52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks - Week # 26 Theme - Identity

The word Identity would normally make me think of an individual discovery, but my entry is for a whole family line. When I was growing up, my father, Dan Griffin, in Oklahoma, would say "Our Griffin family is NOT the Virginia Griffins."  It stuck in my mind and when I began genealogy searching, I kept it as a clue.  My knowledge of his Griffin family stopped with my Gt Grandfather, Samuel Young Griffin, who was a Union Veteran and died in Kansas, where he had homesteaded.  As we traced his heritage, and the "Identity" of this family, we found his father and grandfather in an area of Virginia that would become West Virginia.  But Daddy said we were NOT the Virginia Griffins.  Further research showed that our Griffin ancestors came from Connecticut before claiming land in Bath/ Pocahontas County in West Virginia.  Before Connecticut, our immigrant Griffin came from Wales in the 1600s.  I believe that family tradition had passed along the "Not Virginia Griffins" because Virginians would have been Southern sympathizers.  The area of our family was in a Union area. Some families even being split by their loyalties.  My father and grandfather knew of the Union Veteran, Samuel Griffin, and wanted to carry on that conviction.  I am proud of that identity and those who carried it.  The Griffin name is still being passed along in given names of many descendants.

Samuel Young Griffin and Elizabeth "Lizzie" Terry

Samuel Young Griffin
b. 23 Sept. 1840 Pocahontas Co, VA
m. 9 Oct. 1873, Sunnyside, Montgomery Co., KS
d. 2 Oct. 1891 Sycamore Twp. Montgomery Co., KS (Obituary says of typhoid fever)

Spouse: Elizabeth "Lizzie" Terry
b. 21 Jan. 1850, Milwaukee, Dane Co., WI
d. 20 Mar. 1939, Edmond, Okla. Co., OK

Samuel Young Griffin is the son of William Griffin and Elizabeth Rodgers. The family lived in Pocahontas County, VA (later West VA) farming in the area of the Greenbrier River near present day Marlinton. His grandfather, Jonathan Griffin, had migrated to VA from Connecticut and married, Rachel Sharp, daughter of pioneer William Sharp.

The following statements are abstracted from Samuel's obituary, not necessarily proven true.
Samuel "...was a drummer boy for Co. F 47th Reg. Ohio Vols. At the close of the war, he moved to Iowa with his father's family. Then moved to Jasper Co., MO. In 1869 moved to Kansas along with the late Col. Samuel Young. Lived north of Larimer, Kansas. On Oct. 9, 1873, he married Elizabeth Terry."

In Samuel Young Griffin's military pension records, registration and muster papers indicate that he enlisted Sept. 18, 1861 at Weston VA (became W. VA) at age 20, 5 days before his 21st birthday. We find no evidence that he was a drummer boy, although he was a provost guard (guarding officers' headquarters). His description was: blue eyes, dark hair, fair complexion, height 5 ft. 9 in.

Throughout his 3 years of service, he was taken ill at different times as were many soldiers of that war. He was hospitalized at Louisville, KY. He contracted measles in Feb. 1862, near Camp Tompkins, WVA, which resulted in chronic bronchitis. He was present in muster rolls during most of 1862. Spent most of 1863 at Louisville Hospital; had duty as provost guard there. During 1864, he was a member of the Veteran Reserve Corps, and was discharged in September at the end of his third year, at Chicago, IL. One major under whom he served was Major McCook, one of 15 of Ohio's "Fighting McCooks", who were involved in major battles at Chickamauga and Kennesaw Mt., GA, among others. A Col. Daniel McCook was killed at Kennesaw Mt., GA, fighting under General Sherman, June 1864. I do not know if Samuel Griffin's company was involved in this battle, although I do believe they were in Georgia, as one muster roll is dated Atlanta, Aug. 1864, which included his name. Follow this link to letters written by Samuel to his parents during the Civil War.

Lizzie Terry, daughter of William and Charlotte Terry, moved with her family from her birthplace in Milwaukee, WI, to Macon County, IL. During the Civil War, her brothers were naturalized and served in the Union Army. Her father died during the 1860s and the family moved to the Southeastern part of Kansas soon afterwards. Lizzie and Sam met in Montgomery County, Kansas, where they were married when Sam was 33 and Lizzie was 23 years of age. Their marriage certificate says the wedding took place "at the home of the bride's mother at Sunnyside."

