Individual Notes
Note for: Abel Griffith, 25 APR 1723 - 4 FEB 1804
Index
Event: Type: MARR
Date: JAN 1763
Individual Note: (ALG's Griffith Genealogy, p.26.)
In 1776 Abel was of the Ephrata Community, Lancaster Co., PA. A
history of that community says that Isreal Seymour, his sister and
Abel Griffith lived in the settlement for sometime, but because of
their allegation, they could not stand the confined way of living and
left. Abel's last wife could have been Mary Seymour.
(Pedigree, Glenn, pp. 40-41)
"ABEL GRIFFITH, 1st son of Griffith Griffith and Gwen his wife (Will of his father, Will Book D. Vol. 4, 278), was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, 25 April, 1723; died there intestate, 4 February, 1804.
He married, 1 January, 1763, Marget Bramer (Family Record), who died 13 April, 1774 (Welsh Bible Record), and, 2dly, Mary----. (Deed Book R. 2, 450, West Chester, Pa.) He had issue by his 1st wife only. In 1746, Abel Griffith was of the Ephrata Community of Lancaster County. A history of this community says that Israel Seymour, his sister, and "Abel Griffyth lived in the settlement for sometime, but because, according to their allegations, they could not stand the confined way of living, they left it again."
Deed, 9 March, 1763, David Rogers and Hannah his wife "out of Real Regard and Christian Love which they bear towards the Seventh Day Baptist Church and Christian People of that Denomination," as well as for and in consideration of Ð1-10-0, Pennsylvania money, paid by Philip Thomas and the Abel Griffith, who are at this time the ap-pointed Deacons or Overseers of the said Church or Society, a certain messuage and piece or lot of land situate in East Nantmeal in the County of Chester, containing one acre of land, for the use of said Church. (Deed Book T, 98).
By Deed 4 January, 1799, Abel Griffith and Mary his (second) wife, conveyed unto Griffith Griffith, eldest son of the said Abel, two tracts of land in East Nantmeal, Chester County, one granted by Patent of the Proprietor, 20 December, 1759; the other by Samuel Potts and Benjamin Jacobs, by deed 19 May, 1788. (Deed Book R. 2, 450, West Chester, Pa.) "
Individual Notes
Note for: William Griffith, ABT 1727 - 1800
Index
Individual Note: (Pedigree, Glenn, p. 38)
"William, of East Nantmeal and Coventry Townships, Chester County, Pennsylvania, Dr. Elijah Griffiths in his Ms. genealogy says that he "had several wives and chil-dren, the eldest son Wills G[riffths] emigrated when he was about 21 years of age to the district of Ninety-Six in South Carolina early in the American Revolution and there married and in conjunction with his father-in-law carried on iron works, he revisited his native place, Chester Co., Penna., after the Revolution and took a younger brother home with him, called Eli; nothing more is known of him. Jesse, the next brother, married but died without leaving any issue. Rachel married James Winnard, of Norristown, Pa., and died without issue. Phebe married Lewis Shrack of Norristown, Pa., and 5 children, Jane, married Hitchcock, of Bucks Co., and they with their family emigrated to the State of Ohio. Wm. died young." (For will of William Griffiths see Appendix)."
Chester County, Pennsylvania Wills, 1713-1825
Name: William Griffith
Description: Decedent
Residence: East Nantmeal
Date: 10 Oct 1793
Prove Date: 2 Jun 1800
Remarks: Griffith, William. E. Nantmeal. Oct. 10, 1793. June 2, 1800. All estate divided among my 8 children, Sarah, wife of Randolf Melon, Jesse, Eli, Mary, Rachel, Phebe, James and William Griffiths. Executor: Son Jesse.
