His active work as a man was commenced at Athens, Ohio, where he taught school, became a lawyer, and later entered the political field. In July, 1861, he enlisted in the Union army serving until November, 1865, rising from the rank of major to that of brevet brigadier-general. Upon leaving military service he resumed the practice of law. His business rapidly increased and remains large and important. After holding various local offices he became a member of the Ohio General Assembly and was speaker of the house, 1873-77. He was elected to congress in 1884, and with the exception of one term he has served in the house of representatives continuously since that date.
Mr. Grosvenor received the degree of LL.D. from the Ohio State university. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, of the Masonic Blue Lodge, the Royal Arch Council and the Knights Templar, and of the Sons of the American Revolution. In early life his political preferences were for the Democratic party; but before he was old enough to vote, his opinions changed; and drawn to them by their position on the slavery question, in 1854 he joined the forces that were afterward organized as the Republican party with which he has since been prominently identified. His religious sympathies are with the Methodist Episcopal church. While an admirer of athletics and of various out-of-door sports when indulged in by others, he does not care to take an active part in athletics himself.
The choice of a profession and the line of work he has followed during his active life, were determined by circumstances. Home influences were not particularly strong in developing his ambition, and his school privileges were too meager to be of much assistance in his battle for success. Contact with men in active life he says has done much for his advancement.
To the young people who seek his counsel he says that hard work, thorough study, a generous appreciation of the good qualities of others, and a moderate opinion of one's own abilities will be efficient aids in the attainment of success.
