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The farm of John Rezner in Pleasant township was purchased for the town of Griswold, in November, 1879. At that time the laid was covered with a huge corn crop, which yielded over sixty bushels per acre. The title was taken in the name of C. E. Perkins, of Burlington, Iowa, as trustee, and F. H. Whitney, of Atlantic---the father and builder of more cities than any man in southwestern Iowa---was commissioned to convert the field of golden grain into what is to-day a great mart of trade. He authorized Henry Miller to clear away the stalks and erect the first house. This was in early December of 1879. E. G. Peck, of Atlantic, a young man of fine business capacity and commendable ability and pluck, who is now a resident of Davenport, Iowa, was then appointed post commander and took immediate charge of Mr. Whitney's advance on the furroughed field. The sale of lots began at once and continued uninterruptedly until almost every location on either side of Maine street, for nearly a half mile in length, had been taken, and a stroll about the place discloses many fine and impressive residences, surrounded by beautiful grounds, made charming by their shade trees and lawns. No city can look back upon the marvel of such rapid development and advancement, as has characterized this young town. Winter had set in before a house was built; not a spring-time, of summer or of autumn has smiled upon it, but instead, they have conspired together and spent their forces in opposition. The fact that cold and storm had no terrors, and that all other obstacles have yielded gracefully to the invincible spirit of those locating in a dreary, desolate cornfield in the dead of winter, is sufficient evidence that the men who build cities are here. They were the first to see the railroad interests materialize at this point, and that, as well as other advantages, were only waiting an opportunity to come to the surface. This foresight has already been abundantly rewarded. The name of the new town was given it in honor of J. N. A. Griswold, Esq., one of the directors of the C. B. and Q. railroad, and a prominent and successful merchant of New York. While there may be nothing really remarkable in the developments of the past, or anything striking in the present, still there is much which cannot fail to be of interest to those who have been closely connected and identified with the town in all the various changes which have occurred from year to year. To those who have watched the growth and progress from its earliest origin, until the present time, the accomplishment of comparatively a few short by-gone days would seem now like a great task, hut it is, in fact, the sure and legitimate results of an advanced state of civilization.

Griswold is situated fifteen miles southwest of the county seat (Atlantic), in Pleasant township. It is the southern terminus of the A. and G. branch of the C. R. I. and P. and northern terminus of the R. O. and G. branch of the C. B. and Q. railroads, connecting it with the leading markets of the south and east. The town is surrounded by some of the finest and most productive agricultural and stock-raising lands in the State, which is a guarantee of a permanent and ever increasing trade.

Henry Miller commenced the erection of the first house in Griswold, November 20, 1879, for Frank Whitney. It was run as a boarding house by Ed. Peck, who came here from Atlantic. The building was on the present site of the First National bank.

The next building was Pect and Whitney's hardware store, which was commenced shortly after operations were commenced on the boarding house.

The first grocery store was put up by Kearns, who is still in Griswold, in October, 1879, by the side of Peck and Whitney's hardware store.

In the winter of 1879-80, Messrs. Whitney and Miller bought grain, having erected platform scales for weighing purposes. In six weeks they bought 60,000 bushels of corn. For three days in succession they took in 5,000 bushels a day. Mr. Miller's son doing the weighing. It can be imagined that their office was a busy place about that time.

Stafford and Hawks opened the first store of general merchandise, December 20, 1879, in the building now occupied by Corbett and Jackson.

The first banking business was established by F. H. Whitney, which was afterward merged into the present National bank.

The pioneer drug store was established by Dr. John Pipher. He was also the first postmaster and continues to hold that position.

The jewelry business was first established by T. J. Luccock. The business is now carried on by J. M. Tinsley.

F. H. Whitney established the first hardware store, who afterward disposed of it to Milner Brothers.

F. H. Whitney erected the first hotel. Previously, there was a small boarding house kept by Henry Letz, and was known as the Iowa House.

The first elevator was erected by F. H. Whitney in 1880, at a cost of $14,000. He also purchased the first grain.

The first boot and shoe store was established by A. W. Pearson, in May, 1881.

Dr. J. L. Moore was the first practicing physician locating in Griswold in 1880.

The blacksmith business was first established by William Glass.

The first livery stable was started by Sheets and Gifford.

The pioneer lumber yard was that established by S. B. Milner and Company.

