GEORGE GROGMAN.

The history of mankind is replete with illustrations of the fact that it is only under the pressure of adversity and the stimulus of opposition that the best and strongest in men is brought out and developed. Per-

haps the history of no people so forcibly impresses one with this truth as the annals of our own republic. If anything can inspire the youth of our country to persistent, honest and laudable endeavor it should be the life record of such men as he of whom we write. Thrown upon his own resources at the early age of twelve years he has since depended entirely upon his individual labor for whatever he has had or enjoyed in life, and now in return for his diligence and enterprise he is enjoying not only the material reward but also the esteem and confidence of those among whom he has lived and worked. As proprietor of a hardware establishwent in Piqua and as postmaster of the town, he is well known to the citizens of Woodson counly.

Mr. Grogman was born in Baden, Germany, on the 14th of November, 1850, and is a son of Henry Grogman, who in 1852, started with his family for the United States. On the Atlantic the wife and mother died, leaving five children, three of whom are yet living—Henry, who is married and lives in Piqua; John W. and George, also of the same place. Landing at New York the father and his children continued their journey across the country until they arrived in Clinton county, Illinois, where Mr. Grogman died a few years later.

In Clinton county, Illinois and in St. Louis, Missouri, the subject of this review spent the days of his boyhood and youth. Having no one to assist him his advantages were necessarily limited, but he was ambitious to learn and while clerking in stores in St. Louis through the day, he devoted his evenings to study in night schools. For thirteen years he held the position of foreman of the registry division in the St. Louis postoffice and then resigned on account of ill health. He thus had in charge one of the most important divisions of the postal service, and his long continuation in the position proves conclusively his fidelity to duty and his extreme faithfulness.

In 1888 Mr. Grogman came to Piqua, Kansas, and purchased of John J. Harrison a hardware and implement business, which he has since conducted. He also buys grains and seeds and both branches of the enterprise are proving profitable. His business methods are such as to increase his patronage and his trade has steadily grown. Difficulties and obstacles in his path have seemed but to serve as an impetus for renewed effort and his determined, resolute will has stood him instead of capital.

In St. Louis, Missouri, on the 17th. of November, 1874, Mr. Grogman was united in marriage to Miss Carie Spoeri, and unto them have been born eight children: Helen, the wife of Joseph Spiegelhalter, of St. Louis; William E., of Humboldt, Kansas; Frank; Julia, who is living in St. Louis; Dora; Lulu; Ollie and Florence. The family have a wide acquaintance in Piqua and the members of the household occupy an enviable position in social circles. In his political views Mr. Grogman has always been a stalwart Republican, attends county conventions and is active in the work of the party. For the past ten years he has continuously served

as postmaster of Piqua, his experience in St. Louis well qualifying him for the position which he is now so acceptably filling. Trustworthy in public office and reliable in business he enjoys public confidnce[sic] in a high degree and the warm personal regard of many friends.

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