LOYAL P. GRISWOLD was born in Greene county, Ill., Aug. 14, 1833, his parents being Harry and Maria (Post) Griswold, natives of Vermont. Five children, out of the family of eight, are now living - Henry, married Sallie E. Baker, and resides on the homestead; Loyal P., the subject of this sketch; Mary E., wife of George W. Barton, residing in New Haven, Vt.; Emily, single, and residing with her sister in Vermont; Lois, wife of Albert H. Chapin, residing in Franklin county, Kan. Loyal P. Griswold was raised on the old homestead, remaining there until he had reached the age of 23 years, when he started out in life for himself. He was united in marriage, Dec. 25, 1856, with Nancy C. Swallow, daughter of Guy and Catherine Swallow. After marriage he lived on the homestead one year and then moved to Manchester Prairie, where he bought 160 acres of land, which he farmed six years. This he then traded for 160 acres on Sec. 5, T. 11, R. 12, on to which he moved and has since remained there. He has made many improvements on this place, and his residence, with all its surroundings, show him to be a gentleman of taste and enterprise. He has traveled through Nebraska, Kansas and Colorado, and while in Nebraska purchased a tract of land which he yet owns. He also owns 477 acres in this county, and has an interest in something over 300 acres, located in Jersey, Macoupin and Clinton counties. Mr. and Mrs. Griswold have been blessed with a family of eight children, five of whom are living - Allen C., Hattie M., Harry, Lucian Guy, and Frank. The children deceased are - Lucius J., born Nov. 2, 1857, died Oct. 20, 1865; Emma F., born Nov. 4, 1862, died oct. 7, 1865; Effie, born Nov. 7, 1877, died July 14, 1878. Mr. Griswold is a member of the grange lodge, and in his political views is with the republicans. He is one of our most substantial farmers and stands high in the estimation of all who know him.