James P. Griffin (1832 - 1916)

Born 16 Mar 1832 in Tennessee

Husband of Nancy Ann Randels — married 8 Jan 1851 in Lawrence County, TN

Husband of Mary Margaret Gardner — married 27 Aug 1865 in Giles County, TN

Descendants

Died 19 Jan 1916 at age 83 in Corinth, Mississippi

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Joel Serafin [send private message]

Biography

In 1909, James gave his son William a large sum of money and asked him to purchase property. Instead of buying it in his father's name as instructed, he bought it for himself, using the money he was given. He also sold a mule owned by James without permission and kept the money. James took his son to court. William was charged with embezzlement and with making false pretenses. He was acquitted of embezzlement, claiming the money was a gift. Just a day before the trial for making false pretenses, he was found dead, hanging from a tree. The death was ruled a suicide. Some in the family believed he was killed by his half brothers by dragging him with horses, then was hanged to make it look like suicide.

James died in Corinth, Mississippi but was buried in Old Ethridge Cemetery in Lawrence County, TN

Sources

Published article by Estha Cole entitled:

James Griffin - Farmer and Self Trained Physician

From:

Lawrence County Heritage The Journal of the Lawrence County (Tennessee) Genealogical Society Vol. 1 No. 1 Fall 1997

The article provides dates and locations of birth and death. It also names three wives and all of his children. It gives dates and locations of his first two marriages.

Last Will & Testament of James Griffin written in 1914 names 9 of his 11 children (Will Griffin was dead in 1914, and apparently Louisa was too). Names listed in order:

Al J Griffin (Albert Jackson) - mother was Nancy Randels Geo W Griffin (George Washington) - mother was Nancy Randels Houston Griffin (James Houston) - mother was Nancy Randels J A Griffin (Joseph Anthony) - mother was Nancy Randels John Griffin (John D.) - mother was Mary Gardner Jennie Griffin (Mirandia Jane Griffiin Copeland) - mother was Mary Gardner M P Griffin (Mary Pochahontas Griffin Rhodes - mother was Mary Gardner Henry Griffin (Henry Clinton) - mother was Mary Gardner

Each of the above received $5.

Robert L (Tank) Griffin received the balance of the estate - mother was Mary Gardner