My Griffin family roots began in Putnam County, Georgia during the years of slavery with my 3 times great grandparents, Wright and Clara Griffin in the mid-1850s. Wright and Clara were both born into slavery somewhere in Georgia about 1838 and 1836, respectively. The names of their parents are unknown to me but according to each census record they were recorded on their parents were also born in Georgia and DNA evidence suggest that either Wright or Clara were closely related to a man named Elisha Reid who also lived in Putnam County after the emancipation of slavery. According to the 1900 US Federal Census for Putnam County, Wright and Clara were “married” in 1855 which is the year prior to the birth of their first child Scott. Although their whereabouts prior to this time are uncertain to me, I believe without a doubt that they were in Putnam County by then. They may have even lived on separate plantations in Putnam County. Wright was more than likely a slave of the Reid family of Putnam County whom he continued to work for even after slavery ended. Clara whose maiden name was “Adams” according to the death certificate of one of their oldest sons, Washington Griffin, “may” have lived on the plantation of Benjamin Franklin Adams. Adams was a neighbor of the Reid family who frequently engaged in business activities with the Reids and his daughter Mary later married Elizabeth Reid’s grandson William Sydney Reid post slavery in 1869. However, there is not enough information to confirm Clara’s connection to any plantation in Putnam County so where Clara was enslaved is speculative at this point.
Elizabeth Brewer Reid and Her Slaves
Elizabeth Reid who was born Elizabeth Brewer in 1772 in Greensville, Virginia Colony married Alexander Reid in 1792 in Rowan County, North Carolina. They arrived in Georgia after the Revolutionary War along with several members of Alexander’s family. They settled in Greene County and eventually ended up in Putnam County where he died on 26 Mar 1832 leaving her at least 9 slaves from his estate.
Headstone of Major Alexander Reid: Photo available in the Reid family folders at The Georgia Archives, Morrow, Georgia.
Slaves of Alexander Reid at the time of his death were: Andy, described as a man about age 37, b.1795, valued at $500 and distributed to Andrew Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Alfred, a man valued at $550 and distributed to Alex Reese, grandson of Alexander Reid; Jordan, described as a man about age 21, b.1811, valued at $550 and distributed to Alex S. Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Warren, described as a man about age 21, b.1811, valued at $550 and distributed to James L Reid, son of Alexander Reid; George, described as a man about age 25, b.1807, valued at $150 and distributed to Edmund Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Simon, described as a man about age 15, b.1817, valued at $475 and distributed to Elizabeth Reid, widow of Alexander Reid; Moses, described as a man about age 40, b.1792, valued at $375 and distributed to Andrew Reid, son of Alexander Reid; John, described as a man about age 60, b.1772, valued at $100 and distributed to Sam Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Prince, described as a man about age 25, b.1807, distributed to Elizabeth Reid, widow of Alexander Reid; Hampton, described as a man about age 15, b.1817, valued at $500 and distributed to David Henry Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Adam, described as a man about age 22, b.1810, valued at $575 and distributed to Elizabeth Reid, widow of Alexander Reid; Dick, described as a man age and wasn’t mentioned in distribution. He was probably one of the slaves on the estate chosen by Elizabeth Reid before the lot distribution or he was sold; Jacob, a man who wasn’t mentioned in distribution. He was probably one of the slaves on the estate chosen by Elizabeth Reid before the lot distribution or he was sold; Jesse, a man who wasn’t mentioned in distribution. He was probably one of the slaves on the estate chosen by Elizabeth Reid before the lot distribution or he was sold; Braxton, described as a boy about age 10, b.1822, valued at $350 and distributed to David Henry Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Simon?, a man who wasn’t mentioned in distribution. He was probably one of the slaves on the estate chosen by Elizabeth Reid before the lot distribution or he was sold; Judy, described as a woman about age 28, b.1804, valued at $375 and distributed to Elizabeth Reid, widow of Alexander Reid; Lilia, described as a woman about age 40, b.1792, and distributed to Elizabeth Reid, widow of Alexander Reid; Hannah, described as a old woman and wasn’t mentioned in distribution. She was probably one of the slaves on the estate chosen by Elizabeth Reid before the lot distribution or she was sold; Easter, described as a girl about age unknown and distributed to Alex Reese, grandson of Alexander Reid; Betsy, described as a woman about age 17, b.1815, valued at $550 with 1 child and distributed to James L Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Rose, a woman and valued at $600 with 1 child and distributed to William T. Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Sarah, described as a woman about age 25, b.1807, valued at $525 with a 13 yr son and distributed to William Biscoe, son in law of Alexander Reid; Peyton, described as a small boy about age 8, b.1824, valued at $200 and distributed to Elizabeth Reid, widow of Alexander Reid; Milly, described as a woman with 3 children, valued at $525 and distributed to David Henry Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Dick, described as a small boy about age 4, b.1828, valued at $175 and distributed to Alex S. Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Stafford, described as a small boy about age 2, b.1830, valued at $125 and distributed to William Biscoe, son in law of Alexander Reid; Isaac, described as a man about age 28, b.1804, valued at $575 and distributed to David Henry Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Prince, described as a man about age 42, b.1790, valued at $425 and distributed to William Biscoe, son in law of Alexander Reid; Fanny, a woman and wasn’t mentioned in distribution. She was probably one of the slaves on the estate chosen by Elizabeth Reid before the lot distribution or she was sold; Sally, described as a woman about age 27, b.1805, valued at $300 with 2 and distributed to Elizabeth Reid, widow of Alexander Reid; Charlotte, described as a small girl age and wasn’t mentioned in distribution. She was probably one of the slaves on the estate chosen by Elizabeth Reid before the lot distribution or she was sold; Mariah, described as a woman about age 32, b.1800, valued at $325 with 1 and distributed to Edmund Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Lucy, described as a woman about age 41, b.1791, valued at $300 with 1 small girl and distributed to Sam Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Anthony, described as a small boy about age 8, b.1824, valued at $22 and distributed to David Henry Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Leah, described as a small girl about age 7, b.1825, valued at $250 and distributed to James L Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Charity, described as a small girl about age 12, b.1820, valued at $300 and distributed to David Henry Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Melinda, described as a small girl about age 11, b.1821, valued at $250 and distributed to James L Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Patience, described as a small girl about age 12, b.1820, valued at $250 and distributed to William T. Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Margaret, described as a small girl about age 10, b.1822, valued at $250 and distributed to Andrew Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Mary, described as a small girl and distributed to Alex Reese, grandson of Alexander Reid; Sarah, described as a girl about age 17, b.1815, valued at $575 and distributed to Alex S. Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Emily, described as a girl about age 16, b.1832, and wasn’t mentioned in distribution because she was one of the slaves on the estate chosen by Elizabeth Reid before the lot distribution; Polly, described as a girl about age 16, b.1816, valued at $350 and distributed to Sam Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Rhody, described as a girl about age 16, b.1816, valued at $375 and distributed to William T. Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Patsy, a woman distributed to Alex Reese, grandson of Alexander Reid; Peter, described as a man about age 42, b.1790, valued at $400 and distributed to James L Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Susan, described as a woman about age 8, b.1824, valued at $100 and distributed to Elizabeth Reid, widow of Alexander Reid; Wesley, described as a boy about age 3, b.1829, valued at $125 and distributed to Elizabeth Reid, widow of Alexander Reid; Adrian, described as a small boy valued at $175 and distributed to William Biscoe, son in law of Alexander Reid; Phillip, described as a boy about age 20, b.1812, valued at $525 and distributed to William Biscoe, son in law of Alexander Reid; Dud/Dread, described as a man about age 50, b.1782, valued at $150 and distributed to Sam Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Cherry, described as a woman about age 45, b.1787, valued at $100 and distributed to Sam Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Squire, described as a boy about age 15, b.1817, valued at $450 and distributed to Sam Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Ben, described as a man about age 25, b.1807, valued at $500 and distributed to Edmund Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Patrick, described as a boy about age 25, b.1807, valued at $575 and distributed to Edmund Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Warren, described as a small boy about age 2, b.1830, valued at $125 and distributed to Edmund Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Charles, described as a boy about age 13, b.1819, valued at $350 and distributed to John B. Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Ishman, described as a boy about age 12, b.1820, valued at $324 and distributed to John B. Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Caesar, described as a man about age 21, b.1811, valued at $575 and distributed to William T. Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Willy, described as a man about age 21, b.1811, valued at $550 and distributed to William T. Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Lock/Lod, described as a boy about age 19, b.1813, valued at $575 and distributed to David Henry Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Balam, described as a boy about age 10, b.1822, valued at $250 and distributed to Andrew Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Nelson, described as a boy about age 5, b.1827, valued at $175 and distributed to Andrew Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Wyatt, described as a boy about age 2, b.1830, valued at $125 and distributed to Andrew Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Major, described as a boy about age 10, b.1822, valued at $325 and distributed to Sam Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Kitty, described as a girl about age 14, b.1818, valued at $325 and distributed to Alex S. Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Bob, described as a man about age 50, b.1782, valued at $150 and distributed to Alex S. Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Tom, described as a man about age 50, b.1782, valued at $100 and distributed to Alex S. Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Charity, described as a girl about age 11, b.1821, valued at $275 and distributed to William T. Reid, son of Alexander Reid; A unnamed male child valued at $100 and distributed to William T. Reid, son of Alexander Reid; Vine, described as a woman about age 60, b.1772 woman and wasn’t mentioned in distribution. She was probably one of the slaves on the estate chosen by Elizabeth Reid before the lot distribution or she was sold; John, described as a man about age 22, b.1810, valued at $525 and distributed to James L Reid, son of Alexander Reid. 23 July 1832 – Inventory List of Alexander Reid, deceased, [Putnam County GA Inventory and Appraisal Book D, pages 309- 312]
23 July 1832 – Inventory List of Alexander Reid, deceased, [Putnam County GA Inventory and Appraisal Book D, pages 309- 312]
It is likely that at least one of Wright’s parents, mainly his mother and members of her family were included on Alexander Reid’s 1832 inventory list which was recorded about 6 to 8 years before Wright was born. Not only has DNA, biologically connected descendants of at least 4 of Wright’s children to descendants of at least 2 children of a man name Elisha Reid who would later appear on Elizabeth Reid’s inventory list with him; but DNA has also connected descendants of 4 of Wright’s children to descendants of a slave named Kitty who was recorded on the inventory list of John Brewer Reid, son of Alexander Reid and Elizabeth Brewer Reid in 1860. There were at least 2 slaves given to John Brewer Reid in 1832 from his father’s estate. They were: Charles, described as a boy about age 13, b.1819, valued at $350 and Ishman, described as a boy about age 12, b.1820, valued at $324. It is possible that at least one of them was a relative of Wright’s and fathered Kitty in 1844 with another slave. There could also be some other explanation for the biological connection such as: the unrecorded sharing and trading of slaves among the Reid family members at later times; there could be a slight possibility that both family groups biologically descended from the slave owning family which could explain their shared DNA or there could be some other explanation for the common DNA.
Putnam County GA Estates & 24 Dec 1832 Putnam County GA Division of Kind: Assignment Miscellaneous Book Q page 281 -283.
At least one of Wright’s parents, likely his mother, was probably one of the 9 slaves that were distributed to Alexander’s widow, Elizabeth Reid or one of the 9 slaves not mentioned in the distribution.
The 9 Slaves Elizabeth Reid Received from her late husband estate in 1832 were:Simon, described as a man about age 15, b.1817, valued at $475; Prince, described as a man about age 25, b.1807; Adam, described as a man about age 22, b.1810, valued at $575; Judy, described as a woman about age 28, b.1804, valued at $375; Lilia, described as a woman about age 40, b.1792; Peyton, described as a small boy about age 8, b.1824, valued at $200; Sally, described as a woman about age 27, b.1805, valued at $300 with 2 children: Susan, described as a girl about age 8, b.1824, valued at $100; Wesley, described as a boy about age 3, b.1829, valued at $125.
9 Other slaves that were not mentioned in the distribution that may have passed away, been sold or was among the slaves that Elizabeth Reid chose for herself as per the will of her husband [Putnam County Will Book B p. 118 – 120]: Dick, a man, Jacob, a man, Jesse, a man, Simon?, a man, Hannah, described as a old woman, Fanny, a woman, Charlotte, described as a small girl, Emily, described as a girl about age 16 and Vine, described as a woman about age 60, b.1772 woman.
There were 3 adult females and 1 teenage girl in Elizabeth Reid’s lot of the estate or who wasn’t mention in the distribution who was likely Wright’s mother. Although 40 year Lilia, who seems to be the mother of 8 year old Peyton, may be a possible candidate of becoming Wright’s mother 6 to 8 years later, 28 year Judy, 27 year old Sally who was the mother of 8 year old Susan and 3 year old Wesley and Emily, described as a girl about age 16 but not mentioned in the distribution are within ages more likely to have been Wright’s mother. The name “Wesley” was later used by Wright when he named his 11th son and the name “Emily” was used by Elijah Reid when he named his daughter.
On 19 Feb 1856, Elizabeth Reid’s will was recorded in Putnam County Will Book C pages 29 – 30. In item 2 of her will she bequeathed “her son David H. Reid the following property viz; a negro girl by the named Estherabout fourteen years old and her increase and a negro girl now in the possession of David H. Reid by the named of Masonand her increase…….”. In Item 3, she bequeathed to her granddaughter, Elizabeth Brewer Reid, daughter of her son David H. Reid, a negro girl by the name of Melissa about seven years old and her increase,… “. Elizabeth Reid’s will was proved on 6 Feb 1860.
1st page of Elizabeth Reid’s Will recorded in Putnam County Will Book C pages 29 – 30 on 19 Feb 1856,.
On 23 Jan 1860, Elizabeth Reid died in Eatonton. Though there were no recorded transactions in the Putnam County Courts of her purchasing or selling slaves in Putnam subsequent to her husband’s death, it’s not a “definite” indication that she didn’t. Not all transactions were recorded by the courts especially if the transactions occurred between family members. Also, it is possible that she purchased slaves outside of the county. However, several of her sons had several transactions involving slaves recorded by the county since their father’s death. On Dec 25, 1839, Alexander S. Reid received on behalf of his wife Mariah Louisa from the estate of James Jourdan the following negroes: Ted, Sam, Ned, Richmond, Willis, Dick, Malvina, Matilda and her child Sylvana, Eddy and her four children Betsey, John, Priscilla & M___, Temperance and her five children Anderson, Martha, Berry, William & Bertrand. The transaction was recorded on Dec 30, 1839 in Putnam County Deed Book P, 1837-1842 & 1851, p. 333.
Putnam County Deed Book P, 1837-1842 & 1851, p. 333
On Jan 9, 1843, two of the Legatees of estate of James Jourdan obtained a judgement against Thomas G. Sanford administer of Jourdan’s estate for $9763.88. It appears that mortgages on land and on the followingslaves; Sampson, 50; Jim, 50; Dinkin(?), 25; Randol, 25; Wiley, 20; Lucis(?), 26; Rubin, 38; Ephraim, 50; Bob, 50) were taken out for the security for the administration bond; and, that the mortgages were transferred to Alexander S. Reid and to Adalaide E. Jourdan. This transaction was recorded on 10 Jan 1843 in Putnam County Deed Book Q, 1842-1849, pp. 137-138.
Putnam County Deed Book Q, 1842-1849, pp. 137
On 10 Dec 1846, a recording of a bond by Alexander S. Reid and Adalaide E. Jourdan which was a security for bond for:a Negro man Jack, age 20 in Putnam County Deed Book Q, 1842-1849, p. 413.
Putnam County Deed Book Q, 1842-1849, p. 413
On 22 March 1854, Thomas McManus to Andrew Reid for a security of a promissory note for slaves: Ely, a negro man about 30; Tom, a negro boy about 18; and Rachel a negro woman about 26. It was recorded on 6 June 1854 in Putnam County Deed Book R, 1847-1858, pp. 425-426.
Putnam County Deed Book R, 1847-1858, pp. 425
On 27 Feb 1855, Thomas McManus to Andrew Reid. Security for promissory note for the same slaves: Ely, a negro man about 34; Tom, a negro boy about 19; and Rachel a negro woman about 27. It was recorded on 15 May 1855 in Putnam County Deed Book R, 1847-1858, pp. 472-473.
Putnam County Deed Book R, 1847-1858, pp. 472
Thomas McManus to Andrew Reid. Security for promissory note — Negro boy Albert about 10; Solomon about 5 and Elias, a negro man about 50. Recorded 16 October 1855 in Putnam County Deed Book R, 1847-1858, pp. 480-481. Joined a of suit of Henry Branch and others against Turner Tunison on 6 May 1856. James L. Reid and Alexander S. Reid were the highest bidders on Sarah a woman and her two children John and Andrew and Elick a house mason and brick layer. It was recorded on 18 Jan 1857 in Putnam County Deed Book R, 1847-1858, p. 540
By the time of her death, 27 years after the death of her husband, there were 30 slaves in her inventory. On 17 Feb 1860 in Eatonton, Putnam, Georgia, her assets were recorded in Inventory and Appraisals and Estates 1800-1928 and my ancestor Wright Griffin was recorded on them as the slaved referred to as “Griffin” and was valued at $1400. He was recorded next to a slave name Elisha, who was likely a close relative since DNA of descendants of 2 of Elisha’s children match in 3rd – 4th cousin ranges to great grandchildren and 2 times great grandchildren of descendants of 4 of Wright’s children.
Headstone of Elizabeth Brewer Reid: Photo available in the Reid family folders at The Georgia Archives, Morrow, Georgia.
Children of Elizabeth Brewer Reid were:
John Brewer Reid I, born September 7, 1793 in Green County, Georgia and died on May 1, 1860inGriffin, Spalding County, Georgia. He married Sarah F. Blanton in Pike County, Georgia on Aug 13, 1830;
Nancy Ann Brewer Reid, born July 7, 1795 in Green County, Georgia and died in 1843 in Putnam County. She married Nathan Lyon on Jan 24, 1814 in Putnam, Georgia. She also married William Biscoe on May 10, 1832 in Putnam, Georgia;
Samuel Reid, born August 18, 1797 in Green County, Georgia and died February 12, 1865 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia. He married Nancy Moreland on 11 Nov 1817 in Putnam, Georgia. He married Ann Stienbech later on;
Rebecca Reid, born February 13, 1800 in Green County, Georgia and died on Oct 3, 1823in Eatonton, Putnam, Georgia. She married Richard Harvey on 22 Aug 1815 inPutnam, Georgia. She also married Thadeus B Reese on 2 Sep 1817 in Putnam, Georgia;
Edmund Reid, born March 31, 1802 in Sparta, Hancock, County, Georgia and died March 6, 1882 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia. He married Elizabeth Bulloch Terrell (1805–1883) on 15 Jan 1828 in Putnam County, Georgia;
Alexander Sidney Reid, C.S.A., born April 11, 1804 and died January 27, 1873 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia. He married Maria Louisa Jordan on 12 Dec 1839 in Putnam, Georgia and enlisted in the Confederate Army on 15 Jun 1861 as a 2nd Lieutenant in GA. His Service Record states as follows: ” Commissioned an officer in Company G, Georgia 12th Infantry Regiment on 15 Jun 1861. Promoted to Full Captain on 22 May 1862. Promoted to Full Asst QM on 21 Apr 1864. Mustered out on 01 Oct 1864. Commissioned an officer in on 01 Oct 1864.Mustered out on 09 Apr 1865 at Appomattox Court House, VA.” This is according to the “Roster of Confederate Soldiers of Georgia 1861-1865”;
Andrew Reid,born June 26, 1806 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia and died July 17, 1865 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia and is buried Pine Grove Cemetery, Eatonton;
William Reid, born August 26, 1810 in Eatonton, Georgia and died after 1860.
James Lewis Reid, born December 28, 1813 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia; died on 25 NOV 1886inPutnam County, Georgia. He married Martha James Trippe (1814–1860) on 2 Mar 1836 in Eatonton, Putnam, Georgia;
David Henry Reid, born July 1, 1817 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia and died December 11, 1898 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia. He is buried at the old Reid cemetery, Putnam County.
There were 30 slaves belonging to Elizabeth Reid at the time of her death and they were: A negro man named Sam valued at $1400; a negro man named Sam “Gaithers” valued at $1400 who was probably the Peyton, described as a small boy about age 8, b.1824, valued at $200 and distributed to Elizabeth Reid, widow of Alexander Reid in 1832; a boy named Frank valued at $1400; a man named Jim valued at $800; a man named Simon valued at $1000 who may have been one of the men named Simon listed in the 1832 inventory of Alexander Reid and distributed to his widow Elizabeth Reid; a man named Prince valued at $500, probably the same Prince of Alexander Reid’s estate who was distributed to Elizabeth Reid in 1832; a man named Elisha valued at $1400; a boy named Griffin valued at $1400; a boy named Prince valued at $1100 (probably related to the man named Prince); a boy named Ike valued at $1100; a boy named John valued at $1000; a man named Adam valued at $100, probably the man Adam that was left to Elizabeth Reid from her late husband estate in 1832; a woman named Mary and her 2 children Peyton and Maria valued at $2500 (Mary’s 2 children may have been related to the Peyton listed in the inventory list of Alexander Reid in 1832 and distributed to Elizabeth Reid; a girl named Esther valued at $1200; a woman named Lucy valued at $800; a woman named Sukey and her 2 children Lucy and Hannah valued at $2400, She may have been the girl “Susan” left to Elizabeth Reid in 1832 by her late husband ; a woman named Caroline valued at $500; a woman named Dilly who was deemed “worthless” (Her name was probably Delia and she could had been the Lilia distributed to Elizabeth Reid from her husband’s estate), Judy valued at $150 (She may have been the Judy listed in Alexander Reid’s inventory list and distributed to Elizabeth Reid; Melissa valued at $800; a woman, Emily and her children Emma, Alfred and Miller valued at $1800. Emily may have been the Emily, described as a girl about age 16 in the 1832 inventory list of Alexander Reid but not mentioned in the distribution; Vina who was deemed worthless and was the woman Vine, described as a woman about age 60, b.1772 in 1832 inventory list of Alexander Reid and not distributed and Sally valued at $150 who was the same Sally who was left to Elizabeth in 1832 from the estate of her late husband. [Inventory and Appraisals in Putnam County, GA Estates 1800-1928 ]
A page of Elizabeth Reid Inventory and Appraisals in Putnam County, GA Estates 1800-1928 with Wright “Griffin” circled in red and Elisha noted with a red star17 Feb 1860 – A page of Inventory List of Elizabeth Reid, deceased, showing Griffin (Wright) and Elisha Reid circled in red [Putnam County GA Inventory and Appraisal Book AA, pages 156-158]
On the 1860 U.S. Federal Census – Slave Schedules, Elizabeth Reid’s estate was recorded in Tompkins, having 29 slaves; a 92 year old black female; a 70 year old black female; a 60 year old black female; a 55 year old black female; a 45 year old black female; a 33 year old black female; a 28 year old mulatto female; a 27 year old black female; a 18 year old black female; a 30 year old black female; a 13 year old black female; a 9 year old black female; a 8 year old black female; a 8 year old black female; a 7 year old black female; a 55 year old black male; a 40 year old black male; a 40 year old mulatto male; a 25 year old black male; a 30 year old black male; a 23 year old black male; a 20 year old black male; a 20 year old black male; a 16 year old black male; a 14 year old black male; a 12 year old black male; a 10 year old black male; a 3 year old black male and a 3 year old black male.
1860 U.S. Federal Census – Slave Schedules for Elizabeth Reid’s estate recorded in Tompkins, Putnam County GA, (29 slaves from inventory list and Division of Kind marked in red matched to a possible person on slave schedule)
On 1 Jun 1860, Elizabeth Reid’s Putnam County estate was recorded on the U.S., Selected Federal Census Non-Population Schedules for Agriculture, with her son Alexander Sydney Reid as executor. Her estate was recorded in Patrick having 500 acres of improved land, 100 acres of unimproved land, a farm with a cash value of $4,000, $200 of farming implements and machinery, livestock valued at $1,345 which included 1 horse, 7 asses and mules, 90 “milch cows”, 10 other cattle, 70 sheep and 60 swine. 2000 bushels of Indian corn, 100 bales of grinned cotton (at 400 pounds each) and 120 pounds of wool. Slaves on this farm would have been responsible for raising and slaughtering of the livestock, milking the cows for milk commerce, shaving the sheep for wool commerce, planting and picking corn and cotton and then grinding the cotton for commerce.
On 15 Dec 1860 in Eatonton, Putnam, Georgia, the Putnam County Courts divided the assets including 26 slaves of the late Elizabeth Reid into lots. Wright was assigned to a lot of her assets drawn by the widow’s son DH Reid while Elisha was in a lot drawn by James L. Reid, who was another of the late widow’s sons.
In the Division of Assets, the following slaves were added to Lot 1 and drawn by Samuel Reid, son of Elizabeth Reid;Frank, a negro man age 24 valued at $1200. He was the boy named Frank valued at $1400 on the inventory list of the late Elizabeth Reid. Lucy, a woman about 30 years old valued at $550 who was the woman named Lucy valued at $800 on the list and Catherine, a woman about 30 valued at $350. She was the woman named Caroline valued at $500 on the inventory list. They were received by Samuel Reid on 13 Dec 1860. [Putnam County, GA Estates 1800-1928]
In the Division of Assets, the following slaves were added to Lot 2 and drawn by James L Reid, son of Elizabeth Reid;Elisha, a negro man age 22 valued at $1200. He was the man named Elisha valued at $1400 and possible relative of my ancestor Wright Griffin who was called “Griffin”. Lucy, a girl about 14 years old valued at $900 who was a daughter of Sukey and Sally, an old woman about 58 valued at $150. She was the same Sally valued at $150 on Elizabeth Reid’s inventory list and she was the same Sally who was left to Elizabeth in 1832 from the estate of her late husband. They were received by James L. Reid on 13 Dec 1860. [Putnam County, GA Estates 1800-1928]
In the Division of Assets, the following slaves were added to Lot 3 and drawn by David H. Reid, son of Elizabeth Reid;Griffin, a negro man age 22 valued at $1200. He was the boy named Griffin valued at $1400 and my ancestor Wright Griffin. Emma, a girl about 8 years old valued at $775. She was the same Emma mentioned in the inventory list as a daughter of Emily. They were received by D.H. Reid on 13 Dec 1860. [Putnam County, GA Estates 1800-1928]
A page of Elizabeth Reid Division of Kind recorded in Putnam County, GA Estates 1800-1928 with Wright “Griffin” and Elisha circled in red, 15 Dec 1860. Copy also recorded in Putnam County Miscellaneous Book Q Pages 287-288
In the Division of Assets, the following slaves were added to Lot 4 and drawn by William Reid, son of Elizabeth Reid;Prince a negro man about 56. He was the man named Prince valued at $500 on the inventory list in Jan 1860 and was probably the same Prince of Alexander Reid’s estate who was distributed to Elizabeth Reid in 1832; Emily a negro woman about 42. She was the Emily who was recorded on the inventory list with her children Emma, Alfred and Miller and was valued at $1800; Alfred a boy about 3 years old who was probably the son of Emily and who was on the inventory list and Willis a boy about 3 years old. Willis may have been the boy “Miller” who was the son of Emily on the inventory list. The 4 of them together were valued at $1100. Ike a 15 year old boy valued at $1050 was also added to the lot. He was the boy named Ike valued at $1100 on the inventory list. They were received by William Reid on 12 Dec 1860. [Putnam County, GA Estates 1800-1928]
In the Division of Assets, the following slaves were added to Lot 5 and drawn by Edward Reid, son of Elizabeth Reid; Gaither, a negro man age 28 years old valued at $1050. He was the negro man named Sam “Gaither” in Elizabeth Reid’s inventory list valued at $1400 almost a year earlier. He was either the 25 or 30 year old male listed on the 1860 slave schedule. Mary a negro woman age 28 years old valued at $750. She was the Mary listed with her 2 children Peyton and Maria valued at $2500 and was probably the 27 year old black slave or 28 year old mulatto slave listed on the 1860 slave schedule. Her children may have been fathered by or related to the slave, Peyton who was born about 1824 and was was left to Elizabeth Reid in 1832; Prince a boy about age 16 with crooked knees valued at $700. He was the boy named Prince valued at $1100 and was probably related to the man named Prince also on the inventory list. They were received by Edward Reid on 13 Dec 1860. [Putnam County, GA Estates 1800-1928]
In the Division of Assets, the following slaves were added to Lot 6 and drawn by Andrew Reid, son of Elizabeth Reid; Sam, a negro man age 30 years old valued at $1000. He was the negro man named Sam in Elizabeth Reid’s inventory list valued at $1400 almost a year earlier. Lucy a girl age 7 years old valued at $750 and was listed on the inventory list as one of the daughters of a woman named Suckey; Adam and Judy a man and a woman about age 56 together valued at $300. He was the man named Adam valued at $100 on Elizabeth Reid’s inventory list and probably the man Adam that was left to Elizabeth Reid from her late husband estate in 1832 and she was the woman named Judy valued at $150 on the inventory list. They were received by Andrew Reid on 13 Dec 1860. Lucy was called Winny during the transaction. [Putnam County, GA Estates 1800-1928]
In the Division of Assets, the following slaves were added to Lot 7 and drawn by Alexander S. Reid, son of Elizabeth Reid; Simon, a negro man age 40 years old valued at $700. He was the man named Simon valued at $1000 in Elizabeth Reid’s inventory list almost a year earlier and who may have been one of the men named Simon listed in the 1832 inventory of Alexander Reid.; John a boy age 13 years old valued at $900 who was the boy named John valued at $1000 on the inventory list; and Peyton a 10 year old boy valued at $650 who was the boy named Peyton and son of Mary on the 1860 inventory list. They were received by Alexander Reid on 28 Dec 1860. [Putnam County, GA Estates 1800-1928]
In the Division of Assets, the following slaves were added to Lot 8 and drawn by the Heirs of John B. Reid, son of Elizabeth Reid; Jim, a negro man age 41 years old valued at $850. He the negro man named Jim valued at $800 in Elizabeth Reid’s inventory list almost a year earlier.; Suckey a woman 34 years old valued at $550 who was the woman named Sukey with her 2 children Lucy and Hannah valued at $2400, She may have also been the girl “Susan” left to Elizabeth Reid in 1832 by her late husband ; and Hannah a 9 year old girl valued at $750 who was the Hannah, daughter of Suckey on the inventory list. They were received by William M. Blanton, administrator of estate of John B. Reid and brother of John Reid’s wife, Sarah F Blanton Reid who died on 4 Jul 1861. [Putnam County, GA Estates 1800-1928]
There were 2 women and 2 girls who were mentioned on the Jan 1860 inventory list but were not mentioned in the lot distribution: Vina who was deemed worthless in Jan 1860 and who was the woman Vine described as a woman about age 60, in the 1832 inventory list of Alexander Reid; Melissa who was valued at $800 and who was mentioned in Elizabeth Reid’s 1856 will and bequeathed to her granddaughter and namesake Elizabeth B. Reid and was received by David H. Reid, father of Elizabeth and son of the deceased; Maria who was a daughter of Mary and a girl named Esther valued at $1200 who was mentioned in Elizabeth Reid’s 1856 will and bequeathed to her son David H. Reid who received her and another slave named Mason officially on 13 Dec 1860 .
