My Genealogy Hound

WASHINGTON I. GRIFFITH. As a representative of the prosperous and enterprising farmers of Cass County who have contributed to the growth and development of this section of the State, mention should be made of Mr. Griffith, who conducts farming operations on section 21, of Milton Township. A native of Indiana, he was born in St. Joseph County, December 22, 1845, and is the son of Caleb B. and Matilda (Smith) Griffith, natives of Delaware. The paternal grandfather, Joshua Griffith, was probably born in Delaware and was of English descent. The maternal grandfather, George Smith, was likewise born in Delaware and traced his ancestry to England.

After the marriage of the parents of our subject, which occurred in St. Joseph County, Ind., they settled on a farm in Harris Township, but soon afterward came to Michigan and located in Milton Township. Here they engaged in agricultural pursuits, becoming well and favorably known for their integrity and kind, noble dispositions. The father died in 1869; the mother still makes her home in this township. They were the parents of seven sons: Charles H., Washington I., Addison H. and George, the latter dying at the age of two years, the others dying in infancy. The second son is the subject of this sketch, who was a small child when he accompanied his parents to Cass County. Here he gained his education and grew to manhood on his father’s farm.

October 1, 1868, Mr. Griffith married Josephine M. Rogers, who was born in Cass County, June 13, 1847, being the daughter of Hiram Rogers, a native of New Jersey. When about two years of age he removed with his parents to New York, and in an early day came to Michigan, being one of the early settlers of Cass County. He is still living in Milton Township upon the farm he entered from the Government many years ago. He has attained to the advanced age of ninety-two years, and as one of the oldest of the few surviving pioneers of this county is entitled to the consideration and esteem of all the people. His father, Jabez Rogers, was descended from English ancestors and served in the Revolutionary War.

Mrs. Griffith is one of thirteen children born to Mr. and Mrs. Rogers, being the next to the youngest of the family. At the present time (1893) two of the number are living. The mother of these children, Lora (Worden) Rogers, was born in New York and was of English descent. Mrs. Griffith was reared in Milton Township and attended the district schools as well as the Cassopolis school. Four children were born of her marriage, three of whom are deceased, namely: Maud M., who died when twenty-one years of age; Caleb C., who passed away at the age of five months, and Lucy E., who was called hence when an interesting child of fourteen years. The only surviving child is Florence R.

In 1869 Mr. Griffith settled on his present farm, where he conducts a general agricultural and stock-raising business. In addition to this property he owns an interest of one hundred acres in St. Joseph County, Ind. In his political belief he was for many years a stanch adherent of Republican principles, but for several years he has adopted the policy of voting for the man whom he deems best qualified for the position desired. He has served as Justice of the Peace, and at the present time is a member of the School Board. He has been prominently connected with the Farmers’ Alliance, of which he was the first Secretary and second President, and is now their agent. Upright in character and zealous in religious matters, he is one of the most active and influential members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is now Steward.