Eleventh Generation

170. Samuel Hiram "Sam" GRIGGS (*) (~) was born on 10 Sep 1881 in LaGrange Township, Monroe County, WI.^64,71 (He was probably named after his mother's father, Samuel Hiram Griswold.)

. He appeared in the census in 1900 in LaGrange Township, Monroe County, WI.¹⁰¹ He was living with his parents and his occupation was "Farm Laborer."

. In Sep 1904 he was a worker in a chair factory in St. Paul, St. Charles County, MN.^64,144 Between 1905 and 1906 he was a streetcar motorman in St. Paul, St. Charles County, MN.^64,121,145 (Gary Griggs has the pocket watch that Sam is wearing in a picture of him in his Streetcar Motorman's uniform.)

Marita Root, one of Sam's wife's nieces, remembers him as a very outgoing, friendly person with an Irish-looking complexion and a medium build with broad shoulders.

. In 1907 he was a farmer in Huron, Beadle County, SD.⁶⁴ Gary Griggs has a postcard dated 4 April 1907 that was addressed to "Mr. S. H. Griggs, Huron, South Dakota" from an unknown sender in Cokato, Minn. So, apparently Sam was living and farming there at that time.

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He lived at his home in LaGrange Township, Monroe County, WI between Dec 1907 and 1909.⁶⁴ A letter from his aunt, Florence Griggs Bigelow, dated 22 December 1907, mentions that "Sam is home and will work the farm next year."

He was back in Wisconsin when he married Eva in June 1908 and was living in the Tomah area when their daughter Blanche was born in February 1909.

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He lived at their home on a farm that he rented in Huron, Beadle County, SD between 1909 and 1911.^64,146 Gary Griggs has a picture postcard of Eva and Blanche that Eva sent to Clarence and Carrie Griggs in December 1909 which says: "Dear Grandpa and Grandma: Mamma and I had our picture taken Dec. day. Come over and see me. Heard from Sam today. Don't know yet when we will go west--soon, I guess. From Blanche and Eva." Apparently Sam was living and working in South Dakota, and Eva and Blanche joined him in early-1910, just before Glenn was born.

The family is not listed in any of Beadle County, SD, (where Huron is located) in the 1910 Census (which was conducted in April and May 1910, just prior to Glenn's birth in June). So, it is not known where they were living during the Census.

. He lived at his home(s) on a farm (or farms) that he rented in LaGrange Township, Monroe County, WI between 1911 and 1918.^64,147 According to the birth certificate of their son, LaVerne, Sam and Eva were living in LaGrange Township when LaVerne was born in October 1917.

. He lived on a farm that he rented in Wilton Township, Monroe County, WI between 1918 and 1921.^64,108 There, he and his wife Eva began to raise their children. They lived on that farm until Eva passed away in December 1920.

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He appeared in the census in 1920 in Wilton Township, Monroe County, WI.¹⁰⁸ His household consisted of Sam, age 39; his wife, Eva, age 36; their daughter, Blanche, age 10; their son, Glenn, age 9; and their son, LaVerne, age 2.

. He lived after the death of Eva with his three children in Tomah, Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI between 1921 and 1924.^64,148 at the home of his father, Clarence, and his mother, Carrie, at 1308 Stoughton Avenue.

. He lived on the farm owned by his second wife, Anne Clay in Kirby, Lincoln Township, Monroe County, WI between 1924 and 1932.^64,149,150 The home was on a portion of the farm owned by Anne's father, Frank Clay, and was later the home of the Lawrence Vandervort family.

Sam's children did not get along with their step-mother and they lived mostly with Sam's parents in Tomah and with his sister Mattie and her husband, Rollie Vandervort, on their farm in LaGrange Township.

. He appeared in the census in 1930 in Lincoln Township, Monroe County, WI.¹¹⁴ His household on Town Road consisted of Sam and Anne. Sam's three children were not living with them, and it is not known where they were living at the time. Nora A. Heaton, an aunt of Anne, was listed as a "Servant" and Landel E. Richardson was a "Hired Hand." Sam and Anne were renting the farm, apparently from her mother, and his occupation was listed as "Farmer, Dairy Farm."

