Year:1858​

Who: George Peake (1722 – 1827)​

Where: Cleveland, OH​

What: George Peake, born in Maryland in 1722, stands out as a pioneer and innovator who left a lasting legacy in Cleveland, Ohio. A veteran of the British army during the French and Indian War, Peake later deserted with funds intended for soldier pay, an act that financed his subsequent ventures. In 1809, at the age of 87, Peake and his family arrived in Cleveland, making him the first known African American settler in the region. By 1811, he became a landowner, purchasing over 100 acres in what is now Rocky River, a testament to his resourcefulness and determination during a time when land ownership by African Americans was rare.

Peake’s most notable contribution was his invention of a hand mill for grinding grain, which revolutionized agricultural practices in the area. Unlike the labor-intensive mortar and pestle adapted from Native American methods, Peake’s hand mill utilized large, round stones to produce a finer, more consistent meal. This innovation improved efficiency and quality, benefiting local farmers and earning Peake the respect of his predominantly white neighbors. Though he did not patent the invention—typical of the era’s systemic barriers for Black inventors—his work demonstrates the ingenuity and resilience of African Americans in early American society.

Peake’s life exemplifies success and integration in a challenging social and economic environment. Despite his initial wealth being a product of military desertion, Peake established himself as a respected member of Cleveland’s burgeoning community. He divided his land among his sons in 1816, ensuring his family’s legacy continued. Peake passed away in 1827 at the remarkable age of 105. While his burial site remains unknown, his contributions to agricultural technology and his role as an early Black settler have cemented his place in history as a trailblazer who expanded opportunities for African Americans in the early 19th century.​

Sources:

Websites:

• Case Western Reserve University. (n.d.). Peake, George. Encyclopedia of Cleveland History. Retrieved September 16, 2024, from https://case.edu/ech/articles/p/peake-george

• MIT Press. (n.d.). 300 Years of African American Invention and Innovation. https://thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/300-years-of-african-american-invention-and-innovation/#easy-footnote-21-7368

• National Geographic Society. (n.d.). African American inventors in the 18th century. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/african-american-inventors-18th-century/