Photo of Birdie & her son, Carroll.
-----
Birdie's parents were:
Marion Thomas Cagle 1865–1946
Josephine 'Josie" Mathis Cagle 1874–1908
Birdie was one of four children born to "Josie"and Marion Cagle. She had one brother and two sisters: Elsie, Barney, and Ethel. In later years Birdie's sister, Elsie, told about their mother smoking a corncob pipe. Her father worked in a coal mine. Each day he would take his lunch to work in a bucket that served as a lunch pail. When he came home, the bucket would be filled with beer, which they drank like iced tea.
Birdie's mother died in 1908. Her father's second marriage was to Mildred Busby. Her half-siblings were Juanita and Wanowen.
On April 15, 1910 (Federal Census)
Birdie Cagle, age 16, lived on Broions Ferry Road in Gainesville, Cooke Co, TX with her father and siblings. Her father, Marion, was renting a farm.
Household Members:
Marion Cagle 44 - widowed - born in IL
Birdie Cagle 16 - daughter - IL
Barney J Cagle 13 - son - TX
Elsie Cagle 11 - daughter - TX
Ethel Cagle 3 - daughter - IL
-----
Birdie married William Edward Griggs in Cooke Co, TX on December 24, 1911.
---
Birdie and her sister, Elsie, enjoyed attending church meetings held at Vineland on Hackberry Creek located about 5 miles northwest of McKinney, TX. During the week, the building was used as a schoolhouse and was called Hackberry School. On Sunday, it became Vineland Church. The church, which no longer exists, was used by preachers of different denominations, and everyone went to the meetings no matter who was preaching. The meetings often provided a way for adults, as well as young people, to get together and get acquainted.
Birdie and Elsie, two pretty young ladies, who lived in Sivells Bend, attended the service. Birdie played an accordion, and her sister, Elsie, played her guitar. It was here that Elsie met and married a young man, James Dodson in Marietta, Oklahoma, on April 10, 1915.
Birdie and Jim's cousin, Luther James Vance, dated for awhile. There isn't any evidence, but family family history indicates that Luther fathered a son with Birdie, but they were never married.
Birdie's son, Carroll Lawrence Griggs, was born in Arlington, TX on March 31, 1916.
-----
On April 12, 1930 (Federal Census),
Birdie M Griggs, age 36, widowed, was renting a home in Arlington, Tarrant Co, TX. Her son, Carroll L., age 14, lived with her. Birdie had a job as a Matron in a Rescue Home.
-----
Some time later she and her son moved to CA, perhaps to Wilmington. Numerous newspaper articles were published in CA in the Wilmington Daily Press Journal, which helps provide a brief glimpse into Birdie's life during the 1930's. Duuring this time she was a noted " chalk talk artist" drawing illustrations during sermons, etc. Following are only a few of the articles . Only the date of the newspaper is shown.
-----
Mon. Sept. 9, 1935
"Revival services open at Nazarene Church
Revival services will be conducted this week at the Church of the Nazarene, Neptune and L streets, each night except Saturday at 7:30 o'clock and each morning, excepting Monday and Saturday at 9:45 a.m.
Last evening Rev. F.E. Wiese, prominent evangelist of Arlington, Texas, who will conduct the revival spoke on 'Prayer." ...
Mrs. Birdie Griggs, chalk artist held the audience spell bound as she drew the Man of Galilee, bearing his cross to Calvary. It was worth going a long way to see. Miss Naomi Bowen sang "The Old Rugged Cross: and "Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone?" as the artist put the scene on paper.
Everyone is cordially invited to attend these unique and inspiring services by Re. Ira P. Bowen, pastor."
-----
Throughout the Revival Birdie continued to hold the attention of the audience.
Sat. Sept. 21, 1935
"EVANGELIST TO BE IN NAZARENE CHURCH PULPIT TOMORROW
Rev. F.E. Wiese, evangelist, will be speaker at the Church of the Nazarene, ...
