John Wesley Cromwell Jr.

John Wesley Cromwell Jr. (September 2, 1883 – December 16, 1971) was an American educator and accountant. He was the first Black certified public accountant (CPA) in the United States.

Early life and education John Wesley Cromwell Jr. was born on September 2, 1883, in Washington, D.C., to parents John Wesley Cromwell Sr. and Lucy McGuinn; his sister was the writer Otelia Cromwell. In 1851, Cromwell Jr.'s grandfather, Willis H. Cromwell, purchased his family's freedom from slavery in Virginia and relocated them to Philadelphia. His son, John Wesley Cromwell Sr., went on to become a prominent lawyer, historian, journalist, and civil rights activist; he also published The People's Advocate in the late 19th century. Cromwell Jr. attended the preparatory department of Howard University before attending Dartmouth College, where he specialized in mathematics and astronomy. He graduated with honors in 1906 and earned a Master of Arts degree in 1907. While at Dartmouth, he joined the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, received the Thayer Prize in Mathematics, and was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa honor society.

After receiving his CPA license, Cromwell continued to teach while also establishing his own accounting practice in Washington, D.C. His clientele primarily consisted of Black-owned businesses and organizations in the Washington, D.C. area, including churches, restaurants, and funeral homes.

Cromwell Jr. was an avid bridge player and participated in the establishment of the American Bridge Association in 1932. This organization was formed in response to the prevailing exclusion of Black players from organized bridge tournaments at the time.

John Wesley Cromwell Jr. died at his residence in Washington, D.C., on December 16, 1971, at the age of 88.