Bio: Grinsel, James A. (1914)

Contact: crystal@wiclarkcountyhistory.org.

Surnames: Grinsel, McGuire, Bulger, Signer

----Source: History of Eau Claire County Wisconsin (1914) page 717

James A. Grinsel, the popular liveryman of Eau Claire, is a native born citizen, his birth having occurred July 16, 1869, and is the only son born to James S. and Jane (McGuire) Grinsel.

James S. Grinsel, father of James A., came to Eau Claire in 1857. He engaged in the lumber business on his own account, which he safely conducted for sixteen years. In the Fall of 1880, he opened a grocery store on First avenue, which he carried on for nine years; he then removed this place of business to Grand avenue and for five years did a thriving business. He married Jane McGuire, of Canada, and had one child, the subject of this sketch. After thirty years of business activity, he retired in 1884. He took a prominent part in all public matters; was public spirited and generous, and at his death which occurred September 16, 1902, was mourned by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. He, as well as his wife, whose death occurred November 16, 1900, were devoted members of St. Patrick's Church. He had one brother, John, also a resident of Eau Claire and who served as mayor of the city one term in 1886. He also served as alderman two terms and in 1900 moved to the state of Washington.

On January 1, 1901, James A. engaged in the livery business in partnership with J. M. Signer. At the end of five years, in 1906, Mr. Grinsel purchased his partner's interest, and since that time has conducted a first class up-to-date livery and boarding sales stable. He makes a special feature of funeral service, keeps open day and night and no better stable can be found anywhere than that conducted by Mr. Grinsel. He married Miss Nellie C. Bulger, daughter of James Bulger, of Eau Claire, and they have eight children, viz.: Helen, Gladys, Margaret, Arthur, Florence, Signer, John and Loraine. Mr. Grinsel is a member of St. Patrick's Church, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of Columbus.