Simon Lazarus
Simon Lazarus was an American clothing retailer and the founder of the predecessor of what was to become The F&R Lazarus & Co., an operation which blossomed into what is today known as Macy's, Inc, a major retail holding company in the U.S.
Early life
In 1850, Lazarus, a rabbinical scholar, arrived in Columbus, and in 1851 he opened the Lazarus store. Assisted by his wife Amelia and sons Fred and Ralph, Simon and his store gradually began to prosper. Simon Lazarus was described by his grandson, Robert Sr., as "a good man, a gentle man, a scholar--and no merchant." By 1870, industry improvements, led the family to expand the business to include ready-made men's civilian clothing and eventually a complete line of merchandise. Simon Lazarus served as the first Rabbi of Central Ohio's oldest Reform synagogue, Temple Israel.Later Simon sons, Fred Lazarus, Sr. and Ralph Lazarus, joined the business, adding many innovative marketing techniques. After Simon's death in 1877, his widow Amelia continued running the store with their two sons. After Amelia's death in 1899, the store was renamed The F&R Lazarus & Company and positioned for rapid expansion of the company.
Lazarus was interred at Green Lawn Cemetery in Columbus, Ohio.
Biographical information
WOSU-TV DocumentaryColumbus Jewish Historical Society- , Columbus Dispatch, May 14, 2007
- , Columbus Dispatch, May 15, 2007
- , Columbus Business First, December 21, 2001University of CincinnatiGreater Cincinnati Chamber of CommerceTime Magazine, December 9, 1946Time Magazine, September 29, 1967Time Magazine, January 19, 1968Time Magazine, April 3, 1964Time Magazine, September 8, 1958Time Magazine, July 16, 1945New York Times
- ''Columbus Jewish Historical Society''