Joseph Benton Fox
1929 - 2020 (91 years)
Generation: 1
Generation: 3
Generation: 4
1. Joseph Benton Fox was born on 21 Jan 1929 in Fairmount, Vermilion County, Illinois (son of Willis Benton Fox and Grace Gertrude Hedges); died on 31 Oct 2020 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Spring Hill Cemetery, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois. Notes:
Joseph Benton Fox, 91, of Danville, Illinois, passed away Saturday (Oct. 31, 2020) at home.
Joseph was born on Jan. 21, 1929 in Fairmount, Illinois, the son of Willis B. Fox and Grace Hedges Fox. He married Patricia Ann Dowers on July 10, 1954. She survives.
Other survivors include two daughters, Diana (Bob) Kmetz of Edwardsville and Teresa (Mark) Steinbaugh of Bismarck, one brother, Marion Fox of Decatur; one sister, Marjorie Block of Sanford, North Carolina, four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
member of Center Point Church
Name:
More photos of Joe at his page on the Hedges site, along with links to his Hedges grandfather's ancestry.
https://hiltner.com/hedges/getperson.php?personID=I5290&tree=tree1
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/217981723/joseph-benton-fox
2. 
Willis Benton Fox was born on 12 Oct 1891 in Fairmount, Vermilion County, Illinois (son of Josiah Jermiah Fox and Ella Wann); died on 15 Nov 1982; was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola, Vermilion County, Illinois. Other Events:
- Occupation: restaurant owner, salesman, farmer
- Census: 1930, Vance Township, Vermilion County, Illinois
- Census: 1940, Vance Township, Vermilion County, Illinois
Notes:
member of Center Point Church
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/88035594/willis-b_-foxWillis married Grace Gertrude Hedges on 10 Oct 1925 in Sidell, Vermilion County, Illinois. Grace (daughter of George Fielden Hedges and Cora Belle Gritton) was born on 28 Oct 1895 in Fairmount, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 9 May 1988 in Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola, Vermilion County, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
3. 
Grace Gertrude Hedges was born on 28 Oct 1895 in Fairmount, Vermilion County, Illinois (daughter of George Fielden Hedges and Cora Belle Gritton); died on 9 May 1988 in Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola, Vermilion County, Illinois. Notes:
member of Center Point Church
Name:
More photos of Grace at her page on the Hedges site, along with links to her father's ancestry.
https://hiltner.com/hedges/getperson.php?personID=I96&tree=tree1
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/88035339/grace-foxChildren:
- Marion Fielden Fox was born in Jul 1925 in Indianola, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 13 Jan 2023 in Decatur, Macon County, Illinois; was buried in Point Pleasant Cemetery, Long Creek, Macon County, Illinois.
- 1. Joseph Benton Fox was born on 21 Jan 1929 in Fairmount, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 31 Oct 2020 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Spring Hill Cemetery, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois.
Generation: 3
4. 
Josiah Jermiah Fox was born on 27 May 1852 in Cocke County, Tennessee (son of Rufus Morgan Fox and Levina "Vina" Kelly); died on 12 Oct 1943 in Stockland, Iroquois County, Illinois; was buried on 14 Oct 1943 in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola, Vermilion County, Illinois. Other Events:
- Occupation: farmer
- Census: 1900, Jamaica Township, Vermilion County, Illinois
- Census: 1910, Jamaica Township, Vermilion County, Illinois
- Census: 1920, Jamaica Township, Vermilion County, Illinois
- Census: 1930, Vance Township, Vermilion County, Illinois
- Census: 1940, Vance Township, Vermilion County, Illinois
Notes:
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/82444151/josiah-jermiah-foxJosiah married Ella Wann on 6 Mar 1884 in Vermilion County, Illinois. Ella (daughter of George Wann and Elizabeth Sherry) was born on 24 Oct 1857 in Noblesville, Hamilton County, Indiana; died on 7 Apr 1941 in Vance Township, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried on 9 Apr 1941 in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola, Vermilion County, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
5. Ella Wann was born on 24 Oct 1857 in Noblesville, Hamilton County, Indiana (daughter of George Wann and Elizabeth Sherry); died on 7 Apr 1941 in Vance Township, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried on 9 Apr 1941 in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola, Vermilion County, Illinois. Other Events:
- Occupation: housewife
Notes:
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/82444392/ella-m_-foxChildren:
- Samuel Howard Fox was born on 1 Dec 1884 in Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 10 May 1949 in Milford, Iroquois County, Illinois; was buried in Sugar Creek Cemetery, Stockland, Iroquois County, Illinois.
