Santa Fe daily New Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1885-1897, 1889-12-09
A STERLING CITIZEN.


The sudden termination of life that
has been prominent in community for
thirty years as one of its strongest and
sturdiest and most respected citizens
sends a tremor OF sympathy through every
heart.
Hon. William w. Griffin was a man of
such sterling character in business, in
politics and in social circles that no heavier
loss could have been sustained by Santa
Fe or the territory than his unexpected
death has occasioned. He was identified
with its business and its progress in every
laudable undertaking. His knowledge
Of the people of New Mexico, of their
commercial and professional worth, of the
resources of the territory and of what has
hindered as we'll as promoted its advance
ment, and his confidence in the bright fu-
ture of our commonwealth, were safeguards
to this community and inspirations to
others who lacked his extended ex-
perience.
His friendliness to all men who were
worthy of his respect and encouragement
was manifested in the very honorable and
responsible positions he has held for many
years as director, cashier or president of
the First National bank of Santa Fe, the
oldest and strongest banking house in the
southwest.
Mr.. Griffin was conservative counsel
lor and supporter of progressive move.
lnents in business and in the politics of
the territory.
In politics and as chairman of the Re-
publican territorial committee he has used
his influence, and it was strong wherever
exerted, for the good Of the territory, and
has aided in securing trustworthy and
able men for official positions. He has
been sincere friend and advocate of re-
form and an outspoken opposer of corrupt
men and dishonest financial measures.
He has held the credit of the community
and OF the territory as dearly as his own,
and sought in the most vigorous way to
maintain them.
Mr.. Griffin ranked very high in Masonic
circles. He was made Mason when but
% years OF age in Little Rock, Ark, was a
close student of its mysteries, philosophy,
science and jurisprudence, and had at
tanned the greatest honors within its gifts.
The broad spirit of Masonic charity and
benevolence found in him strong and
willing servitor. For over thirty years he
did active and hard service in the cause
of Masonry and for the benefit of human.
ty, bearing the heat and burden of the day
in their behalf, and therefore to-day the
Masons of this territory mourn for the loss
of one of their worthiest and most useful
members.
Mr.. Griffin was proved to be an upright
man through those years when oppor,
tunities of personal gain were unlimited
in the uncertain financial and social con.
ditions of this territory. He was as highly
esteemed in social as in political and fl.
nancial circles. Mr.. Griffin thought and
read much in the lines of science, history
and political economy, and was liberal
minded man in the matter of education
and religion, which he highly valued and
supported in the community according tc
his ability, and took great interest in
those permanent public works and insti'
buttons which remain to-day as imposing
material monuments to his counsel and
business management. He has carefully
trained his children to emulate his in
tegrity and industry, while he has been
endeared in the relations of the family as
a kind and honored father and sympathiz
ing and affectionate husband.
None can mourn Mr. Griffin so much
as those of the afflicted home, who have
in the dark hours of a single night, los
by fatal stroke Of disease the paterna
head and the loved companion of many
years.
But the poor also have lost in him 6
kind almenor; the perplexed and unfor
tunate helper the sick one who sym
pathized with them; the stranger thu
greetings OF courteous citizen and thu
representation of the humane spirit tina
relieves distress.
To die in the full possession OF one
living powers, with family and business
affairs in orderly arrangement, in thu
honor and respect Of fellow citizens, anc
in the bosom of peaceful home and low
ing family, is rare privilege.
The surviving companions of many
years and an entire community will ii
honored memory give to this citizen ant
friend this need:
Honest love, honest sorrow,
Honest work for the day, honest hope for the