As a boy he was a clerk in a country store, but his education was not neglected and at the age of fifteen he was studying, with a view to entering college.

His father's death ended that prospect and forced him to go to work again to help support the family.

Some two years later, when the family circumstances were sufficiently eased so that he could strike out for himself, he set off westward, intending to reach Cleveland.

Arriving at Buffalo, he called upon a married aunt, who, on learning that he was planning to get work at Cleveland with the idea of becoming a lawyer, advised him to stay in Buffalo where opportunities were better.

Young Cleveland was taken into her home virtually as private secretary to her husband, Lewis F.Allen, a man of means, culture, and public spirit.