Widower; Son of John F. Griffith
Bio. from newspaper on 3/24/1925, provided by Scot Kimel:
Tomorrow, Tuesday, March 25, will mark the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of Charles Franklin Griffith, one of the best known and most highly respected citizens of
Davie county. The arrival of the century mark for Mr. Griffith finds him in the best of health, enjoying life to its fullest extent, and to one not aware of his age it would seem that the five-score date is far in the future.
Mr. Griffith was born in Rowan county on March 24, 1825, being a member of a family comprising twelve children, all of his brothers and sisters preceding him to the grave. When a boy he moved to Davie county. He was married to Miss Sarah L. Taylor in 1849, and in that year moved to his present home, on the Yadkin river, near Farmington, where he has since been engaged in farming.
During the War with Mexico Mr. Griffith volunteered and with his company started to the scene of action, but an order to return was received and he did not engage in the actual conflict. At the beginning of the War Between the States, he was a member of the Home Guard and was later mustered into service. He was a first lieutenant and at the close of the war, his company disbanding near Lexington, N.C., afterward returning to his home and resuming his occupation as farmer.
Mr. Griffith has always enjoyed excellent health, and was 90 years old before he ever received attention from a physician. Owing to an injury to his hip, received about two months ago, he is unable to walk much at the present time, but his health is in very good condition in every other respect. It is his boast that he has never missed casting his ballot in an election since he reached his majority, and he takes a keen interest in all matters, political, civic and religious, concerning community state, nation or world, and possesses an excellent knowledge of existing conditions. He delights in conversation with his many friends and discusses in exceptionally interesting manner, subjects of today and of the past.
Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Griffith, two sons and one daughter, the latter passing away in her infancy. The sons are W.W. Griffith, who now lives near the home of the father, and J.F. Griffith, residing in Winston-Salem. Mrs. Griffith preceded her husband in death, passing away in 1906. Mr. Griffith has twelve grandchildren and twenty great grandchildren.
The privilege of enjoying life for 100 years is accorded to few people, and Mr. Griffith is the recipient of congratulations from his friends upon the excellent record of years which has become his possession. His home is the scene of many gatherings and it is his delight to have his friends as guests. Tomorrow they will gather on an occasion of unusual interest, extending to the centenarian their best wishes for his continued health and prosperity.