Edward Parker Griffith

Some student’s parents had unique jobs.

Edwin Griffith (Edward Parker Griffith)

Born: ca. 1852
Race: White
Student in 1857 to 1866

Edwin Griffith began school when he was only 5 or 6 years old in December 1857. Each student’s parent or guardian name and occupation was recorded for each child in the early attendance registers. Edwin Griffith’s parent’s name was John Griffith, and his occupation was noted as shoemaker. The 1860 Census records John’s occupation as, “Master boot and shoe maker.” Edwin’s mother was Ann E. Griffith; he had one younger brother at the time, John, aged 10 months. Although sibling John was much too young to be in school, the Locust Grove School parent list shows John Griffith’s name twice. He was also the guardian of Franklin Frame. Frame also began school in 1857 at the age of 15, with Edwin. Franklin is listed in the 1860 Census as a member of the Griffith household and had the occupation, “Apprentice shoemaker.” Edwin attended school more regularly than Franklin, as Franklin did also have a job. Franklin remained at Locust Grove School until the year 1861, when he was 19 years of age, under the guardianship of John Griffith. Edwin’s little brother, John (Llewellyn), began school in January 1865 at the age of 6. Edwin and his brother continued school until March of 1866, when he was 13 and his brother was 7. Edwin was an above average student according to his typical progress and conduct marks of four out of a possible five. He and his brother attended school regularly, with attendance ranging from 50 to 70 percent.