Yeovil's Virtual Museum

Silas Griffin

Grocer and Publican

 

Silas Griffin was born around 1802 at West Pennard, Somerset. He was third of the seven children of James Griffin and Ann nee Cox. James and Ann's children were; Mary Ann (b1798), Rachel (b1800), Silas, Ann (b1806), Sarah (b1809), Mary Ann (b1811) and James (1814-1888).

It is not known when Silas moved to Yeovil but on 3 November 1829, at St John's church, he married Ann Johnson (1809-1842). By the time of the 1841 census Silas was living in Hendford and working as a grocer in the Volunteer Inn premises, next to Hendford Terrace. His wife, Ann, and 13-year old son Alfred lived with him.

Ann died in December 1842 and Silas married Mary Jane Maby (1811-1870) in Yeovil in October 1844. Silas and Mary had two sons of their own; James (b1846) and William Cox (b1848).

In the 1846 Tithe Apportionment, Silas was noted as the tenant of Parcels 600 and 601 being the houses and gardens of Huish Gardens. These parcels were owned by Edwin Newman and it is thought that Silas either acted as a house agent for Newman by letting the houses, collecting rents, etc. or simply sub-let them on his own account.

In the 1851 census Silas was listed as a grocer and innkeeper. By this time Silas' son Alfred had left home and Silas, Mary and William were still living in Hendford in 1861 but Silas' occupation had reverted to just being a grocer - whether or not he was still running the Volunteer Inn can only be assumed. Mary died in December 1870 and, by the time of the 1871 census, Silas had retired and was living as a retired grocer in Huish Lane with his son James, a railway office keeper, and his young family.

Silas Griffin died on 13 January 1873 at Yeovil. His will was proven in February to his son James, a draper. His effects were valued at 'less than £100' (around £70,000 at today's value).

 

 

The Volunteer Tavern photographed about 1955 - a tranquil scene before Hendford was straightened out.