Born in Shelby, Orleans County, New York. Married Helen A. Avery in 1888. Graduate of Rochester Business College. Founder of Grinnell Retail Coal and Lumber Yard. He moved to Detroit in 1910. President of Grinnell Brothers Music House after 1910. Member of the Masons and Oddfellows.

Grinnell began collecting coins at age 11 from the till at his father's general store. Author of United States Paper Money From a Collector's Viewpoint in 1937. He was a founder and the second president of the Detroit Coin Club. In 1941 the club honored him with a gold medal. The occasion was the 400th meeting of the club January 23, 1941.

The first sale of the Grinnell collection was conducted by B. Max Mehl June 15, 1943. The 2214 lots realized $38,659.56. Eight additional sales were conducted by Barney Bluestone from 1944 through 1947. The 5898 lots brought $250,457. The seven catalogues of the Grinnell collection were reprinted and offered in a hardbound version in 1971. He was life member number 20 of the ANA. His death was noted in the May 1951 issue of The Numismatist. No obituary was published.

bio: CAT Bluestone (photo); Limpert