Another Baby Mystery, Sim Griffin

I found this note that was written by Nellie Griffin Parker, my father's sister.  This brings another mystery to be solved.  If he was divorced from Pearl (while I have no divorce document, he makes a reference in his letters to Pearl getting married again in a Dec 1918 letter), and from what I can infer from census records it seems he married Adelphia Delores Giles in approximately 1923, then who was the "Mrs" Sim Griffin referred to here by his sister Nellie?  And this baby's name is Ortha, whereas the baby that died that he referred to in his letters was named Josephine.  The note was written in May 1920, and the note said Ortha died Jan 31.  However, looking at a timeline showing possible birth date of Ortha (Apr 3, 1919) (she died at 9 months and 28 days old) and approximate date of conception (Jul 1918), his draft registration card shows he was married to Pearl then.  Could they have reconciled and had another child?  I have no idea and can find no records.  To complicate it further, the 1920 census taken on Jan 6, 1920 shows Sim Griffin, Mandy Griffin (his mother) and Opal Griffin living together, and it shows Sim as single.

One possible solution to this that I can think of would be that Nellie was writing about Sim and Pearl's daughter Josephine who may have also been called Ortha, and that Nellie was talking about her death, though she died between 1916-1918 (I have never been able to find her birth date).  Or there was another woman/child.

Oh, the mysteries!  I am continuing to research this and will post if I find anything to update.  Below is the note I found.

Written by Nellie Griffin

May 16, 1920

Oklahoma City Okla

301 E. 4 St

Budded on earth to bloom in heaven.

On Thursday morning about seven o’clock as time had past – into another day – death come into our midst and took from the home of Mr and Mrs Sim Griffin there (sic) little girl Ortha.  She was a sweet little girl, only nine months and twenty eight days old.  Died 31 day of January.  Had been a short life and if the wishes of friends could have been granted, her suffering days would have been made less.

We will miss the little Ortha as the days pass by.  Often will we think of you our Little Darling and now since you have been gone from us for ever it will seem more joy than ever to see your sweet little face again.

But God has seen fit to shorten your days and take you to his home above where there is all joy, peace and love.

So all we can do now is to bow in submission to his will and be prepared when time comes to cross the Dark River of Death

(the rest of the page is missing)

Letters from my father, Sim Griffin, to his sister Gladys Humfleet, 1918-1919

 My father was Sim Griffin, born Mar 22, 1897, died Jan 30, 1965.  These letters were written from him to his sister Gladys Griffin Humfleet during the period 19188-1919.  He had joined the Army and was in camp at Camp Pike Arkansas.  The war ended in Nov 1918 but he spent several months in LeMans, France with the American Expeditionary Forces.  He enlisted in the Army in 1918 in Purcell OK.   From these letters, I pieced together a marriage of which I was unaware to "Pearl" though it appears they separated before he left for Camp Pike.  Apparently they had a child named Josephine who died (my middle name is Josephine).  I found an old picture with Sim and Pearl Griffin written on the back.  I have a copy of their marriage license but have not found a divorce certificate.  Apparently he was eager to get back with Pearl as evidenced from some of the letters but that did not happen.  He married Adelphia Giles and had 2 sons.  They then divorced and he married my mother Edythe McBride.  

The parts that are highlighted below are clues I took from the letters about his relationship with Pearl.  I believe that Joe (Gladys' husband) may have been Pearl's brother but do not have documentation.  The original letters are very fragile and I have them in protective sleeves.  

LETTERS FROM SIM GRIFFIN TO GLADYS HUMFLEET

Camp Pike Ark

Aug 30, 1918

Mr and Mrs J. H. Humfleet  (Purcell)

Dear Bro and Sis.  This leave me just fine and enjoy life the best kind.  Hope this will find you all well and hope Gladys is better and will be well in a few days.  Well Joe, you ought to be with us boys.  We picked up about 100 before we got here had 17 coaches.  Our train got here yesterday 1:30 pm.  Think I will like Army life just fine.  Haven’t been examined yet.  Look to get it about tomorrow. 

Say Joe we sure had some crowd at Norman.  Had all the iced water melons we could eat.  Had plenty to eat all the way.  Eat breakfast at Boonville Ark at 8:30 am.

So I’ll not write much this time as I have so many to write to.  Will write more next time.  Write me at once how you and Gladys is getting.  So goodby.

