My Genealogy Hound

GRIFFITH, JOHN X., farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Shenandoah; born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, August 13, 1837. When three years of age moved with his parents to Muskingum county, Ohio, remaining in that state until the year 1852, when he moved to Knox county, Illinois. Many of the earlier years of Mr. Griffith’s life were passed in the grand old state of Illinois, but when in the full prime and vigor of manhood he came to Shenandoah, Page county, and has since been an honored citizen of the “daughter of the stars.” He has been intimately identified with the business interests of the town, regarding its prosperity as his own. First in every business project that meant well for his adopted county, liberal and whole-souled, it is not to be wondered at that Mr. Griffith has gained and held the utmost confidence and esteem of his fellow townsmen. In addition to his business interests in the city, his energy has exerted itself in another and not a whit less honorable direction, that of raising blooded stock. His farm of four hundred acres, well stocked with the choicest cattle, situated one and a half miles northeast of the city, is one of the very finest in the county, well improved, with fine buildings, and an excellent orchard with small fruits. When his country called, Mr. Griffith was not slow to hear, and in the fall of 1862 was mustered into service with company A, 77th volunteer Illinois infantry, as a non-commissioned officer. His experience during the war was an arduous and varied one. He was in the battles of Vicksburg, Arkansas Post, Port Gibson, Champion Hills, Black River, and in the assault on Vicksburg, in which he was captured March 22, 1863; was taken into the city, and parolled the next day. He was again captured at Sabine Cross Roads, April 8, 1864, and taken into Texas and held until the war was over, having been released May 18, 1865. Mr. Griffith was married on February 18, 1866, to Miss Kate C. Castle, native of Knox county, Illinois, by whom he is the father of five children: Florence Mabel, Eliza Blanch, Gaylord C., Mary Emma, and Ethel. Of Mr. Griffith’s worth as a man, and character as a gentleman, nothing need be said. There are few men who have enjoyed so generous a share of the public confidence as he. A patron of the county fair, and a liberal contributor to its success. To him the farmers of western Page are greatly indebted for added impetus to their labor and the successes they have achieved. He has been county supervisor, and ably looked after the interests of his constituency while in that position. A man of strong will and stable character, whom all love and none hate. May his days be full of usefulness, and his experience enrich the county of his adoption.