Mrs. Birdie Griggs will illustrate songs with the crayon as added feature. ... "
-----
I have heard that Birdie painted a beautiful picture of Christ, which was hung in the church. The following article verifies this.
Tues. Sept. 24, 1935
"REVIVAL SERVICES ARE CONTINUED ... . Mrs. Birdie Griggs, chalk artists, drew a picture of Christ alone in the garden as Mrs. Robert Gorham sang 'Alone." ... "
-----
Sat. Oct. 26, 1935
"MRS. BERDIE GRIGGS ENDS DELIGHTFUL STAY IN WILMINGTON
Mrs. Birdie Griggs, who has enjoyed a delightful stay in Wilmington as the house guest of Rev. and Mrs. Ira. P. Bowen, is departing this week-end for San Diego for a visit with her son.
Mrs. Griggs, a 'chalk talk' artist of note, was a feature of the recent evangelist meetings conducted by the Church of the Nazarene."
-----
Tues. Sept. 24, 1935
"ENTERTAINED IN R. GORHAM HOME
Mrs. Birdie Griggs and her son, Carrol, the latter of San Diego, were recent over-night guests of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gorham, 12511/2 Neptune Avenue. Mr. Griggs arrived here last week-end to spend Christmas with his mother."
-----
Mon. March 2, 1936
"MRS. GRIGGS BEGINS ART CLASS HERE
Mrs. Birdie Griggs, who recently came to this city from Texas, is beginning an art class in Wilmington. She is prepared to teach in oil, pastel or chalk, and also gives lessons in illustrating songs. Those in attendance recently at services of the Church of the Nazarene when Mrs. Griggs presented her 'chalk-talks are familiar with the type of her work. She is available any week-day at 1056 lagoon Avenue or may be reached by telephoning 476J."
-----
Sat. June 13, 1936
"NAZARENE YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE 'CHALK TALKS'
'Chalk talks' will be given by Mrs. Birdie Griggs tomorrow evening when members of the Nazarene young people's society hold their usual weekly meeting at the church, L and Lagoon avenue, at 8:30 o'clock. Robert Gorham is announced as leader and is inviting everyone to attend."
-----
Her son, Carroll, married Margie Stilwell on May 14, 1938.
-----
Thurs. Aug. 18, 1938
"NAZARENE SUNDAY SCHOOL PICNICS TODAY AT PARK
Member of the Church of the Nazarene's Sunday School are gathering in Banning Park today (Thursday) at 3 o'clock for a merry afternoon and evening of games and races arranged by Mrs. Velma Gorham.
A basket supper will e shared at 8 o'clock. mes. Birdie Griggs, superintendent of the Bible classes, extends a cordial invitation to all members, their parents and friends."
-----
Birdie died in Ventura on Sept. 20, 1976. She was buried in the cemetery in the family plot of her son's father-in-law, Thomas Forman James.
U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Name: Birdie Griggs
SSN: 554-38-4535
Last Residence:
93283 Weldon, Kern, California, USA
Born: 22 May 1893
Died: Sep 1976
California, Death Index, 1940-1997
Name: Birdie M Griggs
Social Security #: 554384535
Gender: Female
Birth Date: 22 May 1893
Birth Place: Illinois
Death Date: 20 Sep 1976
Death Place: Ventura
Ventura County Star
September 22, 1976 - Wednesday
Services for Birdie Mae Griggs, 83, of 508 E. Oak St., Ojai, will be at 10 a.m. Friday in Clausen Funeral Hoe with the Rev. Kim Vandelinden officiating. Burial will be in Ivy Lawn Memorial Park.
Mrs. Griggs died Monday in a local convalescent hospital after a long illness. She was born May 22, 1893, in Illinois, and was a longtime resident of Ventura County.
She is survived by her son, Carroll L., Weldon, Calif.: grandson Larry, Oxnard; and one great-granddaughter."
Birdie was buried in the family plot belonging to her son's father-in-law, Thomas Forman James.
