William Thomas Dean

Male, #11551, (13 Aug 1870 - 29 Nov 1947)
Father*Lewis Gibson Dean
Mother*Louisa Juanita Hamilton
Birth*13 Aug 1870 William was born at Mellow Valley, Clay Co., Alabama, on 13 Aug 1870. 
Employment* William's occupation: farmer. 
Census*1880 He was in the in 1880 census at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Marriage*15 Jan 1893 He married Eldora Griffin at Good Hope, Clay Co., Alabama, on 15 Jan 1893 at age 22.1 
Birth of Son8 Jun 1894 His son Amsler Dean was born on 8 Jun 1894 at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death of Son20 Jun 1895 His son Amsler Dean died on 20 Jun 1895 at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Birth of Son3 May 1896 His son Otho William Dean was born on 3 May 1896 at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Birth of Son13 Feb 1898 His son Ewart Gladstone Dean was born on 13 Feb 1898 at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Census1900 He was listed as a resident in the census report at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama, in 1900. 
Birth of Son12 Feb 1904 His son Infant (?) Dean was born on 12 Feb 1904 at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death of Son12 Feb 1904 His son Infant (?) Dean died on 12 Feb 1904. 
Death of Mother6 Nov 1907 His mother Louisa Juanita Hamilton died on 6 Nov 1907 at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death of Father18 Feb 1918 His father Lewis Gibson Dean died on 18 Feb 1918 at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death*29 Nov 1947 He died at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama, on 29 Nov 1947 at age 77. 
Burial* His body was interred at Ashland City Cemetery, Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama.2 
Biography*  William Thomas was known as "Bud." He was a merchant in Ashland for a number of years. He had also worked as a mail carrier and a farmer. His daughter, Mrs. E. A. (Ellaree Dean) Speer wrote (summer 1992): The Deans lived in Clay County for many years. My father (W.T.) was born a couple of miles from Ashland and moved to Ashland when a boy. Grandpa Dean was a farmer and so was my father except for a few years as a merchant when I was very young. 

Family

Eldora Griffin
Marriage*15 Jan 1893 He married Eldora Griffin at Good Hope, Clay Co., Alabama, on 15 Jan 1893 at age 22.1 
Children
ChartsJohn Culpepper of Randolph Co, AL: Descendant Chart
Last Edited9 Jul 1999

Citations

  1. Book E December 23, 1890 - December 27, 1894

    No. 287 W. T. DEAN to Dara GRIFFIN on January 15, 1893 by W. H. Preston, MG, at Mr. William Griffin. Bond: W. T. Dean and L. G. Dean.
  2. Clay County Alabama Historical Society, Cemeteries of Clay County, Alabama, La Grange, GA: Family Tree, 1987.
    p 29.

Mayona Willingham

Female, #11552, (19 May 1877 - 15 Oct 1931)
Father*James Ezekiel Willingham
Mother*Mary Ann Lewis
Birth*19 May 1877 Mayona was born at Eden, Coosa Co., Alabama, on 19 May 1877. 
Death of Mother1886 Her mother Mary Ann Lewis died in 1886. 
Marriage*22 Dec 1904 She married Robert Lewis Griffin on 22 Dec 1904 at age 27. 
Married Name22 Dec 1904  As of 22 Dec 1904, her married name was Griffin. 
Birth of Son28 Jul 1909 Her son Robert Lewis Griffin Jr. was born on 28 Jul 1909 at Goodwater, Coosa Co., Alabama. 
Census*1910 She was listed as a resident in the census report at Goodwater, Coosa Co., Alabama, in 1910. 
Birth of Son5 Jun 1920 Her son Henry Clay Griffin was born on 5 Jun 1920 at Eclectic, Elmore Co., Alabama. 
Death*15 Oct 1931 She died at Montevallo, Shelby Co., Alabama, on 15 Oct 1931 at age 54. 
Biography* Mrs. L. Z. (M. Claire Griffin) Jelin wrote Jul 1994 that her mother's name was "Mayona Willingham" and Mayona's mother was "Mary Lewis." In a 12 Jul 1994 letter, H. Clay Griffin wrote that his mother's name was "Mayona Willingham." He added: My mother's mother was Mary Ann Lewis Willingham whose first husband was James Ezekiel Willingham (who died in his 30's). Mary Ann Lewis Willingham remarried after her first husband's death. She died in childbirth in 1886. My mother was raised by her grandparents Isaac Ramsey William Lewis & Martha Ann Creel. Many of these people were buried in Coosa Valley Cemetery near Eden [Coosa Co., AL? can't locate on current map], but graves moved because of water impoundment.
      In a 25 Jul 1994 letter, H. Clay Griffin added: I believe my mother went to Lineville College.... 

Family

Robert Lewis Griffin
Marriage*22 Dec 1904 She married Robert Lewis Griffin on 22 Dec 1904 at age 27. 
Children
Last Edited9 Jul 1999

Sarah Ann Griffin

Female, #11553, (16 Jan 1874 - 31 Dec 1955)
Father*William Henry Griffin
Mother*Clarissa Eugenia Culpepper
Birth*16 Jan 1874 Sarah was born at Good Hope (near Lineville), Clay Co., Alabama, on 16 Jan 1874. 
Census*1880 She was in the in 1880 census at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Marriage*19 Jan 1899 She married Isaac Larkus Reeves at Good Hope (near Lineville), Clay Co., Alabama, on 19 Jan 1899 at age 25. 
Married Name19 Jan 1899  As of 19 Jan 1899, her married name was Reeves. 
Birth of Son29 Mar 1905 Her son Lorin Griffin Reeves was born on 29 Mar 1905 at Clay Co., Alabama. 
Birth of Son5 Jul 1907 Her son William Earl Reeves was born on 5 Jul 1907 at Clay Co., Alabama. 
Birth of Son26 Jun 1909 Her son Louis Bynum Reeves was born on 26 Jun 1909 at Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death of Father21 Feb 1924 Her father William Henry Griffin died on 21 Feb 1924 at Olive Branch, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death of Mother29 Nov 1947 Her mother Clarissa Eugenia Culpepper died on 29 Nov 1947 at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death of Spouse27 Oct 1954 Her husband Isaac Larkus Reeves died on 27 Oct 1954 at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death*31 Dec 1955 She died at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama, on 31 Dec 1955 at age 81. 
Burial* Her body was interred at Oak Grove Methodist Church Cemetery, Clay Co., Alabama.1 
Biography* She was known as "Annie." A niece, Mrs. Charles (Margaret Whatley) Lee wrote in 31 Jan 1979 letter that "Aunt Annie Reeves was very humble, kind & quiet natured." 

Family

Isaac Larkus Reeves
Marriage*19 Jan 1899 She married Isaac Larkus Reeves at Good Hope (near Lineville), Clay Co., Alabama, on 19 Jan 1899 at age 25. 
Children
ChartsBenjamin (son of Joseph) Culpepper of Edgecombe Co., NC: Descendant Chart
John Culpepper of Randolph Co, AL: Descendant Chart
Last Edited9 Jul 1999

Citations

  1. Clay County Alabama Historical Society, Cemeteries of Clay County, Alabama, La Grange, GA: Family Tree, 1987.
    p 321.

Isaac Larkus Reeves

Male, #11554, (10 Oct 1874 - 27 Oct 1954)
Father*Hiram Harrison Reeves
Mother*Victoria Young
Birth*10 Oct 1874 Isaac was born on 10 Oct 1874. 
Employment* Isaac's occupation: farmer. 
Marriage*19 Jan 1899 He married Sarah Ann Griffin at Good Hope (near Lineville), Clay Co., Alabama, on 19 Jan 1899 at age 24. 
Birth of Son29 Mar 1905 His son Lorin Griffin Reeves was born on 29 Mar 1905 at Clay Co., Alabama. 
Birth of Son5 Jul 1907 His son William Earl Reeves was born on 5 Jul 1907 at Clay Co., Alabama. 
Birth of Son26 Jun 1909 His son Louis Bynum Reeves was born on 26 Jun 1909 at Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death of Father4 Mar 1919 His father Hiram Harrison Reeves died on 4 Mar 1919. 
Death of Mother22 Nov 1941 His mother Victoria Young died on 22 Nov 1941. 
Death*27 Oct 1954 He died at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama, on 27 Oct 1954 at age 80. 
Burial* His body was interred at Oak Grove Methodist Church Cemetery, Clay Co., Alabama.1 
Biography* Isaac was a first cousin of James Furman Reeves. Isaac's father Hiram Reeves, and Willis Cornelius Reeves, were brothers. 

Family

Sarah Ann Griffin
Marriage*19 Jan 1899 He married Sarah Ann Griffin at Good Hope (near Lineville), Clay Co., Alabama, on 19 Jan 1899 at age 24. 
Children
Last Edited9 Jul 1999

Citations

  1. Clay County Alabama Historical Society, Cemeteries of Clay County, Alabama, La Grange, GA: Family Tree, 1987.
    p 321.

John Thomas Griffin

Male, #11555, (11 May 1876 - 23 Jun 1922)
Father*William Henry Griffin
Mother*Clarissa Eugenia Culpepper
Birth*11 May 1876 John was born at Good Hope (near Lineville), Clay Co., Alabama, on 11 May 1876. 
Employment* John's occupation: farmer. 
Census*1880 He listed as son(s) in the census report at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama, in 1880. 
Census1900 He was listed as a resident in the census report at Clay Co., Alabama, in 1900. 
Marriage*15 Jan 1908 He married LeEmma Bartlett at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama, on 15 Jan 1908 at age 31. 
Birth of Son1 Dec 1909 His son Infant Son Griffin was born on 1 Dec 1909. 
Death of Son23 Dec 1909 His son Infant Son Griffin died on 23 Dec 1909. 
Birth of Son10 Oct 1910 His son Thomas Daniel Griffin was born on 10 Oct 1910 at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death of Son5 Jun 1912 His son Thomas Daniel Griffin died on 5 Jun 1912 at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Birth of Son4 Sep 1914 His son Merrol A. Griffin was born on 4 Sep 1914 at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Birth of Son10 Apr 1918 His son Emyl Gene Griffin was born on 10 Apr 1918 at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death*23 Jun 1922 He died at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama, on 23 Jun 1922 at age 46. 
Burial* His body was interred at Old Lineville City Cemetery, Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama.1 
Biography* According to an entry for his brother, James O. Griffin, on p. 253 of Vol. 2 of the 1927 edition of the History of Alabama and Her People published by the American Historical Society, Inc., J. Thomas "died at Lineville of typhoid fever in June 1922...." 

Family

LeEmma Bartlett
Marriage*15 Jan 1908 He married LeEmma Bartlett at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama, on 15 Jan 1908 at age 31. 
Children
ChartsBenjamin (son of Joseph) Culpepper of Edgecombe Co., NC: Descendant Chart
John Culpepper of Randolph Co, AL: Descendant Chart
Last Edited15 Feb 2009

Citations

  1. Clay County Alabama Historical Society, Cemeteries of Clay County, Alabama, La Grange, GA: Family Tree, 1987.
    p 217.

