From the "The Village of Harlem: Its People, Homes and Business – 50th
Anniversary Souvenir 1856 to 1906"
"Mr. Martin W Grosse, son of the well known Pastor Grosse, formerly pastor of the St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, was born in Harlem in 1875. His father for thirty-three years administered to the spiritual needs of not only the people of Harlem, but also of a large part of Western Cook County. Perhaps a majority of the native born inhabitants of the village were christened and received their early religious training either by him or under his direction. He was a man of keen intellect, a tireless worker, charitable, and will long be remembered as Harlem's famous preacher. he resigned his pastorate about a year ago on account of ill health, and now leads a retired life. Mr. Martin W. Grosse inherits the vigor, intellect and progressiveness of his father. He attended the German Parochial schools of the village. Desiring to engage in mercantile life, he entered the employ of Marshall Field & Co., in their wholesale department in 1889 as an errand boy and worked his way up to the position of salesman, then subdivision department manager and city solicitor, where he remained till 1902. While in his employ he attended at night Bryant & Stratton's Commercial School, studied one year at Soper School of Oratory, also studied under private tutor, Mr. Cole, under direction of Superintendent Edwin C. Cooley, and obtained certificate of high school qualifications. In 1899 he entered the evening law course of the Lake Forest University, graduating with the L. L. B. degree in 1902, and was immediately admitted to the bar. he is now enjoying a large practice, with offices at Suite 802, Hartford Building, Chicago. he entered politics in 1903 and was appointed by President Mohr in the same year as village attorney. Owing to his popularity and vigorous campaign he was elected president of the village in 1905. As Mr. Grosse is truly a Harlem production, and has risen to the highest office in the gift of its citizens, he is one of Harlem's young men and one of the strong timbers upon which the future prosperity and greatness of the village depend.
"Mr. Grosse was married in 1904 to Miss Ottily Mueller of Oak Park, Ill., a talented and most excellent young woman. Mr. and Mrs. Grosse stand high socially and are members of the St. John's Lutheran Church."