SIXTH GENERATION

137. Abner GRIFFITH was born on 26 Sep 1814 in Father's farm, Somerset, PA. He died on 16 Apr 1900 in Stony Creek, Cambria, PA. He was buried on 18 Apr 1900 in Grandview Cem., Johnstown, Cambria, PA. SOURCE: HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA by Henry Wilson Storey (1907)
He was one of four pioneers who located in the wilderness and founded Somerset
county, PA. Here he took up a grant of six hundred and forty acres, which he
cleared of timber and made for his family a good farm. He was of the Quaker
faith, and in politics a Whig. His property consisted of six large farms, one
of which he sold to Michael Stufft. A farm was given to each of his sons, and
his personal property and ready money were divided among his daughters.

He later became a member of the Freewill Baptist Church after removing to Stony
Creek Township in Cambria County.

BURIAL RECORDS: Indicate place of birth, Somerset County, PA, Place of decease,
Stonycreek Twp., Cause of Death, Old Age, Age 85, Date of Death 4/16/1900, Lot
44, Section PR2, Page 19, Inter #4093

ESTATE: Will dated 12 May 1892. File #6024 (17 Apr 1900).
In the name of God Amen!! I Abner Griffith, of the Township of Stony Creek
in the County of Cambria and State of Pennsylvania, being of sound and
disposing mind, memory and understanding, hereby make, publish and declare this
as my last will and testament, hereby revoking and declaring null and void any
will by me made at any time heretofore.
And first: I direct all my just debts and funeral expenses and the expense
of proving and executing this will t be paid: and as to the remainder of my
Estate I will and dispose of the same as follows--
Whereas on the 19th day of October A.D. 1889 I entered into seperate
contracts with the following named children viz: Marilla Penrod, N.R. Griffith,
Uriah Griffith and Emily Von Luenen and also with my son-in-law Louis Von
Luenen, in which contracts, for a consideration therein mentioned I sold to
each of them, severaly, a certain portion or kpurpart of my farm in Stony Creek
Township, Cambria County, and in said contracts I stipulated and provided, that
each of said purchasers should pay interest on the purchase money, at a rate,
therein designated, during the joint lives of myslef and my wife, Mary Griffith
and the life of the survivor of us and further stipulating and providing that
the purchase money should be paid in full on the death of such survivor at
which time it was also stipulated a deed of confeyance should be made to each
of said purchasers: Now I hereby authorize and direct my hereinafter named
Executors to make execute and deliver to each of the aprties above named, upon
their complying with the terms of the contract on their part, a deed of
conveyance for the land sold to them severaly. And I direct that my Executor,
Louis Von Luenen, shall make such deed to Nehemiah R. Griffith and my Executor,
Nehemiah R. Griffith shall make such deeds to Emily von Luenen and Louis Von
Luenen.
Item:--I give devise and bequeth to my grandchildren being children of my
deceased son, William griffith, namely: Harrie, May, Gertrude, Pearl, Maud E.,
Charles, Naomi and Howard Griffith:--the following described real estate
portions or purparts of my farm situate in Stony Creek Township, Cambria County
and bounded and described as follows: Beginning at a Chestnut stump, thence
along line of Joseph Hoffman South fifty-one degrees East, foruty-three and one
third perches to a post, thence North thirty-four degrees, along line of
division No. 4, eighty-nine perches to line of division No. 6, thence North
seventy-two degrees West seventeen and two-tenth perches to a post, Corner of
Eli Griffith, thence along division No. 2 South fifty-three and three-fourth
degrees West eighty-four perches to a Chestnut stump, the place of Beginning,
and being purpart No. 3 on division of land made by S.W. Miller for Abner
Griffith and containing sixteen acres and one perch.
Also:--Beginning at a post on the pike on line of land of Eli Griffith
thence by division No. 9 South fifty-one and one-fourth degrees West sixty
perches to division No. 7, thence by division No. 7. North thirty-four degrees
West thrity four and one tenth perches to line of land of Wertz heirs, thence
North sixteen degrees East twenty-eight and six-tenth perches to land of G.W.
Wissinger, thence by said Wissinger's land to the Pike, thence along the Pike
and land of Eli Griffith to the place of Beginning. Being purpart No. 8 on