Sam and Lizzie had seven children, six of whom grew to adulthood. Samuel's veteran pension papers verify the birthdates and places of the children, and who was present at the births.

Harry L. "Jack" Griffin, born Sept. 1874
Charles Walter "Charley" Griffin, a twin, born on March 15, 1877
Mata or Mattie Griffin, a twin, born on March 15, 1877
(Died at 6 months; buried at Crone's Cemetery)
Ira D. Griffin, born on Nov. 26, 1878
Clara M. Griffin, born on Dec. 17, 1881
Elmer E. Griffin, born on April 23, 1885
Floyd F. Griffin, born on Oct. 3, 1889

Samuel died in 1891. The funeral was at Krone's School Methodist Episcopal, where he was a member. He is buried at the Krone's Cemetery, Montgomery County, Kansas. His obituary states:
"Brothers still living at the time of his death: Andrew, Adam, Adonijah, John, William, and Peter. Sister: Mrs. Hugh McNutt."

A few months after Samuel's death, Lizzie and her children moved to Edmond, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, where her mother-in-law, Elizabeth Rodgers Griffin, and brother-in-law, Peter C. Griffin had settled as 89ers.

We have posted a page which includes obituary and a tribute to Lizzie Terry Griffin, who passed away March 30, 1939 at 89 years. She is buried at Greenlawn Cemetery in Edmond.

William Griffin, son of Jonathan

William Griffin, my great great grandfather, was the third child of Jonathan and Rachael Sharp Griffin. He was born March 27, 1812, in Bath County Virginia (later to become Pocahontas Co. West Virginia). An old family letter states that William was called “Billy”, and also that he was educated in Connecticut. I have seen no evidence of the latter. Although his father was born in CT, we find no information that family members returned to CT from West Virginia for education.

We do know that the family valued education, and William was a school teacher and Sunday School teacher. According to his obituary, he was an active member and later an officer, of the Methodist Episcopal Church from age 22. He may well have met his wife, Elizabeth M. Rodgers, at church, as her father, James Rodgers, was a devout man of the area. Of course, the churches met in homes in those days, or outdoors under the trees.

This quote is from “Moccasin Tracks and other Imprints” by William C. Dodrill, 1915.

“It is not known that any schools were taught in this county [Webster] before 1835. The first school of which I have any knowledge was erected by two brothers, William and Benjamin Hamrick, and James Dodrill, on the Elk [River] nearly opposite the mouth of Wolf Pen Run, six miles above Webster Springs. [My note: At that time this would have been in Nicholas or Braxton County, later Webster.] These three men employed William Griffin to teach three months, for which he was to receive 30 dollars and board. Spelling, reading, writing, and arithmetic were the branches taught. The Bible was the text used in the reading classes. …”

Note: William would have been about 23 at this time. Another source says that William’s brother, Benoni Griffin, taught at the school. Benoni later married William Hamrick’s daughter, Nancy.

Elizabeth Rodgers, daughter of James and Elizabeth Jackson Rodgers, was born Aug. 4, 1818, in what she called “East” Virginia, probably Culpeper or Madison County, VA. Her mother died when Elizabeth was a child. Her father brought seven children over the mountains to the Buckeye area of Pocahontas County, where he married for a second time, and had six more children. They lived on Rodgers Mountain, south of the Stony Creek area where the Griffins lived.

After the time that William was a teacher, we next find a record of William as an adult, recipient of 62 acres (possibly more) of land transferred or sold to him by his father, Jonathan Griffin, Sept 4, 1838, just a few weeks before William and Elizabeth's marriage. The land was originally granted to Benoni Griffin of Connecticut, on the Greenbrier River (now site of the Green Bank Telescope.) Jonathan was somehow related to this Benoni; I hope to discover a father/son relationship.

We have a copy of the marriage certificate for William and Elizabeth, which is found on pg. 25, Pocahontas Co. Marriage Book as follows:

22 Oct 1838 Bond: William Griffin and Elizabeth M. Rogers. Surety, William Griffin and James Rogers.

25 Oct 1838 Return: William GRIFFIN and Elizabeth M. Rogers by Joseph G. McKeehan.

There is no indication that William and Elizabeth ever lived on the Green Bank land. Their first son, Joseph was born in 1839, in Pocahontas, where the rest of the Jonathan Griffin family lived. Then in 1840, William, Elizabeth, and son, under 5, are found in Nicholas County. This county was the home of Elizabeth’s two sisters, Tabitha Rodgers, wife of James McAvoy, and Sarah Ann Rodgers, wife of Adonijah Harris, and brother, Robert Rodgers. Harris and Robert Rodgers were both blacksmiths by trade. In later years, at least three of William’s children/grandchildren list their occupations as blacksmith.

