New-York tribune., 1869-03-25
COLLECTOR OF THE PORT OF NEw-YORK


-.' MOSES H. GRINNELL OF NEw-YoRK CITY.
Moses II. Grinnell, who has Just been appointed
Collector of the Port of NewYork is one of the old
est and wealthiest merchants, and most highly
respectable and publc-spirited gentleman in this
city He was born at w-Bedford, Mass. March 8,
1903 and was educated at private schools and at the
Friends Academy. Mr.. Grinnells education was
nodded with view to mercantile pursuits and he
came from New Bedford to New-York early in life,
to engage In business as whale oil
merchant in the firm of Fish, Grinnell g. Co.
Preserved Fish the senior partner, and the firm
has existed up to the present time with only one
change of name. That change was made in 1882,
when Fish being no longer in the firm the name Of
the house had to be made to conform to law passed
at that time, but for 81 years the style of Grinnel
Minturn & Co. has been familiar to this community.
They send packet ships to London operate in Can
ton. and sell oil bnt in the days of Fish. Grinne IL
Co. they did nothing but oil business. Mr.. Grin
nelfs brother Joseph Grinnell, was connected in
business with Preserved Fish for II years, and for
years with his brothers, Moses II. and Henry, retir
ing in 1929. In those early days Mr. Grinnell fre-
quenty went abroad as supercargO, but he rose so
rapidly in reputation as a merchant that in 1889 he
sent to represent this city in Congress Few OF
our merchants have held public Office and Mr. Grin
nell was the last Of the class of any note to repre-
sent the city in the National Legislature, except ex-
Senator Morgan. When Moses II. Grinnell was born
New-YOrk City could not support a line Of packet
ships TO Europe but in 1904 the Old Line of Liver
pool Packets or the Black Bah Line it was called
was established. In 1884 other lines had been
formed, and of one of these Grinnen, Minturn
g. Co. were the agents. An anecdote is
told Of Mr. GriHnen at this time which shows his
determined character in all matters OF business Mr
Robins had long been a director OF the Phenlx
Bank but at length made up his mind to retire and
seek BAT ease which is grateful to declining years
He resigned and announced his intention not to be
candidate for reelection and his determination not to
accept the place if he reelected contrary to his
wishes But when the election was held he was again
chosen to the position in spite of his remonstrances
That very afternoon three of the directors, Henry
Parish. Moses H. rinnell and one other called upon
Bir Robins and informed him that be was reelected
Il am sorry, for / was not candidate" said Slr
Robins
"You must serve,' said Moses II. Grinnel. we
can't Get ON without you. Your knowledge of the
value of dry goods commercial paper makes you in
valuable 1t is indispensable that you should
serve"
Pam sorry. but told you / would not serve"
"We Will not take mo- for an answer" said
Grinnell ,.-,-
In early life Mr.. Grinnen was a Tammany Hall
Democrat but he long ago withdrew from that or
ganization. In 1852 be was in favor of Daniel Web
Bter for President and signed call for great mass
meeting at Triper Hail. in this city, in Mr. Websters
Interest but he supported Gen. Scott after the lat
ters nomination at Baltimore. Mr.. Grinnell was a
Presidential Eector in 1856 Throughout the war for
the Union he was active in his sympathy for the
cause. and there was no reader purse in the time
of his countrys trial than Moses II. Grinnel. Since
the war he has been earnest aud steadtast Repub
lican approving the Reconstruction and other meas
ures of the majority IN Congress. His experience
and skill in business are very great and his personal
character stands above suspicion Mr.. GrinnelI re-
sides At Irvington, near this city.