Biography of Alva F. Grogg, pages 762/763.  History of DeKalb County, 
Indiana; B. F. Bowen & Company, Inc., Indianapolis, 1914.



Alva F. Grogg



	One of the best known and most enterprising of the young 
agriculturists of DeKalb county, Indiana, is Alva F.  Grogg, now in the 
very prime of life an usefulness, and his influence as an honorable, 
upright citizen is productive of much good upon all with whom he comes 
in contact.  His past success give assurance of something yet to come, 
and he is evidently destined to continue a potent factor for 
substantial good for many years to come.

	Alva F. Grogg is a native son of the old Hoosier state and of the 
county in which he now resides, his birth having occurred on his 
father’s old homestead, on July 3, 1882.  His parents were Peter H. and 
Mary J. (Baker) Grogg, the former a native of DeKalb county, Indiana 
and the latter of Stark county, Ohio. The Grogg family is numbered 
among the earliest settlers in DeKalb county and bore their part in the 
great task which presented itself in the settlement, clearing and 
opening up of new country to civilization.   To Peter and Mary J. Grogg 
were born ten children, namely: Oscar, of Keyser township, this county; 
Wilson, of Keyser township; Marion and Lettie are deceased; Alva F., 
the subject of this sketch, is next in order of birth; Mrs. Dora 
Draper, of Richland township, this county; Elmer, who operates a farm 
in Union township, this county; Mrs. Lottie Close, of Grant township; 
Gladys and Mabel remain at home with their parents.

	Alva F. Grogg was reared under the parental roof and secured a 
good, practical education in the common schools.  Reared to the life of 
a farmer, he early showed his wisdom in maintaining his connection with 
that basic industry and has been for many years numbered among the 
substantial and successful farmers of the county.  His ability and high 
character were recognized when, in June, 1912, Mr. Grogg was appointed 
superintendent of the county farm, assuming the duties of his office on 
the 1st of September following.  He has under his direction three 
hundred and twenty acres of land, in the handling of which he has shown 
good judgement and wise discrimination, managing the property to the 
entire satisfaction of the county officials, to whom he is responsible.

	On April 29, 1905, Alva F. Grogg was united in marriage with Ada 
R. Smurr, the daughter of William and Sarah (Morr) Smurr, both of whom 
were natives of DeKalb county.  To Mr. and Mrs. Grogg were born two 
children, Edward W. and Edgar P., twins, whose birth occurred on March 
14, 1909.  Politically, Mr. Grogg gives his support to the Republican 
party, though he has been too busy a man to have entertained any 
aspirations for office holding, his present position having come to him 
practically unsought at the earnest solicitation of those who felt that 
he was the right man for the place.  He is not only a progressive 
farmer, but is considered as ranking among the most enterprising of his 
contemporaries, interested in all that benefits the community and alive 
to the welfare of his fellowmen.  He has lived an honorable, upright 
life and enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who know him.  He and 
his wife are members of the Lutheran church.



Submitted by:

Arlene Goodwin

Auburn, Indiana

Agoodwin@ctlnet.com