. He died on 2 Apr 1932 in Lincoln Township, Monroe County, WI.^71,151 His Death Certificate indicates that he died at 8 P.M. and it listed his primary cause of death as "exhaustion" with a contributing secondary cause as "encephalitis--not epidemic." The certificate indicates that he evidenced these causes for "1 year and 6 months."

Family members believe that he may also have had a brain tumor, but there is no indication of such on the death certificate. He is said to have acted like he was in a stupor at times, and not coherent.

Obituary Notes: "Samuel H. Griggs, eldest son of Clarence and Carrie Griggs, was born September 10, 1881, in the Town of LaGrange, on the old home farm.

He was married to Eva Root, June 24, 1908, and to this union were born three children, Blanche, Glenn and LaVerne. Mrs. Griggs passed away in December, 1920. Later he was marred to Anne Clay.

He leaves to mourn his loss his wife, three children, an aged mother, two sisters, one brother, and a host of other relatives and friends. His father and two brothers preceded him in death.

He was a member of the Knights of Pythias, Mystic Workers, and Pythian Sisters lodges.

He had been in poor health the past year, but passed unexpectedly to the great beyond April 2, 1932.

Peacefully sleeping, resting at last,
The world's weary troubles and trials are past,
In silence he suffered, in patience he bore,
Till God called him home to suffer no more.

Funeral services were conducted from the Scheible chapel on Tuesday afternoon, the Rev. D. W. Davis officiating. Interment was made in Oak Grove Cemetery."

. He was buried on 5 Apr 1932 in Tomah, Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI.^52,71 in the Oak Grove Cemetery (Original Plot, Block 2, Lot 70).

Samuel Hiram "Sam" GRIGGS (*) (~) and Eva Jane ROOT (*) were married on 24 Jun 1908 in Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI.^71,152,153

Newspaper Article: "The suburban home of I. J. Root was the scene Wednesday evening of a pretty nuptial event, when Miss Eva, the second daughter, was given in marriage to Samuel H. Griggs, the worthy son of Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Griggs of LaGrange.

It was a beautiful summer evening, the month of flowers had reserved her choicest and most fragrant for our bride. By eight o'clock the paternal shelter, tastefully and significantly festooned in flowers and lover's bowers, was filled with merry guests.

The wedding processional from Lohengrin announced the bridal party. The bride and groom, attended by Irwin Root and Miss Mabel Griggs, entered the room where, under a bower of flowers, Rev. Henry of the Baptist church, received their vows and declared them one.

The bride comes of one of the oldest and best families in this part of the state and the groom is equally well bred. The young people enjoy the highest possible esteem of the entire community, and theirs will be a valuable addition to the many happy homes of our town. They will reside upon the C. L. Griggs farm north of town, where they are now at home to their friends. They were given a china shower by their friends Thursday evening."

. Eva Jane ROOT (*) (daughter of Ira James ROOT (*) and Mary Minerva DEWEY (*+)) was born on 21 Apr 1884 in Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI.^{71,152,154,155,156,157,158,159} Her name was pronounced "Ehva" as opposed to "Eeva". She was probably named after one of her mother's sisters, Eva Jane Dewey.

Gary Griggs has her Autograph Book, which was given to her by her grandmother Minerva Dewey on 25 December 1892, when Eva was 8 years old. The book has several autographs and messages from classmates, teachers and family members between 1892 and 1904. Family members who signed the book were Minerva Dewey (her maternal grandmother), Aurelius E. Dewey (a brother of her mother), Ira James Root (her father), Ella Jennings (a cousin), Edith Root (a sister), Lottie Root (a sister), Ira N. Dewey (a cousin), Jane Root (a sister of her father), Jason A. Dewey (a cousin), and "Aunt Jennie" (this may have been her cousin, Jennie Jennings, who family members referred to as "Aunt Jennie").

. She appeared in the census in 1900 in Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI.¹⁰¹

. After Sep 1906 she was a school teacher in Monroe County, WI.^71,160 An article in the Tomah Journal dated 26 October 1906 mentions that she was teaching school.

She was an excellent writer and in 1911 she wrote the following poem to her daughter, Blanche:

"As I sat by the window this evening alone,
Thinking of kind friends and the dear ones at home,
A message, received from dear little Blanche,
Twas 'Go bring mamma home to me,' perchance.

Little did grandma think it would bring tears to my eyes,
Although it did and caused her many a sigh.
Such a comfort you were to our home,
From it I hoped you never would roam,
Until you were called to the 'Heavenly Home' above,
Or someone worthy of you claimed your love.

