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Name: RUBEN, Edward Abraham 'Eddie'

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Nee: bro of Aaron, David and Charles Ruben

Birth Date: 13.7.1898 Poltava, Ukraine

Death Date: 24 Nov 1979 Nairobi

First Date: 1914

Last Date: 1979

Profession: In 1918 founded Express Transport Company Ltd. Also owned a mixed farm and coffee estate at Kiambu. Past President Nbi. Chamber of Commerce, Vice Chairman Kenya British Legion Exec. Council, Pres. Nbi. Hebrew Congreg. Council

Area: Nairobi, KAD 1922 has E.D. Ruben, Transport Co., Nairobi

Married: Helen Biemer b. 1904, arrived EA 1913 (dau of Gedalia Biemer) and did valuable social and welfare work

Children: Montague Charles (1925); Jacob Lionel 'Jackie' (11 Aug 1929 Nairobi-31 May 2023 Wellington, New Zealand)

Book Reference: Gillett, Gallmann, KAD, Red 25, Red 31, Hut, Macmillan, Red 22, Jews, Harmony, Barnes, Glimpses

War Service: Served throughout both WW's. In WW2 a Major with RASC

General Information:

Macmillan - 1930 - Express Transport Company - The Express Transport Company was started at Nairobi in 1908 under the name of the Highland Transport Company, which was continued until 1918, when the present designation was assumed. In 1920 the company amalgamated with Hunter and Higgs, who had been established in a similar line of business in Mombasa since 1902. …..
The partners are Messrs. C. Higgs, S. Flaks, J. Katzler, and E. Ruben
Member of Lodge Harmony - Initiated 2/9/29, age 31, Haulage Contract or Company Executive, died 24/11/79
Nairobi Forest Road cemetery - Edward Abraham Ruben, age 81, died 24/11/79, sadly missed by Helen, Monty, Jackie and family
Glimpses - 1967 Express Transport Press Release - "Not 50 but 49 years ago a young man called Eddie Ruben, freshly discharged from war service with the British East African Forces, decided to invest his gratuity and set up, in partnership with his brother Charles, as a transporter, in the small but rapidly growing town of Nairobi. Eight mules were acquired at a local auction and town blacksmith, John Rifkin, produced a couple of serviceable mule carts ……… In 1919 the late Jack Katzler joined Ruben Brothers and they added '& Co.' to their name. Jack Katzler took over most of the administration and Eddie Ruben not only canvassed for business but actually went out on deliveries with the mule teams. One of the town's minor attractions at that time was to watch the Ruben mules being harnessed to their carts. The harness was laid out on the ground and as the mules were called by name, each one stepped into its allotted place ……. The name Express Transport came into being in 1921 when a young man called Sam Flax ….. Invested money in the Company.
Gazette - 6/2/1924 - Voters Register - Nairobi South - Edward Ruben, Business, Valley Road
Gazette 16 Nov 1936 Voters List 1936 - Edward Ruben, Partner, Express Transport Co., Muthaiga and Helen Ruben, Married woman, Box 458, Nbi

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