Slaves of John B. Reid of Spalding County, Georgia, son of Elizabeth Reid
1st page of Spalding County, Georgia Inventories and Appraisments, Book 1, Pages 203- 2072nd page of Spalding County, Georgia Inventories and Appraisments, Book 1, Pages 203- 207
There were 94 slaves that appeared on the inventory list of John B. Reid of Spalding County, Georgia. Several names on that list stood out to me, especially, the slave male named Prince and even more interesting a slave man named Griffin. Also, DNA of multiple descendants of several of Wright Griffin’s children matched by DNA with descendants of children of the slave in this list known as Kitty.
Those slaves were: Nicy, a woman $200, Betsey, a woman, $1200, Lucy, a woman, $800, Anna, a woman, $700, Amanda, a woman, $1200, Caroline, a woman, $250, Louisa, a woman, $1250, Jane, a woman, $1100, Ellen, a woman, $800, Hannah, a woman, $1050, Guda, a woman, $1200, Mary, a woman, $900, Fanny, a woman, $1200, Matilda, a woman, $1200, Kitty, a girl, $1500, Frankie, a girl, $800, Sally, a girl, $805, Almira, a girl, $800, Sarah, a girl, $650, Analiza, a girl, $500, Ellen, a girl, $275, Lydia, a girl, $300, Ada, a girl, $600, Rhody, a girl, $450, Julia, a girl, $650, Irving, a girl, $350, Lizzy, a girl, $200, Delia, a girl, $700, Emma, a girl, $225, Susan, a girl, $550, Mary Cuper, a girl, $1000, Dely, a girl, $200, Becky, a girl, $1050, Matildia, a girl, $350, Wiley, a man, $1400, Richmond, a man, $1450, Prince, a man, $1400, Tom, a man, $1400, Henry, a man, $1200, Abraham, a man, $1200, Griffin, a man, $1700, Harry, a man, $1200, Alfred, a man, $1500, Cooper, a man, $1000, Isaac, a man, $1400, Edmond, a man, $1500, Square, a man, $1400, Waley, a man, $1250, Tom, a man, $300, Squire, a man, $1400, Lindsey, a man, $1350, Sandy, a man, $1000, Sandford, a man, $750, Elleck, a boy, $800, George, a boy, $700, Cicero, a boy, $350, Jim, a boy, $1200, Abraham G, a boy, $1100, Docter, a boy, $800, Miles, a boy, $1200, Floyd, a boy, $1350, Edmond, a boy, $1000, Martin, a boy, $700, Early, a boy, $275, Joseph, a boy, $1000, Miles, Jr., a boy, $750, Joydra, a boy, $900, Botum, a boy, $400, Minzo, a boy, $275, Boler, a boy, $1400, Jordan, a boy, $450, Davis, a boy, $400, John, a boy, $200, Samuel, a boy, $1250, Clay, a boy, $1400, Nathan, a boy, $1000, Spalding, a boy, $800, Isaac, a boy, $100, Archer, a boy, $900, Ishmael, a boy, $1000, Carter, a boy, $1000, Fletcher, a boy, $325, Washington, a boy, $750, Charles, a boy, $225, Stephen, a boy, $225, Dick, a boy, $200, Milton, a boy, $600, Caleb, a boy, $300, Nead, a boy, $1050, Crawford, a boy, $900, Leo, a boy, $600, George, a boy, $1000, Frank, a boy, $350 and Jessy, a boy, $200
FORMER SLAVES MAINTAINING RELATIONSHIPS POST SLAVERY
Peyton who was the 10 year old boy valued at $650 and the son of Mary on the late Elizabeth Reid’s 1860 inventory list and distributed in Lot 7 which was drawn by Alexander S. Reid, son of Elizabeth Reid, was the 18 year old Payton Gaithers on the 1870 Federal Census in Eatonton in the household of George Samuel who was also black. Peyton worked as a Stocker In a Blacksmith Shop. He may have chosen the surname “Gaithers’ because he was probably the son or a close relative of Sam Gaithers, who was described as “a negro man named Sam “Gaithers” valued at $1400 on Elizabeth Reid’s 1860 Inventory list and who was one of slaves in Lot 5 of Elizabeth Reid estate drawn by her son Edward Reid, where he was called “Gaither, a negro man age 28 years old valued at $1050”. Peyton was the Paton taxed with Wright Griffin in 1874 which was recorded on the Georgia Tax Digest. He was the 32 year old Patton Gaithers recorded on the 1880 Federal census in Eatonton with his wife and children.
Prince who was recorded in Elizabeth Reid’s inventory list on Jan 1860 having crooked knees and distributed to Edward Reid in Dec 1860, married a woman name Caroline and assumed the surname “Love”. He was recorded on census lists and tax lists as neighbors and coworkers of Wright Griffin and his family for decades. He was probably related to the slave, Prince, a negro man about 56 in Lot 4 of Elizabeth Reid’s estate which was drawn by William Reid, son of Elizabeth Reid; That same man Prince was valued at $500 on the inventory list in Jan 1860 and was probably the same Prince of Alexander Reid’s estate who was distributed to Elizabeth Reid in 1832; He was probably related to the woman Sally, an old woman about 58 valued at $150. She was the Sally listed in Lot 2 of Elizabeth Reid’s estate with 22 year old Elisha and 14 year old Lucy and drawn by James L Reid, son of Elizabeth Reid. She was the same Sally valued at $150 on Elizabeth Reid’s inventory list on Jan 1860 and the Sally who was left to Elizabeth in 1832 from the estate of her late husband, Alexander Reid.
Prince was probably a brother of the woman named Sukey, mother of Lucy and Hannah in the 1860 inventory list and who was distributed to Andrew Reid in Dec 1860, She was the girl “Susan” , daughter of Sally that was left to Elizabeth Reid in 1832 by her husband Alexander Reid. Sukey’s maiden name was also recorded as “Love” on her daughter Hannah‘s 1923 Putnam County Georgia death certificate which is also where Hannah’s father was recorded as Scipio Baltimore.
Hannah was Sukey’s daughter who married Arthur Green, son of Viney Green and became Hannah Green. She was the slave Hannah a 9 year old girl valued at $750 on Lot 8 of Elizabeth Reid’s estate that was drawn by the Heirs of John B. Reid, son of Elizabeth Reid. Her mother Suckey was also drawn in that same lot. On a U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index filed for Hannah’s daughter Hettie Jane Green who had married Wright’s son Wesley Griffin in 1903, Hannah’s maiden name was also recorded as Love. In addition to Hannah’s daughter Hettie marrying Wright’s son Wesley, Hannah’s daughter Hannah Green married George Griffin, grandson of Wright Griffin in 1906 and in 1914 Hannah’s grandson Crawford Reid married Leola Griffin who was one of Wrights granddaughters. Hannah’s daughter Viney Green married David H. Griffin, son of Phillip Griffin on 22 Jan 1894. Phillip Griffin who was married to Ann Reid may have been a relative of Wright’s. He and his children were recorded with Wright and his children on censuses and tax records as coworkers and as neighbors for a span of a few decades. Hannah’s grandson Major “Green” REID married Leola Delaney, granddaughter of Alfred Maddox, who’s mother Leah b.1825 was listed on the 1832 inventory list of Alexander Reid, under her mother Lucy who was born in 1791. Alfred Maddox’s daughter Hattie Mae Maddox, my 2 times great grandmother married Wright’s son Warren Griffin, my 2 times great grandfather in 1899 and Alfred’s grandson Percy Delaney (brother of Leola Delaney) married Wright’s granddaughter Leila Griffin in the early 1920s. After Leila died in 1925, Percy married Hannah’s granddaughter Mattie Lizzie Reid (sister of Major “Green” Reid).
Elisha Reid who was the slave Elisha a negro man age 22 valued at $1200 and distributed in Lot 2 of Elizabeth Reid’s estate which was drawn by her son James L Reid and who was the slave Elisha, valued at $1400 on Elizabeth Reid’s Jan 1860 inventory list, He was a neighbor of Wright’s for about a decade and was taxed with him as coworkers for almost as long.
Elisha Reid’s wife Lucy Reid was likely the daughter of Sukey Love and was the slave Lucy, a girl about 14 years old valued at $900 and distributed in Lot 2 of Elizabeth Reid’s estate with Elisha and her grandmother Sally which was drawn by her son James L Reid Lucy and Elisha’s daughter Lou Ella Reid married Frank Howard who was the son of Cynthia Baltimore Howard, who likely was related to Hannah.
The Griffin Surname
On 16 Jul 1867 in Putnam County, Georgia, Griffin registered himself as a qualified voter of Georgia and was recorded as now as “Right Griffin”. The Reconstruction Acts of 1867 required Southern states to ratify the 14th Amendment, draft new state constitutions, and register voters, both black and white. In order to vote, men had to swear an oath of allegiance to the United States, and some were disqualified for their participation in Confederate government posts. They have to had been 21 years or older, lived in the county for more than a year and not have participated in the confederacy. Source Information Ancestry.com. Georgia, Returns of Qualified Voters and Reconstruction Oath Books, 1867-1869 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012.
This was the very first record where I found Wright as a free man and also of him assuming the surname of “Griffin” and establishing his given name as “Right/Wright”. He signed this document with an “X” indicating that he was not able to spell out his own name. This is because teaching slaves to read was outlawed in 1770 and was re-enacted in 1829 and extended to free persons of color [Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia]. Wright’s reasons for choosing his name is still a mystery. He may have chosen the surname “Griffin” because of the fact that he was already called “Griffin” on the Reid plantations. He may have been called “Griffin” then because he or one of his parents originated or lived on a plantation in Georgia where the owner’s surname was Griffin or it could be that he, his parents or the people who owned him simply liked the name or admired someone with that surname. He was probably related to the man named Griffin on John Brewer Reid’s 1860 inventory list. At this point, I don’t have any facts supporting any theories but in 1830 and in 1840, there were no slaves own by anyone with the Griffin surname in Putnam County. In 1850 there was one planter with the Griffin surname recorded on the Putnam County Slave Schedule and his name was Richard Griffin. He owned 1 slave who was a 12 year old girl. He and his sons arrived in Putnam County and in Baldwin County from Mecklenberg, Virginia sometime between 1840 and 1850. He died on 10 Sep 1855 in Rockville, Putnam County with no slaves listed on his inventory list. By 1860, his son William Sidney Griffin had arrived in Putnam County after living in Baldwin County since the 1840s and was recorded having 2 male slaves ages 55 and 35 in 1860. He was the only Griffin slave owner in Putnam County recorded on the 1860 US Federal Slave Schedules for Putnam County.
Prior to the late 1840s and 1850s when Richard Griffin and his son William Sidney Griffin arrived in Putnam County, there were no other Griffin households that owned slaves in Putnam County for 20 years. In 1820, there were 2 households that did. One household was headed by Claiborne Griffin who arrived to Putnam County from Halifax County, North Carolina sometime after 1810, when he was recorded alone in his household and counted as “1 Free White Persons – Males – 26 thru 44”. He married Sarah Horton in Putnam County on 26 Jan 1819 and was recorded on the census as head of household with he and his wife, 2 teenage white males and 1 female slave between 14 and 25 years old. On 28 December 1821, he sold his 202 1/2 acres of land to Boswell Y Evans for $800 [Putnam County Deed Book J p. 136]. On 4 Apr 1825 he purchased 79.3 acres of land. He was recorded on the 1830 federal census living in Perry County, Alabama with 8 slaves; 1 male under 10; 2 males between the ages of 10 and 23; 3 females under 10 and 2 females between 10 and 23 years old. In 1840, he was recorded in Sumpter County, Alabama with 4 slaves 1 male under 10; 1 male between the age of 10 and 23 and 2 females between the ages of 10 and 23. He died on 10 December 1843 in Payneville, Sumter, Alabama.
The other Griffin household in 1820 that owned slaves was headed by William Griffin born about 1790, He owned 3 slaves: 1 male between 14 and 25 and 2 females between 26 and 44. When he died in 1823, his slaves were mentioned on his inventory list; 1 negro man named Sam valued at $600, 1 negro woman named Phyllis valued at $150 and one negro woman named Judy also valued at $150. [Minutes AA p. 86] By 6 September 1824, Sam, Phyllis and Judy were sold by the executors of William Griffin’s estate. [Minutes AA p. 118] There was no record of the sale found in my research.
9 Sep 1824 Leave to Sale Personal Property – Putnam County Minutes AA p. 118
Like my ancestor, Wright, four other black men in Putnam County assumed the Griffin surname when they also registered in Putnam County as qualified voters of Georgia in 1867. Two of them were apparently brothers Phillip Griffin b. 1842 and Alonzo Griffin b. 1843 who registered on the same day as Wright on 16 July 1867. They were in Bibb County with their families living adjacent to each other and to other family members in 1870. Two other black men assuming the surname of Griffin registered to vote on 20 July 1867, four days after Wright, Phillip and Alonzo. They were: Willis Griffin b. 1846 and another man Jim (James) Griffin who was probably the James Griffin born 1837 in Virginia.
On 8 Jul 1870, Wright was recorded on the US federal Census as Wright Griffin living on a farm in Eatonton with his wife Clara Griffin and children: Scott Griffin b. 1856, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Griffin b. 1857, Washington “Wash” Griffin b. 1859, Maria Griffin b. 1862, Clarke Griffin b. 1864, Eli Griffin b. 1865, Warren Griffin, my 2 times great grandfather b. 1868 and Nancy Griffin b. 1869. His age was recorded as 30 and his record line was marked yes for being “a male over 21 years old”. Clara who’s age was recorded as 34 was born about 1836. Wright’s occupation, profession or trade was recorded as a “farm hand” and since it was illegal to teach a slave to read or write, he nor Clara were not able to do either according to the census. His sons, 14 year old Scott and 12 year old Wash were also recorded as “farm hands” while his 13 year old daughter Lizzie was recorded as a “nurse”, 10 year old daughter Maria as a “house servant” and wife Clara as a “housewife”. The other children were not recorded with occupations as they were ages 8, 5, 2 and 1. Like Wright and Clara, neither of them were able to read or write.
In 1870, none of Wright’s neighbors had the “Griffin” surname, but a few the nearby households were headed by 38 year old William Mahon and 24 year old Henry Mahon who were likely related to each other; 36 year old Elisha Reid who was the same Elisha listed next to Wright on the inventory list of the late Elizabeth Reid in 1860; 45 year old Viney Green who had 3 grandchildren, through her son Arthur Green that would later married into Wright’s family, Viney’s other son Warren Green and James Adams who share the same surname as Clara Adams Griffin and who’s daughter Sidney Adams married Warren Green. In the same communities were heads of households with the surname of “Love” and one of them were headed by 39 year old Prince Lovewho was more than likely the slave named Prince on Elizabeth Reid’s 1860 inventory list with crooked knees and distributed to Edward Reid in Dec 1860. Other households nearby with the “Love” surname were probably all related to each other other and to Prince. They were headed by 80 year old Lucy Love, 60 year old Thomas Love, 45 year old James Love, 44 year old Eliza Love and 23 year old Abram Love. They were likely all related. Near the Loves was a 26 yer old man named Crawford Levi Reid who was the son of Joe Reid and Henrietta Pough. Crawford’s son Levi will later marry Eula Mae Griffin, a granddaughter of Wright Griffin in the 1920s.
1870 US Federal Census (Putnam County) showing Wright Griffin on the census in close proximity to Elisha Reid. Source Citation Year: 1870; Census Place:, Putnam, Georgia; Roll: M593_;Putnam County, GA Map with Militia District Maps by numbers (with my own markings in red) Source: Georgia USGenWeb Archives Project http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/maps/putnam.gif
Other Griffins families of Putnam County in 1870 were headed by:
Wiloby Griffinb. 1783 in Maryland who was recorded on the federal census living in the community of Fork, Putnam County in 1870, but didn’t register as a qualified voter in 1867. According to the census, he worked as a farm laborer and his house hold included Liza Griffin age 66, who is presumed to be his wife but could be his daughter, daughter in law or another relative; Frances Griffin age 27, Sophronia Griffin age 17 and Amanda Griffin age 12 who may be his children, step children and or grandchildren; 11 month old John Griffin who may be a child of Frances and Caroline Hearns who may have been another daughter of Wiloby’s. They lived next door to 20 year old James Griffin who was probably a son or grandson and who was too young to register in 1867. Wiloby didn’t appear on any more records and may have passed away, changed his name or moved out of the state.
James Griffin b. 1810 in Georgia who lived in Ashbank, Putnam County and may have been the Jim Griffin who register as a qualified voter of GA in 1867 but was probably not. In 1870, he was recorded on the federal census in Ashbank with his wife Mary Griffin age 35 who was Mary Sheds before their marriage. They were recorded with their 18 year old son James Griffin, 13 year old son George Griffin, 10 year old daughter Annis [Annice] Griffin and 1 year old son Thomas Griffin. James passed away sometime after 1876. His widow was recorded on the 1880 federal census living in Ashbank with their youngest 3 children which included 10 year old son Thomas who was recorded in the household on the 1870 census, 8 year old son, Emanuel Griffin and 6 year old Essie Griffin.
Willis Griffin b.1842 in Georgia who lived in Glades, Putnam County and who registered himself as a qualified voter in 1867. He was recorded on the 1870 Census with his wife Betsey Griffin age 21 who’s surname before marriage was either Ward or Johnson; their daughter Sallie Griffin age 5 and son Frank Griffin age 2. By 1880, they were recorded on the census in Eatonton, Putnam County with 3 more children Hattie Griffin age 7, Miffie Griffin age 2 and 3 month old Ailsey Griffin. They were also neighbors with with Phillip Griffin who relocated his family including his mother Clarissa back to Putnam County after years of living in Bibb County, Georgia. In 1900, Willis was recorded in Eatonton, Putnam County living with his wife Betsy Griffin, their daughter Hattie Griffin with her 2 children; Mary L Griffin age 5 and Fisher B Griffin age 3, their daughter Mary Griffin age 16; their daughter Cora Griffin age 15; their daughter Marrie L Griffin age 13 and their son Lawson Griffin age 12. During this time, they lived in very close proximity to the household of my 2 times great uncle Clarke Griffin, son of Wright and Clara Griffin.
William Griffin b. 1849in Georgia didn’t register to vote in Putnam County in 1867 because he was too young. He married Zilla Monday, daughter of Solomon and Maria Monday about 1870 and they were recorded on the census together that year in Eatonton, Putnam County. By 1880, they were in the community of Glades in Putnam County with 2 children: Julia Griffin age 2 and Mattie Griffin age 5. Mattie was recorded as his step daughter, even though William and Zilla were recorded together in 1870. They lived adjacent to the household of his wife’s brother Abram Monday. By 1900, William and Zilla were in Buckhead Morgan County, Georgia living with their daughter Julia Griffin recorded at age 25, son Willis Griffin age 19, daughter Laura Griffin age 16, son Nesbit Griffin age 10, son Sidney Griffin age 8, granddaughter Pearl Griffin age 4, granddaughter Irene Griffin age 3 and granddaughter Zilla Griffin age 1.
Isabella Dumas b. 1810 in North Carolina who was recorded on the 1870 federal census in Gerrard, Putnam County as head of household with her mulatto grandchildren; Milledge Dumas age 12, Burke Dumas age 10, Charles Dumas age 7 and Isabella Dumas age 4. They lived next door to either a son or grandson of Isabella’s Henry Dumas and his his. Isabella’s daughter Fanny Dumas, who didn’t appear on the 1870 census with apparently had children in the 1860s with Sidney Griffin who was probably the William Sidney Griffin a white man who arrived in Georgia with his father and was the only planter with the Griffin surname in Putnam who owned slaves in 1860. He may have fathered Fanny’s children. By 1880, Isabella’s household included her grandson Milledge Griffin age 23, his wife Carrie Griffin age 23 who was called Carrie Clements on 04 Jan 1877 when she married Milledge in Putnam County. She was the daughter of David and Martha Clements. The household also included Isabella ‘s grandson Charles Griffin age 16, her granddaughter Isabella Griffin age 16 (17) and other grandsons Lee Griffin age 15, Isaac Griffin age 12 and Irke Griffin age 10 who didn’t appear on the 1870 federal census with Isabella along with granddaughters Susan Griffin age 12 and Anna Griffin age 8. They were all listed as “mulattos” and living in the community of Donegal.
James “Jim” Griffin b. 1837in Virginia. James Griffin married Lou Rainey Early on 11 Jan 1867 in Putnam County. He was more than likely the James who registered in Putnam County as a qualified voter of Georgia on 20 July 1867. His household was recorded in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia on the 1870 census where he recorded as “Jas Griffin” age 33 with wife Louraney age 25, daughter Maria Griffin age 13, son Randal Griffin age 10, son Archibald Griffin age 4, son James Griffin age 2 and daughter Mary L Griffin who was 5 months. In that census his place of birth was recorded as Georgia, but in every subsequent census he reported that he and his parents were all born in Virginia. He was probably brought to Georgia by slave owner William Sydney Griffin who arrived in Putnam County sometime during the 1850s. By 1880, he and Lou Rainey had daughter M. E. Griffin age 9, daughter Hattie Griffin age 8, son Stephen Griffin age 6 and son Willis Griffin age 3 and were still living in Eatonton. By 1900 James and Lou were recorded in Eatonton with one more daughter named Ida Lou Griffin who was 14 at the time.
There were 5 black Griffin households in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia in 1870 that were probably all related and can be traced back to Putnam County before 1870. Those households were headed by:
Clarissa Griffin b.1808 in Georgia, who was recorded in Macon Bibb County, Georgia with a 17 year male named Thornton Griffin. He may have been her grandson. The household included a 30 year old man name George Lee, his 23 year old wife Amy Lee and a 18 year old man named Ben Johnson. They lived adjacent to Alonzo Griffin who registered to vote in Putnam County in 1867. He was probably her son or a relative. She lived in closed proximity to the household of Phil Griffin who registered to vote in Putnam County in 1867. He lived adjacent to the household of Maria Griffin. In 1880, Clarissa was recorded on the census in Eatonton, Putnam County in the household of Phil Griffin as his mother.
Phillip “Phil” Griffin b. 1842 in Georgia who registered to vote in Putnam County on the same day as Wright Griffin and Alonzo Griffin on 16 July 1867. In 1870, he was recorded in Macon, with his wife Ann (Reid) Griffin age 21, daughter Susan Griffin age 4, daughter Carry Griffin age 2 and 6 month old Dave Griffin. He lived adjacent to Maria Griffin’s household, who was probably a relative and in close proximity to his mother Clarissa who lived adjacent to Alonzo Griffin who registered to vote in Putnam County. By 1876, he was back in Putnam County working along side Wright Griffin for James L Reid. In 1880, he was recorded on the census in Eatonton, living adjacent to Willis Griffin with his wife Ann Griffin age 31, daughter S. A. (Susan Anne) Griffin age 14, daughter Carrie Griffin age 11, son D. H. (David Henry) Griffin age 10, son Robert Griffin age 5, son Volio Griffin age 2, 5 month old son Turner Griffin and his 75 year old mother Clarisa Griffin. In 1900, he was recorded as a widow living in Patrick, in close proximity to sons of Wright Griffin, who were Warren, my 2 times great grandfather and his brother Wesley Griffin. His son David and Volio lived near Wright and his sons in 1900.
Alonzo Griffin b. 1843 in Georgia and was recorded as being “mulatto” on the 1870 Us Federal census in Macon. He lived in adjacent to Clarisa Griffin who was probably his mother, Phil Griffin who may have been his brother and Maria Griffin who was his sister. He was the Alonzo Griffin who registered as a qualified voter of Georgia in 1867. In 1870, his household included, his wife Celia Griffin age 25, their son Hiram Griffin age 5, daughter Winny Griffin age 4, daughter Fanny Griffin age 3 and 5 month old daughter Mittie Griffin. He was charged a $1 poll tax in Lower City District in Macon in 1874 and in 1875 and $1 poll Tax in Upper City in Macon in 1880. On the 1880 Federal Census he was recorded as working as a “ragman” which was a person who collects unwanted household items and sells them to merchants. They scavenged for items such as rags, various metals and even bones and kept them in a small bag slung over the shoulder as they traveled on foot performing these task. Some “rag-and-bone” men as they were sometimes referred used a cart, sometimes pulled by horse or pony. Typically rag-and-bone men lived in extreme poverty, surviving on the proceeds of what they collected each day. Alonzo’s household included his wife Silla (Celia) Griffin age 30, son Hiram Griffin age 13 (15?), daughter Minty “Mittie” Griffin age 10, daughter Ida Griffin age 6, daughter Andy Griffin age 4 and 2 year old son Willy Griffin. His household also included his sister Maria Griffin age 44, who lived near him in 1870, Augustas Griffin age 30, a son (maybe of Maria’s), Turner Leveret age 5, a grandson (maybe of Maria’s), Lula Harris age 3, a grand daughter (maybe of Maria’s) and 1 year old grand daughter (maybe of Maria’s) Josie Griffin.
Maria Griffin b. 1834 in Georgia who lived in a household adjacent to Alonzo Griffin. Her household included 17 year old day laborer Turner Leverett who was probably her son, 15 year old Georgia Marshall (her daughter/daughter in law?) and 13 year old Henrietta Griffin, a daughter ?. In 1880, she was recorded on the census in her brother Alonzo Griffin’s household with Turner Leveret age 5, grandson (maybe a son of the 17 year Turner Leverett in Maria 1870 household), Lula Harris age 3, grand daughter (maybe of Maria’s) and 1 year old Josie Griffin likely her grand daughter.
