Transcribed from "An Illustrated History of The Big Bend Country, embracing
Lincoln, Douglas, Adams and Franklin counties, State of Washington",
published by Western Historical Publishing Co., 1904.
CHARLES G. GRIFFITH resides about
two miles northwest from Mohler upon a choice estate of one half section
of wheat land. He has his farm well improved and in a high state
of cultivation which bespeaks the manner of man. Mr. Griffith is
one of the first settlers in this section and has wrought with wisdom and
energy here since the days of 1883. Coming to the county without
means, he has had to endure all the deprivations and hardships of the earlier
days which was the lot of the doughty and brave pioneers. It is pleasant
to see these worthy people now enjoying the fruits of their labors and
leaders in the communities where they first turned the sod and wrested
from nature's wilds the land that is now the boast of
Washington.
Charles G. Griffith was born in Randolph county,
Missouri, on November 4, 1860, the son of L. B. and Frances R. (Hunter)
Griffith. The mother is now dwelling with a daughter in Kirkwood,
Missouri. The father served in the Civil War, being second lieutenant
of the State Militia. He came to Lincoln county in 1895 and remained
with our subject until his death in 1902, being then aged seventy-one.
He and his wife were both born in Pennsylvania. The children of this
venerable couple are named as follows; William W., a graduate of the Kirksville
normal school, and now principal of the high school in Ferguson, Missouri;
Frank L., a practicing physician in Austin, Texas; Charles, the immediate
subject of this article; Mary E., also a graduate of the Kirksville normal
and now teaching in Kirkwood, Missouri. Our subject was well educated,
receiving a diploma from the Kirksville normal and then spent some time
in teaching. In the fall of 1879, he made a trip to Colusa county,
California, and in the spring of 1883 he came thence to Washington, selecting
a homestead where he now lives. Being without means, he had a hard
struggle, but overcame them all and is now in good circumstances.
A good residence, commodious barn, other outbuildings and plenty of stock
and implements are in evidence and the farm is a valuable property.
Mr. Griffith has always been a Republican
until the time when the Populist wave swept the country. Then he
suffered that party to put his name on the ticket for treasurer of the
county and he was promptly elected. A two years' term was faithfully
served and then he retired from politics, returning again to his first
love, the old Republican party. Mr. Griffith is a well informed man
both in political questions and on the affairs of the day and is progressive
and public spirited.
On August 6, 1893, Mr. Griffith married Miss
Mary E. Olson, a native of Sweden. Her parents are N. G. and Alma,
who were pioneers to this county. The mother is still living here
but the father died in 1899. He had been a sea captain for many years
before coming to this country. To Mr. and Mrs. Griffith four children
have been born, Alma Mary, Charles Chester, Gus Alvin and Frances Eleanor.
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