McDonough ILGenWeb

GRIGSBY, James H., who is engaged in the banking business in Blandinsville, McDonough County, Ill., was born in that place on January 5, 1851. His father and mother, William H. and Elizabeth (Seybold) Grigsby, were born in Kentucky. William H. Grigsby came from that State to McDonough County in 1828, when he was seven years old. He grew up on the farm, and on reaching maturity followed farming until 1858. At that period he moved to Blandinsville and engaged in mercantile pursuits. He is still living.

In 1882 the banking firm of Grigsby Brothers & Co. was organized, and the concern has ever since done a general exchange and banking business in Blandinsville. James H. Grigsby has conducted its affairs successfully since its organization. Mr. Grigsby has passed his entire life here. In boyhood he attended the public schools, and afterward studied five years under a private tutor. The banking business under his management has been very successful, and his capacity as a financier is unquestioned. Frank W. Brooks is the silent partner, having been taken into partnership in 1895. The firm are members of the Bankers' Association. They are interested in about 2,000 acres of land in Hire and Blandinsville Townships.

On October 2, 1875, Mr. Grigsby was married to Lillian C. Mason, who was born and schooled in New Lexington, Perry County, Ohio. Three children — Ehrman, Harry and Roy — are the offspring of this union. Politically, Mr. Grigsby is a Democrat, and religiously, is a consistent member of the First Baptist Church. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the A. F. & A. M. (Blandinsville Lodge No. 233); also the M. W. of A.

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Source: The Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of McDonough County, compiled by Dr. Newton Bateman, and Paul Shelby, 1907, volume 2, page 889, extracted 04 Jan 2019 by Norma Hass.