My Genealogy Hound

James M. Vandergriff, who is a prosperous agriculturist of Eleven Points Township, was born near where he now lives on the 1st of October, 1848, and is a son of Ruffin and Jane (Garrett) Vandergriff, who were born in North Carolina, in 1812 and 1814, respectively. They were both taken by their parents to McCracken County, Ky., in their youth, and were there reared and married, coming, in 1844, to Randolph County, Ark., where the father died January 16, 1879. He (the father) learned the blacksmith’s trade in his youth, and followed it, in connection with farming, up to the time of his death. His principles were sound, and the people showed their appreciation of his efforts by electing him to the position of justice of the peace for twelve years. He was a life-long Democrat, and served a short time in the Confederate army. His widow survives him. Jacob Vandergriff, the paternal grandfather, was of German descent, was born in Pennsylvania, and died in Kentucky. The Garrett family are of Scotch descent. Nine of their ten children are now living: James M.; Mary E., wife of A. Y. McIlroy, of Texas; Jasper P. and Joseph N., farmers, of Randolph County; Jacob R., a farmer, of Independence County, Ark.; Martha J., wife of Mose Lane, a farmer, of Shannon County, Mo.; Sarah C., wife of R. J. McIlroy, of this county; Jesse A., of Erath County, Tex., and Emma E., wife of Boyd Ellis, of this county; John W. is deceased. James M. Vandergriff received his education in Randolph County, and since twenty years of age has been in business for himself, his attention being given to the blacksmith’s trade as well as farming, carpentering and cabinet making. His enterprises have met with the desired result, and he now owns a tract of fertile land amounting to 200 acres. He is a Democrat, and during 1884 and 1885 he served as justice of the peace. His marriage was celebrated on the 9th of February, 1868, his wife being a Miss Elizabeth Bryan, a daughter of F. M. Bryan. She was born in Lincoln County, Tenn., March 14, 1852, and to their union the following children have been born: Ellar Jacob Milton, Myrtie, James Burley and Ada E. Mr. and Mrs. Vandergriff are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and he is one of the wide-awake and progressive farmers of the county.