LeEmma Bartlett

Female, #11556, (28 Feb 1879 - 22 Oct 1965)
Birth*28 Feb 1879 LeEmma was born on 28 Feb 1879. 
Marriage*15 Jan 1908 She married John Thomas Griffin at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama, on 15 Jan 1908 at age 28. 
Married Name15 Jan 1908  As of 15 Jan 1908, her married name was Griffin. 
Birth of Son1 Dec 1909 Her son Infant Son Griffin was born on 1 Dec 1909. 
Death of Son23 Dec 1909 Her son Infant Son Griffin died on 23 Dec 1909. 
Birth of Son10 Oct 1910 Her son Thomas Daniel Griffin was born on 10 Oct 1910 at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death of Son5 Jun 1912 Her son Thomas Daniel Griffin died on 5 Jun 1912 at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Birth of Son4 Sep 1914 Her son Merrol A. Griffin was born on 4 Sep 1914 at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Birth of Son10 Apr 1918 Her son Emyl Gene Griffin was born on 10 Apr 1918 at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death of Spouse23 Jun 1922 Her husband John Thomas Griffin died on 23 Jun 1922 at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death*22 Oct 1965 She died at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama, on 22 Oct 1965 at age 86. 
Burial* Her body was interred at Old Lineville City Cemetery, Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama.1 
Biography* The following article is from a Lineville, AL newspaper April 1990: Scholarship Fund Set Up In Memory Of Griffins The family of the late LeEmma Bartlett Griffin and John Thomas Griffin have set up a scholarship in their memory. The scholarship will be given to a graduating senior at Lineville High School in the amount of $1,000 per year to be administered by a committee composed of the principal, assistant principal and guidance counselor, along with two other persons of choice by the three mentioned here, if they prefer to enlarge the committee. The student will be selected on the basis of academic record, minimum ACT score of 20 or equivalent on any other test of the same type, extracurricular actives and similar factors. All other factors being equal, the scholarship will be given on the basis of the greatest need for financial assistance. The scholarship will be awarded at graduation and will actually be paid to the recipient within thirty days of his/her entrance to college. The scholarship will be renewable for the four year duration of the student's college career, provided their grades are kept to a certain level and all scholarship requirements are met. When, and if, the fund is near exhaustion, the money will be awarded on a pro-rata basis to the students already in college. The scholarship is being made available through Merrol and Louise (Wilkerson) Griffin, Emyl and Mescal (Kelley) Griffin, Michael and Janice Griffin, Steve and Charlotte (Griffin) Robertson, Marshall Griffin and Mark Griffin. The scholarship is given in recognition of the supreme sacrifice made by the mother in order to get the two sons (Merroll and Emyl) through high school and college. The father, John Thomas Griffin, passed away when the boys were ages seven and four respectively, but they felt his love as extended by the mother, friends and relatives following his death. They realize that his efforts to get them through school would have been just as great as the mother's. Following the death of the father, the mother and two sons pedaled butter and sold chickens until she was able to sell the small farm where they lived South of Lineville. Mr. Emyl Griffin stated that his mother took odd jobs cleaning houses, etc. in order to get he and his older brother through school. The Great Depression came, and it seemed that there just wasn't any money, but still the older son, Merrol, entered the University of Alabama and completed his degree in electrical engineering. Emyl graduated two years later and took whatever jobs he could find to continue his education at the University. He cleaned tables, swept floors and did whatever was necessary to earn a few dollars to stay in school. During his junior year, his landlady put him in charge of buying groceries and cooking for their boarding house, and this proved to be a special break, financially speaking. He came back to Lineville where he soon signed on with Higgins Company and has been with that firm every since. Griffin explained that the family wanted to do something to help other young people who might be struggling to get through college and to honor their beloved parents at the same time. "My brother and I would never have gotten where we are today had it not been for our Mother's determination, and it is for the honor of her and our father that we're establishing this scholarship." In closing, it may also be noted that the trust fund for this scholarship is open for others who might wish to contribute to make it an even longer-running source for LHS graduates who need financial assistance. 

Family

John Thomas Griffin
Marriage*15 Jan 1908 She married John Thomas Griffin at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama, on 15 Jan 1908 at age 28. 
Children
Last Edited9 Jul 1999

Citations

  1. Clay County Alabama Historical Society, Cemeteries of Clay County, Alabama, La Grange, GA: Family Tree, 1987.
    p 217.

Lelia Eugenia Griffin

Female, #11557, (10 Apr 1878 - 13 Oct 1936)
Father*William Henry Griffin
Mother*Clarissa Eugenia Culpepper
Birth*10 Apr 1878 Lelia was born at Good Hope (near Lineville), Clay Co., Alabama, on 10 Apr 1878. 
Employment* Lelia's occupation: farmer. 
Census*1880 She was in the in 1880 census at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Census1900 She was listed as a resident in the census report at Clay Co., Alabama, in 1900. 
Death of Father21 Feb 1924 Her father William Henry Griffin died on 21 Feb 1924 at Olive Branch, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death*13 Oct 1936 She died on 13 Oct 1936 at age 58. 
Burial* Her body was interred at Old Lineville City Cemetery, Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama.1 
Biography* Lelia Eugenia was named Eugenia after her mother. Mrs. Charles (Margaret Whatley) Lee wrote 31 Jan 1979: I loved my Aunt Lelia. If there was a saint, she was one. She was also good natured and quiet. She was so good to me. She used to make me such pretty little dresses. She would come get me in the buggy and I'd stay sometimes a week with her. She was a great cook. It really hurt me when she died.
Mrs. E. A. (Ellaree Dean) Speer wrote in a 10 Jan 1992 letter: Aunt Lelia was a "farmer" - she had a portion of the farm & planted cotton & corn (corn for the stock) - she worked in the field mostly, she was a good cook but during planting & harvesting time she worked in the field except on "Wash day" & then she & Aunt Maude would take the clothes to the "spring" - plenty of water. She had her own bales of cotton & knew the price of cotton daily. She died of meningitis.... Grandpa, Grandma Griffin, Aunt Lelia & Aunt Maude are buried in Old Cemetery in Lineville, just off Highway Ashland-Lineville.... 
Research note3 Jun 2010 From: Eloise [mailto:eloisesamuels@centurytel.net]
Sent: Thursday, June 03, 2010 8:58 AM

Dear Lew,
Yes, I remember all about the house and surrounding property, including the barn, old garage for Aunt Maude's buggy, storage house and smoke house and best of all a "double seat out- house"!!!!
This will take awhile for me to describe, but I will be happy to share my precious memories. We were there once each week as long as she lived and yes, I remember Aunt Lelia WELL. She was an excellent cook and always had the best "tea cakes" you've ever tasted. Aunt Maude was a great cook as well. Elaine and I always looked forward to the summers because we enjoyed an entire week at their sweet modest little home. Aunt Lelia planted a huge garden and their fruit trees were bountiful, which she allowed us to participate in preserving everything available. Her peaches, apples, pears and grapes were the best......oh, and the many fig bushes, plus the mouth-watering strawberries! Just for the sake of keeping an oddity, they had two Quince trees across the winding little dirt road. Flowers, for every season, adorned the entire place and especially around the house. The front yard was small and practically in the road with a tiny little mailbox surrounded by petunias. The back yard was well groomed by the hands of Aunt Lelia who meticulously swept it weekly with a broom made of oak limbs.If a sprig of grass were detected, a sharp- blade- hoe took care of it immediately . Now you must remember that the standard attire for all three ladies was long skirts, as well as long underskirts, long sleeves (usually dresses were always made by the same pattern with white collars), long black stockings and black low heel shoes. All clothes, table cloths, napkins, scarves and curtains were heavily starched with Grandmother's homemadeconcoction of ingredients. Spotless was an understatement for the interior as well as exterior.
As for thestructural appearance, it was a unique OLD house built with hard pine wood. Everyone parked in the back yard and the main entrance was the back door. Approaching the door, one 's eyes were captured by the manually dug well on the back porch and conveniently located to do the family laundry (each Monday morning and you have already envisioned the wire clothes line near the house) The house faced north and south and on the east side, there was a large room that extended the length of the house with small high windows. This was Grandmother and Aunt Lelia's room , which actually would accommodate four people. Each bed was neatly covered with white chenille bedspreads. Aunt Maude's room was on the front side of the house joining a small living room, which we referredto as her library. Having taught school for many years, she had accumulated numerous children's books that Elaine and I were allowed to sit quietly and properly to read. When entering the house by rear entrance, after passing the porch, the aroma from the kitchendirected your nose to the next room, which was the dining room and "sitting room" for everyone. The extended dining room table seated six and even eight on occasions. A huge fireplace was located in this room and Grandmother's old leather and oak trimmed chair occupied the corner by the fireplace. Since she could not hear well at all, plus blind in one eye, we each knew our seating arrangement near her, which was a circlein the following order: Mama sat first, Elaine second, Eloise third, Daddy fourth, Aunt Lelia fifth and Aunt Maude sixth unless she was in her room preparing for school. We sat very quietly, listened carefully and knelt at her chair if she were speaking directly. She and Mama were excellent seamstresses and Grandmother wanted to feel and make every effort to examine our clothes. Unlimited respect was shared between her and my Daddy because both were "business-minded and honorable." Aunt Lelia was lots of fun and always gave us tea cakes wrapped in a starched white cloth as we were leaving....

Love to you,
Eloise. 
ChartsBenjamin (son of Joseph) Culpepper of Edgecombe Co., NC: Descendant Chart
John Culpepper of Randolph Co, AL: Descendant Chart
Last Edited9 Jul 1999

Citations

  1. Clay County Alabama Historical Society, Cemeteries of Clay County, Alabama, La Grange, GA: Family Tree, 1987.
    p 218.

