William E. Grove, judge of the circuit court, Grand Rapids, was born near Geneva, N. Y., November 27, 1833. He is descended from Pennsylvania families, who were among the very early settlers of that state. His ancestors were plain, honest and unpretentious people.

His early life was passed quietly on the farm, brightened with aspirations of attaining something better in the future. He was animated by a desire to gain the largest possible

education, and persisted in accomplishing his desire. He was an omnivorous reader, appropriating the contents of all the books he could secure, and during boyhood attended the winter schools in the county. From sixteen to twenty-one his attendance at school during half of each year was rendered possible by teaching a part of the time. Upon reaching his majority he began a course of study at Swift’s academy and the union high school at Geneva, N. Y., which was a preparation for college. Afterwards he entered Hobart college, Geneva, from which he was graduated. While there he became a member of the college Greek fraternity, Alpha Delta Phi.

Having completed his literary education, he came to Michigan and located in Grand Rapids, April 1, 1857. He became a student of law in the office of J. T. Holmes, who was afterwards judge of the superior court, and was admitted to the bar in March, 1859. He engaged in practice without delay, and in 1860 was elected justice of the peace. In 1867 he removed to Kansas and located at Neosho Falls, where he was elected prosecuting attorney for Woodson county. During the same period he held the office of city attorney of Neosho Falls. After a residence of five years in Kansas he returned to Grand Rapids in March, 1872, and resumed practice. For sixteen years thereafter he remained at the bar and controlled a fair practice, which was general in character. His partnerships were with George W. Thompson, two years, J. M. Harris, four years, and J. S. Lawrence, two years. He was industrious, plucky and persistent, giving to every branch of his practice close personal attention and careful supervision. His good judgment, indomitable energy, perseverance in investigation and honesty of purpose, made him a safe counselor. His fluency and ability to express his convictions in terse language made him a strong advocate. His even of temper under all circumstances, his clearness of perception and unbiased mind qualified him admirably for service on the bench.

In August, 1888, he was appointed judge of the Seventeenth judicial circuit, to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of Judge Montgomery, and in the November following was elected to serve the remainder of the term. In 1893, he was again nominated by the republican party and elected for a full term, which expired December 31, 1899, but declined candidacy for re-election and resumed practice in 1900. The last election was won without a contest, as he was the choice of all parties. Having first been nominated by the republican convention, he afterwards received the endorsements of the democratic and populist conventions.

Judge Grave’s record on the bench has furnished additional proof of his fitness for such service. His decisions, carefully considered, have generally been sustained by the consensus of intelligent opinion in the bar and by the decisions of the supreme court. He is a gentleman of urbane disposition and engaging manners, and one who has fairly earned the universal esteem of his fellow citizens. He was married, in 1884, to Miss Jennie Caswell, of Grand Rapids.