Colonel John Griffith
Junction, Kimble County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(1831-1889) Confederate officer in Civil War. Learned at war's end that women and children of family had fled from Arkansas to Texas in open wagon drawn by a milk cow and a one-eye mule. The missing were found in 1866, as mule was recognized near the courthouse in Comanche and 2 Griffith boys mounted him. Settled at Buffalo Gap. Helped to organize Taylor County, 1878. Moved to Kimble County, 1881. Had much property, great influence. An example of those leaders who came to Texas after war to get a new start and become outstanding citizens. (1965)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Born in 1831, John Griffith served as a Confederate officer, and returned from the Civil War to a family scattered by the conflict — his wife and children having fled Arkansas to Texas behind a milk cow and a one-eyed mule, famously reunited in 1866 when the mule was recognized near the Comanche courthouse. Settling at Buffalo Gap, he helped organize Taylor County in 1878 before moving to Kimble County, building property and civic influence. His story typifies the Southern veterans who rebuilt their lives on the West Texas frontier after the war.
Why it matters
Griffith embodies the postwar migration of ex-Confederates into West Texas, where displaced Southerners became founders and leaders of newly organized frontier counties.
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Themes & tags
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