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				JAMES AND MARY (KELLY) GREFFETH

	James Greffeth was born in Montgomery Co., N. Y., Aug. 16, 1828.  When a small boy the 
family moved to Genesee Co., N. Y., and in 1840 to Oakland Co., Mich.  When sixteen years of age
James went to Pontiac to learn the trade of carpenter and joiner, which occupation he followed 
until 1858.  He was working in Madison, Wis., in 1852, when he was married to Mary Kelly, 
formerly from Perrington, Monroe Co., N. Y., where she was born in 1821.  Soon after they were 
married they moved to Michigan City, Ind., where Mr. Greffeth worked at his trade until 1858,
when he came to Fair Plains and purchased one hundred acres of land, upon which there had been a 
few acres chopped and a small log house erected.  The country was sparsely settled, all new
beginners, and as poor as himself.  Under these circumstances the improvements were made with the
greatest difficulty; but, by industry and perseverance, year by year the clearing has been
enlarged, other lands added, until he has a fine farm of two hundred acres under a good state of 
cultivation, and a substantial house, with large and commodious outbuildings, has been erected  
Mr. Greffeth, although not raised a farmer, takes a deep interest in agricultural matters  He 
makes a specialty of blooded stock, and was the first to introduce the shorthorn cattle in this 
county, and of which he has a fine herd; usually exhibits at the county fair, and never fails to
receive premiums.  He has been the father of two children; one died in infancy, the other, a 
daughter, is married, and occupies a portion of the farm.  
	Politically, Mr. Greffeth is a Republican; is a man of fixed principles and sound 
judgment, commanding the respect of all.



This biography is taken from "HISTORY OF IONIA AND MONTCALM COUNTIES, MICHIGAN" 
by John S. Schenck. Philadelphia:  D. W. Ensign & Co., 1881.  Pages 459-460.  Fair Plains Township.