-----
Birdie's parents were:
Marion Thomas Cagle 1865–1946
Josephine 'Josie" Mathis Cagle 1874–1908
Birdie was one of four children born to "Josie"and Marion Cagle. She had one brother and two sisters: Elsie, Barney, and Ethel. In later years Birdie's sister, Elsie, told about their mother smoking a corncob pipe. Her father worked in a coal mine. Each day he would take his lunch to work in a bucket that served as a lunch pail. When he came home, the bucket would be filled with beer, which they drank like iced tea.
Birdie's mother died in 1908. Her father's second marriage was to Mildred Busby. Her half-siblings were Juanita and Wanowen.
On April 15, 1910 (Federal Census)
Birdie Cagle, age 16, lived on Broions Ferry Road in Gainesville, Cooke Co, TX with her father and siblings. Her father, Marion, was renting a farm.
Household Members:
Marion Cagle 44 - widowed - born in IL
Birdie Cagle 16 - daughter - IL
Barney J Cagle 13 - son - TX
Elsie Cagle 11 - daughter - TX
Ethel Cagle 3 - daughter - IL
-----
Birdie married William Edward Griggs in Cooke Co, TX on December 24, 1911.
---
Birdie and her sister, Elsie, enjoyed attending church meetings held at Vineland on Hackberry Creek located about 5 miles northwest of McKinney, TX. During the week, the building was used as a schoolhouse and was called Hackberry School. On Sunday, it became Vineland Church. The church, which no longer exists, was used by preachers of different denominations, and everyone went to the meetings no matter who was preaching. The meetings often provided a way for adults, as well as young people, to get together and get acquainted.
Birdie and Elsie, two pretty young ladies, who lived in Sivells Bend, attended the service. Birdie played an accordion, and her sister, Elsie, played her guitar. It was here that Elsie met and married a young man, James Dodson in Marietta, Oklahoma, on April 10, 1915.
Birdie and Jim's cousin, Luther James Vance, dated for awhile. There isn't any evidence, but family family history indicates that Luther fathered a son with Birdie, but they were never married.
Birdie's son, Carroll Lawrence Griggs, was born in Arlington, TX on March 31, 1916.
-----
On April 12, 1930 (Federal Census),
Birdie M Griggs, age 36, widowed, was renting a home in Arlington, Tarrant Co, TX. Her son, Carroll L., age 14, lived with her. Birdie had a job as a Matron in a Rescue Home.
-----
Some time later she and her son moved to CA, perhaps to Wilmington. Numerous newspaper articles were published in CA in the Wilmington Daily Press Journal, which helps provide a brief glimpse into Birdie's life during the 1930's. Duuring this time she was a noted " chalk talk artist" drawing illustrations during sermons, etc. Following are only a few of the articles . Only the date of the newspaper is shown.
-----
Mon. Sept. 9, 1935
"Revival services open at Nazarene Church
Revival services will be conducted this week at the Church of the Nazarene, Neptune and L streets, each night except Saturday at 7:30 o'clock and each morning, excepting Monday and Saturday at 9:45 a.m.
Last evening Rev. F.E. Wiese, prominent evangelist of Arlington, Texas, who will conduct the revival spoke on 'Prayer." ...
Mrs. Birdie Griggs, chalk artist held the audience spell bound as she drew the Man of Galilee, bearing his cross to Calvary. It was worth going a long way to see. Miss Naomi Bowen sang "The Old Rugged Cross: and "Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone?" as the artist put the scene on paper.
Everyone is cordially invited to attend these unique and inspiring services by Re. Ira P. Bowen, pastor."
-----
Throughout the Revival Birdie continued to hold the attention of the audience.
Sat. Sept. 21, 1935
"EVANGELIST TO BE IN NAZARENE CHURCH PULPIT TOMORROW
Rev. F.E. Wiese, evangelist, will be speaker at the Church of the Nazarene, ...
