Merced County Biographies

WILLIAM M. GRIFFIN

Transcribed by Kathy Sedler

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

 
        By virtue of his integrity and progressive spirit, added to those 
qualities which have distinguished the Griffin family in their residence in this 
section, as well as by his business ability, William M. Griffin is named among 
the representative citizens of Merced. As the junior member of the firm of Welch 
and Griffin, funeral directors and undertakers, he had an opportunity for the 
display of his executive ability and judgment in its successful management. Mr. 
Griffin was appointed county coroner in 1917, to fill a vacancy, and he was 
elected to succeed himself. He was one of Merced County's native sons, born on 
the old Duggan ranch about five miles from Merced, on April 19, 1872, a son of 
Patrick and Catherine (Townsell) Griffin. Patrick Griffin had immigrated from 
Ireland to Australia in an early day and in 1871 came to California and located 
in Merced County, where he engaged in business until his death in 1882; the 
mother died in 1875.
        William M. Griffin received a public school education. He clerked in a 
grocery store until he became a clerk in the El Capitan Hotel, his employment 
there covering a period of four years. In 1896, he went to the Klondyke and 
spent one year, meeting with only fair success and encountering many hardships. 
He returned to Merced and went to work for G. E. Nordgren, a furniture and 
undertaking firm; when Mr. Nordgren sold to Welch & Company, Mr. Griffin came 
into the company and later, when he bought a half interest in the business, the 
firm name was changed to Welch & Griffin. The parlors are maintained as a 
thoroughly modern undertaking establishment and are located in the Masonic 
Building in Merced, where every consideration is given to their clients.
        The marriage of Mr. Griffin united him with Miss Lulu Knisley, born at 
El Dorado in Eldorado County. Mr. Griffin died February 6, 1924. In politics Mr. 
Griffin was a Republican, and fraternally was a member of the Native Sons of the 
Golden West, the Woodmen of the World, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks 
and the Knights of Columbus. At his passing, the city and county lost a worthy 
citizen and supporter of their best interests. The firm still remains Welch & 
Griffin, Mrs. Lulu K. Griffin succeeding her late husband in the conduct of the 
business.
 
History of Merced County, California � Los Angeles, Historic Record Co., 1925
page 872-873