Julia Averill Griffen, 1831-1891

Oakwood Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY

"Angels on the Battlefield"

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Angels on the Battlefield

Oakwood Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY

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Angels on the Battlefield

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Julia Griffen

Perhaps one of the most interesting of the angels of Oakwood is Julia Averill Griffen. Born in Hudson, New York, to Jane Hardick and Isaac Griffen, her paternal grandfather was a Quaker. When she was 13 her family moved to Stamford, Ontario, where her uncle, Cornelius, owned and lived in the Clifton House. During the Gold Rush of 1849, Cornelius attempted to make his way out to California, but met his demise before he arrived. His wife moved to Suspension Bridge and the other Griffens followed her to Niagara Falls. At the onset of war, Julia's brother, Cornelius enlisted, and then, she decided that she must serve as well.


She went to New York City for training and then on to Washington, D.C., where she worked under Dorothea Dix. She spent much time on the front and was taken prisoner following the battle of Winchester. After being paroled, she served more time at the front with the army of the Potomac. The men of Col. Porter's 8th NY Heavy Artillery met with her among the wounded and the prisoners and made note of her kindness and skill. When the war had ended, she found herself chronically ill with asthma due to time spent upon the battlefield. She fought the US government year after year for the right to a pension. Finally, in 1888, by a special act of Congress, she was awarded a military pension.

She was so beloved for her service to her country that on Memorial Day celebrations the veterans of the G.A.R. honored her by lowering their flags upon passing her home.

Image of Julia Griffen's tombstoneShe died on December 18, 1891, at the age of 60 and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery.










Julia Averill Griffen
Elizabeth Porter
Margeret Breckenridge

 

Oakwood Cemetery of Niagara Falls - 763 Portage Road - Niagara Falls, NY 14301

(716) 284-5131 - info@oakwoodcemeteryniagara.com

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Updated on December 3, 2011