there until his fourteenth year, when, with his parents, he sailed for New York and soon after secured a clerkship in New Haven, Conn. He remained here but a few months, then returned to New York and a short time thereafter accepted a position in Rochester, N. H., where he remained until 1858, when he came to Oregon by way of the isthmus, reaching Portland in April of that year. A few weeks later he engaged in business with his brother Edward at Dallas, where they remained two years, then removed to Silverton and continued until 1864, when he disposed of his interest and went to Salem, to assist his elder brothers. In the fall of that year he came to Portland, and in partnership with L. Fleischner and A. Schlussel, under the firm name of L. Fleischner & Co., bought out the wholesale general merchandise store of Haas Brothers, and continued the business until 1874, when the same partners formed a new partnership with Jacob Meyer, under the firm name of Fleischner, Meyer & Co., from which time they have conducted a wholesale dry goods business of princely proportions, being today one of the largest on the coast, of which Mr. Hirsch is the head. Mr. Hirsch has always been an ardent republican, and has borne a prominent part in shaping the policy of his party in Oregon. His first active work in politics was in 1864, when he secured the election of his brother as a delegate to the national republican convention which gave to Mr. Lincoln his second nomination. In 1872 he was elected to the legislature from Multnomah county, and served on the committee of ways and means. During this session he secured the passage of a bill providing for a public school, to be taught in the German language, under which law such a school was established in Portland. In 1874 he was elected to the state senate, and at the expiration of his term of office in 1878 was re-elected by an increased majority. During his second term he devoted his energies to the passage of a bill to take the place of the national bankrupt act, which had expired by limitation, and was successful in his efforts. This law met with the hearty approval of the commercial community. In 1880 he received the unanimous vote of his party associates for president of the senate, and won the respect and esteem of both political parties by his firmness and impartiality. While occupying this position, he delivered the address of welcome to President Hayes and other distinguished guests, who were tendered a reception in the senate chamber. Very much against his will and protest, he was nominated for a third term in the senate, and although he devoted but little time or attention to the canvass, was elected by an unprecedented majority. In April, 1882, he was unanimously elected chairman of the republican state central committee, and devoted almost his entire time to the campaign, to the total disregard of his private interests. The result was a brilliant victory for his party. For the first time since 1870 the entire republican state ticket was elected, as also both branches of the legislature. During the session of 1895, he was the caucus nominee of his party, and on several ballots received within one vote of the required number for election. Balloting was continued for many days, but the session finally came to a close without a choice being made. At the expiration of his third term, he positively refused to accept a re-nomination, but continued to be an active power in politics. In December, 1888, Mr. Hirsch visited Karlsbad, and while there was surprised to receive the announcement of his appointment by President Harrison as envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to Turkey. This honor was entirely unexpected and unsolicited, he not having been an applicant for any political position. Confirmation by the senate followed quickly, and Minister Hirsch proceeded to Constantinople, where he was received by the sultan, after which he was granted a leave of absence to return home and make necessary arrangements for taking up his residence with his family at the capital of Turkey. Possessed of a large fortune, a man of broad views, cultured mind, polished manners and of pleasing personal address, Minister Hirsch was by nature and cultivation peculiarly fitted to uphold the dignity and honor of his country in its relations with one of the oldest and most important powers on earth. In 1870 he was married to Miss Josephine Mayer, daughter of Jacob Mayer, of Portland, a lady of culture and refinement, whose polished deportment, tact, native talent for entertaining, together with great self-culture and love of home, have broadened his life, added to his usefulness, and to her he is largely indebted for his success in public life and private business.