Soldier and manufacturer comprise the main attributes of William H. Grinnell. He was truly a pioneer of this community. He came to Wisconsin in 1854. He was born October 31, 1841, in New York state.

The William H. Grinnell Memorial Hall, home of Beloit’s patriotic organization, meeting place of many civic groups and scene of establishment of many civic projects, is a monument to his memory.

Mechanics attracted him when he was a boy, and he started development of his natural talent in that field when the southern states declared their independence. He enlisted, and for 15 months, he served in Company F, 35th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry.

After the war he continued his work to become a master machinist, and for two years he worked in Madison. He returned to Beloit and entered the employ of O.F. Merrill & Company. Soon he became associated with the Parker and Stone firm, makers of twine binders.

In 1876 he joined the Merrill and Houston Company. In 1885 he joined Fred Messer, A.A. Aldrich and N.J. Ross in the organization of the Beloit Iron Works. First he served as secretary of the new concern, and later as vice president and member of the board of directors. He retired in 1910.

He died February 5, 1925, after serving as a member of the building committee of the school board. He had served also as commander of E.H.D. Crane Post, Grand Army of the Republic, and as commander of the Wisconsin Department.