My Genealogy Hound

Dr. J. A. Griffin, a physician and farmer, was born in Rutherford County, July 23, 1836, and is the son of James and Sarah Griffin. His father was born in North Carolina in 1787, and came to Tennessee when a young man, locating in Wilson County. He died in Rutherford County, in 1839. He had been twice married, and was the father of eight children. The mother’s maiden name was Arnold; she was born in Virginia in 1801, and departed this life in 1852. Our subject received his literary education in the district schools and at Stone River Academy, in Rutherford County. Soon after this he entered the office of Dr. W. P. Coleman, and remained under his supervision for two years, when he entered the medical department of the Nashville University, and graduated from this institution in the spring of 1857. After attending two courses of lectures the same year he came to Dyer County and began the practice of his profession. May 1, 1861, he married Miss Alice M., daughter of W. E. and Olive Leath. Mrs. Griffin was born in Wilson County December 25, 1842, and by her marriage to our subject became the mother of eight children, viz.: James C., Alymer, Robert L., B. M., Pearl, Rosa, Ira D. and William H. Since coming to West Tennessee Dr. Griffin has resided near Friendship. He has several excellent farms, and is a good farmer. He has had an extensive practice, and has always been successful in his professional duties. He is a Democrat in politics and cast his first presidential vote for the Whig ticket. He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity for many years. He and wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.