Hiram Gruwell 1841-1915

GRUWELL, CURL, ENLOW, EDMUNDSON

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 8/3/2018 at 08:50:22

17 June 1915 - West Branch Times

Many hearts were saddened today on hearing of the death last evening at his home on Olivewood avenue of a true friend and patriot, Hiram I. Gruwell. Mr. Gruwell, though he had been a sufferer for the past six years, had only been confined to his home for two weeks in the final illness.

The deceased was born in Marlboro, Stark county, Ohio, on March 8, 1841, thus reaching the ripe age of 74 years, 2 months and 20 days. Later, he moved with his parents to Cedar county, Iowa, where he served as postmaster of West Branch for some years.

He served as a volunteer in the Civil war, enlisting as a private in Company B, 14th regiment Iowa volunteer infantry on Oct. 1, 1861. He was appointed quartermaster sergeant in Company L, seventh regiment Iowa cavalry volunteers. Later he was promoted to second lieutenant of Company L, seventh regiment Iowa cavalry, and received honorable discharge at the close of the war, having served four years and seven months.

During a furlough in 1863 he returned to his home in Iowa and was married to Miss Elizabeth Curl, who preceded him to the better land some nine years ago.

To whom eight children were born, three passing at an early age, and two others, Emerson H., for many years Riverside county recorder, and Miss Jennie, later deceased, and three remaining, Charles, of this city; Miss Leota and James, both of Los Angeles. He also leaves a brother and sister in West Branch, S. C. Gruwell and Mrs. Cynthia Enlow, and a sister, Mrs. Mary E. Edmundson, in Coupeville, Wash.

Mr. Gruwell was among the earliest pioneers of Riverside county, coming to Elsinore 32 years ago, where he was engaged in ranching until moving to the city some 14 years since. He has been for years a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Elsinore, also a member of Riverside Post No. 118, G.A.R., of which he has served as its commanding officer.

The deceased was a man of most kindly character, a loving father, and though a great sufferer he exhibited most unusual patience. He had implicit faith in the Bible, his favorite chapter being I Cor. 15. He looked forward with great joy to the pleasure of being with his Saviour and lived in the hope of the coming of the Lord. He believed with all his heart in the faith as taught by the Savior.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday morning at 10:30 o'clock from the parlors of Ward, Amstutz & Glenn, interment being in Evergreen cemetery by the side of his wife.--Riverside Daily Press, Saturday evening, May 29th.