James Grell

As printed in 1910

JAMES GRELL.

James Grell, who is now practically living retired on his farm in Aliens Grove township, formerly led a very active, busy and useful life and well deserves the rest which he now enjoys. He was born in Kiel, Holstein, Germany, March 10, 1839, a son of Frederick and Margaret (Reinhardt) Grell, who spent their entire lives in the fatherland. The father served seven years in the German army and was a farmer by occupation, being overseer of a large estate. His family numbered five ons and five daughters, but only four came to the United States, these being: John, who is now deceased; James, of this review; Claus, who makes his home in Nebraska; and Katherine, who became the wife of Henry Steen and has departed this life.

James Grell spent the period of his boyhood and youth in his parents' home and when fifteen years of age began learning the wagonmaker's trade, which he followed until he attained the age of twenty-three years. Possessing strong and persevering characteristics, developed by his earlier environment, which, coupled with the Hvelier impulses of the Teutonic blood of his ancestors, made him at that time seek wider fields in which to give scope to his ambition and industry, and he accordingly emigrated to the new world. His brother John had preceded him to America and was located in Aliens Grove township, Scott county. This fact led James Grell to this county, and he here worked at his trade for seventeen years on the farm which he now owns. In the meantime he had purchased small tracts of timber land and in addition to working at his trade of wagonmaker, he cleared and developed his land, putting it in condition for cultivation. When he had a sufficient amount ready to plant he abandoned his trade and gave his full time to the care of his fields. As he prospered he kept adding to his original purchase until he now owns a half section of good farming property, located on section 27, Aliens Grove township, and in addition he owns one hundred acres of timber land. He has also given some of his land to his sons, for at one time he was the owner of six hundred acres. Mr. Grell

.ta:\]Ks rell made all of the improvements on his place, the family occupying a comfortable home, while the outbuildings and barns are all arranged with a view to convenience. For many years he was busily engaged in carrying on his work, but he is now practically living retired, merely giving supervision to his interests, while the actual labor is performed by others.

Mr. Grell was married in 1862, just before starting on his trip to the new world, the lady of his choice being Miss Margaret Bliimer, who was born near Kiel, Holstein, Germany, January 14, 1839. She was a daughter of David Blumer, who was born in Switzerland. The young couple reached their destination, Scott county, in June, 1862, and here reared a family numbering four sons and four daughters. Edward, the eldest, is at home. Julius is a resident of Hickory Grove township, Scott county, and is mentioned elsewhere in this, work. Gus is also mentioned in this volume. Dora is the wife of Charles Blanchard and they make their home in Oklahoma. Emma is the wife of Herman Thede, a resident of Hickory Grove township. Minnie is the wife of Claus Engelhart and they make their home with Mr. Grell. Mr. Engelhart served eight years in the regular army in Company E, Seventeenth United States Infantry. This service included the Spanish-American war in Cuba and thirteen months in the Philippines, where he acted as sergeant of his company. He participated in thirteen engagements during his eight years' service. Chris, the next member of the Grell family, resides in Aliens Grove township, and Jennie, the youngest, is the wife of John Hoffman, of Winfield township, Scott county. The wife and mother departed this life on the ist of May, 1889, when about fifty years of age.

Mr. Grell is a democrat in his political affiliations, and for a quarter of a century served as justice of the peace, his efficiency in office being indicated by his long term of service. For a similar period he also acted as trustee of his tOAvnship. He has always taken a deep interest in political affairs, and is willing to lend his aid and cooperation to everything that tends to advance the public welfare. Though born across the water, he is thoroughly American in thought and feeling, and is patriotic and sincere in his love for the stars and stripes. His career is identified with the history of Scott county, where he has acquired a competence and where he is an honored and respected citizen.

As printed in History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa : Illustrated (1910). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.