SHEBOYGAN HISTORY

John D. Grove, Page 287

JOHN D. GROVE, a well-known early settler of Plymouth Township, is a native of Chittenango, Madison County, N. Y., born October 18, 1823.  His parents, John and Maria (Dockstader) Grove, were born on the Mohawk, where their grandparents settled on emigrating from Germany.  About 1810, the father and mother removed to Madison County, where they were married, and where he followed farming, and also ran on the canal.  In 1851, with his wife and children, Mr. Grove arrived in Sheboygan County, settling in the woods in the town of Plymouth, where both he and wife spent their last days.  he was born April 7, 1801, and died November 2, 1861; his wife's birth occurred February 2, 1806, and her death took place September 14, 1856.  In early life Mr. Grove was a strong Whig, and later became identified with the Republican party, always taking a lively interest in political affairs.

    The family of this worthy couple consisted of six children, of whom three are living, namely:  John D., of this sketch; Mrs. Catherine Nutt, also a resident of the town of Plymouth; and Mrs. Margaret Siver, who lives at Russell, Lake County, Ill.

    John D. Grove received his education in the common schools, and at the age of seventeen hired out to work on a farm for eight months at $9 per month, and out of this small salary he saved more than young men do now who get twice that amount.  In 1852, he joined his parents in this county, and began to improve one hundred and sixty acres of land which he and his brother Benjamin had purchased through their father the year before.  It was all in wood, but they were strong and willing to work, and year by year their cleared land increased  until they had a good farm.  Subsequently they added to the original tract, making two farms of one hundred acres each.  The brothers continued to do business together until 1863, when Benjamin died and the land was divided.  Mr. Grove of this sketch still owns his one hundred acres, of which about seventy are cleared.  On this he has erected a good house, barn and other necessary buildings.

    Mr. Grove was married to the lady who presides over his pleasant home January 15, 1860, in Plymouth Township.  Mrs. Grove bore the maiden name of Jane Taylor, and was born in Oswego County, N. Y., August 18, 1835, being a daughter of Morgan L. and Betsy (Grove) Tyler, who emigrated to Michigan in 1837, and there spent the rest of their lives.  Mrs. Grove's grandparents emigrated from Vermont to Oswego County among the very early settlers.  In 1857, Mrs. Grove became a resident of Sheboygan County, where she has lived continuously since, and here she and her husband began their domestic life.  The family circle has been increased by the addition of four children:  Lewis A., who died in the sixth year of his age; Frank B., Ina May and George M., who are at home.

    In early life Mr. Grove was an ardent admirer of Henry Clay, and for that noted statesman cast his first Presidential vote.  Since the rise of the Republican party he has warmly advocated its principles, though he has never been a aspirant for places of public trust.  For forty-one years he has lived on the same farm, and with the growth, advancement and best interests of the community he has ever been identified.