George W. Shadle, 1873-1943

SHADLE, PENCE, THORSON

Posted By: Emmet County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 3/11/2011 at 14:59:10

Commercial activity in Estherville finds a substantial, well known and highly respected representative in George W. Shadle, who is number among the native sons of the state. He was born in Pleasantville, Iowa, in 1873, a son of F.M. and Ann (Pence) Shadle, who are natives of Pennsylvania, but removed westward to Iowa, where since 1879 the father has been identified with mercantile pursuits. To him and his wife have been born seven sons: Owen, who is residing at Pleasantville; George W., Christian, Merlin, who is a widower; Lee, Elton, and Willard, deceased.

George W. Shadle, spending his youthful days under the parental roof, mastered the branches of learning taught in the public schools of Pleasantville, continuing his studies through successive grades until he became a high school pupil. He afterward worked for his father until he reached the age of twenty-five years and later spent three years in the drug business at Pleasantville. In 1901 he came to Estherville and has since been identified with the commercial interests of this city. His stock of good was destroyed by fire in 1914, but with characteristic energy he resumed business operations and is today one of the progressive and reliable merchants of the city, dealing in dry goods of all descriptions and Stylecraft garments. His store displays the latest output of the manufactures of the country and the progressive methods of the proprietor insure to him continued and growing success.

In 1906 Mr. Shadle was married to Miss Emma Thorson, a daughter of T.L. and Jennie Thorson, the former proprietor of the pioneer hardware store of Armstrong, Iowa. They have two children, Francis, born in 1907; and Virginia, in 1912. Theirs is an attractive home on Maple street and its hospitality is greatly enjoyed by their many friends. Fraternally Mr. Shadle is connected with the Elks and with the Knights of Pythias. His religious belief is that of the Presbyterian church, while his political support is given to the Republican party. He has never sought to figure prominently in any public light outside of business, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his commercial interests which, carefully, wisely, systematically and intelligently directed, have brought to him substantial success.

Source: History of Emmet County and Dickinson County Iowa: A Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and Achievement, The Pioneer Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1917.