| Abstract: | Simson Thorman was one of the first Jews to settle in Cleveland, Ohio, coming in 1837, and was responsible for the migration of 19 other Jews from Unsleben, Bavaria, known as the Alsbacher Party, the first major settlement of Jews in Cleveland. His grandson, Harold Thorman, the principal family member represented in the collection, was founder of H.M. Thorman, a women's coat-making firm, and was also associated with the brokerage firm of Joseph Mellen & Miller, Inc. The collection consists of genealogical notes, clippings, correspondence, certificates, wills, and record books. Includes wills of Simson and Regina Thorman, as well as a land title, correspondence regarding property, and record books relating to Simson Thorman; clippings, a memorial tribute to Abba Hillel Silver, and birth, marriage, army discharge and death certificates for Harold Thorman. The collection has value for the study of the origins and development of the Jewish community in Cleveland. | |