William and his wife Elizabeth farmed in Pocahontas County near the family farm in 1850, as father, Jonathan, was aged. After Jonathan’s death around 1852, most of his sons and families, as well as their mother, Rachael, moved to Braxton (later Webster County west of the mountains near the Elk River. Brother, Abraham, stayed on the family farm on Swago and Stony Creek in Pocahontas County.

William was on the petition for the formation of Webster County West VA, in 1860. It has been stated in a family letter that he farmed 400 acres in Webster County. He was blinded in one eye by a corn stalk when walking through his field.

Military Service: Two sons, James M., and Levi J., died of illness, in service to the Union during the Civil War. James served in the 47th Regiment of the Ohio Voluntary Infantry - probably mustered in 1861. He died June 22, 1862. He was first buried in the military cemetery at Charleston West VA, then later re-interred at the military cemetery at West Virginia.

Levi J. was a Private in the 10th West Virginia Volunteer Infantry, mustered at Sutton May 3, 1862, at age 18. He died Oct. 13, 1864, at Winchester, of fever. Another son, Samuel Young Griffin, also served the Union in the Ohio Vols 47th Regiment. Although he was stricken with illness, he did return from the war and accompanied the family as they headed west. Our Griffin line descends through Samuel. Letters to father, William, from Samuel during the Civil War.

During the latter part of the war, the families were forced to leave their farms in Webster County and relocate to the military base in Clarksburg, Harrison County. At the close of the Civil War, William and Elizabeth along with their remaining children, and several related families, decided to leave the new state of West Virginia to head for western states. Their sympathies for the Union brought persecution from their neighbors...to the extent that at one time they had to hide in a water filled ditch. The story of this exodus is recorded by a descendant of the Miller family, who traveled with Griffin and Harris families (all related). Click Here for John J. Miller's Civil War Story.

Family letters state that in 1865, William and Elizabeth and ten children, along with several other related families boarded a steamboat on the Ohio River (probably at Marietta OH), and sailed down the Ohio to the Mississippi, then to the Missouri River and up to Council Bluffs, Iowa. As John Miller had land in Exira, Audubon County Iowa, the family must have traveled there by wagon. Elizabeth’s aunts, Julia and Elizabeth Rodgers, in their 80s, (Julia was blind) traveled with them and then on to their brother Chesley’s home in Indianola, Iowa.

As stated in Miller’s story, the Griffins and Millers farmed for a short time in Iowa, then in Carthage, Missouri, and finally in Montgomery County, in southeastern Kansas. Sycamore Township became the home of this family and descendants for many years.

In 1889, William and Elizabeth’s youngest son, Peter Griffin, unmarried, age 28, made the Oklahoma Land Run, staking claims for himself and his parents, west of Edmond in Deer Creek. Soon after they moved to Edmond, Oklahoma Territory, William died. He is now buried at Gracelawn Cemetery. Elizabeth died in 1903, after her daughter in law, Lizzie Griffin, widow of Samuel, and children moved to Oklahoma.

This obituary comes from a Kansas Newspaper, although Wm.'s death occurred in Oklahoma. Jan Griffin Leaf has provided this.

GRIFFIN - William Griffin was born in Pocahontas County, VA., March 27, 1812, and died near Edmond, I. T., [should be Okla. Terr..] Nov. 4, 1889. He married Elizabeth M. Rogers, Oct. 25, 1838. There were born to them twelve sons and two daughters; seven sons and one daughter survive their father, and also his aged wife. He was a devoted member of the M.E. Church for 55 years, during which time he filled various offices in the Church. Father Griffin was a true type of a man and Christian. He was one of the few that opposed secession in his township at the breaking out of the Rebellion. He moved and settled for a time in Montgomery County, Kans., during which time the writer was his pastor and always found him in his place at church when it was possible for him to be there. He died as the good man dieth, and leaves behind him the savor of a good name, more to be desired than gold. J. ALBERT HYDEN. Cherry Vale, Kans.

