Henry H Griffin and Family 

Henry H Griffin was the first to discover Gold in Eastern Oregon in 1861. Born about 1822 in Maine. In 1861 Henry H Griffin and his partner David Littlefield were looking for the Bluebucket Mine. They camped at a Gulch South West of Baker City OR. Now known as Griffin Gulch. While Littlefield Cooked their dinner. Henry H Griffin made a prospect hole. The next day they found gold. Four of the men spent the winter there  Henry Griffin, David Littlefield , William Stafford and G. W. Schriver. This discovery started the gold rush to Eastern Oregon.

On the 1870 Census of Baker County. OR His occupation is listed as a Miner. He is Married to Mary A (Degenave?) born about 1833 in British America. They lived in Powder River Valley, Baker County OR.  He had a son  John A Griffin born   18 June 1873 and died the 04, May 1876. His wife Mary A Griffin also died 05 July 1876. Henry H Griffin was listed on the 1880 Census. With his Occupation as a Miner,  with a Crippled foot. He is living with Richard Mckinney. He his wife and son  were buried in Auburn Cemetery, Near the site of  the old town of Auburn Or. With Trees and high grass and wild Flowers growing and enclosed with a Rail Fence. Perhaps he would have like it this way. He has a headstone with his death dates his wife and son’s death date on it  His wife and son have a wooden Cross.  The only thing remaining of Old Auburn  now  are tailings from the Gold Ore and Memories. Old Auburn was a boom town with murders and hangings