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Know Our Heritage: The Murrell-Capers House
The Murrell family moved into the house in 1933. Edward Murrell, Judge Capers' father, was widely known for his involvement with local African-American newspapers and was president of the Murrell Printing Company. He was responsible for operating the first typesetting machine in Cleveland and printing the early editions of The Call, the first African-American weekly printed newspaper in Cleveland.
Jean Murrell-Capers, now 98 years old, graduated from Western Reserve University and Cleveland Law School, predecessor to The Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. She won Cleveland's 1941 tennis championship, organized by the city recreation department. Later she taught health and physical education at Central High School.
Capers ran for Cleveland City Council in 1949 and succeeded in being the first African-American woman to become a member. She held this position for ten years. Between 1964 and 1966 she served as special counsel to the Ohio Attorney General and was an original member of the Women's Advisory Council of the Ohio Bureau of Employment Services. In 1977, Capers was appointed Judge of the Municipal Court by Governor James A. Rhodes and held that position until her retirement in 1986.
Judge Capers asked CRS for help in getting her home designated. "We are so pleased to have been able to help get this important Cleveland Landmark designated and to honor the Murrell-Capers family. The judge has a remarkable record of service to the community and to the City of Cleveland," said Kathleen H. Crowther, CRS President.
African-American history in Cleveland is a rich subject to discover. The Cleveland Restoration Society values this history by preserving and restoring places associated with this legacy. During February, CRS will be sharing some of the stories of these important places so that you can Know Our Heritage.