Mrs. Birdie Griggs will illustrate songs with the crayon as added feature. ... "
-----
I have heard that Birdie painted a beautiful picture of Christ, which was hung in the church. The following article verifies this.
Tues. Sept. 24, 1935
"REVIVAL SERVICES ARE CONTINUED ... . Mrs. Birdie Griggs, chalk artists, drew a picture of Christ alone in the garden as Mrs. Robert Gorham sang 'Alone." ... "
-----
Sat. Oct. 26, 1935
"MRS. BERDIE GRIGGS ENDS DELIGHTFUL STAY IN WILMINGTON
Mrs. Birdie Griggs, who has enjoyed a delightful stay in Wilmington as the house guest of Rev. and Mrs. Ira. P. Bowen, is departing this week-end for San Diego for a visit with her son.
Mrs. Griggs, a 'chalk talk' artist of note, was a feature of the recent evangelist meetings conducted by the Church of the Nazarene."
-----
Tues. Sept. 24, 1935
"ENTERTAINED IN R. GORHAM HOME
Mrs. Birdie Griggs and her son, Carrol, the latter of San Diego, were recent over-night guests of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gorham, 12511/2 Neptune Avenue. Mr. Griggs arrived here last week-end to spend Christmas with his mother."
-----
Mon. March 2, 1936
"MRS. GRIGGS BEGINS ART CLASS HERE
Mrs. Birdie Griggs, who recently came to this city from Texas, is beginning an art class in Wilmington. She is prepared to teach in oil, pastel or chalk, and also gives lessons in illustrating songs. Those in attendance recently at services of the Church of the Nazarene when Mrs. Griggs presented her 'chalk-talks are familiar with the type of her work. She is available any week-day at 1056 lagoon Avenue or may be reached by telephoning 476J."
-----
Sat. June 13, 1936
"NAZARENE YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE 'CHALK TALKS'
'Chalk talks' will be given by Mrs. Birdie Griggs tomorrow evening when members of the Nazarene young people's society hold their usual weekly meeting at the church, L and Lagoon avenue, at 8:30 o'clock. Robert Gorham is announced as leader and is inviting everyone to attend."
-----
Her son, Carroll, married Margie Stilwell on May 14, 1938.
-----
Thurs. Aug. 18, 1938
"NAZARENE SUNDAY SCHOOL PICNICS TODAY AT PARK
Member of the Church of the Nazarene's Sunday School are gathering in Banning Park today (Thursday) at 3 o'clock for a merry afternoon and evening of games and races arranged by Mrs. Velma Gorham.
A basket supper will e shared at 8 o'clock. mes. Birdie Griggs, superintendent of the Bible classes, extends a cordial invitation to all members, their parents and friends."
-----
Birdie died in Ventura on Sept. 20, 1976. She was buried in the cemetery in the family plot of her son's father-in-law, Thomas Forman James.
U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Name: Birdie Griggs
SSN: 554-38-4535
Last Residence:
93283 Weldon, Kern, California, USA
Born: 22 May 1893
Died: Sep 1976
California, Death Index, 1940-1997
Name: Birdie M Griggs
Social Security #: 554384535
Gender: Female
Birth Date: 22 May 1893
Birth Place: Illinois
Death Date: 20 Sep 1976
Death Place: Ventura
Ventura County Star
September 22, 1976 - Wednesday
Services for Birdie Mae Griggs, 83, of 508 E. Oak St., Ojai, will be at 10 a.m. Friday in Clausen Funeral Hoe with the Rev. Kim Vandelinden officiating. Burial will be in Ivy Lawn Memorial Park.
Mrs. Griggs died Monday in a local convalescent hospital after a long illness. She was born May 22, 1893, in Illinois, and was a longtime resident of Ventura County.
She is survived by her son, Carroll L., Weldon, Calif.: grandson Larry, Oxnard; and one great-granddaughter."
Birdie was buried in the family plot belonging to her son's father-in-law, Thomas Forman James.
