Griffith, Joseph

Joseph Griffith
Oct. 16, 1828-Dec. 28, 1905

Niles Daily Star, Thursday, December 28, 1905, page 2, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library


    Joseph Griffith, familiarly known by everyone as "Uncle Joe, " residing in the bend of the river, was found yesterday morning in an unconscious condition near the barn and never rallied. He passed away at 5 o'clock this morning.
    Mr. Griffith was 77 years of age and was a pioneer resident of this section.  He was well known all over the county and the news of his sudden death will be received with great regret by all.
    Besides a widow, Mr. Griffith leaves two daughters, Miss Effie, who is teaching in the northern part of the state and who is expected here today, and Mrs. Edna Quick of Seattle, Wash.
    Arrangements for the funeral have not yet been made, pending the arrival of Mrs. Quick from Washington.
Niles Daily Star, Friday, December 29, 1905, page 1, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library


    Following is a brief sketch of the life of Joseph Griffith, mention of whose death was made in yesterday's edition of the DAILY STAR.
    Joseph Griffith, son of Levi Griffith, was born in Kent county, Delaware, Oct. 16, 1828, and with his father and mother, moved to Michigan in 1834, and died Dec. 28, 1905.
    When 15 years old, he began an apprenticeship with the late Wm. Collins, to learn the trade of a mason, and remained with Mr. Collins until the age of 21.
    He then worked at his trade until 1853 at which time he had accumulated enough money to go into the mercantile business at Greenville, and followed it for 30 years, when he retired.
    He was married August 14, 1853,to Esther A. Truitt, youngest daughter of the late Peter Truitt, when they settled on the farm in Niles township and improved and built up their present beautiful home.
    Mrs. Griffith and two daughters, Mrs. J.B. Quick of Seattle, Washington, and Miss Effie Griffith of Escanaba, Mich., survive him. He also leaves two sisters and one brother.
    He was a man kind to animals, faithful to his friends, who will sadly miss his cheerful greeting and kindly hospitality.
Buchanan Record, Thursday, January 4, 1906, page 2, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

    The funeral services of the late Joseph Griffith were held at his late home northeast of Niles in the bend of the river at 11 o'clock Wednesday morning and were under the auspices of Niles commandery Knights of Templar of which he was a member.  The funeral services were delayed pending the arrival of Mrs. Edna Quick the daughter of the deceased from Seattle, Wash.  Mrs. Quick arrived Monday.  All the other relatives were already here.  The remains were taken to Niles for interment in Silver Brook cemetery.