Category: Immigration and Ethnicity

INDIANS (ASIAN). The history and current profile of the Asian-Indian community in Greater Cleveland reflects the pattern for the entire U.S. Indians first settled in Cleveland in the early 1920s; their numbers increased, gradually at first, and more rapidly after the replacement of the Natl. Origins Act in 1965.

The Asian Indian community in Northeast Ohio: some significant highlights

The INTERNATIONAL SERVICES CENTER, formerly Nationalities Services Center, a nonprofit organization serving Cleveland's immigrant community, was created in 1954 by the consolidation of the Citizens' Bureau and the Intl. Institute of the YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSN. (YWCA).

IRISH. Cleveland's Irish population, like that in many other cities, did not reach a significant number until the potato famine immigrations in the late 1840s. Unlike those in many Eastern Seaboard cities, Cleveland's Irish never exerted influence beyond their numbers, though they have been part of the city's diverse ethnic community and activities since the first immigrants from Ireland arrived ca. 1820.

The IRISH AMERICAN CLUB, EAST SIDE, INC., was officially chartered in the state of Ohio on St. Patrick's Day, 17 Mar. 1978. Its purpose is to promote Irish heritage and to sponsor social, cultural, educational, and athletic programs in Cleveland and around the state. The majority of members are of Irish descent or married to Irish. The club purchased and remodeled a building at 22770 Lake Shore Blvd.

The IRISH AMERICAN CLUB, WEST SIDE, INC. (est. 1931) maintains recreational facilities and meeting rooms and sponsors social and cultural events for members of Cleveland's Irish-American community. With 3,300 adult members in 1994, the club was the largest Irish organization in Cuyahoga County.

IRISH NATIONALISM IN CLEVELAND.   Support for the cause of Irish nationhood has flourished in Cleveland, Ohio, for as long as IRISH immigrants have settled in the area.

ISHIMAYA, TOARU (1921? - 15 August 2001) was a Japanese American psychologist and professor at CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY. His work in psychology and advocacy for Japanese American mental health led to the Civil Liberties Act of 1987, a bill for reparations to victims of WWII internment camps. 

ITALIANS. Although Italian names can be found in Cleveland city directories from the late 1850s, not until the Civil War did an Italian community begin forming in the city. The 1870 census listed 35 Italians in Cleveland; during the following 50 years, more than 20,000 Italian immigrants came to the city.

JAPANESE. Cleveland's Japanese-American community began after World War II, when significant numbers began settling in the area. Prior to this, only a few Japanese called Cleveland home (18 in 1940). Most Japanese immigrated to the Pacific Coast between 1890-1924, developing "Little Tokyos" in West Coast communities. The Japanese Exclusion Act of 1924 halted further immigration.

JEWS & JUDAISM.  The beginning of the Jewish community in Cleveland is easy enough to date. A group of fifteen Jews from Unsleben, Bavaria, arrived in the city in July 1839.

The JOHN GILL & SONS CO. was one of Cleveland's most important families of builders. The first John Gill immigrated to the U.S. from the Isle of Man in 1854 to become one of the early masonry contractors in Cleveland. The first major structure undertaken by him was the Northern Ohio Lunatic Asylum (1875, demolished 1977). His son John T.

JOYCE, TERRY (February 12, 1929 - October 28, 2009) was a prominent Cleveland labor leader and Irish community leader who was a driving force behind the move of the West Side Irish American Club to Olmsted Township.  Born in Mewillian in Achill Parish, County Mayo, Ireland, to Michael and Mary (Gallagher) Joyce, Joyce was one of eight children and maintained close family ties in Achill Parish all his life.

KAHL, JACK (September 20, 1940 - December 30, 2018) was a philanthropist and business entrepreneur who founded Manco, manufacturer of the Duck Brand Tapes.

KELLEY, SR. MARGARET ANN (November 29, 1931-January 21, 2013) was a Catholic nun, teacher, and administrator who worked to transform the schools she led by encouraging strong community participation. She was the youngest of four children born to John Joseph and Ellen (Hayes) Kelley.

KETTERINGHAM, GEORGE H. (11 Feb. 1876-29 Dec. 1954) was a developer of technical instruments manufactured by Cleveland industry. His innovations included the harvesting of spider web for use as cross hairs in optical equipment and perfection of electro-pezioid crystal for electrical devices.