From Sim Griffin

84 Casual Co.

162 Depot Brigade

Camp Pike Ark

Camp Pike

Sept 20, 1918

Mrs Gladys Humfleet  (Purcell)

Dear Sister

Will write you again as you surely have forgotten me.  Haven’t heard from you but once since I came here.  I am well and enjoying my self just fine.  Hope this will find you better.  Got a letter from Mama.  Last night they sent me a letter Mary had written to Mama so when I read it it makes me uneasey about you.  But I do hope you are better by now.

Mama sent me a fried chicken and some cake.  Believe me I sure had some breakfast.

Well Gladys I am as fat as a pig.  I only weighted 128 lbs stripped when I came here.  I weight 148 ½ now so you see the Army is agreeing with me.  Say if you haven’t sent that pillow yet you need not send it as I couldn’t use it very long.  You keep the postage I sent you.  Say Gladys I got 5 letters last night and one package.  I sure have my fun down here.  Are out of quarantine now.  I got my pass last night to go anywhere in camp I want to go.  We have been drilling a little for the last week or so have taken all of our shots in the back.  My vaccination is just about well.  So I must close.  Write me at once without fail and let me know how you are getting alone.  Will send you one of my pictures.  They are not very good I wasn’t in a good humor.  Will send you a better one later.

From your bro.  Sim

Camp Pike Co 84 AND

162 Depot Brigade

Camp Pike Ark

Camp Pike Ark

Sept 20, 1918

Mr Joseph Humfleet (Purcell)

Dear Bro, this leaves me just fine and dandy.  Heard you were sick.  Hope these few lines will find you well as it looks like you are having an awful time.  I sure sympathize with you all as I sure no (sic) what sickness means.  Of course we have all got our troubles soon or later.  I do truly hope you both will get well and live a happy life.  I have had my troubles and all my good times at home has past.  But hope some day I will be free again.

Well Jo, you and Gladys take good care of yourselves.  Maybe I can come and see you all some day.  Hope so anyway.  So I am out of paper.  Will close.  Hope to hear from you all at once.

Say it sure is cool here today had a big rain yesterday.

From Sim Griffin

Camp Pike Co 84 Ark

162 Depot Brigade

Camp Pike Ark

Camp Pike Ark

Sep 29, 1918

Mr and Mrs J. H. Humfleet

Dear Bro and Sister.  Will ans (sic) your letters just recd one written 21 – the other 26.  Was sure glad to hear from you all.  I have been un easy about you all and dreaming of you nearly ever night.  Was sure glad you both were better.  Hope when this lands will find you all up and enjoying your selves the best kind.  This leaves me well except a bad cold and sore throat.  Think I will be alwright (sic) in a few days.  There sure is quite a bit of sickness here.  Have been several died since I came here.  I am getting fat as a pig.  I only weighed 128 lbs when I came here that is I mean stripped.  I weighed last Thursday and weighed 152 ½ lbs with my clothes on.  So you see the Army is agreeing (sic) with me.  Well we were transferred from the mule barns in to the barracks last Tuesday eve.  Got my gun and equipment Wed, have drilled one day with my gun.  Believe me you sure have to be quick and make everything snappy in the Army.  We are in quarantine just got out few days before we came here and were quarantined here the same day we arrived.  Today is the first time I have had any mail in a week so I got 5 letters one from home 2 from you all so you can guess who the rest was from – Ha Ha. 

Say Gladys I have seen several boys here that I new (sic) James Brison Jasper Gipson is just across the street from me.  I written 3 letters for James this morn.  Charley Robers from Red Star is here also Ary McMillon from Catalpa.  Got a letter from Willie said he was expecting to haft go most any time.  I bet he sure is dreading it.  I would give anything to see you all.  Don’t now (know – sic) just when I can get a furlough.  You write me when you get ready to start home may be I could get a furlough and meet you all at home.  It all depends on how long we stay here.

Say Gladys I think I told you not to send my pillow so if I didn’t you need not send it as I have got used to sleeping without one.  You keep the postage I sent you to write to me with I want you all to write often and let me now (know – sic) how you are getting along also all the news.  Sure can’t get any news here unless folks write us.

So I will close.  Write soon and all the news.