Stafford and Hawks were the first to establish business at this point. Goods were brought by team to Griswold and December 20, 1879, they opened for business in the building now occupied by Corbett and Jackson. In the fall of 1881, they erected their present building. The salesroom is 24x60, with an addition of ten feet. They carry a general stock of dry goods, groceries, etc.

Corbett and Jackson embarked in the general merchandise business in August, 1880. They have a salesroom 24x75, and carry a large stock of boots and shoes, groceries, etc., and are commanding a large and increasing trade.

Among the business interests of Griswold is the firm of Weirich Brothers and Bryant, dealers in dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, etc. This business was established in December, 1883. The firm is composed of young men of business tact and ability and although established but about year, do a good business. They have a salesroom 24x70, and carry a stock of 812,000.

Gordon and Son, dry goods, is a late addition to the business interests of Griswold. The firm began business the latter part of September, 1884. Their store room is 22x64 in dimensions and they handle a stock of about $8,000.

The pioneer drug store was established by Dr. John Pipher, in January, 1880, who was also among the first business men of Griswold. He carries a full line of drugs, wall paper, paints, oils and stationary.

T. E. Luccock is virtually the pioneer jeweler of Griswold, although a man by the name of Andrus operated a small business for a short time prior to Mr. Luccock. He established his business in 1880, and carries a large stock of jewelry, music and notions. Mr. Luccock thoroughly understands his business, and handles all standard grades of watches, clocks, etc. T. E. Luccock was born in Ohio, in 1833. His father, Rev. John Luccock, D. D., of the Methodist Episcopal church, was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1802, and his mother, Mary (Dresser) Luccock, in London, in 1801. When young people, they immigrated to Anierica, and soon after were married, being acquainted before leaving England. They settled in Canada, where he worked at rope-making. Rev. John Luccock has preached for more than sixty years. He is now living in California. He has lived with his present wife fifty-nine years. They are the parents of eight children, all of whom are living and all have families of their own. The Rev. Mr. Luccock is a man of extensive knowledge and much ability, and is truly a self-made man. The subject of this sketch, when eleven years old, went with his parents to Wisconsin, three years later, to Cherry Valley, Winnebago county, Illinois, where they remained also three years, then to Peoria, Illinois, and spent six years. He then went to Lexington, McLean county. In the two last named places he learned his trade. He was married in McLean county in 1860, to Rachel G. Fell, daughter of Thomas Fell, of that county. Mrs. Luccock died in 1875. She was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church and highly esteemed by all. She left but one child, a daughter, Lillian I. Luccock, who lives with and keeps house for her father. In the fall of 1875, Mr. Luccock came to Atlantic, Cass county, Iowa, and engaged in the jewelry and music business. He was again married, at Atlantic, December 23, 1877, to Molly A. Fuller, who died December 24, 1882. She was a woman of more than ordinary ability, and was a teacher for seven consecutive years in Atlantic. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Luccock came to Griswold in 1880, and is one of the leading citizens. He is a Republican in politics, but votes prohibition wherever practicable, and has been a total abstainer all his life.

The only exclusive boot and shoe house was established by A. W. Pearson, in May, 1881. In the fall of 1883, he sold this stock to William R. Chittenden, the present owner. Mr. Chittenden has a full line of boots and shoes, hosiery, etc., and carries a stock of about $4,500, he being the only boot and shoe dealer in Griswold. There is a repair shop in connection with the store, where he employs experienced help.

The insurance business is represented by Herman A. Briggs, a young man who came to Griswold in May, 1880. Soon after his arrival he purchased a farm, and began teaching school, and afterward followed clerking. In the fall of 1883 he disposed of his farm property, and the following spring engaged in his present business. During his short business career in Griswold he has established himself well, and represents s6me of the best insurance companies in the world. He also does a general land and loan business in connection with his other affair.

The furniture business is carried on by Robert Groetsohel, who established the business in April, 1880, being among the first business men of Griswold. Besides keeping a full and complete stock of furniture, he does a general undertaking business and carries a stock of $1,500 or $2,000.

William Corbit, the principal clothier of Griswold, embarked in this business in May, 1884. The sales room is 24x60 feet in size, and he carries a stock of clothing which will invoice about $7,000. Mr. Corbit is a gentleman of good business ability and is meeting with a very encouraging patronage.

