Biography of W T Griffith, Clay Co, AR

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From: 
The Goodspeed Biographical and Historical Memoirs of N. E. Ark.
Biographical Information.

W. T. Griffith, lumberman and postmaster at Thurman, Ark., was born on Kentucky
soil (Montgomery County) June 11, 1835, his parents being Jefferson and Lydia
(Brothers) Griffith, who came from the "Old Dominion" at an early day with their
parents; David Griffith, the grandfather, being one of the first settlers of
Montgomery County, Ky. He located near Mt. Sterling, the county seat, and became
a very wealthy farmer, but died in Fleming County, of that State. Jefferson
Griffith died in Kentucky in 1882, at the age of seventy years, having been a
mechanic by trade, and a prominent man, serving as sheriff of Nicholas County
for some time. His wife also died in Kentucky. Five of their seven children are
now living: Samuel, John, Sarah J., William T. and Martha. William T. Griffith,
our subject, was reared in Kentucky until fifteen years of age, and there
received the greater part of his education. In 1853 he went to Union County,
Ill., and located on a farm near Jonesborough, the country at that time being in
a very wild and unsettled condition, and here made his home until 1877, when he
came to Clay County, Ark., and began logging in H. H. Williams' large mills,
remaining thus employed for five years, then locating on his present excellent
farm in Kilgore Township. The most of his attention, however, is given to
lumbering and cotton-ginning. He owns a saw-mill and employs several hands to
operate it. In July, 1888, the post-office at Thurman was established and he
became the first postmaster, and is now holding that position. He has held the
office of justice of the peace for two years, and is a member of the Masonic
fraternity and the Agricultural Wheel. In 1855 he wedded Miss Barbara I. Lipe, a
native of Illinois, and by her became the father of twelve children, six now
living: Walter, Emma A., Elsie J., Anna, John and Lillie. His wife died in
October, 1880, and in 1881 he married Louisa Carter, who was born in Adams
County, Ind., and by her had one child, Rosa P. He and wife are members of the
Missionary Baptist Church, of which he is also clerk.