- James F. Fox was born on 10 Sep 1886; died on 11 Jan 1897; was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola, Vermilion County, Illinois.
- Levina Fox was born on 17 Mar 1889 in Illinois; died on 21 Jan 1975 in Cook County, Illinois; was buried in Riverside Cemetery, Brook, Newton County, Indiana.
- 2. Willis Benton Fox was born on 12 Oct 1891 in Fairmount, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 15 Nov 1982; was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola, Vermilion County, Illinois.
- George W. Fox was born on 24 Aug 1894 in Indianola, Vermilion County, Illinois; died in Sep 1965; was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois.
6. George Fielden Hedges was born on 29 Dec 1856 in Morehead, Rowan County, Kentucky; died on 19 Jan 1950 in Fairmount, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Spring Hill Cemetery, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois. Other Events:
- Occupation: farmer
- Census: 1900, Jamaica, Vermilion County, Illinois
- Census: 1910, Jamaica, Vermilion County, Illinois
- Census: 1920, Jamaica, Vermilion County, Illinois
- Census: 1930, Jamaica, Vermilion County, Illinois
- Census: 1940, Jamaica, Vermilion County, Illinois
Notes:
1900 US census, Household members: George F. Hedges, age 33, farmer; Cora D. age 29; Sophia C.. age 7, Ralph J. age 6, Grace G age 4, and farm laborer Lewis O. Cox age 22. Farm is rented.
1910 US census. Household members: George Hedges age 43, farmer; Cora age 38, Sophia age 17, Ralph age 15, and Grace age 14. Farm is rented.
1920 US census, Household members: George F. Hedges, age 53, farmer; Cora B. age 49, and Grace G. age 24. Farm is rented.
1930 US census. Household members: George F. Hedges age 63, farmer. and Cora B. age 59. Farm is owned.
1940 US census. Household members: George Hedges, age 73, farmer, and Cora, age 69. Farm is owned. Value of home $2,500.
member of Center Point Church
Name:
More information about George Fielden Hedges's family at our Hedges family site: https://hiltner.com/hedges/index.php
and his individual page: https://hiltner.com/hedges/getperson.php?personID=I82&tree=tree1
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/78801478/george-f-hedgesGeorge married Cora Belle Gritton on 15 Jun 1891 in Vermilion County, Illinois. Cora (daughter of John Franklin Gritton and Sarah Catherine Cline) was born on 28 Aug 1870 in Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 16 Apr 1961 in Tilton, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Spring Hill Cemetery, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
7. 
Cora Belle Gritton was born on 28 Aug 1870 in Vermilion County, Illinois (daughter of John Franklin Gritton and Sarah Catherine Cline); died on 16 Apr 1961 in Tilton, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Spring Hill Cemetery, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois. Notes:
Friends gave her a surprise
(Press-Democrat Special.)
Fairmount, Ill., Sept. 2. - One of the most delightful entertainments of the season was the birthday surprise on Mrs. Geo. Hedges last Sunday, at her home northeast of the village. The event was planned and executed by her husband and daughters. While Mrs. Hedges was busily engaged in serving dinner to some friends who had accompanied her home from Sunday school and church, her friends to the number of seventy-five or more slipped into the front rooms of her home and came marching out to the dining room with her mother in the lead, which, by the way, was a great surprise, the latter having come out from Danville.
The afternoon was spent in a social and religious way. About 4 o'clock the crowd repaired to the front yard where some fifteen or twenty minutes was devoted to song and prayer, and the breaking of bread, which was presided over by Rev. Scott, of Danville, after which the remainder of the evening was spent in song, and social conversation, and the eating of cream, cake and candy and fruit, and a general good time was enjoyed by all. One singular feature connected with their gathering was that the hostess was surprised on her 18th birthday in 1888, in the same house where she now lives. Mrs. Hedges was the recipient of many beautiful pieces of china.
Newspaper clipping from Cora (Gritton) Hedges. No publishing information available.
Mrs. Cora Hedge of Fairmount has been visiting the family of Frank Gritton on East Park street this week.