When in school, strive to obey the teacher's rule,
Try to learn each lesson well--never to be called no one's fool.
No bad habits I would have you form,
All evil sin, you must surely scorn.

Full of pleasure I would have your life be,
Cheer our home with songs of glee.
Set your aim high and then try to reach it,
Never say 'fail' and when alone you sit.
Remember tis better to be alone than in bad company,
Form true friends, my dear, then of their love prove worthy.

A true companion I would have you be to Glenn,
No one can tell the love we have for you with tongue or pen.
Such high motives we have for you,
Hope you will always to your parents be true.

Look to 'our heavenly father', who is our true friend,
To love and keep you to life journey's end,
Is the best advice your mother can give,
And a life of happiness be your lot, as long as you live."

Gary Griggs has this hand-written poem from Eva to Blanche.

. She appeared in the census in Feb 1920 in Wilton Township, Monroe County, WI.¹⁰⁸ She died on 26 Dec 1920 in Wilton Township, Monroe County, WI.^{71,152,155,161,162,163,164}

Gary Griggs has a copy of a letter written by Eva to her father, Ira James Root, describing the very difficult financial times that she and Sam and their children suffered during their early marriage years. In the letter she laments that they are renting a farm and are unable to earn enough money to buy their own farm. She talked about perhaps having to "take in washing" or having to borrow money from one of her family members. The letter was written in March 1920, nine months before she died.

Obituary Notes: "Eva Jane Root, daughter of Mary M. and Ira J. Root, was born in the town of Tomah, April 21, 1884. She attended the Tomah High School and taught several years in the schools of Monroe County.

She was married June 24, 1908 to Sam H. Griggs of Tomah. Three children, Blanche, Glenn and James LaVerne, were born to this union.

She died at her farm home December 26 (1920). She leaves behind her husband, and father, mother, and children, three brothers, Arthur Root of Sparta; Orson of town of Adrian; Irvin of Redwater, Mont., and three sisters, Mrs. W. F. Taft, Tomah; Mrs. Robert Davis, Glendive, Mont.; and Mrs. Henry Gruetzmacher of Sterling, Ill.

Funeral services were held Thursday at the Methodist Church, Rev. G. H. Willett officiating.

Among those from away here to attend the funeral were: Mr. Dewey, Mather; Mrs. Millie Wilker and daughter, Sparta; Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Root and children, Sparta; Mrs. Robert Davis, Glendive, Mont.; Mrs. and Mrs. Henry Gruetzmacher, Sterling, Ill."


According to Virginia Griggs, the wife of Eva's son Glenn, he remembered that Eva was expecting a baby when she died. He recalled that she and Sam were riding in a horse-drawn wagon one evening, and she became very ill and started to give birth. The next morning she died, and the baby was stillborn.

That situation was not mentioned in her obituary. Her death certificate (in the possession of Gary Griggs) indicates that the cause of her death was "acute cellulitis (swelling of the internal tissues) of neck," which the certificate indicates that she had suffered for two days. The contributory (secondary) cause was listed as "acute dementia," which the certificate indicates that she had suffered for "1 month and 15 days."


Marita Root, one of her nieces, says that Eva was described as being a beautiful woman with auburn or red hair. Marita mentioned that red/auburn hair was very common in the Root family. Harold Root, one of her nephews, mentioned that Eva was considered one of the most attractive young women in the area.

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She was buried on 30 Dec 1920 in Tomah, Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI.⁵² in the Oak Grove Cemetery (Original Plot, Block 2, Lot 70).

. Samuel Hiram "Sam" GRIGGS (*) (~) and Eva Jane ROOT (*) had the following children:

+191	i.	Blanche Loretta GRIGGS (~).
+192	ii.	Lester Glenn GRIGGS (~).
+193	iii.	James LaVerne "Vern" GRIGGS (*) (~).

Samuel Hiram "Sam" GRIGGS (*) (~) and Theressa Anne "Anne" CLAY were married in 1924 in Rochester, Olmstead County, MN.^61,71

She wrote the following letter to her step-son Vern and his wife Bernice, upon the birth of their daughter, LuAnn, in August, 1948:

"Dear Folks,

I was not surprised about the baby because I had heard about it indirectly. Am so glad it is a little girl, for I presume that is what you wanted since you had the two boys. Hope you will all enjoy her and especially the boys, since they are older now. I am so glad for you all.