Photo of Birdie & her son, Carroll.
-----
Birdie's parents were:
Marion Thomas Cagle 1865–1946
Josephine 'Josie" Mathis Cagle 1874–1908
Birdie was one of four children born to "Josie"and Marion Cagle. She had one brother and two sisters: Elsie, Barney, and Ethel. In later years Birdie's sister, Elsie, told about their mother smoking a corncob pipe. Her father worked in a coal mine. Each day he would take his lunch to work in a bucket that served as a lunch pail. When he came home, the bucket would be filled with beer, which they drank like iced tea.
Birdie's mother died in 1908. Her father's second marriage was to Mildred Busby. Her half-siblings were Juanita and Wanowen.
On April 15, 1910 (Federal Census)
Birdie Cagle, age 16, lived on Broions Ferry Road in Gainesville, Cooke Co, TX with her father and siblings. Her father, Marion, was renting a farm.
Household Members:
Marion Cagle 44 - widowed - born in IL
Birdie Cagle 16 - daughter - IL
Barney J Cagle 13 - son - TX
Elsie Cagle 11 - daughter - TX
Ethel Cagle 3 - daughter - IL
-----
Birdie married William Edward Griggs in Cooke Co, TX on December 24, 1911.
---
Birdie and her sister, Elsie, enjoyed attending church meetings held at Vineland on Hackberry Creek located about 5 miles northwest of McKinney, TX. During the week, the building was used as a schoolhouse and was called Hackberry School. On Sunday, it became Vineland Church. The church, which no longer exists, was used by preachers of different denominations, and everyone went to the meetings no matter who was preaching. The meetings often provided a way for adults, as well as young people, to get together and get acquainted.
Birdie and Elsie, two pretty young ladies, who lived in Sivells Bend, attended the service. Birdie played an accordion, and her sister, Elsie, played her guitar. It was here that Elsie met and married a young man, James Dodson in Marietta, Oklahoma, on April 10, 1915.
Birdie and Jim's cousin, Luther James Vance, dated for awhile. There isn't any evidence, but family family history indicates that Luther fathered a son with Birdie, but they were never married.
Birdie's son, Carroll Lawrence Griggs, was born in Arlington, TX on March 31, 1916.
-----
On April 12, 1930 (Federal Census),
Birdie M Griggs, age 36, widowed, was renting a home in Arlington, Tarrant Co, TX. Her son, Carroll L., age 14, lived with her. Birdie had a job as a Matron in a Rescue Home.
-----
Some time later she and her son moved to CA, perhaps to Wilmington. Numerous newspaper articles were published in CA in the Wilmington Daily Press Journal, which helps provide a brief glimpse into Birdie's life during the 1930's. Duuring this time she was a noted " chalk talk artist" drawing illustrations during sermons, etc. Following are only a few of the articles . Only the date of the newspaper is shown.
-----
Mon. Sept. 9, 1935
"Revival services open at Nazarene Church
Revival services will be conducted this week at the Church of the Nazarene, Neptune and L streets, each night except Saturday at 7:30 o'clock and each morning, excepting Monday and Saturday at 9:45 a.m.
Last evening Rev. F.E. Wiese, prominent evangelist of Arlington, Texas, who will conduct the revival spoke on 'Prayer." ...
Mrs. Birdie Griggs, chalk artist held the audience spell bound as she drew the Man of Galilee, bearing his cross to Calvary. It was worth going a long way to see. Miss Naomi Bowen sang "The Old Rugged Cross: and "Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone?" as the artist put the scene on paper.
Everyone is cordially invited to attend these unique and inspiring services by Re. Ira P. Bowen, pastor."
-----
Throughout the Revival Birdie continued to hold the attention of the audience.
Sat. Sept. 21, 1935
"EVANGELIST TO BE IN NAZARENE CHURCH PULPIT TOMORROW
Rev. F.E. Wiese, evangelist, will be speaker at the Church of the Nazarene, ...
