Levi T. Griffin facts for kids

From 1894's To Wit: Department of Law, University of Michigan

Levi Thomas Griffin (born May 23, 1837 – died March 17, 1906) was an important politician from the state of Michigan. He was also a successful lawyer and a brave soldier.

Early Life and Education

Levi Thomas Griffin was born in Clinton, Oneida County, New York, in 1837. He was named after his grandfather. When he was about 10 years old, his family moved to Rochester, Michigan.

Levi was very smart. He went to the University of Michigan Law School in Ann Arbor. He graduated in 1857. While studying to become a lawyer in Detroit, he worked as a court helper. He became a lawyer in May 1858.

He first practiced law in Grand Rapids. After a big fire destroyed his office, he moved back to Detroit. There, he started a law firm called "Moore and Griffin" with William A. Moore.

Military Service in the Civil War

When the American Civil War began, Levi Griffin joined the army. He became a Second Lieutenant in the Fourth Michigan Cavalry in 1862. He was promoted several times during the war.

• He became a First Lieutenant in 1863.
• Then, he was promoted to Captain in 1864.
• He served as an Assistant Adjutant General, helping top generals.

Levi Griffin was a brave soldier. He was honored for his excellent service during the war. He left the army in 1865.

Life After the War

After the war, Levi Griffin returned to Detroit. He continued his career as a lawyer. He worked with different partners over the years. Some of his law firms included "Griffin and Dickinson" and "Griffin & Warner".

Besides his law practice, Levi Griffin also taught law. He was a professor at the University of Michigan Law School from 1886 to 1897.

Serving in Congress

In 1893, Levi Griffin was elected to the United States Congress. He represented Michigan's 1st congressional district as a Democrat. He served in Congress from December 1893 to March 1895. He tried to get re-elected in 1894 but was not successful.

After his time in Congress, he went back to practicing law. He also worked as a pension agent for a few years.

Levi Thomas Griffin passed away in Detroit on March 17, 1906. He was buried in Woodmere Cemetery.

Family and Beliefs

Levi Griffin married Mary Cabot Wickware in 1867. They had three children: William, Laura Moore, and Mary McClaren Griffin. In 1873, he changed his religious beliefs from Presbyterian to Episcopalian. He was confirmed at St. John's Episcopal Church in Detroit.