Joseph Albertus Griffin

Male, #11558, (20 Jul 1880 - 22 May 1979)
Father*William Henry Griffin
Mother*Clarissa Eugenia Culpepper
Birth*20 Jul 1880 Joseph was born at Good Hope (near Lineville), Clay Co., Alabama, on 20 Jul 1880. 
Census*1900 He was in the in 1900 census at Clay Co., Alabama. 
Marriage*30 Dec 1914 He married Flora Inzer on 30 Dec 1914 at age 34. 
Birth of Son19 Nov 1915 His son Joe Inzer Griffin was born on 19 Nov 1915 at Hackneyville, Tallapoosa Co., Alabama. 
Death of Father21 Feb 1924 His father William Henry Griffin died on 21 Feb 1924 at Olive Branch, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death of Mother29 Nov 1947 His mother Clarissa Eugenia Culpepper died on 29 Nov 1947 at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death of Spouse11 Mar 1976 His wife Flora Inzer died on 11 Mar 1976 at Sylacauga, Talladega Co., Alabama. 
Death*22 May 1979 He died at Sylacauga, Talladega Co., Alabama, on 22 May 1979 at age 98. 
Burial*24 May 1979 His body was interred on 24 May 1979 at Evergreen Cemetery, Sylacauga, Talladega Co., Alabama. 
Biography* Joseph A. Griffin was named for his uncle, Joseph Culpepper. Mrs. E. A. (Ellaree Dean) Speer wrote in a 10 Jan 1992 letter: Uncle [James] Olin [Griffin] had a good practice in Hackneyville & also telephone business.... Uncle Bert kept books on Uncle Olin's practice too - he was busy answering calls, those were horse & buggy days.... Uncle Bert married while there.... Left there, went to B'ham & worked for Haverty Furniture....
      In an entry for his brother, James O. Griffin, on p. 253 of Vol. 2 of the 1927 edition of the History of Alabama and Her People published by the American Historical Society, Inc., Joseph Albertus Griffin was listed as a "credit man for the Haverty Furniture Company at Birmingham...." 27 Jul 1967, J. A. Griffin and his wife made the front page of The Sylacauga Advance: HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. GRIFFIN Today is a big day for Mr. J. A. Griffin! For the company he has been with for some 33 years will close its doors early so that all his associates can attend a party for him at Willow Point Country Club. The occasion is in celebration of Mr. Griffin's 87th birthday and his associates will watch him blow candles and will sing "Happy Birthday" to a "grand guy". Born in [Good Hope near] Lineville, Mr. Griffin attended schools there and then graduated from Massey Business College in Birmingham. He married lovely Flora Inzer of Eden and in December 1967, they will celebrate their 53rd wedding anniversary. Mr. Griffin joined Sokol's in 1934 and he came to Sylacauga as store manager in 1938. He has been active in many phases of civic and church life as well as carrying much weight in business circles. He is an active member of the Sylacauga Exchange Club and the First Baptist Church. The Griffins have a new home on the Old Rockford Road, after having operated Oak Lawn Inn for many years. They have three children, Mrs. Claude Newman, Sylacauga; Mrs. Edward Marston, Manchester, N.H; Joe Griffin, Birmingham; and seven grandchildren. All Sylacauga joins with his Sokol's friends in saying "Happy Birthday, Mr. Griffin."
      Mrs. Charles (Margaret Whatley) Lee wrote 23 Feb 1980: Uncle Bert's home was such a beautiful and convenient home. Uncle Bert had that house built when he was in his 80's I suppose. He and Aunt Flora enjoyed it a few years....
      The following is from an unknown source, probably The Sylacauga Advance: J. A. Griffin Gives Drew Court Library Air Conditioner The Drew Court Library patrons can now use their facility in cool comfort thanks to Mr. J. A. Griffin of Sokol's who has given an air conditioner for the room. Presentation was made at last Thursday's meeting of the Exchange Club following a talk by Miss Dorothy Lee, librarian B. B. Comer Memorial Library. Miss Lee, program speaker for the day, told the "Library Story". After Mr. Griffin gave the air conditioner for Sokol's, the Exchange Club presented a check to help defray installation costs. Miss Lee reported that she had also received a check from Jack Nealeans.
      The following is from The Birmingham News for Wednesday, 29 Jul 1970: Alabama Amblings Retire at 89? Why should one? BY LEONARD STERN, News staff writer SYLACAUGA At the age of 89, Joseph Albertus Griffin decided that he had enough of his three month retirement from the furniture business and started back to work. Daddy Joe, as his great-grandchildren called him, began managing a furniture store in Sylacauga when he was 60. Although the retirement age is 65, Bert kept putting it off every five years on up to the age of 89 when the store finally changed ownership. Three months later, he accepted a position at another furniture store, working three days a week. Bert was never the kind to lie around, his wife says. He keeps up the lawns in front of their two houses in Sylacauga and is an avid rose gardener. He's never been to a hospital in his life, has no bad habits, an amazing eyesight and doesn't like to be called an "old man," she says. Griffin reads several current event publications and keeps up with the latest styles in men's wear. Besides his work and gardening, Griffin belongs to the Exchange Club, and has supposedly never missed a meeting. He is a handshaker every Sunday at the First Baptist Church and on its Board of Trustees. Griffin is the type of man who has never complained, which may have been the answer to his long and active life. After 56 years of marriage, Mrs. Griffin says that she has never seen him worry and that he managed to keep busy all of the time. This week, the Griffins were honored at a luncheon by their son Joe Griffin of Birmingham, and their two daughters, Mrs. Sala [Sara] Marston of Manchester, N.H., and Mrs. Ann Newman of Sylacauga. Relatives from Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia were among the 80 persons in to celebrate Daddy Joe's 90th birthday.
      In a 3 May 1977 letter, Mrs. E. A. (Ellaree Dean) Speer wrote that "Uncle Bert" was "in intensive care now - blood clot on lung.... Think this is 4 weeks he is in hospital."
      16 Jul 1978 was declared "J. A. Griffin Day" by the First Baptist Church of Sylacauga and a special service was held at 10:55 a.m. The following is from the church Bulletin: It was with esteem and respect that our church voted last month to name today J. A. Griffin Day. On this Thursday, July 20, Mr. Griffin will celebrate his 98th birthday. Mr. Griffin is an honored member of our church, having served as deacon, trustee, church greeter and a faithful attender for many years. It is a pleasure to welcome the approximately 20 members of Mr. Griffin's family who are present with us today in the reserved section of our church. _____ The Sylacauga News noted that: The celebration, set aside at the recommendation of the deacons and a vote of the church, will not only show the admiration of his fellow church members but the dual purpose of celebrating his 98th birthday, Thursday, July 20. Griffin moved to Sylacauga in 1941 with his wife and three children, Joe, Ann, and Sara. He served as manager of Sokol's Furniture Company for thirty years and has also operated Oaklawn Inn for many years. He has served as deacon, trustee and church greeter over the years.
      In an 18 Jul 1978 letter, Mrs. E. A. (Ellaree Dean) Speer, who attended the special church service for Bert, wrote: Went to Sylacauga Sunday & so glad I was able to go - very nice sweet impressive service - a portion of right front pews reserved for family & they pinned a corsage on each one as we entered - (red carnations, baby breath on a fern frond) Presented Uncle Bert with an engraved plaque from the church. Had family to stand up front after service for the "well wishers" to greet. Went to Uncle Bert's house after service for lunch Joe & Polly had prepared.... There were two papers (Sylacauga News Thurs 13th) that carried Uncle Bert's picture & write up....
      Ellaree attached a list of people who attended the special service: Uncle [Joseph Al]Bert[us Griffin] Joe [Inzer Griffin] & Polly [Paulina] Ann Karen [Yost Heimel]-George [Heimel]-3 children Uncle [George] Will[iam Griffin] Emyl [Griffin] [Mrs. E. A.(] Ellaree [Dean) Speer] Ewart Dean Eloise & George Mendenhall (from Jacksonville, Ala) Ilene Fareby (Aunt Flo's sisters from B'ham) Mary Sorrell (_"___________"______"____"___) Betty Noe (Aunt Flo's niece) Mrs. Bradley (new housekeeper for Uncle Bert) Lee Ola (former cook for Aunt Flo & now cooks for Anne)
      In an 8 Feb 1979 letter, Mrs. G. W. (Elaine DeVaughn) Mendenhall wrote that "Uncle Bert is also in the hospital in Sylacauga with kidney infection." The following obituary is from p. 1 of The Sylacauga News for Thursday, 24 May 1979: Prominent Sylacaugan dies Tuesday J. A. Griffin, one of Sylacauga's oldest and most prominent citizens, died Tuesday afternoon at his residence on old Rockford Road. Griffin came to Sylacauga in 1941 as Manager of Sokol's. He worked in that position until the original store closed its doors forty years later. At that time Griffin was 89 years old. Not believing in retirement he went to Jefferson Furniture Company where he continued full time employment until the age of 92. A native of Clay County, Griffin was married to the former Flora Inzer in 1916. They celebrated their sixty-first wedding anniversary shortly before her death in 1976. The Griffin family purchased the Oaklawn Inn in the early forties, and it has belonged to the family since. Griffin's daughter, Anne Newman, still operates the inn. "People who stayed there years and years ago would come back through Sylacauga and stop to visit with Mr. and Mrs. Griffin," daughter-in-law, Mrs. Joe Griffin said.
An active member of the Sylacauga Exchange Club, Griffin was awarded the Avondale Sun's Award for faithfulness, along with T. W. (Red) Bozeman and Joe McDonald. A cutline under the 1963 news article called the trio "The 3 Musketeers of the Exchange Club." Griffin was an active member of the Sylacauga Chamber of Commerce, and served as a director, and later as an honorary director of Peoples Bank and Trust Company. He was made an honorary mayor of Sylacauga on his 95th birthday by then Mayor Curtis Liles. Last year, the members of Sylacauga's First Baptist Church set aside Sunday, July 16th as J. A. Griffin Day. An active member of the church since 1941, he had served on the Board of Trustees, was a lifetime deacon and a member of the Men's Bible Class. Born July 20, 1880, Griffin was approaching his 99th birthday. He is survived by three children, a son, Joe Griffin of Birmingham; daughter, Sara Marston of Manchester, New Hampshire; and daughter, Anne Newman of Sylacauga; one brother, Will Griffin of Lineville who is 97; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held today (Thursday) at 3:00 p.m. at Carr Funeral Home Chapel, with interment in Evergreen Cemetery. 

Family

Flora Inzer
Marriage*30 Dec 1914 He married Flora Inzer on 30 Dec 1914 at age 34. 
Children
ChartsBenjamin (son of Joseph) Culpepper of Edgecombe Co., NC: Descendant Chart
John Culpepper of Randolph Co, AL: Descendant Chart
Last Edited13 Dec 2002

Flora Inzer

Female, #11559, (18 Aug 1891 - 11 Mar 1976)
Birth*18 Aug 1891 Flora was born on 18 Aug 1891. 
Marriage*30 Dec 1914 She married Joseph Albertus Griffin on 30 Dec 1914 at age 23. 
Married Name30 Dec 1914  As of 30 Dec 1914, her married name was Griffin. 
Birth of Son19 Nov 1915 Her son Joe Inzer Griffin was born on 19 Nov 1915 at Hackneyville, Tallapoosa Co., Alabama. 
Death*11 Mar 1976 She died at Sylacauga, Talladega Co., Alabama, on 11 Mar 1976 at age 84. 
Burial*13 Mar 1976 Her body was interred on 13 Mar 1976 at Sylacauga, Talladega Co., Alabama. 
Biography* Flora operated the Oaklawn Inn which the family owned. In an 18 Jul 1978 letter, Mrs. E. A. (Ellaree Dean) Speer wrote that Ilene Fareby and Mary Sorrell were "Aunt Flo's sisters" from Birmingham, AL. 

Family

Joseph Albertus Griffin
Marriage*30 Dec 1914 She married Joseph Albertus Griffin on 30 Dec 1914 at age 23. 
Children
Last Edited10 Sep 2008

