George A. Griswold 1825-1902

GROSWOLD, COOK

Posted By: Michael Kearney (email)
Date: 9/9/2007 at 20:42:05

The Clinton Herald Saturday August 23, 1902 p. 5 George Griswold, a pioneer resident of Clinton county, is dead at his home near Almont, in Elk River township. News reached the city this morning of his death, he having passed away in the early hours of the morning. His demise resulted from infirmities of old age, after an illness of several weeks. The funeral will be held at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon whith services at the late home, and, it is thought, interment in Smith cemetery. G.A. Griswold was one of Clinton county's oldest settlers and most prominent characters. He was a native of New Haven, Conn., where he was born June 11, 1825. In 1839 he came to Clinton county, and since has resided here. In the year 1850 he married Miss May C. Cook, and from their marriage two children were born, Stark W., and Bertha M. Griswold, both of whom survive him, living on adjacent farms in Elk River township. For many years Mr. Griswold followed the occupation of a farmer, operating a farm in Elk River. During his long resident in Clinton county he became well known in fact was considered one of the most well known residents of the county, and having an extensive acquaintance in the surrounding counties as well. Mr. Griswold was the first assessor of Elk River township and has held the office of constable justice of the peast and township supervisor. In the year 1861 he was elected sheriff of Clinton county, which office he filled with great credit during tthe succeeding six years, retiring from public duties in the year 1866. He never was defeated for any office for which he was a candidate. Mr. Griswold's information regarding Clinton county is credited with having been more extended than that of any other resident of the county resultant from his long residence here, and the interest he always took in public affairs. Industrious, wholehearted, honest and public spirited, he was liked and respected by all and his death removes from Clinton county one of her most valued citizens. George Griswold was a long-time member of the Clinton County State and Territorial Pioneer's association and also was connected with the Jackson county association. In the year 1884 he was chosen president of the Clinton county society, and has since occupied that office, devoting much time to the affairs of the society in which he always took an active interest. The annual addresses of President Griswold, delivered on the occasion of the reunions in Clinton were always looked forward to by the old settlers of the county, and the president will be sadly missed this year on the occasion of the picnic and reunion, which, it is understood, is to be called within a few days for a date in September. Thus another of Iowa's sturdy pioneer settlers has passed to his long reward, and his name has been added to the roll of the dead. But his memory will live and the name of George Griswold, which was always associated with the best interests of the county where sixty-tree years of his life were passed will long be revered by her people.