Cleveland Ohio Biography – The Book of Clevelanders

Birds Eye View of Cleveland in 1887

The Book of Clevelanders: A Biographical Dictionary of Living Men of the City of Cleveland was published in 1914 by the Burrows Book Company. It represents the first comprehensive biographical volume devoted entirely to the living men of Cleveland, Ohio. Conceived as a current publication rather than a historical record, the work focused on the generation then shaping the city’s growth and future.

The editors aimed to produce a dependable reference book, setting forth factual biographical information without embellishment or editorial comment. Each sketch was written by the subject himself, and the editors limited their role to correcting minor grammatical or phrasing errors. No space was purchased for inclusion; participation was voluntary and unpaid. The publication was open to men from all professions and walks of life, provided they were residents of Cleveland and representative of the city as it existed in 1914.

The editors emphasized accuracy and restraint over promotion or praise. Their intent was to offer a clear and reliable record of Cleveland’s living citizens who were contributing to its civic, industrial, and cultural development. The book’s limitations reflect the modesty of many potential contributors who declined to submit information, resulting in the omission of certain prominent individuals and the absence of photographs for others. The brevity of some sketches similarly stems from the contributors’ own restraint rather than editorial choice.

The Cleveland Ohio Biographies

Collection

The Book of Clevelanders: A Biographical Dictionary of Living Men of the City of Cleveland. Burrows Book Company. 1914.

Topics:

Biography,

Locations:

Cleveland Ohio, Cuyahoga County OH,

1 thought on “Cleveland Ohio Biography – The Book of Clevelanders”

  1. Looking for any info on my great great great grandmother. She was either Cherokee or Shawnee. I believe that was the tribes living in southern Ohio at that time. Her name was Martha Hamilton. Had a daughter Sarah Ann Hamlet or Hamblett. Sarah’s father was John Hamlet son of was Benjamin Hamlet was one of the early settlers whom helped establish a station to protect their families near the site of present village of Staunton, which went by the name of “Dutch Station”. Benjamin was born in Ky and married Chloe Kimball. They son, John was married to Martha (the Indian), in 1829. The marriage was not dated in records so I don’t know where this date came from. Sarah Ann, their daughter was born 30th of April 1833 near Dayton, Ohio then called Montgomery Co. Her mother died when she was a baby. Billie and Annie Booker took her in and raised her till 11 years old. Her father remarried a woman that refused to have anything to do with her. I would guess it was because she was Indian. Sarah had to work for food and clothing. George and Mary Simmons of the Troy Hotel took her in. Sarah Ann married Wm. Blackmore 7 Oct. 1852. If you have any info on Martha Hamilton or can tell me where to look, I would really appreciate it. Any family member that may have had info has now passed. Thank you for your time. Deb Teaters in Olathe, Co.

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