Individual Notes
Note for: Evan Griffith, 1729 -
Index
Individual Note: (Pedigree, Glenn, p. 38)
"Evan, born 23 February, 1729. (Will of his father, Will Book D. Vol. 4, 278, West Chester, Pa.) 'He became de-ranged early in life and died with out issue.' (Ms. Genealogy by Dr. Elijah Griffiths ). Mentioned in will of Philip David of East Nantmeal, Chester County, proved 23 March, 1747-8. (See Codicil.) Will dated 3 June, 1742, codicil 1 March, 1747-8. Dan Griffith, 4th son of Griffith Griffiths in his Will of 20 August, 1802, charged the remainder of his estate 'with a decent livelihood for their (his childrens) Uncle, Evan Griffith during his natural life which I order to be given him off my old plantation, where I now live.'"
Individual Notes
Note for: Dan Griffith, -
Index
Individual Note: (Pedigree, Glenn, pp. 38-39)
"Dan, (will of his father, Will Book D. Vol. 4, 278, West Chester, Pa.) He was a planter, and one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas, in East Nantmeal Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, where he died in or about the month of August, 1802. In records he is often erroneously described as 'Daniel Griffith.' He was commissioned a Justice of the Peace, 31 March, 1777, and 28 May, 1779, Caleb Davis, in reply to a request of the Council for an account of the Justices in Chester County, furnished Timothy Matlack, Secretary of the Council, a list of all persons mentioned in the several Commissions of the Peace issued since the Revolution, in which list Dan Griffith is the 9th. He continued as a Magistrate for his County for a long time, and his Commission is recorded at West Chester in Book 7, 67, anno 1784. He was one of the witnesses to the will of William Griffith, dated 23 May, 1785; proved at West Chester, 6 February, 1790 (which see), and a deed dated 23 September, 1788, Abel Griffith and Mary his (2nd) wife, to Thomas Potts, is witnessed by and acknowledged before Dan Griffith, "one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Chester." (Office of Recorder of Deeds, West Chester, Pennsylvania). In a deed 20 September, 1785, James Moore et al. to Levi Griffith, he is described as of East Nantmeal, "Esquire," (Deed Book A2, I, West Chester, Pa.) He married Rebecca ----, and had issue: Samuel, married Elizabeth Howell, had one daughter, and died in New Orleans; David, died un-married; Hannah. married James Kirkpatrick, and left 4 sons and 2 daughters, Rebecca, and Rhoda, who married ---- Thomson, and left issue surviving. For will of Dan Griffith see Appendix."
Individual Notes
Note for: Levi Griffith, 1738 - 30 JAN 1825
Index
Individual Note: (Pedigree, Glenn, pp. 39-40)
"Levi, born 1738, described in a deed, 1785 as of West Nantmeal; married Elizabeth Evans, and had issue. At the beginning to the Revolution, Levi Griffith entered the Continental Army and served during the entire War. He was commissioned Ensign 8 January, 1776, in Captain Persifor's Company, of the Fourth Pennsylvania Battalion, Colonel Anthony Wayne commanding. He was in the Fifth Pennsylvania Regiment, Continental Line, promoted from Ensign to Second Lieutenant, promoted to Lieutenant, ranking from January, 1777, and in a rearrangement of the Fifth Regiment (Regulars) 17 January, 1781, Levi Griffith is mentioned as Lieutenant, having been formerly Ensign, Fourth Battalion. The Fourth Battalion was recruited principally in Chester county. At the close of the War he became a member of the Society of the Cincinnati, and his signature for the subscription of one month's pay, is attached to the Roll of the Pennsylvania Association. His name appears on the Pension List for Pennsylvania, under the Act of 24 March, 1812. Levi Griffith died in Fayette County, Pennsvlvania, 30 January, 1825. aged 87 years. (See his father's will. Will Book D. Vol 4, 278 West Chester, Pa., Ms. Genealogy by Elijah Griffiths, Penna. in the Revolution, Battalions and Line, 1775-1783, State Printer, Harrisburg, 1880 (W. H. Egle, M. D.) Vol. I, 121, 535, 534, 537. Facsimile at end of Vol. 11. Pension List, Pennsylvania, Vol. 11, 761.) For documents relating to his estate and descendants, see Appendix."
