Griffith, E. A.

The following data is extracted from Genealogy and Biography of Ontario County, New York.

E. A. Griffith, a well-known attorney and counselor at law of Geneva, Ontario county, New York, has, by his honorable efforts and moral attributes, carved out for himself friends, affluence and position. The strength and force of his character have overcome obstacles which to others have seemed well nigh insurmountable, but with boldness and enterprise he has conceived and executed projects while others were considering the means necessary to carry them out.

Wellington Griffith, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Pike, Wyoming county. New York, in 1835, and died in April, 1896. He was a farmer and very successful in his occupation. He married Elizabeth Jane, a daughter of Smith Ellis, also of Pike, New York. She is still living, an attendant of the Presbyterian church.

E. A., son of Wellington and Elizabeth Jane (Ellis) Griffith, was born in the town of Covington, Wyoming county. New York, October 31, 1865. His elementary education was acquired in the common schools of the town of Pike, later attending Pike Seminary, and finally matriculating at Cornell University. from which institution he was graduated in 1893, with the degree of Doctor of Laws. He immediately established himself in the practice of his chosen profession, selecting Shortsville, New York, as a desirable location. His legal ability was soon recognized and he quickly acquired a large and lucrative practice, and a high standing in the community. He took an active interest in the public affairs of the town and served for a period of two years as president of Shortsville. While pursuing his studies at Cornell he had been under the personal instruction of Governor Charles E. Hughes, a fact of which he was reasonably proud. Taking various matters into consideration, he decided it would he advisable to remove to Geneva, Ontario county. New York, and accordingly took up his place of abode there, November 1, 1901. His excellent reputation had preceded him, and he has a well established practice, which is increasing constantly in a most satisfactory manner. He has a most convincing way of marshaling his facts, presenting them in a clear and concise form, which always argues for success. As a speaker he is unusually gifted, having an apparently inexhaustible flow of words at his command, and the power to use them adequately and to excellent purpose. He gives his political support to the Republican party. He is an attendant of the Presbyterian church. His social affiliations are with the Masonic fraternity and with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

Mr. Griffith married, August 22. 1899, Rose Christine Cumins, born in Bethany, Genesee county, New York, March 9, 1870. She is a woman of culture and refinement, a graduate from the New England Conservatory of Music. She is a daughter of Harrison and Rhoda (Hardy) Cumins, the former a farmer, of Bethany, New York, the latter, who died May 11, 1905, was a school teacher in her earlier years, and an active worker in church affairs. Mr. and Mrs. Griffith have two children: Christine, born February 9, 1901, and Donald Cumins, born January 21, 1903.

Source: Genealogy and Biography of Ontario County, New York

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