Solon W Griffin 1836-1902

Solon W Griffin was born, according to information contained in his death record, on October 14, 1836 in Rushford, Allegany, New York. He was the son of Oramel Griffin and Caroline Gray. We have posted a biography for Oramel in another entry on the Blog. Solon’s mother died in 1848 so we see Solon and his brother, Jackson, appearing quite often in the households in the extended family in the census records. Solon was one of a few of his contemporaries to receive a formal education. He and his brother were sent to board at the Alfred Academy in Alfred, Allegany, NY. For most of their lives the brothers were referred to as clerks. In modern terms they would probably be considered to be accountants or MBAs. Solon’s father purchased large tracks of land in Barry County, Michigan. From 1860 onward the two brothers lives seem to revolve around managing their father’s Michigan interests. While spending most of their time in Barry County later in life the brothers moved to Union, Branch County, Michigan, which is were we find Solon in the 1900 Census. The 1900 Census confirms the Oct. 1836 date of birth. Solon’s Michigan Death Record provides his name, Solon W Griffin, his birth and death dates, 14 October 1836 and April 20, 1902 and the identity of his parents Oramel and Caroline although transcriptions of the record misspells his fathers name. Solon’s remains were taken back to Rushford for burial. He is buried in a family plot in the White Cemetery.