Ezekiel Solomon: Introducing My Jewish-Canadian Grandfather

Published January 21, 2012

Born in Berlin. Child of the Enlightenment Era.

The earliest ancestor currently on my family tree and on my maternal grandfather’s side is Ezekiel Solomon (1735-1809). He is my great(x5)-grandfather. It is a blessing that technology can transport us to other times and places with a couple clicks! Ezekiel Solomon’s life history fascinates me. I imagine there will be many posts about him to come.

Ezekiel Solomon was born in Berlin, Germany in 1735. Solomon shares his birth year with John Adams (second American President) and Paul Revere (American Patriot). In 1735, Alexander Pope was writing poetry and George Frederic Handel composed operas. King George II was on the British throne.

In 1740 Frederick the Great came into power in Germany and would soon declare himself the leader of the Age of Enlightenment. Ezekiel Solomon was a child of the Enlightenment. He grew up during a time when ideas about science and faith and humanity were changing. Was Solomon an educated man? Continue reading →