Hon. William Groneweg, of the firm of Groneweg & Schoentgen, wholesale grocers, has been identified with the interests of Council Bluffs since 1861. He is a native of Germany, born in the Province of Hanover, July 24, 1838, a son of William H. and Caroline (Behning) Groneweg, natives of the same place. After leaving school Mr. Groneweg engaged in the mercantile business for five years in his native country as an apprentice.

In 1859 he emigrated to America, first locating in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was employed as clerk until he came to Council Bluffs in 1861, and engaged in the grocery business on Broadway, where he built up a lucrative patronage. He continued in the retail trade successfully until 1878, when he formed his present partnership.

He was elected as a member of the Board of Supervisors for January 1, 1869, serving two years. He was City Treasurer for two terms from 1872, and was nominated as Auditor on the Democratic ticket in 1876, but the State being about 10,000 Republican majority he was defeated. He was a member of the School Board for three years, and in the fall of 1886 was elected Mayor by a special election to fill the vacancy of John W. Chapman, which postion he resigned, to take effect January 1, 1888, which position he filled with honor to himself and credit to his constituents, and is the present incumbent.

Mr. Groneweg was married in 1864 to Miss Catherine Lewzinger, who came to this country when five years of age with her parents. They settled in Highland, Illinois, and came to Council Bluffs in 1869. Mr. and Mrs. Groneweg have seven children, namely: George, Katie, Hattie, Nattie, Herman, Richard and John.

Mr. Groneweg is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Council Bluffs Lodge, No. 71; and of the R. A. M., chapter No. 47. Politically he affiliates with the Democratic party, but previous to 1872 was a Republican.