(1) Name: James L. GRIFFITH
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Father: William Ardery GRIFFITH (1808-1879)
Mother: Cynthia MATHERS/MATTHERS (1811-1838)
Misc. Notes
History of Bourbon, Scott, Harrison and Nicholas Counties, Kentucky, ed. by William Henry Perrin, O. L. Baskin & Co., Chicago, 1882. p. 590. [Scott County] [Georgetown City and Precinct]
JAMES L. GRIFFITH, farmer, P. O. Payne's Depot. The subject of this sketch dates his ancestry to William Griffith, who was born in the year 1760, in the State of Virginia, and his parents emigrated to that State from Wales in England, but the exact date is not certainly known. He came to Kentucky from Greenbrier County, now West Virginia, and landed at Louisville on flat boats, in the year 1787. A considerable company of emigrants accompanied him, the most of whom found their way with him to Steele's Run, in Nicholas County, where they settled and where their descendants live to this day. Among the leading families that accompanied him, and whose descendants are to be found there, were those of William and Hamlet Collier, Martin and William Baker, from whom Baker's school house on said stream was named; William, John, and Nathaniel Conway, the father of the present John Hardy, and perhaps others. The land where they settled was then a part of Bourbon County, but was afterward made a part of Nicholas County. William Griffith received a grant of land from the State of Virginia, a part of which is in the hands of his descendants to this day, having first passed to his son, Martin Griffith, and from him to the late William A. Griffith, and is now held by his children. In person William Griffith was tall and commanding, his body was strong, vigorous and athletic, and the strength and manliness of his intellect was fully in keeping with the vigor of his body. He was active in all the duties that pertained to the infant settlement, and his great energy and force of character suited him for the age in which he lived. He had considerable knowledge of the civil and common law, and was well versed in the politics of the day, and the people were not long in recognizing his worth, and usefulness. He was first elected one of the Justices of the Peace of Bourbon County. He was also a member of the Kentucky House of Representatives for the session of 1799. For some years previous to the said session of the Legislature, the people had been agitating the questions relating to a new Constitution for the State of Kentucky, in all of which he took an active interest and a leading part, and when it was determined to frame a new Constitution, William Griffith was chosen on of the three delegates from Bourbon County to frame the Constitution of 1799. His political knowledge and wisdom was well understood, and his energy greatly facilitated the formation of that instrument. His colleagues from Bourbon County in that work were Nathaniel Rogers and James Duncan. After the Constitution had been framed and ratified by the people, William Griffith was taken sick with a fever, and died during the year 1800, at the age of forty, at the very beginning of his usefulness, greatly beloved and respected. He was buried on his own land, in a family graveyard, laid out by himself, he being the first of occupy it. Before leaving Virginia, William Griffith had married Sally Baker, a sister of Martin and William Baker, who proved to be more than an ordinary woman, and whose early life seemed to be a necessity to the early settlers. At that time doctors were few and lived a great way apart. After coming to Kentucky she studied medicine and soon mastered the knowledge of herbs, and before civilization had cast its mantle over the county, her practice had extended far and near. She died in the year 1835, after having spent a life of great usefulness. For some years after the settlement was first made, Indians made frequent raids through the country. On one occasion they captured and carried off two horses belonging to William Griffith, and at another time they captured and carried off a negro slave belonging to him, who had gone fishing at Steele's Ford, on Hinkston. The negro was never afterward heard from. The children had sometimes to be hid in the cane brakes, and the men had sometimes to follow the raiding Indians. William Griffith left several sons and daughters whose descendants are now scattered over Kentucky and the West. The oldest son of William Griffith was Major William Griffith, who settled in Harrison County, between Cynthiana and Leesburg, Ky. He showed marked ability as a financier, and left a handsome estate as the reward of his industry. He made several successful trips to New Orleans upon flat boats to take out the products of Kentucky's virgin soil before steam boats had become in use on the Mississippi, and brought his money home in saddle pockets on horseback. He was a Major in the State Militia and was held in high esteem by all who knew him. He was born in Virginia on the 5th day of November, 1783 and died July 7, 1843.His grandson, Wm. K. Griffith, now owns the farm where he lived and died. The second son of William Griffith was Martin Griffith. He was born in Greenbriar County, Va., in 1784, and came to Kentucky when three years old. He lived fifty-one years on the land that had been owned by his father; he then moved to Calloway County, Mo., where he lived for thirty-three years, and