The progenitors of Dr. William V. Grove originally settled near Reading, Pennsylvania. His family was from Germany, and probably were known there as Graff, the name becoming Grove in translation.
(I) John Grove is believed to have been a resident of Reading, Pennsylvania, for many years, dying at Williamsville, New York, in 1842. He was a hat manufacturer, making the olden style "beaver" hats. He was a Baptist in religion, and a Democrat. He married Betsey Carr. Children: David, Peter, John, Eliza, Ann, Lucy and Charles Carr.
(II) Charles Carr, son of John and Betsey (Carr) Grove, was born in Williamsville, Erie county, New York, September 28, 1828, in a house that stood on the site of the present SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. He was educated in the public schools, and grew to manhood in his home village: in fact, with the exception of a few years. Williamsville was his lifelong residence, and the place of his death, July 18, 1887. At the age of seventeen years he began teaching school in the Getzville district, where the brick schoolhouse now stands, continuing three years, 1845-48. In the latter year he went to the Island of Mackinac, where for six years he was engaged in the fish commission business, and in partnership with a Mr. Cautler operated a general store. His old partner is now of the firm of Cautler & Sons, bankers, of Detroit, Michigan. In the winter of 1853 he formed a partnership with his brother, Peter Grove, for the transaction of a quick lime business. They operated in Williamsville for several years, then located in Chicago, Illinois, where they built up a prosperous business. Peter managing the western interests and Charles C. the home business. They later sold their Chicago establishment to a brother-in-law, W. H. Hutchinson. About the year 1864 Charles C. formed a partnership with N. Uebelhoer, and bought large stone quarries at Bertie, Ontario, Canada. From these they furnished the rock for building a large portion of the International Bridge at Black Rock, and lime stone (used as flux) for the Union Iron Works at Buffalo, and Pratt's Iron Works at Tonawanda. After six years of successful business he sold his interest in the quarries to his partner. From 1870 to 1880 he was largely interested in quick lime manufacturing in Williamsville and Buffalo, operating with others as the Williamsville Quick Lime Company. In 1881-82 he was heavily engaged in oil production in the Bolivar and Richburg districts, with Joshua Smith, of Buffalo. About 1872 he erected the brick block at the corner of Main and Virginia streets, Buffalo, which he owned at the time of his death. In 1883 he built a brick roller flouring mill at Tonawanda, which he managed for a year with his son, Lafayette L. Grove, then sold. He was an energetic, capable man of business, prudently and successfully managing his various enterprises. He was held in high esteem by his business associates and by the public at large in his town and city. He was elected supervisor of the town of Amherst in 1859 and re-elected successively until 1864. He was chairman of the board in 1862 and in 1863 was unanimously rechosen chairman on the first ballot. His speech of acceptance on taking the chair was so well chosen that it was embodied in the minutes of the meeting of the board. On November 3, 1863, he was elected superintendent of the poor for Erie county, but never afterward accepted public office. He was a member of the Christian church (Disciples of Christ) and interested in all good works.
He married, January 5, 1853, Harriet N., daughter of Jonathan Driesbach, of Williamsville, and his wife, Susan (Hershey) Driesbach, of German parentage. Children: 1. William V. (of whom further). 2. Lafayette L., born in Williamsville, April 9, 1859. In 1892 he became interested in railroading, became manager and is now a director and vice-president of the Buffalo & Williamsville Electric Railroad. He married, August 6, 1886. Harriet A., daughter of Peter C. Frederick ; children: Bettie Mildred, Charles Carr (deceased), and Nelson. 3. Edward Brown.
(Ill) Dr. William V. Grove, eldest son of Charles Carr and Harriet N. (Driesbach) Grove, was born at Williamsville, New York, August 1, 1855. His early education was obtained in the common and high schools, following which he entered Michigan University, graduating in 1878 with the degree of Civil Engineer. He prepared for the profession of dentistry at Ohio College of Dental Surgery, being graduated D.D.S. in 1881. He opened an office at Williamsville where he practiced in 1881-82, and in Chicago from 1882 to 1885. In 1885 he established a practice in Buffalo, where he is now located. He acted as Demonstrator of Prosthetic Dentistry in the Chicago College of Dental Surgery, 1883-85, and served in the same capacity in the dental department of the University of Buffalo, 1895-96. He is a member of the Buffalo Dental Association, of the Eighth District Dental Society of New York State. He is a member of the Buffalo Automobile Club, and a Democrat in politics.
He married. June 25, 1885, at Buffalo, Clara Woodbury Thorndike, born in Boston, Massachusetts, daughter of Eckford A. Thorndike, born October 13, 1828: married Amanda Woodbury. Children of Dr. William V. and Clara W. Grove: Amy Walker, born 1886, died July 14, 1894; Margaret Thorndike, graduate of Buffalo high school; William Lowell, born September 1. 1891, now located in California.
Source: Cutter, William A. Genealogical and Family History of Western New York. A Record of the Achievements of Her People in the Making of a Commonwealth and the Building of a Nation, vol. II. New York: Lewis Historical Publishing Company, 1912, pp. 538-539.
Contributed by: Nancy.