Individual Notes
Note for: Amos Griffith, -
Index
Individual Note: (Pedigree, Glenn, p. 40)
"Amos. In will of Griffith Griffiths (Codicil 3 July 1754) he says: "As concerning my son Amos Griffiths that now lives with his Uncle David John; under some expectation of reward, &c., it is my will concerning him that if the said David John shall give to my son Amos answeral or equivalent to ye share of one of my younger children then if so I give him only two shillings and sixpence." Amos remained with David John, and was the devisee of his real estate, as appears by the will of the latter, then of New Britain in the County of Bucks, dated 1 August, 1771 proved 26 August, 1778 (Will Book 4, 1, Doylestown, Bucks Countv, Pa.). Amos Griffith left no issue, and by will proved 26 November, 1812, devised his estate to his nephew, Dr. Amos Griffiths, son of his brother, Abel."
Individual Notes
Note for: Rebecca Griffith, -
Index
Individual Note: (Pedigree, Glenn, p. 40)
"Rebecca, married John Howell, of Bucks County, and had issue: Sarah, married Abel Matthias, of Hilltown township, Bucks County, Elizabeth, married Samuel Griffith; Ann, married Jesse Humphries."
Individual Notes
Note for: William Wells Griffith, 1758 - 1832
Index
Event: Type: MARR
Date: BEF 1779
Place: South Carolina
Individual Note: 1790 Spartanburg, SC Wells GRIFFITH-3-2-4--1 M637_11 Image 0033
14 JAN 1799 Christian Co.,KY-Land Grant 200 acres-Book 2, pg 80
14 JAN 1799 Christian Co.,KY-Land Grant 122 acres-Book 3,pg281
4 MAY 1803 Christian Co.,KY-Land Grant 78 acres-Book 3-pg 423
9 MAY 1803 Christian Co.,KY-Land Grant 137 acres-Book 4-pg 247
10 MAY 1803 ChristianCo.,KY-Land Grant 200 acres-Book4-pg 248
31 AUG 1807 Christian Co.,KY-Land Grant 400 acres-Book 4-pg249
14 MAY 1808 Christian Co.,KY-Land Grant 45 acres-Book 6-pg45
Listed among the chainmen and witnesses to surveys and subsequent assigns are Well's sons William, John and Dan.
Wells Griffith's birthdate is based on calculations from Samuel Wells' will:
The will was written in 1778 and Wells was under 21. The list of disbursements made after Samuel's death is dated August 31, 1779. The amount due to Wells is listed paid by David Thomas, suggesting he was now 21. Therefore, his date of birth can now be placed at 1758. The 1830 census places him between 70 and 80, confirming a birthdate between 1750-1760.
Clues to the parentage of Wells' wife, Elizabeth, may be found in the following land transaction between William Wofford and Wells Griffith. The initial price of 5 shillings and on-going rent of one peppercorm per annum suggest a familial relationship.
William Wofford
Lease to #32
Wells Griffith
This indenture made the first day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & eighty three on the eight year of American Independence between William Wofford of the State of No.Car. of the one part & Wells Griffith of Ninety-six Dist.& State of So. Car. of the other part. Witnesseth that the said Wm Wofford for & in the consideration of the sum of five shillings Sterling to him in hand well & truly paid by the sd Wells Griffith at & before the sealing of these presents the receipt thereof is hereby acknowleged,___the said Wm Wofford hath bargained & sold & these presents doth bargain & sell unto sd Wells Griffith all that plantation or Tract of land containing two hundred acres lying & being i the State & Dist aforesaid,on Both sides of Lawsons Fork. Including a mll seat,then deemed in Tryon County (& or A province of No Caroina bounded as follows,that is to say. Beginning at a Red Oak on the North side of Lawson's Fork.Including a millseat then to NO 70 (wt) 18 poles to a Red Oak thence (So) 20 (Et) to a post oak (120) poles thence (So)70 (Et) to a Red Oak (130)poles thence to the begining.Together with all & singular the House,outhouses(Edifices) Barns,Stable yards Garden,Orchards,Woods,Underwoods Timber Trees, Meadows, Pastures, Ponds Lake, fishing Ways Water Water & Watercourses,(paths) passages,Liberties privileges-profits,------------,Rights--------& appurtences whatsoever thereunto belnging or i otherwise appertaining & the Reversion & Reversins. Remainder and Remainders. Rents------ profits thereof & every part & parcel