Henry Parsons Crowell
Encyclopedia
Henry Parsons Crowell was an American businessman, founder of the Quaker Oats Company
and a philanthropist
.
At the end of the 19th century, steam engines, telegraph and telephone systems, electricity and typewriters were part of the explosion of technology in America.
he helped change the eating habits of Americans, and in the process helped to create entirely new methods of marketing and merchandising that are still revolutionary, even by today's standards.
One of the wealthiest men of Chicago
when he died in 1943, Henry Parsons Crowell, gave away nearly 70 percent of his earnings for more than 40 years. Born into a wealthy family in 1855 and endowed with a large inheritance after the death of his father, Crowell had the opportunity to live well and do little. He chose to work hard, never compromising, even when doing so would bring him more prosperity. His shrewd business sense and marketing genius brought him to the highest levels in business as the founder of the Quaker Oats Company
and other major enterprises. Crowell viewed all things as a stewardship from God.
Businessmen over the years came to know Jesus Christ personally because of the influence of Henry Parsons Crowell. In whatever he did, Crowell sought to honor God whether it was through business or his 40 years as chairman of the Board of Moody Bible Institute
. The Henry Parsons Crowell and Susan Coleman Crowell Trust carefully states that the purpose of the Trust is to fund the teaching and active extension of the doctrines of evangelical Christianity.
Today, more than 75 years later, that directive still guides the Trustees as they disperse funds from the Trust to organizations whose missions are in line with Mr. Crowell’s vision. His vision and mission have blessed hundreds of ministries every year all around the world.
and the stewardship of his time and money that hold such interest and value for today's people and Christians alike. The Moody Bible Institute
named a 12-story building after him, Crowell Hall. He was regarded as one of the most respected Christian
business man in early 20th century in the US.
Quaker Oats Company
The Quaker Oats Company is an American food conglomerate based in Chicago. It has been owned by Pepsico since 2001.-History:Quaker Oats was founded in 1901 by the merger of four oat mills:...
and a philanthropist
Philanthropist
A philanthropist is someone who engages in philanthropy; that is, someone who donates his or her time, money, and/or reputation to charitable causes...
.
At the end of the 19th century, steam engines, telegraph and telephone systems, electricity and typewriters were part of the explosion of technology in America.
Character
Henry Parsons Crowell knew how to listen, persevere and address the challenges these new inventions were creating, and mediate the conflicts between those who wanted to keep the traditions of the old century and those who pushed for the ways of the future. A book was dedicated to him written by Joe Musser, called Cereal Tycoon.Accomplishments
Henry Parsons Crowell had a dramatic impact on the lives of millions of people. As the founder of the Quaker Oats CompanyQuaker Oats Company
The Quaker Oats Company is an American food conglomerate based in Chicago. It has been owned by Pepsico since 2001.-History:Quaker Oats was founded in 1901 by the merger of four oat mills:...
he helped change the eating habits of Americans, and in the process helped to create entirely new methods of marketing and merchandising that are still revolutionary, even by today's standards.
One of the wealthiest men of Chicago
Chicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
when he died in 1943, Henry Parsons Crowell, gave away nearly 70 percent of his earnings for more than 40 years. Born into a wealthy family in 1855 and endowed with a large inheritance after the death of his father, Crowell had the opportunity to live well and do little. He chose to work hard, never compromising, even when doing so would bring him more prosperity. His shrewd business sense and marketing genius brought him to the highest levels in business as the founder of the Quaker Oats Company
Quaker Oats Company
The Quaker Oats Company is an American food conglomerate based in Chicago. It has been owned by Pepsico since 2001.-History:Quaker Oats was founded in 1901 by the merger of four oat mills:...
and other major enterprises. Crowell viewed all things as a stewardship from God.
Businessmen over the years came to know Jesus Christ personally because of the influence of Henry Parsons Crowell. In whatever he did, Crowell sought to honor God whether it was through business or his 40 years as chairman of the Board of Moody Bible Institute
Moody Bible Institute
Moody Bible Institute is a Christian institution of higher education and related ministries that was founded by evangelist and businessman Dwight Lyman Moody in 1886. Since its founding, MBI's main campus has been located in the Near North Side of Chicago. MBI's primary ministries are education,...
. The Henry Parsons Crowell and Susan Coleman Crowell Trust carefully states that the purpose of the Trust is to fund the teaching and active extension of the doctrines of evangelical Christianity.
Today, more than 75 years later, that directive still guides the Trustees as they disperse funds from the Trust to organizations whose missions are in line with Mr. Crowell’s vision. His vision and mission have blessed hundreds of ministries every year all around the world.
Legacies and contributions
Henry Crowell became enormously wealthy in several other businesses. But it is what he did with his wealth, donated over 70 percent of his wealth to Crowell TrustCrowell Trust
The Crowell Trust is a charitable foundation in the United States which states that it "is dedicated to the teaching and active extension of the doctrines of Evangelical Christianity"...
and the stewardship of his time and money that hold such interest and value for today's people and Christians alike. The Moody Bible Institute
Moody Bible Institute
Moody Bible Institute is a Christian institution of higher education and related ministries that was founded by evangelist and businessman Dwight Lyman Moody in 1886. Since its founding, MBI's main campus has been located in the Near North Side of Chicago. MBI's primary ministries are education,...
named a 12-story building after him, Crowell Hall. He was regarded as one of the most respected Christian
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
business man in early 20th century in the US.