Louis Cohen Family Papers

Louis Cohen was born in Germany in 1849 and came to America with his parents at the age of 3. He spent his youthful days in Americus, Georgia, and came to this section in his young manhood.

He first engaged in business at Tennille and later moved to Sandersville where he was associated with the firm of Pinkus Happ and Company. Louis Cohen later entered the banking business in which he was engaged for approximately 29 years. He was also interested in a cotton warehouse, sold wagons and buggies, and was president of the Birmingham Guano Company.

Mr. Cohen was one of Sandersville's most aggressive businessmen and had large interests which were profitable. With Judge Beverly D. Evans he established the Sandersville and Tennille Telephone Exchange. which later merged with Southern Bell Telephone Company. He installed the first electric light system in Sandersville. He was one of the most active citizens in obtaining the municipal-owned electric lights and waterworks and sewerage system, which was one of Sandersville's more forward steps during the administration of Dr. D.L. Cheatham as mayor of the city. Mr. Cohen also served the city as mayor and also was a member of the City Council. For 30 years he was a member of the City Board of Education, serving 11 years as president.

He built the short line railroad between Sandersville and Tennille, after the first road had been purchased by the Augusta Southern.

Mr. Cohen was also the owner of Cohen's Jewelry Store.

In 1898 Mr. Cohen built a bandstand on the courthouse grounds. The Florence Symphony, named for Louis Cohen's daughter, Florence Cohen (Lieberman) was popular attraction there in the early 1900's.

He was married to Miss Annie Happ, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Pinkus Happ. They had one son, Edward H. Cohen, and a daughter, Florence Cohen Lieberman.

Louis Cohen died at his home on North Harris Street, Wednesday, February 10, 1937, at the age of 88, and is buried in Oakland Cemetery, Atlanta, Georgia.

Source: "Cotton to Kaolin, A History of Washington County, Georgia, 1784-1989," pg. 303.