division of land aforesaid and containing seventeen acres and onehundred and
fifty seven perches. Excepting and reserving from this devise two pieces or
lots of ground. One thereof conveyed to Louis Von Luenen and the other conveyed
to Jacob Rose. The land hereby devised to my said grandchildren I value at the
sum of Thirty Two Hundred and Thirty Four and 31/100 ($3234.31) Dollars and
Charge the said land with the payment of that amount to my Estate by the
divisees thereof. I further direct that the said land shall be charged with the
payment to me, or my Attorney in Fact, with interest on the above stated sum at
the rate of Four (4) percent per annum during my life time. And Whereas some of
my grandchildren, before mentioned are minors, and during their minority their
Guardian, Louis Von Luenen has advanced and may continue to advance certain
sums for their support and maintainance, the same being done at my request. id
direct that such sums thus advanced, or to be advanced hereafter shall also be
a charge on the share of said minors in the land above devised to them: And
Whereas also: the said Louis Von Luenen has advanced and may hereafter contunue
to advance certain sums of money in payment of the interest above provided for:
I direct that any sum, thus advanced or to be advanced by him, on account of
such interest shall be a charge upon the land of my said grandchildren and
shall be paid by them to said Louis Von Luenen. And I further direct that my
hereinafter named Executors shall make a deed to my said grandchildren for the
land above deivsed to them, upon their paying or settling the several charges
above mentioned.
Item:--It is my will and I hereby direct that the proceeds arrising from
the sale of my farm as aforesaid (after deducting whatever may be necessary to
apy expenses and debts) shall be divided into six equal parts or shares and I
give and bequeth, to my children and grandchildren, the same as follows
To my daughter, marilla Penrod, intermarried with James D. Penrod, one
share or part. To my son, Nehemiah R. Griffith, one share or part. To my son,
Uriah A. griffith, one share or part. To my daughter, Emily Von Luenen,
intermarried with Luis Von Luenen, one share or part. to the chidlren of my
deceased daughter, Annie Ditzler, intermarried with Edward P. Ditzler: namely
Vernon Ditzler, Abner Ditzler, Edward Ditzler and Cyrus Ditzler, jointly one
share or part, the same to be divided equaly between the said children share
and share alike. To the children of my deceased son, William Griffith, namely,
Harrie Griffith, May Griffith, Gertrude Griffith, pearl Griffith, Maude E.
Griffith, Charles Griffith, Naomi Griffith and Howard Griffith, jointly one
share or part, the same to be divided equaly between the said children, share
and share alike.
Item:--I authorize and direct my hereinafter named Executors at the time
of my death to make a careful computation of amounts due on contracts with my
children and on land devised to the children of my deceased son William and
after makeing such allowance as in the judgment of my Executors may be proper
to meet and pay expenses and debts, to allow to each child, a credit on the
purchase money equal to his or her share in my estate according to the terms of
above item.
Item:--I nominate, constitute and appoint my son Nehemiah R. Griffith and
my son-in-law Louis Von Luenen to be Executors of this my last will and
testament.
In testimony whereof I Abner Griffith the above named testator have
hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal this Twelveth day of May Anno
Domini One thousand Eight Hundred and Ninety Two.
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the above named testator, as and
for his last will and testament, who in his presence and the presence of each
other and at his request have signed our names hereto as Witnesses thereto:
/s/ W.H. Frederick /s/ Ivan R. Linton. /s/ Abner Griffith

He was married to Mary REIGHART (daughter of George REIGHART and Nancy --?--) on 13 Aug 1835 in , Somerset, PA. Mary REIGHART was born on 24 Aug 1810 in , Somerset, PA. She died on 23 Apr 1891 in Stony Creek, Cambria, PA. She was buried on 25 Apr 1891 in Grandview Cem., Johnstown, Cambria, PA. SOURCE: HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA by Henry Wilson Storey (1907)

BURIAL RECORDS indicate Place of birth, Somerset County, Place of decease,
Stony Creek Twp., Age at death, 80, Cause of Death Paralysis, Date of Death
4/23/1891, Lot 44, Section PR2, Page 19, Inter #1558.