From your Bud Sim Griffin

Co G2nd training Regiment

Camp Pike Ark

La Sooze France

APO 762

12-15-18

Mrs Gladys Humfleet  (Purcell)

Dear Sis, will write you a few lines to let you know I am well and hope when this letter comes to hand will find you all enjoying the best of health.

Well to day is Sunday.  I am not doing anything.  Would sure like to be with you all to day I am sure we would enjoy our selves.  We would go to town and have a real nice time.  Don’t you think so.  Say what is Pearl doing.  I’ll bet she is married by this time.  Tell her I said to wait a little while.  I am coming to see you all and would visit her in a few days that is if she hasn’t for got she had a friend over here.  Tell her I have some real good news to tell her when I get back and I don’t think it will be very long till I can come home.  Tell Joe hello and I’m coming to see you all before long.  Well Joe I always heard there were lots of pretty girls in France.  I haven’t seen any yet that looked good to me.  So I’ll just wait till I get back to the good old USA and then I’ll try my luck again.  Hope that I and Pearl can get every thing straight again. 

Well Joe what are you all going to do for Xmas.  I sure would like to be with you all best kind but don’t think I can be there.  But by and by it can’t be very much longer till us Yankees will be home.  Say Gladys I have written a letter home today so I am getting tired and it is just about dinner time.  So good by, wishing you all a merry merry Xmas and a Happy New Year.

From your bud,

Pvt Sim Griffin

U.S. Army

Feb 11, 1919

Lemans France

Mrs Gladys Humfleet (Purcell )

Dear Sis.  Will write you a few lines to let you no (know) I am well.  Hope this letter will find you the same.  Have been having some real cold weather over here.  How is it at Purcell – cold I guess.  I am still working an the lbr yard yet.  What is Joe doing.  Why don’t you all never write any more.  I would think I have been over here long enough to get an answer from you all.  I have only had one letter from you that was dated Dec 3.  So write often as it takes so long to get a letter from you all.

So I’ll close for this time.  Write soon and all the news.

So good by.

God Bless you till we meet again.

Your Bro

Pvt Sim Griffin

Co 2  - Prov Coist Organ

American E. F.

APO 762

Lemans France

Feb 22, 1919

Mrs Gladys Humfleet (Purcell Okla)

Dear Sis, this letter leaves me well.  Hope you are all well.  Well it has been raining to day the weather is warm over here.  It seems almost like spring.  How is everybody at Purcell.  It seems like you all have forgotten me.  I haven’t had a letter for a long time.  Say what is Pearl doing and does she ever have anything to say about me.  I have written her several letters but haven’t heard from her.  Wish you would locate Uncle Noah and send me his address.  The last time I heard from him he was at Fayetteville.  Willie said he was going to Ohio.  So I would like to locate him so I could write him.  Tell Mr and Mrs Olinger hello and I said write a line or to.  I written to them about month ago.  Also tell Grandma Pierce hello and I would like to see them all.   Say Gladys wish you would go to the cemetery and see about Little Josephine’s grave.  I’m afraid it needs repair.  You fix it up nicely and I will pay the bill when I come home.  I sure wish I were there to see after it.  If God spare me I’m coming some day.  Well I guess I had better close for tonight and go to bed.  May God bless you all and some day we’ll meet again.

Tell Jo Hello and to write.  You must write often as it takes so long to get a letter over here.

From your Bro Pvt Sim Griffin

2^nd Prov Const. Org

American E.F. APO 762

On Active Service with American Expeditionary Forces

APO 762

March 6, 1919

Mrs J. H. Humfleet

Dear Sis

Will ans your letter recd yesterday.  Was indeed glad to hear from you.  This finds me well and having a good time.  Guess you was glad to see mamma and Nellie also Opal.  Tell Opal Hello and be a good little girl and that I was coming to see her pretty soon.  Why doesn’t Joe write any and what is he doing.  Say don’t worry what you have been writing about, for nothing like that will happen when I get back home. 

Well Gladys have you put out any garden yet?  I think spring is just about here the French people is gardening some already. 

So I will close for tonight and soon and all the news.

Your Bro

Pvt Sim Griffin

Co 2 Prov Const Org

q.m. Spur APO 762

AEF

On Active Service with American Expeditionary Forces

APO 762

4/9-1919

Mr and Mrs J. H. Humfleet

Oklahoma City, Okla

Dear Bro and Sis. 

Will write you a few lines this beautiful day to let you no (sic) I am well and hope this letter will find you all in the best of health.

