The Cereal Tycoon: Henry Parsons Crowell, Founder of the Quaker Oats Company

by Joe Musser

This is the biography of a statesman in "big business" and Christianity, the founder of Quaker Oats who impressed his peers not so much by the fortune he amassed as by his work ethic, character, and charity.

Genres: Biography, Business, Nonfiction, History

160 pages, Paperback

First published September 28, 1997

Reviews

[Ebookwormy1]

This would be a great book for a business graduate, or anyone interested in business. It tells the story of Henry Parsons Crowell, a man who was gifted with a great capacity for producing wealth and sought to use that wealth and influence to change lives. The book details his Christian faith, business development and innovations, as well as his philanthropic pursuits. Living in the Chicagoland area, and an attendee of Moody Bible Institute (one of Crowell's beneficiaries) I was inspired by how the life of a man who died in 1943 was still having influence on my experience. Praise God!

I thought this summary of Crowell's life that I found on the web was a good one:
"One of the wealthiest men of Chicago when he died in 1943, Quaker Oats founder Henry Parsons Crowell gave away nearly 70 percent of earnings for more than 40 years. But Crowell viewed all things as a stewardship from God, including influence. Over the years, one businessman after another would comment on how he came to know Christ personally because of the life of integrity lived by Henry Parsons Crowell."

I noticed that Henry Parsons Crowell doesn't have an entry in wikipedia, and his trust, though still committed to his ideals, fails to give a biography of his life. I sincerely hope the legacy and testimony of this great man of God is not lost to future generations.

[Pete]

Many miss that "the man who invented breakfast" originated consumer marketing in a way entirely different from what it has become today.

"Harry made the business a part of his daily prayers." - p. 88

Advertising to the consumer was considered a crazy idea (after all, it was the retailer who bought from the manufacturer.) Even more, "no one knew what might happen if someone tried to sell a legitimate product with honest claims." (p. 103)

Rather than generate demand for superfluous products, Crowell wanted to inform people of the true value of his product. Nothing more, nothing less.

God-given inspiration led him to many innovations widely used today. (See p. 104... I won't give away the list :) )

[Simon L]

I read this book a decade ago or so and it really stuck with me. Harry Parsons was a master marketer before marketing was a thing.

He was also a man of faith (as am I) who tithed upwards of 90% of his income, and was still wealthy.

My wife read it and thought it was a child's book. Maybe it is. While it is not the most well written book, I recommend it for anyone of faith who is also in business, especially for children.

[Cristal Clark]

This story is told through such rose colored glasses as to lack authenticity, believability, and relatability.

I’m sure Henry Crowell lived a very Christian life and made gobs of money even during bad economic times. However, the author paints him as a man completely unbothered by genuine hardship such as the loss of his father early in life, loss of ambitions to attend school due to poor health, and other tragedies. This treatment paints a sugary, artificial picture of how faith gets a person through hard times.

Also, the author makes it appear as though Crowell abandoned his daughter with the grandmother after his first wife died. No mention is made of Annie after Crowell sends her away. Also, both of Crowell’s younger brothers died of the same illness he battled yet that is never mentioned or what impact it may have had on Crowell. This makes Crowell appear like a total hypocrite and weakens the impact of his extensive investment in religious causes. I don’t care what ministries he supports if he abandons his child and cares not for the deaths of his siblings.

The author writes often of Crowell’s illness which is labeled as consumption / tuberculosis. However, the author’s characterization of this illness bears little resemblance to how a bacterial infection behaves. He describes it as a hereditary disease that is treated with vigorous outdoor living. I think this was a conjured storytelling tool to place Crowell out west for successful business ventures. It makes me wonder if the author invented these details to make the story sound better and more spiritual.

This book gives the impression that God will make someone rich without much effort as long as you are committed to God. This smacks of prosperity gospel and makes it very hard for the average reader to relate to a man who always had wealth and never had to work hard for it even in bad economic circumstances.

Lastly, the heavy emphasis on Crowell’s involvement with Moody Bible Institute is ironic in light of its scandals in recent years.

I don’t know that I have an accurate understanding of Henry Crowell or his life after having read this book. I feel like I’ve read a fictional story that’s sold as true to make me view religion in a particular way.

[Rachel W]

Henry Crowell was born into a wealthy family and left an inheritance. He himself had several obstacles to overcome. Early on he committed his time, talent and treasure to the Lord. He was very wise and earnest businessman that many people looked to for help. God used Henry during economic crisis. His businesses thrived. D.L. Moody influenced him early on and after Moody passed away he helped the business side of Moody Institute in many ways. As a Christian He was always sure to share the gospel of Jesus Christ!!

[Steve Croft]

Henry Parsons is the model for a businessman to form a genuine partnership with God. What an amazing man. A genius with business, never letting his morals be twisted, blessed extravagantly, and generous beyond belief. There are some great business lessons here, but mostly, this book is a lesson on how to be a Godly businessman, with the utmost humility.

We must learn from people like Henry and not let their stories be lost to the past.

[Kenny]

Tremendous biography about what is possible when someone dedicates their life's work to Jesus. Powerful!

[Matthew Crandall]

It’s an easy and interesting read about a man few know the name of. His life was interesting; he was blessed and even now his most obvious work is probably in your pantry!

[Yadwinder]

This book is best for the youngsters and the people, who are interested to go in business field. It tells, how God helped Henry Parsons Crowell in his whole life to make big wealth, which later used for the glory of Lord. He donated more than 70% of his earnings to encourage and promoting the spread of Christianity. Crowell viewed all things as a stewardship from God.

By reading this book, we can know what things are must in life of a person to become a successful businessman

[Mark Holencik]

An inspiring story of how he had the faith to follow what he knew was the right direction to take. I like what he did when his doctor told him he needed rest or he would die. Today most people would not do the things he did at there most active time of their lives.

[Justin]

This is simple biography on a special man. Left the reader wanting to know more personal information about Mr. Crowell and his decision making processes.