Maxson W Griffee

GRIFFEE

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 5/20/2010 at 14:10:42

Maxson W Griffee is today the oldest potter in Boone county in years of continuous connection with the business. About 1863 he established a potter in Boonesboro and began the manufacture of stoneware. In this business he continued until 1899, when he retired and is now giving his attention merely to the supervision of his property interests. He was born February 22, 1843, in Cadiz, Henry county, Indiana , his parents being Adam and Ruth Annie (Dooley) Griffee, the former a native of Wales and the latter of Ohio. The father, a miller by trade, came to the United States in early life and established his home in Cadiz, Indiana. He was married in that state and there made his home until 1855, when he removed with his family to Boone, working in the flour mill of George Hoover for some time. He was connected with milling in Polk county at the time of his death, although he still made his home in Boone county. His religious faith was that of the Methodist Episcopal church and his political belief that of the republican party. To him and his wife were born the following children: Keziah, who became the wife of James Gaskell and died in Boone, Maxson W, Ellen the wife of Michael Hayes, a resident of Denver, Colorado, Allie, who married Lizzie Henshaw, of Boone county, Rachel the wife of Jasper Moreland, of South Dakota, Mrs Mary Parsons of Omaha, and Charles who is living in Ralston, Iowa.
Maxson W Griffee is a self educated as well as a self made man, having opportunity to attend school for only three months. He has learned many lessons, however, through business experience and observation. When but twelve years of age he went to work n a pottery at Boone and followed that pursuit for twenty years. He began grinding clay in the Kelcey pottery and applied himself with much diligence and mastered the busies so thoroughly and practical knowledge of the trade. At twenty years of age he built a pottery in Boone and began the manufacture of all kinds of stoneware. The enterprise prospered form the beginning and later, or abut 1870, he built a second pottery in Boone. He became the largest dealer in the county and his shipments went to all parts of the United States. Gradually as he met success he equipped his plant with the latest improved machinery, also improved the grade of pottery manufactured and through the excellence of his output, as well as his honorable dealings, increased this trade to extensive proportions. He retired from active business, selling his plant in 1899, since which time he has given his attention to his property interests. He has built a number of residences and other buildings in Boone and now owns valuable real estate.
On February 1, 1868, Mr Griffee was married to Miss Martha Buffkin, of Indiana, a daughter of Samuel and Catherine Buffkin. Mrs Griffee passed away in Boonsboro in 1882, and on September 27, 1883, he married Julia A Wilbur, who was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, February 1, 1843. She acquired her education in the common schools of Farmington, Ohio, and at eighteen years of age began teaching in Trumbull county, which profession she followed for three years. She then engaged in dressmaking and in 1867 came to Boone, where she lived with her brother Dwight, a coal operator.
Mr Griffee is a daughter of Joseph and Clarinda (Colburn) Wilbur, who were native of Connecticut. The father was born May 26, 1897, and after his marriage removed to Ohio. In his younger days he was a miller, farmer and gardener. In 1869 he came to Boone, where he passed away on June 10, 1883. His wife held membership n the Methodist Episcopal church. Unto them were born the following named. Dwight, the eldest, born in Ohio, July 19, 1839, was married there to Edna Lyman and both died in Los Angeles. Orlando, born November 24, 1841, died in Ohio, January 10, 1866. Mrs Griffee is the next of the family. Louise R born February 12, 1845, was married in 1864 to Charles Holcomb and died August 26, 1910, while on a visit in Woodville, Ohio. Jonathan, born October 10, 1846 was married March 25, 1869 to Hattie Thompson and died in Los Angeles. David C born May 15, 1848, was married January 13, 1870 to Esther Minor of Ohio, who died in Marshalltown, Iowa January 25, 1905. Andrew born September 10, 1851, as married November 12, 1874 to Hattie Dempster and lives in Santa Barbara, California. Curtis E born December 15, 1854, was married January 13, 1876 to Stella Tyler and died in Denver, Colorado December 14, 1905.
Mr Griffee had one child by his first marriage, Isaac who was born September 17, 1873. He was married January 16, 1907, to Edna Satterlee and they have one son, Cleo M. Mr Griffee tends to spiritualism in religious belief and to socialism in political faith. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is identified with its Missionary Society and Aid Society. They are both well known in this county, where they long resided and where Mr Griffee won a place among the representative business men, being for a long period connected with one of the most important productive industries of the county.

1914 Boone County History Book