GROSSETTA, ANTHONY V. Ranch-Capitalist-Councilman

Tucson could boast of no more public spirited citizen than Anthony Vincent Grossetta who had lived in Tucson, Arizona since 1880 and had been foremost in many undertakings which had materially helped its growth as a tourist center, and as a place to live. In political and social circles, the world of commerce, the Grossetta family originated in Croatia. Some of that name crossed the Atlantic. Matthew, the grandfather of A. V. Grossetta was a former stock raiser of Dalmatia, Croatia, and Vincent, the father of the subject was born near Dubrovnik-Ragusa where he was a shoe merchant. The only son who came to America was A. V. Grossetta. Native of Dubrovnik, Croatia, born April 27, 1856, was trained in public school, he learned German, Croatian and the Italian languages. When he was 12 years old he shipped aboard a sailing vessel, and for six years cruised the high seas. He crossed the Atlantic and worked on both English and American Ships. In 1874 A. V. Grossetta came to America. He worked one year for the New York Central Railroad. He went to Montreal, Canada, and connected himself with the Italian consulate for two years. In 1877 he went to San Francisco, Los Angeles, and drifted to Tucson in 1880. He worked for a grocer, then started his own business in 1882. He had a small store near the railroad station which was carried on until 1893. He was interested in the Tucson Grocery Company and the Tucson Hardware Company. Grossetta was identified- with the Tucson Building and Loan Association. He built several homes there. He owned much local property and a well irrigated ranch 123 miles north of the city plus a thriving orchard. He built the Tucson Electrical Light Power Company. He was influential in organization of the Hall Association of the Ancient Order of the United Workmen. He belonged to the Masons, Tucson Lodge'No. 4 F. & A. M. Tucson, Shp. No. 3 R. A. M. Arizona Commandery No. 1 K.T. Also belonged to El Zaribah Temple, N. M. S. at Phoenix. Both he his wife were members of the Eastern Star. Grossetta was a leader in the Republican Party. He was a member of the County Central Committee, and was a delegate to the territorial party convention. In 1900 he was the Republican nominee for the legislature, but he was defeated. He was in the City Council, and represented the first ward. He was an influential member of the Board of Trade. He was approved by Governor Murphy a member of Board of Regents of the University of Arizona.

Biog record of Arizona

1880