died on the 6th of January, 1868, at the age of eighty-seven years. He was a successful farmer, an active Mason, an Elder in the Presbyterian Church and a charitable and useful citizen. He left sons and daughters, all of whom settled in Missouri except the late William A. Griffith, who died upon the old homestead, June 28, 1879. Samuel Griffith was the third son of William Griffith. He lived at Scott's Station, in Harrison County, Ky. He served the people of Harrison County one term in the lower branch of the Kentucky Legislature. He was a faithful Representative, a useful man and a popular citizen. Thomas Griffith was the fourth son of William Griffith. He was a soldier of the war of 1812 and acquitted himself honorably in that war; he afterward moved to Missouri, where his descendants now live. John Griffith was the fifth son of William Griffith; he lived and died near Millersburg, Ky. He was an excellent citizen; kind and hospitable and charitable to a fault; he left no children to inherit his excellent traits of character. The descendants of William Griffith are now quite numerous, and many of them have proved themselves useful, successful and honored citizens. William A. Griffith, whose death is recorded above, was born Feb. 29, 1868; his wife, Cynthia Mathers, was born in 1801, and died in 1841; she was the mother of four children, of whom James L., the subject of this sketch, was the oldest; he graduated at the College of Danville in 1856, after which he engaged in a merchandising and milling business at Pleasant Valley, where he remained until 1861, when he obtained a license to practice law and entered upon the practice of that profession in 1862, at Cynthiana. He filled the offices of City Attorney and City Assessor in connection with his other professional duties; he remained at Cynthiana until 1873, when he moved to Scott County, and purchased a farm and turned his attention to farming; his farm is situated on the Lexington, Bethel and Moore's Run Pike, and contains 165 acres of choice farm land, which he has placed in a high state of cultivation, and he is now engaged in growing the usual farm crops and handling high-grade stock. During the first year of his farm life he built a fine frame residence, which was destroyed by fire in the fall of 1879, and has been replaced by a fine brick edifice, which is an honor to himself, and is spoken of as one of the finest residences in the county. He was married near where he now lives, June 14, 1870, to Miss Adrienne Graves, who was born May 13, 1846; she has borne to him seven children, viz: James, born Jan. 17, 1873; Mary E., born Oct. 18, 1875; her twin died the following year; William D., born April 5, 1879; Warren H., born Oct. 15, 1880. Mrs. Griffith was a daughter of Jefferson and Mary (Dunn) Graves; he born Aug. 6, 1803, died March 30, 1880; she died in 1847. Mr. Griffith is a true gentleman and a thorough business man, and in him are embodied all the noble qualities for which his ancestors were noted. Religiously himself and wife are connected with the Presbyterian Church. Politically he is Democratic.
Spouses
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1: Adrienne GRAVES
Birth: May 13, 1846
Father: Jefferson GRAVES (1803-1880)
Mother: Mary DUNN (-1847)
Marriage: June 14, 1870
Children: James (1873-)
Mary E. (1875-)
William D. (1879-)
Warren H. (1880-)
(2) Name: Nancy Van Sant GRIFFITH
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Father: William Burrell GRIFFITH (1857-1907)
Mother: Virginia VANSANT (1859-)
Misc. Notes
The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Volume 107, page 116
[p.116] Miss Nancy Van Sant Griffith.
DAR ID Number: 106378
Born in Bourbon County, Ky.
Descendant of Jacob Spears, Jacobus Van Sant, and George Edwards, as follows:
1. William Bunnell Griffith (1857-1907) m. 1884 Virginia Van Sant (b. 1859).
2. William King Griffith (b. 1828) m. 1855 Margaret Kerfoot Spears (b. 1837); John Keith Van Sant (1819-1901) m. 1850 Nancy Markwell (1827-89).
3. Aaron Van Sant (1772-1827) m. 1799 Margaret Keith (1778-1830); John Kerfoot Spears (1812-54) m. 1836 Emily Morin (1820-87).
4. Jacobus Van Sant m. 1756 Jannette Benet (b. 1733); Solomon Spears (d. 1830) m. 1811 Margaret Kerfoot (1796-1833); Joseph Morin (b. 1787) m. Sophia Edwards.
5. Jacob Spears m. 1784 Elizabeth Kellar (1765-1837); George Edwards m. 1788 Edith Monroe (b. 1772). Jacob Spears (1754-1825) served in Capt. John Hoagland's company, Col. William Crawford's regiment, in the Sandusky expedition. He was born in Rockingham County, Va.; died in Kentucky.
Also No. 100121.
Jacobus Van Sant (1727-98) enlisted, 1775, in Capt. Henry Lott's company, Bucks County, Pennsylvania militia. He was born, 1727, in Bucks County, Pa.
Also No. 67206
George Edwards (1754-1835) served as a seaman in the Revolution. He was born in Prince William County, Va.; died in Bourbon County, Ky.
(3) Name: Martin GRIFFITH [1]
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Birth: January 7, 1780 Greenbrier County, Virginia
Death: January 6, 1869 Callaway County, Missouri Age: 88
Father: William GRIFFITH (1760-1800)
Mother: Sarah BAKER (1762-1838)
Misc. Notes
NOTE: Primary information for the Martin Griffith family line has been generously contributed by Connie Burkhead. Thanks, Connie! --REF
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Moved to Kentucky when he was three years old.