I have been looking for a letter from you all for several days.  What is the matter.  You must write often as it usually takes a letter from 10 to 20 days to get over here.  You aught to write at least once a week.  I had a letter from Pearl that was written Dec 8^th.  I have written you from one to two letters a week so don’t wait so long (Please).

Well I haven’t been to town for several days.  We were under quarantine 14 days for measles was lifted yesterday.  So I will get to go down town any time I want to.  Will have some pictures taken next time I go and will send you one soon.  Well Joe there was a boy from Ardmore Okla left for home to day his name was Lige L. Marrow.  He has been in my co. for quite a while.  He got a affidavit from home stating that his bro. Was seriously ill also his mother needed him at home.  I don’t know (sic) when I will be home for sure I think probably I will get back by mid summer or early in fall.  Hope so any way.  I understand we get a $60.00 bonus when we get out discharge.  So believe me I am going to have me a time when I start for home.  I get about $2.25 more on the month now.  We never get any U.S. money they pay us French money.  But it is good any where we can exchange it for real money if we wish to.

So this is all will write more next time.  Hope to hear from you soon.  May God be with you till we meet again.

Good by – Your Bro.

Pvt Sim Griffin

Depo Service Co 45

A.S.C. QM Spur

APO 762

Lemans (Sarthe) France

On Active Service with American Expeditionary Forces

APO 762

April 24, 1919

Mrs Gladys Humfleet Oklahoma City Okla

Dear Sis.  Will ans your kind and welcome letter recd few days ago.  Was glad to know you were all well.  This leaves me well and having a good time.  I can go to town most any time I want to we get a pass from the Spuv it is about 2 miles from town.  There is a bus line runs from here to town ever hour till 12 midnight.

I was at town yesterday also Sat. went to a restaurant and got bo koo eats.  Also all the beer I wanted.  We are working at nights now.  Will probably begin working days next week.  We have been working from four to five hours per night.  They have been giving us contracts that is so much to do and when the sooner we get it finished the sooner we come in.  Then we sleep all the rest of the night and all day if we want to.

Well Gladys, I am sending you a small souvenir.  Also one of my pictures they are not very good.  So I hope you will get them OK.

Wish you would send me some of your pictures.  Also try and get one of the baby’s pictures and send it to me.  I guess Pearl would give you one.  Be sure and do all you can to get one for me.  I want to have it so I can have it taken over here.  I wish I had some way getting some flowers from over here to put on its little grave.  If you are down at Purcell be sure and go see about it and if you can do anything on fixing it up I will pay you when (?) when I get home.

I had better close.

Write soon and a long letter.

May God Bless you till we meet again.

Your loving Bro

Pvt Sim Griffin

Depo Service Co40

ASE QM Spur

APO 762

Lemans Sarte France

On Active Service with American Expeditionary Forces

APO 762

May 3, 1919

Mr & Mrs J. H. Humfleet (Oklahoma City)

Dear Bro and Sis.  Just a few lines to let you no (sic) I am well and having a good time.  Hope this letter will find you all enjoying the best of health.  I had a letter from Mama and Papa yesterday.  They were all well except Little Opal she had the mumps.  Hope she will get over in a few days.  I sent you one of my pictures few days ago.  Hope you will get them OK.  Altho they are not good may be you can tell who I am. 

Say I am going on a  3 day furlough to Paris next week.  Wish you all was here to go with me.  I am sure you would enjoy your trip.  It is only about one hundred miles from here so I will tell you all about the pretty sceneries I have seen in Sunny France when I come home.

I am looking to start home any time will leave anyway by June 12^th.

Am sending you the 12 guard orders that we have to learn in the Army.  Of course  this is a new order.

Will I will be due a service stripe Friday May 9^th but hope I will not haft to stay long enough to wear two so I am going to close and wait till I hear from you again.  I believe you all could write a little oftener if you would try, don’t you think so?

Good by  From your Bro

Pve Sim Griffin

Depo Service Co

A.S.E. qm spur

APO 762

LeMans France

On Active Service with American Expeditionary Forces

May 25, 1919

Dear Gladys

I recd your letter yesterday 24^th.

