We take pleasure in presenting to the readers of this
Biographical Record of Macoupin County the gentleman whose name heads these
lines. He is one of the most prominent and influential agriculturists of the
county, and resides on his well cultivated farm of 280 acres, which is
situated in sections 10, 11, 14, 15 and 16, Brushy Mound township. He was
born May 28, 1845, in Hanover, Germany.
Mr. Griffel came to America
in 1874, first locating in Baltimore, Maryland, where he remained but a
short time, removing the same year to Macoupin County, Illinois, where he
rented a farm. Although he began at a lowly station in life, he at once rose
in the ranks of the business world. He continued in the pursuits of general
farming upon the rented farm until he had accumulated a sufficient sum to
purchase a farm and in 1893 he purchased his present property, which then
consisted of 240 acres, to which he has since added 40 acres. By his shrewd
business methods and unceasing hard work he has accumulated considerable
property, and has established his true and honest character throughout the
county. He is also prominently identified with the leading stock raisers of
Macoupin County, raising cattle, horses, sheep and hogs quite extensively.
Our subject's political views make him a Republican, but he has never taken
an active position in any political affairs.
Our subject was first
married to Caroline Wehrenberg, and to them were born seven children,
namely: Helena, Fred, Mary, Charles, Henry, William, and John. His first
wife died in 1901. He then was wedded to Mrs. Mary Ziegemeier, a native of
Germany, who had been a resident of Menard County, Illinois, for 33 years.
She had four children by her first marriage, as follows: Lena, wife of Carl
Kreis, of Menard County, Illinois; Mary, deceased, who was the wife of Carl
Schrimp, of Menard County, Illinois; Minnie, deceased; and Hilda, who still
resides with her mother. Mr. Griffel adheres to the German Lutheran Church
of which Mrs. Griffel is also a member.
Extracted 2018 May 06 by Norma Hass from Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens of Macoupin County, Illinois, published in 1904, pages 141-142.
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