James E. Griffith was born in Green Co, OH, in 1843. His father, Isaac N. Griffith, removed with his family to Iowa when James E. was about one year old. They resided in Henry Co for some time, then removed to Mahaska Co, where the father settled on Government land which he had previously located. He had some trouble in holding his claim, and it was "jumped" during his absence, but he succeeded in establishing his right to the land. About 1856 the father removed with his family to Montezuma, Poweshiek Co, where he emparked in the merchantile trade. In 1869, he came to Carroll, where he still resides (in 1887).

James E. Griffith was reared in Poweshiek Co, and educated at Grinnell College. In 1864 he commenced the study of law at Iowa City, and was admitted to the bar in Montezuma in 1866, where he practiced until he came to Carroll in the spring of 1867. He was the first attorney in Carroll Co, and has been well known as one of the most successful business men for nearly twenty years. For ten years he was associated with the Hon. John K. Deal, the present (1887) State Senator of this district. The firm of Griffith and Deal did a general law, banking and real estate business. Mr. Griffith's business house was destroyed by fire in 1884. In 1886 he rebuilt, and his brick building is one of the finest structures in the county. It is 30 x 100 feet, two stories in height, with basement. The cost was about $10,000, and it is located on lot 11, block 23.

Mr. Griffith has practically retired from the practice of his profession, and devotes his attention mainly to loaning money, and insurance. He is a Republican in his political views, having cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1864. In 1869 he was united in marriage with Miss Hortense Tuttle, a daughter of John F. Tuttle, formerly a resident of Carroll, where he lived until his decease. Mr. and Mrs. Griffith have two children: Ed. and Ola. They are members of the Presbyterian church at Carroll.