Thomas J. Griffin
Thomas J. Griffin, who is engaged in a grocery business in Delaware, with commodious quarters at No. 177 East Central Avenue, is interested in a number of the other successful business enterprises of this city. He was born in 1857. in Delaware, in the same city ward in which he still resides, and is a son of James Griffin, who was born in Ireland and who came to Delaware in 1835.
Thomas J. Griffin spent his early life as a school-boy and as an employe of several of the city's industrial plants. He then took up railroading, working for four years as a fireman and nine years as a freight engineer, and subsequently spending four years in the passenger service. For six years he served in the office of chairman of the Locomotive Engineers' organization anil for two years was chairman of the Adjustment Board of that body. Since leaving the railroad, in 1895, Mr. Griffin has been engaged in a grocery business and in looking after his investments in other concerns. He owns a one-fourth interest in the Electric Rolling Mill Company, and is a director in the Delaware National Bank, in the People's Building and Loan Company, and in the Electric Light, Heat and Power Company. For six years he served in the City Council.
In 1902, Mr. Griffin was married to Bessie Agnes Quilter, who is a daughter of Daniel Ouilter of Fremont. Ohio. He is a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. His fraternal connections are with the Knights of Columbus, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Elks and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. As a thoughtful citizen he has ever taken more or less interest in politics, hut is in no sense a politician. His business interests are comprehensive and he possesses the capacity to look carefully after them.
From 20th Century History of Delaware County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens by James R. Lytle