Was more than glad to hear from you and that you were all well.  This leaves me well and having a good time.  Hope this will find you all well.  Well I am not doing very much now except drill.  It has been pretty hot over here for the past week or so hasn’t been raining very much lately only had one little shower last week.  You said you had not recd any mail addressed to you since you moved.  I have written ten or twelve letters since you have moved.  I should think you aught to have gotton part of them by this time.  I sent you one of my pictures just before or after Easter.  I don’t remember which.  Anyway you should have got it by now.

Well Gladys I have never written anything that to you or Joe about Pearl to hurt your feelings at all.  Of course you all no (sic) she didn’t treat me right.  I have written to Joe several times since I came over here and he has never written a word.  Joe has no right whatever to be sore at me.  I have always treated Joe right and now if he doesn’t write it is perfectly all right.  I am  glad to  no (sic) you will write.  I have written to you all regular since I came over here now Gladys you must write a little oftener.  I would like to get a letter every week anyway.  I write 2 and 3 letters to you ever week. 

Will close for this time.  Hope to hear from you soon.

As ever your Bro.
Good By

Pvt Sim Griffin

Depo Service Co H5

A.S.E QM Spur

APO 762

Le Mans France

On Active Service with American Expeditionary Forces

June 12, 1919

Well Gladys,

This leaves me well and enjoying life just fine.  Hope these few lines will find you all well. 

Well Gladys we are getting ready to leave for home.  I think we will leave Friday.  I heard we would sail Jun 18 if that be the case will soon  be home again.

I have been looking for a letter from you for several days.  Got a letter from a friend to day.  Don’t write any more till you hear from me.  Hope to see you all soon.- nothing new will close.

Your Bro

Good By

Sim Griffin

Depo Service CO45

A.S.E. APO 762

Le Mans France

(On Salvation Army Stationary)

Camp Stuart VA

New Port News VA

July 6, 1919

Dear Bro and sis.  Just a few lines to let you no (sic) I am well and landed safely. 

Hope you all are well.

We landed Sat eve about sun and how glad I were to see the good old U.S.A. one more time.  We were 8 days and a few hrs over on the water.

A fellow sure is glad to get on land after he’s been on the water that long.

Well don’t no (sic) when I will be home.  Expect to be there in a week or so so no need to write any till you hear from me again.

I written you wile on the sea.  You will be apt to get both letters the same time.  No more for this time.

Your Bro.

Sim Griffin

Depo Service Co Hq

223 LeMans Prov Bat

Camp Stuart

New Port News VA

John H. Corley Obituary

Through ancestry.com, I found this information and obituary of John H. Corley, brother of Mary Corley. He died in 1913. I tried to find the source for him being a Major, but have not found anything to date. I also do not have the newspaper source for the obituary.


Major John H. Corley Born July 7th, 1844, at Skaneatoles, New York, where he resided for twenty years. He was educated at Eldridge Institute. In 1870 he came to Texas coming to Terrell in 1874. Since his residence in this city he has been engaged in the banking business, being the junior member of the firm of Bivins & Corley. In financial circles Major Corley is a Paladin, being considered one of the most expert accounts in the State. He is certainly a valuable citizen, thoroughly in harmony with all progressive ideas and in his social relations is really captivating.

