Ohio Profiles

Ohio has had many personalities that called our state home. I've never compared Ohio with other states, but it seems like Ohio has produced more than its share of people that have raised themselves up above the rest of us and accomplished some things most only dream about.

Most of these people were just ordinary folks that seemed to have set themselves apart by following a dream. Others just had a lot of good old talent that set them apart.

Most of us are aware to one degree or another of Ohioans who became noted for entertainment reasons, but even more became famous for their business skills, or for their important contributions to our cultural. Many of these Ohioans get overlooked by everyday citizens, but it is not because their contributions haven't made a difference in our lives — they have, even if we don't recognize the impact.

We have tried to assemble a few profiles of notable Americans that claimed Ohio as their home. These profiles are not meant to be all inclusive, only interesting from our perspective.

Ohio: Cradle of Presidents

Eight American Presidents called Ohio home. Seven of these Presidents were born in the state of Ohio, and one was born before the Revolutinary War at a time when there were only 13 colonies an no states.

Like the residents of Ohio today, these eight men represented a wide diversity of political views, economically different backgrounds and up-bringing, and a diversity of education. Each brought to their time in the White House, a love and devotion to the country and a willingness to serve.

William Henry Harrison - became America's 9th President, taking office in March 1841 at the age of 68. He died one month later on April 4, 1841 having the shortest term in office of any chief executive.

Ulysses S. Grant - while a successful Civil War general, Grant had his share of difficulties during his 2 terms as the 18th President.

Rutherford B. Hayes - was the first president to take the oath of office in the White House. He also was responsible for removing political patronage from the Civil Service by issuing an executive order prohibiting civil servants from promoting parties or managing campaigns. Hayes was our 19th Present.

James A. Garfield - was the last president to be born in a log cabin. Just 100 days after Garfield assumed his duties as the 20th President of the United States, he was assassinated by Charles Guiteau.

Benjamin Harrison - ran in 1888 and received fewer popular votes, but carried the Electoral College to become our 23rd President. Harrison ran for re-election 4 years later again against Grover Cleveland, and this time was defeated in both the popular vote and the electoral college.

William McKinley - became the 25th President of the United States, winning the election by one of the largest majorities in history. His 2nd term was cut short when he was assassinated.

William Howard Taft - became the country's 27th President. He was also the first president to submit a federal budget to Congress and the Panama Canal was completed during his presidency. He was also the first president to take up the game of golf and was also the first president to throw out the first pitch at a major league baseball game.

Warren G. Harding - was the 29th President of the United States and was one of the first presidential candidates to use the power of Hollywood actors to support him.