Biography of Marshall Griffee (1827-1908)

The parents of our subject were Thomas and Rachael (Adkinson) Griffee, natives of Virginia and early settlers in Kentucky. In 1835 they removed to Warren County, Ill., where they spent their last days. Our subject was born in Breckenridge County, Ky., May 2, 1827. He was first married, in 1850, to Miss Jane Claycomb, a native of Kentucky, who bore him nine children, six sons and three daughters. She was a consistent member of the Christian Church. She died July 7, 1869, and our subject, sometime later married Miss Martha Pedigo, a native of Kentucky. Mrs. Martha Griffee is the mother of seven children, four sons and three daughters. Of the entire family fourteen still survive. In January, 1874, Mr. Griffee removed to Iowa County, Iowa, where he resided for four years. He then removed to this county and bought a fine farm, where he now lives. It consists of 280 acres on section 24, Walnut Township. When Mr. Griffee took possession of the place the improvements were very poor, now it is in a high state of cultivation with adequate and substantial farm bildings, with three good residences occupied and owned by himself and two sons, and all now well improved to the extent of 600 acres. With the exception of a short time during his residence in Illinois, when he bought and shipped stock, our subject has made farming his exclusive business, having been reared to that employment.

Our subject entered the Christian Church at the age of sixteen years, and he has held the offices of Deacon and Elder for many years. His wife is a member of the same body. During their residence in Iowa, the family were connected with the FreeWill Baptist Church. While a resident of Illinois our subject held the office of Road Commissioner, and since coming to this county has held the offices of Justice of the Peace and Township Trustee. He and all his sons are ardent adherents of the principles of the Republican party. Mr. Griffee is a man of financial ability, fine character and courteous manners, and thoroughly worthy of the esteem in which he is held by his fellow-citizens.


[Hand-written notes at bottom of page:]

Children of Marshall Griffee & Jane (Calycomb) Griffee:

(1) Amon Griffee -- son of (Jane Marshall Griffee) was born in Warren Co., Ill. on Jan. 2, 1854 -- married to Amanda Schroyer. Amon & Amanda had 3 children -- Effie, Arnold & Stella. Later they adopted a son (Frank Belnap) (son of Minnie Griffee & Carl Belnap) after Minnie's death. Amon Griffee died Aug. 11, 1929.

(2) Joseph Griffee -- son of Marshall & Jane Griffee

(3) Mary Griffee -- daughter. Married John KNowlen

(4) Frank Griffee -- son. Married Carrie Eddy

(5) Marshall Griffee (called CAP to distinguish him from his father.

(6) Harrison Griffee -- son.

(7) Minnie Griffee -- married Carl Belnap -- had 2 sons.
A. Marshall -- adopted by Charles & Lora (Griffee) Ensign
B. Frank -- adopted by Amon & Amanda Griffee
Minnie & Carl were married in a double wedding ceremony that included my parents -- Charles & Lora (Griffee) Ensign. Minnie died after Marshall's birth (about 12 or 14 days after, I believe)

(8) Jake Griffee --

(9) Can't remember the third daughter & have no dates on any but Amon.