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W. Q. Atwood, 1887. Creator: Unknown
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W. Q. Atwood, 1887. Creator: Unknown
W. Q. Atwood, 1887. William Q. Atwood, African-American businessman and lumber baron; active in the Underground Railroad. From "Men of Mark: Eminent, Progressive and Rising" by William J. Simmons
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Media ID 36258531
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Black History Businessman Cleveland Cleveland O Cultural Heritage Equal Rights G M Rewell Co G M Rewell Company Heritage Human Rights New York Public Library Nypl O Cleveland Portraits Public Library Rewell And Co Rewell G M Co Rewell G M Company Rights Schomburg Center For Research Simmons Simmons William J William J William J Simmons Afro American Atwood
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This portrait captures the enigmatic figure of William Q. Atwood, an African-American businessman and lumber baron, active in the Underground Railroad during the late 19th century. The image, taken in 1887, is from "Men of Mark: Eminent, Progressive and Rising," a groundbreaking publication by William J. Simmons that celebrated the achievements of Black Americans. Atwood's success story began in Cleveland, Ohio, where he rose to prominence as a prominent figure in the lumber industry through his association with the G.M. Rewell Company, later known as the G.M. Rewell Co. His business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit allowed him to amass significant wealth, making him a trailblazer for Black economic empowerment during a time of deep-rooted racial inequality. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Atwood was also a dedicated advocate for human rights and equal opportunities. He played a crucial role in the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved Africans to escape to freedom in the North. This clandestine work put Atwood's life at great risk, but his unwavering commitment to justice and freedom for all was unyielding. This photograph, now housed at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture at the New York Public Library, serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and determination of Black Americans during a pivotal period in U.S. history. It also stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of individuals like William Q. Atwood, who defied the odds and left an indelible mark on their communities and the nation as a whole.
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