Albert Solomon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Albert Solomon
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| 23rd Premier of Tasmania | |
| In office 14 June 1912 – 6 April 1914 |
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| Governor | Sir Harry Barron (until 1913) Sir William Ellison-Macartney |
| Preceded by | Sir Elliott Lewis |
| Succeeded by | John Earle |
| Constituency | Bass |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Albert Edgar Solomon
7 March 1876 Longford, Tasmania |
| Died | 5 October 1914 (aged 38) Hobart, Tasmania, Australia |
| Political party | Liberal |
| Spouse |
Elsie Scott
(m. 1903) |
| Profession | Lawyer |
Albert Edgar Solomon (born 7 March 1876 – died 5 October 1914) was an Australian lawyer and a very important politician. He served as the leader of Tasmania, known as the Premier, from 1912 to 1914. He was the head of the Liberal Party during this time. Sadly, he passed away from an illness a few months after he stopped being Premier, when he was only 38 years old.
Early Life and Education
Albert Solomon was born on 7 March 1876 in a town called Longford, Tasmania. He was the tenth child in his family. His parents, Mary Anne and Edward Solomon, had moved to Longford in 1862. His father worked as a clerk and was involved in local farming groups.
Albert started school at Longford State School. Later, he went to two private schools: Horton College and Launceston Church Grammar School. He was very smart and passed his university entrance exam when he was just thirteen! He then went to the University of Tasmania. There, he earned several degrees: a Bachelor of Arts in 1895, a Bachelor of Laws in 1897, and a Master of Laws in 1903. He was the first person at the university to get an honours degree in history.
After his studies, Albert began training to become a lawyer in 1893. He officially became a lawyer in 1898. He then started a law firm with his older brother, Arthur. Their firm had offices in both Launceston and Ulverstone.
Becoming a Politician
Albert Solomon decided to enter politics and was elected to the Tasmanian House of Assembly in the state election of 1909. This is like becoming a member of parliament for Tasmania.
He became one of the six representatives for the area called Bass in April 1909. Almost right away, he was given important jobs in the government. He became the Attorney-General (the chief legal advisor to the government) and the Minister for Education. Later, he also became the Minister of Mines.
When the Premier at the time, Elliott Lewis, retired in June 1912, Albert Solomon took over as Premier. He also continued to be the Attorney-General and Minister of Education. His government had a very small majority, meaning he had just one more supporter than the opposition. This made it challenging to keep the government running smoothly until April 1914.
During his time as Premier, Albert Solomon focused a lot on education. Many new state schools and high schools were built. He also helped pass an important law called the Cape Barren Island Reserve Act 1912. This law officially made Cape Barren Island a special reserve for Aboriginal Tasmanians. He explained that this law was an effort to help the remaining Aboriginal population.
Albert Solomon was not a very strong person physically, and the stress of leading the government likely affected his health. He passed away in Hobart on 5 October 1914, at the age of 38. He was also a respected member of the Methodist Church.
Family Life
On 13 August 1903, Albert Solomon married Una "Elsie" Scott. Elsie was the oldest daughter of Jabez Scott from Launceston. Albert and Elsie had two sons together.
