Fayette County Genealogy Project

GRIFFIN p.891

Contributed by Keely Deuschle

The pioneer of the Griffin family in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, was William Griffin, who accompanied by his wife Rhoda settled on Georges creek, Springhill township, where he followed his occupation of miller, making a comfortable home for his family, which consisted of eight children among whom was William Pearce, of whom further.

(II) William Pearce, son of William and Rhoda Griffin, was born September 2, 1809, died March 1, 1901. He obtained a practical education in the common and select schools of the neighborhood, and upon taking up the active duties of life gave his attention to agricultural pursuits, which line of work he followed successfully for the remainder of his life. He was the owner of a well cultivated farm on which was located a comfortable house and out-buildings, and the neat appearance of the entire place evidenced the work bestowed upon it by its owner. He faithfully performed all the duties of a loyal citizen, and during his early life held the rank of lieutenant in the state militia. Two of his sons, William L. and Charles A., served in the war of the rebellion. Mr. Griffin and his wife were for many years members of the Baptist church, but in 1868 the united with the Christian church, of which they became honored and useful members, Mr. Griffin serving in the capacity of elder. He married, August 28, 1816, a resident of Springhill township, who bore him thirteen children among whom was George F. P., of whom further.

(III) George Franklin Pearce, son of William Pearce and Ann (Gans) Griffin, was born April 12, 1852, in Nicholson township, Fayette county, Pennsylvania. He attended the public school, Farimont Normal School, Fairmont, West Virginia, and the Law School at Ann Arbor, Michigan, from which he graduated in 1876. He practiced his profession in the west for a number of years, but for the past quarter of a century has devoted his entire attention to farming and fruit growing, which has proved exceedingly profitable. He is a member and elder in the Presbyterian church at Old Frame, and a Prohibitionist in politics. He married (first) May 8, 1879, Josephine Lobingier, who died January 13, 1904. Married (second) October 12, 1905, Mary Rebecca, born May 15, 1859, daughter of John and Rebecca (Williams) Gans, residents of near Morgantown, West Virginia. Children by first wife: John L., born February 9, 1880, died July 13, 1896; Clement P., November 13, 1881, died Marcy 29, 1897; William R., February 25, 1883, married Bess Colvin; George M., April 4, 1884, married Lucile Crow; Chauncey, January 11, 1887, died August 6, 1887; Charles C., February 1, 1888, married Eva Moser; Frances M., March 28, 1890, resides at home.

Source: Genealogical and Personal History of Fayette County by John W. Jordan, Lewis Historical Publishing Co., 1912.

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