Samuel G. McGruder, member of the firm McGruder, McAdams & Co., manufactures of wagons and buggies and proprietors of a general repair shop in Bentonville, Ark., is a native of Wheeling, W.V. He was born the son of John W. and Margaret (Porter) McGruder. At the age of 15 he learned the wagon making trade, and worked at it until the Civil War. In 1862 he enlisted in the United States service, Company f, Fifteen West Virginia Volunteer Infantry, and served three years. He was in the battles of Hatches Run, Petersburg and Appomattox Court House. He was at Appomattox Court House when Gen. Lee surrendered and within a few feet during the ceremony. After the war he went to several different states at first farming, then return to the wagon making trade. In 1879 he became a citizen of Bentonville, and resumed work at his trade, William Haynes was his partner. After three years William Haynes sold to Alexander Smith, and one year later sold it to John C. McAdams. In 1887 Mr. G. W. Garrett became partner, and since then the firm has been McGruder, McAdams & Co. The manufacture wagons and buggies, spring wagons, and do general repairs. They were good workmen and their work was warranted to give satisfaction. In 1868 Mr. McGruder married Miss Amanda Hogan who was born in Adams County, Ill. The McGruder’s had eleven children during their life. Mr. McGruder was a Republican in his political views, casting the first vote for Lincoln in 1864. Mrs. McGruder is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church.  

​Goodspeed – History of Benton County  1889