Hunter Holmes Powell (1843-1915) was a prominent obstetrician, medical educator, and early Trustee of the Cleveland Medical Library Association. Powell came to Cleveland from Virginia in 1872 and joined the faculty of Western Reserve’s medical school. He became Lecturer and then Professor of Obstetrics and the Diseases of Children, and was considered Cleveland’s premier obstetrician. As Director in Charge of St. Ann’s Maternity Hospital, Powell offered his students valuable first-hand experience in obstetrics, something not common at the time. He served in many capacities at the medical school, including Dean from 1895 to 1900. Powell was also deeply involved in establishing guidelines and regulations for the profession, and campaigned for a medical library in Cleveland, helping to lay the groundwork for the Cleveland Medical Library Association. Powell generously gave his time to medical charities, being the presiding genius of St. Ann’s Maternity Hospital for 30 years. He served as Trustee from 1898 to 1906.