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Notes on MARTIN GRIFFITH: [2]
Martin Griffith Will 1865
Probated 1867 thur 1869
In the name of God, I Martin Griffith of the County of Callaway in the State of Missouri being of sound mind and memory, but feeble in body, do make and ordain this my last will and testament.
First, I desire that my financial expenses and all just debts, be first paid.
Secondly, I will and devise to my daughter, Sally Culbertson all the silverware that maybe undisposed of at he time of my death.
Thirdly, I will and devise to two grand children, sons of Nancy Neill deceased, towit Arthur L. and John H. the following described lands, lying and beginning in the County of Callaway & State of Missouri. To with the Southwest quarter of (?can't read), South West quarter, of Sec. (??can't read) 33, ____??___48, Range 10 _______? It is to be take of the __?__ and the piece of land and thirty nine acres intended by and patented to John Crowson?? And sold by him to Robert Martin and by, him to me.
Fourth, I will and direct that all my other lands, shall be sold by my executor, either at private or public sale, at such time and on such terms as he may judge fit and proper the sale however not to be suspended over two years from the time of my demise, and that the proceeds of such sale be equally divided among all my children and in case of the death of any or all of them, then among the heirs of their body as In Statute of Missouri provided it being understood ,That A. S. and John H. Neill sons, of Nancy Neill dec'd shall have the share to which their mother would have been entitled had she been livingó One half acre in a square to be reserved from such sale it being the family burying ground.
Fifth, It is my will and desire that as soon as convenient after my death, all my personal property of every character and kind whatsoever not other wise devised in this will be exposed at public sale as the law directs, and that all debts due to me be collected, and the said proceeds of said sale, and all money on hand and collected after my death, be equally divided among my surving children, and their heirs of their body of those dead, as the law directs.
Sixth, I do hereby appoint and constitute my son-in-law, John McClanahan, executor of this my last will and testament.
In testamony whereof I have hereto subscrided my
name this 25th day of September 1865
Attested by the undersigned at the request, and in the
presence, of Martin Griffith the testator.
Witnesses;
Zachiah ? Cook or Hook
Robert E. Baker
Executor's Bond
Know all Men by these presents that we John McClanahan as Principal and Robert E. Baker & Joseph Culbertson as securities, are held and firmly bond to the State of Missouri in the sum of Six Thousand Dollars, for the payment of which, well and freely to be made, we bind ourselves, our heirs, etc., jointly severally and firmly, by the presents, sealed with our seals and dated this 12the day of January A.D. 1867
The condition of the above Bond is that of John Mcclanahan the exeucutor of the last Will and Testament of Martin Griffith .
Deceased, shall faithfully execute the last Will and Testament, account for pay and deliver, all money and property of the Deceased, according to the provisions of said Will and perform all other things touching such Executorship, required by law or the order or decree of any court having jurisdiction, then the above Bond to be void, otherwise to remain in full force.
John McClanahan (Seal)
Robt. E. Baker (Seal)
Joseph Culbertson (Seal)
Signed, Sealed and acknowledged in
the Presence of
W. H. Bailey Clerk
Spouses
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1: Elizabeth ARDERY
Birth: November 23, 1805 Kentucky
Death: October 1852 Callaway County, Missouri Age: 46
Father: John ARDERY (-1830)
Mother: Mary WATT
Children: Mary (1805-1852)
Rachel (~1806-1869)
William Ardery (1808-1879)
Sarah (1812-)
James A.
John
Nancy
Thomas (->1835)
Susan
Jennie
Martin
Anna
Sources
1. Connie Burkhead, “Martin Griffith Genealogy,” 26 May 2000, CBurkh3128@aol.com.
2. Connie Burkhead, “Descendants of John Ardery”
(4) Name: William GRIFFITH
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Birth: 1760 Greenbrier County, Virginia
Death: 1800 Nicholas County, Kentucky Age: 40
Misc. Notes
Refer to “This Old House” article on the Griffith House for further information about this family.--REF
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Notes for WILLIAM GRIFFITH: [1]
William came to Kentucky from Greenbriar County, Va, now West Virginia his parents having emigrated there from Wales. He landed in Louisville on a flat boat in the year 1787 accompanied by a considerable company of emigrants, the most of whom found their way with him to Steele's Run, in Nicholas County.
Spouses
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1: Sarah BAKER
Birth: 1762 Chesterfield County, Virginia
Death: July 22, 1838 Nicholas County, Kentucky Age: 76
Father: Martin BAKER (1740-1812)
Mother: Mary “Polly” KIMBROUGH (-1830)
Marriage: about 1778 Virginia
Children: Martin (1780-1869)
William (1782-1843)
Mary (1785-1875)
John (1787-1865)
Anna (1790-1817)
Sarah (1798-1871)
Samuel (1778-1826)
Sources
1. Kay Withers, “Baker Family of Nicholas/Bourbon County Line;” Date received, : 20 Apr 2000--kwithers@kih.net>