JOHN TODD GRIMSLEY, of the firm of Herndon & Co., is one of the leading merchants and prominent business men of Springfield. The firm has a commodious double store, comprising three floors, and advantageously located on the corner of Adams and Fifth Streets, and is carrying on a very extensive business in the sale of general dry goods and cloaks. This is one of the largest and most prominent firms in this city, doing an annual business of $200,000 and employing a force of sixty-three hands.

Our subject is a native of Springfield, and was born February 3, 1848, to Harrison and Elizabeth (Todd) Grimsley, natives respectively of Kentucky and Illinois. They were pioneers of this county, coming here as early as 1827, and Mr. Grimsley was one of the early merchants of this city. He carried on a general mercantile business on the same corner until 1861. After the war broke out he threw aside his business and all personal aims, to take part in suppressing the great Rebellion, but his military career was unfortunately cut short by his death of army fever in Georgia, January 5, 1865. He left two children, our subject and William, the latter of whom died August 10, 1887.

Mrs. Grimsley, now Mrs. Dr. Brown, is still living and is greatly respected by all who know her. She is a daughter of Dr. John Todd, who was during his life one of the most prominent physicians of this city and county. He was a native of Kentucky and was one of the earliest graduates of Transylvania University at Lexington. He was subsequently graduated from the Medical University, of Philadelphia, Pa. He was married in Lexington, Ky., to Elizabeth Smith, a daughter of the Rev. John Blair Smith, D.D., and a native of Philadelphia. Dr. Todd was appointed Surgeon General of the Kentucky troops in the War of 1812, and after peace was declared he returned to Lexington and practiced there. In 1817 he removed to Edwardsville, Ill., and in 1828 was appointed by President John Quincy Adams, Register of the United States Land Office at Springfield, where he subsequently made his home during the rest of his life. After his removal from office in 1829, by President Jackson for political reasons, he devoted his whole time to his professional work, and acquired a large practice not only here but in adjoining counties. He was a man of high character, of generous impulses, and was widely known and loved. During the latter part of his life he was an earnest member of the First Presbyterian Church, of which he was a Ruling Elder for some years. He died January 9, 1865, and Springfield was thus deprived of one of its most honored and venerated citizens.

John Todd Grimsley of this sketch, completed his education in the city schools, and has been in the mercantile business all of his active life, and a member of the same firm for twenty-two years. He is systematic, prompt and enterprising in his business dealings, and is withal true and upright in all his relations, whether of a business or social nature. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and stands among the first citizens of this his native city.

Mr. Grimsley and Miss Cornelia Messler, of Somerville, N.J., celebrated their marriage December 12, 1871. It has been blessed to them by the birth of one child, Mary Swift. Mrs. Grimsley is a daughter of the Rev. Dr. Messler, now deceased, who was for forty-seven years the pastor of the First Reformed Church of Raritan, at Somerville, N.J.