GROTE, FRED A. -- An enterprising and liberal-minded young man who, by his own unfailing energy and close application to the duties of the day, has risen to a prominent place in the business circles of his native city, is Fred A. Grote, who was born at Orange on March 22, 1886. His parents were Henry and Wilhelmina Grote, the well-known pioneers, and in the order of birth he was the fourth of six children.
He was sent to the local schools for his early education, and in Santa Ana he continued his studies at the Orange Business College. When his student days were over, he entered the store of the Ehlen and Grote Company, of which his father was a large owner, and beginning at the bottom, advanced through various departments until he became assistant manager. Since then he has become one of the largest stockholders, and as a controlling factor, is director and secretary of the company. He belongs to the Commercial Club and also to the Merchants and Manufacturers Association of Orange, in which organizations his counsel is often sought, and in unorganized channels he makes his influence felt in an encouraging, helpful way.
Mr. Grote is also interested in citrus culture, and owns a ranch of twenty acres east of Orange, which he has set out and improved with Valencia oranges and lemons. He is a member of the Santiago Orange Growers Association and the Central Lemon Association at Villa Park, and loses no opportunity to advocate the introduction of the most approved, up-to-date methods and appliances.
While at St. Louis, MO., Mr. Grote was married to Miss Mathilde Schuessler, a native of that city and a graduate of Strassberger's Conservatory of Music at St. Louis; and their union has been blessed with the birth of one child, a daughter, Elinor. Mr. Grote is a member of St. John's Lutheran Church.
A Republican in matters of national political import, and a most loyal American citizen, always solicitous for a high standard of civic honor, Mr. Grote knows no political partisanship when it comes to boosting Orange, town and county, nor does he allow party preferences to stand in the way of endorsing the best men and measures. In this respect, he sets the best example for civic reform and growth.
