Dr. Joseph Robert Solomons

Born in 1824, Joseph Robert Solomons was the son of Rachel and Mark Solomons, of France and Germany respectively. His father sailed from London to Charleston in 1805 and a decade later became the first known Jewish resident of Sumter, South Carolina. Around the same time, he married Rachel, whose maiden name remains unknown.

Joseph, among the youngest of nine children, graduated from the Medical College of South Caroline in 1846, and for many years worked as a physician and dentist in Charleston. He served as commissioner of the almshouse from 1879-80 and as commissioner of the city hospital from 1880-1887. In 1857 he married Rebecca Simpson with whom he raised seven children. Joseph is the uncle of Emma Solomons Harby.

Dr. Joseph Robert Solomons

c. 1850