BIOGRAPHIES:  REV JAMES S. GRIFFIN, HARRISON COUNTY, WV

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Submitted by:  Mariana Zuelsdorf
               (zuelsdorf@cybertime.net)

Article commemorating the
anniversary of Jones Run Baptist Church

Rev. James Scarff Griffin

Rev. James S. Griffin, the fifth pastor of Clarksburg Baptist Church, 
who served as such pastor from January 17, 1861 to February 14, 1863, 
was a son of Samuel Griffin, who came from South Wales with his six 
brothers and settled in Frederick, Virginia.  He was born in Frederick 
in the year 1799.  They came to Harrison county in 1803 and settled on 
Brush Fork, in Simpson District, within a few miles of Clarksburg.
Rev. Griffin married Miss Martha Harbert of this county, December 14, 1820, 
and it was about this time that he moved on Jones Run, Eagle District, 
five miles above Lumberport.
He was the first person to unite with the Jones Run Baptist Church 
(then called Ten Mile Baptist Church), after it's organization.  He was 
baptized into the fellowship of the church by Rev. John Allen, an uncle
of the late Deacon James F. Allen of the Clarkburg Baptist church, in 
July, 1831, which was about three months after the church was organized.  
At the meeting of the church in January, 1833, the subject of this sketch 
was licensed by the church to exercise his gifts in singing, praying and 
preaching, in the bounds of the association.  In September, 1836, the 
church called a council, consisting of James Gossans and James Gawthrop, 
which met with the church October 8, 1836, and on the following day 
proceeded to his ordination to the full work of the Gospel ministery.  
Rev. Griffin served as pastor of the Jones Run Church for a number of 
years.
Rev. Griffin was one of the organizers of the Broad Run Baptist 
Association, at Broad Run Baptist Church, Lewis County, October 16, 
1835, which was before he was ordained to the Gospel ministry.  He 
was one of the organizers and the first moderator of Mt. Pisgah 
Association, which was organized at Mt. Pisgah Church, Gilmer County, 
October 27, 1854.  The churches he served were located mostly within 
the bounds of Broad Run, Judson, and Mt. Pisgah Association.  He died 
Sunday, August 18, 1867, at the age of sixty-eight.  Benjamin S. Griffin, 
one of the constituent members of the church during the time of this 
pastorate, was a brother.  Rev. Griffin has many lineal descendants 
now living in Harrison County.  Lloyd Griffin, one of our faithful 
members, who, for a number of years was the Assistant Cashier of the 
West Virginia Bank, then Sheriff of Harrison County, Division Chief 
of Internal Revenue Collector, Deputy Banking Commissioner, and now 
Clerk and Treasurer of the city of Clarksburg, is a grandson.  Mrs. 
Chester Elliott (Ollie Griffin Elliott), is a great-granddaughter.  
Rev. George D. Griffin, one of the noblist of men, who served as 
successful and inspiring pastor of many of our local churches, now 
retired and living with a daughter in a happy home in Buchannon, 
is also a grandson.  A great, great grandson who bears his name 
is serving his county at present in the armed forces somewhere 
in the Pacific, having enlisted in the Marines at the beginning 
of the Second World War.
Rev. James S. Griffin was a good preacher, a man of strong convictions, 
stood high in the councils of his brethren, and was known for his 
unflinching fidelity to his divine calling.