therof. To have & to hold the said plantation ar(51)Tract of and containing two hndred acres with Every ____premises appuntances thereunto Belonging,unto the Sd Wells Griffith hs heirs EX ars adm rs& assigns from the day next before the day of date of these presents for and during & unto the full end & term of one whole year from thece next ensuing & fully to be Complete & Ended yielding & paying unto the Sd Wm Wofford the Rent of one pepper Corn on the last day of the Said Term, if the Same Shall be lawfully Demanded to the Intent & purpose, that by virture of these presents & by force) of the Statute for transferring ----into possesion,he the said Wells Griffith may be in actual possesion of all & Singular the premisis above mentioned,with every the appertenances thereunto belonging & therebye the better enabled to have take receive the Reversion & Inheritance thereof which is intended to be to him & his heirs granted & Released by the said Wm Wofford by another indenture (intended) to be made & dated the day next after the day of the date of these presents. In Witness whereof the said Wm Wofford hath hereunto set his hand & affixed his seal the day & year first above written .
William Wofford (seal)
Signed,Sealed & Delivered
in presence of Jas Ainworth
Arthur (his mark) Crocker
Ginnouison ? P-y-r
Amos Shaw.
From unproven sources: A IGI record (LDS) records a William (Daniel) GRIFFITH who married Elizabeth WOFFORD abt 1791 South Carolina. Another record from "Coousin" Sarah lists Well's wife as Elizabeth HARDEN.
COPY of the LAST WILL & TESTAMENT of WILLIAM WELLS GRIFFITH
I, Wells Griffith of Caldwell County Kentucky do hereby make my Last Will and Testament
in mannor and form.
Following that is to say 1st I give to my wife Elizabeth Griffith one third part of my Estate
both Real and Personal for and during the term of her natural life. Likewise all my money in
hand or on demand and after her decease I wish that part to be divided among my children
hereafter named. I give to my daughter Sally Burns one negro girl Burnette, likewise her
increase. I have portioned of my Son William Griffith, I have portioned of my daughter
Phoeba Jennings. I have portioned of my son John Griffith. At present I give to my son
Hiram Griffith one negro girl named Mary also a girl named Peg. I give to my son Henry W.
Griffith one negro boy called Jepa. I give to my son Jeptha Griffith the land he now lives on,
or which is two hundred and three acres a negro boy called Winfrey Silas also a set of
Blacksmiths tools. I give to my son Winfrey Griffith this land tract of land I now live on that
is three hundred acres more or less in the whole also a negro girl called Bernatta and her
increase also a good bed and good furniture also my daughter Betsy Goodwin I entail and give
to her and the heirs of her body a four hundred acre tract lying in Caldwell County Kentucky
including the...land near where I now live and in the same manner an equal part of the
Portion left to my wife, Elizabeth Griffith that is to say after her decease. I mean that portion
equally dividedamong each and everyone of my children in this will named My wish and
desire is never to hurt Lewis and his wife Jemema and lastly I do hereby constitute and
appoint my Son Jeptha Griffith Executor and my wife Elizabeth Executrix of this my Last
Will and Testament. In writing whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed my seal on
this the 14th day of April in the year 1831.
Wells Griffith
Signed, Sealed , Published and delivered
as and for the Last Will and Testament
of the above named Wells Griffith in
Presence of and Testified
Wm. Howard
J. P. Pemberton
A. L. Pemberton
On back of page:
State of Kentucky Caldwell County, Kentucky Court
May term 1832
I, Nathan S. Dallian, Clerk of the County Court for the aforesaid do hereby
certify that the within Last Will and Testament of Wells Griffith decd, was this day Proved in
open court and Proven by Oaths of Wm. Howard and A. L. Pemberton, two
subscribing witnesses hereto and the same was ordered to Record. In Testimony whereof and
that I have truly Recorded the Same and the Certificate in my said office. I have herewith
Set my hand this 21st day of May 1832.