Eli Griffinb. 1836 in Georgia was in Putnam County around 1865 when he fathered a son named Morris Griffin with Martha Pennamon who married Carter Maddox in Putnam County before 1870. (see article: MY GEORGIA ROOTS in Putnam County: Carter Maddox, Leah Reid & The People Who Owned Them) He was probably the grandson of Lucy Love who was recorded in Rockville, Putnam County on the 1870 in the same district as Wright Griffin. According to the death records of his older children Eli and his family were in Putnam County just before 1870 when they were found on the federal census living in Macon nearby but not adjacent to the other Griffins. His household included his wife Sarah Griffin age 37, daughter Cora Griffin age 10, daughter Harriet Griffin age 6, daughter Louisa Griffin age 4, son Robert Griffin age 2 and 1 month old daughter Mary Griffin. In 1880 he wasn’t enumerated in a household with his wife and children. He may have been away working. His wife Sarah Griffin was married and head of household on the 1880 federal census which included daughter Fannie Griffin age 7, daughter Harriet Griffin age 14, daughter Cora Griffin age 18, son George “Robert” Griffin age 12 and 25 year old cousin Indiana Hill with her 8 month old son George Hill. He was found on the census in 1900 in Macon with his wife Sarah Griffin age 60, daughters Mary Griffin age 24 and Fannie Griffin age 19.
In 1872 Wright was recorded on the Georgia Property Tax Digest in Eatonton, He worked for planter, James Lewis Reid, the son of the late Elizabeth Reid as a farm laborer with: George Grant; William and Henry Mahorn, who were Wright’s neighbors on the 1870 census; Willis and Elisha Reid who were both recorded on Elizabeth Reid’s 1860 inventory list and Elisha on the 1870 census as neighbors of Wright; Lewis and William Finch; Ruben Jackson; Geo and Randal Dean; Ed Low who was a neighbor on the 1870 census and Lewis and Monroe Tompkin. Wright owned no property, and paid $1 poll tax through his employer.
Georgia, Property Tax Digests, 1793-1892 (Putnam County Tax Digests 1872-1877) – Year 1872, The Georgia Archives, Morrow, Georgia.
In 1873 Wright was recorded on the GA property tax digest in Eatonton. He worked for planter James Lewis Reid, as a farm laborer with: George Grant, William and Henry Mahorn, Elisha Reid, Arthur Green, son of Viney Green who married Hannah Love and who’s daughter Hattie later married Wright’s son “Wes”, Warren Green, son of Viney Green, Beverly Jackson, Alec Coats, Sam White, [Robert] Lee Lawson, Fred Clark and Lewis McMichael. Wright owned no property and paid $1 poll tax through his employer. Lee Lawson’s son Robert Lee Lawson Jr later in 1918 married Mattie Griffin who was a granddaughter of Wright Griffin’s and of Henry “Heen” Collins who was Ike Collin’s brother
Georgia, Property Tax Digests, 1793-1892 (Putnam County Tax Digests 1872-1877) – Year 1873, The Georgia Archives, Morrow, Georgia.
In 1874 Wright was recorded on the GA property tax digest in Eatonton. He worked for planter James Lewis Reid, as a farm laborer with George Grant, Henry Mahorn, Elisha Reid, brothers, Arthur and Warren Green, Beverly Jackson, Alec Coats, Ben Franklin, Jack Stinson, Lee Lawson, Hamp and Lewis Mclindon and “Paton” who was probably the Peyton mentioned on the 1860 inventory and lot distribution of the late widow Elizabeth Reid. Wright owned $220 worth of property other than land and paid a $1 poll tax through his employer.
Georgia, Property Tax Digests, 1793-1892 (Putnam County Tax Digests 1872-1877) – Year 1874, The Georgia Archives, Morrow, Georgia.
In 1876 Wright was recorded on the GA property tax digest in Eatonton. He worked for planter James Lewis Reid, as a farm laborer with George Grant, William Howard, Henry Mahorn, Dan and Elisha Reid, Lewis Moreland, Dave Johnson, Lee Lawson, Alec Coats, Ed Low, Gus Tompkins, Jack Stinson, Lewis McMichaels and Phil Griffin who was working between Putnam County and Bibb County at this time. Wright owned $5.00 household furniture and $10.00 all other personal property and paid $1 poll tax through his employer.
Georgia, Property Tax Digests, 1793-1892 (Putnam County Tax Digests 1872-1877) – Year 1876, The Georgia Archives, Morrow, Georgia.
In 1877 Wright was recorded on the GA property tax digest in Eatonton. He worked for planter James Lewis Reid, as a farm laborer with Henry and Adam Mahorn, Elisha and Dan Reid, Lewis Moreland, Dave and Griffin Johnson, Lee Lawson, Alec Coats, Artor [Arthur] Green, Gus Tompkins, Jack Stinson, Lewis McMichaels, Phil Griffin and Lee S. Griffin. Wright owned $30.00 horses, mules, cattle and stock of all kind and paid a $1 poll tax through his employer.
Georgia, Property Tax Digests, 1793-1892 (Putnam County Tax Digests 1872-1877) – Year 1877, The Georgia Archives, Morrow, Georgia.
In 1878 Wright was recorded on the GA property tax digest in Eatonton. He owned $15 worth of kitchen appliances and paid a $1 poll tax through his employer. He worked for planter James Lewis Reid, as a farm laborer with new son in law Ike [Isaac] Collins. Ike was the son of Mary Jones and was probably from Jackson County, Georgia. The list also included: Griffin Griffin who may have been Washington Griffin, Dan and Elisha Reid, Alec Coats, Henry Mahorn, Clum [Clem] Griggs and 6 others including Carter Maddox Jr, who’s step son was Morris Griffin. (Carter Maddox Jr was the brother of Alfred Maddox b. 1842 who was another of my 3 times great grandfathers. Their maternal grandmother was probably Lucy Love who was recorded on the census in 1870 in Patrick living in the same district as Wright. Morris Griffin who’s step father was Carter Maddox Jr was the son of Eli Griffin who moved to Bibb County before 1870.
Georgia, Property Tax Digests, 1793-1892 (Putnam County Tax Digests 1872-1877) – Year 1878, The Georgia Archives, Morrow, Georgia.
In 1879 Wright was recorded on the GA property tax digest in Tompkins, Putnam County, He worked for planter Robert Reid, son of James L. Reid, as a farmer with son in law Ike Collins and with Alec Coats. He owned $20 worth of kitchen appliances and paid a $1 poll tax through his employer.
Georgia, Property Tax Digests, 1793-1892 (Putnam County Tax Digests 1872-1877) – Year 1879, The Georgia Archives, Morrow, Georgia.
On 11 Jun 1880, Wright was recorded as 42 year old on the US Federal Census in Patrick, Putnam County on a farm with his wife Clara recorded as 44 year old , their children recorded as; 16 year old Clarke Griffin, 18 year old Mariah Griffin, 15 year old Eli Griffin, 14 year old Warren Griffin, 12 year old Nancy Griffin, 9 year old Thornton Griffin, 8 year old Paralee Griffin, 6 year old Wesley Griffin and 3 year old William H. Griffin, their 1 year old granddaughter Lula Griffin, from daughter Maria Griffin with Wes Williams and a 17 female boarder Celia Lawrence, who married Wright and Clara’s son Clark in 1881. Celia was the daughter of Lewis and Jane Lawrence who was from Tompkins. Her father Lewis died between 1876 and 1899 and her mother relocated to Eatonton. This was the first census recording the birthplaces of parents and Wright and Clara’s parents were recorded being born in Georgia. No one in the household was recorded as being able to read or write. One of their nearby neighbors was Crawford Reid and on the other side of the boarder of Patrick which was nearby was the community of Tompkins where neighbors Alec Coats, Dennis Ward, Wright’s son Washington Griffin, Wright’s daughter Lizzie Collins and her husband Ike Collins lived. That same year in 1880, Wright was recorded on the GA property tax digest in Eatonton working for planter Robert A, Reid, as a farm laborer with son in law Ike Collins and son Washington Griffin plus Alec Coats, Arthur Green and Dennis ward. He owned $20 worth of kitchen appliances and paid a $1 poll tax through his employer.
In 1881,Wright was recorded on the Georgia property tax digest in Eatonton working for Robert A, Reid, as a farm laborer with son in law Ike Collins and son Washington Griffin plus Alec Coats, Arthur Green, Dennis Ward, Wes Williams who married his daughter Maria in 1880 and Libon Hunter. He owned $5 worth of kitchen appliances and $35 worth of plantation and mechanical tools. He paid a $1 poll tax through his employer.
Georgia, Property Tax Digests, 1793-1892 (Putnam County Tax Digests 1878-1887) – Year 1881, The Georgia Archives, Morrow, Georgia.
In 1882, Wright was recorded on the GA property tax digest in Eatonton owning $200 worth of livestock (horses, cattle, etc), $10 kitchen appliances and $25 in plantation and mechanical equipment. He paid a $1 poll tax through his employer. He worked for Robert A, Reid, as a farm laborer with son in law Ike Collins and with son Clark Griffin plus Alec Coats, Arthur Green, son in law, Wes Williams, Libon Hunter, Henry “Heen” Collins who was a brother of Ike Collins, Lin Deans and James Williams who was Wes Williams’s brother. Henry “Heen” Collins, daughter Hattie Collins married Wright’s son Eli Griffin the following year in 1883. After Eli died around 1896 or so, Hattie married Wright’s son Wesley Griffin in 1897. Henry’s son Henry Collins Jr married Mattie Green, who was the daughter of Arthur Green and Hannah Love Green on 26 Dec 1901 in Putnam County. His stepson Rich Collins married Viola Griffin, a grand daughter of Wright Griffin in 1914. His step daughter Carrie Collins married Bishop Lawrence a grandson of Lewis and Jane Lawrence.
Georgia, Property Tax Digests, 1793-1892 (Putnam County Tax Digests 1878-1887) – Year 1882, The Georgia Archives, Morrow, Georgia.
In 1883, Wright was recorded on the GA property tax digest in Eatonton owning $200 worth of livestock (horses, cattle, etc), $10 kitchen appliances and $70 in plantation and mechanical equipment. He paid a $1 poll tax through his employer. He worked for Robert A, Reid, as a farm laborer with son in law Ike Collins and sons Clark and Scott Griffin plus Alec Coats, Arthur Green, son in law, Wes Williams, Libon Hunter, Henry “Heen” Collins, Lin Deans, James Williams, Tom Grabb and Sut [Sutton/Sutney] and Isabella Lawrence who were husband and wife. Sut Lawrence’s father was Samuel Lawrence and was probably related to Lewis Lawrence who’s daughter married Wright’s son Clark.
Georgia, Property Tax Digests, 1793-1892 (Putnam County Tax Digests 1878-1887) – Year 1883, The Georgia Archives, Morrow, Georgia.
In 1884, Wright was recorded on the GA property tax digest in Eatonton owning $200 worth of livestock (horses, cattle, etc), $10 kitchen appliances and $20 in plantation and mechanical equipment. He paid a $1 poll tax through his employer. He worked for Robert A. Reid, as a farmer with son in law Ike Collins and sons Washington, Clark and Scott Griffin plus Alec Coats, Arthur Green, son in law Wes Williams, Libon Hunter, Lin Deans. James Williams and Tom Grabb.
Georgia, Property Tax Digests, 1793-1892 (Putnam County Tax Digests 1878-1887) – Year 1884, The Georgia Archives, Morrow, Georgia.
In 1885, Wright was recorded on the GA property tax digest in Eatonton owning no property and paid $1 poll tax through his employer. He worked for Robert A, Reid, as a farmer with sons Washington, Clark, Scott and Eli Griffin plus Phil Griffin, his possible brother, plus Alec and Robert Coats, Lin Deans and James Williams.
Georgia, Property Tax Digests, 1793-1892 (Putnam County Tax Digests 1878-1887) – Year 1885, The Georgia Archives, Morrow, Georgia.
In 1886, Wright was recorded on the GA property tax digest in Eatonton working for Robert A, Reid, as a farmer with sons Clark, Scott and Eli Griffin plus Phil Griffin, his possible brother, plus Alec Coats, Lin Deans, son in law Wes Williams and his relative and Isaac Lawson. He owned no property, reportedly and paid $1 poll tax through his employer.
Georgia, Property Tax Digests, 1793-1892 (Putnam County Tax Digests 1878-1887) – Year 1886, The Georgia Archives, Morrow, Georgia.
In 1887, Wright was recorded on the GA property tax digest in Eatonton working for JH Adams Sr. as a farmer with son Washington plus Crof Reid (Crawford Reid), Arms Styles and Nells Henderson. He owned no property, reportedly and paid $1 poll tax through his employer.
Georgia, Property Tax Digests, 1793-1892 (Putnam County Tax Digests 1878-1887) – Year 1887, The Georgia Archives, Morrow, Georgia.
Bethel AME Church and Cemetery [Find A Grave Cemetery: #2427841]
Wright was recorded on the 1900 US federal Census in Tompkins, Putnam County. His birth month and year were recorded as May 1840 and his age as 60. By then he was able to read but still not able to write. His occupation was recorded as a farm laborer and he was employed every month in 1899. He lived in a house, not on a farm with his daughter Parolee who was recorded as 24 years old and with four of her children, recorded as 8 year old Clara Collins, 3 year old Rose Burney, 2 year old Emma Burney and 9 month old Charles Burney. They lived next door to David Griffin, a son of Phillip Griffin who lived next door to Edmund and Melinda Reid Presley whose grandson Charlie Presley later in the 1930s had children with Wright’s granddaughter Essee Bell Griffin. The Presley’s lived next door to the household of Wright’s son in law and daughter Wesley and Maria Griffin Williams. They also lived in very close proximity to Wright’s son, Washington Griffin and to Volio Griffin who was another son of Phillip Griffin. Wright was recorded as widowed, although his wife Clara was still living. She lived on a farm in neighboring Patrick in the household of her and Wright’s newly married son, Warren Griffin recorded as age 30, his wife Hattie Maddox Griffin recorded as age 20 and Wright’s and Clara’s grandsons Fletcher Collins recorded at age 11 and John W. Smith recorded at age 7. Fletcher Collins who was the only one in the household recorded being able to read yet not able to write and John Smith were sons of Paralee Griffin, Wright and Clara’s daughter. Clara’s birth year was recorded as 1834 and her age was listed as 66. No birth months were recorded for anyone in the household. Clara was recorded as still being married and for 45 years. Although she had 12, the census taker recorded her as a mother of 11 children born alive with 8 of them still living. Her and Wright’s children; Lizzie Collins, Washington Griffin, Maria Williams, Clark Griffin, Warren Griffin, Paralee Griffin Smith, Wesley Griffin and William Griffin were all accounted for in 1900. Their children; Scott Griffin, Nancy Griffin, Eli Griffin and Thornton Griffin were deceased by 1900. The fact they lived in separate households and Wright had himself recorded as being widowed suggest that they might have been separated. Although, the census taker may have recorded Wright’s marital status incorrectly and Clara could have been living in her son’s household for other reasons. The household Clara lived in with her son Warren was next door to her and Wright’s son Wesley “Wes” Griffin, their in-laws Alfred and Josephine Maddox and close family friend Arthur Green, They lived in close proximity to Phil Griffin’s household, the household of his son Robert Griffin and to the Peters family which her daughter Parolee Smith married into the following year and their granddaughter Ellen Williams also married into a decade later.
This was Wright’s and Clara’s final recording on the federal census. They likely died sometime between the recording of the 1900 federal census and the recording of the 1910 federal census. Although, no records of their deaths were recorded anywhere and their graves were not identified, I believe that they and their 4 children who predeceased them were buried at Bethel AME Church Cemetery in one of the 56 unmarked graves or in one of the three graves with markings that are unreadable.
Bethel AME Church Cemetery [Find A Grave Cemetery: #2427841]
The Descendants of Wright Griffin & Clara Adams Griffin
1. Scott GRIFFIN was born about 1856 in Georgia, probably in Putnam County. He was the first child of Wright GRIFFIN and Clara ADAMS. He was probably born on the plantation of B. F. Adams in Eatonton, Putnam County if that is where his mother Clara was enslaved while his father was a slave on Elizabeth Reid’s plantation in Eatonton. When he was 14 years old, he was recorded on the 1870 federal census working as a farm hand and living in his father’s household in Eatonton around the boarder of Tompkins and Patrick in Putnam County. He was not able to read or write. When he was 21, he married Susan WALLACE, the 18 year old daughter of Chance and Rose Lou WALLACE, on 18 Oct 1877 in bordering Morgan County, Georgia where she was from. Scott was taxed in Buckhead in Morgan County between 1878 and 1882. He worked as a farm laborer for Toney J. Head in 1878, J. H. Morgan with his father in law, Chance Wallace in 1879 where he worked until 1881. He owned no property that was taxable. He and his wife Susan were recorded on the federal in 1880 in Buckhead, Morgan, Georgia. Scott’s occupation was recorded as a “laborer” and Susan’s as “keeping house”. She was the only one of the two able to read but neither were not able to write. In 1882 Scott worked as a farm laborer for *. S. Reid (probably Robert A. Reid). He owned no property that was taxable. Susan may have died before 1882 or early that year, if they hadn’t divorced which was unlikely. When Scott was 26, he married 22 year old Ida Johnson on 07 Sep 1882 in Putnam, Georgia. Ida was probably the daughter of Mills and Viney Johnson and who were boarders in the household of Morton and Emily Thomas in Tompkins, Putnam County in 1880. Scott was taxed in Eatonton between 1883 and 1886 working for Robert A, Reid, as a farmer along side his father, brothers and neighbors. He likely died during or shortly after 1886 since he wasn’t found on later tax records and since he was one of the children unaccounted for in 1900 when the amount of living children of his mother’s children were recorded on the federal census.
2. Elizabeth “Lizzie” GRIFFIN was born in 1857 probably in Eatonton, Putnam, Georgia as the second child of Wright GRIFFIN and Clara ADAMS. She was probably born on the plantation of B. F. Adams in Eatonton, Putnam County if that’s where her mother Clara was enslaved while her father was enslaved on Elizabeth Reid’s plantation. When she was 13 years old, Lizzie was recorded on the 1870 federal census living in her father’s household which was around the border of Tompkins and Patrick in Putnam County. Her occupation was recorded as a nurse and she was not able to read or write. When she was 21, she married Isaac COLLINS on 31 Jan 1878 in Putnam, Georgia. Isaac also known as Ike was also 21 and was from Jasper County Georgia according to his death certificate but he was possibly from Jackson County, Georgia. He was the son of Mary Jones and worked as a farmer his entire life. He was taxed in Eatonton between 1878 and 1882 and taxed in Patrick in 1890. In 1878, he worked for planter James Lewis Reid, as a farmer with father in law Wright Griffin. Lizzie and Ike Collins were recorded on the 1880 census in the community of Tompkins, Putnam County living adjacent to her brother Washington Griffin, plus other old neighbors such as Alex Coats and Arthur Green. They all lived very close to the boarder of the community of Patrick and near her father Wright Griffin who lived on the other side of the boarder in Patrick. Lizzie’s and Ike’s ages were recorded as 22 and 26 on this census and their household included; Isaac’s 19 year old nephew Wesley Williams who married Lizzie sister Maria Griffin that same year and who was likely the father of Maria’s 1 year old daughter Lula and 18 year old servant/boarder Parthenia Sanders and her children; 4 year old Andrew and 1 year old L. Alexander Sanders. Wesley Williams was the son of James and Celia Williams who had a son named Isaac. One of them, probably Celia was likely a sibling of Isaac “Ike” Collins. Ike’s occupation was recorded as a Farmer and the rest of the household except for the children were recorded as farm laborers. No one in the household was able to read or write. In 1881, Ike was recorded on the GA property tax digest in Eatonton working for Robert A, Reid, as a farm laborer with father in law and brother in law Wright and Washington Griffin. In 1882, Ike was recorded on the tax digest working for Robert A, Reid, as a farm laborer with his brother Henry “Heen” Collins and with his father in law and brother in law, Wright and Clark Griffin; and in 1884 he worked for Robert A. Reid, as a farm laborer with father in law Wright Griffins and brother in laws Washington, Clark and Scott Griffin. In 1891 Ike was recorded in the tax digest in Eatonton working for D. R. Adams in the community of Patrick with his brother in law Wes Williams. Ike was taxed for horses, mules, cattle, and livestock of all kind valued at $400, $15 worth of household and kitchen furnishing and $25 of plantation and mechanical tools. In 1893, Ike was recorded on the tax digest working for R.W. Hutchinson in Eatonton and owned horses, mules, cattle, and livestock of all kind valued at $170, $10 worth of household and kitchen furnishing and $20 of plantation and mechanical tools. In 1894, Ike was recorded on the tax digest working for R.W. Hutchinson in Eatonton and owned horses, mules, cattle, and livestock of all kind valued at $220 and $60 worth of household and kitchen furnishing. In 1895, Ike was recorded on the tax digest working for R.W. Hutchinson in Patrick and owned horses, mules, cattle, and livestock of all kind valued at $70 and $10 worth of household and kitchen furnishing. In 1897, Ike was recorded on the tax digest working for R.W. Hutchinson in Patrick and owned horses, mules, cattle, and livestock of all kind valued at $70 and $10 worth of household and kitchen furnishing and in 1898, he was recorded on the tax digest in Patrick and owned horses, mules, cattle, and livestock of all kind valued at $70 and $10 worth of household and kitchen furnishing. Lizzie and Ike were recorded in Patrick on the 1900 federal census with their 15 year old son Elijah Collins, 20 year old adopted daughter Susan Mahorn and Ike’s mother Mary Jones. Susan Mahorn was probably the daughter of William “Bill” and Milly Mahorn who were long time neighbors of the Griffins. Milly Mahorn must have died around 1889 or sometime in 1890 before her husband remarried. Lizzie and Ike rented the farm where they lived. Lizzie was recorded as a mother of 5 children born alive but with only one of them still living in 1900. Ike’s occupation was recorded as a farmer and the rest of the household as farm laborers except for Ike’s 80 year old widowed mother Mary who was also recorded as mother of 5 children born alive but with 4 them still living in 1900. Fletcher was the only one in the household able to read or write. In 1907, Ike was recorded on the tax digest in Patrick and in 1908, he was recorded in Tompkins owning horses, mules, cattle, and livestock of all kind valued at $125. In 1909, Ike was recorded on the tax digest in Patrick owning horses, mules, cattle, and livestock of all kind valued at $15, $23 worth of household and kitchen furnishing and $10 of plantation and mechanical tools. Lizzie and Ike were recorded in 1910 on the federal census in Patrick with 12 year old Mattie Griffin, recorded as her daughter but who was actually their niece through Lizzie’s late brother Clark Griffin who died sometime after the 1900 census but before the recording of the 1910 census. She was now recorded as the mother of 8 children with 1 still living. Their residence must have sat between Lizzie’s brother Warren Griffin’s home and the home of her sister Parolee who was Parolee Peters, wife of Julius Peters by then. They all lived in close proximity to Dave Griffin, son of Phillip Griffin, 79 year old Prince Love, Crawford Reid and other in laws of the Griffins such as members of the Lawrence family, the Ware family and the Maddox families. In 1913, Ike was taxed in Tompkins where he likely worked and in 1919 he was taxed in Patrick. On 12 Sep 1918, Ike Collins was listed as the employer to David Henry Griffin, son of Dave Griffin when he registered for the draft of WWI that day. Ike died on 13 Aug 1919 in Putnam County from ulcerative colitis, a chronic bowel disease. Richard Maddox who was a neighbor and brother in law of Lizzie’s brother Warren Griffin was the coroner’s informant and also the undertaker. Isaac was buried in Hunts Chapel Church Cemetery on 14 Aug 1919. In 1920, Lizzie was recorded in Patrick on the federal census as a widow in the household of her niece Mattie Griffin Lawrence and her husband Robert Lee Lawrence Jr. Robert’s family were neighbors with Lizzie and Isaac in 1910. On 13 Feb 1925 Lizzie died in Eatonton, Putnam, Georgia after 10 days after suffering complications from a stroke. Robert Lawrence was her coroner’s informant. There was no undertaker and she was buried on 14 Feb 1925 in Putnam County, probably at Bethel Church Cemetery in one of the 59 unidentifiable graves or at Hunts Chapel were here husband was buried.
Isaac COLLINS and Elizabeth “Lizzie” GRIFFIN had the following children:
i. Susan MAHORN was born in 1880 in Tompkins, Putnam, Georgia. She was recorded on the 1900 federal census living in Patrick in the household of Ike and Lizzie Collins as their 20 year old adopted daughter. She was probably the biological daughter or granddaughter of William and Miley Mahorn who lived next door to the Griffin family in 1870.
ii. Elijah COLLINS was born in Sep 1884 in Tompkins, Putnam, Georgia. At age 15, he was recorded on the 1900 federal census living in Patrick in his parent’s household. He worked as a farm laborer and was the only one in the household able to read or write. He probably died after the recording of the 1900 census since his mother was recorded as having one living child in 1910 when her niece Mattie was living in her household and recorded as her daughter.
