Simon Cohn

Simon Cohn is one of Ventura County's business men and the pioneer general merchant of New Jerusalem. He was born in Germany, of German parents, April 4, 1852, and was educated in his native land, and learned the mercantile business in his father's store. He came to California, in 1873, to launch out in business for himself, and has met with that success which is the reward of faithful, honest toil. He was first employed by his brother, at Saticoy, and remained there sixteen months, after which he came to his present locality, in 1875. Mr. Cohn is entitled to the honor of being the founder of the town of New Jerusalem and of naming it. The first settlers of the town were three Hebrews, the fields were loaded with golden grain, plenty of fine cattle were in the valley, there was an abundance of choice fruit, and also milk and honey; so, the name of New Jerusalem seemed quite appropriate. Mr. Cohn erected the first building in the town, and in it opened his store and continued to do business in the same until the increasing demands of his trade necessitated a larger store room. He accordingly erected the brick block in which he is now doing business. This is a double building, filled with all kinds of merchandise, and Mr. Cohn is doing the principal business of the town. He now owns several buildings, and is also interested in real estate out of the town, having sixty acres of well improved land.

    Mr. Cohn was married, in 1885, to Miss Minnie Cohn, also a native of Germany and of the same name, but of no relation to him. Their family consists of three children, all born at New Jerusalem, viz.: Dora, Helen, and Jacob. 

    The subject of this sketch has been Postmaster of the town for the past ten years. In political views he is Democratic.

Back to Biographies Page