Ben Selling

Ben Selling (1852[1] or April 29, 1853 – 1931) was a businessman, philanthropist, civil rights advocate, and politician in Portland, Oregon, United States. He was a noted leader in the Jewish community, and he owned a clothing store in downtown Portland.[2]

Selling arrived in Portland with his family in circa 1862. He started with a boot and shoe business, then a clothing store.[1] He was regarded as "the outstanding Jewish leader in Portland", receiving the first First Citizen Award from the Portland Realty Board in 1928.[1] MacColl remarked the choice of Selling was ironic because he "possessed none of the acquisitive instincts ... associated with the realty trade."[1] He also organized kitchens for the unemployed during the Panic of 1893 and Panic of 1907, serving over 450,000 meals.[1] He heavily supported the Armenian Relief Society, bought $400,000 in Liberty Bonds during World War I, and supported the Waverly Baby Home and Jewish Neighborhood House, both in Portland.[1] MacColl also stated "Suffice it to say, Ben Selling probably gave away more money in proportion to his income than any Oregon citizen since the state was founded."[1]

He served on the Port of Portland Commission, then on the Portland Dock Commission.[1] After being elected to the Oregon State Senate in 1910, he served as President of the Senate for one session in 1911.[2][3] He was also Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives for one session, 1915.[2][4] He ran for the United States Senate in 1912, losing by a few hundred votes to Harry Lane.[2]

After he died in 1931, four of his 40 employees sued his estate, saying he had promised the business to them.[1] Their claims were rejected, as Selling was known for being honest and writing everything down.[1]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 MacColl, E. Kimbark (1979). The Growth of a City: Power and Politics in Portland, Oregon 1915-1950. Portland, Oregon: The Georgian Press. ISBN 0-9603408-1-5.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Friedman, Elaine S. "Ben Selling". The Oregon Encyclopedia.
  3. ↑ http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/pages/records/legislative/recordsguides/histleg/statehood/1911reg.html
  4. ↑ http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/pages/records/legislative/recordsguides/histleg/statehood/1915reg.html

External links


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