This article was updated on April 8, 2025, to include additional details about Samuel’s public service, a confirmed death date for James (1861), expanded obituaries for both Samuel and Jane, and new information about the probate proceedings following Samuel’s death.
When Samuel Bird Griffin was born on February 19, 1834, in Clevedon, Somerset, England, his father, James Griffin (1808-1847), was 26 and his mother, Mary (née Bird) (1810-1898), was 23. (The name “Bird” was carried through Samuel to his son Sidney Bird Griffin and to son John’s son Arthur Bird Griffin). Samuel had two brothers and one sister.
After swearing a marriage bond on December 30, 1858, Samuel, a Yeoman and bachelor aged 21 years, married Jane Wallis, a spinster aged 21 years, on January 4, 1859, at the Church of All Saints in Kingston Seymour, Somerset, England. (A yeoman is a landowner and farmer – a man who cultivates his own lands. Both Samuel and Jane’s fathers were also Yeomen.)
When Jane Wallis was born in 1835 in Kingston Seymour, Somerset, England, her father, John Wallis (1797-1867), was 38, and her mother, Jane (birth name unknown) (1797-1871), was 38.
Samuel and Jane had 12 children in 19 years:
- John Griffin (1860-1937) married Sarah Jane Goodland (1857-1931)
- James Griffin (1861-1861)
- Wallis (Wallace) Griffin (1862-1938) married Mary Anne Price (1864-1914)
- Alfred Griffin* (1864-1932) married Laura Wallis (1866-1954)
- Charles Griffin (1866-1945) married Ellen Gage (1870-1939)
- James Bromley (Bromley) Griffin (1867-1944) married Emma Elizabeth Toop (1868-1912)
- Hannah Isabella Griffin (1870-1963)
- Sidney Bird Griffin* (1872-1944) married Amelia Gage Wallis (1869-1957)
- Ernest Bernard Griffin (1874-1950) married Ada Annie Binning (1877-1959)
- Edward Clement Griffin (1876-1950) married Ellen Leaker (1870-?)
- Samuel Austin (Austin) Griffin (1878-1953) married Clara Gertrude Smith (1885-1960)
- Evelyn Mary Griffin (1879-1880)
Firstborn son John was born on February 5, 1860, and baptized in All Saints Church on March 6, 1860 (the same day as his cousin Anna Maria Wallis, daughter of his mother’s brother William).
On the 1861 England Census, we find the family living on a farm in Kingston Seymour, England. Along with Samuel, Jane and John are two servants, Sarah Watkins and Olive Hovington. At a neighbouring farm, Samuel Wallis, a relative of Jane’s. It doesn’t say on the census, but Jane is pregnant.
The first record of James is his baptism on August 26, 1861. The entry suggests that the baptism was done privately, on a Monday, suggesting he was in ill health at birth.
An article in The Bristol Mirror confirms James died on September 27 at just one month of age. He was buried on October 2, 1861, at the Church he was baptized in.
As the year turns over, Jane is pregnant again and Wallis Griffin is born on September 22, 1862, and he takes his mother’s maiden name as his first. Wallis is baptized on October 19, just over a year after his brother’s death. (In later records, we find Wallis recorded as “Wallace”).
Samuel was appointed churchwarden in 1864, as reported in the Clevedon Mercury on 2 April 1864, during a parish vestry meeting where he was selected by the Rev. W. N. Peddar. His involvement in parish affairs continued into the following year, when he became entangled in a legal dispute brought by Mr. J. W. Cole against several former churchwardens and overseers. According to the Clevedon Mercury of 13 May 1865, a public meeting of ratepayers was held to address the suit, and it was unanimously agreed that the parish would support Samuel and others named in the case by entering a legal appearance on their behalf. This indicates that Samuel maintained the trust and backing of his community despite the contentious circumstances surrounding his role.
The year turns again and Alfred Griffin is born on August 31, 1864, and baptized on September 29th.
Charles Griffin is the next born, the sixth son for the couple, on March 28, 1866. Charles is baptized on April 25, 1866.
By the time James Bromley is born on September 15, 1867, poor Jane must be overrun by testosterone. James shares a first name with his younger (deceased) brother and likely because of that, he goes by “Bromley“. (He was remembered by his niece Dorothy (Griffin) Webb as “Uncle Brom.” James is baptized on October 16, 1867.
After six boys, the first daughter is welcomed into the family on March 2, 1870. Hannah Isabella Griffin is baptized on April 21, 1870.
Samuel is elected to the Local Board of Guardians in April of 1871. It’s not clear whether this is the first time he is elected, but subsequent annual elections suggest he held the position until at least April of 1885. It is around this time (1885) that the family likely moves from Kingston Seymour to Clevedon.
