James Clarence Griffin
James Clarence Griffin was born in Bainbridge, Georgia on August 7th, 1874 to his Father, Henry Clay and Mother, Maggie J. Griffin.
Interesting events that occurred around the World during Mr. Griffins birth year of 1874 included.
• On February 24th, 1874 future Hall of Fame baseball player, Honus Wagner is born in Chartiers Borough, Pennsylvania.
• On March 18th, 1874 the Kingdom of Hawaii signs a treaty with the United States, granting exclusive trading rights.
• On May 20th, 1874 Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis receive a U.S. patent for blue jeans, with copper rivets. The price is $13.50 per dozen.
• On July 1st, 1874 the Philadelphia Zoo opens. It is the first public zoo in the United States.
• On September 14th, 1874 the "Battle of Liberty Place" occurs in New orleans, Louisiana when former Confederate Army members temporarily drive Republican Governor William P. Kellogg from office, replacing him with former Democratic Governor John McEnery. U.S. Army troops restore Kellogg to his legally elected position five days later.
• On November 7th, 1874 Harper's Weekly publishes a cartoon by Thomas Nast which is the first depiction of an elephant as a symbol for the Republican Party in the United States.
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James Clarence was the eldest of five children born to his Mother and Father. Chronologically his younger siblings were Bessie Roberta, Smith Long,. Henry Clay Jr, and Flossie Griffin.
The Griffin family relocate from the Peach State of Georgia to the Sunshine State of Florida and town of Dade City in 1886 which is where this evening's honoree would remain for the rest of his life and become a most upstanding and revered citizen
Griffin Patriarch, Henry Clay supported his family in a variety of ways throughout his life including as a farmer, Pasco County Sheriff, and retail merchant. Additionally, he was in charge of construction of the Orange Belt Railroad and was the Supervisor of State Prisons during the administration of Governor Albert W. Gilchrist.
Although we know not specifically when, James Clarence would lose his Mother, Maggie sometime after the birth of his Sister Flossie in 1896 but prior to the taking of the state census four years later in 1900.
This evenings honoree was highly focused on his career and did not marry until the age of 38 when on Sunday February 9th, 1913 he wed 22 year old Emilie "Millie" Zinsser in Polk County, Florida. The couple have a single child during the course of their marriage, a Son whom arrives in April of 1914 and they bequeath the name James Clarence Jr.
Mr. Griffin was a prominent businessman and community leader. He was President and General Manager of the Griffin Drug Company as well as the Pasco County Hardware and Supply Co. On top of that he was Director of the Bank of Pasco County, a Mason, a Mystic Shriner, a member on the Board of Trade, and constituent in the City Council !!!
James Clarence fell ill with a stomach ailment in late May of 1915 and when his health rapidly deteriorated he sought treatment in Atlanta, Georgia. On Thursday June 10th, 1915 his Wife Millie, baby Clarence Jr. and Father, Henry Clay traveled to the Peach State to be with him but because of his precarious condition were not permitted to do so. Sorrowfully, he would never see his family again and passes away on Tuesday June 15th, 1915. He was forty.
Mr. Griffins grieved widow, "Millie" accompanied his remains home to Dade City, Florida aboard the Seaboard Coastline Railroad and was met by a throng of local citizens, lodgemen, and friends. Upon their arrival, his body was immediately brought to the city cemetery where a funeral would commence. Local community business owners shuttered their doors during the funeral so that all could pay their respects to the departed. The Episcopalian graveside service was accompanied by an impressive display of Masonic burial rites which were administered by the local order of Masons. During the ceremony, Millie collapsed in utter grief and for a short time her life feared for. Thankfully she would be returned to consciousness and brought to the home of her Sister
James Clarence Griffin... Beloved Husband, Father, Son, Brother.