Aaron Cleveland

Aaron Cleveland was born on October 29, 1715, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. His father, also named Aaron Cleveland, was engaged in the hospitality and construction industries and later became a militia captain and a man of somewealth. Cleveland graduated from Harvard University in 1735. During his time at Harvard, he was noted for his physical strength and athleticism, excelling in skating, swimming, and wrestling.

In 1739, Cleveland was ordained as a pastor of the church in Haddam, Connecticut, where his father owned land. In the same year, he married Susannah Porter, daughter of Aaron Porter of Medford, Massachusetts. Susannah Porter was also the granddaughter of Major Sewall of Salem, Massachusetts.

The preaching of George Whitefield influenced Cleveland's religious views, leading to subsequent changes in his faith. From 1747 to 1750, he served as the pastor of South Church in Malden, Massachusetts. In 1750, he participated in the migration of New Englanders to Nova Scotia, settling in Halifax, where he established the first Presbyterian church in Canada. The church was influenced and directed by Scottish Calvinists, who held predominance over the New England settlers’ influence.

In 1755, Cleveland traveled to London to receive holy orders. He returned to North America as a missionary associated with the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts. During this voyage, his vessel ran aground at Nantucket Shoals. Cleveland assisted the sailors with physical effort, but sustained an injury from a wave, which ultimately affected his health.

Following his injury, Cleveland served as rector of the church in Newcastle, Delaware. While visiting Philadelphia for medical treatment, he died on August 11, 1757, at the age of 41, under the hospitality of Benjamin Franklin. A tribute published in Franklin’s Pennsylvania Gazette described Cleveland as a man of humane and pious disposition, diligent in his ministry, and appreciated for his sincerity and friendliness.

Cleveland is recognized as the first minister of St. Matthew's United Church in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He is also the great-great-grandfather of Grover Cleveland, who served as the President of the United States.

Regarding family name and descendants, Cleveland concluded during a visit to England that the original family surname was "Cleveland," a spelling retained by his descendants, while other American branches often spell it "Cleaveland."

Cleveland married Susannah Porter in 1739. Their children included:

- Stephen Cleveland (1740–1801), a naval officer who went to sea at age fourteen and was taken by a British press-gang in 1756. He served until 1763 and was commissioned as a captain in the U.S. Navy after the Declaration of Independence. He transported important munitions from Bordeaux, believed to be among the earliest issued by the American government.

- Richard Jeffry Cleveland (dates unspecified), who served as U.S. vice-consul at Havana from 1829 to 1834. He authored "Voyages and Commercial Enterprises" in 1850.

- Horace Cleveland, a landscape designer and author, published "Voyages of a Merchant Navigator," based on his grandfather Richard Jeffry's journals and letters.

- Henry Russell Cleveland (1809–1843), an author and Harvard graduate who was part of a notable literary group, published editions of Classical works and addressed topics related to education and exploration.

- Aaron Cleveland (1744–1815), who, despite the early death of his father, pursued multiple vocations, including poetry and public service. He served in the Connecticut legislature and later as a Congregational pastor.

Other descendants include William Cleveland, born December 20, 1770, who was Grover Cleveland’s grandfather, and Charles Cleveland (1772–1872), who became a Boston-based clergyman known for philanthropic work.

Aaron Cleveland died on August 11, 1757, in Philadelphia. His contributions include establishing the first Presbyterian church in Canada and his lineage includes notable figures in American history.