From the "The Village of Harlem: Its People, Homes and Business – 50th
Anniversary Souvenir 1856 to 1906"
"One of the most promising young business men of the Village of Harlem is Mr. William F. Grosser, who was born in Kankakee, Illinois, in 1870. He came to Harlem with his parents in 1874, where his father was in blacksmithing business for many years. He received the rudiments of an education in the Harlem Public Schools and started his business career as a grocery clerk. Owing to his natural ability and steady habits he made rapid advancement in this position. For fifteen years he was employed in the auditing department of the Chicago & Alton R. R. Co., and from there he accepted a position with the Swift Packing Co. He was then asked to take a position with the Oak Park Trust and Savings Bank, which position he he for three years. In 1905 he was elected cashier of the Harlem State Savings Bank, which position he now holds. He is also at the present time, clerk of the Village of Harlem.
"Mr. Grosser was married, in 1895, to Miss Tina Fellman, a talented young lady, whose father was formerly a pastor of the German Baptist Church, of which Mr. Grosser is a member. They have three children, Walter, Leroy and Myrtle. Mr. Grosser is genial, courteous and obliging in his disposition. By strenuous efforts and the best use of his time and talent, he has acquired a good education, and can justly be called a self-made man. He firmly believes in the future of Harlem."