The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1893-08-09

y. II. Griffin died at his home on Soutn
Walnut street, at 3 o'clock Friday morning.
Mr.. Griffinshad been in declining health since
last February, at which time he contracted
severe cold, attended with a distressing cough
and enfeebled powers of endurance.
With remarkable resolution and strength f
purpose, he however continued his daily voca-
ton up to about three months ago, although
constantly deteriorating in health and strength
and less able each day to take up his burden of
duty. He gradually grew weaker, until ex-
hausted nature yielded to the insidious advances
of his ailment, and prostrated him in final help
lessness on the bed where he patiently lay for
six weeks. submissively awaiting the end.
His sickness assumed. no definite character,
but seemed to be general breaking down of
the system-a gradual waning of lifes energies
until the lamp of existence went out. His all
ment was painless and of that subtle operation
that disguised the rapid approach of its final
consummation, almost to the end.
Calmly and resgnedly he bowed to the High
er Will, and closed his eyes to the dear faces
and familiar scenes of the home he loved so
well, with trusting heart and faith that gave
to him the blessed assurance of an eternal home
beyond the bounds of mortal life.
His funeral was held from the house, Monday
at 2 o'clock p. m, at which Rev. S. w. Meek
oficiated, assisted by Rev. Henry D. Stauffer.
Orlando Henry Griffin was born in Vernon,
Oneida county, New York. October 5th, 1877.
Of four sons and two daughters born to his
father and mother, A. B. Griffin, of this city, a
brother of the deceased, alone survives.
When young man he learned the tool
makers trade in Utica, N. ". at that time one
of the best of the mechanical occupations.
An important event in the civil history of the
country occurred in the year 1898, while he was
yet resident of Utica. This was the compile
ton of the railroad extending from that city to
Schenectady, N. Y, being one of the pioneer
roads, and the first line of any importance to
commerce and travel. To befttingly commem-
crate the great achievements grand celebration
was held at Albany, to which the officials of the
road invited the Mayor and Council of Utica,
together with other officials and dignitaries of
the place, including the Is Citizens Corps and
Band, giving them free excursion to Albany
and return. Mr.. Griffin was member of the
Corps and Band above referred to, and as
such. accompanied the distinguished party 10
Albany on the memorable occasion. This Band
was the first one organized in Utica, and made
its initial appearance the streets of that city
January Ist, 1898, the day on which the exciting
news reached the place of the capture of the
American steamboat Caroline an incident
of the Patriot war " in Canada.
From Utica he went to Rochester, where he
worked at his trade about six months. In June,
1889, he came to Ravenna, O., and commenced
working at his trade with F. x. Collins, in the
building on Spruce street now occupied by Jas.
Brooks as blacksmith and repair shop. They
continued the business together until the death
of Mr.. Collins in 1s43, when Mr.. Griffin carried
it on alone for several years. until the introduc-
ton of machinery destroyed his trade. He
then went to work in the old hub factory, at
that time operated by the Ravenna Carriage
Company, and subsequently by H. & A. Stowe,
who became its proprietors. and lastly by A. B.
Griffin, who still owns the plant. Here Mr.
Griffin remained continuously until physical
disability compelled him to retire about three
months ago.
He was man of great and unceasing indus
try. taking few holidays from the duties and re-
sponsibilities of the position he filled so well
and so long. Few men quit this world with
such record of faithful, conscientious service.
June 18th, 1843, he was married in Ravenna
to Miss Louisa Chase, who came here from
Maryland. n. Y. This was within two days of
| the marriage of A. B. Griffin, the death of
| whose wife we were called upon so recently to
| chronicle. For fifty years o. H. Griffin and his
wife lived together in affectionate union, exem-
plifying the highest conceptions of the marriage
covenant. Two children were born to them
only one of whom-Dr. C. H. Griffin, of this
city-is left to mourn with his widowed mother
the loss of kind husband and father. Their
daughter. Mary L., died in Youngstown, March
%. 1883-the wife of John Treudley.
Soon after attaining his majority Mr.. Griffin
| became member of the Baptist Church in
Utica, N. Y; but there being no society of that
denomination in Ravenna at the time he came
here. he became a regular attendant at the
| Congregational Church, in the choir of which
he played flute for sixteen years. Mrs. Grif-
fin, who was also member of the Baptist soci-
ETY., became an active member of the Congre-
gational choir with her husband, contributing
her services an equal length of time. An effort
was made at one time to establish a Baptist
church in Ravenna, and Mr.. and Mrs. Griffin
both identified themselves with the new society,
but after short existence the organization was
disbanded for lack of members. and they return
ed to the Congregational church, in which they
were constant and valued workers and attend
ants.
Mr.. Griffin was a man who lived life deserv-
ing of the highest eulogy. Perhaps in no one
| particular could be pointed out any distinguish
ing excellence. but it was this very uniformity
of character that commended his living to his
fellow-m men. Of modest, kind and peaceful dis