Probably no citizen of Benton county, Minnesota. is more widely known for his active public spirit and thorough business principles than the gentleman whose name stands at the head of this article. He is the present mayor of the town of Foley and is a man of energetic character and excellent business ability. He enjoys the confidence and esteem of his fellowmen to a marked degree and is deservedly one of the men of his township who is always trusted in business transactions. He is engaged in the banking business in Foley and also has other financial interests.

Mr. Grady was born in Monticello, New York, February 21, 1852. His parents, Andrew and Catherine (Foley) Grady, were natives of Ireland. He came to Minnesota with his parents in 1857 and was reared in Sibley county and there attended the common schools. He went to Fairfax, Renville county, Minnesota, in 1882 and engaged in the mercantile business there until 1887, when he removed to Mankato, Blue Earth county, and engaged in the same business. He continued there until 1891 when he returned to Fairfax and established the State Bank of Fairfax. He established the first store and the first bank and was the first settler of the village, and erected the first building in the town. From Fairfax he removed to Foley and established a bank and erected a bank building. He also handles fire insurance, and is engaged in buying and selling real estate, both farm and village property. His residence, valued at $4,000, is situated in Foley.

Mr. Grady was married in 1884 to Julia Jefferson, who was born in Mankato, Minnesota, May 10, 1864. Mr. and Mrs. Grady are the parents of eight children, who are named as follows: Leo Thomas, Mark F., Lawrence H., Florence C., Neil Walter, Julia Mary, Laura Georgiana, and Henry W. Aside from being mayor of Foley Mr. Grady is treasurer of school district 45 of Benton county, and he takes a hearty interest in the welfare of the people among whom he resides. He is a director of the Roman Catholic church at Foley.

Compendium of History and Biography of Central and Northern Minnesota (1904) pp. 635-6