More information on the children of William and Elizabeth:

Three children did not survive to adulthood and we do not know their dates of death or burial place. They are Rachel J., Robert O., and Alpheus. The oldest son, Joseph, is said to have died of fever about 1861, at age 22.

Samuel Young Griffin married Elizabeth “Lizzie” Terry, in Montgomery Co., Kansas. When he died in 1891, Lizzie brought the children to live in Oklahoma on the land claimed by her brother-in-law, Pete. The story of Sam and Lizzie, their life and family will be found on a separate blog page.

Adam Bland Griffin. We have a biography of Adam, contributed by a descendant, Elisha Dawn Barnett. Adam met Sarah Wiggins in Iowa, where they eloped. They then came to Kansas, farmed and raised a large family. Adam made the Oklahoma Land Run of 1893.

Sarah Ann “Sally” Griffin, the only surviving daughter of Wm. and Elizabeth, married Hugh McNutt when the Griffin family lived in Iowa. She was widowed in her 40s, and after living in Edmond, OK, with sister-in-law, Lizzie for a while, followed her children to Burbank, California, where she died in 1937.

Andrew W. Griffin married Zara Mayfield. He farmed in Montgomery Co., Kansas. Andrew was listed as a blacksmith in the 1870s, as was his brother Adonijah Harris Griffin. We have made contact with a descendant of Andrew and Zara, who lives in Colorado. Link to Andrew’s obituary.

John L. Griffin, with wife Clara O. Piersol & family, migrated from Kansas to Colorado around 1892. John was a mathematician and held positions as teacher, principal & Supt. of Schools, in Boulder and Everett, WA. We also have a biography of John L. and family, contributed by Jan Griffin Leaf of the Seattle, WA area.

Adonijah "Nije" Griffin went to Colorado at about the same time as John, and then to Texas. His first wife was Mattie Hinton, and second was Ida Groseclose. In Baylor County, TX, Nije was a blacksmith and served as postmaster. His descendants are found in New Mexico, Arizona and California.

William F. Griffin married Ellen Davis in Montgomery County, KS, in 1880. He was a farmer and settled in Sparks, Lincoln County, OK. Later he listed his occupation as house painter, was divorced, and lived for a time in Oklahoma City, OK. He died in Sparks, OK, in 1922. His children stayed in Oklahoma.

Peter Charles Griffin was the youngest son of William and Elizabeth. "Uncle Pete" never married. He worked the farm with his father. In 1889, he made the Oklahoma Land Run, staking a claim at Edmond, for himself and his parents. At his death in 1934, he willed his accumulated wealth to his many nieces and nephews. His will provided for a stone for his parents, Elizabeth and William Griffin, in Gracelawn Cemetery, Edmond, Oklahoma. Link to Uncle Pete's story.

Civil War Letter from Samuel Y. Griffin to his Father

This is one of the letters from our Gt Grandfather, Samuel Y. Griffin, age 22, Union Soldier in Ohio Vols. His younger brother, James, had just died of disease during service. Another brother, Levi, was in the 10th VA Union Reg. which Samuel asks about. Levi was also to die of disease before the war was over. Samuel did come home, but carried illness through his life. I marvel at the excellent command of words and the dedication of this young man who was born and raised on a mountain in Pocahontas County, West Virginia.

Camp Meadow Bluffs [my note: Greenbrier Co. west of Lewisburg]
July the 24, 1862

"Dear Father and Family

I now take the present opportunity of writing you a few lines to inform you of my wellfare. I am in tolerable good health at this time and hope these few lines may reach and find you enjoying the same blessing. I received 2 letters from you the 8th, inst., one enclosed in a letter to the Captain. I was sorry to hear of Jameses death. But he is gone where the Salute of musketry is not heard over the grave of friends and fellow Soldiers, and where the sound of war is forever hushed. The health of the troops here is generally tolerable good. There has been but two deaths since we have been camped here.

We took another scout across Greenbrier River, it consisted of our entire Regiment and about 300 cavalry. After we crossed the River the cavalry had an engagement with some of the enemies cavalry. Our men killed one and took a few prisoners while the rebels were trying to make their escape. There is nothing of importance going on here at the present.