3. Washington “Wash” GRIFFIN was born in Dec 1859 in Putnam County, Georgia, as the third child of Wright GRIFFIN and Clara ADAMS. He was probably born on the plantation of B. F. Adams in Eatonton, Putnam County if that is where his mother Clara was enslaved. He was recorded in his father’s household on the 1870 federal census in Eatonton around the boarder of Tompkins and Patrick in Putnam County. He was recorded as working as a farm hand and not able to read or write. When he was 19, he married 21 year old Frances FOSTER, from Tompkins and possibly the daughter of Dennis and Martha Foster on 14 Jan 1879 in Putnam, Georgia. In 1880, he was recorded on the Georgia Property Tax digest owning $10 of household and kitchen furnishing. He was recorded that year on the federal census as 22 years old and living in Tompkins, Putnam County with his 26 year old wife Frances and her 5 year old daughter, his step daughter, Mary F. Griffin [Mary Foster?]. They were recorded as not being able to read or write. They lived adjacent to his sister and brother in law, Lizzie and Ike Collins, plus other old neighbors such as Alex Coats and Arthur Green. They all lived very close to the boarder of the community of Patrick and near her father Wright Griffin who lived on the other side of the boarder in Patrick. Wash’s wife Frances apparently died in Putnam County or was divorced from Washington in less than a year. When Wash was 21, he married 15 year old Kathrine/Catherine GRIMES, daughter of James Grimes or Glenn and Mammie Elleroy on 22 Jan 1881 in Putnam, Georgia. He worked as a farmer his entire life and was taxed in Eatonton between 1880 and 1882. In 1880 and 1881, he was recorded on the Georgia Property Tax Digest in Eatonton working for planter Robert A, Reid, as a farm laborer with father Wright Griffin and other family members. In 1882, he worked for Willie Denham in Eatonton and owned $10 of household and kitchen furnishing. In 1883, he was taxed in Eatonton for $5 worth of household and kitchen furnishing and was working for James L. Reid with possible relative Elisha Reid and neighbors; James and Isaac Lawson and William “Bill” and Henry Mahorn. In 1884 and in 1885, he was recorded on the Tax Digest in Eatonton working as a farm laborer for Robert Reid in Eatonton with his father and other family members. He owned $10 of household and kitchen furnishing in both years 1884 and in 1885. In 1887, Washington was recorded on the GA property tax digest in Eatonton working for JH Adams Sr. as a farm laborer with his father Wright Griffin plus Crof Reid (Crawford Reid), Arms Styles and Nells Henderson. He owned no property, reportedly and paid $1 poll tax through his employer. In 1891, he and his brothers Warren and Clark along with Frank Griffin, son of Willis Griffin and Carter Maddox were recorded on the Tax Digest working for R.A. Reid in Eatonton. He owned $10 of household and kitchen furnishing. In 1892, he was recorded on the tax digest working for R.A. Reid with his brother Clark. He owned a horse or horses, cattle or livestock of any kind valued at $15 and household or kitchen furnishing valued at $10. In 1893, he was recorded on the tax digest and worked for Robert A. Reid with his brother Clark. He owned $20 worth of horses, mules, cattle and stock of all kind. He worked for E.C. Paschal in Eatonton 1894 and in 1895. He owned a horse or horses, cattle or livestock of any kind valued at $15 and household or kitchen furnishing valued at $10 in 1894 and no property in 1895. in 1896 he was recorded on the property tax digest working for E.B. Ezell in Eatonton who his brother Warren Griffin worked for in 1893. He owned a horse, mule, cattle and stock of all kind valued at $5 and $10 worth of household and kitchen furnishings. In 1897 he worked in Eatonton for E.B. Ezell as a farm laborer with brother in law Wes Williams and he was also taxed in Tompkins owning no property. In 1900, he was recorded on the federal census as 40 years old and his birth month and year were recorded as Dec 1859. His wife Kathrine was recorded as 34 being born in 1866 with no month recorded. They lived on a farm that he rented in Tompkins with their children; Mary L Griffin age 17, Paralee Griffin age 15, Lula Griffin age 12, Leola Griffin age 10, Silvia Griffin age 8, Violet Griffin age 6, Katie Griffin age 4 and Hattie Griffin age 2. Wash’s occupation was recorded as a “farmer” and the rest of the household over the age of 10 were recorded as “farm laborers”. They were all recorded as being employed every week in 1899. Eight year old Violet’s occupation was recorded as “at school”. Wash, his wife and children were recorded as being able to read and although he and his wife were unable to write, his children who were age 10 and over were recorded as being able to write. They lived in close proximity to his father Wright’s household, to the household of David Griffin, a son of Phillip Griffin, to the household Edmund and Melinda Reid Presley whose grandson Charlie Presley later in the 1930s had children with Wash’s niece, Essee Bell Griffin, to the household of Wesley and Maria Griffin Williams, Wash’s brother in law and sister and to Volio Griffin who was another son of Phillip Griffin. Wash and Kathrine were recorded as being married for 20 years and she was recorded as a mother of 8 children born alive and 8 children still living. In 1904 Washington was recorded twice on the Tax Digest in Tompkins, in one recording owning $20 of household and kitchen furnishings and in the other $130 of horses, mules, cattle and livestock of all kind. In 1905 he was recorded in the tax digest in Tompkins owning no property. In 1908 he was recorded in Tompkins owning $10 of household and kitchen furnishing and $90 of horses, mules, cattle and livestock of all kind and in 1909 he was recorded owning $5 of household and kitchen furnishing, $90 of horses, mules, cattle and livestock of all kind and $15 worth of farming and mechanical equipment. In 1910, Washington and his family were recorded on the federal census in Shepherds, Morgan County, Georgia living on farm that he rented on Putnam County Madison Road. His occupation was recorded as a “farming” and the industry recorded as “general farming”. He was recorded as an “employer” while the rest of the household age 10 and over were recorded as “wage earners” with occupations recorded as “farmers” in the “home farm” industry and who had not worked for 12 weeks during the prior year of 1909. They were likely sharecroppers like many in their community. Wash was recorded as age 52 and his wife Kathrine was recorded at age 40. Their household include daughters; Leola Griffin age 20, Sylvia Griffin age 18, Viola Griffin age 16, Katie Griffin age 12, Hattie Griffin age 10, his only son Wash Griffin age 6, grandsons William Bass age 6 and Nathaniel Scott age 3. Wash Sr and Kathrine Griffin were recorded being married for 27 years and she was recorded as being a mother of 10 children born alive and 9 children still living, indicating that there was another child born after 1900 when she was recorded a being a mother of 8 children born alive and still living. In this census, both Wash and Kathrine were recorded as being unable to read or write while their children ages 16 and over were recorded as being able to do both. In 1913, Wash Sr was taxed in Patrick. On the 1920 federal census, Wash was recorded as 60 years old and Kathrine at 50 years old. They were recorded on the federal census living on a farm in Eatonton with daughter Hattie Griffin recorded as age 18, son Washington Griffin recorded at age 15, grandsons William Griffin (William Bass) recorded as age 15 and Nathaniel Griffin (Nathaniel Scott) recorded as age 12. Wash was recorded as a general farmer working with his own accounts while the rest of the household had no occupations recorded. Although Wash and Kathrine were recorded as being unable to read or write, the rest of the household members were recorded as being able to do both. On 17 May 1928, Washington died in Putnam, Georgia from Influenza and pneumonia. Birti? Collins (maybe his daughter Viola Collins) was the coroner’s informant. Washington was buried at Bethel AME Church Cemetery located in the Tompkins area of Putnam County. On 15 June 1935, Catherine died in Eatonton from cardiac lesions brought on by acute bronchitis. She was buried on 16 June 1935 at the Eatonton Cemetery in Putnam County.
Washington GRIFFIN and Frances FOSTER did NOT have any children of their own together. Frances Foster had the following daughter before she married Washington Griffin:
i. Mary F. GRIFFIN was born about 1875 in Putnam County, Georgia, probably in Tompkins where she was recorded in Washington’s household on the 1880 federal census. She was the step daughter of Washington Griffin. Her name was likely Mary Foster and not Mary F. Griffin. Her mother either died or divorced Washington before 22 Jan 1881 when Washington married his 2nd wife.
Washington GRIFFIN and Kathrine GRIMES had the following children:
i. Mary L. Griffin was born in about 1883 in Putnam County, likely in Tompkins where she was recorded in her parents’ household on the federal census in 1900. Her birth month and year were recorded as Feb 1883. At age 17, she was recorded as working as “farm laborer” and was able to read and write. She may have been the adult daughter of Washington Griffin who had a son or who had sons William Bass and Nathaniel Scott around 1904 and 1907.
ii. Paralee Griffin was born on 13 Mar 1885 in Putnam County, likely in Tompkins where she was recorded in her parents’ household on the federal census in 1900. Her birth month and year were recorded as Mar 1885. At age 15, she was recorded as working as “farm laborer” and was able to read and write. She began having children with George Holmes sometime after 1900, possibly in Bibb County. He was born in Monroe County Georgia near Russellville around 1870 according all of the census records, however his military has his date of birth recorded as 1 Jan 1887. He was likely the son of Green and Eliza Holmes who were in District 539 in Monroe County in 1880. Paralee was probably the 25 year old Paralee Holmes who was recorded on the 1910 federal census as being married and head of household at 6 Hydrolia in Macon Ward 1, Bibb County, Georgia which she rented. She was recorded on the census with her 9 year old son Johnny Holmes but without her husband and was recorded working as a nurse in a hospital. However, George Holmes was recorded living in Macon Ward 2 on Parker Ave with his wife Mollie of 17 years and their 5 children; Charlie Holmes age 12, John Holmes age 16, R C Holmes age 7, Unis Holmes age 2 and Lula Holmes age 6. He was recorded on the census working as a laborer at the Brickyard and that he and his parents were from Alabama. In the 1920 Macon, Georgia, City Directory George Holmes was recorded living at 235 Division Street in Macon working as a laborer and on the 1920 federal census he, his wife Paralee and children; Arcelious (RC) Holmes recorded as age 17, Lula Holmes recorded as age 15, Ruby Lee Holmes recorded as age 11 were recorded in Macon Ward 2, Bibb, Georgia also at 235 Division Street which was a house that he rented. He was recorded on the census working as a laborer at the Brickyard. In 1925, he and his Paralee were recorded in the city directory living in Macon at 245 Division Street which was likely an error as they were likely at 235 Division. Paralee was recorded living in Macon when she was the coroner’s informant for her deceased daughter who was then Ruby Lee Forehand and lived at 242 Division Street. In 1927 and 1930 Ruby and George were recorded in the city directory living at 235 Division Street in Macon and him working as a laborer. They were recorded on the 1930 census living at 235 Division Street which he rented for $8 each month and he was still working as a laborer for the brickyard. He was recorded as 40 years old and she was recorded as 39 years old. He claimed in this census that he was born in Alabama. The census taker probably misunderstood Paralee’s name when he recorder her name as “Harrie L[ee]”. Their household included their 6 year old son, Willie [Rufus] Holmes. Paralee’s first cousin Bessie Griffin, daughter of Clarke Griffin was recorded in the city directory living nearby at 241 Division Street. In 1934, Paralee and George were recorded in the city directory living at 314 Harris lane in Macon, near her cousin Bessie who also lived on Harris Lane until she moved to 311 Division Street . On the 1940 federal census, Paralee was recorded as widow even though George was still alive and living in Macon with a woman named Fannie recorded as his wife. Paralee lived with their 16 year old son Willie at 314 Harris Lane in Macon where she paid $4 each month in rent. She was recorded working as a laundress at her home and in 1939 she earned $52 for the 52 weeks that she worked. She worked 10 hours the week between 24 March 1940 and 30 March 1940. On 5 May 1948, George Holmes died in Bibb County and in 1952 and in 1953, Paralee was recorded on the city directory as “Parle L Holmes, widow of George Holmes and was living at 1057 7th Street la in Macon. Paralee remained in Bibb County for years until she died on 15 Nov 1972 in Eatonton probably while visiting her family.
iii. Lula Griffin was born in Jun 1887 in Putnam County likely in Tompkins where she was recorded in her parents’ household on the federal census in 1900. Her birth month and year were recorded as Jun 1887. At age 12, she was recorded as working as “farm laborer” and was able to read and write. She may have been the mother of Nathaniel “Nathan” Scott who was recorded in her father Washington Griffin’s household on the 1910 and 1920 census. She was thought to be the Lula Griffin who married Charley Bosen on 28 Dec 1910 in Putnam County, but that Lula Griffin was the daughter of Charles and Rachael Mathis Griffin who lived in close proximity to each other in Opposition in 1910. She may have been the Lula Griffin who married James Easter on 24 Dec 1907 in Putnam County.
iv. Leola Griffin was born on Jun 1889 in Putnam County likely in Tompkins where she was recorded in her parents’ household on the federal census in 1900. Her birth month and year were recorded as Jun 1889. At age 11, she was recorded as working as “farm laborer” and was able to read and write. She may have been the mother of Nathaniel “Nathan” Scott who was recorded in her father Washington Griffin’s household on the 1910 and 1920 census. In 1910, she was recorded as 20 years old on the federal census and living in Shepherds, Morgan County, Georgia in her father’s household on Putnam County and Madison Roads. She worked as a farm laborer at her home farm and was able to read and write. Four years later, she married Crawford Green on 22 Sep 1914 in Putnam, Georgia. Crawford was the son of Arthur Green and Hannah Baltimore Green, who were neighbors of the family. In 1920 Leola was recorded on the federal census as a 25 year old widow living in her’s sister Viola Collins’s and brother in law Rich Collins’s household in Tompkins. She was recorded as earning wages as a farm laborer. In 1930, she was recorded on the federal census as 28 years old and living on a farm in Eatonton on Hudson Mill and Godfrey Roads with her 38 year old husband who’s name was recorded as Boss Green. The census indicates that they were married for 15 years. They lived next door to her sister and brother in law, Viola and Rich Collins. Her husband worked for wages as a farm laborer, probably for Rich Collins who had his own farming account. She also worked for wages but as a laundress for a private family. She may have been the Leola Green who died in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia in Nov 1989. She was born on 1 June 1889 according to the U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014.
v. Sylvia Griffin was born about Apr 1892 in Putnam County, likely in Tompkins where she was recorded in her parents’ household on the federal census in 1900. Her birth month and year were recorded as Apr 1892. At age 8, she was recorded as being in school for 2 months and not working and was not able to read or write. In 1910, she was recorded as 18 years old on the federal census and living in Shepherds, Morgan County, Georgia in her father’s household on Putnam County and Madison Roads. She worked as a farm laborer at her home farm and was able to read and write.
vi. Violet “Viola” Griffin was born in 12 Mar 1894 in Putnam County likely in Tompkins where she was recorded in her parents’ household on the federal census in 1900. Her age was recorded as 6 years old and her birth month and year were recorded as Mar 1894. In 1910, she was recorded as 16 years old on the federal census and living in Shepherds, Morgan County, Georgia in her father’s household on Putnam County and Madison Roads. She worked as a farm laborer at her home farm and was able to read and write. She married Rich Collins on 27 Dec 1914 in Putnam, Georgia. He was probably the step son of Henry “Heen” COLLINS (son of Mary Jones) and Fannie Bell Evans Collins, making him a step nephew of Isaac Collins who married Lizzie Griffin, Viola’s aunt. Viola’s husband was probably the Richard Collins who registered for the draft of WWI on 5 June 1917 in Eatonton. He was described as being medium build and height with brown eyes and black hair. He listed his occupation as a farm renter (sharecropper) from Henry Hearns of Eatonton, He reported that he had a wife and 2 children to support. Viola and Rich were recorded in the 1920 federal census in Tompkins with Viola’s widowed sister Leola Green and 2 nephews of Richard’s who lived with them. Twenty three year old Rich was recorded as a farmer managing his own account and renting the farm where they lived while 21 year old Viola was the only other person recorded working on it. Viola was also the only person in the household recorded being able to read and or write. They lived in close proximity to Viola’s uncle Warren Griffin who lived next door to her cousin George Griffin, son of her late uncle Eli Griffin. In 1930, Viola recorded as 28 years old and Richard recorded as 30 years old, were recorded on the federal census on farm in Eatonton on Hudson Mill and Godfrey Roads with their children; Rich Collins recorded as age 6, Eddie J Collins recorded as age 3, Silva M Collins recorded as age 2 and nephews; Roosevelt Grimes recorded as age 15 and Clarence Collins 11. Rich was recorded as a farm operator (with his own account) and she was recorded as a home maker with his 2 nephews working as farm laborers on their home farm. By 1935, they were on Rabbit Skip (Avenue/Street) where they were recorded on the 1940 federal census residing and paying $3 a month to rent. Viola Collins was recorded as 36 years old and Richard was recorded as 47 years old and working for the W.P.A. which was the US government response to the unemployment crisis brought on by the Great Depression of the 1930s. Workers were assigned sites and assignments to receive income. In 1939, he reported earning $312 for the 39 weeks he worked that year and as of 24 Mar 1940 he reported not working for 156 weeks. He was recorded assigned to work the week of 20 Mar 1940. There household included: Richard Collins recorded as age 16, Eddie Collins recorded as age 13, Sylvia Mae Collins recorded as age 11, Kathleen Collins recorded as age 9, Freddie Collins recorded as age 7 and George Henry Collins 5. They lived near the Edmund Robertson family who household included the same 2 nephews that grew up with Rich and Viola. Edmund was the grandson of Edmond Robertson and Lottie Reid Robertson, who may have been the girl “Charlotte” on the 1832 inventory list of Alexander Reid. Adjacent to the Robertsons was Viola’s sister Hattie Griffin and her son. Viola and her husband Rich Collins remained in Putnam County until she died on 15 Mar 1978 and he died the following year on 28 Aug 1979 in Fulton County even though he lived in Eatonton. Viola was buried at East Eatonton Cemetery in Eatonton.
vii. Katie Griffin was born on 05 Mar 1896 in Eatonton, Georgia, likely in Tompkins where she was recorded in her parents’ household on the federal census in 1900. Her age was recorded as 4 years old and her birth month and year were recorded as Mar 1896. In 1910, she was recorded as 12 years old on the federal census and living in Shepherds, Morgan County, Georgia in her father’s household on Putnam County and Madison Roads. She worked as a farm laborer at her home farm and was not able to read or write. She married a man with the last name of Kiegler, probably John Kiegler born about 1868 to Hardy and Sarah Keigler and a widower with children . They had to have married shortly after 1940 when he was listed on the federal census as a widower living with his adult son but before he died in Macon on 27 Sep 1951. She was recorded in the city directory as Katie Zeigler, widow of John living at 38 Lower Bay lane in 1955 and in 1956. She remained in Macon until she died there on 26 Feb 1976.
viii. Hattie Griffin was born about Apr 1898 in Putnam County, likely in Tompkins where she was recorded in her parents’ household on the federal census in 1900. Her age was recorded as 2 years old and her birth month and year were recorded as Apr 1898. In 1910, she was recorded as 10 years old on the federal census and living in Shepherds, Morgan County, Georgia in her father’s household on Putnam County and Madison Roads. She worked as a farm laborer at her home farm and was not able to read or write. In 1920, she was recorded on the federal census as single, 23 years and living in parent’s household on a farm in Eatonton. She was able to read and write but had no occupation recorded. She was the Hattie Griffin who married Anderson Clark on 21 Feb 1923 in Putnam, Georgia. He was probably the Henderson Cannon Clark born 15 Mar 1894 in Eatonton (or probably Opposition) to Dock Cannon and Georgia A. Clark from Baldwin County, Georgia. He married Emma Parham on 24 Oct 1915 in Putnam County and registered for the draft of WWI on 5 June 1918 in Opposition, Putnam County. He claimed his wife and their child as his dependents and was described as being short and medium build with dark eyes and black hair. He worked as a farm laborer for William Sidney Griffin a white man who died in 1922 and who was the grandson of the William Sidney Griffin that arrived in Georgia with his father. William Sidney Griffin was the only planter with the Griffin surname in Putnam owning slaves in 1860 and is also likely to have fathered black/mulatto children with Fanny Dumas. By 1920 Henderson moved to Hebron, Washington County, Georgia by 1920. On 8 Feb 1925, he married Annie Julian in Baldwin County where they both lived until he died on 27 Nov 1954 in Baldwin County. However, Hattie’s husband may have been the Anderson Clark born Jan 1880 in Baldwin County to Anderson Clark Sr and Adelia Harris Clark. As an adult, he was recorded in his parents’ household in Kinderhook, Putnam County in 1900 and in 1910. In 1940 Hattie was recorded in Eatonton as Hattie Griffin and married on the federal census living with her teenage son Willie Lee Griffin recorded as age 16 years old. He continued using Griffin as his surname and on his Mar 1975 death index record, his father was listed as Henderson Clark. Hattie and her son Willie were recorded living on Rabbit Skip (Avenue/Street) near her sister Viola Collins. She was categorized as a government worker and worked as a cook in a school lunchroom. In 1939, she earned $220 for the 43 weeks she worked that year. She claimed that she was unemployed for the 156 weeks prior to 20 Mar 1940. She was recorded living in Eatonton on 30 Jun 1942 when her son Willie Griffin registered for the draft of WWI and listed her as his next of kin. He was described as 5 feet’6 inches tall, and weighed 170 pounds with black hair, brown eyes and dark brown complexion. He had scars on his hands. Hattie may have been the Hattie E. Clark who died in Macon, Bibb County on 17 Aug 1972.
ix. Washington Griffin was born about 1904 in Georgia likely in Tompkins where his parents’ and older siblings were recorded on the federal census in 1900. In 1910, he was recorded as 6 years old on the federal census and living in Shepherds, Morgan County, Georgia in his father’s household on Putnam County and Madison Roads. He was recorded on the federal census as 15 years old and living in his parents household. He was in a school student, able to read and write and had no occupation.
4. Maria GRIFFIN was born in Dec 1860 in Putnam County, Georgia as the fourth child of Wright GRIFFIN and Clara ADAMS. She was probably born on the plantation of B. F. Adams in Eatonton, Putnam County if that is where her mother Clara was enslaved at the time of her birth. At age 10, she was recorded in her father’s household on the 1870 federal census in Eatonton around the boarder of Tompkins and Patrick in Putnam County. Her occupation was recorded as a “house servant” and she was recorded also as attending school and not being able to read or write. On the 1880 federal census she and her 1 her year old daughter Lula Griffin [Williams] were recorded in her father’s household in Patrick around the Tompkins and Eatonton border. She was recorded as a farm laborer and was not able to read or write. That same year, according to the 1900 census, she married Wesley Williams who was likely the father of her 1 year old daughter Lula Griffin. Wesley was enumerated in her sister and brother in law Isaac ‘s household as his 19 year old nephew. He was the son of James and Celia Williams who had a son named Isaac. One of them, probably Celia was likely a sibling of Isaac “Ike” Collins. In 1891, Wesley was recorded on the Georgia Property Tax Digest in Eatonton working for D. R Adams with his brother in law Ike Collins and was taxed for $10 of household kitchen furnishings and in 1892 he was recorded on the tax digest in Eatonton working for R. A Reid with brother in laws Wash and Clark Griffin. He owned no property that year. In 1893, he was recorded on the tax digest in Eatonton working for R. A. Reid with brother in laws Wash and Clark Griffin and owned horses, mules, cattle and stock of all kind valued at $10 and household furnishing valued at $5. In 1894, Wesley was recorded on the tax digest in Eatonton working for R. A. Reid with brother in law Clark Griffin and owned horses, mules, cattle and stock of all kind valued at $15. In 1897, he and brother in laws Warren and Wash Griffin were recorded on the tax digest in Eatonton working for EB Ezell. He owned no property that year. In 1898, Wesley was recorded on the tax digest in Eatonton owning no property. On the 1900 federal census, Maria was recorded as 40 years old and Wesley 36 years old. They were recorded as being married for 20 years and living on a farm that they rented in Tompkins with their 3 children, 18 year old daughter Lula Williams who was actually 21, 16 year old Ella Williams and 11 year old Warren Williams. Wesley was recorded as a farmer while the rest of the household were recorded as farm laborers. The entire household other than Maria was recorded as being able to read and write. Maria was recorded as a mother of 5 children born alive with 3 of them still living. They lived next door to Edmund and Melinda Reid Presley whose grandson Charlie Presley later in the 1930s had children with Maria’s niece Essee Bell Griffin. The Presley’s lived next door to David Griffin, a son of Phillip Griffin who lived next door to Maria’s father Wright Griffin. They also lived in very close proximity to Maria’s brother, Washington Griffin and to Volio Griffin who was another son of Phillip Griffin. In 1910, Maria and her family were recorded on the federal census living on a farm that they rented in the community of Fork in Putnam County. Wesley age was incorrectly recorded as 61 while Maria age was recorded as 64. They were recorded as being married for 35 years with her being the mother of 5 children born alive with 3 of them still living. Their household included their 22 year old daughter Ella Williams, their 19 year old son Warren Williams, their 11 year old grandson, Albert Williams and Maria’s 13 year old niece Hattie Griffin from her brother Clark Griffin. Albert was the son of Maria daughter Lula. Wesley was recorded as a general farmer while the rest of the household were recorded as laborers on their home farm. In the early 1920s, Maria, Wesley and members of their family arrived in Alabama. They likely left Georgia after Maria’s 38 year old daughter Ella Peters died in Putnam County on 11 Jun 1921. On 19 Sep 1927, Maria died in Alexandria, Calhoun, Alabama from paralysis. Maria’s husband Wesley Williams and her father Wright Griffin were recorded on her death certificate. Her son in law, Charlie Goodman was the coroner’s informant. In 1930, Wesley was recorded on the federal census as a 64 year old nonworking widow living in Peaceburg, Calhoun, Alabama in his and Maria’s 25 grandson Albert Williams residence on Peaceburg – Alexandria Road. The household also included Albert’s 20 year old wife Clara and Wesley and Maria’s 28 year old grandson John Henry Peters who was a son of their late daughter Ella Peters.
Maria Griffin and Wesley Williams had the following children:
i. Lula WILLIAMSwas born 1879 in Tompkins Putnam County. At 1 years old, she was recorded on the 1880 federal census as Lula Griffin in her grandfather’s Wright Griffin’s household in Patrick around the Tompkins and Eatonton border. In 1900, She was was recorded as 18 years old living in her parent’s household in Tompkins. Her father Wesley was recorded as a farmer while the rest of the household were recorded as farm laborers. The entire household other than her mother Maria was recorded as being able to read and write. She was either pregnant or a mother to a newborn named Albert. A few years later she apparently married Charlie Goodman and had moved to Bessemer, Jefferson County, Alabama where they had their first son William in 1908, according to his WWII draft record. Shortly after 1910 they were back in Eatonton where they had most of their children. By 1923, they were in Alabama where they had their youngest daughter and in 1930, they were recorded on the federal census living in Peaceburg, Calhoun County, Alabama on a farm on Peaceburg – Alexandria Road that they rented. Charlie was recorded as 45 years old and his age at first marriage was recorded at 24 years old. Lula was recorded as 42 years old and her age at first marriage was recorded as 21 years old. This suggest that they were married around 1909. Their household included theirson William Goodman who was recorded as 19 years old and born in Alabama, their son John W (John Wesley) Goodman recorded as 14 years old and born in Georgia, their son Albert Goodman, recorded as 12 years old and born in Georgia and their 7 year old daughter Maria Goodman born in Alabama. Charlie’s occupation was recorded as a general farmer working on his own account and John W recorded as as a farm laborer while the rest of the household had no occupation. Charlie was recorded as not being able to read or write while the rest of the household except Maria who was recorded as being “in school”. They lived in close proximity to her son Albert William’s household which included her widowed father and nearby the household of her daughter Lillie Moore and son in law Sam Moore. In 1945, Charlie was recorded in the city directory living in Anniston in Calhoun County on 6 W Duncan and working as a laborer at Lee Brothers Foundry also in Anniston. On 10 Jan 1946, he died in Anniston and just a little bit more than 3 years later, Lula died in Anniston on 31 Mar 1949.
ii. Ella WILLIAMS was born about 1884 in Tompkins. In 1900, she was was recorded as 16 years old living in her parent’s household in Tompkins. Her father Wesley was recorded as a farmer while the rest of the household were recorded as farm laborers. The entire household other than her mother Maria was recorded as being able to read and write. In 1910, she was recorded on the federal census as age 22 and living in her parents’ farm in the neighboring community of Fork in Putnam County. She was recorded as laborer on their home farm. By 1911, she married Julius Peters, who was the widower of Paralee Griffin Peters, Ella’s late aunt. They were recorded on the 1920 federal census living on a farm that they rented in Eatonton, next door to her brother Warren Williams. Her age was recorded as 37 years old and Julius’s age was recorded as 52 years old. Their household included their 8 year old son John Henry Peters, 7 year old son Willie Peters, 5 year old son Charlie Peters, 4 year old daughter Susie Peters, 3 year old son Lonzo (Alonzo) Peters and newborn son Warren Peters. Julius was recorded as a general farmer working on his own account. No one in the household was recorded as able to read or write. The following year on 11 Jun 1921, Ella Peters died in Putnam County from uterus hemorrhaging. The coroner’s informant was J.V. Whitaker of Eatonton. Ella’s age was recorded as 38 years old and her occupation was recorded as a “field hand”. The undertaker was W.E. Lawson and she was buried at Hunts Chapel Cemetery the next day on 12 June 1921. In 1930, Julius Peters was recorded on the federal census living on a farm that he rented on Plantation Road. He was recorded as a widow and age 56. He was also recorded as a general farmer with his own account and his household included his children; 18 year old son Willie Peters, 15 year old son Charlie Peters, 14 year old daughter Susie Peters, 13 year old son Lonzo (Alonzo) Peters and 11 year old son Warren Peters. Julius and Ella’s oldest son John Henry Peters was recorded in Peaceburg, Calhoun, Alabama in his cousin’s Albert Williams’s household with their widowed grandfather Wesley Williams. Julius Peters lived near the households of Mary Lizzie Dunn and Susie Lawson who were his late second wife’s first cousins from her uncle Eli Griffin and who were nieces of his late first wife’s Paralee. Julius also lived near Ida Delaney and her son James Delaney who were in-laws of the late Warren Griffin. In 1940, Julius Peters was recorded on the federal census living on a farm in Eatonton on Godfrey Road that he rented for $3 each month. He was recorded as a widower with no occupation and in 1939 he was recorded earning no income. His household included his son Willie Peters who was recorded as 25 years old, his 23 year old daughter Susie Peters, his son Lonzo (Alonzo) Peters who was recorded as 21 years old, his son Warren Peters who was recorded as 19 years old and 5 year old grandson Eddie Peters. His sons Willie, Lonzo and Warren worked at the Planning Mill which is a facility that takes cut and seasoned boards from a sawmill and turns them into finished dimensional lumber. Willie worked there as a yard hand for 48 weeks in 1939 and earned $248 that year. He worked there for 40 hours during the week of 24 Mar 1940 through 30 Mar 1940 and worked. Lonzo and Warren worked there as Helpers. Lonzo worked 44 weeks in 1939 and earned $220 and Warren worked 40 weeks in 1939 and earned $200. Lonzo worked there for 34 hours during the week of 24 Mar 1940 through 30 Mar 1940 and Warren worked 32 hours that same week. Ten years later on 24 May 1950 in Putnam County, Julius Peters died.
iii. Warren WILLIAMS was born about 1889 in Tompkins. In 1900, he was was recorded as 11 years old living in his parent’s household in Tompkins. His father Wesley was recorded as a farmer while the rest of the household were recorded as farm laborers. The entire household other than his mother Maria was recorded as being able to read and write. In 1910, he was recorded on the federal census as age 19 and living in his parents’ farm in the neighboring community of Fork in Putnam County. He was recorded as laborers on their home farm. On 5 June 1917, he was living on Gunlane in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia when he registered for the draft of WWI in Eatonton, Putnam County. He worked as a car repairman for the Central of Georgia Railway in Macon and was recorded as being single with no children to support. He was described as medium height and stout, dark brown eyes with black hair. On 15 Feb 1919, he applied for a marriage license to marry Pearl Wair [Ware] and on 16 Feb 1919, he married her in Putnam County. They were recorded together on the 1920 federal census living on a farm in Eatonton, next door to his sister and brother in law Ella and Julius Peters. His age was recorded as 28 years old and his wife Pearl’s age was recorded as 27 years old. Their household included their 15 year old son Willie F. Williams. Warren was recorded as a general farmer working on his own account and his wife was recorded as working as a washerwoman working on her own account. Only Warren and Willie were recorded as able to read and write.