The Champaign County News, Champaign, Illinois. Saturday, 27 May 1893, page 1.
member of Center Point Church
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/78801438/cora-b-hedgesChildren:
- Sophia Cordella Hedges was born on 10 Nov 1892 in Jamaica, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 19 Sep 1974 in Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in GAR Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois.
- Ralph Jewell Hedges was born on 27 May 1894 in Fairmount, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 22 Jun 1969 in Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola, Vermilion County, Illinois.
- 3. Grace Gertrude Hedges was born on 28 Oct 1895 in Fairmount, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 9 May 1988 in Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola, Vermilion County, Illinois.
Generation: 4
8. Rufus Morgan Fox was born on 4 Sep 1826 in Tennessee (son of Ransom Fox and Pernelope Talley); died on 30 Oct 1859 in Tennessee; was buried in Slate Creek Cemetery, Centerview, Cocke County, Tennessee. Other Events:
- Census: 1850, Cocke County, Tennessee
Notes:
LKH Notes:
In the 1850 US census taken on 20 September, their household consists of Rufus, age 24, and Lavina, age 23. Rufus's occupation is listed as laborer. They lived next door to Rufus's parents, Ranson and Penelope Fox who still have a household of six children ranging in age from 9 to 18 years old.
When Rufus Fox died in 1859 he left Levina a widow with five children ranging in age from 10 months old to 9 years old.
US federal census mortality schedules, 1850-1885
Name: R M Fox
Gender: Male
Marital status: Married
Estimated birth year: abt 1826
Birth Place: Tennessee, USA
Age: 33
Death Date: Oct 1859
Cause of Death: Consumption
Census Year: 1860
Census Place: District 8, Cocke, Tennessee, USA
Line: 23
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/18687589/rufus-morgan-foxRufus married Levina "Vina" Kelly on 19 Jan 1850 in Cocke County, Tennessee. Levina was born on 28 Nov 1827 in Tennessee; died on 10 May 1903; was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola, Vermilion County, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
9. 
Levina "Vina" Kelly was born on 28 Nov 1827 in Tennessee; died on 10 May 1903; was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola, Vermilion County, Illinois. Other Events:
- Census: 1860, Cocke County, Tennessee
- Census: 1870, Jefferson County, Tennessee
- Census: 1880, Chuckey Knobbs, Cocke County, Tennessee
- Census: 1900, Carroll Township, Vermilion County, Illinois
Notes:
LKH Notes:
When Rufus Fox died in 1859 he left Levina a widow with five children under the age of nine years old.
In the 1860 US census Lavina Fox, age 32, is head of household with five children age ranging from 10 months old to 9 years old.
In the 1870 US census Lavina, age 42, is head of household with six children ranging in age from 8 months to 19 years. The youngest is John Fox, age 8 months; I do not find any additional documentation for him.
IN the 1880 US census, Lavina Fox, age 51, is living alone. Occupation listed as: keeping house.
In the 1900 US census Lavina "Vina" Fox, age 72, has moved to Illinois and is in the household of her daughter Mary (Fox) Gilroy) who is herself a widow with three children ages ranging from 10 to 13.
member of Center Point Church
Census:
In the 1900 US census, Vina Fox, widow, age 72, is in the household of her widowed daughter Mary (Fox) Gilroy.
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/82445165/levina-foxChildren:
- Nancy Penolope Fox was born on 25 Sep 1850 in Tennessee; died on 23 Feb 1937 in Cocke County, Tennessee; was buried on 25 Feb 1937 in Ravens Branch Church of Christ Cemetery, Rankin, Cocke County, Tennessee.
- 4. Josiah Jermiah Fox was born on 27 May 1852 in Cocke County, Tennessee; died on 12 Oct 1943 in Stockland, Iroquois County, Illinois; was buried on 14 Oct 1943 in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola, Vermilion County, Illinois.
- Mary Adaline Fox was born on 8 Jan 1854 in Cocke County, Tennessee; died on 1 Jun 1951 in Indianola, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola, Vermilion County, Illinois.
- Susan Elizabeth Fox was born on 11 Apr 1857 in Cocke County, Tennessee; died on 22 Jun 1936 in Indianola, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola, Vermilion County, Illinois.