George William Griffin

Male, #11560, (6 Jun 1882 - 3 Jun 1979)
Father*William Henry Griffin
Mother*Clarissa Eugenia Culpepper
Birth*6 Jun 1882 George was born at Good Hope (near Lineville), Clay Co., Alabama, on 6 Jun 1882. 
Census*1900 He was in the in 1900 census at Clay Co., Alabama. 
Marriage*5 Jun 1919 He married Tomera Leslie Handley at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama, on 5 Jun 1919 at age 36. 
Death of Father21 Feb 1924 His father William Henry Griffin died on 21 Feb 1924 at Olive Branch, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Birth of Son12 May 1930 His son William Handley Griffin was born on 12 May 1930 at Washington, District of Columbia. 
Death of Son29 Jan 1931 His son William Handley Griffin died on 29 Jan 1931 at Washington, District of Columbia. 
Death of Mother29 Nov 1947 His mother Clarissa Eugenia Culpepper died on 29 Nov 1947 at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death of Spouse31 Mar 1979 His wife Tomera Leslie Handley died on 31 Mar 1979 at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death*3 Jun 1979 He died at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama, on 3 Jun 1979 at age 96. 
Burial*4 Jun 1979 His body was interred on 4 Jun 1979 at Lineville City Cemetery, Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama.1 
Biography*  George William Griffin was named William for his father and was known as "Will." A nephew, James M. Griffin, recalled that Will had brown eyes. In an article "Church plans reminder of big Lineville fire" on p. 18A of The Anniston Star Sunday, 28 May 1978, Will Griffin recalled the fire of 9 May 1913 which destroyed the First Methodist Church of Lineville: Slightly stooped but astonishingly alert, Griffin remembers standing in the street in front of the church as the flames licked around the steeple, and then, like paint dumped on a pyramid, spread down to engulf the entire two-story church. Last week he stood there again, this time in front of the citified brick edifice that replaced the weatherboard country-style church that burned. The burning was one of many things that separated Griffin from the familiar world he grew up in. He seems more in touch with dirt roads and wood-frames than with the blacktop and bricks that replaced them. "I don't know of one single thing that's like it was when I was growing up," he said. "Everything's reversed." One of those reversals was what he recalls as "a whale of a fire." He was a student at Lineville College [in a 5 Mar 1979 letter, a niece, Mrs. Charles (Margaret Whatley) Lee wrote that "Uncle Will is still wearing his class ring from 1913 when he finished the old Lineville College....], which closed its doors only two years later -- breaking another link with his past. "It took two or three hours (to burn)," he said. "There was no Lineville Fire Department. I was standing out in the street there while it was burning. We used to do that. When the fire would come, people would gather around and see it." He said he was "a little late getting down to see that fire" and missed the dashes by men of the church inside the flaming building, removing benches and church records, most of which were saved. "Of course there was a lot of regret and all, but they (the Methodists) just went right back to building a new one (church)," he said. He reflected on the days when life was hard, when "There wasn't any banks because there wasn't anything to put in them." He talked of "the good communities we used to have in the old days," and of his father, who enlisted under the Rebel flag as a 16-year-old in the waning days of the Civil War. And then, reflecting on the church fire in the scheme of his life, he said, "Sometimes these things don't seem so important in time. It makes it hard to remember them."
      Mrs. E. A. (Ellaree Dean) Speer wrote 10 Jan 1992: Anyway, years ago, Uncle [Joseph Al]Bert[us] and Uncle Will worked in Talledaga, Ala. about 20 or 25 miles from Ashland - one was at the deaf and dumb institute, the other at the blind - I don't remember Uncle Will saying what they did but I think [it was] office [work] perhaps keeping books - That's what Uncle Bert did when he went to Hackneyville to work for Uncle [James] Olin [Griffin].... Uncle Will worked for an Insurance Co. in Ashland, had office in 1st Nat'l Bank. The Insurance Co. was a B'ham headquarters, a Mr. Albert Lee Smith stayed in Ashland (boarded at our house) & taught Uncle Will the Insurance business.... He [George William Griffin] went to Washington, D.C. Aunt Tomera's brother, Curtis Handley, had the Ford-Lincoln dealership in Washington & wanted Uncle Will as a salesman.... They lived in Washington until World War II - all making of cars was frozen. He [Will] came back to Lineville - The Handley home was just being rented, Mr. & Mrs. Handley had both died & they moved back, no job but no house rent & a little acreage - they had a garden, a big potato patch - Uncle Will worked in it & had the biggest tomatoes & most vegetables.... Last years of Uncle Will's life, he sold gas heating - installed big tanks in yard...
      The following is from an unknown source: Mr. Will Griffin Honored On 90th Birthday Mr. and Mrs. Emyl Griffin and family hosted a most enjoyable birthday dinner in their home for their uncle, Mr. Will Griffin, on Sunday, June 4. Mr. Griffin was celebrating his 90th birthday. He was one of eleven children born to Mr. and Mrs. William Henry Griffin, who lived in the Good Hope community at the time of his birth. He has a brother and a sister who join him in reaching the Golden Age--Miss Maude Griffin of Lineville age 88 and Mr. J. A. Griffin of Sylacauga age 92. Mr. Griffin was married to Miss Tomera Leslie Handley of this area on June 5, 1919. They have lived in and around Clay County most of the time with the exception of 19 years in Washington, D.C. At the time of his retirement, Mr. Griffin was in business here in Lineville. He has been a very active member of the Lineville Baptist Church and continues to support its many activities and needs. Those who joined in the delicious dinner and birthday celebration were: Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Griffin, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Minter Humphries, Sylacauga; Mr. and Mrs. Joe Griffin, Birmingham; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Farned, Russellville; Mr. and Mrs. Ted Rice, Wedowee; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lee, Mr. and Mrs. Lemuel Wallace and family, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Morris, Anniston; Mr. and Mrs. Edd [William Edmond] Samuels and family, Chattanooga, Tenn; Mr. and Mrs. Lewis W. Handley, Jr., and family, LaGrange, Georgia; Reverend and Mrs. Charles Handley and family, College Park, Georgia; Mrs. Lorin Reeves, Miss Minnie Reeves, Reverend and Mrs. John L. Higdon, Reverend and Mrs. G. L. Armstrong, Mrs. Mildred Kerley, Mr. Earl Reeves, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Reeves and family, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. DeVaughn, Mr. and Mrs. George Mendenhall, Mr. Steve Robertson of Lineville.
      The following is from the 4 Jun 1972 Bulletin of the Line Baptist Church: Mr. Will Griffin It is unusual to have a man ninety years old in your congregation. It is also unusual to have a man ninety years old to mow the lawn and work with the shrubbery at the church. It is also unusual to have a man ninety years old to donate thirty-six Broadman Hymnal Jr. to the church. Just imagine a man ninety years old still interested in juniors. That is our Mr. Will Griffin. He is celebrating his 90th birthday today. The children are going to sing him a song out of the song books he gave to them. We congratulate Mr. Will on this grand occasion. But, most of all, we congratulate him on his Christian way of living, his pleasant outlook on life, and his service to his Lord and Savior and His Church. It would be good to have many like Mr. Will Griffin.
      The following article is from an unknown source: MR. WILL GRIFFIN RECEIVES CHURCH HONOR Mr. Will Griffin, age 92, was honored during church service on Sunday, January 20th, for his faithful and untiring service as a dedicated Christian and concerned member for the care and well- being of the church building and grounds. Deacon Jack Zorn, gave a brief history of Mr. Griffin, relating the many achievements throughout his life, with the most important, a Christian background, beginning at Good Hope Baptist Church, and his baptism in Mrs. Stevens fish pond. Mrs. Rachel Parker also gave a brief account of the many attributes of Mr. Griffin in his church work and what he means to the church and its progress. Mrs. Griffin was also recognized for her faithful Christian service.
      In a 13 Apr 1977 letter, Mrs. E. A. (Ellaree Dean) Speer wrote that she had visited George William Griffin and found that "Uncle Will seemed cheerful but really isn't too well - vision so bad & nothing can be done for his eyes... seemed happy to see us." In a 10 Jun 1978 letter, Ellaree noted that "Uncle Will has been in Hospital twice since Xmas - hernia & recently a skin cancer on ear." Mrs. G. W. (Elaine DeVaughn) Mendenhall wrote in a 28 Feb 1979 letter that "Uncle Will is now hospitalized in Anniston hospital. It was found the cancer had scattered to at least two obvious areas -- mouth and throat.... In spite of the anxiety of the problem, his thinking is clear and his reasoning logical." Mrs. Charles (Margaret Whatley) Lee added in a 24 Feb 1979 letter that Will's doctor "seemed to think smoking could have caused Uncle Will's problem. I don't think that he smoked much the last few years but was always a big cigar smoker." The following obituary is from an unknown source: Griffin LINEVILLE -- Services for Will Griffin, 96, of Lineville were today [3:00 p.m. 4 Jun 1979] at First Baptist Church of Lineville with the Rev. Wayne A. Stevens, the Rev. Earnest Smotherman and the Rev. Charles Handley officiating. Burial was in Lineville City Cemetery with Benefield Funeral Home of Lineville in charge. Mr. Griffin died Sunday at his residence after a long illness. Survivors include 25 nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Jesse McCollum, Harlon Mayall, James A. Jordan, Don Hogan, Harold Paker and Jack Whatley. Honorary pallbearers were the fellowship Bible class, deacons and trustees of First Baptist Church of Lineville. Mr. Griffin was a native of Clay County and had lived in Washington, D.C., and Talladega before returning to Lineville 34 years ago. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Lineville, the fellowship Bible class and Baptist Men's Brotherhood. He served as trustee for the church and was a former member of Lineville Town Council. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Lineville building fund.
      The Lineville Baptist Church established the Will Griffin Memorial Fund with the Baptist Foundation of Alabama. The Foundation is the trust agency of the Alabama Baptist State Convention and manages and invests the funds placed with it by the church and will remit the earnings to the church to be used as determined by the church. 

Family

Tomera Leslie Handley
Marriage*5 Jun 1919 He married Tomera Leslie Handley at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama, on 5 Jun 1919 at age 36. 
Child
ChartsBenjamin (son of Joseph) Culpepper of Edgecombe Co., NC: Descendant Chart
John Culpepper of Randolph Co, AL: Descendant Chart
Last Edited20 Jan 2005

Citations

  1. Clay County Alabama Historical Society, Cemeteries of Clay County, Alabama, La Grange, GA: Family Tree, 1987.
    p 204; date from memorial pamphlet.

Tomera Leslie Handley

Female, #11561, (28 Sep 1889 - 31 Mar 1979)
Father*John Thomas Handley
Mother*Laura Ann Brooks
Birth*28 Sep 1889 Tomera was born at Hatchett Creek, Clay Co., Alabama, on 28 Sep 1889. 
Marriage*5 Jun 1919 She married George William Griffin at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama, on 5 Jun 1919 at age 29. 
Married Name5 Jun 1919  As of 5 Jun 1919, her married name was Griffin. 
Birth of Son12 May 1930 Her son William Handley Griffin was born on 12 May 1930 at Washington, District of Columbia. 
Death of Son29 Jan 1931 Her son William Handley Griffin died on 29 Jan 1931 at Washington, District of Columbia. 
Death of Mother23 Mar 1939 Her mother Laura Ann Brooks died on 23 Mar 1939.1 
Death of Father5 Nov 1951 Her father John Thomas Handley died on 5 Nov 1951.1 
Death*31 Mar 1979 She died at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama, on 31 Mar 1979 at age 89. 
Burial*2 Apr 1979 Her body was interred on 2 Apr 1979 at Lineville City Cemetery, Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama.2 
Biography* The following article about the Griffin's 58th wedding anniversary is from an unknown source: Mr. And Mrs. G. W. Griffin Have Double Celebration Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Griffin had a double celebration on Sunday, June 5, 1977, from 2:00 until 4:00 in the afternoon. A tea honoring Mr. Griffin on his 95th birthday and honoring both of them on their 58th wedding anniversary was held at the home of their nephew, Mr. Emyl Griffin. To begin the celebration, the Rev. Wayne Stevens, pastor of Lineville Baptist Church, spoke briefly, making appropriate remarks complimenting Mr. and Mrs. Griffin on their long life together and Mr. Griffin on his 95th birthday. He closed his remarks with a prayer of thanksgiving. Mayor Jack Whatley presented a year's Honorary Mayor of Lineville Certificate to Mr. Griffin, and he also presented Mr. Griffin with an honorary Lieutenant Colonel Commission in the Alabama Militia, bestowed by Gov. George C. Wallace. Mr. Griffin received congratulations from Gov. Wallace and from President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter. These were read before the group. Approximately 160 friends and relatives called during the afternoon to congratulate the couple and to wish for them many happy returns.
      In a 23 Feb 1980 letter, Mrs. Charles (Margaret Whatley) Lee wrote: Aunt Tomera was a Methodist and Uncle Will was a Baptist. They both went to their own church in morning services but at night they would take turns going with the other every other Sun, one Sun. to the Baptist, the next to the Methodist.
      In a 10 Jun 1978 letter, Ellaree added "Aunt Tomera in hospital a week in Ashland, slight stroke. She has hardening of arteries & isn't well but up all the time." In a 10 Jan 1992 letter Ellaree wrote that "Aunt Tomera died of Alzheimer's." The following obituary is from an unknown source: Mrs. Tomera Griffin, 89 Mrs. Tomera H. Griffin, age 89, of Lineville, Alabama, passed away at the Clay County Hospital Saturday, March 31, 1979 after a short illness. Funeral services for Mrs. Griffin were at 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 2, 1979 at the First United Methodist Church of Lineville with the Rev. Ernest Smotherman, the Rev. Wayne Stevens and the Rev. Charles Handley officiating. Burial was in the Lineville City Cemetery. Mrs. Griffin is survived by her husband, Mr. Will Griffin, and a host of nieces and nephews. Active pallbearers for Mrs. Griffin were Grover Rice, Clyde Stewart. Harold Parker, Jesse McCollum, Frank Summerlin and Harlon Mayall. Honorary pallbearers were members of the Fellowship Bible Class of Lineville Baptist Church and the Administrative Board of the First United Methodist Church of Lineville. Mrs. Griffin was a native of Clay County, but she had lived in Washington, D.C. and Talladega before moving to Lineville in 1946. She was a member of The First United Methodist Church of Lineville, a charter member of the Inter Se Club of Lineville, member of the WSCS of the Methodist Church and a member of the Bridge Club of Lineville. The family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Building Fund of the First United Methodist Church In Lineville. Benefield Funeral Home of Lineville was in charge of the arrangements.
      In a July 1979 letter, Mrs. E. A. (Ellaree Dean) Speer noted that a window of the Lineville church was dedicated in memory of Tomera. 

Family

George William Griffin
Marriage*5 Jun 1919 She married George William Griffin at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama, on 5 Jun 1919 at age 29. 
Child
Last Edited20 Sep 2008

Citations

  1. E-mail written Sep 2008 to Lew Griffin from Sarah Ann Brooks Sayers, e-mail address.
  2. Clay County Alabama Historical Society, Cemeteries of Clay County, Alabama, La Grange, GA: Family Tree, 1987.
    p 204; obituary.

Mattie Maude Griffin

Female, #11562, (13 Apr 1884 - 28 Apr 1977)
Father*William Henry Griffin
Mother*Clarissa Eugenia Culpepper
Birth*13 Apr 1884 Mattie was born at Good Hope (near Lineville), Clay Co., Alabama, on 13 Apr 1884. 
Employment* Mattie's occupation: teacher. 
Census*1900 She was in the in 1900 census at Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death of Father21 Feb 1924 Her father William Henry Griffin died on 21 Feb 1924 at Olive Branch, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death of Mother29 Nov 1947 Her mother Clarissa Eugenia Culpepper died on 29 Nov 1947 at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death*28 Apr 1977 She died at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama, on 28 Apr 1977 at age 93. 
Burial*30 Apr 1977 Her body was interred on 30 Apr 1977 at Old Lineville City Cemetery, Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama.1 
Biography* Mattie Maude was named for her aunts, Martha (Culpepper) Amsler and Mattie (Griffin) Reeves. Mrs. Charles (Margaret Whatley) Lee wrote in a 26 Nov 1978 letter about a visit with Alsie Rutland in LaGrange, GA who spoke about Maude Griffin: Alsie told us Aunt Maude used to teach school at Standing Rock [Chambers Co., AL] and she taught him, said she was very strict, but said he learned more under her than any teacher he ever had. He said she was a beautiful girl.
      In a 10 Jan 1992 letter Mrs. E. A. (Ellaree Dean) Speer wrote: Aunt Maude taught school, mostly county schools & when she wasn't teaching she stayed home & helped Grandmother with the housework & did a lot of needle fancy work - later years lived in a nursing home in Lineville & died there - She had a bad back & was drawn considerably - probably arthritis.
      On Maude's 93rd birthday, Mrs. E. A. (Ellaree Dean) Speer visited her at the nursing home where she had stayed for 20 years and found her thin and suffering from gangrene in her toes but with a clear mind. Maude died two weeks later. The following obituary is from The Ashland Progress for Thursday 5 May 1977: Miss Maude Griffin, 93 Miss Maude Griffin, age 93, of Lineville, Alabama passed at the Lineville Geriatric Center Thursday, April 28, 1977, after an extended illness. Funeral services for Miss Griffin were held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 30, 1977 at Benefield Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Wayne Stevens and the Rev. Dee Hurst officiating. Burial was in the Old Lineville City Cemetery. Miss Griffin is survived by 2 brothers, Mr. Burt Griffin of Sylacauga and Mr. Will Griffin of Lineville and a host of nieces and nephews. Miss Griffin was a native of Clay County, a retired school teacher and homemaker and a member of Good Hope Lineville Baptist Church. Pallbearers for Miss Griffin were Earl Reeves, Joe Griffin, Emyl Griffin, John W. DeVaughn, James Griffin and Louis Griffin. Benefield Funeral Home of Lineville was in charge of the funeral arrangements. 
Research note3 Jun 2010 From: Eloise [mailto:eloisesamuels@centurytel.net]
Sent: Thursday, June 03, 2010 8:58 AM

