George Judah Cohen

Known as the Wizard of Finance, George Judah Cohen was one of Australia’s most succesful businessmen in the early 20th century. Son of Samuel Cohen, whose wholesale business with his brother David had warehouses in Sydney and Maitland, George was born in Sydney in 1842. Educated in London, he returned to Sydney and entered the family business upon his father’s death in 1861. Years of prosperity in Sydney and Maitland saw George Judah Cohen establish a name for himself not only in business but also as a religious and community leader. He was actively involved on the board of the Great Synagogue and with organisations such as the  Australian Jockey Club and several charities. He was tempted to enter politics, but felt that a position in parliament would impinge too much upon his family life.

George Judah Cohen is best remembered for his roles as director of several corporations. These include the Australian Gas Light Co., Commercial Banking Co. of Sydney, the brewer Tooth and Co. and the Royal Exchange (a precursor to today’s Australian Stock Exchange).

> View the illuminated address presented to George Judah Cohen by his employees in 1903

Cohen died in Sydney on 22 January 1937, at the age of 94. The booklet that appears below was published shortly after his death. It is a fine tribute to George Judah Cohen’s life and achievements, and it features many touching remembrances from those who had known him.

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George Judah Cohen : A Memoir. 1937. Printed. JA/52