Elias Schewel was a deeply religious man, but also a practical one.

When he first came to Lynchburg he had no intention of going into the furniture business.  He came to be a rabbi, to teach the young, hold services and kill animals in the kosher manner.

Unfortunately Lynchburg's tiny Jewish community could not muster the resources to support a rabbi, so to sustain himself, Elias Schewel was force to peddle small items from a horse-drawn cart.

He started out with cane-bottom chairs and picture frames and just kept prospering. He is remembered by his grandson as somber, bearded and an impeccable dresser.  He always wore three piece suites with a vest.

A native of Riga, Russia, Elias Schewel adapted well to America.  He had an accent, nonetheless he was an educated man. 

In 1897, Elias Schewel moved his business into a building at 12th and Main. Originally, he had called it "The Chicago Furniture Bargain House" - another indication of his business savvy.

In those days, Chicago was the furniture capital of America.  After moving to Main Street, however, Elias Schewel gave his own name to the firm and coined the slogan "Let Schewels Feather Your Nest."

The company now has about 35 Virginia locations, including Lynchburg, and other surrounding areas, as well as stores in North Carolina and West Virginia.