On the 1871 Census, the family is living at “Oak Farm” in Kingston Seymour. Samuel is described as a “Farmer of 104 acres employ[ing] 1 labourer.” We find him at age 37, with wife Jane (35), sons John (11), Wallace [sic] (8), Alfred (6), Charles (5), J. Bromley (3), H. Isabella (1). Also in the home is William Wallis, Jane’s brother, aged 39 and a “Retired Publican” and a servant, Mary A. Horsington (17). The four older boys are all in school.
Sidney Bird Griffin is born on February 7, 1872, and baptized on March 6, 1872.
Ernest Bernard Griffin is born on January 30, 1874, and baptized on May 3rd.
Edward Clement is born on November 2, 1876, and baptized on February 25, 1877.
The April 7, 1877 Weston Mercury reports that on Easter Tuesday, after adopting the parish accounts, John Wallis (unknown whether this is Jane’s father or brother) was renominated as the warden and Samuel Bird Griffin was re-elected on the part of the parish.
Samuel (Austin) is the tenth son born to the couple in July, 1878. Austin is baptized on August 23, 1878. The baptismal record and a newspaper announcement disagree on the specific day he was born – the baptismal record says it was the 5th and the newspaper suggests it was the 6th.
Samuel and Jane’s final child is their second daughter, Evelyn May. She is born in September and baptized on the 23rd. Less than six months later, the baby is buried on January 2, 1880.
In 1881, the family appears on the census in the same location. In the household are Samuel B (46), “Auctioneer and Farmer of 104 acres empl. 1 Lab(ourer),” Jane (44), John (21), Wallace [sic] (18), James B (13) (all listed as “Farmer’s Son), as well as Hannah I (11), Sydney [sic] B (9), Ernest B [sic] (7), (all at school), Edward C (4) and Samuel Austin (2). Also listed are Ernest Hember (35), an unmarried visitor and “Commercial Traveller” from Middlesex, and Louisa Fry (21), a domestic servant. Alfred is living on a neighbouring farm with his grandmother Mary (nee Bird) (70), and step-grandfather, Charles Gould (75). Charles is living with his mother’s brother William Wallis’s widow, Emma.
In April 1881, Samuel retired from his long-held role as churchwarden of Kingston Seymour, a position he had shared with his brother-in-law, John Wallis. At a parish gathering to mark the occasion, Samuel was publicly honored for his years of devoted service. His brother, Charles Griffin, delivered a heartfelt tribute, praising both men for the “very efficient and satisfactory way” they had fulfilled their duties. He spoke of Samuel in particularly warm terms, describing him as “a kind friend and good neighbour, and a man who felt and understood that the duties of this life should have a higher aim than merely to gratify our own selfishness.”
Around this time, Samuel gives up his farm in Kingston Seymour in favour of his son. I believe it is around the same time that Samuel and Jane move to Clevedon. An ad in the May 1881 Clevedon Mercury shows Samuel selling livestock and other items.
The December 3, 1881 Weston Mercury gives an account of “The Ball at Brockley.” The ball was given by Mr. R.I. Jones at his residence on Brockley Court, to the tenantry on the Pigott estates and a few private friends in honour of the coming of age of the young Mr. Pigott. There were “something like” 200 guests invited, and they all attended. “The ball was opened by Mrs. Pigott and Mr. S.B. (Samuel Bird) Griffin and Mrs. William Gage and Mr. Cecil Pigott, who were the top and bottom couples in a set of quadrilles.” Among the ladies in attendance, Mrs. S. Griffin (likely Jane), Miss A. Wallis (likely Amelia, Sidney’s future wife), Mrs. Charles Griffin (Ellen née Gage), Miss Polly Griffin (possibly Isabella), Miss Goodland (likely Sarah Jane, John’s future wife). Among the gentleman, Mr. John Griffin, Mr. John Wallis, Mr. James Wallis, Mr. Wallace Griffin, and Mr. Edward Griffin. The article suggests that arrangements were made for the accommodation of guests who could not (or did not) dance, but that dancing was kept up with “unflagging energy” throughout the night.
Additional details about Samuel’s public and business life appear in the Clevedon Mercury of March 31, 1888. In a report on the funeral of James O’Hara, Samuel is named among the local dignitaries in attendance, noted as a member of the Local Board. This confirms his active role in Clevedon’s civic affairs during the late 19th century. The article also states that James O’Hara had, at one time, entered into a business partnership with S. B. Griffin, identifying Griffin in this context as a wine merchant. This suggests that in addition to his known work as a grocer and general dealer, Griffin was engaged in the wine trade and held a position of considerable respectability in both commercial and social spheres.
On New Years Eve, the Western-super-Mare Gazette and General Advertiser reports on January 5, 1889, Samuel Bird presided over a “complimentary dinner” – the first of a series of annual reunions amongst the tradesmen and agriculturalists of Clevedon.
