Charles X. Zimmerman

Charles X. Zimmerman (January 18, 1865 – November 14, 1926) was an American brigadier general during World War I, businessman and politician. He was also the vice president of the first American Football League, as well as the owner of the league's Cleveland Panthers.

Biography Military career On May 8, 1884, Zimmerman enlisted in the Fifth Ohio Infantry. He commanded Company F, Fifth Ohio Infantry during the Spanish–American War. He served in the Ohio National Guard and was promoted to brigadier general (NA) on August 5, 1917. Zimmerman was commanding general of the 73rd Infantry Brigade, part of the 37th Infantry Division; he was discharged on February 5, 1919. He served at Camp Sheridan, Alabama, Camp Lee, and Camp Beauregarde, Louisiana. During the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, he served in the defensive sector along with the AEF. However the team's secretary, George T. Jones, reportedly demanded too much money and the team was instead named the Cleveland Browns.

Personal life Zimmerman married twice in his life, first to Anna Hill- who died in December 1897- and then to Ethel Vogt on June 5, 1900.