Dear Lew,
Yes, I remember all about the house and surrounding property, including the barn, old garage for Aunt Maude's buggy, storage house and smoke house and best of all a "double seat out- house"!!!!
This will take awhile for me to describe, but I will be happy to share my precious memories. We were there once each week as long as she lived and yes, I remember Aunt Lelia WELL. She was an excellent cook and always had the best "tea cakes" you've ever tasted. Aunt Maude was a great cook as well. Elaine and I always looked forward to the summers because we enjoyed an entire week at their sweet modest little home. Aunt Lelia planted a huge garden and their fruit trees were bountiful, which she allowed us to participate in preserving everything available. Her peaches, apples, pears and grapes were the best......oh, and the many fig bushes, plus the mouth-watering strawberries! Just for the sake of keeping an oddity, they had two Quince trees across the winding little dirt road. Flowers, for every season, adorned the entire place and especially around the house. The front yard was small and practically in the road with a tiny little mailbox surrounded by petunias. The back yard was well groomed by the hands of Aunt Lelia who meticulously swept it weekly with a broom made of oak limbs.If a sprig of grass were detected, a sharp- blade- hoe took care of it immediately . Now you must remember that the standard attire for all three ladies was long skirts, as well as long underskirts, long sleeves (usually dresses were always made by the same pattern with white collars), long black stockings and black low heel shoes. All clothes, table cloths, napkins, scarves and curtains were heavily starched with Grandmother's homemadeconcoction of ingredients. Spotless was an understatement for the interior as well as exterior.
As for thestructural appearance, it was a unique OLD house built with hard pine wood. Everyone parked in the back yard and the main entrance was the back door. Approaching the door, one 's eyes were captured by the manually dug well on the back porch and conveniently located to do the family laundry (each Monday morning and you have already envisioned the wire clothes line near the house) The house faced north and south and on the east side, there was a large room that extended the length of the house with small high windows. This was Grandmother and Aunt Lelia's room , which actually would accommodate four people. Each bed was neatly covered with white chenille bedspreads. Aunt Maude's room was on the front side of the house joining a small living room, which we referredto as her library. Having taught school for many years, she had accumulated numerous children's books that Elaine and I were allowed to sit quietly and properly to read. When entering the house by rear entrance, after passing the porch, the aroma from the kitchendirected your nose to the next room, which was the dining room and "sitting room" for everyone. The extended dining room table seated six and even eight on occasions. A huge fireplace was located in this room and Grandmother's old leather and oak trimmed chair occupied the corner by the fireplace. Since she could not hear well at all, plus blind in one eye, we each knew our seating arrangement near her, which was a circlein the following order: Mama sat first, Elaine second, Eloise third, Daddy fourth, Aunt Lelia fifth and Aunt Maude sixth unless she was in her room preparing for school. We sat very quietly, listened carefully and knelt at her chair if she were speaking directly. She and Mama were excellent seamstresses and Grandmother wanted to feel and make every effort to examine our clothes. Unlimited respect was shared between her and my Daddy because both were "business-minded and honorable." Aunt Lelia was lots of fun and always gave us tea cakes wrapped in a starched white cloth as we were leaving....

Love to you,
Eloise. 
ChartsBenjamin (son of Joseph) Culpepper of Edgecombe Co., NC: Descendant Chart
John Culpepper of Randolph Co, AL: Descendant Chart
Last Edited9 Jul 1999

Citations

  1. Clay County Alabama Historical Society, Cemeteries of Clay County, Alabama, La Grange, GA: Family Tree, 1987.
    p 217; obituary The Ashland Progress 5 May 1977.

Myrtle Leslie Griffin

Female, #11563, (3 Nov 1886 - 14 Mar 1959)
Father*William Henry Griffin
Mother*Clarissa Eugenia Culpepper
Birth*3 Nov 1886 Myrtle was born at Good Hope (near Lineville), Clay Co., Alabama, on 3 Nov 1886. 
Census*1900 She was in the in 1900 census at Clay Co., Alabama. 
Marriage*22 Feb 1904 She married Robert Charles Whatley at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama, on 22 Feb 1904 at age 17. 
Married Name22 Feb 1904  As of 22 Feb 1904, her married name was Whatley. 
Birth of Son6 Jan 1916 Her son Chalmus William Whatley was born on 6 Jan 1916 at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Birth of Son17 Jul 1920 Her son Robert Charles Whatley Jr. was born on 17 Jul 1920 at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death of Son8 Apr 1922 Her son Robert Charles Whatley Jr. died on 8 Apr 1922 at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death of Father21 Feb 1924 Her father William Henry Griffin died on 21 Feb 1924 at Olive Branch, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death of Mother29 Nov 1947 Her mother Clarissa Eugenia Culpepper died on 29 Nov 1947 at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death of Son5 Oct 1953 Her son Chalmus William Whatley died on 5 Oct 1953 at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death*14 Mar 1959 She died at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama, on 14 Mar 1959 at age 72. 
Burial*16 Mar 1959 Her body was interred on 16 Mar 1959 at Lineville City Cemetery, Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama.1 
Biography* A nephew, James M. Griffin, recalled that Myrtle had blue eyes. A daughter, Mrs. Charles (Margaret Whatley) Lee wrote 14 Oct 1978: My mother was a lovely, remarkable person, very out going, bubbling personality, and was young at heart along with us children and was a proud person with dignity. She worked very hard for all of us and her memories are with me forever. She had so much patience with us all.
      Margaret Lee added in a 6 Feb 1979 letter: All those [Griffin] boys made over my mamma lots, she was the baby. They would all have such fun when they would come for a visit. My mamma was full of life, she would always cook their favorite dishes when they would come. All those Griffin girls were great cooks. Uncle [James] Olin [Griffin] used to just love my mamma's sweet potato plate pies and also cobbler pies. I can just see Uncle Olin sitting on the front porch in the summer, they would laugh & cut up and talk about younger days.
      In a 27 Sep 1979 letter Margaret Lee wrote: Yes, I knew the fortune teller that used to live in Mellow Valley. Her name was Mrs. Till.... She was one of the most famous fortune tellers that's ever been in the South. She was kindly like that Mrs. Dixon you hear so much about. I never believed in her too much but my mother did. Mother went to her several times. She believed every word she [Mrs. Till] said. Mrs. Till started with coffee grounds. She could tell you all right how many children you had, she told me my husband was away from home & he was on water. He was in the Navy & on water. She told Mama her son had 2 hound dogs & you can't stand those dogs but that boy loves them dogs and told Mother to be nice to him about the dogs and we sure didn't hear any more about the dogs out of Mother (Ha!). Daddy didn't believe in her and really rather Mother didn't go but she went anyway. Mrs. Till made a lot of money but you would never know it by the way she lived.
      In an 8 Feb 1979 letter, Margaret Lee wrote that her mother had died of bone marrow cancer. In a 5 Mar 1979 letter, Margaret Lee added that her parents "are buried in the new [Lineville] City Cem... east of town...." 

Family

Robert Charles Whatley
Marriage*22 Feb 1904 She married Robert Charles Whatley at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama, on 22 Feb 1904 at age 17. 
Children
ChartsBenjamin (son of Joseph) Culpepper of Edgecombe Co., NC: Descendant Chart
John Culpepper of Randolph Co, AL: Descendant Chart
Last Edited20 Jan 2005

Citations

  1. Clay County Alabama Historical Society, Cemeteries of Clay County, Alabama, La Grange, GA: Family Tree, 1987.
    p 193; Mrs. Charles (Margaret Whatley) Lee letter 12 Aug 1979.

Robert Charles Whatley

Male, #11564, (3 Dec 1883 - 10 Jul 1969)
Birth*3 Dec 1883 Robert was born on 3 Dec 1883. 
Employment* Robert's occupation: farmer. 
Marriage*22 Feb 1904 He married Myrtle Leslie Griffin at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama, on 22 Feb 1904 at age 20. 
Birth of Son6 Jan 1916 His son Chalmus William Whatley was born on 6 Jan 1916 at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Birth of Son17 Jul 1920 His son Robert Charles Whatley Jr. was born on 17 Jul 1920 at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death of Son8 Apr 1922 His son Robert Charles Whatley Jr. died on 8 Apr 1922 at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death of Son5 Oct 1953 His son Chalmus William Whatley died on 5 Oct 1953 at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death of Spouse14 Mar 1959 His wife Myrtle Leslie Griffin died on 14 Mar 1959 at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama. 
Death*10 Jul 1969 He died at Birmingham, Jefferson Co., Alabama, on 10 Jul 1969 at age 85. 
Burial*12 Jul 1969 His body was interred on 12 Jul 1969 at Lineville City Cemetery, Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama.1 
Biography* Robert Whatley was listed in an entry for his brother-in-law, James O. Griffin, on p. 253 of Vol. 2 of the 1927 edition of the History of Alabama and her People published by the American Historical Society, Inc. as "a farmer at Lineville [Clay Co., AL]...." A daughter, Mrs. Charles (Margaret Whatley) Lee, wrote in a 14 Oct 1978 letter: My daddy was a fine man. He was an outdoor man. He stood by us all through all our ups & downs. He worked away from home lots when younger. He had a big 8 horse team he used on construction work, move gas tanks, etc. as there were no trucks then. He usually kept a lot of livestock, cattle & horses. We used to ride horseback a lot. He also was in the logging business a long time and ran a farm too. He was kind to us and he too had a wonderful personality.
      In an 18 Nov 1978 letter, Margaret (Whatley) Lee wrote about the team of horses her father had: You should have seen the beautiful harness he bought, brass, red tassels on the bridles and fancy saddles. It was his pride & joy like cars & trucks are to men now. What he hauled the big tanks on wasn't like a regular wagon. The rig was called a dray.... The wheels & body were much larger than a two horse wagon.
      Mrs. Lee added in a 13 Jan 1979 letter: Daddy used to have to get up many nights to pull someone out of a mud hole when they would get stuck, before the streets were paved. They would pay him for it.
      Margaret Lee continued in a 3 Jan 1979 letter: In fact, half the kids in town came to daddy's place. He had a large pasture with a nice creek and hillside with lots of pine straw to slide down. The boys would build a dam and we would all go swimming as there were no public swimming pools. 

Family

Myrtle Leslie Griffin
Marriage*22 Feb 1904 He married Myrtle Leslie Griffin at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama, on 22 Feb 1904 at age 20. 
Children
Last Edited12 Aug 2000

Citations

  1. Clay County Alabama Historical Society, Cemeteries of Clay County, Alabama, La Grange, GA: Family Tree, 1987.
    p 193; Mrs. Charles (Margaret Whatley) Lee letter 12 Aug 1979.

Herman Milton Griffin

Male, #11565, (12 Feb 1889 - 3 Jun 1890)
Father*William Henry Griffin
Mother*Clarissa Eugenia Culpepper
Birth*12 Feb 1889 Herman was born at Good Hope (near Lineville), Clay Co., Alabama, on 12 Feb 1889. 
Death*3 Jun 1890 He died at Clay Co., Alabama, on 3 Jun 1890 at age 1. 
Burial* His body was interred at Old Lineville City Cemetery, Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama.1 
Biography* On p. 217 of the Cemeteries of Clay County, Alabama the name on the tombstone is recorded as "Hermon Griffin inf son of W.H. & C.E." 
ChartsBenjamin (son of Joseph) Culpepper of Edgecombe Co., NC: Descendant Chart
John Culpepper of Randolph Co, AL: Descendant Chart
Last Edited4 Aug 2000

Citations

  1. Clay County Alabama Historical Society, Cemeteries of Clay County, Alabama, La Grange, GA: Family Tree, 1987.
    p 217 'Hermon Griffin inf son of W.H. & C.E.'