Mrs. Birdie Griggs will illustrate songs with the crayon as added feature. ... "
-----
I have heard that Birdie painted a beautiful picture of Christ, which was hung in the church. The following article verifies this.
Tues. Sept. 24, 1935
"REVIVAL SERVICES ARE CONTINUED ... . Mrs. Birdie Griggs, chalk artists, drew a picture of Christ alone in the garden as Mrs. Robert Gorham sang 'Alone." ... "
-----
Sat. Oct. 26, 1935
"MRS. BERDIE GRIGGS ENDS DELIGHTFUL STAY IN WILMINGTON
Mrs. Birdie Griggs, who has enjoyed a delightful stay in Wilmington as the house guest of Rev. and Mrs. Ira. P. Bowen, is departing this week-end for San Diego for a visit with her son.
Mrs. Griggs, a 'chalk talk' artist of note, was a feature of the recent evangelist meetings conducted by the Church of the Nazarene."
-----
Tues. Sept. 24, 1935
"ENTERTAINED IN R. GORHAM HOME
Mrs. Birdie Griggs and her son, Carrol, the latter of San Diego, were recent over-night guests of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gorham, 12511/2 Neptune Avenue. Mr. Griggs arrived here last week-end to spend Christmas with his mother."
-----
Mon. March 2, 1936
"MRS. GRIGGS BEGINS ART CLASS HERE
Mrs. Birdie Griggs, who recently came to this city from Texas, is beginning an art class in Wilmington. She is prepared to teach in oil, pastel or chalk, and also gives lessons in illustrating songs. Those in attendance recently at services of the Church of the Nazarene when Mrs. Griggs presented her 'chalk-talks are familiar with the type of her work. She is available any week-day at 1056 lagoon Avenue or may be reached by telephoning 476J."
-----
Sat. June 13, 1936
"NAZARENE YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE 'CHALK TALKS'
'Chalk talks' will be given by Mrs. Birdie Griggs tomorrow evening when members of the Nazarene young people's society hold their usual weekly meeting at the church, L and Lagoon avenue, at 8:30 o'clock. Robert Gorham is announced as leader and is inviting everyone to attend."
-----
Her son, Carroll, married Margie Stilwell on May 14, 1938.
-----
Thurs. Aug. 18, 1938
"NAZARENE SUNDAY SCHOOL PICNICS TODAY AT PARK
Member of the Church of the Nazarene's Sunday School are gathering in Banning Park today (Thursday) at 3 o'clock for a merry afternoon and evening of games and races arranged by Mrs. Velma Gorham.
A basket supper will e shared at 8 o'clock. mes. Birdie Griggs, superintendent of the Bible classes, extends a cordial invitation to all members, their parents and friends."
-----
Birdie died in Ventura on Sept. 20, 1976. She was buried in the cemetery in the family plot of her son's father-in-law, Thomas Forman James.
U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Name: Birdie Griggs
SSN: 554-38-4535
Last Residence:
93283 Weldon, Kern, California, USA
Born: 22 May 1893
Died: Sep 1976
California, Death Index, 1940-1997
Name: Birdie M Griggs
Social Security #: 554384535
Gender: Female
Birth Date: 22 May 1893
Birth Place: Illinois
Death Date: 20 Sep 1976
Death Place: Ventura
Ventura County Star
September 22, 1976 - Wednesday
Services for Birdie Mae Griggs, 83, of 508 E. Oak St., Ojai, will be at 10 a.m. Friday in Clausen Funeral Hoe with the Rev. Kim Vandelinden officiating. Burial will be in Ivy Lawn Memorial Park.
Mrs. Griggs died Monday in a local convalescent hospital after a long illness. She was born May 22, 1893, in Illinois, and was a longtime resident of Ventura County.
She is survived by her son, Carroll L., Weldon, Calif.: grandson Larry, Oxnard; and one great-granddaughter."
Birdie was buried in the family plot belonging to her son's father-in-law, Thomas Forman James.
