This collection is an accumulation of various individuals' materials. Included are papers belonging to Westbrook; B. W. Griffith; his wife's father, J. C. Griffing; and Richard Griffith (B. W.'s father.). The papers of B. W. Griffith include correspondence; addresses by him; a certificate; a publication; and newsclippings. There is military material of Richard Griffith, and material concerning Benjamin Whitfield, the maternal grandfather of B. W. Griffith. Among the papers concerning the Griffing family are correspondence; account papers; tax forms; and a testimony. Papers of R. A. Westbrook include correspondence; military material; appointment papers; a diploma; and pamphlets. A cotton book, anonymous essay, copies of laws, physical examination reports, telegrams, music, and photographs are also included in this collection.

Cite as: Z/1287.000: Griffith (B. W.) and Westbrook (Rondo A.) Papers.

B. W. Griffith was born in Hinds County January 2, 1852. His father, Richard, and mother, Sally Whitfield, were of Welsh descent. B. W.'s early education was partly from private neighborhood schools. He entered Mississippi College in 1870, where he graduated with the degree of A.B. in 1872. He went forthwith to Eastman Business College and took a business course (in the record time of eight weeks) and returned to teach at his alma mater, where he had been elected as tutor of mathematics, and before he attained his majority, was filling the position of professor in that department. In 1878 he secured a position as bookkeeper in the Capital State Bank of Jackson. In 1884 he was elected cashier of that bank, and in 1893 he became the first present of the First National Bank of Vicksburg. He held this position until 1928, when he resigned to accept the chairmanship of the board. Rondo A. Westbrook enlisted in the Mississippi National Guard on July 1, 1911, and was promoted promoted to sergeant the same date. He served in said grade until promoted to 2nd Lieutenant on August 3, 1915, and served this position until July 25, 1917. He then was promoted to 1st lieutenant when he was drafted in the service of the United States, later becoming a captain.