Albert Nelson Marquis

Albert Nelson Marquis (January 10, 1855 – December 21, 1943) was a Chicago publisher best known for creating the Who's Who book series, starting with Who's Who in America, which was first published in 1899.^[1][2]

Marquis was born in Decatur, Ohio, and raised by his maternal grandparents in nearby Hamersville. At age 21 he founded the A.N. Marquis & Company in Cincinnati, and moved to Chicago in 1884. His early publications were generally guide books, directories, and maps. He was the full owner of Who's Who until 1926,^[2][3] and remained as editor in chief of the publication until 1940.^[4] Marquis also published specialized versions Who's Who, including occupation-specific and location-specific editions.^[5]

Marquis died of heart trouble at his home in Evanston, Illinois, on December 21, 1943.^[4]