Possibly a daughter of William and Mary Ann Reighart. See notes for Elizabeth
Reighart. She is not mentioned in William Reighart's will, although her husband
is mentioned as having adjoining lands. Abner GRIFFITH and Mary REIGHART had the following children:

176 i. Nehemiah Reighart GRIFFITH was born on 13 Sep 1837 in , Somerset, PA. He died in 1921 in Walnut Grove, Cambria, PA. He was buried on 26 Jul 1921 in Grandview Cem., Johnstown, PA. OCCUPATION: Farmer, Teacher, Mercantile Businessman

SOURCE: HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA by Henry Wilson Storey, 1907
He was reared on his father's farm in Somerset county, PA. He obtained a good
common school education at the local schools and at the County Normal. He
followed teaching school five years: two terms in Richland Twp., Cambria County
1857-59; one term in Bedford County 1860; and two in Somerset County 1861-62.
When offered the Richland school he was advised by many, owing to the rough
element prevailing in that section, not to accept the position, but he, being a
young man of courage and having confidence in his own ability to manage an
element of this type, accepted and made so complete a success that after the
expiration of the first term his services were solicited for another. He
decided to teach one more term, and then went to Bedford, where he taught one
term, and then to Somerset county, teaching two more terms. In each of these
positions he gave such complete satisfaction that school boards met and
requested his return. In 1862, he went to farming in Somerset County, where he
remained four years, and then removed to Yoder Twp., Cambria County, near Mill
Creek, where he purchased a farm and later another tract, farther back.
Subsequently he sold his property to the Cambria Iron Company. He then removed
to Conemaugh township and there bought 262 acres, and there he remained 20
years, after which he moved to Walnut Grove, where he had acquired 53 acres
from his father. At about this time, he engaged in the mercantile business,
keeping for eight years the only general store in that vicinity. In 1900, he
retired from all active service, having sold his stock of goods. In 1906 he
had a small farm which still gave him some employment. He also owned a
comfortable residence in Walnut Grove. Like all the Griffith family, he was
and ardent supporter of the Republican party. For many years he was school
director in Conemaugh township. He was a member of the United Brethren Church
and president of its board of trustees.
177 ii. Elias GRIFFITH was born on 1 Aug 1839 in , Somerset, PA. He died on 15 May 1864 in "In Battle", New Market, VA. Served in 54th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry

Killed at the Battle of New Market during the Civil War

Maj. Gen. John C. Breckinridge defeats Maj. Gen. Franz Sigel at New Market, VA,
halting the Union Shenandoah Valley Campaign.

As part of his grand strategy for 1864, Grant planned to lay waste the
Shenandoah Valley, that rich granary upon which Lee was so dependent for food
for his army. The Valley's summer harvest was vital to the South, for rations
were running short; in April Lee wrote Davis, "I cannot see how we can operate
with our present supplies."

At first Grant's plans were frustrated by the inept Union generals assigned to
that region. Franz Sigel and David Hunter were carrying on the tradition of
bungling set in the past by Patterson, Fremont, Banks, and Milroy.

Sigel had advanced up the Valley as far as New Market, where, on May 15, he met
a scratch force assembled by John C. Breckinridge, which included the cadet
corps of the Virginia Military Institute. Breckinridge attacked and, with the
V.M.I. cadets distinguishing themselves, chased Sigel back down the Valley.
This little victory assured Lee of the Valley's wheat harvest.
*****From: American Heritage THE CIVIL WAR, Vol. II, p.534
178 iii. William Harry GRIFFITH was born on 31 May 1841 in , Somerset, PA. He died on 19 Apr 1891 in Stonycreek Twp., Johnstown, Cambria, PA. He was buried on 21 Apr 1891 in Grandview Cem., Johnstown, Cambria, PA. Served in the cavalry during the Civil War

SOURCE: HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA by Henry Wilson Storey (1907)

MARRIAGE NOTICE:
Cambria Tribune 28 Feb 1868: Married on the 27th of Feb. at the residence of
the bride's mother in this place by Rev. A.H. Thomas, Mr. William Griffith and
Miss Ella Hite, both of Johnstown.

