My Genealogy Hound

W. T. Griffith, lumberman and postmaster at Thurman, Ark., was born on Kentucky soil (Montgomery County) June 11, 1835, his parents being Jefferson and Lydia (Brothers) Griffith, who came from the “Old Dominion” at an early day with their parents; David Griffith, the grandfather, being one of the first settlers of Montgomery County, Ky. He located near Mt. Sterling, the county seat, and became a very wealthy farmer, but died in Fleming County, of that State. Jefferson Griffith died in Kentucky in 1882, at the age of seventy years, having been a mechanic by trade, and a prominent man, serving as sheriff of Nicholas County for some time. His wife also died in Kentucky. Five of their seven children are now living: Samuel, John, Sarah J., William T. and Martha. William T. Griffith, our subject, was reared in Kentucky until fifteen years of age, and there received the greater part of his education. In 1853 he went to Union County, Ill., and located on a farm near Jonesborough, the country at that time being in a very wild and unsettled condition, and here made his home until 1877, when he came to Clay County, Ark., and began logging in H. H. Williams’ large mills, remaining thus employed for five years, then locating on his present excellent farm in Kilgore Township. The most of his attention, however, is given to lumbering and cotton-ginning. He owns a saw-mill and employs several hands to operate it. In July, 1888, the post-office at Thurman was established and he became the first postmaster, and is now holding that position. He has held the office of justice of the peace for two years, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Agricultural Wheel. In 1855 he wedded Miss Barbara I. Lipe, a native of Illinois, and by her became the father of twelve children, six now living: Walter, Emma A., Elsie J., Anna, John and Lillie. His wife died in October, 1880, and in 1881 he married Louisa Carter, who was born in Adams County, Ind., and by her had one child, Rosa P. He and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, of which he is also clerk.