George A. Hormel

George Albert Hormel (December 4, 1860 – June 5, 1946) was an American entrepreneur. In 1891, he founded Hormel Foods Corporation (then known as George A. Hormel & Co.). Hormel's ownership stake in the company made him one of the wealthiest Americans during his lifetime.

Early life Hormel was born in Buffalo, New York, in 1860 to German immigrant John George Hormel, a leather tanner, and Susannah "Susan" Hormel (née Decker), and later settled in Austin, Minnesota. At the age of twelve, he began working in a Chicago packinghouse. Hormel married Lilian Belle Gleason in 1892.

Hormel Foods Corporation He established his meat packing company in 1891 and established a food company that continues to thrive today.

He remained head of the company until 1929, when he passed it to his son Jay Catherwood Hormel.

Death and legacy He died on June 5, 1946, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 85. He is buried at Oakwood Cemetery in Austin, Minnesota.

His great-grandson Smokey Hormel is a noted guitarist.