- Rufus Morgan Fox was born on 21 Aug 1859 in Tennessee; died on 7 Mar 1944 in Paris, Lamar County, Texas; was buried on 8 Mar 1944 in Hopewell Cemetery, Paris, Lamar County, Texas.
10. 
George Wann was born on 8 Sep 1826 in Pennsylvania; died on 21 Oct 1897; was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola, Vermilion County, Illinois. Other Events:
- Occupation: miller, sawyer, flour mill
- Census: 1850, Noblesville, Hamilton County, Indiana
- Census: 1860, Noblesville, Hamilton County, Indiana
- Census: 1870, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois
- Census: 1880, Carroll Township, Vermilion County, Illinois
Notes:
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/110652966/george-wannGeorge married Elizabeth Sherry on 9 Sep 1846 in Henry County, Indiana. Elizabeth was born about 1823 in Pennsylvania; died before 1870. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
11. Elizabeth Sherry was born about 1823 in Pennsylvania; died before 1870. Children:
- George W. Wann was born on 6 Oct 1848 in Henry County, Indiana; died on 14 Oct 1923 in Henry County, Indiana; was buried on 16 Oct 1923 in South Mound Cemetery, New Castle, Henry County, Indiana.
- Maria Wann was born on 5 Apr 1853 in Indiana; died on 21 Oct 1928 in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana; was buried on 23 Oct 1928 in West Branch Cemetery, Hagerstown, Wayne County, Indiana.
- 5. Ella Wann was born on 24 Oct 1857 in Noblesville, Hamilton County, Indiana; died on 7 Apr 1941 in Vance Township, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried on 9 Apr 1941 in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola, Vermilion County, Illinois.
- Michael H. Wann was born about 1866 in Indiana.
14. 
John Franklin Gritton was born on 6 Jul 1842 in Illinois (son of Milo B. Gritton and Jane S. Burton); died on 1 Jul 1924 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Spring Hill Cemetery, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois. Other Events:
- Occupation: farmer
- _MILT: Civil War
- Census: 1870, Blount Township, Vermilion County, Illinois
- Census: 1880, Blount Township, Vermilion County, Illinois
- Census: 1910, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; 11 1/2 N. Washington, rented upstairs son Lewis Gritton's household
- Census: 1920, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; 11 N. Jefferson, rented house next door to son Lewis Gritton's household
Notes:
US Civil War Draft Registration Records. Blount Township. Jess Gritten. Age 28. White. Farmer. Married. Born in Illinois.
In same record, just above Jess's entry are entries for his cousins (sons of Milo B. Gritton and Jane Burton):
Merriman Gritten. Age 24. White. Farmer, Married. Born in Illinois.
a few lines below is: John Gritten. Age 20. White, Farmer, Married. Born in Illinois.
LKH note:
Have not yet found any record that John Gritten served in the army.
1870 US census, enumerated 16 August 1870
Blount Township, Vermilion County, Illinois
John F. Gritton, age 28, farm laborer
Sarah Gritton, age 27, keeping house
Catharine Cline, ag 78, at home
Not far away are the households of William Gritton, age 44, and of John R. Gritton, age 62. John R. Gritton was the father of the late Jesse Gritton, Sarah's first husband, and in his household are Jesse and Sarah's two sons, John age 8 and Charles age 6.
1870 US agricultural census:
John F. Gritton
Blount Township, Vermilion County, Illinois
Improved land - 10 acres
Unimproved land - 200 acres
Horses - 2
Milch cows - 1
Other cattle - 1
Swine - 2
Value of livestock #335
Winter wheat - 33 bushels
Indian corn - 150 bushels
Estimated value of all farm production - $108
1880 US census, enumerated 20 June 1880
Blount Township, Vermilion County, Illinois
John F. Gritton, age 36, farmer
Catharine, age 35, keeping house
Cora B., age 10, at home
Lewis A., age 10 months, at home
Benjamin Milliner, age 22, boarder, farm laborer.
Cora is listed as can not read or write.
1910 US census, enumerated 18 April 1910
Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois
112 North Washington Street
John F. Gritton, age 66, laborer in grain mill
Sarah, age 65
Next door is the household of their son, Lewis A. Gritton, age 30.
1920 US census, enumerated 5 January 1920
Danville, Ward 2, Vermilion County, Illinois
1920 N. Jefferson Street
John F. Gritton, age 77
Sarah K., age 76
They live next door to the household of their son Lewis Gritton who is a motorman for the street car.