-----
Birdie's parents were:
Marion Thomas Cagle 1865–1946
Josephine 'Josie" Mathis Cagle 1874–1908
Birdie was one of four children born to "Josie"and Marion Cagle. She had one brother and two sisters: Elsie, Barney, and Ethel. In later years Birdie's sister, Elsie, told about their mother smoking a corncob pipe. Her father worked in a coal mine. Each day he would take his lunch to work in a bucket that served as a lunch pail. When he came home, the bucket would be filled with beer, which they drank like iced tea.
Birdie's mother died in 1908. Her father's second marriage was to Mildred Busby. Her half-siblings were Juanita and Wanowen.
On April 15, 1910 (Federal Census)
Birdie Cagle, age 16, lived on Broions Ferry Road in Gainesville, Cooke Co, TX with her father and siblings. Her father, Marion, was renting a farm.
Household Members:
Marion Cagle 44 - widowed - born in IL
Birdie Cagle 16 - daughter - IL
Barney J Cagle 13 - son - TX
Elsie Cagle 11 - daughter - TX
Ethel Cagle 3 - daughter - IL
-----
Birdie married William Edward Griggs in Cooke Co, TX on December 24, 1911.
---
Birdie and her sister, Elsie, enjoyed attending church meetings held at Vineland on Hackberry Creek located about 5 miles northwest of McKinney, TX. During the week, the building was used as a schoolhouse and was called Hackberry School. On Sunday, it became Vineland Church. The church, which no longer exists, was used by preachers of different denominations, and everyone went to the meetings no matter who was preaching. The meetings often provided a way for adults, as well as young people, to get together and get acquainted.
Birdie and Elsie, two pretty young ladies, who lived in Sivells Bend, attended the service. Birdie played an accordion, and her sister, Elsie, played her guitar. It was here that Elsie met and married a young man, James Dodson in Marietta, Oklahoma, on April 10, 1915.
Birdie and Jim's cousin, Luther James Vance, dated for awhile. There isn't any evidence, but family family history indicates that Luther fathered a son with Birdie, but they were never married.
Birdie's son, Carroll Lawrence Griggs, was born in Arlington, TX on March 31, 1916.
-----
On April 12, 1930 (Federal Census),
Birdie M Griggs, age 36, widowed, was renting a home in Arlington, Tarrant Co, TX. Her son, Carroll L., age 14, lived with her. Birdie had a job as a Matron in a Rescue Home.
-----
Some time later she and her son moved to CA, perhaps to Wilmington. Numerous newspaper articles were published in CA in the Wilmington Daily Press Journal, which helps provide a brief glimpse into Birdie's life during the 1930's. Duuring this time she was a noted " chalk talk artist" drawing illustrations during sermons, etc. Following are only a few of the articles . Only the date of the newspaper is shown.
-----
Mon. Sept. 9, 1935
"Revival services open at Nazarene Church
Revival services will be conducted this week at the Church of the Nazarene, Neptune and L streets, each night except Saturday at 7:30 o'clock and each morning, excepting Monday and Saturday at 9:45 a.m.
Last evening Rev. F.E. Wiese, prominent evangelist of Arlington, Texas, who will conduct the revival spoke on 'Prayer." ...
Mrs. Birdie Griggs, chalk artist held the audience spell bound as she drew the Man of Galilee, bearing his cross to Calvary. It was worth going a long way to see. Miss Naomi Bowen sang "The Old Rugged Cross: and "Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone?" as the artist put the scene on paper.
Everyone is cordially invited to attend these unique and inspiring services by Re. Ira P. Bowen, pastor."
-----
Throughout the Revival Birdie continued to hold the attention of the audience.
Sat. Sept. 21, 1935
"EVANGELIST TO BE IN NAZARENE CHURCH PULPIT TOMORROW
Rev. F.E. Wiese, evangelist, will be speaker at the Church of the Nazarene, ...
