Towards the end of my first journey into our family history, in late 1996, I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to take my Dad to visit—for the first time in his life—the grave of his paternal Grandfather in rural Knott County, Kentucky. Dad was born in 1918, while his Grandfather passed away in 1898, so obviously he never knew him. John Elliot Griffe (Griffith) died at the young age of 37 years and was buried on a rural hillside, as was the custom in those days.
During my genealogical search, I was extremely lucky to meet a local gentleman, Mack Holliday, who had been "mapping" local cemeteries as part of his own genealogical work. Mack diligently scoured the hills of Knott County and one day gave me the exciting news that he'd found my Great-Grandfather's grave-site. The tombstone was in a small family plot, halfway up a hill, above a coal mine tipple, just outside of the tiny town of Mousie, Kentucky.
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| John Elliot Griffe tombstone. |
These stones were obviously carved by hand and this one had withstood nearly 100 years of wear quite well. It was a matter of great pride and much joy for me to be able, with Mack's abundant assistance, to in effect introduce my Dad to his Grandfather, a man he had never met.
What a woderful and unforgettable trip that was. Thanks for the great memory, Paul.
ReplyDeleteIt sure was, Nancy. More on that trip to follow later, of course.
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