Mary Erom Griffin

Female, #11566, (9 Jan 1902 - 21 Apr 1966)
Father*James Olin Griffin
Mother*Minnie Dallas Strickland
Birth*9 Jan 1902 Mary was born at Hackneyville, Tallapoosa Co., Alabama, on 9 Jan 1902. 
Employment* Mary's occupation: teacher. 
Census*1910 She was in the in 1910 census at Hackneyville, Tallapoosa Co., Alabama. 
Marriage*9 Jun 1925 She married Hester Marion Lewis at Moulton, Lawrence Co., Alabama, on 9 Jun 1925 at age 23. 
Married Name9 Jun 1925  As of 9 Jun 1925, her married name was Lewis. 
Birth of SonApr 1926 Her son Infant (?) Lewis was born in Apr 1926 at Montgomery, Montgomery Co., Alabama. 
Death of SonApr 1926 Her son Infant (?) Lewis died in Apr 1926 at Montgomery, Montgomery Co., Alabama. 
Death of Mother19 Jun 1950 Her mother Minnie Dallas Strickland died on 19 Jun 1950 at Memphis, Shelby Co., Tennessee. 
Death of Father31 Jul 1953 Her father James Olin Griffin died on 31 Jul 1953 at Memphis, Shelby Co., Tennessee. 
Death*21 Apr 1966 She died at Quitman, Brooks Co., Georgia, on 21 Apr 1966 at age 64. 
Burial*23 Apr 1966 Her body was interred on 23 Apr 1966 at Oak Hill Cemetery, Brooks Co., Georgia. 
Biography* Erom was named from a misprint in the newspaper. Her daughter, Mary R. Lewis, wrote in a 29 Dec 1990 letter that "Mother graduated from the Albertville High School. Grandaddy [James O. Griffin] sent her there as a boarder for her senior year because he wanted her to have a good college preparatory course.... Herbert Weatherly was her boyfriend." Erom was a Graduate in Piano. The following is the yearbook entry: Erom Griffin, Hackneyville, Ala. Classical Course "Topsy" Morgan Sec'y Society '17 Member of Y.W.C.A. "Topsy," the baby of our class has only been with us since September, but her sweet and generous disposition has won for her the love and admiration of all. She's ever ready with a smile, to put down any blues that might be lurking. In the school room she is very studious but when out she is ever into mischief and is especially fond of Kodaking on Sunday afternoons when the "Weather"ly permits. But oh those teachers! "O! t-h-a-n-k y-o-u"
      Although her three children were born in a Montgomery, AL hospital, Mary Erom and H. M. Lewis were living in Wetumpka, Elmore Co, AL at the time. The following obituary is from an unknown source: Beloved Teacher Mrs. H. M. Lewis Dies Mrs. Mary Erom Griffin Lewis, wife of H. M. Lewis of Quitman, died on April 21st after a prolonged illness. Mrs. Lewis, a former STAR Teacher and a beloved member of Brooks County High School's faculty until illness caused her to retire last year, taught Latin and English and was advisor to the Latin Club. It was Mrs. Lewis who originated the "Latin Day Banquet" one of the high points of the spring schedule at the high school. She was a graduate of Judson College, Marion, Ala., and prior to her marriage taught in Elmore and Coffee counties, Ala. Mrs. Lewis, who was born in Hackneyville, Ala., on January 9, 1902, was the daughter of James Olin Griffin and Minnie Strickland Griffin. She came to Brooks County in 1945 with her husband, Hester Marion Lewis when Mr. Lewis became associated with the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service.
She was a manager of the First Baptist Church, Delta Kappa Gamma, National honorary teachers fraternity and STAR teacher in 1956-57 at the Quitman High School. Surviving are her Husband and two daughters, Mrs. M. Royce Gordon of Macon, and Miss Mary Lewis, of Tallahassee, Fla. She leaves two Grandchildren, David and Elizabeth Gordon of Macon. Mrs. Lewis leaves five sisters, Miss Ruth Griffin and Mrs. R. W. Vaughn of Memphis, Tenn; Mrs. W. T. Duscoe, Union City, Tenn; Mrs. Hez Brown of Chattanooga, and Mrs. C. W. Middlecoff, Jr. of Somerville, Tenn. Three brothers survive, Mr. J. W. Griffin and Mr. L. W. Griffin of Leeds Ala., and Mr. James Griffin of Memphis, Tenn. Funeral Services were held at the First Baptist Church in Quitman on April 23rd at 4:00 p.m. Rev. William J. Smith, Pastor, conducted the services assisted by Rev. C. E. Cariker. The family requested that in lieu of flowers those who desire to do so may make contributions to Mrs. H. M. Lewis' Scholarship Fund to be awarded to Brooks County High School Seniors. Checks should be made payable to Mrs. H. M. Lewis' Scholarship Fund and forwarded to Mr. J. R. Austin, Box 255, Quitman, Georgia. Active Pallbearers were Joe Austion Wayme Jones, George Currei, Leland Jordan, Cecil Baker, and Dr. J. C. McGoogan. Honorary Pallbearers were J. H. Wells , V. C. McGinty, V.A. Maxwell, T. J. Barrs, Jr., Frank Benson, Burney Humphreys, B. H. Romine, Jesse Hampton, Lawton Lee, L. C. Spears, Dr. L. M. Shealy, Dan Mitchell, Felton Griner, Drawdy Willis, and W. E. Roberts. Entombment, Oak Hill Cemetery. Maxwell Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

The following is from her daughter, Dr. Mary R. Lewis, 24 Jul 2004:

My mother loved teaching school. Yes, you remembered correctly that she was a high school teacher and taught mainly English and Latin. She was a graduate of Judson College in Marion, AL. Grandaddy told her what to major in...Latin. Also, he ordered her to learn to play the violin, an instrument that he loved. He had been given quite a good one by a patient who could not pay with money and paid with the violin, so he sent it with Mother off to Judson where he wanted her to learn to play it. She preferred to play the piano, and did continue to study that too, but she dutifully learned to play the violin. When we lived in Marion, AL, 1935-38, she played violin in the Judson College Symphony Orchestra. Well, I've gotten off the subject, but you might appreciate these tales.

When she graduated from Judson College in 1921 (aged 19), I believe that she first worked as a tutor, that is, a private teacher of the children of some wealthy individuals who lived in a small AL town and she lived in their home while being the teacher. I'm not sure whether it was Enterprise or Eclectic. I think that after one year of that, she moved into public school teaching.

She was teaching in Eclectic, AL when she met my Dad who courted her a rather long time before winning her hand. Here's another aside tale...about how they met. Daddy was the County Agent in Elmore County, working for the Alabama Extension Service (you know what that is, don't you?). One day when he was in Eclectic, he saw Mother walking on a downtown street and thought she was very attractive and asked someone who she was. Upon learning that she taught at the local high school, he arranged a proper introduction by the School Principal, and then asked her if she would help him organize the 4H Club there in the high school.

Well, at that time in AL history, the state did not allow married women to teach school. So when they got married, she had to give up her teaching career. That law remained in effect a long time and it wasn't until 1943, when we moved to Augusta, GA that she started teaching again, across the river in South Augusta, SC. I think the rules about prohibiting married women from teaching tumbled down everywhere during World War II when women were needed to do many things in the labor force while the men went to fight the war.

Mother taught for the rest of her life after resuming in 1943, specializing in Latin and English in high school. She loved to organize the Latin Club and loved going to her Teachers' Honorary Professional Sorority (Society?) with her friends. The meetings were held in Valdosta, GA, about 15 miles from Quitman.
 

Family

Hester Marion Lewis
Marriage*9 Jun 1925 She married Hester Marion Lewis at Moulton, Lawrence Co., Alabama, on 9 Jun 1925 at age 23. 
Children
ChartsBenjamin (son of Joseph) Culpepper of Edgecombe Co., NC: Descendant Chart
John Culpepper of Randolph Co, AL: Descendant Chart
Last Edited21 Dec 2004

Hester Marion Lewis

Male, #11567, (6 Aug 1893 - Apr 1982)
Father*John C. Breckeneridge Lewis
Mother*Mary Jane Kornegay
Birth*6 Aug 1893 Hester was born at West Blocton Rt, Bibb Co., Alabama, on 6 Aug 1893. 
Marriage*9 Jun 1925 He married Mary Erom Griffin at Moulton, Lawrence Co., Alabama, on 9 Jun 1925 at age 31. 
Birth of SonApr 1926 His son Infant (?) Lewis was born in Apr 1926 at Montgomery, Montgomery Co., Alabama. 
Death of SonApr 1926 His son Infant (?) Lewis died in Apr 1926 at Montgomery, Montgomery Co., Alabama. 
Death of Spouse21 Apr 1966 His wife Mary Erom Griffin died on 21 Apr 1966 at Quitman, Brooks Co., Georgia. 
Death*Apr 1982 He died at Quitman, Brooks Co., Georgia, in Apr 1982 at age 88. 
Biography* According to the obituary for his wife, Mrs. H. M. (Mary Erom Griffin) Lewis, Hester Marion Lewis was "associated with the U. S. Dept. of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service. After Erom's death, Hester M. Lewis remarried and the following is from p. 3 of THE QUITMAN FREE PRESS Thursday, 24 Jun 1971: Poplin-Lewis Wedding Mrs. Thomas William Poplin became the bride of Mr. Hester Marion Lewis on June 19 in an afternoon ceremony at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Royce Gordon on Woodland Drive in Macon, Ga. Mrs Gordon is the elder daughter of the groom. The bride wore an aqua organza ensemble with aqua accessories. Her corsage was a purple throated white orchid. The matron of honor, Mrs. William Thomas Stanfield of Norcross, Ga., elder daughter of the bride, wore a lemon yellow crepe dress with a corsage of yellow and white carnations. Mr. Royce Gordon attended the groom. The double - ring ceremony was performed by Rev. Gerald Brown, Associate Pastor and Minister of Music at the First Baptist Church of Macon. Elizabeth Gordon, granddaughter of the groom, was the pianist. The processional was Arioso in A by Johann Sebastion Bach. The recessional was Chopin's Prelude, Opus 28, No, 1. The bride's table was covered with a cloth of white madeira, two three- branched candelabra and epergnes held bouquets of mixed summer flowers. The two-tiered wedding cake highlighted by two white doves and tiny gold rings was cut by Mrs. Benjamin Robert Morrison of Wilmington, N.C., younger daughter of the bride. Punch was served by Miss Mary Lewis of Wayne, Pa., younger daughter of the groom. Guests included the families of the couple. 

Family

Mary Erom Griffin
Marriage*9 Jun 1925 He married Mary Erom Griffin at Moulton, Lawrence Co., Alabama, on 9 Jun 1925 at age 31. 
Children
Last Edited5 Aug 2000

