Wayne County Michigan

BIOGRAPHIES

IRA L. GRINNELL

- Manufacturer of pianos and general music dealer; born, Niagara Co., N.Y., Mar. 1, 1848; son of Ira and Betsy (Balcom) Grinnell; educated at academy, Albion, N.Y. and at Manchester, Mich.; married, 1st, Ann Arbor, Mich., Ellen Park (now deceased); 2nd, Detroit, Sept., 1892, Miss Emily Lightfoot. Engaged in sewing machine business at Ann Arbor and Detroit, 1866-82; entered music business with his brother, Clayton A. Grinnell, 1882, and has since been senior partner of the firm of Grinnell Bros., manufacturers, music dealers and jobbers of talking machines, with piano factory and headquarters in Detroit and branches in the principal cities of Michigan. Member Detroit Board of Commerce, Municipal League. Republican. Member O.E.S. Office: 243-247 Woodward Av. Residence: 61 Peterboro St.

The Book of Detroiters by Albert Nelson Marquis 1908

CLAYTON A. GRINNELL

Piano manufacturer and general music dealer; born near Albion, N.Y., Dec. 2, 1859; son of Ira and Betsy A. (Balcome) Grinnell; educated in district schools of Orleans Co., N.Y., and at University of Michigan, graduating, 1879; married at Detroit, May 21, 1904, Miss Myrta Gay. Began in music business at Ann Arbor, Mich., with brother, Ira L., under title of Grinnell Bros., 1880; firm located in Detroit, 1882, and began manufacture of pianos, 1901; firm now has 16 stores in operation in United States and Canada. Member National Association of Piano Dealers of America (first vice president, elected June, 1907), Detroit Board of Commerce. Republican as to politics. Methodist in church affiliation. Member Masonic order, K.O.T.M., Loyal Guards. Recreations: Hunting, fishing and travel. Office: 241-243 Woodward Av. Residence: 1695 Woodward Av.

The Book of Detroiters by Albert Nelson Marquis 1908