Capt Cornelius GRINNELL

Male 1758 - 1850  (92 years)


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  • Name Cornelius GRINNELL  [1
    • Captain Grinnell came to New Bedford in boyhood and served an apprenticeship at the hatter's trade with his brother-in-law, Joseph Austin, but he eventually decided to go to sea. Entering the whaling service he speedily won promotion. In 1791 he made a voyage as first mate in the Rebecca, a famous ship. The captain was taken will, and mate Grinnell was placed in charge, and continued as captain on subsequent voyages. He also sailed in the merchant service, and prospered greatly. His voyages were generally to the north of Europe. Subsequently he was in partnership with his brother-in-law, Captain William Howland, in the shipping and general merchandising business.

      His prudence and sagacity were held in the highest respect, and his counsel was much sought for in financial affairs. When the Bedford Bank was incorporated in 1803, he became a director, and after its charter had expired, he was also a director in its successor, the Bedford Commercial Bank. Captain Grinnell was also one of the incorporators and a trustee of the New Bedford Institution for Savings.

      During the Revolutionary War Captain Grinnell served his country on land and sea. He was with his brother-in-law, Cornelius Howland, in the Bermuda adventure and the plot to capture the British captain. In 1780 he bore arms in Captain George Claghorn's company of Colonel Abiel Mitchell's Bristol County Regiment. During the latter part of his life, by invitation of the elders, he sat upon the "rising seat" at Friends meeting, but never joined the meeting in full fellowship. He was hospitable, urbane, a man of sound judgement, and unswerving integrity. [1]
    Prefix Capt 
    Birth 11 Feb 1758  Little Compton, Rhode Island Find all individuals with events at this location  [1
    Gender Male 
    Death 19 Apr 1850  New Bedford, Bristol Co., Massachusetts Find all individuals with events at this location  [1
    Person ID I92652  Main Tree
    Last Modified 7 Nov 2020 

    Father Daniel GRINNELL,   b. 20 Apr 1721, Little Compton, Rhode Island Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Relationship Birth 
    Mother Grace PALMER,   b. 18 Jan 1720, Little Compton, Rhode Island Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Relationship Birth 
    Marriage 31 May 1741  [1
    Family ID F38699  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Family Sylvia HOWLAND,   b. 4 Aug 1765, Dartmouth, Bristol County, Massachusetts Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 1 Aug 1837, New Bedford, Bristol Co., Massachusetts Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 71 years) 
    Marriage May 1785  [1
    Family ID F38681  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart
    Last Modified 11 Sep 2018 

  • Event Map
    Link to Google MapsBirth - 11 Feb 1758 - Little Compton, Rhode Island Link to Google Earth
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  • Sources 
    1. [S10118] William M. Emery and William W. Crapo, The Howland Heirs being the Story of a Family and a fortune and the Inheritance of a Trust.