Joseph Wyeth Griffin

Male, #11568, (6 Mar 1904 - 2 Sep 1969)
Father*James Olin Griffin
Mother*Minnie Dallas Strickland
Nickname  Joseph Wyeth Griffin also went by the name of Skip Griffin. 
Birth*6 Mar 1904 Joseph was born at Hackneyville, Tallapoosa Co., Alabama, on 6 Mar 1904. 
Census*1910 He was in the in 1910 census at Hackneyville, Tallapoosa Co., Alabama. 
Marriage*17 Oct 1929 He married Julia Judge at Leeds, Jefferson Co., Alabama, on 17 Oct 1929 at age 25. 
Death of Mother19 Jun 1950 His mother Minnie Dallas Strickland died on 19 Jun 1950 at Memphis, Shelby Co., Tennessee. 
Death of Father31 Jul 1953 His father James Olin Griffin died on 31 Jul 1953 at Memphis, Shelby Co., Tennessee. 
Death*2 Sep 1969 He died at Birmingham, Jefferson Co., Alabama, on 2 Sep 1969 at age 65. 
Burial*3 Sep 1969 His body was interred on 3 Sep 1969 at Shiloh Cemetery, Leeds, Jefferson Co., Alabama. 
Biography* The following obituary is from an unknown source: Leeds leader, J. W. Griffin, buried today A Leeds community leader, 65-year-old Joseph Wyeth Griffin, was buried today with graveside services at Shiloh Cemetery, Griffin was past president of the Leeds Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Leeds Water Works Board for 25 years. He served with both the Leeds and the Jefferson County zoning board, and was Leeds city clerk for several years. A native of Tallapoosa County, Griffin was a director of Birmingham Federal Savings & Loan Association, charter member of the Leeds Civitan Club and president of Leeds Insurance Agency. Survivors include his wife, Julia Judge Griffin; a daughter, Mrs. W. H. Cooper III, Gulf Breeze, Fla; a son, James J. Griffin, Atlanta; five sisters, Miss Ruth Griffin, Mrs. C. M. Middlecoff and Mrs. Ralph Vaughn, all of Memphis, Mrs. Hez Brown, Chattanooga, and Mrs. Tom Duscoe, Union City, Tenn; and two brothers, Lewis W. and James M. Griffin, both of Memphis. The family suggests that any memorial contributions may be made in the form of contributions to the Lurleen Wallace Courage Crusade or to another charity.
      The following obituary is from an unknown source: DEATH COMES TO "SKIP" LEEDS LEADER Joseph Wyeth 'Skip' Griffin is dead. The popular and well known Leeds resident died Tuesday shortly after noon at a Birmingham hospital. He was 65 years old. He died after a lengthy illness. He had left Anderson Hospital in Houston, Texas, several days ago, was thought to have been on the road to recovery until last week when he re-entered the Birmingham hospital. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at 4 o'clock at Shiloh Cemetery. Rev. Curtis Gannaway officiated and Kilgroe Funeral Home directed. "Skip" Griffin as he was well known to thousands of friends and acquaintances came to Leeds from his native Tallapoosa county early in life. He went to work for his future father-in-law the late Mr. Tom Judge, later was in the insurance and real estate business for himself where he was remarkably successful. He was a civic and business leader in Leeds where he had served as President the Leeds Chamber of Commerce, a Director of the Birmingham Federal Savings and Loan Association, Chairman Leeds Water Works Board for 25 years, past president Leeds Civitans, past member Leeds Zoning Board and Jefferson County Zoning Board, was a charter member Terry Walker Country Club which he served as president. He was for many years owner, operator and president Leeds Insurance Agency and a realtor. He was a member the Leeds Presbyterian church. Survivors are his wife, the former Miss Julia Judge; a son James Judge Griffin, Atlanta; a daughter, Mrs. W. H. Cooper III, Gulf Breeze, Fla; five grandchildren; five sisters, Miss Ruth Griffin, Mrs. C. M. Middlecoff, Mrs. Ralph Vaughn, all of Memphis, Mrs. Hez Brown Chattanooga, & Mrs. Tom Duscoe, Union City, Tenn; and two brothers, Lewis M. Griffin and James W. Griffin, Memphis. 

Family

Julia Judge
Marriage*17 Oct 1929 He married Julia Judge at Leeds, Jefferson Co., Alabama, on 17 Oct 1929 at age 25. 
Children
  • Julia Anna Griffin
  • James Judge Griffin
ChartsBenjamin (son of Joseph) Culpepper of Edgecombe Co., NC: Descendant Chart
John Culpepper of Randolph Co, AL: Descendant Chart
Last Edited22 Aug 2011

Julia Judge

Female, #11569, (1 Jul 1906 - 17 May 1991)
Birth*1 Jul 1906 Julia was born on 1 Jul 1906. 
Marriage*17 Oct 1929 She married Joseph Wyeth Griffin at Leeds, Jefferson Co., Alabama, on 17 Oct 1929 at age 23. 
Married Name17 Oct 1929  As of 17 Oct 1929, her married name was Griffin. 
Death of Spouse2 Sep 1969 Her husband Joseph Wyeth Griffin died on 2 Sep 1969 at Birmingham, Jefferson Co., Alabama. 
Death*17 May 1991 She died at Magnolia Springs, Baldwin Co., Alabama, on 17 May 1991 at age 84. 
Burial* Her body was interred at Shiloh Cemetery, Leeds, Jefferson Co., Alabama. 
Biography* Mrs. E. A. (Ellaree Dean) Speer wrote in a 4 Aug 1991 letter that "Julia Griffin, Wyeth's widow, died this summer. She was living in Fla." 

Family

Joseph Wyeth Griffin
Marriage*17 Oct 1929 She married Joseph Wyeth Griffin at Leeds, Jefferson Co., Alabama, on 17 Oct 1929 at age 23. 
Children
  • Julia Anna Griffin
  • James Judge Griffin
Last Edited9 Jul 1999

Ruth Valentine Griffin

Female, #11570, (14 Feb 1906 - 14 Jan 1996)
Father*James Olin Griffin
Mother*Minnie Dallas Strickland
Birth*14 Feb 1906 Ruth was born at Hackneyville, Tallapoosa Co., Alabama, on 14 Feb 1906. 
Census*1910 She was in the in 1910 census at Hackneyville, Tallapoosa Co., Alabama. 
Photographed*1922 She was photographed in 1922 at Memphis, Shelby Co., Tennessee.1
Ruth V. Griffin
Death of Mother19 Jun 1950 Her mother Minnie Dallas Strickland died on 19 Jun 1950 at Memphis, Shelby Co., Tennessee. 
Death of Father31 Jul 1953 Her father James Olin Griffin died on 31 Jul 1953 at Memphis, Shelby Co., Tennessee. 
Photographedsay 1956 She was photographed say 1956 at Memphis, Shelby Co., Tennessee.1 
Death*14 Jan 1996 She died at Memphis, Shelby Co., Tennessee, on 14 Jan 1996 at age 89. 
Biography* In a 31 Jan 1982 letter, Ruth wrote that she and her sister (Erom?) both taught at the Elmore County High School in Enterprise, AL. Ruth also worked in the Catalog Department at Sears Roebuck & Co. for many years.
      Mrs. C. W. (Marie Griffin) Middlecoff wrote in a 13 Feb 1995 letter: Ruth graduated from high school in Eclectic, Ala. Sister [Erom?] was teaching there. Ruth stayed with her. Goodwater, Ala. did not have an accredited high school. Then Ruth went to Judson College (Marian, Ala.) for 2 yrs. She changed to Montevallo, which is part of the University of Ala. now. She taught 2 yrs. at Enterprise, Ala., + 3 years at Ozark, Ala. This was during the depression. They payed the teachers in warrants. She quit and came back home to 1245 Central, Memphis, Tenn. She worked in the County Agents office in Wetumpka, Ala. for about 5 yrs. She went back to Memphis and got a job with Sears. Mail order working in the office until she retired in 1971. She lives in the family home in Midtown Memphis.

From her niece, Dr. Mary Ruth Lewis, 24 Jul 2004:

I believe that Ruth did teach school. If I remember correctly, Mother told me that during the Depression, Ruth lived a while with her and Daddy while teaching school. However, the state was not able to pay its teachers that year with money, only scrip which must have been virtually worthless, or certainly not a living wage. Ruth had majored in history in College (She went for 2 years to Judson, and the final 2 years to Ala. Women's College in Montevallo)and I think that's what she taught. However, she soon decided to go home to live with Grandad and Grandmother and took employment with Sears. 
ChartsBenjamin (son of Joseph) Culpepper of Edgecombe Co., NC: Descendant Chart
John Culpepper of Randolph Co, AL: Descendant Chart
Last Edited13 Aug 2007

Citations

  1. Correspondence from Mary Ruth Lewis Ph. D., Houston, TX, to Lew Griffin, 3 Sep 1997.

James Maurice Griffin

Male, #11571, (1 Jun 1913 - 29 Aug 1992)
Father*James Olin Griffin
Mother*Minnie Dallas Strickland
Birth*1 Jun 1913 James was born at Hackneyville, Tallapoosa Co., Alabama, on 1 Jun 1913. 
Death of Mother19 Jun 1950 His mother Minnie Dallas Strickland died on 19 Jun 1950 at Memphis, Shelby Co., Tennessee. 
Death of Father31 Jul 1953 His father James Olin Griffin died on 31 Jul 1953 at Memphis, Shelby Co., Tennessee. 
Death*29 Aug 1992 He died at Memphis, Shelby Co., Tennessee, on 29 Aug 1992 at age 79. 
Burial*1 Sep 1992 His body was interred on 1 Sep 1992 at Memorial Park Cemetery, Memphis, Shelby Co., Tennessee. 
Biography* James wrote in a 14 May 1977 letter that "my middle name is for a doctor." The following is from an unknown source: Southerners Win New Distinctions In Foreign Fields Some Earn Promotions; Others Rewarded for Heroism On Distant Fronts STAFF SERGT. JAMES M. GRIFFIN, son of Dr. and Mrs. J. O. Griffin of 883 Hawthorne, has been awarded the Bronze Star for meritorius achievement in battle on Leyte. While sergeant in charge of an alert platoon, "Sergeant Griffin exercised admirable leadership in taking precautions for the safety of the area during a Japanese attack," his citation reads. Sergeant Griffin entered the Army Air Forces in June, 1942, and has been overseas 20 months with a photo intelligence detachment.
      
ChartsBenjamin (son of Joseph) Culpepper of Edgecombe Co., NC: Descendant Chart
John Culpepper of Randolph Co, AL: Descendant Chart
Last Edited14 Jun 2004

Sarah Louise Griffin

Female, #11572, (28 Oct 1908 - 24 Jun 1993)
Father*James Olin Griffin
Mother*Minnie Dallas Strickland
Birth*28 Oct 1908 Sarah was born at Hackneyville, Tallapoosa Co., Alabama, on 28 Oct 1908. 
Census*1910 She was in the in 1910 census at Hackneyville, Tallapoosa Co., Alabama. 
Marriage*5 Apr 1931 She married Ralph Waldo Vaughn at Hamilton, Marion Co., Alabama, on 5 Apr 1931 at age 22. 
Married Name5 Apr 1931  As of 5 Apr 1931, her married name was Vaughn. 
Death of Mother19 Jun 1950 Her mother Minnie Dallas Strickland died on 19 Jun 1950 at Memphis, Shelby Co., Tennessee. 
Death of Father31 Jul 1953 Her father James Olin Griffin died on 31 Jul 1953 at Memphis, Shelby Co., Tennessee. 
Death*24 Jun 1993 She died at Fort Smith, Sebastian Co., Arkansas, on 24 Jun 1993 at age 84. 
Burial*say 26 Jun 1993 Her body was interred say 26 Jun 1993 at Memorial Park Cemetery, Memphis, Shelby Co., Tennessee. 
Biography* Ralph and Louise lived in Sun City from 1976 until 1990.

From Dr. Mary R. Lewis, 27 Jul 2004:

Louise, a graduate of Alabama College for Womenn at Montevallo, was a successful teacher. Louise taught in a small AL town where she met Ralph. They fell in love and wanted to marry. AL still had the law prohibiting married women from teaching and Louise did not want to give up her job. So they got secretly married during the school year. However, word leaked out and the School Board met to decide what to do about Louise. They decided that she could complete the school year, but she was not allowed to continue after that.
 

Family

Ralph Waldo Vaughn
Marriage*5 Apr 1931 She married Ralph Waldo Vaughn at Hamilton, Marion Co., Alabama, on 5 Apr 1931 at age 22. 
Children
  • Sarah Annette Vaughn
  • Barbara Louise Vaughn
ChartsBenjamin (son of Joseph) Culpepper of Edgecombe Co., NC: Descendant Chart
John Culpepper of Randolph Co, AL: Descendant Chart
Last Edited21 Dec 2004

Ralph Waldo Vaughn

Male, #11573, (2 Jul 1905 - 30 May 1997)
Father*John Louis Vaughn1
Mother*Cleone Wise1
Birth*2 Jul 1905 Ralph was born at Alabama on 2 Jul 1905.1 
Marriage*5 Apr 1931 He married Sarah Louise Griffin at Hamilton, Marion Co., Alabama, on 5 Apr 1931 at age 25. 
Death of Spouse24 Jun 1993 His wife Sarah Louise Griffin died on 24 Jun 1993 at Fort Smith, Sebastian Co., Arkansas. 
Death*30 May 1997 He died at Fort Smith, Sebastian Co., Arkansas, on 30 May 1997 at age 91.1,2 
Burial*say 1 Jun 1997 His body was interred say 1 Jun 1997 at Memorial Park Cemetery, Memphis, Shelby Co., Tennessee. 
Biography* Ralph was an electrical engineer.1 

Family

Sarah Louise Griffin
Children
  • Sarah Annette Vaughn
  • Barbara Louise Vaughn
Last Edited6 Dec 2003

Citations

  1. E-mail written 2003 - 2005 to Lew Griffin from Barbara Louise Vaughn Davis (Mrs. Charles Davis), Maryland Heights, MO, e-mail address.
  2. U.S. Social Security Administration, compiler, Social Security Death Index (SSDI), Online database at Ancestry.com.
    http://www.ancestry.com/search/rectype/vital/ssdi/main.htm

Julia Clarice Griffin

Female, #11574, (2 Apr 1911 - 19 Nov 2002)
Father*James Olin Griffin
Mother*Minnie Dallas Strickland
Birth*2 Apr 1911 Julia was born at Hackneyville, Tallapoosa Co., Alabama, on 2 Apr 1911. 
Marriage*31 Dec 1936 She married William Thomas Duscoe at Forrest City, Saint Francis Co., Arkansas, on 31 Dec 1936 at age 25. 
Married Name31 Dec 1936  As of 31 Dec 1936, her married name was Duscoe. 
Residence* Julia resided at Nashville, Davidson Co., Tennessee. 
Death of Mother19 Jun 1950 Her mother Minnie Dallas Strickland died on 19 Jun 1950 at Memphis, Shelby Co., Tennessee. 
Death of Father31 Jul 1953 Her father James Olin Griffin died on 31 Jul 1953 at Memphis, Shelby Co., Tennessee. 
Death*19 Nov 2002 She died on 19 Nov 2002 at age 91.1 
Biography* From her niece, Dr. Mary R. Lewis, 27 Jul 2004:

Clarice decided not to teach before she was married. She had majored in home economics and decided to take a position with Westinghouse (I think) demonstrating their homemaking and household products. This job involved traveling. Some private corporations, including the one where she was employed, had rules that married women could not be employed. As her job involved traveling, she and Duscoe were able to get married secretly and keep the secret until they were ready to start their family. Then she resigned. I'm not sure how old her two boys were when she decided to start teaching, but she had a long career teaching school in Tennessee. I think she taught 5th grade. 

