Joseph Peter Grace, Sr.

Joseph Peter Grace Sr. (June 9, 1872 – July 15, 1950) was an American businessman, polo player, and owner of Thoroughbred horses in the sport of steeplechase racing. He was the president of W.R. Grace and Company from 1907-1946. Early life and career Grace was born on June 9, 1872, in Great Neck, New York. He was the son of businessman and two time mayor of New York City, William Russell Grace. Grace graduated from Columbia University. A polo player, in 1911 Grace purchased a estate in the Lakeville district of Long Island from Almeric H. Paget, son-in-law of William Collins Whitney. He would acquire a stable of polo ponies as well as thoroughbreds used in point to point steeplechase events.