It is surprising how Topeka has grown
The prettiest place in town
Relics of the Mound Builders
The Colored Work in Kansas
The African Problem
Some of the Difficulties
The Duty of the Church
A Tribute from Rev. Hugh Fisher
Remembering the 1st Kansas Conference
Integration or Segregation?
And this poor life was ended
Augusta's 1899 Speech
Baby Griffing yields his shirt
Obituary of Rev. James S. Griffing
Condolences Received

Webmaster: griffing@fnal.gov

Ministering to Freedmen

During the last few years of James' ministry, he was placed in charge of a Methodist church in Manhattan, Kansas whose members were all African-Americans. Additionally he served as an agent of the Freedman's Bureau where he helped to provide services and shelter for the large number of former slaves who left the South following Reconstruction. Many of these "exodusters" -- as they were called -- ended up in Topeka and Manhattan. Using his influence with the church, James authored several articles that were published in the Kansas Methodist newspaper, some of which are produced here.

Included here is also a chapter entitled, "And this poor life was ended" that describes James untimely and surprising death.

Finally, there is a speech by J. Augusta Goodrich that was delivered to the Shawnee County Old Settlers Association in December 1899.

1879 Harper's Weekly woodcuts showing Exodusters in Topeka