Joseph P. Griffin

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Joseph P. Griffin was a member of the Chicago Board of Trade who served as its president in 1916, 1917 and 1921. At the time of his election in 1916, he was the youngest member ever elected as president of the CBOT. 
He was the western managing partner of the firm J.S. Bache.
== Background ==
=== Early Life and Education ===
Joseph P. Griffin was born on March 7, 1878, in Chicago, Illinois, to Charles and Mary (Galoran) Griffin. His father was from New York, and his mother was from Connecticut, though both had Irish ancestry. Griffin's formal education ended at the age of thirteen when he began working to support himself. He started his career at the American Glucose Company, where he eventually rose to the position of president.
In 1910, Griffin left his previous employers and founded the grain commission firm known as J. P. Griffin and Company. He was nominated by petition as a director of the Chicago Board of Trade in 1907 and elected by his fellow members by a large majority of votes. In 1914, he was elected to be vice president of the CBOT and in 1916, he was elected to be its president. 
=== Career ===
Griffin's career in the grain industry was marked by rapid advancement. He became the secretary and treasurer of the National Starch Company and a Director at the Corn Products Company. In 1910, he left these positions to establish J. P. Griffin and Company, a grain commission firm that achieved considerable success.
=== Chicago Board of Trade ===
Griffin was deeply involved with the Chicago Board of Trade, where he served as a director starting in 1907. He was elected Vice President in 1914 and became president in 1916, a role he held during World War I. His presidency was notable for his efforts to manage grain supplies effectively during the war, ensuring that both domestic needs and those of the Allies were met without disrupting trade
In the 1916 election, he beat J. A. Patten, a significant market player during the 20th century, for the presidency. Griffin was unanimously re-elected in 1917, reflecting the confidence of his peers in his leadership. He advocated for the construction of a new CBOT building and was instrumental in repealing the Stamp Tax of 1914, which had imposed burdens on grain transactions. He also played a key role in improving the transportation system to alleviate rail blockades
Griffin promoted the idea of of a new building for the CBOT, but was constrained by its projected cost. He was also part of efforts to repeal the Stamp Tax of 1914, which imposed excessive burdens upon grain transactions. He was involved in assisting plans for a new and better clearinghouse system. 
In 1916, Griffin followed Caleb H. Canby as the president of the CBOT after Canby served for two years. Griffin would serve for two years, 1916 and 1917, and be followed in 1918 by former CBOT President A. Stamford White, who had served in 1910. Griffin would serve as CBOT president again in 1921.
Griffin was a member of the Westmoreland Golf Club and the Chicago Athletic Association. Politically he was associated with the Republican party.
== Education ==
== References ==	
Category:Deceased
Category:Deceased Members of the Chicago Board of Trade
Category:CBOT Members
Category:Former CBOT Officials
Category:Presidents of the Chicago Board of Trade