My Genealogy Hound

Moses Grenia was born near Ontario, Canada, in 1820, and is the son of Joseph and Julia Grenia, both natives of Canada, and of French descent. After marriage they lived in the land of their nativity until about 1834, when they moved to St. Louis, and about six years later to Washington County, where they spent the remainder of their lives. The father was a farmer by occupation and a Democrat in his political views. Moses was one of eight children born to his parents, and his early education was extremely limited. At the age of fifteen he left home without the permission of his parents, went to New Orleans, got a position on a boat, and for three years followed the river. He then spent seven years in the Rocky Mountains for the American Fur Company, and during his stay there had many stirring adventures, and came very near losing his life several times by the Indians. In 1846 he was united in marriage to Miss Eliza A. Whaley, a native of Washington County, and three years later he drove an ox team from Caledonia, Mo., to Bidwell Bar, on Flat River, Cal. Having established a ranch he remained about three years and then returned. Since then farming has been his calling, although while the Iron Mountain was being tunneled though, he was engaged in merchandising at Irondale about two years. In 1874 he came to the farm where he now resides, which consists of 234 acres. The following eight children were born to Mr. Grenia and wife: John (deceased), Joseph, George, William, James, Robert, Julia and Mary. In 1881 Mr. Grenia lost his wife; she was a member of the Baptist Church. Although commencing with nothing, Mr. Grenia has been quite successful, and although not educated himself, he has seen the need of it, and has given his children good educations. His eldest son, John, was killed in Potosi, during Price’s raid. Mr. Grenia is a Republican in politics.