Josiah Bushnell Grinnell (Congressional Biographical Directory)

GRINNELL, Josiah Bushnell, a Representative from Iowa; born in New Haven, Addison County, Vt., December 22, 1821; attended the common schools and Oneida Institute; pursued classical studies; was graduated from Auburn Theological Seminary in 1847; ordained a Presbyterian clergyman; held pastorates in Union Village, N.Y., Washington, D.C., and in the Congregational Church of New York City; moved to Iowa in 1854 and founded the town of Grinnell, Poweshiek County, and also Grinnell University; member of the State senate 1856-1860; studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1858 and practiced; delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1860; special agent for the Post Office Department for two years; elected as a Republican to the Thirty-eighth and Thirty-ninth Congresses (March 4, 1863-March 3, 1867); was not a candidate for renomination in 1866; resumed the practice of law; interested in building of railroads; director of the Rock Island Railroad; receiver of the Iowa Central Railroad (later the St. Louis & St. Paul Railroad); president of the State Horticultural Society and of the First National Bank in Grinnell; died in Grinnell, Iowa, March 31, 1891; interment in Hazelwood Cemetery.