Obituary

"JOHN H. CORLEY. Among the able financiers of Kaufman county, Texas, none has commanded greater respect than John H. Corley, and his death in 1913 was a blow not only to his many personal friends, but also to many who depended upon him for advice and direction in
business affairs. Mr. Corley was identified with financial and banking matters during the greater portion of his career, and while amassing a considerable fortune for himself, his management brought wealth and prosperity to many others. He was a clear thinker and an earnest and sincere man, trusted by all. He had the gift of rare foresight and an analysis of men and conditions that gave him unusual power and success in the manipulation of affairs, and it is greatly to his credit that he used this power not for himself alone, but for others also. John H. Corley was born in New York, on the 7th of July, 1844. He was a son of Thomas Corley, who was a manufacturer of furniture in Skaneateles, New York, and of Elizabeth (Smith) Corley, a native of England. Thomas Corley and his wife are both dead. They had three children, as follows: Mary, who married a Mr. Crider and spent her life in Troy, Missouri; John H., who was the only one of the family to come to Texas, and Katherine, who became the wife of Claud Kimler and made her home at Troy, Missouri. John H. Corley received his education in the schools of Onondaga county, New York, where he grew up. He was still a boy when the Civil war broke out, but he was eager to enlist. He was finally allowed to do so and became a member of one of the New York regiments that formed a part of the Army of the Potomac. He took part in the battles of Gettysburg, Spottsylvania and in other important engagements fought on Virginia soil. After the war was over he determined to come South to settle, and in this determination showed considerable courage, for at this time and during the terrible reconstruction period the South did not feel kindly toward her conquerors. However, he settled in Texas, and his real character was shown in the next few years. To him the events of the four years of warfare were as a closed book. He identified himself thoroughly with the interests of the section of the South in which he located and bent every endeavor towards the development of the country and the prosperity of its citizens. It was towards the end of the cowboy era that he located in Kaufman county,TEXAS and the manners and customs of the times were at utter variance to what he had been accustomed, but he made himself one with his new neighbors, though always preserving those individual characteristics that made him a marked man. During the first year which he spent in the state he became a drover, handling cattle for the Kansas markets, this being from 1871 to 1872. He made this year a profitable one and used the money he earned to make his entry in the banking business. He consequently located in Kaufman and became the cashier of the bank of Waters and DaShiell. In his experience in the cattle business he had been associated with the original Dougherty, and his abrupt change from what was apparently a prosperous business to what was at least a hazardous one was regarded with interest by the men of the vicinity. He, however, was intended by nature for a financier. Some months after becoming cashier of the above bank he formed one of a company that opened a bank in Terrell, towards which the Texas & Pacific Railroad was at that time being built. This institution was opened as Waters, Bivins & Corley, and the latter was made cashier and manager of the concern. After a time this firm was succeeded by Holt, Bivins & Corley, and later Bivins and Corley became sole owners. The institution prospered and was finally purchased by the Harris interests and then became known as the Harris Bank, and afterwards nationalized. Mr. Corley took an active part in the organization of the Harris National Bank. Out of this the American National Bank grew and Mr. Corley was the president of the latter from 1897 until his death, his regime being marked by a steady growth in the prosperity of the bank. While Mr. Corley was more deeply interested in his banking business than in any of his other interests.

yet he had a prominent part in the successful development of other business endeavors. His advice and council was eagerly sought by friends and acquaintances, and by those who had the public welfare in their hands, for his disinterested attitude and wisdom made him trusted.
In politics Mr. Corley believed in the principles of the Republican party, but like most Republicans who reside in a state with a large negro population, he was a Republican with reservations. He served Terrell as an alderman, but did not care to participate in politics.
In religious matters Mr. Corley was a member of the Christian church, and was an elder of this church, being generous in his gifts to his church. He was not a member of any fraternal order, preferring to spend his leisure with his family in the beautiful home which he built on Griffith avenue. He was always abreast of the times and knew what the leading thinkers of the world
were doing. He died at his home on April 29, 1913. Mr. Corley married on the 31st of March, 1872, Miss Martha P. Kuykendall, the ceremony taking place in Kaufman, Texas. Mrs. Corley was a daughter of Jesse Young and Nancy A. Kuykendall, who came to Texas as pioneers from Jackson county, Tennessee. He died during the sixties at the age of fifty-nine.
Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Corley, all of whom received high school educations. The elder daughters completed their education in Gardners School in New York City. Mr. Corley was closely identified with the commercial life of Terrell,TEXAS and his sons are showing the same keen interest which he displayed. His eldest son, Thomas E., is auditor and treasurer of the Texas Midland Railroad - being vice-president of the institution and a director of the American National Bank of Terrell. Robert lives in Beaumont, Texas, where he has numerous interests, being a director in the Gulf National Bank of Beaumont, Texas, and has real estate and oil lands, also agricultural interests. Eugene of Dallas, Texas, is a member of the Murray Gin Company. Earnest died in childhood. Grace became Mrs. G. W. Cartwright, of Terrell. Ethel married W. A.
Davis and resides at Hugo, Oklahoma. Henry married Miss Ethel Lochhead and is assistant chief cashier of the American National Bank of Terrell TEXAS. Herbert is connected with the accounting department in the auditor's office of the Texas Midland Railroad, and the' two younger daughters, Ruth and Helen, are attending college."

