Henry Groat

Biography courteously provided by Joyce Riedinger, Delaware County Coordinator.

HENRY GROAT, a prominent merchant of Delhi, was born at Prattsville, Greene County, N.Y., February 15, 1869, a son of John and Catherine (Gilbert) Groat. His grandfather, John A. Groat, was a native of Dutchess County, and a prominent farmer. He afterward moved to Greene County, and purchased a farm there. His son John remained on the farm, assisting his father until 1861, when he enlisted in the Fifteenth New York Heavy Artillery, and served with distinction until the war was nearly over, being discharged on account of disability from wounds received in action. He resided for a time in Greene, county, but afterward moved to Gilboa, of which place he is still a resident. He married Miss Catherine Gilbert, daughter of William M. Gilbert, a prominent foundryman of Greene County; and two children were born to them-Henry and Charles.

Henry Groat, spent his early years in Gilboa, and received his education at the district schools of that village. For several winters he taught school, afterward coming to Delhi, where he entered the employ of Mr. J. K. Hood, remaining with him as clerk for three years. He then formed a partnership with Mr. John D. Ferguson, opening a large general store on Main Street, where he conducted a successful and increasing business until July 1, 1894, when he severed his connections with Mr. Ferguson, and erected a fine business block on Meredith Street, Delhi, N. Y., and opened a large grocery store soon after, with a complete new stock throughout of staple and fancy groceries and provisions, and now caters to the best trade of Delhi and vicinity.

Mr. Groat was united in marriage November 25, 1891, with Miss Alice L. Mann, daughter of O. C. Mann, formerly a jeweller in this town, but now employed in the custom house in New York. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Groat; namely, Katharine M. and Florence M. Mr. Groat is a prominent member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Lodge, No. 439, A. F. & A. M., and Delhi Chapter, No. 249. He is a Republican in politics, and in his religious views is an adherent of the Presbyterian faith, Mrs. Groat being a member of the Second Presbyterian Church. Mr. Groat is one of the youngest and most successful business men in Delhi, enjoying the highest reputation for honesty and integrity. He is possessed of much tact and judgment-a combination necessary to a successful merchant. He has also gained in a high degree the confidence and esteem of his associates.

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