Henry Griffith

Henry Griffith (born about 1842) was a Union soldier from Scott County who apparently died during the Civil War.

See Also: Scott Countians killed in war

Born about 1842, Henry Griffith was the son of William Griffith (born about 1822) and Temperance Hamby (born about 1819). His father was the son of Joseph Griffith, the Revolutionary War veteran who settled on Brimstone Creek after the war. He was the first cousin of Allen Griffith, who also died during the Civil War, and first cousin once removed to Fielding Griffith, who died during the war. Another apparent cousin who died during the war was Joseph Griffith Sr.

Henry’s siblings included Abraham (born about 1841), Sarah (born about 1844), Rebecca (born about 1845), John (born about 1848), Emily (born about 1850), Joel (born about 1854) and Lucinda (born about 1855).

Information about the family of William Griffith is scarce. Emily may have died as a small child. Additionally, it appears Temperance died about 1860. When the 1860 census was taken, William and the rest of his children were living in Somerset, Ky.

Civil War

Henry enlisted in the Union army and was assigned to Co. D, 3rd Kentucky Infantry.

Nothing more is known about Henry’s service. However, his father filed for a $100 bounty as the father of a deceased soldier under the Equalization Act. Passed by Congress on July 23, 1866, the Equalization Act provided a bounty of $100 to the widow, minor children or parents of any soldier who died of disease or wounds contracted while in the service.

While the Griffith family had moved to Somerset prior to the start of the war, William Griffith’s bounty application was written by Campbell County Reed, who was Scott County Clerk.

It is not known where Henry Griffith or his parents are buried.

Henry’s brother, Abraham Griffith, also served in Co. D, 3rd Kentucky Infantry. He enlisted on Nov. 5, 1861 at Camp Wolford in Kentucky and served until Jan. 10, 1865. He was taken prisoner of war at the Battle of Chickamauga in Georgia on Sept. 20, 1863. He was hospitalized three different times during his confinement.

Abraham Griffith married Anna E. Perry in 1885, and is buried at Huntsville Cemetery.