Hi I hate to kite these messages they get so long and complex. Where in Alabama did the Rufus Marion Griffin live. It is several Griffins scattered around in AL. . Winston County AL is always a possibility because it is called the FREE STATE OF Winston. before the Civil War the County tried to succeeded from Alabama and become an Independent State. The reason being there were so few slaves and the family loving hill folk did not want to take sides in the War. The raiding parties from both Rebel and Union came thru regularly and stole all the crops, cattle etc They would capture any man and conscript him into which ever side caught him. Or Kill him on the spot and burn out his family. The men would hide in the hollows, caves and ravine of the Bankhead National Forest. Many were executed and most were drafted to service. Brothers against brothers Fathers and sons divided. The people became very improvished, many starved , became ill and died. Four of my husbands family died in the fall of 1862 cause unknown. Many people came to Winston County hoping to escape the fighting. On the Court House grounds is a statue of a soldier dressed half Union and Half Rebel It has always been called the Free State of Winston. Bettye V Knight **************Psssst...Have you heard the news? There's a new fashion blog, plus the latest fall trends and hair styles at StyleList.com. (http://www.stylelist.com/trends?ncid=aolsty00050000000014)