Administrative/Biographical History
Frank Elnathan Griffith and his wife, Thankful Myers, lived in East Concord and later Evans, Erie County, New York. During the Civil War Frank Griffith served with Company K. of the 116th Regiment of the New York State Volunteer Infantry, primarily in the vicinity of New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. After being wounded in April 1864, Griffith was transferred to the Invalid Corps and finished his tour of duty in Washington, D.C. The family moved to Sandwich, DeKalb County, Illinois in 1876. Frank and Thankful had one son, Edwin Clare, and four daughters Carrie Annette, Gertrude Mary, Cora Elsie, and Harriet, the eldest two “Nettie” and “Gertie” are mentioned in the letters. Mr. Griffith was employed as a carpenter and contractor. On March 23, 1877 Griffith helped found the Excelsior Lodge No. 67 of the Ancient Order of United Workmen (A.O.U.W.) in Sandwich, Illinois. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Sandwich Post, No. 510 . Frank E. Griffith died November 17, 1921 at the age of 86.
