Another Macoupin Co. pioneer. Jim Windsor from the BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF MACOUPIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS, by Richmond and Arnold, 1904, p. 141, 142: HENRY GRIFFEL. We take pleasure in presenting to the readers of this Biographical Record of Macoupin County the gentleman whose names heads these lines. He is one of the most prominent and influential agriculturists of the county, and resides on his well cultivated farm of 280 acres, which is situated in sections 10, 11, 14, 15 and 16, Brushy Mound township. He was born May 28, 1845, in Hanover, Germany. Mr. Griffel came to America in 1874, first locating in Baltimore Maryland, where he ramained but a short time, removing the same year to Macoupin County, Illinois, where he rented a farm. Although he began at a lowly station in life, he at once rose in the ranks of the business world. He continued in the pursuits of general farming upon the rented farm until he had accumulated a sufficient sum to purchase a farm and in 1893 he purchased his present property, which then consisted of 240 acres, to which he has since added 40 acres. By his shrewd business methods and unceasing hard work he has accumulated considerable property, and has established his true and honest character throughout the county. He is also prominently identified with the leading stock raisers of Macoupin County, raising cattle, horses, sheep and hogs quite extensively. Our subjects political views make him a Republican, but he has never taken an active position in any political affairs. Our subject was first married to Caroline Wehrenberg, and to them were born seven children, namely: Helena, Fred, Mary, Charles, Henry, William, and John. His first wife died in 1901. He then was wedded to Mrs. Mary Ziegemeier, a native of Germany, who had been a resident of Menard County, Illinois, for 33 years. She had four children by her first marriage, as follows: Lena, wife of Carl Kreis, of Menard County, Illinois; Mary, deceased, who was the wife of Carl Schrimp, of Menard County, Illinois; Minnie, deceased; and Hilda, who still resides with her mother. Mr. Griffel adheres to the German Lutheran Church of which Mrs. Griffel is also a member.