There are 3 Regs here and 6 companies of the 9th Virginiers. I want you to write soon & let me know where the 10th Virginies is stationed at. I heard that they was at Buckhanon but I don't know whether they are there or not. I received a letter from Uncle Benoni some time ago. They were well at the time the letter was written. I would like to see you all but I cannot at present. I must obey my countries call.

Our Regiment is tolerably well drilled; we have company drill in the morning from nine till half past ten and Battalion drill from 4 till half past 5 in the evening and dress parade at 6 o'clock. We don't drill Saturdays & Sundays. I have nothing of importance more to write and must close my present letter. Give my best respects to all inquiring friends. No more at present but remain your affectionate son as ever.

[To] Wm Griffin [From]Samuel Y. Griffin

P.S. I found six postage stamps enclosed in your letter. I am very thankful to you for sending them.

Yours S. Y. Griffin"

Gt. Grandmother Lizzie Terry Griffin

We have found the obituary of our Great Grandmother, Lizzie Griffin, mother of Charley who was posted yesterday.
Edmond Oklahoma Newspaper.
Biography, Mrs. Lizzie Griffin
Elizabeth Ann Terry was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, January 21 1849 [incorrect, 1850] and departed this life Monday morning, March 20, at the age of 90 years and 2 months, after an illness of two weeks.

Her parents, William and Charlotte Terry, came to America from London, England, in 1848, and settled in Milwaukee. In 1850 they moved to Chicago, where they lived for a short time, later moving to a farm near Decatur, Illinois, where she, with her nine brothers and sisters grew to maturity. In 1869, the family moved west, locating near Independence, Kansas. At this place, she met and married Samuel Young Griffin, October 9, 1873. To this union, 7 children were born, two daughters, Mata, who died in infancy, and Clara, who died in 1918, and 5 sons, who survive her. The husband, a Union Soldier in the Civil War, died October 2, 1891. The widow, with a family of six children, ranging in ages from two to seventeen, seeing a better opportunity in a new country, moved to Oklahoma in 1892, locating on a farm ten miles north of Edmond. In 1899, in order that she might educate her children, she moved to Edmond, where she lived until her death.

A wonderful home-maker and mother, Mrs. Griffin yet found much time to devote to her church, which she loved with an abiding love. In 1898, while living in the country, she helped found and was a charter member of Bethel church. During her years spent in Edmond, she was a devout member of the Methodist church, as active in the Home Missionary Society, the W.C.T.U., and the Ladies' Aid. She taught a Sunday School class for forty years continuously. Her well marked, worn Bible was a daily companion, and in later years, when she was unable to read its words, she could repeat them lovely from memory. She had an unusual gift for friendship and love for humanity, and none came to her for help without receiving it.

She is survived by her five sons: Harry L., Charles W., Ira D., Elmer E., all of Edmond, and Floyd F. of Portland, Oregon, also fourteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

CARD OF THANKS
We wish to express our sincere appreciation to our many friends and neighbors for their kind expressions of sympathy and beautiful floral offering during the illness and death of our beloved mother and grandmother. THE GRIFFIN FAMILY
_________________________________________________________

"Speaking Personally" article by D.B.W. in an Edmond Newspaper.
" MRS. LIZZIE GRIFFIN...
In 1892 a widowed mother with six children, ranging in age from two to seventeen years, moved to Oklahoma and settled on a farm ten miles northwest of Edmond.

Old timers recall the hardships that confronted a family with an able bodied father to fend for it. The drouths, the lack of any modern facilities, all of which points to the fearless, sturdy qualities of this mother who so bravely faced what the future had in store for her and her brood in this new land of opportunity.

This week saw that pioneer mother pass to her final reward, and hundreds of friends gathered to pay their final tributes of respect to Mrs. Lizzie Griffin, who, having rounded out her ninetieth year of helpful and inspiring living, gently left this earthly life.

I have known this mother since my early boyhood. I know full well the respect which all held for her, and I hold with deep reverence the high ideals which she ever kept before herself and her family.

Five stalwart sons are truly monuments to her life. They are all men who command the respect of their friends, and I think that no greater tribute can be paid any mother than such a contribution to her country.

Women of her ilk are fast traveling the valley of death, and a few more years will see the true pioneer mothers only a memory to us. But we can always hold their memories close to our hearts .... for they bore their young and reared them righteously and fearlessly."