Samuel Griffin, of Medicine Lodge, Kan., one of the able and leading lawyers of Barber county and a former representative in the state legislature, was born Jan. 5, 1872, at Warren, Ill., son of Andrew and Emma (Strong) Griffin. He was left an orphan at the age of five years and was reared by an aunt, Mrs. J. Q. Wheat. In 1886 Mr. and Mrs. Wheat removed to Barber county, Kansas, and were accompanied by Mr. Griffin, who completed his education in the Medicine Lodge High School. He then taught school six years, before entering the University of Kansas, where he took the law course and was graduated with the class of 1898, within twelve months after entering and without having made any previous preparation for law. He then returned to Medicine Lodge, where he opened a law office and began the practice of his profession with the same energy and determination that distinguished his career as a student. He soon demonstrated that he not only possessed the talent necessary to master the intricate problems of law, but also, possessed tenacity of purpose, which qualities have made him a strong opponent at the bar. He has, in a comparatively short period, attained a foremost place at the Barber county bar. In 1898 he was elected county attorney of Barber county, as a Republican, and filled that office six years. In 1909 he represented his county in the State legislature, with intelligence and distinction. He was made a member of six different important committees and served as chairman of two of them. In 1911 he was elected mayor of Medicine Lodge and is at the present time performing the duties of that office. Whether as a public official or as a legal advocate, the same vigor and determination have characterized his efforts and have made him a man of wide-felt influence and usefulness. He has also prospered in a financial way and is numbered among the substantial men of his city.

On Nov. 6, 1901, Mr. Griffin wedded Miss Blanche E., daughter of J. R. Young, a druggist at Medicine Lodge. Mr. Griffin is a member of the Masonic order and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and both he and his wife are communicants of the Episcopal church.