George W. Gruwell

GRUWELL, RHODES

Posted By: Emmet County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 2/13/2011 at 20:28:13

One of the most prominent citizens and successful business men of Estherville, Emmet county, is George W. Gruwell, who operates the leading automobile supply house here. He has has an active and useful career and since coming to Estherville has shown a fine interest in everything pertaining to the welfare and progress of this city and county.

Mr. Gruwell was born in West Branch, Cedar county, Iowa, on the 15th of January, 1871, and is a son of Samuel C. and Amanda W. (Walker) Gruwell, both of whom are natives of Ohio. They came from that state to Iowa with their respective families in an early day, being numbered among the band of pioneers who settled in Cedar county in the '50s. There they were reared and married and the father bought a farm, to the operation of which he devoted himself until his retirement. He and his wife are now living in Pasadena, California.

George W. Gruwell attended the public schools, graduating from the West Branch high school in 1889, and then entered Iowa State University, where he was graduated with the Degree of Bachelor of Philosophy, in 1893. He came to Estherville and in 1895 bought the Herald and Vindicator, which he published successfully for six years. Selling the publication in 1901, he went to Dunnell, Martin county, Minnesota, and founded the First National Bank, of which he was cashier and active manager until 1912, when he sold his interests there and returned to Estherville. Soon afterward he established his present business, in which he has been rewarded with very gratifying success.

In 1919 he erected his present modern brick building, of two stories and basement, sixty-six by one hundred and thirty-two feet in size, located on Lincoln street, between Seventh and Eighth streets, and which is one of the most up-to-date business blocks in Estherville. Here he carries a large and complete line of everything in the way of automobile accessories and supplies and has built up a large and substantial trade.

In June, 1903, Mr. Gruwell was united in marriage to Miss Helen E. Rhodes, of Estherville, daughter of Thomas Rhodes, now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Gruwell have been born two children, Willis R. and Dorothy A., both of whom are students in Iowa State University. Mr. Gruwell is a member of Estherville Lodge, No. 528, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, and the Modern Woodmen of America. His religious affiliation is with the Presbyterian church.

He has been active in local public affairs and is a member of the library board and the school board, as well as of the Chamber of Commerce. In every respect he merits the high esteem in which he is held, for he is a man of splendid business ability, fine public spirit and exemplary character.

Contributed by: Debbie Clough Gerischer. Source: Iowa Its History and Tradition, Volume III, 1804-1926.