Lewis Wormser Harris facts for kids

Lewis Wormser Harris (1812–1876) was an important Irish businessman and community leader. He was a member of the Dublin Corporation, which was like the city council of Dublin. He was also a key person in the Dublin Hebrew Congregation, a Jewish community group. Lewis Harris made history as the first Jewish person to be chosen as Lord Mayor of Dublin, a very important role. Sadly, he passed away just before he could start the job.

Early Life and Moving to Ireland

Lewis Harris was born Samuel Wormser on April 5, 1812. His birthplace was Aldingen, a town near Stuttgart in Germany. When he was about nine years old, in 1821, he moved to Ireland. He lived with a watchmaker named Charles Harris. Soon after, Samuel decided to use the surname Harris. He became a very successful businessman in Dublin, working with money and investments.

His Political Journey

In 1874, Lewis Harris was elected as an Alderman for the Dublin Corporation. An Alderman was a senior member of the city council. He represented an area of Dublin called the South Dock Ward. This was a big moment because he was the first person from Dublin's Jewish community to hold such a position.

Two years later, in 1876, he was chosen to be the Lord Mayor of Dublin. This was a huge honor and a very important leadership role for the city. However, Lewis Harris died just before he was able to officially take on the job.

Role in the Jewish Community

Lewis Harris was also very active in the Dublin Hebrew Congregation. This was the main Jewish community organization in Dublin. He served as its President three different times: from 1847 to 1848, from 1851 to 1852, and again from 1860 to 1863. In 1853, he helped to set up a new synagogue, which is a Jewish house of worship, on Stafford Street.

His Family Life

Lewis Harris was married twice. His first wife was Caroline Ellen Picard (1817-1855). They got married in 1836 and had four children: Alfred, Hannah (also known as Annie), Morris, and Raphael.

After Caroline passed away, Lewis married Juliette Joseph (1821-1908) in 1857. They had five children together: Herbert, Ernest, Lionel Simon, Arthur, and Walter. Juliette passed away in Brighton in 1908. She was buried in Ballybough Cemetery in Dublin.

Lewis's son, Alfred Wormser Harris, also followed in his father's footsteps. Alfred was elected an Alderman for Dublin Corporation. He also became President of the Dublin Hebrew Congregation, serving from 1867 to 1873.

Passing Away

Lewis Wormser Harris died on August 1, 1876. He passed away in Bray, which is in County Wicklow, Ireland.