In a report from the Clevedon Mercury dated July 12, 1890, Samuel Bird Griffin, an auctioneer residing in Clevedon, appeared as a witness in a coroner’s inquest concerning the death of a local man, Mr. William Bryant. Samuel testified that he saw the deceased on the evening of June 19th, standing outside his own gate as Mr. Bryant passed by on his way to East Clevedon. During a brief exchange, Samuel wished him “Good night” and noted that Mr. Bryant did not appear to be in good health. According to Samuel’s testimony, Bryant responded that he was feeling unwell and “very queer.” Samuel specifically stated that the man did not seem intoxicated, suggesting instead that his condition was due to illness. The jury ultimately returned a verdict that the deceased met his death by accidentally falling against the wheel of a cart while in motion.
According to the November 1, 1890 edition of the Clevedon Mercury, Samuel Bird Griffin died at his residence on Old Street, Clevedon, following 18 months of declining health. He was only 56. Though hopes for recovery remained until shortly before his death, the article suggests his passing came as a shock to many. As widely respected auctioneer, valuer, and businessman in North Somerset, the article says Samuel “was known for his sound judgment, honesty, and warmth.” He played an active role in civic life, serving on the Clevedon Local Board of Health (1887–1890), as vice-chairman of the Clevedon jury for the Court of Sewers, and as a member of the Coleridge Lodge of Freemasons. The article describes him as a devoted Conservative, a familiar and popular presence at political and agricultural events – “one of the most respected men in the town.” The funeral was held on Saturday, November 1, and Samuel was interred at Clevedon Cemetery.
A probate record suggests that Jane was Executrix of his estate.
An advertisement in the Weston Mercury on November 22, 1890, suggests that Samuel’s partner Charles Baker took over the firm “Messrs Griffin & Son Auctioneers & Valuers of Clevedon.”
An advertisement in the Mercury on June 20, 1891 suggests that the Samuel’s estate was declared bankrupt, likely due to business debts. Several of his properties on Old Church Road in Clevedon—including Devonshire House, Salisbury House, Derby House, and two dwellings in Glebe Place—were auctioned publicly to settle outstanding debts. The auction, managed by Mr. C. Baker on behalf of the Official Receiver in Bankruptcy, reflects the scale of Griffin’s business dealings in the town and the financial troubles that followed his death. An article on December 10, 1892 suggests that the Official Receiver was issuing the final dividend as of that date. A further article on January 6, 1894, details the final resolution. Samuel’s estate yielded a total of £143 8s 1d, from which legal and administrative costs of £52 4s 7d were deducted, leaving a final dividend of only 2s 6½d in the pound—approximately 12.5%—to be distributed among 57 creditors. The report, over three years after his death, underscores the extensive legal proceedings and limited returns, highlighting the insolvency at the time of his death.
Despite this, on October 24, 1891 the Mercury reports a memorial stone for Samuel Bird Griffin was erected in Clevedon Cemetery, funded by a large circle of friends. Crafted from Sicilian marble by J. N. Cox of the local Monumental Works, the stone bears the inscription: “In memory of Samuel Bird Griffin, died Oct. 28, 1890, aged 56 years. ‘Thy will be done.’” The tribute reflects the deep respect and affection held for him by his community.
Though a young widow, Jane did not remarry after Samuel’s death. The 1891 Census finds her at age 54 “living on her own means” at 30 Kenn Road in Clevedon. Living with her are Isabella (21) (who remained a spinster until her death), Sidney B (19) (a “grocer”), and Clement (14) [sic] and Austin (12) [sic], both at school.
Jane is still living “on her own means” on the 1901 Census at the age of 65. Still living at home are Sidney (31), a grocer, Hannah I (29), a grocer’s clerk, and Sam A [sic] (22), a grocer’s assistant.
Jane Griffin died on November 19, 1909, at her home in Kingston Seymour, Somerset, at the age of 74. Though she had been in declining health for some time, her final illness was brief and unexpected, beginning only two weeks before her passing. The obituary, published in the Clevedon Mercury on November 27, 1909, paints a picture of a respected matriarch deeply mourned by her daughter, nine sons, and a wide circle of relatives and friends. Despite the family’s earlier financial troubles, including her husband’s bankruptcy, the funeral was notably elaborate, featuring a polished elm coffin with brass fittings, numerous floral tributes, and a large assembly of mourners. She was buried in Clevedon Cemetery beside her husband.
In an April 1913 article in the Clevedon Mercury, Samuel is noted as the progenitor of the bi-annual Clevedon Fair, an agricultural sale, some 30 years prior.
Despite the final disposition of his estate, Samuel was clearly well known and appreciated for his reputation. His death is even mentioned in a list of extracts of “Clevedon in the Nineties” from the Clevedon Mercury on October 26, 1940.
Featured Image: Samuel Bird Griffin. Image source: Ancestry.com user Edwin Woolmore
*Alfred and Sidney Griffin married their mother Jane’s brother John’s (their uncle) daughters Laura and Amelia Wallis (respectively) – their first cousins. Today, marrying your first cousin is legal in Canada, but it’s illegal in 24 US States and other parts of the world. Science actually suggests that the genetic risks of marrying your cousin and passing a genetic disease to your children are only slightly higher than the general population