John F. Gritton was the first appointed postmaster in Jamaica, Vermilion County, Illinois He served from 21 March 1894 until 30 Jun 1898. National Archives, Record of Appointment of Postmasters. Vermilion County, Illinois, v.87, page 609.
Aged couple given a pleasant surprise
Mr. and Mrs. John Gritton were reminded Sunday of golden wedding anniversary.
(Special to the Morning Press)
Fairmount, Ill., Aug. 14 - Mr. and Mrs. John Gritton were given a very pleasant surprise last Sunday afternoon at their home in Jefferson street, south side, by the children and grandchildren coming in to help them celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. Refreshments of ice cream and cake were served and all enjoyed a most delightful time. About thirty enjoyed this event. The out of town guests were Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gritton, of Odell, Ill., Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Hedges, of Chrisman, Ill., Mr. and Mrs. Rolla Yeazel, of Homer, Ill., Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Hedges, Jamaica, and Mrs. Lula Dinnick and daughter, of Bloomington, Ill, from Danville were: Mr. and Mrs. Lew Gritton and family and Miss Wilma Hall, of Chicago, Mrs. Mary Wisler and daughter, Mrs. Berry and Ernest Gritton. Mr. Gritton was 7y the 6th of July and Mrs. Gritton was 75 the 5th of June. Both are enjoying good health and their many friends and relatives wish for them the best of life's blessings the remaining years of life. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gritton were born in Illinois and are among one of the many prominent pioneer families of this county.
Newspaper clipping from Cora (Gritton) Hedges. No publishing information available.
Allison-Gritton-Casat Reunion.
One of the most pleasant and largest family reunions held in this dity this season was that of the Allison, Gritton and Cosat families, held at Lincoln park Sunday Sept. 2 when 100 or more were present. Owing to the inclement weather the crowd was not as large as it would have been if the rain had not kept many away who would otherwise have been present and who missed a most enjoyable day. Out of town guests were: Marion Shumate and wife of Conway, Ark., which is the first visit here of Mr. Shumate in 30 years, he being a former resident of Blount township, also George Gritton and family of Spencer, Ind. Found state were represented namely: Illinois, Indiana, Arkansas and Iowa.
Everybody had a good time and were glad that they were present all agreeing on holding the reunion of 1924 on the first Sunday in September at Lincoln park, in this city.
The same officers of last year were re-elected with C. W. Cosat as president; and Oakie Allison, secretary.
John Gritton and wife, ages 82 and 81 respectively were the oldest guests present. They are residents of Danville and live on the South Side.
Rev. Norton and Rev. H.O. Wilson, each gave interesting talks. A find dinner was the feature of the day and during the afternoon, ices and cakes were served, making up a most pleasant day for all.
Newspaper clipping from Cora (Gritton) Hedges. No publishing information available.
Gritton family holds reunion.
The first annual reunion of the Gritton family, descendants of early settlers of Vermilion County, was held Sunday at Lincoln park and was well attended by representatives from far and near. A fine dinner was enjoyed at the noon hour by nearly 200 members. Mac Lee, of San Francisco, who came the farthest distance to attend the reunion, has been absent from this county almost 30 years. Uncle John Gritton, of the South Side, was the oldest member of the family present. He is almost 90. The afternoon was spent in renewing old ties. The members looked forward with pleasurable anticipations to the reunion to be held at the same place some time in August, 1921.
Newspaper clipping from Cora (Gritton) Hedges. No publishing information available.
J.F. Gritton pioneer dies at age of 84.
Farmer and Danville merchange dies in South Danville home.
John Franklin Gritton, retired farmer and former owner of feed yards, and who would have been 84 years old had he lived five days more, died at his home, 11 North Jefferson street, South Danville at 1:40 o'clock yesterday afternoon. Mr. Gritton was a lifelong resident of Vermilion county and since coming to Danville a quarter of a century ago has made his home in South Town.
Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock from the residence.
Mr. Gritton was born in Blount township, July 6, 1842, the son of pioneer stock and one of three children, a brother M.L. Gritton, who formerly lived in South Danville, and a sister, Mrs. Belle Hensley, preceding him in death. During Mr. Gritton's life he resided near Fairmount on a farm and 25 years ago moved to Danville where he owned feed yards, first on walnut street and later on Hazel street, part of the time, operating both places. He retired 15 years ago.
