Source: Portrait & Biographical Album of Whiteside County, IL
Originally published 1885 Chapman Bros., Chicago, IL

Transcribed by: Becky Jones

Pages 269-270

Henry M. Grinnold,  deceased, a pioneer of Whiteside County, and in his life-time a resident of Fulton, was born in the State of New York, Jan. 1, 1813, and removed in his youth with his parents to Berkshire Co., Mass. He learned the shoemaker’s trade in the town of Egremont, of that county, and in 1838 came to Whiteside Co., Ill., settling near Thompson.

He was married July 18, 1839, in the township of Garden Plain, to Miss Eliza T. Parker, daughter of Abel and Eleanor (Howe) Parker. Mrs. Grinnold was born in Wells Township, Rutland Co., Vt., March 10, 1823. Her people were from Connecticut, and had moved to Wells about the time of the war of 1812-14. Her father carried on milling extensively at Wells, and emigrated to Garden Plain, this county, in 1836. Mr. G. had a fine farm of 160 acres at Garden Plain Corners, but he worked at his trade more or less, and in 1854 opened a general store at Fulton. In 1855 he moved his family to the city, where they have continued to reside. He continued in business till October, 1858, when he was burned out, sustaining a heavy loss. In the spring of 1859, when Pike’s Peak gold fever was beginning to rage, Mr. Grinnold became infected with it and made a trip to the mountains, hoping also to improve his health, which was greatly impaired. He returned in the fall of that year somewhat encouraged, spent the winter at home, and the following spring set out for Pike’s Peak again. During the summer his health failed rapidly, and he started for the home which he was never destined to reach, his death occurring on the road Aug. 11, 1860.

Mr. and Mrs. Grinnold had eight children: Henry, the eldest, was accidentally shot on the cars, while traveling in the West, and killed; John died aged 16 years; Jones and Lydia E. died in infancy; Mellie A. is residing with her mother at Fulton; William S. died aged five years; Mary E. died aged 21 years; and Hattie M., the youngest, resides with her mother.

Mr. Grinnold was a Republican, and while a resident of Garden Plain held the offices of Justice of the Peace and Town Clerk.

Mrs. G. and daughters are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.