5. Clarke GRIFFIN was born about 1862 in Putnam County, Georgia as the fifth child of Wright GRIFFIN and Clara ADAMS. In 1870, he was recorded as 8 years old in his father’s household on the 1870 federal census in Eatonton likely near the boarder of Tompkins and Patrick in Putnam County. On the 1880 federal census he was recorded as 16 years old and living in his father’s household in Patrick around the Tompkins and Eatonton boarder. He worked as a farm laborer likely for his father and was not able to read nor write. When he was about 19, he married Ceoley/Celia Lawrence, the daughter of Lewis Lawrence on 20 Oct 1881 in Putnam, Georgia. Celia was recorded on the 1880 federal census in the household of Wright Griffin’s as their boarder. Her father Lewis may have died after 1870 and was probably the father or related to Robert Lee Lawrence who’s family were life long neighbors of the Griffins and who married into the Griffin family. She may have passed away shortly after the marriage. He paid poll taxes in Eatonton and worked for Robert A, Reid, as a farmer with his father Wright Griffin and with other family members between 1882 and 1886 and remained working for Reid in 1887 even though his father worked for someone else that year. He owned no taxable property in those years. During that time, at age 20, he married Lillie Bell DAWSON, probably a daughter of Jack and Eady DAWSON on 11 Jul 1884 in Putnam, Georgia. In 1891, he and his brothers Warren and Washington along with Frank Griffin, son of Willis Griffin and Carter Maddox were recorded on the Tax Digest working for R.A. Reid in Eatonton. He owned $10 of household and kitchen furnishing. In 1892, he was recorded on the tax digest working for R.A. Reid with his brother Washington. He owned a horse or horses, cattle or livestock of any kind valued at $15 and household or kitchen furnishing valued at $10. In 1893, he was recorded on the tax digest and worked for Robert A. Reid with his brother Washington. He owned $10 worth of horses, mules, cattle and stock of all kind and $5 worth of household and kitchen furnishings. In 1895, he was taxed in Eatonton and worked for Can and Company. In 1897, he was recorded in the tax digest working for EJ Newsome in Tompkins and owned no property to be taxed. In 1900, Clark and Lillie were recorded on the federal census in Eatonton with their son Isaac Griffin age 15, son Sidney Griffin age 13, daughter Annie Griffin age 9, daughter Bessie Griffin age 8, son Robert Griffin age 6, Mattie Griffin age 4, Hettie Griffin age 2 and 7 month old Carrie Griffin. In 1903, Clarke was recorded on the tax digest in Eatonton with no property and in 1904 in Tompkins with $25 of household and kitchen furnishings. In 1905, he was recorded in Tompkins owning horses, mules, cattle and livestock of all kind valued at $50 and in 1906 he owned horses, mules, cattle and livestock of all kind valued at $35. He may have given is son Isaac livestock who had $35 of it that same year. Clark no longer appeared on the tax digest or on the census in any of the subsequent years and some of his younger children were recorded in the households of his siblings suggesting that he likely died that same year or shortly after, probably in Tompkins.
Clarke GRIFFIN and Ceoley/Celia LAWRENCE had no children but Clarke GRIFFIN and Lillie Bell DAWSON had the following children:
i. Isaac Griffin was born on 21 Jul 1884 in Putnam County probably in Patrick or Tompkins. In 1900, he was recorded on the federal census as 15 years old living in Eatonton in his parents’ household. He worked as a farm laborer, likely for his father. He married his first wife, Angeline who’s last name is unknown about 1906 and was recorded the Georgia Tax Digest in Tompkins in that same year in 1906 owning horses, mules, cattle and livestock of all kind valued at $35. In 1908 he was recorded on the Georgia Tax Digest in Tompkins owning horses, mules, cattle and livestock of all kind valued at $50 and he paid 2 polls. In 1909, he was recorded on the tax digest in Tompkins owning $25 of household and kitchen furnishings. He and his wife Angeline were recorded on the 1910 federal census living on a farm that he rented on Lower Eatonton and Madison Roads in Tompkins. He worked as a farmer managing his own account. They lived in close proximity to the household of Eli Griffin who was the son of Morris Griffin who lived closer to Eli. Morris Griffin was the son of Eli Griffin who moved to Bibb County after 1867 and Martha Pennenom who married Carter Maddox Jr around 1868. By 1915 Isaac was recorded in the 1915 city directory in Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida living at 741 W Ashley and working as a laborer. He was in Jacksonville when he registered for the draft of WWI sometime between 1917 and 1918. Isaac must have met and married Julia Powell, the daughter of Frank and Lillie Francis Powell before 1918. They were likely got together in Brooksville, Hernando County, Florida where they were recorded on the 1920 census together living on a farm with their 2 oldest children together; Robert Griffin who was 1 year and 11 months old and 3 months old Ruby Griffin. He was a general farmer operating his own account. His first wife Angeline was recorded as a widow living in Opposition, Putnam County, Georgia with presumably her 4 children with him; Susie Griffin age 13, Mary Griffin age 10, Grady Griffin age 9 and Hattie Griffin age 7. Angeline was recorded as working as laborer in a private home. By 1927, Isaac and his family with Julia were living in Duval County, Florida when their 9 year old son died in an accidental drowning. In 1930 and in 1931, Isaac and Julia were recorded in the city directory living in a house at 709 Weare in Jacksonville, Duval County. and with him working as a laborer. They were recorded in 1940 census in Arlington, Duval County, Florida in Election Precinct 32 “About 1/2 Mile Off Arlington Road” on a farm where he paid $4 a month. Isaac owned his own account in the moss picking industry and was employed for pay when the census was taken on 15 May 1940. He reported worked 60 hours the week prior. In 1939, he worked 26 weeks and earned no income but reported having other sources. He was the only one working in his household which included his daughter; Sue Griffin who incorrectly recorded on the census as his wife and as age 42 while his wife was recorded incorrectly in the previous household, his daughter Annie Mae Griffin age 13, Effie Griffin age 18 and niece Annie Mae Biglow age 14. In 1944 and in 1946, he was recorded in the city directory working as a laborer who was renting and living at 2306 Moncrief Rd and in 1947 he was recorded in the directory living at the same address and working as a farmer. On 14 Sep 1952 Julia Griffin died and was buried in Arlington Community Cemetery in Arlington, Duval County. Two years later in 1954 Isaac died in Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida.
ii. Sidney GRIFFIN was likely born on 5 Jun 1889 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia, although he was recorded on the 1900 federal census in his parent’s household in Eatonton as being born in 1887. He may have been the 17 year old Sidney Griffin described as dark brown who was arrested and convicted in Morgan County, Georgia for burglary on 20 Sep 1904. He was sentenced to 3 years to be released on 20 Apr 1907. There was another Sidney Griffin in Morgan County, son of William Griffin and Zilla Monday Griffin who would have been about 12 when the conviction occurred. In 1910 Sidney, the son of Clark Griffin was likely the Sidney Griffin recorded on the federal census in the household of George Martin a white man in Miller, Jackson County, Georgia as a “hired man”. He was one of 2 black farm hands recorded in the household of George Martin and his family. Meanwhile, the other Sidney Griffin was 19 and recorded in his parents’ household in Buckhead in Morgan County working as a pressing clerk on his own account. Sidney, who I believe was the son of Clark Griffin was living in Stephens, Oglethorpe County, Georgia on 5 June 1917, his 28th birthday, when he registered for the draft of WWI in Oglethorpe County. He was recorded as being born in Eatonton on 5 Jun 1889 and described as being medium height and build with brown eyes and black hair. He worked as a farm hand for Grady Atkinson of Stephens, Georgia and had a wife but no children to support at that time. The other Sidney also registered for the WWI draft on that same day of 5 Jun 1917 but in Athens, Clark County, Georgia. He was recorded as 26 years old and born Putnam County and described as tall and slender with black hair and eye color. He was recorded owning a business as a Cleaner/Presser in Athens probably called “Flower Town”. When asked if he has anything that exempted him from serving the military he replied “Yes, Physical Condition”. Sidney Griffin, son of Clarke was probably the Sidney Griffin who was recorded on the 1920 census working as a farm laborer and living in Hello, Morgan County, Georgia with his 21 year old wife Hester and their 2 very small children; Annie M Griffin age 3 and Mary L Griffin age 1. By 1933, he was living in Macon, Bibb County earning a living as a huckster which is a person who sells small items, either door-to-door, from a stall or from a small store. He died in an accident on 12 Oct 1933 in Macon, Bibb, Georgia, apparently at or near his home. He was recorded as being single and living at 311 Division Street in Macon. His sister Bessie Griffin, who was also living at 311 Division Street. was the coroner’s informant and reported that he from Eatonton and that his parents were Clark and Lila Griffin. Sidney was buried at Tom Hill Cemetery in Macon on 13 Oct 1933.
iii. Annie Griffin was born in Jul 1891 likely in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia. In 1900, she was recorded on the federal census in Eatonton in her parents’ household. She may have been the Annie Griffin who married Pleas Candler on 26 Dec 1912 in Putnam, Georgia.
iv. Bessie Griffin was born in Aug 1892 likely in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia. In 1900, she was recorded on the federal census in Eatonton in her parents’ household. She was thought to have been the Bessie Griffin who married Hal Cartwright on 12 Dec 1907 in Putnam County and who died on 08 Oct 1988 also in Putnam, Georgia but that Bessie Griffin was the daughter of Burt (Robert) Griffin and Addie Burke. There was another Bessie Griffin who married Clarence Griffin in Putnam County on 06 Dec 1910 but that Clarence Griffin was her first cousin and the son of her uncle Eli Griffin. Bessie was records in the city directory in 1922 working as a cook and living at 106 Harris Row in Macon, Bibb County Georgia and in 1924 working as a laborer and living at 106 Harris Lane in Macon. In 1927 and in 1930 she was recorded in the directory working as a domestic and living at 241 Division Street in Macon and in 1932 living at Hill Harris Lane in Macon. Her cousin Paralee Holmes, daughter of Washington Griffin lived nearby at 235 Division Street. Bessie lived at 311 Division Street in Macon, Bibb County when she was the coroner’s informant for her brother Sidney who died in Macon on 12 Oct 1933. She was recorded in the city directory working as a Cook and living at 102 Division Street in Macon in 1934 and 103 Division Street in 1935.
v. Robert Griffin was born in Jun 1893 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia. In 1900, he was recorded on the federal census in Eatonton in his parents’ household.
vi. Mattie Mae Griffin was born in Apr 1896 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia. In 1900, she was recorded on the federal census in Eatonton in her parents’ household. In 1910, she was record in her aunt and uncle Lizzie and Isaac Collins’s household in Patrick as their daughter. She married Robert Lee LAWRENCE Jr on 03 Feb 1918 in Putnam, Georgia who was taxed in Patrick in 1919. He was the son of Robert Lee Lawrence and Lizzie Lawrence who were neighbors of Mattie’s aunt and uncle Lizzie and Isaac Collins whom Mattie lived with in 1910. On 3 Jun 1917, he probably was the Robert Lawrence who registered for the draft of WWI and he was later put on a Lists of Men Ordered to Report to Local Board for Military Duty. He was enlisted in the army on 17 Jul 1918 in Eatonton and had been stationed at Camp Gordon, in Chamblee, Dekalb County, Georgia for military training. He served domestically in 157th Infantry Brigade until he was honorably discharged on 7 Dec 1919. In 1920, Mattie and Robert were recorded on the federal census living in on a farm in Patrick with her husband, 1 year old son, Robert, her widowed Aunt Lizzie Collins, (who was recorded as her mother on the 1910 Census), and 12 year old boy named Clark Ward, recorded as their nephew. They lived in close proximity to Robert’s family, specifically to his parents Robert Lee Lawrence and Lizzie Lawrence and to Charles Griffin, son of Fanny Dumas and to his son Charles Griffin Jr. In 1930, Mattie and Robert were recorded on the federal census as ages 26 and 32, respectively in Eatonton living on a farm that he rented at 126 Madison Highway. He worked as a farm operator on his own account and was recorded as a veteran of WWI. Although his wife, Mattie and their 11 year old son Robert Lawrence were able to read he was unable to according the census. Their household also included their 9 year old daughter Eunice Lawrence and 7 year old son Luis Henry Lawrence. In 1940, Mattie and Robert were recorded on the federal census living on Sumter Street in a house that they owned in Eatonton valued at $500. He was recorded as 47 years old “working” but with no occupation mentioned. He worked 26 weeks the year before in 1939 and earned $104. Mattie was recorded as 40 years old working in the house with no other occupation. There household included their son Robert Jr. who was recorded as 19 year old, their son Louis who was recorded as 15 year old and their married Eunice Walker recorded as 17 year old. Robert Jr worked 72 hours the week between 24 March 1940 and 30 March 1940 as a porter at a retail drug store. He worked 52 weeks the year before in 1939 and earned $234. Louis was recorded as working 24 hours as a janitor at a retail ladies ready to wear. He was recorded as having earned $20 for the 52 weeks he worked in 1939. Eunice was recorded as having no occupation other than working in the house. Mattie and Robert remained in Putnam County until he died their on 26 Dec 1974 and when she died there on 28 Nov 1987. They were buried at East Eatonton Cemetery in Putnam County.
vii. Hettie Griffinwas born in Feb 1897 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia. In 1900, she was recorded on the federal census in Eatonton in her parents’ household. In 1910, she was record in her aunt and uncle Mariah and Wesley William’s household in Fork. On 5 Jan 1918 she married Lewis Levister in Putnam County. He was the son of James and Carrie Levister. That same year on 12 Sep 1918, Lewis registered for the draft of WWI in Eatonton. He was described as 33 years, tall, slender with brown eyes and black hair. His birthday was recorded as 15 Feb 1885 and he worked as a farmer for Lee Maddox in Eatonton and listed Hettie as his next of kin. In 1920, they were recorded on the federal census living in Buckhead, Morgan County on Bethany Road. She was recorded as 19 years old and he as 35 years old and a farmer, renting farms and working with his own account. She was the only one of the two who could read and write. In 1940, they were recorded on the census living in Eatonton on Buzzard Roost with him recorded as 48 years old and with her recorded as 28 years old. He was recorded as working 40 hours as a laborer at a cotton mill while his wife worked in the home. He earned $322 for the 39 weeks he worked the previous year in 1939 and she earned $22 for the 8 weeks she worked that year. They were living in Putnam County when Lewis died there on 18 Feb 1964. Hettie apparently remained in Putnam County until she passed away there on 19 Jul 1983.
viii. Carrie Griffin was born in Nov 1899 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia. In 1900, she was recorded on the federal census in Eatonton in her parents’ household. She married William Driskell on 16 Dec 1919 in Bibb County, Georgia. William Driskell was born in (28?) Sep 1895 in Eatonton to George Driskell, from Jasper County and Mattie Samples from Putnam and Baldwin Counties. The year prior, he registered for the draft of WWI in Half Acre, Putnam County while living Hillsboro in Jasper County on 5 Jun 1917. He was described as being medium build and height with black hair and black eye color. He was single with no dependents and worked for himself as a farmer. He was living in Half Acre, Putnam County when enlisted in the United States Army on 19 Jun 1918. He served domestically in 157th Infantry Brigade until 12 Jul 1918 and also domestically in Company C 406 Reserve Labor Battalions until he was honorably discharged as a private on 25 Mar 1919. In 1920, William and Carrie were recorded on the federal census living in Half Acre next door to a man named Jim Driskell from Jasper County who may have been his uncle. William was recorded working a laborer on a farm while Carrie was recorded having no occupation. They were both able to read and write. On the 1930 federal census William and Carrie were recorded with their children; 9 year old son William Jr, 7 year old son Isaac, 5 year old son Odel, 3 1/2 year old Louise and 2 month old daughter Eugena, living in Barrons, Jones County, Georgia on a farm that they rented. He worked as a farm laborer and was recorded as a veteran on the census. On the 1940 census they were recorded in Barrons living on a farm that they rented for $3 a month on Public Road East of Highway. He was recorded as 42 years old and she as 35 years old. By this time, he was managing his own account as a farmer (sharecropper) and earned $0 for the 52 weeks he worked in 1939. He reported having other sources of income and working 60 hours between 24 March 1940 and 30 March 1940. Two of their sons, Isaac recorded as 16 and Odell recorded as 14 years old reported working 52 week likely on their home farm and earned $0. They also worked 60 hours between 24 March 1940 and 30 March 1940. Carrie and William’s oldest son William Jr recorded as 18 years old, was categorized as a government worker and reported not working for 16 weeks prior to 30 March 1940. He worked outside of the home as a farmer for the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and earned $20 for the 4 weeks he worked in 1939. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was among the many New Deal programs of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency. Established on March 31, 1933, CCC’s objective was to recruit unemployed young men (and later, out-of-work veterans) for forestry, erosion control, flood prevention, and parks development. During the Great Depression, New Deal programs like the CCC helped put thousands of Georgians back to work. There household included Louise Driskell age 13, Eugene Driskell age 9, Samuel Driskell age 7, Mattie M Driskell age 5, Lynwood Driskell age 3 and Rosa M Driskell 1. William and Carrie Driskell were living in Gray, Jones County, Georgia when she died on 23 Sep 1976. She was buried at Saint James AME Church Cemetery in Bradley, Jones County, Georgia. William died on 23 Aug 1982 in Gray and was also buried at Saint James AME Church Cemetery in Bradley.
6. Eli GRIFFIN was born about 1865 in Putnam County as the sixth child of Wright GRIFFIN and Clara ADAMS. In 1870, he was recorded as 5 years old in his father’s household on the 1870 federal census in Eatonton likely near the boarder of Tompkins and Patrick in Putnam County. On the 1880 federal census he was recorded as 15 years old and living in his father’s household in Patrick around the Tompkins and Eatonton border. He worked as a farm laborer likely for his father and was not able to read nor write. When he was 18, he married Hattie COLLINS, daughter of Henry “Heen” COLLINS and Julia COLLINS, on 27 Dec 1883 in Putnam, Georgia. She was the niece of Isaac Collins who married Eli’s older sister Lizzie. In 1885 and 1886, Eli was recorded in the Georgia property tax digest in Eatonton working for Robert A. Reid, as a farmer with his father, Wright Griffin and other family members and in 1890 he worked for J.J. Lawson. In 1891, he was recorded in the Tax Digest working for J.J. Lawson with Morris Griffin and William Griffin who might be his brother William or may have been Willis Griffin. Milledge and Charles Griffin, sons of Fanny Dumas and Lee Lawrence also worked for Lawson. He died between 1894 and 1896 in Putnam County, Georgia. His widow Hattie married his brother John Wesley Griffin on 1 March 1897.
Eli GRIFFIN and Hattie COLLINS had the following children:
i. William “Willie” GRIFFIN was born on 06 Oct 1885 in Putnam County Georgia. In 1900, he was recorded in Patrick on the federal census in his step father’s and mother’s household. His step father who was Wes Griffin was also his late father’s brother and making his step-father Wes biologically his uncle. He married Rilla Reid, the daughter of Rhoda Rogers Lee on 02 May 1909 in Putnam, Georgia and on 12 Sep 1918 he registered for the draft of WWI in Eatonton and listed his wife Rilla Griffin as his next of kin. He was described as medium height and built, brown eyes and black hair. He worked as a farmer for Joku Hood? He was taxed in Patrick in 1919 and in 1920 with his brother George and stepfather Wes Griffin who was his late father’s brother. He was recorded on the 1920 federal census as age 33 living in Patrick with his 25 year old wife Rilla, children and mother in law, Rhoda Lee age 50. Their children were Willie Griffin age 10, Marrie Griffin age 7 and Loula Bell Griffin age 5. Willie was a farmer managing his own account with his wife, children and mother in law also laboring on it. They lived next door to his sister Mary Lizze Dunn and in close proximity to their first cousins John Smith and Charles Burney, son of Paralee Griffin, to Wesley and Charity Dunn who were his cousin mary Dunn’s in laws, to Major and Crawford Green who were sons of Arthur and Hannah Green life long neighbors of the Griffin family and to Crawford Reid another life long neighbor of the family. By 1926, he and his family moved to Anniston, Calhoun, Alabama and were recorded in the city directory living at 1008 W 16th St/Ave. His Aunt Maria Williams and her offspring, his brother George also moved to Anniston around the same time. He died in Anniston on 05 Nov 1929 and was buried on 7 Nov 1929 at Cain Creek Cemetery. In 1930, his widow Rilla Griffin age 39, their children Willie Griffin age 19, Marie Griffin age 17 and Lula B Griffin age 16 and grandson Don Juan Griffin age 22, his wife Margaret [Wynn] Griffin age 20 and Rilla’s mother Roda Lee (recorded as 55 year old) were recorded in Anniston, in his brother Clarence’s household on the federal census. A few years until they moved to Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan sometime between 1936 and 1939.
ii. Clarence GRIFFIN was born in Jan 1889 in Putnam County. In 1900, he was recorded in Patrick on the federal census in his step father’s and mother’s household. His step father who was Wes Griffin was also his late father’s brother making Wes his uncle biological. He married Bessie GRIFFIN on 06 Dec 1910 in Putnam, Georgia and was taxed in Tompkins in 1913 with his brother George. On 5 June 1917, he registered in Eatonton for the draft of WWII. He was described as medium build and height, dark brown eyes, black hair and not bald. He was employed by his brother William Griffin who was a farmer with his “own account”. He died in Eatonton in 8 Nov 1931 and was recorded as a widower. His uncle Wesley Griffin who was also once his step father was the coroner’s informant. Clarence was buried at Hunts Chapel Cemetery in Putnam County.
iii. George GRIFFIN was born on 15 Oct 1890 in Putnam County, Georgia. In 1900, he was recorded in Patrick on the federal census in his step father’s and mother’s household. His step father who was Wes Griffin was also his late father’s brother making his step father his uncle biologically. He married Hannah GREEN, daughter of Arthur and Hannah Green on 08 Nov 1906 in Putnam, Georgia. He was taxed in Tompkins in 1908 and was recorded on the 1910 federal census in Eatonton living on Reids Chappel Road with his wife of 3 years in a house that he rented. He and his wife were recorded as a farm laborer working outside of their home. They lived adjacent to his uncle Wesley Griffin who was also once his step father. They lived in close proximity to the Dunn and Lawrence families, whose members married into his own family. George was employed in Patrick in 1915, 1916, 1919 and in 1920 where he was taxed in each of those years. He may have been the George Washington Griffin who registered for the draft on 5 June 1917 and was described as being short and stout with brown eyes and black hair. He rented farm land from Ezell and Hunt in Eatonton. On the 1920 federal census, he and his wife were recorded in Tompkins living adjacent to his uncle Warren Griffin and near his cousin Viola Collins, daughter of uncle Washington Griffin. He was recorded having his own farming account. Sometime after 1920, he also moved to in Anniston, Calhoun, Alabama. In 1930, he was and his wife were recorded on the federal census living in Anniston with his late brother William’s widow Rilla Griffin and their children living in his household. He and Hannah may have also relocated to Detroit with his late brother’s widow and nephews in the 1930s.
iv. Mary L GRIFFIN was born 1893 in Putnam County, Georgia. In 1900, she was recorded in Patrick on the federal census in her step father’s and mother’s household. Her step father who was Wes Griffin was also her late father’s brother and her uncle. She was probably the Mary L. Griffin who married Asbury Dunn on 22 Dec 1909 in Putnam, Georgia. Asbury was from nearby Patrick and born 31 Dec 1886 (1882) to Wesley and Charity Dunn. On 12 Sep 1918, Asbury registered for the draft of WWI and was described as medium build and height with black hair and black eye color. He listed his wife Mary Lizzie Dunn as his next of kin and his employer as Charlie J*has? in Eatonton. In 1920, Asbury and Mary Lizzie Dunn were recorded on the federal census as ages 36 and 24, respectively living in Patrick with their children; Susie Mae Dunn recorded as age 9, John Henry Dunn recorded as age 7, Henrietta Dunn recorded as age 5, Clarence Dunn recorded as age 3 and Bessie Dunn recorded as age 1. Asbury occupation was recorded as a general farmer managing his own account. They lived adjacent to her brother Willie Griffin and his wife Rilla, their first cousin Charles Burney, son of Paralee Griffin and to Wesley and Charity Dunn who were Asbury’s parents. They lived in close proximity to her cousin John Smith, son of Paralee Griffin, Major and Crawford Green who were sons of Arthur and Hannah Green who were life long neighbors of the Griffin family and Crawford Reid another life long neighbor of the family. In 1930, Mary Lizzie and Asbury were recorded on the federal census in Patrick as age 36 and 52 respectively and living at 10 Plantation Road which was down the road from her sister Susie Lawson’s household. They also lived near Julius Peters’s household who was married and widowed by both Paralee Griffin Peters, Mary Lizzie’s late aunt and Ella Williams Peters, Mary Lizzie’s late cousin. Asbury was recorded as a general farmer managing his own account. Their household included their children; Suzzie M Dunn age 19, John Henry Dunn age 17, Clarence Dunn age 15, Henrietta Dunn age 14, Bessie Dunn age 12, Robert Dunn age 10 and Oscar Dunn age 5. Julius Peters lived near the households of the Ida Delaney and her son James Delaney who were in-laws of her late uncle Warren Griffin. In 1940, Mary and Asbury Dunn were recorded on the federal census as 47 and 60 years old, respectively and living next door to the household of their son John Griffin who himself lived next door to Charlie Griffin, possibly the son of Burke/Burt Griffin, who was the son of Fanny Dumas. Asbury’s occupation was recorded as a farmer having his own accounts (as a sharecropper). He worked 52 weeks in 1939 and earned no income. His sons Clarence and Robert both reported working 30 weeks in 1939 as his helpers and also reported earning no income. He reported having other income sources and worked 30 hours the week prior to 30 Mar 1940, while his sons Clarence and Robert worked 50 and 40 hours that week. Asbury and Mary’s daughter Susie worked 50 weeks in 1939 as a cook in a private home and earned $100 that year. She worked 40 hours the week the week prior to 30 Mar 1940. Asbury and Mary Lizzie’s other daughter Bessie worked 26 weeks as a day laborer in 1939 and earned $75 that year. She worked 20 hours the week prior to 30 Mar 1940. The rest of the household included Asberry and Mary’s other children; Ethel Dunn recorded as age 14, Oscar Dunn recorded as age 13, Annie B Dunn recorded as age 8 and Leola Dunn 6. That same year, Mary Lizzie was mentioned as the next of kin when her son Clarence Dunn registered for the draft of WWII on 16 Oct 1940. On 20 Dec 1951 Mary Lizzie died in Putnam County and on 5 Apr 1979, her husband Asbury also died in Putnam.
v. Susie GRIFFIN was born in 1895 in Putnam, Georgia. In 1900, she was recorded in Patrick on the federal census in her step father’s and mother’s household and was called “Berta”. Her step father who was Wes Griffin was also her late father’s brother and her uncle. In 1910 she was recorded on the federal census in her step father’s household in Eatonton and was called Susie and recorded as his daughter. By 1920, she was living in Tompkins and married to Boston Lawson who was the son of Mumford Lawson and Savannah Campbell/Cannon. Lawson who moved to the Tompkins and Patrick communities from the Gerrard and Opposition. Susie and Boston were recorded on the federal census in 1920. He worked as a general farmer with his own account living and next door to Boston’s sister and near Boston’s widowed mother. In 1930 they were recorded on the federal census in Patrick, living at 15 Plantation Road which was a farm that they rented and down the road from her sister Mary Lizzie Dunn. They also lived near Julius Peters who was married and widowed by both Paralee Griffin Peters, Susie’s late aunt Ella Williams Peters and Susie’s late cousin. Julius Peters lived near the households of the Ida Delaney and her son James Delaney who were in-laws of her late uncle Warren Griffin. Boston was also recorded on the federal census as a farmer working on own account. On 6 Mar 1932, Susie died in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia.
