Grinnell, J. B.

GRINNELL, CHAPIN

Posted By: Gary Norris (email)
Date: 1/14/2013 at 08:27:27

The History of Poweshiek County, Iowa
Des Moines: Union Hist. Co., 1880.

GRINNELL, Hon. J.B.—Grinnell Twp—897-98. Was born in New Haven, Vermont, in 1821. His paternal ancestors were Huguenots who immigrated to Rhode Island in 1710, his grandfather was from Scotland, and ,as a soldier, was wounded at the battle of Plattsburgh. Mr. Grinnell was an orphan at ten years; a school teacher at sixteen; a college graduate at twenty-one, with the honorary degree of A.M. at twenty-three; a graduate in theology, at Auburn, New York, at twenty-five; first preaching in Union Village, New York, three years; one year at Washington City, preaching the first sermon heard in that city against slavery; then three years in New York, leaving on account of throat trouble to come to Iowa in 1854, taking up 6,000 acres of land and planting, with others, the town of Grinnell for temperance, education and religion. The deed of lots and public sentiment have prevented the sale of alcoholic drinks openly for twenty-five years. The giving of town lots for Grinnell University, of which Grinnell was president, and passing all to Iowa College, secured its removal to Grinnell from Davenport, greatly increasing its endowment. The finest stone church in the New West, and largest Protestant membership in Iowa, is found here, a part of the plan, and a success. As a public man Mr. Grinnell was State Senator in 1858, securing the first free school law; then regent of the State University, urging and securing co-education of the sexes; a delegate to the National Republican Convention of 1860; holding appointments from President Lincoln as Special Mail Agent for the Northwest for two year; then member of Congress for four years; Commissioner, in 1868, of the Treasury Department, to classify wools under the tariff at the port of New York; referee, in 1869, to settle claims, and author of supplemental treaty for Cherokees in Kansas, involving millions of dollars; director of the Rock Island Railroad—being influential in securing its location at Grinnell; was first president of the Central Railroad; and later, receiver under Judge Dillon, and after bitter litigation finds peace and his policy adopted; and as president of the Grinnell and Montezuma Railroad and an extension to State Center, turns over the road to the Central. He has laid out a number of towns in Iowa and Kansas; managing several farms upon which he has placed stock, leading at one time in sheep, and now in heavy draft horses. At present president of the Iowa Fine Stock Breeders’ Association and mayor of the city of Grinnell; occasionally practicing in the State and Federal Courts—coming to the bar in 1858; quite out of politics, and once lacking but a few votes of an election as U.S. Senator; now the admirer of Garfield—once the devoted friend of Greeley. Mr. Grinnell was from the first politically a friend to the bondman, and all persons coming to him in need have found a friend. His tireless energies have never flagged, but, as a most indefatigable business man, has accomplished more than a score of ordinary men. He is a strong reasoner and fluent speaker on all questions of public interest. He was married, February 5, 1852, to Miss Julia A. Chapin, of Springfield, Massachusetts. They have two daughters: Mary Chapin and Carrie Holmes (one a graduate of, the other a senior in, Iowa College). They celebrated their silver wedding February 5, 1877, and a large concourse of friends gathered, not only from Grinnell, but from all parts of the State, making in all near 1,000 guests. Speeches, poems, toasts, responses and a gorgeous banquet were among the evening festivities. Silver testimonials were given the worthy pair, costly and profiles. From among the many richly deserved compliments we select the following "Voluntary Toast," sent by John W. Cheshire, Esq., of Montezuma: "Here is to the citizen that gave a town for education, ground for a college green and cemetery for the dead; a preacher without pay; a university and bank president without salary; president of the State Society of Wool Growers, with the honors of a competitive sheep-shearer at the festival, and paying the awards; of the State Horticultural Society, chief officer, gathering, by proxy, the fruits of the orchard, securing the National Medal and Award for Iowa, and meeting the bills; a lawyer, waiving fees to make settlements and friends of litigants; lecturer and occasional orator, as a merry pastime; projector and president of railroads—only reward given, cheers, resolutions, and occasional walking-cane; spurning combinations to gain entrance to the National Senate or a Governor’s chair; a liberal orthodox in church; an enigma in politics; a devotee to pure blood in animals; a pardonable weakness for the Fair, and a teetotaler in habits. From silver goblets, on this silver wedding day, here’s to your health in the cloud-distilled, fashionable beverage of Grinnell!" Our brief sketch fails to do justice to his noble Christian character and large-hearted generosity, which will be a lasting monument to his numerous friends. His elegant residence stands on the east side, facing the park, near the union depot. Mr. Grinnell may well feel an honest pride in Iowa College, in the growing city and warm place he holds in the hearts of his neighbors.