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.

Marquis was born in Decatur, Ohio 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, and remained as "editor in chief" of the publication until 1940.

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

He is the namesake of the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award that recognizes outstanding achievements of Who's Who biographees. Award winners are nominated through the Marquis Who's Who selection committee and notified of their nomination through email or phone.

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