William Corbit was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, July 15, 1819. He is a son of John and Elizabeth Corbit, natives of Scotland, who came to America when young people. They were married in Chester county, Pennsylvania, where they spent the remainder of their lives. They were the parents of two sons and two daughters. William Corbit was reared and educated in his native State. He was there apprenticed to learn the mercantile business. In 1835, he was married, in Chester county, to Elizabeth Dean. Mr. and Mrs. Corbit were the parents of six children, four of whom are now living. In 1870 Mr. Corbit came to Iowa, and located near Des Moines, where he engaged in farming. He still owns two hundred and forty acres of land, seven miles west of Des Moines. In 1880 he came to Griswold, where he has since resided. He is now engaged in mercantile business. Mr. and Mrs. Corbit are members of the Presbyterian church.

The coal interest is represented by D. L. Brockway, who established the business in 1880, coming from Red Oak. The same year he built the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy stock yards, since which time he has been engaged in buying and shipping stock, and has been the leading spirit in the stock market at Griswold. He is a young man of good business qualities, and has prospered. In the fall of 1884 he engaged in the livery business in the firm of Brockway and Hill.

W. A. Hill is a native of Lake county, Indiana, born July 1, 1844. He is a son of William and Caroline Hill, of Ohio, who were the parents of six sons and two daughters. They are still living in Lake county, Indiana. W. A. Hill was brought up on a farm, and received a common school education. In 1804 he enlisted in the one hundred day service, in the One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He afterwards enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Illinois Infantry, and served until the close of the war. In 1865 he came to Cass county, and located on section 31, Cass township, where he engaged in farming until the spring of 1882. At that date he came to Griswold, and embarked in the grocery business. In 1883 he sold out, and in March, 1884, purchased the livery business of which he is now proprietor, in connection with O. L. Brockway. He also deals in coal, stock and ice. In the fall of 1868, Mr. Hill was married to Mary A. Wright, of Noble county, Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Hill have had four children, only one of whom is now living---Ina M. Mr. Hill is a member of the I. O. O. F., and is now holding the office of N. G. He is one of the leading business men of the county. His father was born in Connecticut, and his mother in Ohio.

Among the leading interests of Griswold is the hardware and implement business carried on by Samuel Chatterton, which was established by him in 1884. He handles and makes a specialty of the Osbborn grade of Charter Oak wagons, and deals in all kinds of farming implements, with a room 24x120 feet in which to display them. The hardware department, including a tin-shop, is 25x75 feet in dimensions, and is filled with a complete line of such goods as are usually found in a first-class store of this kind, which will invoice $10,000. He is one of the largest dealers in Griswold.

This institution was established, in the spring of 1880, by F. H. Whitney and Theodore H. Brown, as the Bank of Griswold. The business was continued by this firm until September, 1883, when they dissolved partnership, and it was merged into the First National Bank of Griswold, with Theodore H. Brown as president, J. A. Brown, vice-president, and Frank L. Brown assistant cashier. The directors were: Theodore H.Brown, J. M. Kiehl, H. Wilcox, J. A. Brown, Alex. Campbell. The bank has a paid-up capital of $50,000, and authorized, $100,000. It contains a Diebold fire and burglar proof safe, with Sargent's time lock, on the interior of which are two burglar-proof safes of steel. The vault is fire-proof, with Diebold front and doors. They do an exchange business with all foreign countries. The present officers of the bank are: Theodore H. Brown, president; James F. Bassett, vice-president; Frank L. Brown, assistant cashier; Theodore H. Brown, James F. Bassett, J. M. Kiehl, John S. Jackson, Hamilton Wilcox, directors. Among the stockholders are: William Larrabee, Frank Larrabee and W. R. Kinnaird.

Theodore H. Brown, President of the First National Bank, of Griswold, was born in Rock county, near Janesville, Wisconsin, January 20, 1847. He is a son of J. A. Brown, a native of Pennsylvania. In 1850 his parents removed to Iowa, locating at Clayton City, where his father engaged in mercantile business. In 1874, they came to Cass county. Theo. H. Brown received a liberal education, attending the Upper Iowa University at Fayette, Fayette county. In 1873 he was appointed teller of the First National bank of McGregor and continued there seven years. In the fall of 1880 he came to Griswold and formed a partnership with Frank H. Whitney, in the banking business. In 1883 he organized the First National Bank of Griswold, of which he has since been president. Mr. Brown was married in 1877, to Rachel L. Maple, daughter of Jacob and Ann Maple. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have two children---Paul and Ruth. Mr. Brown is a Royal Arch Mason and a Knight Templar.