N. S. Dallian, Clerk.
Individual Notes
Note for: Elizabeth Wofford, ABT 1760 -
Index
Event: Type: MARR
Date: BEF 1779
Place: South Carolina
Individual Note: BIOGRAPHY
Elizabeth's maiden name and parentage are not proven. Evidence supporting this assumption includes the following:
1. A quote from Thomas Allen Glenn's work: "Wells emigrated when he was about 21 years of age to the district of Ninety-Six (Spartanburg) in South Carolina early in the American Revolution and, according to Dr. Elijah Griffiths, '...there married and in conjunction with his father-in-law carried on iron works.'" In 1772, William Wofford established his claim to an iron works built by Joseph Buffington and known in the area as Wofford's Iron Works.
2. A 1790 land transaction between Wells and William Wofford in which the annual rent was established as "one pepper corn." (See notes for William Wells Griffith)
Individual Notes
Note for: Dan Griffith, 1792 - AFT 1860
Index
Event: Type: MARR
Date: ABT 1816
Place: Kentucky
Individual Note: Dan was born about 1792 in South Carolina, probably in the SpartenburgDistrict and likely grew up in Christian Co, KY from 1797 until 1817. Daniel's parentage has not yet been proven, but it seems likely he was the son of William Wells. He is listed on two of Wells' Kentucky land transactions, once as a witness and once as a "chainman." Further, Dan is listed in the Caldwell Co., KY tax list in 1813, immediately following the entry for Wells Griffith. Dan's eldest son was born in KY...and he named his second son Wells.
In 1817, it appears that Dan and Margaret moved to White Co, TN, where her parents lived, moving in next to them. They lived in the Lost Creek area for several years, but may have moved closer to or into Sparta, TN sometime during the 1830s. Dan was the administrator of the estate of John M. Rotan (Margaret's brother) and also the administrator of Wm. Rotan's estate. He also took the tax list in his area for a few years.
In 1848 they moved their family to Butler Co., MO, probably living in the Cane Creek area. In 1849 Butler County officials were trying to raise $180 to secure title to property for the county seat. Dan Griffith was one of seven citizens who loaned money to the county for that purchase.
About 1850 cholera swept through southern Illinois and into eastern Missouri. William Rotan's wife and Wells Griffith likely died of the disease. Margaret may have died at this time as well. In 1852/53 Dan moved to Lawrence Co., AR. In 1853 Dan married Christa Simpson who was probably the widow of Littleton Gilbert Simpson, a 1st cousin to Martha Foreman.
The family was located in the Ash Flat, AR area, living in Pleasant Ridge Township. In 1870 they were listed in Sharp Co., AR.
1830 Federal Census White Co., TN, Image 39 of 110
Living next door to William Rotan
Male < 5: Wells
Male 5-10: Dan Jr.
Male 10-15: William Rotan
Male 30-40: Dan Sr.
Female 5-10: Unknown
Female 30-40: Margaret
Individual Notes
Note for: Margaret Rotan, 1795 - 1850
Index
Event: Type: MARR
Date: ABT 1816
Place: Kentucky
Individual Notes
Note for: Dan Jr. Griffith, 1831 - 1879
Index
Individual Note: BIOGRAPHY
Not much is currently known about Dan Jr. Family lore (no doubt subject to significant embellishment) tells of Dan killing someone in Butler Co., MO, forcing the family to flee to Sharp Co., AR sometime in the early 1850s. This period in Missouri's history saw frequent conflicts as the pre-Civil War raiders spilled into Missouri from Kansas, so there may be some truth to the story. A more compelling reason for the move to Arkansas was likely the cholera epidemic that moved from Illinois into the southeastern region of Missouri in 1852. The family was hard hit by the disease that took Dan's brother, Wells , his brother William Rotan's first wife, Susanah, and possible his mother, Margaret.