James Griffin 1836 - 1901

GRIFFIN, WOODS, RATCLIFF

Posted By: Joe Conroy (email)
Date: 6/30/2012 at 10:02:33

Williamsburg Journal Tribune
Williamsburg, Iowa
28 Nov 1901
Page 1

Obituary.

A cloud of sorrow was cast over this community by the sudden death of James Griffin, who died at his home in Lytle City, on Thursday, Nov. 7, 1901, aged 65 years.

Mr. Griffin had been ill for the past year, gradually growing worse until two years ago, when signs of a fatal termination of his sickness manifested themselves. All that medical science, loving hearts and willing hands could do was unavailing to stay the progress of the fell destroyer, Death. His lifelong prayer that he might be permitted to die in the month of November was granted.

Mr. Griffin was born and raised in Indiana and was among the early settlers of Iowa county, coming here in 1852. He was married to Miss Harriet Woods in 1861, who with nine sorrowing children survives him. In 1865 he laid aside all personal considerations and took up arms in defense of his country, enlisting in the 8th Iowa Infantry, and served until he was honorably discharged. His children have all grown to useful manhood and womanhood, and all were present at his funeral. Only one, however, reached his side before the spirit of the father who idolized his children had winged its flight to its Maker.

Besides his immediate family he leaves a sister, Mrs. J. M. Ratcliff, of Marengo, and a brother, Philip, of Indiana. His aged mother preceded him but five months before. He was buried according to the ritual of the G. A. R. The Heavenly Father truly said, "We'll never know the day when from this life of toil and pain we're called our debts to pay." The remains were laid to rest in Oak Hill Cemetery, Williamsburg, beside those of his daughter Lucy.

Farewell, then, kind, good father dear,
No more on this earth we'll meet.
May Jesus and his mother too
Bring us all to His feet.

M. L. G.