The following resolutions of respect were tendered to Theo. H. Brown, of the National Bank of Griswold, by his former employers, the directors of the First National Bank of McGregor, at a meeting held November 16, 1880:

"Resolved; That a vote of thanks by this board of directors is hereby tendered to Theo. H. Brown for the ability and fidelity to the interests of the Bank, with which he has discharged the varied duties of clerk, teller, book-keeper and assistant cashier for the past seven years.

Resolved, That the cashier be requested to furnish Theo. H. Brown a copy of these resolutions and to place the same upon the records of the board."

FRANK LARRABEE, President.

W. R. KINNAIRD, Clerk.

The postoffice at this place was established in the spring of 1880, with John Pipher as postmaster, who still continues to operate the office. It was made a money order concern August 15, 1881. The first money order was issued to S. S. Perry, in favor of Davidson & Co., New York, for the sum of two dollars. There has been 2,628 orders issued up to October, 1884. At present the office is a fourth-class one.

This enterprise was established in Griswold in 1883, by Kerr and Torbert. It is a frame structure, 30x40 feet, in ground area, three and a half stories, erected at a cost of $10,000. The mill has a capacity of fifty barrels per day, and is equipped with a fifty horse-power steam engine. They have the Replogle patent and brand of flour. Messrs. Kerr and Torbert are young men of energy and splendid business integrity, and have given to Griswold an industry that she may well feel proud of, and which will be of lasting benefit to the place. The mill is kept in good condition and the flour is used generally throughout the county. Mr. Kerr is a practical miller and assumes full control of the mill.

John Kerr is of Scotch descent and was born in Gault, Canada, in 1853. His father was John Kerr, a native of Scotland, who emigrated to Canada in an early day. The subject of this sketch was reared in his native county. In 1876 he came to Iowa and located at Afton, where he commenced learning the trade of miller with Grant and Guthrie, with whom he remained two years. He then went to Osceola, where he followed his trade, then to Woodbine in the same county. He came from the latter place to Griswold, in April, 1883, where he formed the partnership of Kerr and Torbert, and built the Griswold mill. Since that time Mr. Kerr has been a resident of Griswold. He is a Sir Knight, a member of Constantine Lodge, No. 23, of Osceola. Mr. Kerr is a young man of ability and possesses the qualifications necessary to insure success in business.

The elevator at Griswold was erected in the fall of 1880, by F. H. Whitney, of Atlantic, at a cost of $13,000. It has a capacity of 25,000 bushels of grain and is now owned by E. W. Stevens, of Red Oak. The business is superintended by Samuel B. It is one of the largest and best constructed elevators in this section of the country.

Hiram Whipple, one of the early settlers of Cass county, was born in Windsor county, Vermont, January 28, 1814. He is a son of Oliver Whipple, who was married in Worcester county, Massachusetts, to Mary Fassum, by whom he had nine children, eight of whom lived to an adult age. Mrs. Whipple died in Vermont, and Mr. Whipple was again married. By this union there were nine children. Oliver Whipple died in Vermont at the advanced age of ninety-six years. He was elected a member of the Legislature, and held several local offices. Hiram Whipple grew to manhood in Vermont. He was there married in 1840,to Hannah F. Cram. Two children were born to them---Oscar H., who was killed in July, 1870, by an accidental shot, and Helen F., wife of Stanley S. Baldwin, of California. In 1842 Mr. Whipple emigrated to Clermont county, Ohio, where he was engaged in farming, also as agent for a large grain and stock firm. In the fall of 1853, he came to Cass county, Iowa, and settled upon section 5, township 76, range 36, near Atlantic. At that time there was no village at Atlantic, Lewis, or Griswold, and the prairies were wild and unbroken. He remained upon the place where he first settled four years, then sold out and purchased land four miles south of Atlantic. In the spring of 1882, he moved to Atlantic, and in September 1884, came to Griswold where he is engaged in selling fancy goods and notions. Politically, Mr. Whipple is a Democrat.