Connecting with a new-found cousin

The only information I had about my Griffin ancestors was that Sim's father was John Henry Griffin, born in 1851 in Crab Orchard, Lincoln County, Kentucky. I posted a note on a genealogy forum (genealogy.com) under the Griffin surnames and asked if anyone had any information on him. A year later I had an e-mail from Jean Miller Jorgensen who turned out to be a descendant of John Henry's father (John Griffin, born in 1817). My father was the grandson of John Griffin and Malinda Goff. Jean lives in Houston and was a descendant of John Griffin's second wife, Sallie Ann Middleton. This e-mail began a connection and correspondence with this second cousin once removed (see post on "Determining Family Relationships"). Jean has very graciously shared much information with me on the Griffins, as well as other common ancestors. Her information provided me much of the information I will be posting on the Griffins. We have found much in common and have become internet friends. I do hope to meet her someday.

Some years ago, Jean compiled a record of all the old stories she had heard from and about family members and also observations, etc. She did this because she was getting older and was afraid there would be no one to remember these stories. I am glad I did this as I, as did Jean, want our grandchildren and great-grandchildren to know their ancestors.

Following are some things that she remembered or was told about the Griffins.


"John Griffin, born July 6, 1817 in Lincoln Co. KY and died Sept 21, 1878 in Newton Co. AR; he was the son of Claiborn Griffin and Hannah Mulkey. He married first to Malinda Goff. Malinda was the daughter of John Goff and Sabina Halley and after Melinda's death, John Griffin married his first wife's niece, Sallie Ann Middleton. Sallie was the daughter of Jordan Middleton and Mary Ann Goff and was born Jan 20, 1835 in Lincoln Co. KY and died Mar 30, 1921 in Alpena, Boone Co. AR. When her aunt died, Sallie went to take care of Malinda's and John's children and Sallie's father insisted that if she was going to stay there, she had to marry John Griffin. Sallie had not wanted to get married, but did. She did not care much for John Griffin and never talked about him after he died.



Some members of the family said that John Griffin was a member of the James gang but he was in the wrong place at the wrong time to have ridden with Jesse James. John Griffin owned a hotel in Kentucky.



John Griffin and family packed up and left Kentucky, on their way to California. They got only as far as Newton County AR and John became ill and died there. Grandpa (Robert E.) Griffin always remembered the trip from KY to AR - the boys had to walk barefooted, the girls got to ride in the wagon. Bob's brother Sim remembered this trip, too, and how they would trade apples for rides on the ferry to cross the rivers. I do not know if it was on this trip or while still in KY that Bob Griffin's brother Joe got a high fever that left him "deaf and dumb" which meant he was unable to hear or talk. He would communicate by sign language.



After John Griffin's death, Sallie married Laborn Hawkins Rowatt and liked him real well. Sallie smoked a corn cob pipe, wore glasses (these are the old glasses I have in the trunk). Thelma Jo Griffin Parker remembers going to her funeral: going over a railroad track to the cemetery, the pallbearers lowering the casket into the ground, dirt being put on the casket going "plunk, plunk, plunk". She had been living with her son Jim and his family in Alpena, AR. When she became ill, Jim sent a telegram to his brother Bob, saying that if he wanted to see his mother alive, he had better come quick. That night Bob dreamed that his mother had died and the next day, he got word that she had. The big picture in the closet (too heavy to hang on the wall) is of Sallie Ann.



John and his first wife Malinda (Goff) had children Williah H., John, male child born dead, Malissa, and Tolbert (or Albert) K. The children by his marriage to Sallie Middleton were Jane "Jenny" Williams, Mary Emma, Joseph Roland, Jordan Simeon, Sherrod Williams, Margaret Lucy, Robert Edward (my great-grandfather) and James Peebles.

Samuel Horn Cawthon,28 Jun 1849 - 11 Jun 1907

I found this picture of Samuel Horn Cawthon, my great-grandfather, father of Mary Edna Cawthon McBride which was posted in a Cawthon family tree on ancestry.com. I have since contacted the woman who posted it and found she is a descendant of Edna's brother Lawrence. She had found it on another ancestry family tree and is going to try and find the name of the person who initially posted it. I love the picture with the butterfly collection and wonder whatever happened to it.

Letter from Lawrence Cawthon to Mary Edna Cawthon McBride on death of mother

Picture of Elizabeth Shryer Cawthon 18 Feb 1850-19 Dec 1938

My maternal grandmother was Mary Edna Cawthon McBride, 8 Sep 1890 - 24 Jun 1980. She was the daughter of Samuel Horn Cawthon and Elizabeth Shryer Cawthon. This is a letter received by Mary Edna from her brother Lawrence Marcus Cawthon, 14 Apr 1886 - 18 Aug 1952 after the death of their mother, Elizabeth Shryer Cawthon.

