(1807-1898), 1883

Oil on canvas, 31 1/2 x 28 1/2 in.

Signed, inscribed and dated lower right: C.L. Ransom/Artist/1883

Loan Courtesy of the Western Reserve Historical Society

Truman handy was a tremendously successful Cleveland banker and financier. Born in Oneida County, New York, he entered the banking profession as an 18 year old clerk, and worked his way up. In 1830 he helped organize the Bank of Buffalo and worked as a teller. He moved to Cleveland in 1832 at the request of historian George Bancroft who, with associates, acquired the defunct Commercial Bank of Lake Erie. When the bank reopened, Handy worked as cashier but soon operated his own banking office, T.P. Handy & Co.  From there he became president of the Merchants Branch Bank, and its successor, until retiring in 1892.

Apart from his banking interests, Handy helped organize railroads and manufacturing enterprises. He had a keen interest in education and was instrumental in the establishment of the Cleveland Public Schools; helped organize Cleveland University; incorporated Case School of Applied Science and Western Reserve University; and was founder and first president of the Cleveland Industrial School. His house on Euclid Avenue just West of East 9th St. became the first home of the Union Club upon its founding in 1872 until the current building was completed in December 1905.