The San Francisco call., 1910-07-16
OAKLAND MERCHANT
MOURNED BY MANY
Death of Solomon Kahn Sur
priseS and Shocks Relatives
and Business Community

OAKLAND, July 15.-Solomon Kahn.
city and the senior member of the firm
of Kahn Brothers. died yesterday in
Amsterdam, Holland, according to a
cablegram received by relatives here.
He left here May 3. accompanied by
his wife. son and daughter, with the
hope that an ocean voyage and waters
of the noted springs of Europe would
benefit his health. The news of the
merchants death was decided shock
to his relatives and friends and the
business community of this city.
Solomon Kahn was a native of New
York city and was 50 years of age. The
family came to California in 1877, To-
eating first in San Francisco. In 1879
the family moved to this city and three
of the brothers, Solomon, Henry and
Fred Kahn. embarked in the dry goods
business, their first store being at 1908
Broadway. Later the firm moved to
110z Broadway and from the latter To-
cation 10 the northeast corner of Wash
ington and Twelfth streets, the present
home of the firm. Kahn Brothers pur-
chased the site and erected a substan-
larged from time to time.
WORKER FOR HOME CITY
Although a busy business man and
hard worker. Kahn found time 10
perform good deeds and promote
the welfare of his home city. He
was a member of many civic and fra
ternaI organizations. He served for
several terms as president of the Oak
land board of trade, which merged into
the chamber of commerce. Kahn be-
came a member of the latter organiza-
ton and his advice and counsel were
constantly sought by the directorate of
the chamber.
While never taking an active interest
in politics Kahn always stood for good
government He never sought polit
icaI office, although importuned many
times TO do So The only public posi-
tion he ever permitted himself to ac-
cept was that of member of the
board of directors of the Industrial
Home for the Adult Blind or this city
He was almost forced to take that po-
sitfon by the managers of the institu-
ton. whoA wanted the use of Kahns
business judgment and executive abil-
ity to put the home, which had fallen
upon hard lines, on a sound business
basis. When this had been accom-
piished. largely through Kahn's en-
ergy and efforts, he resigned.
PLEASURE IN BENEFACTIONS
1t was always a pleasure for Kahn
to be in a position to do a charitable
act. but his giving was not done in the
glare of notoriety, but with the under
standing that the world was not to
know of his benefactions. In times of
trouble and misfortunes Kahn's en-
ployes and friends found him ever
ready to lend a helping hand. This
characteristic led to his being chosen
director Of the Pacific Hebrew orphan
asylum and the Home for the Aged
and Disabled in San Francisco. His de-
votfon to his religious belief was sim
cere and unobtrusive. He took an abid-
ing interest in the affairs of the syna-
gogue at Twelfth and Castro streets.
Kahn was a Mason Of the thirty
second degree. He was also a member
of the order of B'nai Birth. He is
survived by his widow, a daughter.
Henriette, and a son. Irving. He was
a brother of Fred Kahn of this city,
John Kahn of Los Angeles, Mrs Hanna
K. Zeiner of this city, Mrs. Albert Ell
kins of Sacramento, Mrs. Simon Kat
ten of San Francisco, Mrs. Henry S.
Mannheim of this city, the late Henry
Kahn of this city and the late Or. S.
s. Kahn of San Francisco. The body
will be brought to this city.