[Born in London, 1797. Still living.]
The first Hebrew gentleman who has held civic appointment, and sat as
member of parliament, though but for a day, in the House of Commons. Was
elected sheriff of London in 1835, and alderman of Aldgate-ward in
1836; but could not take his seat in consequence of the existing state
of the law, which practically excluded Jews. In the year 1844, elected
alderman of the ward of Portsoken, but the election again annulled. The
law having been altered by Sir Robert Peel’s government in 1847, elected
without opposition, in that year, alderman of Cordwainers’ ward. In
1851, returned to parliament for the borough of Greenwich. Taking his
seat, he maintained his right to remain there; but he was ordered to
withdraw, the law of the land forbidding his presence until he could
take the necessary oaths. The claims of the Jews to equal rights with
their fellow citizens are identified with the name of David Salomons, as
they have been maintained chiefly by his untiring exertions.
[From the marble by Edward Davis.]