Akers, William Joseph; business and philanthropy; born, England, Aug. 2, 1852; son of John and Catherine O’Leary Akers; educated, public schools, Cleveland; married, Cleveland, Miss Maud M. Miller of Brooklyn, N. Y.; at the age of 13 went to work in a blacksmith shop, since then interested in the hotel business; owner with S. T. Paine of the Forest City House, Cleveland; partner Sagertown Inn, Sagertown, Pa.; formerly connected with many railroad eating houses; organized the Cleveland Hotel Men’s Ass’n, and was pres. for several years; one of the organizers of the State Hotel Men’s Assn, and was its second pres.; identified with local politics for over 40 years; former member board of education, director of the Library Board and in 1900 wrote and published a valuable history of the public schools; for over 30 years director of the Associated Charities; served on relief committees in connection with some of the worst disasters the country has ever had, Chicago fire, Johnstown flood, Kentucky cyclone, etc.; financial trustee Dorcas Invalid’s Home; from 1880 to 1890 pres. Cleveland General Hasp.; 33° Mason; chairman building committee, Masonic Temple; trustee Masonic Home, Springfield, 0.; member the Methodist denomination; lover of out-door sports.
