Griffin, Ben L., Conway, Ark.—The subject of this sketch was born on a farm in Perry County, Alabama, May 22, 1863; moved with the family from Alabama to Lee County, Mississippi, 1869; removed to Alabama, 1870, where he lived until sixteen years of age. At this time he was unable to read or write. At sixteen, he returned to Mississippi, and worked as a farm hand. In 1887, by the assistance of friends, he entered Banner College, where he remained for some time. After leaving school, he taught for some years. He took an active part in the Alliance during its existence, and when the Union was organized in the State of Arkansas, where he had moved from Mississippi, he joined and took an active part from the beginning. When the State Union was organized in 1905, he was elected State Secretary and Treasurer. Re-elected 1906, and again 1907; declined to allow his name to be used for reelection in 1908; has attended all the State meetings, where he took a leading part, and has been a delegate to many of the National Conventions, where he served on many important committees. While Secretary and Treasurer of Arkansas he owned and edited the Arkansas Union Tribune; has visited many State meetings in other States, where he was invited to make addresses. Elected member of National Legislative Committee, 1907. He is now preparing a history of the Union in Arkansas.  (Source:  History and Times of the Farmers Union, 1909; transcribed by Tina Easley.)

Return to Faulkner County Index

©2010 Arkansas Genealogy Trails