Individual Details
Griffith John
(1683 - 29 Jun 1778)
THE JOHN FAMILY of Northumberland county are a branch of a Welsh family that settled in Chester county in the early colonial days of our State. Their ancestor, Griffith John, Sr., was born in Pembrokeshire, South Wales, in 1683. With many others of his locality, he immigrated to Pennsylvania, taking passage in a slow sailing vessel that was several months in making the voyage. He landed in Philadelphia, February 11, 1709, and went to one of the Welsh townships which was a part of a district then known as the Welsh Barony. This section was principally settled by his countrymen, at that time called "ye ancient Britons." On the 23d of July, 1714, he was married to Ann Williams, daughter of Robert Williams, surnamed "the king of Goshen." About 1715, under the auspices of David Lloyd, the keeper of the Great Seal, Uwchlan township was settled, and among the first purchasers of farms were
Griffith John, Sr., Noble Butler, Robert Benson, Cadwallader Evans, and others. The fruits of his marriage were twelve children, six sons and six daughters, all of whom reached mature years except one son that died in childhood. Most of his children settled in other parts of the State, but his son Griffith John, Jr., remained on the Uwchlan farm and took care of his parents in their declining years. Griffith John, Sr., united with the Society of Friends soon after his arrival in the colony and became a prominent minister of that sect. He stood well in his church, and after his death a testimony relating to him was published by his monthly meeting. He lived in great simplicity and plainness and was a lover of peace and labored to promote good feeling among his neighbors. At the advanced age of ninety years he was a constant attendant at his church and was a minister of the saints for over seventy years. He died, May 29, 1778, aged ninety-five years.
Griffith John, Sr., Noble Butler, Robert Benson, Cadwallader Evans, and others. The fruits of his marriage were twelve children, six sons and six daughters, all of whom reached mature years except one son that died in childhood. Most of his children settled in other parts of the State, but his son Griffith John, Jr., remained on the Uwchlan farm and took care of his parents in their declining years. Griffith John, Sr., united with the Society of Friends soon after his arrival in the colony and became a prominent minister of that sect. He stood well in his church, and after his death a testimony relating to him was published by his monthly meeting. He lived in great simplicity and plainness and was a lover of peace and labored to promote good feeling among his neighbors. At the advanced age of ninety years he was a constant attendant at his church and was a minister of the saints for over seventy years. He died, May 29, 1778, aged ninety-five years.
Events
| Birth | 1683 | Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Whales | |||
| Marriage | 23 Jul 1714 | Uwchlan, Chester County, Pennsylvania - Ann Williams | |||
| Death | 29 Jun 1778 | Uwchlan, Chester County, Pennsylvania | |||
| AKA (Facts Pg) | Sr. |
Families
| Spouse | Ann Williams (1700 - 1782) |