7. Warren GRIFFIN was born about 1868 in Putnam County. He was my 2 times great grandfather and the seventh child of Wright GRIFFIN and Clara ADAMS. In 1870, he was recorded as 2 years old in his father’s household on the 1870 federal census in Eatonton likely near the boarder of Tompkins and Patrick in Putnam County. On the 1880 federal census he was recorded as 14 years old and living in his father’s household in Patrick around the Tompkins and Eatonton border. He worked as a farm laborer likely for his father and was not able to read nor write. In 1891, he and his brothers Clark and Washington along with Frank Griffin, son of Willis Griffin and Carter Maddox were recorded on the Tax Digest working for R.A. Reid in Eatonton. He was employed by County R. Hands [county road hand] in 1893 in Eatonton, E.B. Ezell in Eatonton in 1894 and B. H. Hunt in 1895 in Eatonton. He paid poll taxes in each of those years and owned no property to tax. In 1897, he was recorded on the tax digest twice, paying 2 tolls and owned horses, mules, cattle and livestock of all kind valued at $25. When he was 31, he married my 17 year old 2 times great grandmother Hattie Mae MADDOX, who was the daughter of Alfred MADDOX (son of Carter Maddox and Leah Reid) and Josephine SMITH (daughter of Harry Reid). See Article: MY GEORGIA ROOTS in Putnam County: Carter Maddox, Leah Reid & The People Who Owned Them. Warren and Hattie were married on 20 Dec 1899 in Putnam County possibly at Bethel AME Church located in the Tompkins area of Putnam County. They may have met when her family moved to Patrick near the border of Tompkins and Eatonton. They arrived there probably around 1895 from Half Acre which was also in Putnam. The two families probably attended Bethel AME Church and were likely previously connected by them being enslaved by the Reid family and by them both continuing to work for the Reids after emancipation. Warren and Hattie were recorded in Patrick, Putnam County, Georgia on the 1900 federal together with his mother Clara Griffin and nephews Fletcher Collins age 11 and 7 year old John W. Smith who were both sons of Warren’s sister Parolee. They lived adjacent to Warren’s brother Wesley Griffin and in close proximity to Hattie’s parents, Alfred and Josephine Maddox. They also lived in very close proximity to Arthur and Hanna Green who were life long neighbors and would soon become Wesley Griffin’s in laws. Other neighbors who were likely family members such as Phillip Griffin, his son Robert Griffin and Prince Love were also life long neighbors. In 1906, Warren paid 1 poll in Patrick along with Phil Griffin and his son Bob Griffin and was recorded on the tax digest having horses, mules, cattle and other stock of all kinds valued at $60.00 and Plantation and mechanical tools valued at $20.00. In 1910, Warren was taxed in Eatonton where he paid a poll and owned horses, mules, cattle and stock of all kind valued at $275.00 and plantation and mechanical tools valued $15.00. He was recorded on the 1910 federal census living in Patrick with his wife Hattie, son Effage Griffin age 9, Mary Griffin age 8, my great grandfather Richard Griffin age 6, Percy Griffin age 4, Warren Griffin age 3 and 1 month old Ivan (Evan) Griffin. They lived adjacent to the households of Warren sister and brother in law Lizzie and Ike Collins, who lived next door to Parolee Peters who was another of Warren’s sisters. Their neighbors were Lee Lawrence, Crawford Reid, Prince Love and Dave Griffin, son of Phillip Griffin. Hattie’s parents, Alfred and Josephine Maddox and her uncle Solomon Maddox were also in close proximity to Warren and Hattie’s household in 1910. Warren was recorded on the tax digest in 1913 in Tompkins having household furnishing valued at $20, horses, mules, cattle and other stock of all kinds valued at $167.00 and plantation and mechanical tools valued at $10.00. He was recorded in the tax digest in Patrick in 1914 having household furnishing valued at $20, horses, mules, cattle and other stock of all kinds valued at $220.00 and plantation and mechanical tools valued at $25.00 and in 1915 in Patrick having household furnishing valued at $20, horses, mules, cattle and other stock of all kinds valued at $150.00 and plantation and mechanical tools valued at $15.00 In 1920, Warren and Hattie were recorded on the 1920 census living in Tompkins with their children; Effege Griffin recorded as age 18, Rich Griffin recorded as age 16, Percie (Percy) Griffin recorded as age 14, Warren Griffin recorded as age 12, Ivin (Evan) Griffin recorded age 9, Edward Griffin recorded age 7, Alfred (Albert) Griffin recorded as age 5 and James H Griffin recorded as age 2. They lived on a farm possibly located between the households of his nephew George Griffin, son of Eli Griffin and his wife Hannah and his wife sister Ida Delaney and her husband Jim Delaney. In close proximity was the household of his niece Viola Collins, daughter of Washington Griffin and her husband Rich Collins. Warren died on 22 Nov 1924 in Eatonton, Putnam, Georgia, at age 53 after having a stroke. His brother Wash Griffin was the coroner’s informant and he was buried at Bethel AME Church Cemetery located in the Tompkins area of Putnam County. By 1930, Warren’s widow and younger children had moved to Fairplay, Morgan County, Georgia and was recorded on the federal census that year living on a rented farm on the Road Rooming from Walton County Line to Joe Youngs St Harris District Line. Hattie Griffin was recorded on the census as 48 years old, son Percy Griffin as 20 years old, son Warren Griffin as 18 years old, son Evan Griffin as 16 years old, son Edward Griffin as age 15 years old, son Albert Griffin as 14 years old, son James Griffin as 12 years old, daughter Lessie Griffin as 10 and her mother Josephine Maddox as 86 years old. Two of her older children had moved to Newark before Warren died in 1924. Hattie worked as a farmer working on her own accounts and her children working as laborers on it. By 1940, Warren’s widow Hattie with many of their children moved to Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia. She was recorded on the federal census that year as 69 and living in her son’s Percy’s household with his wife and children at 175 London Lane. Her younger children James and Lizzie also lived in the household. On 13 Jun 1944, Hattie passed away from a stroke in her daughter Lizzie’s home on 1057 Joyce Ave SW in Atlanta where she had been living. Her son Edward Griffin who lived at 220 Cain Street N.E.was the coroner’s informant. She was buried at Union Spring Cemetery in Rutledge, Morgan County, Georgia.
Warren GRIFFIN and Hattie Mae MADDOX had the following children:
i. Effage GRIFFIN was born on 25 Sep 1901 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia. In 1910, he was recorded as 9 years old on the federal census and living in his father’s household, a farm in Patrick where he worked as a laborer. In 1920, he was recorded in his parents household in Tompkins as 18 years old and unlike his parents he was able to read and write. He worked as a farm laborer on his father’s home farm. On 23 December 1923, he married Annie Mae Evans but according to oral family history her maiden name was Gilbert. She was the daughter of Emma Evans who was the daughter of Richard “Dick” and Minerva Evans that common law married Joe B Gilbert between 1910 and 1914. In 1928 Effage and his wife “Anna” were recorded in the city directory living at and renting 543 Butler in North East Atlanta. He was recorded working as a laborer. Two years later, he was recorded on the 1930 federal census as 27 years old and living at 341 Meritt Avenue in Atlanta with his wife Annie Griffin who was recorded as 22 years old and their children; James T Griffin recorded as age 6, Willie Griffin recorded as age 4 and Richard Lee Griffin recorded as age 2. Effage and Annie paid $15 in rent every month to live there. Effage worked as a deliveryman for a coal yard that year and in 1933, he and Annie were recorded in the city directory living 543 Butler with him working as laborer. In 1934, he was recorded in the city directory employed as a Cook for Drennan Food Products. His address was recorded as 339 Merritt, which he rented. He was recorded in the city directory living at 341 Meritts Avenue, NE and working as a laborer in 1936 and in 1938 he was recorded in the directory living at 341 Merrits working as a cook for Drennan Food Products. He was recorded in the 1939 and the 1940 city directory living at and renting 341 Merritt Avenue in Atlanta and working as a Cook. He was also recorded on the federal census in 1940 working as a cook for the potato factory (probably Drennan Foods). He earned $884 for the 52 weeks he worked in 1939. He was recorded as 38 years old and reported being unemployed for 5 weeks through 30 Mar 1940, and was seeking work. His wife, Annie Mae was recorded as 33 years old and working as a servant for a private family. She didn’t work in 1939 but worked 28 hours the week of 24 Mar 1940 through 30 Mar 1940. Their household included and a 46 year old uncle Augustus Evans and their children; James Griffin recorded as age 16, Willie Griffin recorded as age 13, Richard Griffin recorded as age 12, Rufus Griffin recorded as age 9 and Annie Mae Griffin recorded as age 2. Their son James worked as a delivery boy for a retail drug store and earned $20 for the 5 weeks he worked in 1939 and he worked 42 hours the week of 24 Mar 1940 through 30 Mar 1940. Effage and Annie were recorded on the census that year living at 341 Merrits Avenue paying $12 every month in rent. In 1941, Effage was recorded in the city directory living at 341 Merritt Avenue with his wife Annie. He worked at Randall Brothers Inc as a driver. His brother James Griffin was recorded in the directory at the same address in 1941. On 14 Feb 1942, Effage registered for the draft of WWII. He was recorded living at 341 Merrits Avenue in North East Atlanta and listed his wife Mrs E. G. Griffin as his next of kin. He was recorded working at Randal Brother Coal Co. and described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing 165 pounds with black hair, brown eyes and dark brown complexion. In 1942 he was recorded in the city directory living at 341 Merrits and working as a driver. In 1943 he and his brother James were recorded in the city directory living at 341 Merritts and he was recorded working as a laborer. In 1944 Effage and Annie were recorded in the city directory in Atlanta living at 341 Merritt Ave NE with him working as a warehouse man for Armstrong and Cork Co.and in 1945 they were recorded at the same address but with Effage working as warehouse man for J.J. Haines and Co.. In 1947, they were recorded in the city directory living at 341 Merritt Avenue with Effage working as a laborer for Armstrong’s. His brother James and sister in law Margie were recorded in the directory living at the same address. In 1948, Effage was recorded living at 341 Merritt working as a janitor and warehouse man for J.J. Haines. In 1950 he was recorded working as a janitor for J.J. Haines and living at the same address but in 1951 his address was recorded in Atlanta at 267 Bowen Circle SW apt 3. He worked as a Helper at the Atlanta Paper. Later on he lived in a duplex which was located on Auburn Ave, across from the birth home of Martin Luther King Jr. Before his retirement in 1984, he worked for Henrietta Eggleston Hospital in Decatur, GA in janitorial services. Effage’s wife Annie Mae died in Aug 1972 in Atlanta and he died on 10 Oct 1989 in Fulton County. As per family history, which was recorded in the Griffin Maddox Family Book compiled by family members in a year unknown, Effage was buried at Mt. Ephraim Baptist Church in Atlanta
ii. Mary L GRIFFIN was born in 1902 probably on 15 Sep 1902 in Patrick, Putnam, Georgia and in 1910 she was recorded as 8 years old living on a farm on the federal census in her father’s household in Patrick. She married Joseph SASNETT, on 28 Dec 1919 in Putnam, Georgia. Joseph was born 13 Sep 1905 and was from the Johnson, Opposition and Gerard areas of Putnam County. He was the son of the late Tom Sasnett (son of Irwin Charles Sasnett and Clara Callaway Sasnett) and Roxie James Sasnett Ingrams (daughter of Charlie James and Frances Little Smith). Mary may have met Joseph Sasnett through her first cousin Lucy Griffin, daughter of Thornton and Eliza Griffin who grew up near Joseph’s family and who married his brother George Sasnett on 28 Nov 1915 in Putnam County. Mary and Joseph moved to New Jersey around 1921/1922 with Joseph’s brother George Sasnett and his wife (her cousin) Lucy Sasnett, Joseph’s younger sister, Alma Sasnett and Mary’s brother Richard Griffin. As per oral family history, they first lived in Vaux Hall, a black community in the town of Union, Union County, New Jersey. Mary’s husband Joseph was recorded in the city directory as a laborer living at 272 15th Avenue in Newark in 1925 and in 1926. In 1929 he worked as a laborer according to the directory and was living in Newark at 35 Charlton Street, next door to his brother George Sasnett and her cousin Lucy Sasnett who lived at 37 Charlton Street. Her husband’s younger brother Charles Sasnett was recorded living in their household that year in 1929. Mary and Joseph divorced and she married Clyde PARKER between 1937 and 1939. Clyde was from Waverly, Virginia and born 30 Aug 1900 to Stonewall Jackson PARKER Sr and Louise Carrie JENKINS. Mary and Clyde were recorded on the 1940 federal census together as boarders in a restaurant owner’s residence at 1614 East Mc Elderry Street in Baltimore, Baltimore City, Maryland, which was rented. Clyde worked in the freight line industry as a stevedore which is a person employed, or a contractor engaged, at a dock to load and unload cargo from ships. Mary’s first husband Joseph Sasnett had relocated to New Haven, Connecticut and on 5 May 1941 he registered for the draft of WWII there. He was described as 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing 160 pounds with hazel eye color, black hair, dark brown complexion with scars on his face. He died on 13 Feb 1965 in New York City, New York,. In 1942, Mary and Clyde were recorded in the city directory living at 1352 North Gilmore. Clyde worked as a laborer for Fertilizer Manufacturing Co-op Inc. According to family history, which was documented in the original Griffin Maddox Family Book, Mary worked as a hairdresser. In Dec 1969 Mary and Clyde were living in Owings Mills, Baltimore, Maryland when he died. According to the Griffin Maddox family book, Mary died in Baltimore County, Maryland, at John Hopkins Hospital in a year unknown. She may be the Mary Parker found in the U.S., Social Security Death Index for Baltimore, Baltimore City, Maryland, who was born on 15 Sep 1902 and died in Jun 1979 in Baltimore, where she had lived.
iii. Richard GRIFFIN, my great grandfather, was born on 15 Aug 1903 in Patrick, Putnam. In 1910, he was recorded as 6 years old on the federal census and living in his father’s household, a farm in Patrick. In 1920, he was recorded in his parents household in Tompkins as 16 years old and unlike his parents he was able to read and write. He worked as a farm laborer on his father’s home farm. He arrived in New Jersey around 1921/1923 or so with his sister Mary Griffin Sasnett, their cousin Lucy Griffin Sasnett, and their husbands Joseph and George Sasnett who were brothers. As per oral family history, they first lived in Vaux Hall, a black community in the town of Union, Union County, New Jersey. In 1924, he was recorded in the city directory living at 56 Warren Street in Newark. Later that year on 7 Dec 1924 in Newark, he married Alma SASNETT, my great grandmother who was daughter of of the late Tom Sasnett (son of Irwin Charles Sasnett and Clara Callaway Sasnett) and Roxie James Sasnett Ingrams (daughter of Charlie James and Frances Little Smith). Alma Sasnett was from Opposition, Putnam County and was the younger sister of Joseph Sasnett who married Richard’s sister Mary and of George Sasnett who married their first cousin Lucy Griffin. In 1925, he was recorded in the city directory living at 56 Warren Street in Newark but when his 1 month and 1 week old daughter Beatrice died later that year on 23 Oct 1925, he was living at 97 Prince Street in Newark where he was recorded on the city directory living in 1926 and in 1927 at 97 Prince Street in Newark , where his brother in law George Sasnett lived in 1924 and in 1925. Richard was recorded working as a laborer in both years (1926 and in 1927). In 1929 and in 1930, Richard was recorded in the city directory as a laborer living at 148 Charlton Street in Newark, down the street from his brother in law George Sasnett and cousin Lucy Sasnett who lived at 37 Charlton Street. In 1931 and in 1932 Richard was recorded living at 37 Charlton, probably in his brother in laws household who had been recorded at that same address since 1925 but was recorded that year living next door at 39 Charlton Street. In 1934, Richard was recorded in the directory as a laborer for the C.W.A. and living at 37 Charlton in Newark. The C.W.A. was probably the New Jersey’s Civil Works Administration projects under the New Deal which was the government’s response (through the W.P.A) to the unemployment crisis brought on by the Great Depression in the 1930s. Workers were assigned sites and assignments to receive income. In 1935 he was recorded in the directory living at 68 Morton Street in Newark and in 1937 at 116 Prince Street in Newark where they entered and existed through an alley in the back of the building that led to Morton. Their actual address was 106 Morton Street. In 1940, Richard was recorded on the federal census as age 37 and living in Newark with his wife Alma recorded as 22 years old and children; Hattie Griffin recorded as age 17, Dorothy Griffin recorded as age 10, Milton Griffin recorded as age 8, James Griffin recorded as age 6 and Edward Griffin recorded as age 4. Their daughter, 2 year old Roxie Griffin, my grandmother was not included in the census probably because her brother Edward was recorded on the last line of the page. They were all recorded living at 116 Prince Street (106 Morton Street) which he rented for $20 every month. He reported not working between the week of 24 March 1940 through 30 March 1940 but reported 0 weeks of unemployment prior to 30 Mar 1940. He also was recorded as seeking work for pay. In 1939, Richard reported earning $260 for the 24 weeks he worked that year and reported no other sources of income. In 1941 and 1942, Richard was recorded in the city directory living at 116 Prince Street (106 Morton Street) in Newark and in 1942 he was recorded working for the W.P.A. On 23 Jul 1955 Richard died in Newark, Essex, New Jersey. He was buried in Linden, Union County, New Jersey at Rosedale and Rosehill Cemetery. Richard’s widow Alma Sasnett Griffin remained in Newark until she passed away there on 29 Oct 1992.
iv. Warren “Bot” GRIFFIN was born on 17 Apr 1904 in Patrick, Putnam, Georgia according to family data. In 1910, he was recorded as 3 years old on the federal census and living in his father’s household, a farm in Patrick. In 1920, he was recorded in his parents household in Tompkins as 12 years old and like his parents he was not able to read nor write. He worked as a farm laborer on his father’s home farm and attended school. On Friday, January 15th, 1926, he was recorded as a licensed hunter in the Eatonton Messenger the local newspaper in an announcement giving a final warning to all unlicensed hunters, not on their own land letting them know that they were violators of the Georgia Gaming Laws. In 1930 he was recorded as 18 years old on the census and was living in Fairplay Morgan County in his widowed mother’s household with his siblings. He worked as a laborer on his mother’s farm where she sharecropped. They arrive to that area after the death of his father in 1924 and probably after he was listed as a licensed hunter in 1926. He married Daisy Randolph in the early 1930s probably in Morgan County where his widowed mother had moved the family to before 1930 and on 16 Oct 1940, he and Daisy were in Madison, Morgan County, Georgia when he registered for the draft of WWII. He recorded his birthday as 2 April 1907 and listed his wife Daisy as his next of kin. He worked for Lester Peters (probably as a sharecropper) and was described as being 5 feet, 6 inches, 160 pounds with brown eyes, black hair, dark brown complexion and a missing front tooth. As per family history, which was recorded in the Griffin Maddox family book compiled by family members in a year unknown, Warren and his family sharecropped in Morgan County for a “period of time”. They farmed for Mr.′′Sun′’ Brown′ a white farm owner who they rented a house and a plot of land on which was where Warren grew crops, raised chickens, owned a milking cow and a pig. Over time, Warren realized that the arrangement with Mr. Brown was unfairly balanced in the favor of Mr Brown. Warren severed his business ties with Mr Brown and moved his family to the Social Circle area of Walton County, Georgia. According to the Griffin Maddox family book they also sharecropped in Walton County. Warren established a sharecropper relationship with J.C. Studdard who owned a large farm. He also worked as a carpenter for Studdard helping to build houses for him. In Oct 1974 Warren died in Social Circle, Walton County, Georgia. Daisy remained living in Social Circle until she died there on 6 Mar 2016. She was 101 years old.
v. Percy GRIFFIN was born in 31 Aug 1906 in Patrick, Putnam, Georgia. In 1910, he was recorded as 4 years old on the federal census and living in his father’s household, a farm in Patrick. In 1920, he was recorded in his parents household in Tompkins as 14 years old and unlike his parents he was able to read and write. He worked as a farm laborer on his father’s home farm and attended school. In 1930 he was recorded as 20 years old on the census and was living in Fairplay Morgan County in his widowed mother’s household with his siblings. He worked as a laborer on his mother’s farm where she sharecropped. They arrive to that area after the death of his father in 1924. He married Mary Anderson in the 1930s possibly while in Morgan County. They were recorded together in the city directory living at 175 London Lane in Atlanta, Georgia where he worked as a laborer. In 1940 they he was recorded on the census as 33 years old and head of household at 175 London Lane in Atlanta which he rented for $10 a month. His household included his wife Mary Griffin recorded as age 22, his daughter Leslie Griffin recorded as age 3 and sons Sammie Griffin recorded as age 2 and George Griffin recorded as age 1. His mother Hattie Griffin recorded as age 59, brother James Griffin recorded as age 25, sister Lizzie Griffin recorded as age 20 and nephew J T Banks, son of Lizzie recorded as age 2 also lived in the household. Percy was recorded in the census as being employed as a “Dipper” for an Iron Manufacturer and earned $624 for the 52 weeks he worked in 1939. He worked 42 hours between 24 Mar 1940 and 30 Mar 1940. He reported no additional income. In 1941 and 1942, he was recorded in the city directory living in Atlanta on 176 (175) London Lane and working as a laborer. His brother Evan was recorded in the city directory at the same address. That same year on 16 Oct 1940, Percy registered for the draft of WWII in Atlanta. He was described as 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing 185 pounds, with black hair and eye coloring and complexion with a scar on his left side. He lived at 175 London Lane, NE Atlanta with his wife who he listed as his next of kin. He worked for the General Fire Extinguisher Company located at 240 Highland Ave, NE Atlanta. In 1943, he was recorded in the city directory in Atlanta working as “ship yardman” for Grinnell Co. and lived at 1035 Joyce Ave SW in 1943. 1944 and 1945 with his wife. Grinell was a company that manufactured piping and mechanical products. In 1947, in 1948 and in 1950, he and his wife were recorded in the directory living at at 1035 Joyce Ave SW with him working as a laborer for Grinnell Co.. In 1951, he and his wife were recorded in the directory living at at 1035 Joyce Ave SW with him working as a packager for Grinnell Co.. According to the Griffin Maddox family book they eventually moved to Bowie Street before finally moving to Westview Drive. He died on 19 Apr 1957 in Fulton County, Georgia. In 1960, his widow was recorded in the city directory living at 980 West View Drive SW.
vi. Evans GRIFFIN was born on 24 Mar 1910 in Patrick and was recorded 1 month old on the federal census in his father’s household in Patrick that same year in 1910. In 1920, he was recorded in his parents household in Tompkins as 9 years and 9 months old and like his parents he was not able to read nor write. He worked as a farm laborer on his father’s home farm and attended school. In 1930 he was recorded as 16 years old on the census and was living in Fairplay Morgan County in his widowed mother’s household with his siblings. He worked as a laborer on his mother’s farm where she sharecropped. They arrive to that area after the death of his father in 1924. He married Evelyn LITTLE in the late 1930s. In 1941 and in 1942, he was recorded in the city directory living in Atlanta on 176 (175) London Lane which was his brother Percy’s household. In 1943, he and his wife Evelyn were recorded in the city directory in Atlanta living at the rear of 401 Martin SE and worked as a laborer. In 1944 he and his wife were recorded in the city directory living at the rear of 110 Wesley NE in Atlanta and he worked as a janitor. In 1947 and 1948, he and his wife were recorded in the city directory living at the rear of 110 Wesley NE in Atlanta and he worked as a laborer for Armstrong Rug which is where his brother Effage had likely once worked (Armstrong Corp). He died on 24 Nov 1950 in Fulton County, Georgia. His widow was recorded in the city directory at the same address of 110 Wesley NE in Atlanta in 1951 and in 1960.
vii. Edward “Crook” GRIFFIN was born on 22 May 1912 in Eatonton, Putnam, Georgia and in 1920, he was recorded in his parents household in Tompkins as 7 years and 7 months old. Like his parents he was not able to read nor write but he attended school in the year that the census was taken. In 1930 he was recorded as 15 years old on the census and was living in Fairplay Morgan County in his widowed mother’s household with his siblings. He worked as a laborer on his mother’s farm where she sharecropped. They arrive to that area after the death of his father in 1924. He married Odessa Walker in the 1930s who was the daughter of Alex Walker and Sally Lou Wright Walker and the sister of Lizzie Walker. In 1940, he was probably the Edward Griffin who worked as a chauffeur and lived at Brighton Road NE in Atlanta. In 1941 and in 1942, he was recorded in the city directory with his wife Odessa living in Atlanta living at 220 Cain NE. He was recorded as a butler in 1941. In 1943, he was recorded in the city directory with his wife Odessa living in Atlanta living at 220 1/2 Cain NE. In 1944 and 1945 he and his wife were recorded in the city directory living at 220 Cain NE and he was recorded working at Ry Exp Agency (Railway Express Agency) both years. Railway Express Agency (R.E.A.) was a national package delivery service that operated in the United States from 1918 to 1975. REA arranged transport and delivery via existing railroad infrastructure, Edward and Odessa moved that same year and was recorded again but living at 119 Taliaferro NW ap 403 with him working for Ry Exp Agency. In 1947 he and his wife were recorded living at 120 Taliaferro NW apt 403 and he was recorded as working as a helper at Ry Exp Agency. In 1948 and 1950, he and his wife were recorded living at the same address at 120 Taliaferro NW apt 403 and he was recorded as working as a laborer and employee at Ry Exp Agency. In 1951, he and his wife were recorded in the directory living at 120 Taliaferro NW apt 403 and he was recorded as working as a car loader for Ry Exp Agency. In 1960, he and his wife were recorded in the directory living at 120 Taliaferro NW apt 403 and he was recorded as working as a laborer at Ry Exp Agency. According to the Griffin Maddox family book he retired from the Rail Road Express Agency in 1974. On 22 Jan 1995 Edward died in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia.
viii. Albert “Bralf” GRIFFIN was born on 22 Sep 1914 in Putnam County and in 1920, he was recorded in his parents household in Tompkins as 5 years and 6 months old. In 1930 he was recorded as 14 years old on the census and was living in Fairplay Morgan County in his widowed mother’s household with his siblings. He worked as a laborer on his mother’s farm where she sharecropped. They arrive to that area after the death of his father in 1924. He later married Lizzie Walker who was the sister of Odessa Walker who married Edward Griffin, Albert’s brother. They were daughters of Alex Walker and Sally Lou Wright Walker. He was living in Newton County, Georgia when he died on 27 Apr 1990 in DeKalb, Georgia.
