DIAZ (DIAS) DE SORIA:
A family of Bordeaux which derived its name from the Spanish town Soria. There is nothing to definitely warrant the belief, held by Féret, that this family went to France as early as 1492. It is found for the first time, with the full patronymic "Dias de Soria," in 1756; although there were bearers of the name "Dias" and others of the name "Soria" in France long before. The family Diaz de Soria enjoys a great reputation, especially for the musicians it has produced.
Jacob de Soria:Born at Bordeaux April 27, 1762; died there Jan. 17, 1831. He was the leader of the choir of the synagogue in that place. He was also a captain of infantry, a rank with which he retired after serving in forty-four campaigns, especially in that of Saint Dominique, and receiving four wounds on various battle-fields.
His two grandsons, Jacob-Frédéric and Julius, both born at Bordeaux, the former Feb. 13, 1841, the latter April 28, 1843, are well known as singers and musicians. Gounod composed several pieces for Julius.
- Edouard Féret, Statistique de la Gironde, iii. 579-580;
- Archiv. Municip. Bordeaux, G. G. 800 bis, part ii., p. 32;
- Alexis Azevedo, Impressions d'un Vieux Dilettante: J. Diaz de Soria, Paris, 1874 (?).
