Vaiben Solomon

Vaiben Solomon (abt 1800 – 21 June 1860) was a Jewish-English convict who, with his brother Emanuel, was transported for larceny to New South Wales in 1818. Despite further brushes with the law, Solomon and his brother seized business opportunities and became prosperous Sydney merchants. The brothers were later joined by more of their siblings, and became patriarchs of a family line that would go onto make its mark on Australia business and politics, particularly in New South Wales and South Australia.

Early life and transportation Vaiben was born in 1798, the son of Samuel Moss Solomon, a London pencil maker.

On the evening of 16 October 1816, Vaiben and his brother Emanuel Solomon were arrested at a boarding house in Northallerton, Yorkshire. They were charge with breaking and entering and stealing clothing They were committed for trial at the Durham Assizes, which took place on 4 August 1817.

The brothers were transported to Australia on the Lady Castlereagh Their father joined them in 1833. In 1844, Emanuel made his way to Sydney and the brothers dissolved their partnership. Emanuel went into business with their nephew, Judah Moss Solomon as agents and auctioneers, and become very wealthy.thumb

While Vaiben was not as prosperous, he was still significantly wealthy. During his life, Vaiben accumulated a considerable portfolio of properties. In 1831, Vaiben bought into the Jamieson subdivision and, in 1836, he opened a tailoring establishment in George Street and purchased of land in Brighton.

Together with his sons David, Abraham and Saul, they formed the partnership "V. Solomon and Sons". In 1855, they purchased a estate "Horningsea", near Liverpool, New South Wales, with a grand but somewhat dilapidated mansion, which they renamed Horningsea Park. Vaiben and his family lived at Horningsea Park and ran the farm.

Vaiben withdrew from the partnership with his sons in April 1857. His sons continued as D., A. & S. Solomon and subsequently left the district in 1872.

Personal life Solomon married Mary "Sarah" Smith (c. 1809 – 18 May 1879) in 1826. Wealthy and eccentric, her £80,000 will ($10–20 million in today's money) was contested by nephew Edwin Solomon and widely (and sensationally) reported.

Solomon's grandson, Lance Vaiben Solomon was a noted painter. Solomon's nephew and Emanuel's son, Vaiben Louis Solomon, became Premier of South Australia. He was survived by his wife.

Legacy Solomon and his family contributed to the building of the first synagogue in Sydney.