Moses Cleaveland was an American surveyor and land speculator, best known for founding the city of Cleveland, Ohio, in 1796. He was born on March 29, 1754, in Connecticut and served in the American Revolutionary War. Cleaveland was appointed by the Connecticut Land Company to survey the Western Reserve, a region in present-day Ohio. As a leader in the early development of Cleveland, Cleaveland laid out the city's streets and lots. His vision helped attract settlers to the area, contributing to its growth. The city was named after him, although the spelling was later changed to Cleveland. Cleaveland passed away on September 16, 1806.