J. T. GRIFFIN 100 YEARS OLD, DIES IN HECKER
Monroe County’s oldest citizen, John T. Griffin, 100, died at 2:30 o’clock this morning at his home 
in Hecker.  Although confined to his home for more than a year, he had been able to be up and 
about the house until he became seriously ill about a month ago.  The centenarian resided with his 
daughter, Miss Pearl Griffin, and his son, Joseph Griffin.  Five years ago on the celebration of his 
95th birthday, Mr. Griffin related that he was rejected for life insurance at the age of 25 because he 
was rated as a “poor risk.”  Mr. Griffin farmed for many years near Madonnaville and then north of 
Hecker, where Mr. Griffin operated a confectionery until his retirement in 1938.  He was a life-long 
Democrat.  Born on September 19, 1861, near Antica Station, north of Waterloo, he was a son of 
the late Thomas and Anne Griffin, nee Harbaugh.  His father died when he was only two years old 
and the family then moved to a farm near Madonnaville.  Mr. Griffin married the former Elizabeth 
Kraft at Madonnaville on May 23, 1893.  She died October 11, 1935.  Surviving are a daughter, 
Miss Pearl Griffin, Hecker; three sons, Edwin Griffin, Evanston, Illinois; Joseph Griffin, Hecker; and 
Albert Griffin, Arlington, Virginia; 11 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.  A son and a daughter 
preceded him in death.  The funeral will be held at 8:30 a.m. Monday from the Quernheim Funeral 
Home, Waterloo, to St. Augustine Church in Hecker for a Mass at 9 o’clock.  The Rev. E.J. Reeb, 
pastor, will officiate.  Friends may call at the funeral home after 3 p.m. Saturday. (Unknown paper 
Feb 1962, Probably Waterloo Paper)