Family

William Thomas Duscoe
Marriage*31 Dec 1936 She married William Thomas Duscoe at Forrest City, Saint Francis Co., Arkansas, on 31 Dec 1936 at age 25. 
Children
  • Tom David Duscoe
  • John Olin Duscoe
  • Emily Jane Duscoe
ChartsBenjamin (son of Joseph) Culpepper of Edgecombe Co., NC: Descendant Chart
John Culpepper of Randolph Co, AL: Descendant Chart
Last Edited21 Dec 2004

Citations

  1. U.S. Social Security Administration, compiler, Social Security Death Index (SSDI), Online database at Ancestry.com.
    http://www.ancestry.com/search/rectype/vital/ssdi/main.htm

William Thomas Duscoe

Male, #11575, (circa 1909 - )
Birth*circa 1909 William was born circa 1909. 
Marriage*31 Dec 1936 He married Julia Clarice Griffin at Forrest City, Saint Francis Co., Arkansas, on 31 Dec 1936. 
Residence* William resided at Union City, Obion Co., Tennessee. 

Family

Julia Clarice Griffin
Children
  • Tom David Duscoe
  • John Olin Duscoe
  • Emily Jane Duscoe
Last Edited9 Jul 1999

Hez Brown

Male, #11577, (9 Jun 1910 - 1 Jul 1980)
Birth*9 Jun 1910 Hez was born on 9 Jun 1910. 
Marriage*24 Nov 1939 He married Minnie Frances Griffin at Memphis, Shelby Co., Tennessee, on 24 Nov 1939 at age 29. 
Death*1 Jul 1980 He died at Chattanooga, Hamilton Co., Tennessee, on 1 Jul 1980 at age 70. 
Biography* Quoting a letter from Frances G. Brown, 11 Mar 1997: "Hez Brown graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in Business Administration. His first job after graduation was with a bank in St. Louis, MO. He then moved on to John Deer and was sent to Memphis where we met and later married. He left John Deer and went to work for Sears to manage their Farm Equipment Store in Chattanooga. A few years later he went into business with R. O. Philips in the farm equipment business. They sold the business in 1978 and both retired. Some of his favorite things to do were fishing, quail hunting, and gardening." 

Family
Child
  • Robert Stuart Brown
Last Edited9 Jul 1999

Olga Marie Griffin

Female, #11578, (18 Apr 1920 - 29 Oct 2001)
Father*James Olin Griffin
Mother*Minnie Dallas Strickland
Birth*18 Apr 1920 Olga was born at Goodwater, Coosa Co., Alabama, on 18 Apr 1920. 
Employment* Olga's occupation: teacher. 
Marriage*9 Aug 1943 She married Charnell Whitfield Middlecoff Jr. at Memphis, Shelby Co., Tennessee, on 9 Aug 1943 at age 23. 
Married Name9 Aug 1943  As of 9 Aug 1943, her married name was Middlecoff. 
Death of Mother19 Jun 1950 Her mother Minnie Dallas Strickland died on 19 Jun 1950 at Memphis, Shelby Co., Tennessee. 
Death of Father31 Jul 1953 Her father James Olin Griffin died on 31 Jul 1953 at Memphis, Shelby Co., Tennessee. 
Death of Spouse29 Apr 1986 Her husband Charnell Whitfield Middlecoff Jr. died on 29 Apr 1986 at Somerville, Fayette Co., Tennessee. 
Death*29 Oct 2001 She died at Somerville, Fayette Co., Tennessee, on 29 Oct 2001 at age 81. 
Biography* Marie was named after Mrs. Olga Bazut, a woman Dr. Griffin had treated in France during World War I. The following is a translation of a portion of a 8 Mar 1919 letter Mrs. Bazut wrote thanking Dr. Griffin for his care: I am very happy at the thought of seeing you again soon, you will have the great joy of finding your little sick one very changed. This is your work. I hope that you will be happy always, it will be with pleasure that I will think of you. In my life I will not forget you. You took such care of me that never will I be able to thank you enough. You alone have known to bring me back to life, now I hope that my health will get better every day.... Do not forget your little sick one, and especially do not go through without coming to see me. Best regards from my husband, from all my family.
.
A sister, Ruth Griffin, wrote in a 7 Aug 1982 letter that "Marie retired from teaching this past May. She keeps busy with her yard, the house and grandchildren."
.
From the Fayette Falcon, Wednesday, November 7th, 2001, page 4a:
.
     Mrs. Marie Griffin Middlecoff, a resident of LaGrange Road near Somerville and a retired educator who was involved throughout her lifetime in various civic and community organizations, died at 11 PM. Monday, October 29, 2001, at her residence. She was 81 years of age and died following an extended illness.
.
     Funeral services were conducted at 2 P.M. Thursday, November 1st at the Somerville First United Methodist Church with Rev. Walter German, Pastor of the Church, officiating. Interment was at the Memorial Park Cemetery in Memphis. Peebles Fayette County Funeral Home of Somerville was in charge of arrangements.
.
     Mrs. Middlecoff was born April 18, 1920, in Goodwater, Alabama. She was the youngest of nine children born to Dr. James Olin and Minnie Dallas Strickland Griffin. At an early age she moved to Moulton, Alabama and at the age of eight, moved to Memphis, Tennessee. There she attended Bruce Elementary School and graduated from Central High School in Memphis in 1937. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in education from the University of Memphis in 1940.
.
     She was married August 9, 1943, to Charnell Whitfield Middlecoff, Jr. of Memphis. The couple lived in Sioux City, Iowa and Boise, Idaho Where, Mr. Middlecoff was stationed while serving in the Army Air Corps during World War 11.
.
     In 1951, the Middlecoffs purchased a farm in southeastern Fayette County to begin their farming operations and in 1957 their family moved to the farm. They had been residents of Fayette County sine that time and Mr. Middlecoff operated the farm until his death on April 29, 1986.
.
     Mrs. Middlecoff was a public school teacher in Memphis in earlier years and taught school in the Fayette County public school system for sixteen years before her retirement.
.
     Mrs. Middlecoff was a devoted member of the Somerville First United Methodist Church as long as health permitted. She was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority of the University of Memphis and had served as President of the organization. In earlier years she was a Sunday School teacher, a Cub Scout leader and a Girl Scout leader. Mrs. Middlecoff had served as President of the Parent Teacher Association and was a member of King's Daughters, Delta Kappa Gamma and the Craddock Book Club of Somerville.
.
     She had been involved in Farm Bureau activities for many years and was a member of the Fayette County Farm Bureau Women. Mrs. Middlecoff was an active supporter of the Tennessee Farmers Cooperative during the period that Mr. Middlecoff served as District Representative.
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Mrs. Middlecoff is survived by her daughter, Esther Marie Middlecoff Stevens of Lakeland; two sons, Charnell Whitfield Middlecoff III of Somerville, Richard James Middlecoff of Germantown; two sisters, Clarice Duscoe of Nashville, Frances Brown of Charlotte, North Carolina, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
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     Casketbearers were John David Douglass, Clay Hopkins, Whit Middlecoff, IV, Dr. Will Middlecoff, Tom Peebles, Andrew Stevens, John Paul Stevens and Richard Stevens.
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     The family request that memorials be made to the Somerville First United Methodist Church. 

Family

Charnell Whitfield Middlecoff Jr.
Marriage*9 Aug 1943 She married Charnell Whitfield Middlecoff Jr. at Memphis, Shelby Co., Tennessee, on 9 Aug 1943 at age 23. 
Children
  • Charnell Whitfield Middlecoff III
  • Richard James Middlecoff
  • Esther Marie Middlecoff
ChartsBenjamin (son of Joseph) Culpepper of Edgecombe Co., NC: Descendant Chart
John Culpepper of Randolph Co, AL: Descendant Chart
Last Edited17 Dec 2001

Charnell Whitfield Middlecoff Jr.

Male, #11579, (6 Oct 1918 - 29 Apr 1986)
Birth*6 Oct 1918 Charnell was born at Milan, Gibson Co., Tennessee, on 6 Oct 1918. 
Employment* Charnell's occupation: farmer. 
Marriage*9 Aug 1943 He married Olga Marie Griffin at Memphis, Shelby Co., Tennessee, on 9 Aug 1943 at age 24. 
Death*29 Apr 1986 He died at Somerville, Fayette Co., Tennessee, on 29 Apr 1986 at age 67. 
Burial*1 May 1986 His body was interred on 1 May 1986 at Memorial Park Cemetery, Memphis, Shelby Co., Tennessee. 
Biography* Jerry Kirk, "Our Thanks to You, Director Middlecoff" Tennessee Cooperator circa 1976 Its known as "rotating off the board," and it has happened to one of the finest men we know.
      Mr. C. W. Middlecoff of Somerville, because he has served the maximum number of consecutive years allowed under the bylaws, has "rotated off the board" of Tennessee Farmers Cooperative.
      As Mr. Middlecoff steps down as a director, we welcome his successor on the board, Mr.\ John L. Roberts of Lexington, another outstanding farmer and agriculture leader. Mr. Roberts was elected last month at TFC's annual meeting to replace Mr. Middlecoff as the director from District 2.
      Plans had all been made to honor Mr. Middlecoff during the annual meeting in Nashville-to salute him for his dedicated service as a TFC director. Among those ready to say some really nice things about Mr. Middlecoff was Ralph Carter of Greene County, TFC's 1975-76 president. There was a plaque to be presented to Mr. Middlecoff, too.
      But Mr. Middlecoff was unable to attend the annual meeting because his lovely wife, Marie, was hospitalized at the time.
      Here's what Mr. Carter would have said about Mr. Middlecoff, though:
      "It was nine years ago that the TFC membership showed the good judgement to elect a conscientious, hard-working farmer from Fayette County to serve as director from District 2.
      "Yes, it was in 1967 that C. W. Middlecoff of Somerville was first elected to the TFC Board of Directors. And it seems that time moves especially fast when you have a good thing going. TFC for nine years has had a good thing in Director Middlecoff.
      "We can't let his service on the board end without recognizing Mr. Middlecoff for the valuable contributions he has made as a director.
      "He has always been a respected member of the board. Respected for his ability to grasp an issue and suggest courses of action. Respected for his convictions, his insight, his judgments, his decisions. They've all contributed immeasurably to the unparalleled success which TFC has experienced during the past nine years.
      "During his tenure on the board, Mr. Middlecoff served as President of TFC in 1973.
      "Our retiring director has also been an active member of Fayette Farmers Cooperative in Somerville for some 25 years now. He's the current board president, an office he also held in 1967.
      "To you, Mr. Middlecoff, we say 'thank you' for the years of unselfish service which you have given to the cooperative system in Tennessee. The contributions which you have made while serving on our TFC board will continue to bear fruit for many, many years to come."
      Well said, Mr. Carter.
      We also convey our appreciation and thanks to the fine gentleman from Fayette County who has served his fellow farmers so well for so many years. 

Family

Olga Marie Griffin
Children
  • Charnell Whitfield Middlecoff III
  • Richard James Middlecoff
  • Esther Marie Middlecoff
Last Edited26 Jul 1999