Stockton Jan 1st 1939

Dear Edna & family
I guess you have received the news about mother. It came right in the Christmas rush and I could not even go to the funeral and you will never know how it hurt me. I had a letter from Robert, he said they put her away awfully nice and that she looked awfuly sweet. Bless her heart she is at rest, even though it is hard to give her up, she had a long hard fight of it. I have been intending to write and almost insist on you coming to see her one more time. I am completely worked down and almost sick from the holiday rush of mail, I am having two days rest this Sunday & Monday. Robert and I have had a long time almost 10 years of wearry and expence and spent around a thousand dollars towards mother's care and went through a lot. We never felt it any thing but our duty and never hesitated at any thing we thought would make her happy or help her in any way. We never did call on you for we didn't know your financial conditions even (if) we had to barrow at times to make our way by. But I feel now since Robert is only getting 80 dollars and he is in pretty bad health & Carra sick and I am way behind on bills accumulated while I was sick so long. We feel now that you should chip in with us and pay one third of the funeral expense. Robert will send you in a few days a copy of the contract. He barrowed the down payment and it has to be paid back by Jan 23rd which is $31.76. After that the payments are only $8 per month for 18 months. So you see one third of the 8 dollars per month wont be so much for the three of us. What do you think about it Edna don't you think this is fair? I know I owe you a long letter, I haven't forgot it and just as soon as I get to feeling better I will sure come through with it. We still want to come to Okla in April but don't know if I will be able to make the trip. In the meantime will you please let me know if you can help us. We will appreciate it. We wish all of you a very happy and a prosperous New Year. Lots of love from your Brother, L.M. Cawthon 1641 S. Sutter St.

Letter from Robert Cawthon to Mary Edna Cawthon on funeral of Mother Elizabeth Shryer Cawthon

Montrose, Calif.
Jan. 5, 1939.
Dear Sister-
I have been thinking to write every day - I know you
are anxious to know about the funeral. Lawrence couldn't come, and
of course we didn't expect you to make the long trip just at Christmas.
Everything went off very nice. Dolly made the burial robe,
it was white silk with a corsage at the neck. Her hair was curled,
and she looked awfully nice and peaceful. I left it to Dolly's
folks to arrange the chapel, the music and the minister. I arranged
everything else. There was a nice crowd - all of the Santa Ana
bunch, including Aunt Mary and Pleas and family and Roy and wife.
She was buried at Westminster Memorial Park, alongside of Jim. She
died on the 19th, of a heart attack. For weeks, or even months she
had not recognized anyone, and if you had seen her she would not
have known her. It is nice that she ts at rest, for she had a
long, thankless siege of illness.
Carra is very weak and sick, and might not last the winter out.
Ernestine and Virgil are here, and Ernie keeps house. Virgil's job
is near here. It makes it nice for us, and gives me a chance to
get away when I want to.
There were lots of nice flowers - there was nothing lacking to
make a nice funeral. I picked out the casket, it was a light
silver gray, and matched well with her robe.
I have a letter from Lawrence which I am sending on to you. We,
or rather I, had to sign up for everything, and I wrote Lawrence
about standing his part. He will do so, and if you feel like you
can stand a third, it will not hurt any of us so much. I only have
$80.00 coming now, and it is very hard to stretch it to go round.
I am sending you the copy of the contract I signed. I am responsible
for all of it, so if you can help out any, just send it to me,
as I will have to send it in each month. The 31.56 had to be cash
which I borrowed and is due the 23d. After that the payments are
$8.00 for 18 months. If you can stand one third it will be only
2. 67 a month for each of us. The 7.50 on the flowers donated by
the Grandchildren can be deducted. I don't know what your financial
circumstances are now, and if you feel like you are depriving your
family, well, your family comes first. But Lawrence and I have spent
so much - I figure nearly a thousand dollars each, in the past nine
years, that perhaps now you feel like you could help us out that much.
Lawrence gets a good salary, but he was off sick a long time, and recently
had to spend $150.00 on his teeth. So let me know how you
feel about it, and return the copy of the contract to me for my record.
Hope you are all well, and I still think I may get to visit you
next summer.
Happy new Year to you and all the family.
As ever, your brother, Robert