J. M. Kuhl, justice of the peace at Griswold, is a native of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, born April 2, 1845. His parents, Henry and Dinah (Daggett) Kuhl, were also natives of Pennsylvania. They had eight children, seven sons and one daughter. In 1860 they moved to Washington county, Pennsylvania, where Mrs. Kuhl died. The family removed to Washington county, Ohio, in 1864. Henry Kuhl is, at present, living in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. The subject of this sketch received a liberal education in the common schools. September 19, 1862, he enlisted in Ringgold Battalion, Company E, which was afterward merged into the Twenty-second Pennsylvania Cavalry, and participated in the engagement at Cedar Creek, or Winchester, was on the ground when Sheridan came in on his twenty-mile ride, took part in the battles at Stony River Gap, Natural Bridge, and several skirmishes. He was detailed as orderly on General Kelley's staff, and when that general was taken prisoner, he was sleeping in the next room. At one time he was instrumental in saving the life of a paymaster, who had eighty-seven thousand dollars iri his possession. In so doing he lost his horse and was three days and nights in getting thirteen miles, crawling on his hands and knees for seven miles of the distance. He was in the service nearly three years, until the close of the war. During the time, two horses were shot from under him. He returned from the army to Washington county,Ohio, and there engaged in farming. He was married in the fall of 1867, to Annie M. Marshall, daughter of Caleb Marshall, now a resident of Griswold. Mr. and Mrs. Kuhl are the parents of three children---Effie G., born April, 1869; Florence E., born in August, 1872; and Roy C., born in November, 1880. Mr. Kuhl came to Cass county in 1870. He first settled in Atlantic, where he was engaged as clerk and afterwards bought grain for a Mr. Everest. In May, 1880, he came to Griswold and engaged in general merchandising. In August, 1882, he sold his interest in that business. Since that time he has traveled in California and other States. Mr. Kuhl is at present a real estate and loan agent. He is one of the directors of the First National bank of Griswold, and a member of the G. A. R. He is an enterprising and public spirited citizen. Mr. and Mrs. Kuhl are members of the M. E. church.

Edward Dean was an early settler of Pottawattamie county, Iowa. He was born in Bristol county, Massachusetts, January 9, 1810. His parents, Henry and Deborah Dean, had a family of eleven children, ten of whom attained maturity. The parents died in Bristol county. They were consistent members of the Presbyterian church. Edward, at the age of eighteen, went to Rhode Island, where he was engaged in a cotton factory. He was married in 1829, to Sarah Windsor, and by this union had one child---George H.,now living in Rhode Island. Mrs. Dean died in 1830, and in 1831, Mr. Dean was again married to Dorcas Lapham. By this marriage there were three children---Edward, who died January 28, 1834; ElizaL. and James Edward. The second Mrs. Dean died, May 19, 1839. Mr. Dean was afterwards married to Mary A. West, daughter of Amos and Avis (Horton) West, natives of Massachusetts. Mrs. Dean was born in Bristol county, Massachusetts, in August, 1809. By this marriage, six children were born---Rufus H., born June 29, 1840; Sophronia W., born October 3, 1841; Warren L., born March 8, 1843; Richard N., born October 26, 1845; Charlotte, born August 2, 1848. Mrs. Dean had been previously married to James Hart, by whom she had two children, one of whom died in infancy, the other, James N., was born in 1831. Mr. Dean left his native State in 1855, and came to Iowa in company with a man named Tift, who had previously visited this section of the country. He settled in Pottawattamie county, near the line of Cass. In the spring of 1856, he brought his family and moved into the house which he had built. At that time there were but two men living in the township, and the country was in a very primitive state. He first entered one hundred and sixty acres of government land, and afterwards purchased forty acres. Here they lived twenty-eight years. Mr. Dean was district treasurer for more than twenty-five years. His bank account was over fifty thousand dollars. In 1883, he came to Griswold, where he is now living a retired life. Mr. and Mrs. Dean are attendants of the Presbyterian church. Their son, Warren L. Dean, was a member of the Twenty-third regiment of Iowa Volunteer Infantry, in General Grant's army, and participated in many important battles.

Transcribed by Cheryl Siebrass, February, 2025 from: "History of Cass County, Together with Sketches of Its Towns, Villages and Townships, Educational, Civil, Military and Political History: Portraits of Prominent Persons, and Biographies of Old Settlers and Representative Citizens", published in 1884, Springfield, Ill: Continental Historical Co., pp. 821-829.