ix. James Henry GRIFFIN was born on 26 Mar 1917 and in 1920, he was recorded in his parents household in Tompkins as 2 years and 9 months old. In 1930 he was recorded as 12 years old on the census and was living in Fairplay Morgan County in his widowed mother’s household with his siblings. He worked as a laborer on his mother’s farm where she sharecropped. They arrive to that area after the death of his father in 1924. On the 1940, he was recorded in his brother Percy’s household at 175 London lane in Atlanta, Georgia. He worked as a porter for the Auto Tire House and worked 40 hours between 24 Mar 1940 and 30 Mar 1940. He earned $520 for the 52 weeks he worked in 1939 and reported no additional income. On 16 Oct 1940, he registered for the draft of WWII in Atlanta Georgia. He was living at 175 Londys Lane (London Lane) in Atlanta and listed his mother Hattie Griffin who was also living at the same address as his next of kin. He worked for Goodrich Silverstone Store at 275 Peachtree in Atlanta. He was described as being 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing 140 pounds, brown eyes, black hair and light brown complexion. In 1941, he was recorded in the city directory living at 341 Merrits in Atlanta which was his oldest brother Effage Griffin’s household and worked as a delivery man for Lane Drug Stores. On 9 May 1941, during WWII, he enlisted as a private in the US Army and went to training at Fort Benning, Georgia and was described as 69 inches in height and 131 pounds in weight. His occupation on the enlistment record was categorized as a porters, n.e.c.. His marital status was recorded as single, without dependents. He was living at 973 Ashby Grove, SW in Atlanta, which is where members of maternal family had also lived at this address. His first cousin Alonzo Folds and his wife Mary were recorded living there from 1929 until he died in 1935. Alonzo’s widow was recorded at that address in 1937, somewhere else between 1940 and 1943, and back at that address in 1944 until 1960 and James’s other maternal first cousin Hulon Delaney was also recorded living at 973 Ashby in 1944. James’s marital status at the time was recorded as single, without dependents. In 1942 and in 1943, he was recorded in the city directory living at 341 Merrits in Atlanta which was his oldest brother Effage Griffin’s household and worked as a delivery man for Lane Drug Stores. His organization while in the military was MP DET 484 3rd SU. While in the military he was immunized for smallpox in October 1942, for Tetanus March 1944 and for Typoid March 1945. He was stationed at Camp Livingston near Alexandra, Louisiana when he was promoted to Staff Sargent. According the the “Griffin Maddox” family book, while stationed in Louisiana, he met and married Marjorie Jacob who was from Marksville, Louisiana. On 15 June 1945, he qualified as Rifle Cal 30 03 Marksman. He was transferred to stationed in Ft. Lee (Camp Lee), Virginia and was released from the army in 12 Oct 1945. On his separation papers he was described as 5’8″ and 163 lbs with 3 dependents. He spent a total of 4 years, 5 months and 4 days in the Army domestically and received and America Defense Service Ribbon. He and his family eventually moved to Atlanta. In 1947 he and his wife Margie were recorded in the city directory in Atlanta living in his brother Effage’s household at 341 Merritts in Atlanta and he was recorded as a service man working for B F Goodrich and Co.. In 1948, he and his wife were recorded in the city directory in Atlanta living at 653 Greensferry Ave SW and he was recorded as a service man working for B F Goodrich and Co.. In 1950, he and Margie were recorded in the city directory in Atlanta living at 653 Greensferry Ave SW and he was recorded as a laborer. In 1951, James and Margie were recorded in the city directory in Atlanta living at 683 (653?) Greensferry Ave SW and he was recorded working as a porter for the airport terminal. By 1956 James and Margie moved to Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts. Many of Marjorie’s family had migrated there from Louisiana. In 1958 and in 1959, they were recorded in Roxbury, a neighborhood in Boston living at 15 Elmore and he worked as a porter. In 1960, they were recorded in Dorchester, a neighborhood in Boston living at *** Seaver Street and he worked as a porter for Sears. In 1962, they were recorded in the city directory living in Dorchester, at *** Seaver Street and in 1963, they were recorded living at the same place with him working as a mechanic for Sears (Department Store). Margie was recorded as working as a maid at MGH (probably Massachusetts General Hospital). In 1964, they were recorded living in Dorchester, at *** Seaver Street with him working for Sears. In 1965, they were recorded in Dorchester, living at *** Seaver Street with him working as a mechanic for Sears and Margie working as an employee at MGH. Their son was also recorded in the directory living at the same address and also working at MGH. In 1966, James and Margie were recorded in the city directory living in Dorchester at *** Seaver Street with him working as a mechanic for Sears and in 1967 they were recorded in the city directory living in Dorchester at *** Seaver Street with him working as a mechanic for Sears and with her working as a medical worker at MGM. In 1968 , in 1969 and in 1970, James and Margie were recorded in the city directory living in Dorchester at *** Seaver Street with him working as a mechanic for Sears. In 1971, James and Margie were recorded in the city directory living in Dorchester at *** Seaver Street with him working as a laborer and in 1974, 1976, 1977 and in 1981, they were recorded in the city directory living in Dorchester at *** Seaver Street with him working as a security-man for Gilchrist’s. Gilchrist’s was a Boston department store. Its flagship store was at the intersection of Washington and Winter Streets, across from both Filene’s and Jordan Marsh in Downtown Crossing. They remained on Seaver Street until he died on 28 Nov 1987 in Massachusetts. He was buried at Mount Hope Cemetery in Boston. Margie still lives in Boston.
x. Lizzie Nell GRIFFIN was born on 01 Apr 1920 in Eatonton, Putnam, Georgia. and In 1930 she was recorded as 10 years old on the census and was living in Fairplay Morgan County in her widowed mother’s household with his siblings. She worked as a laborer on her mother’s farm where she sharecropped. They relocated there after the death of her father in 1924. She was recorded on the 1940 federal census in her brother Percy’s household with her infant son JT Banks at 175 London Lane, NE. She worked as a maid for a private family and worked 48 hours the week of 24 Mar 1940 and 30 Mar 1940. She earned $312 for the 52 weeks she worked in 1939 and reported no additional income. She married AB Banks around 1940 and in 1941, he was recorded in the city directory living at 242 Baker NE working as a chauffeur. In 1941, AB and and Lizzie Banks were recorded in the city directory living at 997B Ashby Grove SW in Atlanta and with him working as a driver. In 1944, they were recorded in the city directory living at 1057 Joyce SW in Atlanta and with him working as a laborer. Lizzie’s brother Percy lived only doors away at 1035 Joyce SW. In 1947, 1948 and in 1950, Lizzie and AB were recorded in the city directory living at 1057 Joyce SW in Atlanta and with him working as a driver for the cable company in 1947 and as a plstr (plasterer?) in 1948 and in 1950. In 1951 and in 1960, they were recorded in the directory at the same address and with him working as a laborer each year. In Apr 1983 they were recorded in the white pages at *** Chenault Place and in 2000 at **** Turner Rd SE in Atlanta, Georgia. On 1 Nov 2003 Lizzie died on in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia and after living at **** Greenleaf Cir SW in Atlanta, AB died on 8 Dec 2009 in Atlanta.
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8. Nancy GRIFFIN was born about 1869 in Putnam County, Georgia, as the eighth child of Wright GRIFFIN and Clara ADAMS and was recorded as age 1 in their household on the 1870 federal census around the boarder of Tompkins and Patrick in Putnam County.. She was recorded in his father’s household on the 1870 and In 1880 was recorded as age 9 in their household on the 1880 federal census around the boarder of Tompkins and Patrick in Putnam County.. She likely died between 1881 and 1899 in Putnam County, Georgia
9. Thornton GRIFFIN was born about 1871 in Georgia as the ninth child of Wright GRIFFIN and Clara ADAMS and was recorded as age 9 in their household on the 1880 federal census around the boarder of Tompkins and Patrick in Putnam County. When he was 18, he married Elizabeth “Liza” WARE, daughter of Jordon WARE and Lucy J. WARE, on 26 Dec 1889 in Putnam, Georgia. He died about 1899 in Putnam County, Georgia, United States of America. According to the 1910 Federal Census, Liza married Nelson Dennis in 1906, although no record of their marriage was found. They were probably married through common law.
Thornton GRIFFIN and Elizabeth WARE had the following children:
i. Lillie GRIFFIN was born about 1891 in Putnam County, Georgia and in 1900, she was listed as 9 years old on the federal census in her grandfather Jordon Ware’s household in Opposition, Putnam County with her widowed mother Liza, her 2 sisters and maternal aunts and uncles. In 1910, she was recorded as 18 years old on the federal census and living in her step father Nelson Dennis’s household with her mother, 2 sisters and her step father’s children on Humber Mill Road in neighboring Gerrard, Putnam County. She worked as a laborer on his farm and reported that she was out of work for 18 weeks in 1909. She was able to read and write. She married Dawson “Doss” HINES on 15 Jan 1915 in Putnam, Georgia. Doss was born on 20 Aug 1889 to Frank HINES and Sallie HENDERSON HINES probably in Opposition, Putnam County where he and his family were recorded in the 1900 federal census. Lillie and Doss were recorded together in the 1920 federal census in Opposition living adjacent to her sister Lucy Sasnett’s mother in law Roxie Sasnett Ingrams and her son Faite Sasnett. When she died in the either the late 1920s or early 1930s her children were sent to Newark to live with their Aunt Lucy Sasnett.
ii. Ella GRIFFIN was born about 1893 in Georgia and in 1900, she was listed as 7 years old, on the federal census in her grandfather Jordon Ware’s household in Opposition, Putnam County with her widowed mother Liza and 2 sisters. In 1910, she was recorded as 14 years old on the federal census and living in her step father Nelson Dennis’s household with her mother, 2 sisters and his children on Humber Mill Road in neighboring Gerrard, Putnam County. She worked as a laborer on his farm and reported that she was out of work for 12 weeks in 1909. She was able to read and write. About 1915 or so, she married James L. Ingrams probably through common law and had a child with him. James’s father James Ingrams Sr married the recently widowed Roxie James Sasnett (Her sister Lucy’s mother in law) on 7 Dec 1919 in Putnam County. His mother was Liza Parham Ingrams. On 5 Jun 1917, James L. Ingrams registered for the draft of WWI in Gerrard, Putnam County specifically in NONA (Gerrad/Opposition area) and was described as medium build, medium height, brown eye and hair color. He reported that he was born in Nona, that he worked for James Ingrams Sr and that he had a wife to support. He was living in Nona when he was later put on a Lists of Men Ordered to Report to Local Board for Military Duty. He was scheduled to report to military duty at 8:30 am on 5 Oct 1917, which was the did. He was enlisted into the United States Army on 8 Oct 1917 and was sent to Camp Gordon in Chamblee, Dekalb County, Georgia, near Atlanta on that same day. He was finalized there at Camp Gordon on 11 Oct 1917. He served domestically in Company A, 1st Provisional Regiment (Colored) until 7 Nov 1917, the 157th Infantry Brigade until 20 Jan 1919 with William Driskell, who married Ella’s first cousin Carrie Griffin and also domestically in Company C 406 Reserve Labor Battalions with William Driskell until they both were honorably discharged as privates on 25 Mar 1919. On 17 Oct 1924, Ella Ingrams died in Opposition, Putnam, Georgia. Her husband James Ingrams was the coroner’s informant and listed her mother as Eliza Jane Dennis. Her 6 year old daughter Katrina Ingrams relocated to Newark, NJ to live with her aunt Lucy Sasnett, Ella’s sister. In 1930, James Ingrams was in Atlanta, Fulton County living in the 7th Ward at 1152 Rear Lucile when he recorded on the federal census that year. He was recorded as single working as Public Gardener and was recorded as a veteran of WWI. He died in Fulton County on 9 Aug 1961.
iii. Lucy GRIFFIN was born on 08 Jun 1894 in Eatonton, Putnam and in 1900, she was listed as 6 years old, on the federal census in her grandfather Jordon Ware’s household in Opposition, Putnam County with her widowed mother Liza and 2 sisters. In 1910, she was recorded as 16 years old on the federal census and living in her step father Nelson Dennis’s household with her mother, 2 sisters and his children on Humber Mill Road in neighboring Gerrard, Putnam County. She worked as a laborer on his farm and reported that she was out of work for 10 weeks in 1909. She was able to read and write. She married George SASNETT on 28 Nov 1915 in Putnam, Georgia. George Sasnett born in 1897 was from the Johnson, Opposition and Gerard areas of Putnam County. He was the son of the Tom Sasnett (son of Irwin Charles Sasnett and Clara Callaway Sasnett) and Roxie James Sasnett (daughter of Charlie James and Frances Little Smith). On 12 Sep 1918, George Sasnett registered for the draft of WWI and was described as medium build and height. He worked as a farmer for J T Dennis at the time and listed his wife Lucy as his next of kin. In 1919, George was taxed in Opposition, Putnam County. He owned a vehicle valued at $500 that he inherited from his recently deceased father Tom, household and kitchen furnishing valued at $25 and horses, mules, cattle and stock of all kind valued at $130. In 1920, George was taxed in Opposition, Putnam County. He owned a vehicle valued at $300, household and kitchen furnishing valued at $25, 1 horses valued at $125, 2 hogs valued at $10 and a carriage or wagon valued at $25. In 1921, George Sasnett was taxed in Opposition and the market valued of his household and kitchen furnishing was $25 and the 1 horse, mule, cow or stock of any kind was valued at $50. About 1921/1922, George and Lucy moved to New Jersey along with George’s siblings, his sister in law Mary Griffin Sasnett, who was Lucy’s first cousin married to George’s brother and George’s cousins. As per oral family history, they first lived in Vaux Hall, a black community in the town of Union, Union County, New Jersey. In 1924, George was recorded in the city directory living in Newark, Essex County, New Jersey at 99 Prince Street (probably 97 Prince Street) and was recorded working as a laborer; in 1925, he was recorded in the city directory living in Newark at 97 Prince Street (probably 99 Prince Street) and was recorded working as a laborer but that same year in 1925, he was recorded at 37 Charlton Street and as a grocer. In 1926, 1927, 1928, 1929 and in 1930, George was recorded in the city directory in Newark living at 37 Charlton Street and earning a living as a grocer. In 1927 and in 1929, his brother Joseph Sasnett and his wife Mary Griffin Sasnett were recorded next door living at 35 Charlton Street. In 1932, George was recorded in the directory as a grocer and living at 124 Waverly Street in Newark. George’s grocery business was apparently effected by the Great Depression of the 1930s. As per oral family history George had to close his store during the depression because he was not able to take his money out of the bank to pay for the store. As a result, he gave away the groceries that he had in storage to help people who were in need. He was recorded in the directory living at the same address in 1934, 1935, 1937 and 1939. Lucy was recorded in the directory with him in 1937 and in 1938 and he was recorded working as a laborer, no longer as a grocer. In 1941, 1942 and in 1947, they were recorded at 124 Waverly and he was recorded working as a janitor each of those year. His widowed mother Roxie was also recorded in their household in each of those years. His brother James Sasnett, who was recorded at the same address on the 1940 federal census was also recorded in the city directory living at 124 Waverly. On 26 Apr 1942, George Sasnett registered for the draft of WWII. He was described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, 150 pounds, brown eye color, black hair and dark brown complexion. He had scars on both eyes. He listed his address as 124 Waverly Street and his wife Lucy as his next of kin. He was employed by the War Department at the Raritan Arsenal in Raritan, Somerset County, New Jersey. In 1951, George and Lucy were recorded in the city directory living at at 201 Belmont Ave and working as a foundry worker and in 1955 and 1957, they were recorded living the same address of at 201 Belmont Ave in Newark. On 10 Sep 1957, George Sasnett passed away in Newark. Between 1959 and 1963, Lucy was recorded every year in the Newark telephone book as Ms L Sasnett living at 201 Belmont Ave in Newark and her number was BIglow 3-0312 and between 1964 and 1969 she was recorded in the telephone book living at the same address but her number then was 243-0312. In 1970 she was recorded in the telephone book as Mrs L Sasnett living at 35 Kent Street in Newark and her number was still 243-0312. On 6 May 1971, Lucy Sasnett passed away at Beth Israel Hospital in Newark, Essex County, New Jersey.
10. Paralee GRIFFIN was born in 1872 in Putnam, Georgia as the tenth child of Wright GRIFFIN and Clara ADAMS and was recorded as age 8 in their household on the 1880 federal census around the boarder of Tompkins and Patrick in Putnam County. When she was 20, she was either a single mother of two or pregnant with her 2nd child with Sam Collins when she married 32 year old Nat SMITH on 25 Feb 1892 in Putnam County. Nat Smith who was recorded living in Patrick in 1880 with his first wife Georgine might have been the son of Cornelius “Neil” SMITH and Lizzie Jane SMITH. Sam Collins who was 2 years older than Paralee was probably the son of Sam Collins Sr and Celia Dixon Collins of Eatonton. Paralee and Nat had one son together but by 1896, she had a daughter with Charlie Lee Burney who was from Tompkins and the son of Charlie Burney Sr and Georgia Anne Burney. In 1900, she, and four of her children were recorded in her father’s household in Tompkins. When she was 29, she was probably pregnant with her fourth child with Charlie Burney when she married Julius PETERS, son of Ellen PETERS, in Oct 1901 in Putnam County. In 1903, 1904 and in 1905, Julius Peters was recorded on the tax digest in Tompkins and owned no property. In 1906, Julius was recorded on the tax digest in Tompkins and owned a horse(s), mules, cattle, or livestock of any kind valued at $50 and in 1908, he was recorded in Tompkins on the tax digest owning $15 of household and kitchen furnishing and horse(s), mules, cattle, or livestock of any kind valued at $30. In 1909, Julius was recorded on the tax digest in Tompkins and owned $5 of household and kitchen furnishing, a horse(s), mules, cattle, or livestock of any kind valued at $53 and plantation and mechanical tools valued at $27. Paralee and Julius Peters were recorded on the 1910 federal census living in Patrick with four of her children. They lived adjacent to the households of her brother Warren and sister Lizzie Collins. Their neighbors were Lee Lawrence, Crawford Reid, Prince Love and Dave Griffin, son of Phillip Griffin. She died sometime between that same year 1910 and 1911 probably in Putnam County, Georgia. By 1912, Julius married Ella Williams, daughter of Maria Griffin Williams and his late wife Paralee’s niece.
Samuel COLLINS and Paralee GRIFFIN had the following children:
i. Fletcher COLLINS was born on 12 Feb 1890/89 in Patrick, Putnam, Georgia. He was recorded as 11 years old on the 1900 federal census living in Patrick in his newly married uncle Warren Griffin’s household with his brother John W Smith and grandmother Clara Griffin. On the 1910 census, he was recorded as 19 years and living in Tompkins on Upper Eatonton and Madison Road in the household of James Wagner, a white farmer who rented the land they were on. Fletcher was recorded in Wagner’s household as a servant working as a farm laborer. About 1912 or so, he married a woman whom he had 3 children with.He was taxed in Tompkins in 1913 and Patrick in 1916. On 5 Jun 1917, he registered for the draft of WWI in Patrick. He was described as medium build and height, with black hair and eye color. He was self employed as a farmer and had a wife and 3 children to support. When asked if he had any reasons to exempt him from serving in the war, his reply was “yes, dependents and relatives”. In 1920, he was recorded on the federal census as 29 years old and living in Eatonton with his 3 small children; Gladys M Collins recorded as age 6, Minnie Lee Collins recorded as age 4 and Eli Collins recorded as age 3. He was recorded as being widowed and a general farmer managing his own account. He was not able to read nor write. His sister Rosalee (Burney) Collins was recorded in his household as a widow herself. Fletcher married Odessa BYARS on 06 Jul 1921 in Putnam County. He was probably the Fletcher Collins who was of color and who was recorded in the city directory living at 24A Brandon in Atlanta, Fulton County, GA working as a laborer. He died on 08 Feb 1930 in Norristown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. A man named Charles Carter was the coroners informant who recorded that Fletcher was “single”, born in Georgia, that his mother’s name and maiden name was Paralee Griffin and that his father was Samuel Collins. Fletcher was buried at Plymouth Meeting Cemetery in Norristown.
ii. Clara COLLINS was born in 1892 in Georgia. In 1900, she was recorded as 6 years old on the census living in Tompkins near the Patrick and Eatonton borders in her grandfather Wright Griffin’s household with her mother Paralee Griffin and her siblings, Rose, Emma and Charles Burney. She was recorded as attending school. She married Henry WILLIAMS in 1909. It was probably a common law marriage and she was recorded as age 18 on the 1910 census living with him and their 2 month old daughter in Morgan, Georgia living on a farm he rented on Wallace Place. He may have been the Louis H. Williams who was from Eatonton and born about 1891 to Samuel and Rachael Alexander Williams. On the 1920 federal census she was recorded as 25 years old living on a rented farm on Godfrey-Madison Road in Harwells, Morgan County, with her husband Henry and their children Nathaniel Williams recorded as age 15, John Williams recorded as age 14, Richard Williams recorded as age 8 and Susie Williams recorded as age 6. Nathaniel, John and Richard Williams were probably family members that the couple was raising as their own or older children of Henry’s. Henry was able to read but was not able to write and Clara was unable to do either. Henry worked as a general farmer on his own account. They lived next door to his sister Missy William’s household. On 22 Mar 1924 Clara Williams died in Madison, Morgan, Georgia. Her husband Henry Williams was the coroner’s informant and reported her parents as Samuel Collins and Paralee Peters. She was buried at Reid’s Chapel Cemetery in Madison on 23 Mar 1924.
Nat SMITH and Paralee GRIFFIN had the following children:
i. John Willis SMITHwas probably born on 10 Jan 1894 in Eatonton, Georgia. He was recorded as John W. Smith and 7 years old when he, his brother Fletcher and grandmother Clara were enumerated on the 1900 federal census in Patrick living in his newly married uncle Warren Griffin’s household.
Charlie Lee BURNIE and Paralee GRIFFIN had the following children:
i. Rose Lee BURNEY was born in 1896 in Patrick, Putnam, Georgia. She was recorded as 3 years old on the 1900 federal census living in Tompkins near the Patrick and Eatonton border in her grandfather Wright Griffin’s household with her mother Paralee and her siblings, Clara Collins, Emma Burney and Charles Burney. In 1910, shewas recorded as a 13 year old farm laborer living in her stepfather’s household Julius Peters with her mother Paralee and siblings; Emma, Charles and Clarke who were also step children of Julius Peter but they all were recorded with his surname of Peters. Between 1910 and 1920 she married a man who’s surname was Collins and who died before 1920. It was likely a common law marriage as no record of their marriage was found. On the 1920 federal census, she was recorded as a 23 year old widow living in her widowed brother Fletcher Collins’s household in Patrick. She had no occupation and she was able to read and write.
ii. Emma BURNEY was born on 01 Jan 1897 in Patrick, Putnam, Georgia. She was recorded on the 1900 federal census as 2 years old living in Tompkins near the Patrick and Eatonton border in her grandfather Wright Griffin’s household with her mother Paralee and her siblings, Clara Collins, Rose Burney and Charles Burney. In 1910, she was recorded as 11 years old living in her stepfather’s household Julius Peters with her mother Paralee and siblings; Rose Lee, Charles and Clarke who were also step children of Julius Peter but they all were recorded with his surname of Peters. She was recorded as a farm laborer working at her home farm. She was not able to read nor write and she did not attend school.
iii. Charles BURNEY was born in Sep 1899 in Patrick, Putnam, Georgia. He was recorded on the 1900 federal census as 9 months old and living in Tompkins near the Patrick and Eatonton border in his grandfather Wright Griffin’s household with his mother Paralee and his siblings, Clara Collins, Rose Burney and Emma Burney. In 1910, he was recorded as 9 years old and living in his stepfather’s household Julius Peters with his mother Paralee and siblings; Emma, Rose Lee and Clarke who were also step children of Julius Peter but they all were recorded with his surname of Peters. He was recorded as a farm laborer working at his home farm. He was not able to read nor write and he did not attend school. On 10 Dec 1919, he married Rose Flounoy in Putnam County. In 1920, they were recorded on the federal census living in Patrick, adjacent to his first cousin Mary L. Dunn, daughter of Eli Griffin and to her father in law Wesley Dunn’s household. Charles was recorded as 19 years old and a general farmer working under his own account. He and his wife who was recorded as “Possy Griffin” lived close by to his first cousin Willie Griffin, son of Eli Griffin and his wife Rilla, to Major and Crawford Green who were sons of Arthur and Hannah Green life long neighbors of the Griffin family and to Crawford Reid another life long neighbor of the family. On 19 Aug 1922 his wife who was called Rose Burney and wife of Charlie Burney delivered a stillborn.
iv. Clark BURNEY was born about 1901 in Patrick, Putnam, Georgia. In 1910, he was recorded as 6 years old and living in his stepfather’s household Julius Peters with his mother Paralee and siblings; Emma, Rose Lee and Charles who were also step children of Julius Peter but they all were recorded with his surname of Peters.
Julius PETERS and Paralee GRIFFIN had no children.
11. John Wesley GRIFFIN also known as Wes Griffin and Wesley Griffin. He was born on 09 Jun 1876 in Eatonton, Putnam, Georgia as the eleventh child of Wright GRIFFIN and Clara ADAMS and was recorded as age 6 in their household on the 1880 federal census around the boarder of Tompkins and Patrick in Putnam County. When he was 20, he married 29 year old Hattie COLLINS GRIFFIN, the widow of his late brother Eli and the daughter of Henry COLLINS and Julia COLLINS, on 01 Mar 1897 in Putnam, Georgia. In 1900, Wes and Hattie Griffin were recorded as being married for 4 years and lived in Patrick on a rented farm with their 8 children; Hattie’s 5 children with Eli Griffin, Wes’s older brother; 15 year old William Griffin, 13 year old George Griffin, 11 year old Clarence Griffin, 9 year old Mary L Griffin and 6 year old Berta Griffin who were recorded as Wes’s step children and Wes’s and Hattie 3 children together; 4 year old William Henry Griffin, 2 year old Mattie Griffin and 3 month old Ethel Griffin. Wes worked as a farmer with his wife and 3 step-sons/nephews as farm laborers. No one in the household was able to read or write, except Mary L Griffin who was in school. They lived adjacent to Wesley’s brother Warren Griffin, where there mother, Clara Griffin and nephews also lived; they lived next door to Arthur and Hanna Green who were life long neighbors and would become Wesley Griffin’s in laws; They lived in close proximity to his brother Warren’s in laws, Alfred and Josephine Maddox who’s family were also enslaved by the Reid family. They also lived in very close proximity to Phillip Griffin, Phillip’s son Robert Griffin and Prince Love were also life long neighbors. On 08 Sep 1903 in Putnam, Georgia when he was 27, he married 26 year old, Hettie Jane GREEN, daughter of Arthur GREEN and Hannah BALTIMORE who were life neighbors and with ties that began during the years of slavery. On the 1910 federal census, Wes and Hettie were recorded on a rented farm in Eatonton on Reids Chappel Road. They recorded as being married for 7 years. He was recorded as 32 years old and she was recorded as 26, which was her age 7 years ago when she married Wes. The household included their children; Susie Griffin recorded as 14 years old and who was likely his niece Berta Griffin in 1900 and his 16 years old son William Griffin with his first wife recorded as 12 years old but like 13 or 14 years old, his daughter Mattie Griffin with his first wife recorded as 10 years old but likely 12, his daughter Ethel Griffin with his first wife recorded as 9 years old when she was about 10 or 11 and his 4 children with his new wife Hettie; Lelia Griffin age 5, Emmett Griffin age 3, Eula Griffin age 2 and 4 month old son Eli Griffin. Wesley worked as a farmer and was employer to other farm laborers and although he was not able to read and write, his wife and children were able to do both. Hettie was recorded as the mother to 4 children born alive and all still living. They lived next door to his nephew also his step son George Griffin and in close proximity to many members of the family members of the Lawrence/Laurence and the Dunn family. In 1913, 1919 and in 1920 Wesley was taxed in Patrick. On the 1920 federal census, Wesley recorded as 48 and his family were recorded living on a rented farm in Durdin, Morgan County, Georgia. He worked on his own account as a General Farmer and was the only one in his household who had an occupation recorded. His household include his wife Hettie Griffin recorded as age 37 and their children: Lelia Griffin age 15, Emmett Griffin age 13, Mary Griffin age 11 also known as Eula Mae, Eli Griffin age 9, twins; Essie Lee Griffin age 7 and Essie Bell Griffin age 7, Eva Julia Griffin age 4, John W Griffin age 2 and Senella Griffin age 1. In 1930, he and his family were recorded on the federal census living in Tompkins on the Road from Eatonton to Reids Cross Road on a rented farm. Although he was not able to read or write, the rest of the household was able to do so. He was recorded as 48 years old and his household includes: his wife Hettie recorded as 50 years old, their son Eli recorded as 19, their daughter Essie Bell recorded as 18, their daughter Eva Julia recorded as 16, their son John Wesley Jr recorded as 13, their daughter Senella recorded as 11, their daughter Pearla recorded as 9 and their 13 month old grandson Willie Lee Griffin, son of Essie Bell and Joseph Mullins. Wesley worked as a general farmer on his own account while his son Eli worked as a farm laborer likely for him and his daughter Essie Bell worked as a wash woman for a private family. His Age at First Marriage was recorded as 21 and Hettie’s age recorded as 26. On 15 October 1935, Wesley died in Eatonton possibly from paralysis and acute heart failure. The doctor noted that there was no physician attending to him and he ended the cause of death with a “?” suggesting the uncertainty. His son Emmett was the coroner’s informant. He was buried the next day on 16 October 1935 at Hunts Chapel Cemetery in Eatonton. In the 1940 census, Wesley’s widow Hettie was recorded in their son Emmett’s household as 65, however she was actually in her early 70s. She worked 20 hours the week of 24 March 1940 to 31 March 1940 as a wash woman for a private family. In the year 1939, she worked 52 weeks and earned $50. Hettie was living in Putnam County when her son, Eli was electrocuted to death by the state of Georgia on 17 Apr 1952 in Tattnall County, Georgia. On 19 Nov 1965, Hettie was still a resident of Putnam County when she died in Morgan County.
