Griffin, Texas, Cherokee County. (original) (raw)

History in a Pecan Shell

The town began in 1853 on the Old Tyler-Rusk Road. Isaac Kendrick is credited as the town founder. A post office was opened in the early 1850s under the name Troutman, but in 1855 it was named as a remembrance to Kendrick's former hometown in Georgia.

The town reached it's economic peak in the 19th Century but held on to a population of 50 during the Great Depression. The availability of cars after WWII allowed residents to seek work elsewhere and Griffinites left. By 1990 the population was a mere 21 people and no figures are available for the 2000 census.

Historical Marker: 4 miles N of New Summerfield on SHwy 110

Site of Griffin

Founded by settlers who came from Griffin, Georgia. In the early 1850s became a flourishing town.

Birthplace of John Benjamin Kendrick (1857-1933), Texas cowboy who settled in Wyoming in 1879 after going up the trail for years with herds of cattle. He served in Wyoming State Senate, 1910-1914, Governor, 1914-1916, then as U.S. Senator, 1916-1933.

Town of Griffin gradually lost people and businesses to railroad towns after 1872. Last store here was closed 1930.

1907 postal map showing Griffin in NE Cherokee County
From Texas state map #2090
Courtesy Texas General Land Office

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