Background
Cohen, John Sanford was born on February 26, 1870 in Augusta, Georgia, United States. Son of Philip Lawrence and Ellen Gobert (Wright) Cohen.
Cohen, John Sanford was born on February 26, 1870 in Augusta, Georgia, United States. Son of Philip Lawrence and Ellen Gobert (Wright) Cohen.
Preparatory education, Richmond Academy (Augusta, Georgia), Shenandoah Valley Academy. United States Naval Academy, 1885-1886. Doctor of Laws, Washington and Lee University, 1924.
Began newspaper work on Augusta Chronicle, later on staff New York World. War correspondent Spanish-American War, sailing with fleet under Admiral Bob Evans. Identified with Atlanta Journal most of time, 1890, editor, since 1917, also president Atlanta Journal Company.
Served as Washington correspondent and special writer on politics.
Commissioned First lieutenant Company A, 3d Georgia United States Volunteer Infantry, 1898, Spanish-American War. Promoted captain and major.
Was with Army of Occupation in Cuba. Originator National Highway, built under joint supervision of Atlanta Journal and New York Herald, from New York City to Jacksonville, Florida.
Aided building of “Greater Emory University,” Atlanta, and refounding Oglethorpe University, Atlanta.
Patron of art and music Director Atlanta Music Festival Association. Trustee Georgia School of Technology.
Member Democratic National Committee from Georgia, April since 1924. Appointed United States senator to fill vacancy caused by death of William J. Harris, April 25, 1932, term ending January 10, 1933.
Married Julia Lowry Clarke, November 11, 1897. Children: John Sanford, Mary Clarke.