Joseph Grinnell (politician)
Joseph Grinnell (November 17, 1788 – February 7, 1885) was a U.S. Representative from Massachusetts and friend of Abraham Lincoln, and the brother of Moses Hicks Grinnell. Early life Grinnell was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts on November 17, 1788. He was the son of Cornelius Grinnell (1758–1850) and Sylvia (née Howland) Grinnell (1765–1837). His siblings included Henry Grinnell and Moses Hicks Grinnell. After completing preparatory studies he moved to New York City in 1809, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits. Career In 1815, he aided in establishing the firm of Fish and Grinnell, which later became Grinnell, Minturn & Co. His two younger brothers, Moses and Henry Grinnell, became members of the firm in 1825. When Joseph retired in 1828, his place was taken by Robert B. Minturn. He served as president of the First National Bank of New Bedford in 1832, president of the New Bedford & Taunton Railroad in 1839, and a member of the Governor's council from 1839-1841. In 1840, he became a director of the Boston & Providence Railroad, the following year its president, resigning that position in 1846, but remaining a director until 1863. He also served as president of the Wamsutta Mills from