The card was over at Warrens for two weeks as I wasn't there. Am sorry I didn't get it sooner and no one else told me so I just found it out. I am going back to school again. I feel alright--altho I limp some yet. I hope I won't always.

It is so dry and so much dust around here. Hope we don't get too much polio in Wisconsin. Lawrence had good crops but fruit and gardens were no good.

Well I'm happy for you as I know you are.

Sincerely, Anne

Didn't even have a card here, so I wrote this letter."

. Theressa Anne "Anne" CLAY (daughter of Francis "Frank" CLAY Sr. and Francelia BENNETT) was born on 2 Mar 1884 in Lincoln Township, Monroe County, WI.^{61,71,101,114,165} The 1900 Census listed her birth year as 1883, and the 1930 Census listed her age as 47, also indicating a birth year of 1883.. Her name was listed as "Theressa Anne" in the Clay Family Bible. She graduated in 1900 in Tomah, Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI.¹⁶⁶ from Tomah High School. Between 1900 and 1949 she was a school teacher in Wisconsin.¹⁶⁷ Between 1917 and 1919 she taught at the Warrens Grade School. She appeared in the census in 1900 in Lincoln Township, Monroe County, WI.¹⁰¹ She appeared in the census in 1910 in Tomah, Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI.¹¹² She was living by herself during the 1910 Census on Glendale Avenue. She had a "roomer" named Hazel Webster, age 18. She appeared in the census in 1920 in Lincoln Township, Monroe County, WI.¹⁰⁸ at the home of her mother. (She is listed as "Anna T." in the 1920 Census.) She appeared in the census in 1930 in Lincoln Township, Monroe County, WI.¹¹⁴ She lived next door to her sister Mary and her two sons. Her occupation was listed as "Teacher, Public School." She died on 26 Jul 1950 in Kirby, Lincoln Township, Monroe County, WI.^61,71 (She may have died in Sparta.)

Obituary Notes: "More than 200 relatives and friends attended the funeral services for Mrs. Anne Clay Griggs at the Baptist church at Warrens on Saturday afternoon. Many of those attending were former students of Mrs. Griggs and, as a tribute to their beloved teacher, each individual brought a flower and placed it in one of two large white baskets at the front of the church as they entered.

Theressa Anne Clay was born in the town of Lincoln on March 2, 1884. She was the second daughter of Francis and Francelia Clay. After attending the Kirby grade school, she went to Tomah high school, where she graduated in 1900.

Upon graduation from high school, Miss Clay became as teacher at the White school for one year when, realizing her need for further training if she was to make teaching her career, she entered the Stevens Point Normal school, from which she graduated two years later. The more than 42 years of teaching experience which followed took her to Milwaukee, Gladden, and Auburndale, WI, though most of her teaching was within an eleven mile radius of her home. Pine Grove, Pleasant Valley, Summit Valley, Union Valley, Kirby, and Warrens are among the district schools she taught.

While her teaching career was spread over 50 years, Anne Clay interrupted her teaching first to attend Normal school, and later when she married Sam Griggs in 1924. Mr. Griggs passed away in 1932.

Mrs. Griggs became ill during the Christmas vacation last year, following what was at first believed to be a rather minor operation. She spent some time in St. Mary's hospital at Sparta, and in a Milwaukee hospital (St. Joseph's in February 1950), in addition to several months at the homes of her sisters, Ellen and Mary, at Kirby, where she passed away (of cancer of the ureter) on Wednesday afternoon, July 26.

Services at the Warrens Baptist church on Saturday, with Rev. Lawrence Janssen in charge, brought to a close the earthly career of a teacher who was much loved, not only for the "book" education she was able to impart, but also for the fact that she was friend and counsellor to all who had the privilege of attending her school.

She is survived by two brothers, John and Frank Clay, of Tomah; two sisters, Ellen Clay and Mary Vandervort, of Warrens, and three stepchildren, Blanche of Adams, and Glenn and LaVerne of Milwaukee, and many other relatives and friends."
She was buried on 29 Jul 1950 in LaGrange Township, Monroe County, WI.^71,168 in the LaGrange Township Cemetery.