Mrs. Birdie Griggs will illustrate songs with the crayon as added feature. ... "
-----
I have heard that Birdie painted a beautiful picture of Christ, which was hung in the church. The following article verifies this.
Tues. Sept. 24, 1935
"REVIVAL SERVICES ARE CONTINUED ... . Mrs. Birdie Griggs, chalk artists, drew a picture of Christ alone in the garden as Mrs. Robert Gorham sang 'Alone." ... "
-----
Sat. Oct. 26, 1935
"MRS. BERDIE GRIGGS ENDS DELIGHTFUL STAY IN WILMINGTON
Mrs. Birdie Griggs, who has enjoyed a delightful stay in Wilmington as the house guest of Rev. and Mrs. Ira. P. Bowen, is departing this week-end for San Diego for a visit with her son.
Mrs. Griggs, a 'chalk talk' artist of note, was a feature of the recent evangelist meetings conducted by the Church of the Nazarene."
-----
Tues. Sept. 24, 1935
"ENTERTAINED IN R. GORHAM HOME
Mrs. Birdie Griggs and her son, Carrol, the latter of San Diego, were recent over-night guests of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gorham, 12511/2 Neptune Avenue. Mr. Griggs arrived here last week-end to spend Christmas with his mother."
-----
Mon. March 2, 1936
"MRS. GRIGGS BEGINS ART CLASS HERE
Mrs. Birdie Griggs, who recently came to this city from Texas, is beginning an art class in Wilmington. She is prepared to teach in oil, pastel or chalk, and also gives lessons in illustrating songs. Those in attendance recently at services of the Church of the Nazarene when Mrs. Griggs presented her 'chalk-talks are familiar with the type of her work. She is available any week-day at 1056 lagoon Avenue or may be reached by telephoning 476J."
-----
Sat. June 13, 1936
"NAZARENE YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE 'CHALK TALKS'
'Chalk talks' will be given by Mrs. Birdie Griggs tomorrow evening when members of the Nazarene young people's society hold their usual weekly meeting at the church, L and Lagoon avenue, at 8:30 o'clock. Robert Gorham is announced as leader and is inviting everyone to attend."
-----
Her son, Carroll, married Margie Stilwell on May 14, 1938.
-----
Thurs. Aug. 18, 1938
"NAZARENE SUNDAY SCHOOL PICNICS TODAY AT PARK
Member of the Church of the Nazarene's Sunday School are gathering in Banning Park today (Thursday) at 3 o'clock for a merry afternoon and evening of games and races arranged by Mrs. Velma Gorham.
A basket supper will e shared at 8 o'clock. mes. Birdie Griggs, superintendent of the Bible classes, extends a cordial invitation to all members, their parents and friends."
-----
Birdie died in Ventura on Sept. 20, 1976. She was buried in the cemetery in the family plot of her son's father-in-law, Thomas Forman James.
U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Name: Birdie Griggs
SSN: 554-38-4535
Last Residence:
93283 Weldon, Kern, California, USA
Born: 22 May 1893
Died: Sep 1976
California, Death Index, 1940-1997
Name: Birdie M Griggs
Social Security #: 554384535
Gender: Female
Birth Date: 22 May 1893
Birth Place: Illinois
Death Date: 20 Sep 1976
Death Place: Ventura
Ventura County Star
September 22, 1976 - Wednesday
Services for Birdie Mae Griggs, 83, of 508 E. Oak St., Ojai, will be at 10 a.m. Friday in Clausen Funeral Hoe with the Rev. Kim Vandelinden officiating. Burial will be in Ivy Lawn Memorial Park.
Mrs. Griggs died Monday in a local convalescent hospital after a long illness. She was born May 22, 1893, in Illinois, and was a longtime resident of Ventura County.
She is survived by her son, Carroll L., Weldon, Calif.: grandson Larry, Oxnard; and one great-granddaughter."
Birdie was buried in the family plot belonging to her son's father-in-law, Thomas Forman James.
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