Michael & Johanna (Meade) Griffin & Family

MEADE, GRIFFIN, HEALY, SCHERRMAN, TOBIN, MCDERMOTT

Posted By: cheryl Locher moonen (email)
Date: 3/12/2020 at 20:03:58

Michael Griffin was born in Ireland. He married Johanna Meade in Ireland in 1877. They had two sons: Thomas and James were born before they immigrated to America in 1883 to 1890 when they came to Farley. While in Farley, William, John and David, twins; Helena and Michael were all born in Dubuque County. They farmed northeast of Farley, 1187 Boge Road.later they moved to Farley and lived in the first house across Hwy. 20.

Relatives say he planted pine trees that surround the Holy Family Cemetery at the Monastery. When the family moved to Farley, railroad tracks ran through the property, so before the trains were due Michael would walk the tracks to see if they were safe and would wave a red railroad lantern when necessary,

Thomas and William remained in Farley area. They were educated at rural schools and at the Mission House in Epworth.

The Griffins contributed to the building of St. Joseph church and was active in community affairs, being treasurer for many years. She later worked as a seamstress. Their children were: Leo, Irene Tobin, Marie McDermott, Frank and Florence Healy.

William Griffin married Katherine Scherrman in 1909. About 1913 he operated a livery stable which was destroyed by fire on July 23, 1915. He later had a Star Mail Route from Farley to Cascade. He contributed to the building of St. Joseph Church and school and was an honorary member of the Knights of Columbus. Katherine was active in the women’s Catholic Order of Foresters. She later worked as a seamstress.

James Griffin was a fireman in Waterloo.

John lived in Cedar Rapids where he worked for Quaker Oats. Helena was a school teacher in Chicago, Ill., where she also taught at rural schools in Dubuque county and Ryan, Iowa.
M. J. (Michael) was educated at rural schools and at the Brother School in Dyersville, Iowa. He helped his father on the farm and he was inducted into the army in WWI. After returning home he went to Chicago and joined the police force, retiring in 1957.

Johnna mother came from Ireland about 1884. Her name was Ellen Meade. She made her home with them and is buried in the Garry Owen Cemetery.

The History of Farley, Iowa - Copyright 1996 - Welu Printing Co.