BURIAL RECORDS from Grandview Cemetery, Lot 238, Section PR4, Page 226.
Died of pneumonia.

SOURCE: Contact Candy Roth 9572 Millbrook Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45231 for
additional information and documentation on related lines.
179 iv. Cyrus GRIFFITH was born on 7 Apr 1843 in , Somerset, PA. He died in Andersonville, , GA. He was buried in Jenner Twp., Baptist Church, Somerset, PA. SOURCE: HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA by Henry Wilson Storey, 1907

Died at Andersonville Prison in Georgia during the Civil War

No dates on tombstone, just G.A.R. reads: In Memory of / Cyrus / son of / A. &
M. Griffith
180 v. Emily Ann GRIFFITH was born on 25 Jan 1845 in , Somerset, PA. She died in Johnstown, Cambria, PA. She was buried in Sandyvale Cem, Johnstown, Cambria, PA. BURIAL: No marker left, most of the Griffith burials at Sandyvale were moved to
Grandview in the early part of the 1900s.

MARRIAGE: Cambria Tribune 25 Mar 1864: Married on Thursday the 17th of Mar. by
Rev.
J.W. Plannett, Mr. Louis Von Lunen and Miss Emily A. Griffith, all of Cambria
County.

SOURCE: HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA by Henry Wilson Storey, 1907
181 vi. Ann Eliza GRIFFITH was born on 16 Oct 1846 in , Cambria, PA. She died on 31 Mar 1876 in East Liberty, Allegheny, PA. She was buried on 28 Apr 1892 in Grandview Cem., Johnstown, Cambria, PA. BIRTH SOURCE: Cambria Tribune Obituary Notice

SOURCE: HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA by Henry Wilson Storey (1907)

Obituary notice in the Cambria Tribune reads: Died in East Liberty at noon
today, Annie E., wife of Mr. E.P. Ditzler and daughter of Abner Griffith, of
Stonycreek Township, aged 30 years. Remains were brought by train for
interment from the M.E. Church at the corner of Franklin and Locust Streets.

Believe her remains were moved to Grandview, probably from Sandyvale and
reburied on 28 April 1892. She is in plot with parents, husband and other
family members.
182 vii. Maria Morilla GRIFFITH was born on 10 Jul 1848 in , Somerset, PA. She died on 1 Jan 1929 in , Cambria, PA. She was buried in Grandview Cem., Johnstown, Cambria, PA. Cambria Tribune 22 Oct 1874: (Thursday) Married at the residence of her
brother in this city on the 22nd by Rev. Beacom, James Penrod and Miss Merilla
Griffith, all of this city.

BURIAL: In same plot with parents, husband and child, sister and
brother-in-law.
183 viii. Uriah A. GRIFFITH was born on 27 Mar 1852 in , Somerset, PA. He was buried on 21 May 1930 in Grandview Cem., Johnstown, PA. He died in Walnut Grove, Cambria, PA. SOURCE: HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA by Henry Wilson Storey, Vol.III
He was reared in Somerset county until six years of age, when his parents
removed to Walnut Grove, Cambria county. His education was obtained in the
public schools. Until he reached his majority he remained on his father's farm
and assisted in the work of the place. He then found employment in the Cambria
Iron Company at Homestead, PA, and there remained over one year, then returned
to Johnstown and became an employee of the Lorain Steel Company. After leaving
the iron business he launched into the milk business for himself. In this he
succeeded well and continued in the same for fourteen years, selling out in
1903. Being in full possession of all his physical powers, he did not care to
remain unemployed, so he opened a grocery store at Walnut Grove, in which he is
now doing a good business. While never taking an active part in local politics,
he has served his township as tax collector.
184 ix. Mary GRIFFITH was born on 20 May 1855 in , Somerset, PA. She died on 2 Jul 1856 in , Somerset, PA. She was buried in Jenner Twp., Baptist Church, Somerset, PA. DEATH: Died as an infant. Tombstone reads: In memory of / Mary / daughter of /
A. & M. Griffith / died / July 2, 1856 / aged 11 mos. / 12 days.