Henry Lee GRIFFIN was born 29 Apr 1892 in Platt Springs, Lexington County, South Carolina. His parents were Henry David GRIFFIN (1858-1920) and Annie M. WATTS GRIFFIN (1862-1938).
His grandfather, William Harris GRIFFIN, Sr. (1820-1870’s) was my 3rd great grandfather. This makes Henry Lee my 1st cousin thrice removed.
Early Life
On the 1900 and 1910 U.S. Census, Henry lived at home with his parents and siblings in Lexington County, South Carolina. His father farmed, and his mother kept house. The 1910 Census showed that 18-year old Henry could read and write.
Draft Registration and the War
Henry’s draft registration in June 1917 shows him living in Swansea, Lexington County, South Carolina. He was a farm laborer, employed by his father. He was tall and slender, and he had brown hair and brown eyes. He was 25 years old.
It probably wasn’t long before Henry was drafted into the war. He was part of the A.E.F. (American Expeditionary Forces). The A.E.F. was active in Europe from 1917 – 1920.
Photo by Museums Victoria on Unsplash
Henry Passes Away
According to the Columbia Record, in early November 1918, Henry’s parents ‘received a cablegram from France’ announcing Henry’s death. He died of lobar pneumonia 2 Oct 1918, nearly a month before they received the cablegram.
The newspaper article also said that ‘before his enlistment, Henry was a member of the Columbia, South Carolina fire department, stationed at No. 2 station on Blanding Street.’ It also said he ‘was esteemed by all who know him.’
Henry was 26 years old when he died.
Henry Lee GRIFFIN is buried at Gaston First Baptist Church Cemetery in Gaston, Lexington County, South Carolina. His parents are buried there as are most of his siblings.
The inscription on his stone says: Field Artillery, Replacement, Reg., A. E. F, His toils are past, his work is done; he fought the fight, the victory won.
Another distant cousin of mine, Thornwell GRANT, was also lost in World War 1. You can read about him here.
Do you also have ancestors lost in the First World War? Comment below.
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