Читать книгу History of Westchester County, New York, Volume 3 - Группа авторов - Страница 68

Westchester county has been the home and scene of labor of many men who have not only led lives that should serve as an example to those who come after them but have also been of important service to their town and county through various avenues of usefulness. Among them must be named James A. Grenzebach, who died of heart failure September 2, 1892, after a life of industry, and one which was rich in those rare possessions which only a high character can give.

He was born in New York city, in 1837, and spent his boyhood in Pelham, Westchester county, receiving a good public-school and academic education. His father was a farmer and a worthy citizen of his community. Our subject began his business career as a clerk for Harper Brothers, of New York city, and in 1867 became a member of the firm of Maxfield & Company, dealers in and importers of fruit, doing business at the corner of Washington and Fulton streets. New York. That partnership was dissolved in 1876 and he came to New Rochelle, Westchester county, where the firm of Grenzebach & Carpenter was formed, our subject having purchased the interest of Charles Hoffmeister in the lumber and coal business. The firm soon won an enviable reputation and were wonderfully successful. The January before his death Mr. Grenzebach practically retired from the company, though he was still retained as a special partner, and the name was changed to Carpenter, Todd & Company.

He married Miss Annie E. Carpenter, a sister of his partner, Robert P. Carpenter, and they became the parents of four children, one son and three daughters, who yet survive him. All are unmarried with the exception of Mrs. Harry H. Todd.

Mr. Grenzebach was one of the first members of the Enterprise Hook and Ladder Company; also belonged to the Yacht Club and the Maennerchor; and was an honorary member of the Rowing Club. In politics he was an ardent Democrat, and he was often called upon to fill public positions of honor and trust, being trustee of the village in 1879, 1880, 1881, 1883, 1884, 1888 and 1889. He was also village treasurer in 1889 and again in 1892, being unanimously elected in the spring of the latter year. For fourteen consecutive years he was a member of the board of education, and spent much time and energy as a member of the committee on buildings and grounds. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to any good cause, or to sympathize with and aid those in distress. Although quick to resent an injury, he was always willing to forgive, and was deeply attached to his home and family. The large attendance at his funeral testified to the esteem in which he was held by the entire community, and his remains were laid to rest with honor in the Woodlawn cemetery. Generous and sympathetic, he made friends easily, and he justly deserved the high regard in which he was uniformly held.