Yolo County Biographies


This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm




JAMES B. GRIFFIN
 
a prosperous farmer near Winters, Yolo County, was born in Ralls County, 
Missouri, August 12, 1852, the son of Joseph and Nancy (Ely) Griffin.  His 
father, born in Virginia, February 6, 1818, crossed the plains to this State in 
1850; in 1852 returned to Missouri and in 1857 came again to California, 
bringing with him his family of wife and five children: T.D., George W., Annie 
E., Margaret J. and James B.; and he lived until 1885.  The mother, who was born 
February 6, 1828, in Missouri, is still living, on the home ranch, where she is 
spending the remainder of her days.  James B. was but five years of age when he 
was brought to the Golden State.  He lived and worked for the interests of his 
parents until 1877; then until 1880 he was engaged in Colusa County, when he 
bought land.
            In 1889 he came to Yolo County and purchased 320 acres north of 
Winters, and during the same year he and his brother, John F., bought of Levi 
Morris one of the finest ranches in the county, situated about three miles north 
of Winters, toward Madison.  It contains 500 acres, of which 100 are in fruit.  
On the premises is a magnificent residence.  James� interest is 170 acres, while 
the rest belongs to his brother.  The subject of this sketch was married 
November 19, 1874, to Miss Minerva C. Miller, who was born in California 
September 17, 1854.  Their three children are:  Emma G., born February 9, 1879; 
Bennie, October 21, 1881; and Joseph R., December 27, 1883.  
            JOHN F. GRIFFIN was born in Yolo County October 25, 1859, and was 
married November 8, 1887, to Miss Alice Martin, at her home in Ralls County, 
Missouri.  She was born in that State, April 14, 1862.  Immediately after 
marriage they came to California, and they are now making their home with his 
widowed mother.  The farm is both useful and beautiful, being well kept by its 
intelligent proprietors.
 
Memorial & Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing 
Co., 1891
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler