George W. Gruwell 1871-1930

GRUWELL, RHODES

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 2/20/2018 at 11:07:04

15 May 1930 - West Branch Times

George W. Gruwell, a son of Samuel and Amanda Gruwell, was born at West Branch, Iowa, January 5, 1871, and died in Estherville, Iowa May 2, 1930.

After completing his elementary studies in the schools of West Branch he took his Liberal Arts course at the State University in Iowa City. While there he was also active in athletics and the work of the literary societies. He graduated with the class of 1893.

The following year he came to Estherville and with Mr. Hancock purchased of W. M. McFarland the Northern Vindicator which they published for a number of years.

In 1902 he went to Dunnell, Minn., as cashier of a newly organized bank and continued its management until 1912 when he returned to Estherville and started his Auto Supply Company, which business he was still conducting at the time of his death.

On June 10, 1903, he was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Rhodes of Estherville, who with their son Willis R. of Rockford, Ill., and daughter Dorothy of this city survive him. Of the members of his childhood's home only one brother, Arthur G. Gruwell of Pasadena, Calif., is living.

Of the fraternal orders the Elks and Woodmen were fortunate in having him as a member.

Next to his home and business the welfare of the public schools claimed his helpful interest. He was a member of the school board while living at Dunnell and had served continuously on the Estherville board since 1924. He had also been a member of the board of directors of the Public Library since 1914 and had served as its secretary since 1922

His early religious association was with the Friends church of his parents, but after coming to Estherville he united with the Presbyterian church here. While at Dunnell he was superintendent of the Bible school of the Methodist church. He lived his religion.

On the street and in social life we familiarly called him George. That this was so generally done is a fine tribute to the always fraternal friendliness of his disposition and also to his sterling worth. He was one of that too limited circle of rare spirits whom every one likes and respects.

Quiet, unassuring; genial, genuine, with a winsome smile that brightened the contact of the daily round of business as well as the closer relationships of home and friends he will be greatly missed from our community life. Such men make a definite contribution to the forward movement of the race toward the goal its Creator so wants humanity to some day reach.