USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or other presentation. ========================================================================== Lucy Ann Forkner May 17, 1895 Daughter of Lewis and Jane Forkner, was born Oct. 30, 181O, in Surry County, North Carolina. She died May 17, 1895, aged 84 years, 6 months and 17 days. Her parents removed to Indiana about 1822 settling near Centerville, Wayne County, where, on March 16, 1836, she was united in marriage with George M. Evans. Unto them were born Lewis K., Marguerite J., Elmina and Asbury C., all but Marguerite J., now the wife of Robert Redding of Matton, Illinols, having deceased before their mother. After a little more than eight and one -half years, her belovecl companion was taken by death, leaving Lucy A. Evans a widow to provide for her young family. For more than three years she maintained a heroic struggle for the support of her four children, with small means; save a brave heart and willing hand. On Nov. 23, 1847, she married to William Griffin, removing to his home ln Henry County, on the head waters of Buck Creek, now one of the garden spots of the county. It is difficult for the prosent generation to realise that what a dismal swamp of mosquitoes and miasm was it~ lonely wilderness-- the now adopted home--nor can it appreciate the debt we owe these pioneers of fifty or sixty years ago, whose patience, toils and prlvatlons made the wilderness to blossom as the rose and laid the foundation for what we are, perhaps apt to call a higher civilization and more refined state of society. From the marriage was born Joseph D. Griffin of Spiceland' Melvina Griffin who has continued in the household and for a few years has also been located in Spiceland. There now surviving her, besides her bereaved companion, three children, twenty grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. This second marriage brought together two young families. The equal and exact Justice, the kind and impartial dealing, with a now united family demonstrated as soundness of Judgement, fairness of character which bound the two in one harmonious family, the step children scarcely realizing they had not their own mother's care and love. No higher praise can he given. About the year 1840 she Joined the Methodist Episcopal Church in Wayne County and has grown with the denomination, continuing consistent member therefore until the end. In 1860 she with her husband united with the church at what was Foster School House. Lucy, wife of William Griffin died Friday afternoon, age nearly 85 years old. She had lived in Henry County nearly half a centruy most of the time in Franklin Township with her hushand and moved to Spice Township a few years ago. Those who have long known her, have known her to he a kind neighbor and upright woman, one who was useful in the neighborhood where help was needed to relieve trouble and distress. She has been a consistent member of M.E. Church for many years but for several years was not able to attend church because of bodily infirmities. The funeral occurred Sunday after- noon, conducted by Rev. Pittinger, were held at the family residence. The remains was laid to rest at the Circle Grove Cemetery. Marguerte Jan Redding is the grandmother of Ray G, Redding, 100 Melody Ln. Linda Hawkins