William Griffiths of Madras

Question

I am a history enthusiast looking for information on William Griffiths, who had donated liberally in the founding of the library at University of Madras, Chennai in the year 1897 through a will. It is my assumption that he could be one of the partners of Griffith's&Co - one of the influential merchant houses of Madras for a long time and could have been born in the year 1832 as one of the twins. Father could probably be Lewis Griffiths. Could someone help me here?

Answer 1

 Hi,

I am doing genealogy for my friends who are related to Henry Griffiths of Madras.  He was born in Madras, India but spent his adult life in Cheltenham, England in the clergy.  He was born in 1806 in Madras.   
There is a listing on the internet of Henry, John and James Griffihs births in Madras India on a listing.

 

From: Chris Anderson <chrisandsmail@yahoo.com.au> 
Subject: St. Mary's Church[ Fort St. George] Madras: Baptisms G & H 
Date: Thu, 27 Oct 2005 17:00:08 +1000 (EST)

Hello Listers,
Continuing the Index 1815-1826 of the LDS film that I
am looking at present,
" Church Of England, St Mary’s Church [Fort St.
George] Madras "
If someone does recognize a name I will look at
the actual baptism for you, as they are on the film.

St.Marys Church of England 
Fort St.George 
Madras
Index to Baptisms 1815-1826

Sincerely,

jeanne riecke jmriecke@netzero.net

Comments

Hi Jeanne,

Thanks for the response. I am still in the dark about how William was related to the three Griffiths you listed. Son probably? Do you have any other leads?

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Yes.  After more research Wlliam Stevenson Griffiths is a son of Richard Griffiths.  He would be a brother to Henry the clergyman in Cheltenham.  Both were born in Madras. Their father was involved with the East India Company and also had side businesses.  He made a ton of money.  In a probate for Henry Griffiths in 1892, his net worth was £28673 0s 0d.  

 

 

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This William Griffiths as per records seems to have passed away in the 1930's. The William I am looking for left a will only in 1897 to form a library in the University of Madras. There must be a different and a younger William in the family.