He was married to Miss Sarah K. Cline on Aug. 9, 1869, and to this union five children were born, two of whom, Mrs. George Hedges of Fairmount and Lewis A. Gritton, a motorman on the Ridgefarm-Georgetown line, survive. Two sons, Franklin M. and Everett M. Gritton died when they were 7 and 5 years old, when they were given an overdose of medicine by mistake. The two brothers were buried in the same casket. A daughter, Grace May, died in infancy. Besides the son and daughter, Mr. Gritton is survived by the widow, Mrs. Sarah Gritton.
Newspaper clipping from Cora (Gritton) Hedges. No publishing information available.
John F. Gritton, pioneer, is dead.
Well-known resident of South Danville succumbs to paralysis.
John F. Gritton, 82, died at his home, 11 North Jefferson street, South Side, Tuesday afternoon. He was stricken with paralysis Monday, June 23, the entire right side being affected. Death, which came at 1:40 o'clock Tuesday afternoon, had been expected for several days.
Funeral services will be held at the family residence at 1:30 o'clock Thursday afternoon, and the interment will be in the family lot at Springhill cemetery.
John Franklin Gritton was born in Blount township, northwest of Danville, July 6, 1842 and came of pioneer stock. His father died when he was eight years of age and much of the work of keeping the family fell upon his shoulders. His mother died a few years later, leaving him largely dependent on his own resources.
Aug. 9, 1869, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah K. Cline, who survives. To this union, five children were born, two, Mrs. George Hedges and Lewis A. Gritton, a motorman on the interurban railway between this city and Ridgefarm surviving.
Mr. Gritton about 1882, became a tenant on the farm of Dr. H. W. Morehouse, of this city, near the town of Jamaica and after remaining there for nine years removed to the Will Carrigan farm about a mile distant, where he remained for eight years. Then he retired and removed to this city.
Danville Commercial News Newspaper clipping from Cora (Gritton) Hedges. No date available.
member of Center Point Church
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/79513334/john-franklin-grittonJohn married Sarah Catherine Cline on 9 Aug 1869 in Vermilion County, Illinois. Sarah (daughter of Andrew Jackson Cline and Eliza Ann Milliner) was born on 5 Jun 1843 in Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 18 Dec 1929 in Jamaica, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried on 21 Dec 1929 in Spring Hill Cemetery, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
15. 
Sarah Catherine Cline was born on 5 Jun 1843 in Vermilion County, Illinois (daughter of Andrew Jackson Cline and Eliza Ann Milliner); died on 18 Dec 1929 in Jamaica, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried on 21 Dec 1929 in Spring Hill Cemetery, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois. Notes:
LKH note:
Sarah Catherine's father (Andrew Jackson Cline) died seven months before she was born and her mother (Eliza Ann Miliner Cline) died a month after she was born. She was raised by her grandparents, John B. and Catherine (Shumate) Cline. After John B. Cline died in 1856, she and her grandmother appear in the 1860 census in the household of John B. and Catherine's oldest son, Spencer Cline.
Mrs. John Gritton has entirely recovered.
South Danville, Ill. March 31 - The many friends of Mrs. John Gritton will be pleased to learn that she has fully recovered from her recent serious illness and left yesterday for Rossville to make an extended visit with relatives and friends.
Newspaper clipping from Cora (Gritton) Hedges. No publishing information available.
member of Center Point Church
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/79513441Notes:
Married:
Marriage License Abstracts Vermilion County, Illinois 1853-1874. Page 57. No record of anyone signing for bride or groom. This was Sarah's second marriage.Children:
- 7. Cora Belle Gritton was born on 28 Aug 1870 in Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 16 Apr 1961 in Tilton, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Spring Hill Cemetery, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois.
- Franklin M. Gritton was born on 26 Jan 1873 in Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 12 Mar 1879 in Vermilion County, Illinois.
- Everett M. Gritton was born on 6 Oct 1876 in Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 12 Mar 1879 in Vermilion County, Illinois.
- Lewis Adolphus Gritton was born on 29 Jul 1879 in Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 23 Aug 1962 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Spring Hill Cemetery, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois.
- Grace M. Gritton was born on 12 Aug 1885 in Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 9 Dec 1885 in Vermilion County, Illinois.