John Wesley GRIFFIN and Hattie COLLINS had the following children:
i. William Henry GRIFFIN Sr was born on 15 Mar 1896 in Eatonton, Putnam, Georgia. He was recorded as 4 years old and living in his parents’ household in Patrick on the 1900 federal census as William H. Griffin born Mar 1896. In 1910, he was recorded as 12 years old and living in his father’s household on Reids Chappel Road in Eatonton. He worked as a farm laborer likely for his father who was a farmer and categorized as an employer. He was able to read and write. On 5 Jun 1917, he registered for the draft of WWI in Eatonton as William Henry Griffin and was described as “tall”, medium build, dark brown eye color and black hair. His birthday was recorded as 15 Mar 1896 and his place of birth as near Eatonton. He was recorded working as a farm laborer for his father Wes Griffin who lived near Eatonton and that he had no wife or children to support. He was later put on a Lists of Men Ordered to Report to Local Board for Military Duty and on 26 Feb 1918, he was enlisted in the Army at Eatonton. He was given a serial number and was stationed at Camp Gordon, in Chamblee, Dekalb County, Georgia, near Atlanta for military training. His age at the time of his enlistment was 21 years and 11 months old, indicating that he was born in Mar 1896. He served as a private in Company D 514 Engineers regiment his enter time in the Army and on 29 Apr 1918 he went over seas, probably to Vera Cruz, Mexico and to Manila, Philippines. The 514th appear to have been a mobile laundry unit. He returned back to the United States in June 1919 and he was honorably discharged on 14 Jun 1919. In 1920, he was probably the 25 year old William Griffin recorded on the federal census living in Ashbank, Putnam County with a 20 year old woman recorded as Dicie Griffin. Dicie was likely Vassie Ryals or rather Vasoline Ryals the daughter of David Ryals and Sallie Mae Buckner Ryals. Their household included their 4 month old son, William Griffin. William seemingly married Mary F. Drye in 1920 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania and they were recorded together on the 1930 federal census in Philadelphia living at 2334 Greenwich Street, which he rented for $30 a month. According to the census that year, he was 34 years old, she was 31 and from North Carolina. Their household included their 2 children; William Griffin recorded as age 8 and Maria Griffin recorded as age 6. He was recorded as working as a laborer for the street railway (trolley system) and was recorded as a veteran of WWI. That same year his former wife Vassie was recorded in the city directory as Vassie Robinson and living in her sister’s Lena Robinson (Adeline Ryal’s) apartment in Newark, Essex County, New Jersey at 25 Prince Street in the 3rd Ward of the city. She was recorded as married although her husband not her 2 children with William were recorded in the household with her. She worked as a houseworker for a private family. In 1940, Vassie was recorded on the census living in Newark at 29 Boyd Street which she rented the home for $20 a month. She was called Vessie Robinson and was recorded as married and she reported no sources of income. She was categorized in the census as a “Unpaid family worker”. Her highest level of education was 8th Grade. Her household included her 2 children with William Henry Griffin Sr and they were recorded as William Griffin age 21 who worked as a car washer at a garage with no information recorded about his hours worked or what he earned in 1939. His highest level of education was 1st year of high school; and her daughter, Verdell Griffin recorded as 15 years old and attended school. Her highest level of education at the time was 8th Grade. In 1940, William Henry Griffin Sr. was recorded on the federal census living at 2348 Wilders Street in Philadelphia working as a “Trackman” for the Street Railway and earned a very good income of $1560 for 52 weeks he worked in 1939. He reported no other sources of income and worked 48 hours the week of 24 Mar 1940 through 30 Mar 1940. He was recorded as 44 years old and his wife Mary as 40 years old. His son William Griffin was recorded as age 18 and his daughter Marie Griffin recorded as age 16. Both children were in school and didn’t have to work. His brother Eli was also recorded in his household and was recorded as living in Putnam County in 1935. That same year on 28 Aug 1940, William and Mary’s daughter Marie died in Philadelphia and was buried in Eden in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Mary Griffin who lived at 2348 Wilders Street in Philadelphia was the coroner’s informant. On 27 Apr 1942, he registered for the draft of WWII in Philadelphia as William Henry Griffin. He was described as 5 feet 3 inches tall, which is different from how he was described in 1917 when he was described as tall. He was 133 pounds with dark brown eyes and black hair. His place of birth was recorded as Putnam County and his birthday was recorded as 15 Mar 1896. He and his wife Mary were recorded living at 2348 Wilders Street in Philadelphia and he worked for the PTC, probably the Philadelphia Transportation Company which was formed on 1 Jan 1940 and taken over by SEPTA on 30 Sep 1968. He worked place at the time was at No 9 Water Street. He died on 04 Dec 1963 in Philadelphia. He was buried in Beverly National Cemetery in Beverly, Burlington County, New Jersey. His son William Jr moved to Newark, NJ in the 1950s.
ii. Mattie GRIFFIN was born in Apr 1898 in Putnam, Georgia. She was recorded as 2 years old and living in her parents’ household in Patrick, Putnam County on the 1900 federal census and in 1910, she was recorded as 10 years old living in her father’s household on Reids Chappel Road in Eatonton, Putnam County. She was a student a was able to read and write. Several years later on 23 Dec 1917, she married Jesse Johnson in Putnam County. In 1920, she and her husband were both recorded as 20 years old living in Donegal in Putnam County with their 1 year old daughter Mary Lizzie Johnson. Jesse worked as a farm hand and laborer for other farmers. Mattie was the only one of them who was able to read and write. In 1930, they were all recorded on the federal census living in Eatonton. Jesse was recorded as 28 years and working as a farmer with his own accounts. Mattie was recorded as 26 years old and Mary Lizzie was recorded as age 11.
iii. Ethel GRIFFIN was born in Feb 1900 in Putnam, Georgia. She was recorded as 3 months old living in her parents’ household in Patrick, Putnam County on the 1900 federal census and in 1910, she was recorded in her father’s household on Reids Chappel Road in Eatonton, Putnam County as 9 years old. She was a student and was able to read and write. She may have been the Ethel Griffin who married Willie Reese on 25 Nov 1917 in Putnam County. On 12 June 1918, Willie registered for the draft in Eatonton where he lived with his wife Ethel Reese who he listed as his next of kin. He was described as medium height and build with black eye color and hair. He listed his occupation as farming. In 1920, they were recorded on the federal census together living in Harrison in Putnam County. He was recorded as 24 and she as 19. He was a general farmer with his own account and she worked for him as a laborer. Their marriage ended within 5 years or less. She was married to Charlie Whitening when she died on 31 Jul 1930 in Eatonton. Her father Wesley was the coroner’s informant. She was buried on in Hunts Chapel Cemetery in Eatonton on 1 Aug 1930.
John Wesley GRIFFIN and Hettie Jane GREEN had the following children:
i. Leila Lita GRIFFIN was born in Nov 1904 in Eatonton, Putnam,Georgia. In 1910, she was recorded in her father’s household on Reids Chappel Road in Eatonton, Putnam County and in 1920 she was recorded in her father’s household in Durdin, Morgan County, Georgia. In the early 1920s, she married Percy Delaney who was the son of James Delaney and Ida Mae Maddox. Ida Mae was a sister of my 2 times great grandmother Hattie Mae Maddox who married Warren Griffin, my 2 times great grandfather. Leila died on 01 Oct 1925 in Eatonton, Putnam which was 6 days after she gave birth to a child on 25 Sep 1925 that died on the same day she was born. She was buried at Hunts Chapel Cemetery in Eatonton on 2 Oct 1925. She left behind her husband who married Mattie Lizzie Reid, daughter of Arthur and Hannah Reid and a daughter named Christine Delaney born 24 April 1924 who later moved to Cleveland, Ohio.
ii. Emmett GRIFFIN was born on 15 Aug 1906 in Eatonton, Putnam, Georgia and was recorded as 3 year old in his parents’ household in Eatonton living on Reids Chappel Road on the 1910 federal census. In 1920 he was recorded in his father’s household in Durdin, Morgan County, Georgia as 13 year old. He was a student and was able to read and write. On 23 Dec 1923 he married Ola Benjamin in Putnam County and moved to Anniston, Calhoun County, Alabama where they had 2 sons together; Johnnie Lee Griffin born on 13 Mar 1926 and Emmett Griffin Jr born in 1928. Ola Benjamin was from Donegal, Putnam County and born around 1908 to Dan and Charlotte Benjamin. When Emmett and Ola returned back to Putnam County about 1928, he married or started a new relationship with Estella Dunn, daughter of Stephen Dunn and Lizzie Farley Dunn also from Donegal, Putnam County. In 1930, he was recorded on the federal census as 25 years old living on a farm on Eatonton to Madison Highway with his 17 year old wife Estella and 8 month old son James Griffin and he earned a living as a laborer at the saw mill. He lived next door to Levi Reid, the son of Crawford Reid and Jane Robinson Reid. Levi was married to Eula Reid who was Emmett’s sister. They in close proximity to “Burt” Griffin, grandson of Fanny Dumas and William Sidney Griffin and to his sister Essie Lee Mullins. Ola L. Griffin, Emmett’s first wife was recorded in her widowed mother’s household on Marion Street in Eatonton with her 2 sons with Emmett. On 26 March 1939, Emmett’s and Estella’s 2 day old son George Griffin died from pneumonia which he apparently suffered from since he was born. In 1940, he was recorded on the federal census as 34 years old living in Tompkins, Putnam County with his wife Estella recorded as 27 years old and children; James Griffin age 10, Willie Griffin age 9, Lessie Griffin age 7, Eva Griffin age 5 and Georgio Griffin age 3. His widowed mother Hettie, sisters, Pearla and Essee (Bell) and Essee’s children were also enumerated in his household. Emmett worked as a farm tenant (sharecropper) for 40 hours between 24 Mar 1940 and 30 Mar 1940 and earned $0 for the 52 weeks he worked in 1939. His mother and sisters also worked as washerwomen. He was listed as the next of kin and living in Eatonton in Mar 1969 when his sister Pearl was sentence to prison for involuntary manslaughter. He was living in Eatonton when he died there on died on 07 Jun 1973. He was buried in Eatonton at East Eatonton Cemetery.
iii. Eula Mae GRIFFIN was born in 1908 in Putnam, Georgia and in 1910, she was recorded on the federal in her father’s household on Reids Chappel Road in Eatonton, Putnam County and in 1920, she was recorded in her father’s household in Durdin, Morgan County, Georgia and was called Mary Griffin. At age 17 or 18, she apparently married or began a new relationship with 18 year old Levi Reid, son of Crawford Reid and Jane Robinson Reid. He married Willie Mae Haynes, daughter of William Haynes and Carrie MADDOX Haynes on 2 Dec 1924 in Putnam County, Georgia but in 1930, he was recorded with Eula Mae as his wife on the federal census in Tompkins on Eatonton to Madison Highway with their 5 year old daughter Jewel Lee Reid. Levi worked as a laborer for the sawmill and his 2 younger brothers Jerry Reid age 20 and Albert Reid age 18 were recorded in his household and also worked at the sawmill. They lived next door to Eula’s brother Emmett and in close proximity to “Burt” Griffin, grandson of Fanny Dumas and William Sidney Griffin and to her sister Essie Lee Mullins. Eula Mae and Levi were recorded in the 1940 federal census in Kingston, Morgan County, Georgia with their teenage daughter Jewel Lee recorded as 14 years old. They were recorded having been living in Putnam County in 1935. Eula worked as a “cook” and as “help” for a private family earned $65 for 28 weeks she worked in 1939. Although she was recorded as working for pay, no hours of work were recorded for her between 24 Mar 1940 and 30 Mar 1940. Her husband Levi worked at the sawmill smoking logs? He worked 30 hours between 24 Mar 1940 and 30 Mar 1940 and earned $200 for the 40 weeks he worked in 1939. On 16 Oct 1940, Levi registered for the draft of WWII at Mt Zion School in Morgan County. He was described as being 6 feet, 6 inches tall, weighing 165 pounds with brown eyes, black hair and dark brown skin complexion. He listed Eula Mae as his next of kin and that they lived on Route 1 in Buckhead Morgan County where he worked as a laborer for “Mr Tom Hollman” also of Route 1 in Buckhead. Levi’s birthday was recorded as 9 Jan 1907. By 1945, Levi was recorded in Macon, Bibb County in the city directory. Eula Mae was recorded as Mary and the lived at 221 Division Street. Levi worked as a laborer at Robins Fld (Robins Airforce base?). In 1948, Levi and “Eula Mae” were recorded in East Macon living at 320 Bowman in the city directory and he worked as a laborer. They were recorded in the city directory in Macon living there at 885 (320) Bowman in 1949 and in 1950 when he was recorded as working as a laborer for Gulf Atlantic Warehouse. In 1952, Levi and Eula were recorded in the city directory at 885 Bowman and he was recorded as working as a laborer for Robins Air Force base and in 1954 they were recorded at the same address and him working as a motor oiler at Robins Air Force Base. In 1955 and 1956, they were recorded in the city directory at 885 Bowman and with him working as a cleaner at Robins Air Force Base and in 1957, they were recorded at the same address and him working as a equipment cleaner at Robins Air Force Base. In 1958 and in 1959, they both were recorded in the directory living at the same address and him working as an employee at Robins Air Force Base. On 8 Jan 1976 Eula Mae died in Bibb County where she lived at the time and on 25 May 1983 Levi died in Macon which is where he was lived and was buried at Hunts Chapel Cemetery in Eatonton.
iv. Eli “Bo” GRIFFIN was born in 20 August 1909 in Putnam County, Georgia and was recorded in 1910 as 6 months old on the federal census and living in his parents’ household in Eatonton living on Reids Chappel Road. In 1920 he was recorded on the federal census as 9 years old and living in his father’s household in Durdin, Morgan County, Georgia where he attended school and in the 1930, he was recorded on the census in his parents’ household in Tompkins living on the “Road from Eatonton to Reids Cross Road”. He was employed by his father as a general farm laborer categorized as a “Unpaid worker, member of the family” on the census. On 13 Dec 1930 he married Eva Julia Butts in Putnam County and in 1940, he was recorded on the federal census in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania in his brother William Henry Griffin’s household. He was recorded as married, working as a laborer in construction and was in Putnam County in 1935. He reported that he didn’t work in 1939 and earned no income and was unemployed for 104 weeks prior to 30 Mar 1940. He was the Eli Griffin who was arrested in Putnam County on 22 Sep 1949 for “Assault to Murder” charges which he was sentenced to serve 1 to 4 years in jail and another “Assault to Murder” charge to be served 6 months following the first charge. He was likely the Eli Griffin who was a resident of Putnam County when he died on 17 Apr 1952 in Tattnall, Georgia by electrocution. For more information about Eli “Bo” Griffin, see https://raymonthawkinsfamily.com/2022/04/24/my-georgia-roots-the-story-of-eli-bo-griffin-sentenced-to-death-by-electrocution-for-the-stabbing-death-of-a-white-man/?_thumbnail_id=3127
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v. Essie Bell GRIFFIN was born on 12 Sep 1911 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia. In 1920 she and her twin sister Essie Lee Griffin were recorded as 7 years old and living in their father’s household in Durdin, Morgan County, Georgia with the rest of their siblings. Around 1929, she had a child with a man who’s last name was Mullins. He may been one the living sons of Elbert “Tom” Mullins and Corine Farley Mullins from Half Acre, Putnam County, who were Joseph and Thomas Mullins. Or he may have been a brother of Tom Mullins who married Essie Bell’s twin sister around the same time. In 1930, Essie Bell Griffin and her 1 year 1 month old son Willie Lee Griffin were recorded on the federal census in her parents’ household in Tompkins on the “Road from Eatonton to Reids Cross Road”. She was recorded as 18 years old and worked as a “washerwomen” for a private family. By 1939, she had 2 children with Charles Presley who was recorded on the 1920 census in Tompkins as the son of John and Mary Presley. In 1940, Essie Bell and her 3 children; 11 year old Willie Lee Griffin, 5 year old Charlie Griffin who later changed his name to Charlie Presley and 1 year old Beulah Griffin were recorded on the federal census in Tompkins, Putnam County in her brother Emmett’s household with her widowed mother Hettie and sister, Pearla. She was recorded as 27 years old and worked 20 hours between 24 Mar 1940 and 30 Mar 1940. She earned $50 for the 52 weeks she worked in 1939. On 16 Oct 1940, Charlie Presley, father of 2 of her children registered for the draft of WWII, at Eatonton School in Eatonton. He was described as 5 feet, 3 inches tall, weighing 155 pounds, brown eyes, black hair and black complexion. He was 23 and his birthday was recorded as 10 Nov 1917. He worked for R.C. Croon and listed his grandmother Lizzie Linda Presley as his next of kin. His grandmother was Melinda Reid who married Edmund Presley on 29 Dec 1887 in Putnam County, Georgia and had John Presley in 1889. Charlie was still living in Putnam County when he enlisted in the military at Fort Benning, Georgia on 29 Nov 1942 and was admitted into the United States Army on 6 Dec 1942. He ranked Technician fifth grade and during WWII those who held this rank were addressed as corporal, though were often called a “tech corporal”. Technicians possessed specialized skills that were rewarded with a higher pay grade. The pay grade number corresponded with the technician’s rank. He was released from the army on 19 Oct 1945. By the mid to late 1940s, Charlie Presley apparently moved to Hamilton, Butler County, Ohio where he lived until he died on 14 Nov 1981 at Mercy Hospital North. Essie Bell’s son by him joined him there in the 1940s and her oldest son who’s father was a Mullins relocated to Hamilton in the 1950s while she and her daughter remained in Putnam County where she died on 24 Aug 1968.
vi. Essie Lee GRIFFIN was born on 12 Sep 1911 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia. In 1920 she and her twin sister Essie Bell Griffin were recorded as 7 years old and living in their father’s household in Durdin, Morgan County, Georgia with the rest of their siblings. On 8 Sep 1928 in Putnam County, she married Thomas “Tom” Mullins from Milledgeville, Baldwin County, Georgia and the son of Sylvia Mullins. Essie was recorded on the 1930 census as Leila Mullins and 18 years old with her husband 20 year old Tom Mullins and 1 year 1 month old daughter Leila Bell Mullins living on a farm that he rented on Through Road Connecting Road from Reids Cross Roads to Madison Highway in Tompkins, Putnam County where he worked as a farm laborer. They lived in close proximity to Essie’s sister, Eula Reid, their brother Emmett Griffin and in close proximity to “Burt” Griffin, grandson of Fanny Dumas and William Sidney Griffin. In 1940, Essie Lee and Tom Mullins were recorded on the federal census as 25 and 29 years old, respectively with their children Leila Mullins age 11, Tommie Mullins age 9, Joe Mullins age 8, Civie Mullins age 4 and Marion Mullins age 1. They lived on a farm in Tompkins that they rented for $1. Tom was recorded as a tenant farmer (sharecropper) and worked 40 hours between 24 Mar 1940 and 30 Mar 1940 and earned $0 for the 52 weeks he worked in 1939. On 16 Oct 1940, Tomas registered for the draft of WWII at Hunts Chapel School in Putnam County. He was described as 5 feet, 9 inches tall, weighing 160 pounds, with light brown eye color, black hair and light brown complexion. His birthday was recorded as 12 Jul 1908 and his place of birth of Milledgeville. He was recorded as living in Eatonton with his wife Essie Lee Mullins who was listed as his next of kin and that he worked for Eugene Burke on Burke’s farm in Eatonton. On 2 Apr 1978, Essie Lee died in Putnam County. She was buried at East Eatonton Cemetery in Eatonton. Tom Mullins was a resident of Eatonton when he died on 20 Feb 1984 while in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia. He was also buried in East Eatonton Cemetery in Eatonton.
vii. Eva Julia GRIFFIN was born about 1915 in Georgia. In 1920 she was recorded as 4 years old living in her father’s household in Durdin, Morgan County, Georgia and on the 1930 census, she was recorded as 15 years old in her parents’ household in Tompkins living on the “Road from Eatonton to Reids Cross Road”.
viii. John W GRIFFIN was probably born John Wesley Griffin Jr about 1917 in Morgan County, Georgia. In 1920 he was recorded as 2 years old living in his father’s household in Durdin, Morgan County, Georgia and on the 1930 census, he was recorded as 13 years old in his parents’ household in Tompkins living on the “Road from Eatonton to Reids Cross Road”. On 22 Dec 1934, he married Julia Grimes in Putnam County. He was likely the John W. Griffin who enlisted in the Air Corps on 8 Mar 1946 at Lake Charles Army Air Base in Louisiana. He enlisted as a Private First Class for Hawaiian Department in the Regular Army component (including Officers, Nurses, Warrant Officers, and Enlisted Men). He was Sourced as “Enlisted Man, Philippine Scout or recall to AD of an enlisted man who had been transferred to the ERC”. He was a resident of Morgan county, Georgia when he enlisted.
ix. Senella C. GRIFFIN was born about 1919 in probably in Morgan County Georgia. In 1920 she was recorded as 1 years old on the federal census living in her father’s household in Durdin, Morgan County, Georgia and in 1930, she was recorded as 11 years old on the census living in her parents’ household in Tompkins living on the “Road from Eatonton to Reids Cross Road”. On 18 Feb 1939 she married Charlie Williams in Putnam County and was recorded as Sydney Ella Griffin on her marriage certificate. In 1940, Senella was recorded as 20 years old on the federal census living in Eatonton with her husband Charlie Williams who was called Boyce William on the census. The household includes his mother, his sister and his sister’s 2 daughters. Boyce Williams was from Eatonton and the son of Samuel “Sam” Williams and Mary L. “Mattie” Williams. Senella and Boyce lived on a farm on Eatonton Greensboro Road where they paid $4 each month in rent. Boyce and his sister worked. He worked as a farm day laborer and worked 40 hours between 24 Mar 1940 and 30 Mar 1940. He earned $275 for the 52 weeks he worked in 1939. On 16 October 1941, Charlie registered for the draft of World War Two at the Colored School in Eatonton and was described as 22 years old, dark brown complexion, 5 feet 6 inches and 184 pounds with brown eyes and black hair color. His birthday was 12 May 1918 and worked as a farmer for AW Simon. He listed Senella, spelled Cenella Williams as his next of kin. Some time later probably in the 1950s, she married Robert A. Evans. She eventually moved to New Jersey and on 11 Jun 1990 Senella C. Evans died in New Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey. She was buried at Hunts Chapel Cemetery in Eatonton. Robert A Evans died on 7 July 1992 in Putnam County. He was buried at Free Gift Baptist Church Cemetery in Eatonton.
x. Pearla L Griffin also called “Dolly” was born on 30 Aug 1921 in Morgan County, Georgia, USA. In 1930, she was recorded as 9 years old on the census living in her parents’ household in Tompkins living on the “Road from Eatonton to Reids Cross Road”. In 1940, she was recorded as 19 years old on the federal census living in Tompkins, Putnam County in her brother’s household with their widowed mother, their sister Essie Bell and Essie’s 3 children. She and her mother worked as “wash woman” and between 24 Mar 1940 and 30 Mar 1940, she worked 20 hours. She earned $50 for the 52 weeks she worked in 1939. According to a U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007, in Apr 1947 her name was listed as PEARLA GRIFFIN JOHNSON; in Dec 1953, her name was listed as PEARLA GRIFFIN TOMAS; on 29 Jul 1977 her name was listed as PEARLA SURMELIN and on 30 Apr 1998, the day she passed away, her name was listed as PEARL G THOMAS. Based on the count of the last names by which she was recognized, it appears that she married thrice although I never saw indexes for any of her marriages. At age 19, she married George Johnson on 15 March 1941 in Putnam County. He was the son of John L Johnson and Josephine Eubanks later Davenport and born in Eatonton on 10 Oct 1918. They apparently divorced or separated and he relocated to Albany, New York and had 3 children. Subsequently, she either legally or common law married a man who’s surname was Thomas but during the mid 1960s she began a common law relation with Eddie Frank Summerlin. On 13 Jan 1969, state warrant 3-69 was issued for her arrest for the “murder of one Frank Sumerlin, gun shot wound to the head………,”, “…….did on the 13th of January 1969,….” She was called Pearl Summerlin and described as the common in law of Frank Summerlin. He was the Eddie F Sumerlin who died in Putnam County on 13 Jan 1969, according to the Georgia, Death Index, 1919-1998. On 14 Jan 1969, testimonies were given in a commitment trial (seems to be a bond hearing) which included testimonies from a woman named Mrs Josephine Bullock who employed Pearl as a maid and paid Pearl’s $1,000 bond on 14 Jan 1969, testimonies of the arresting officer, Willie G. Jones who described the details of the gruesome crime scene outside the front door of Pearl’s home and identified the murder weapon as a .22 caliber, the Deputy Sheriff Ray Blizzard who it was noted “substantiated the sheriff’s statements adding no facts”. Frank’s daughter who is still living so I will keep her name unmentioned but offered testimony in support of Peal and Pearl herself who testified that she only meant to scare him and to prevent him from hurting her. After hearing the evidence the judge found that there was no evidence of malice aforethought. However, he did find sufficient facts to warrant a finding of negligent homicide and reduced the charge to manslaughter. He set the bond to $1,000 which Mrs Bullock paid. [Putnam County J.P. Court, 368th District,G.M.]. In March 1969 Pearla was indicted/convicted of involuntary manslaughter and on 20 Mar 1969, she was sentenced to 2 years in the state penitentiary [Source: Georgia Central Register of Convicts, 1968-1970; Felonies], [[Putnam County J.P. Court, 368th District,G.M.]. , In her “Convict’s Personal History Sheet” she was described as 47 years old, 5 feet 4 inches, 150 pounds brown eyes, black hair, with a scar on right arm and listed her brother Emmitt Griffin of Eatonton, Putnam County as her next of kin. She remained in Putnam County until about 1995 until she moved to Macon, Bibb County to live with Frank’s daughter. She was living in Chattooga County, Georgia or Chattanooga, Tennessee, when she died on 26 Feb 1998 in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia.
12. William H. GRIFFIN was born in Mar 1877 in Georgia as the twelfth child of Wright GRIFFIN and Clara ADAMS and was recorded as age 3 in their household. When he was 20, he was probably the “Woods Griffin” who married Manie (Mamie) REID on 22 Apr 1897 in Putnam, Georgia. Mamie “may” have been the daughter of Emmanuel Randall from Putnam County and Adelia Farley Randall from Jones County, Georgia. William and Mamie were recorded together on the 1900 federal census as William and Rose Griffin living in a house in Patrick, where he worked as a farm laborer. Their were recorded as being married for 3 years and their household included their 2 year old son Thomas and his 6 year old brother in law, Dennis Randall, (Rose’s brother?). In 1910, William and Rose were recorded on the federal census living on farm that they rented in Fork, Putnam County with their son. He was called Woods Griffin on the census and she was called Rosa and it was recorded that they were married for 10 years and that they both were on their second marriages. He worked as a farm laborer.
William “Woods” H. GRIFFIN and Rose Manie RANDALL RIED had the following children:
i. Thomas GRIFFIN was born in Nov 1898 in Patrick, Putnam County, Georgia. He were recorded on the 1900 federal census in Patrick in his parents household and in 1910, he was recorded in Fork, Putnam County in his parents household.
1878 Map of Putnam County County Maps, Surveyor General, RG 3-9-66, Georgia Archives showing location of roads where the Griffin family lived in Patrick, Tompkins and Eatonton
MY FAMILY ROOTS - Raymont Hawkins - Jones 
