The Griffin – Gardner House:

This 3 bedroom Greek Revival cottage hasn’t been occupied since the 1980’s and was never modernized so all the original doors, door nobs, mantels, windows and fixtures are still in place ready for restoration.  There is also a large outbuilding on the property and the acreage is secluded and private.  Although the house needs complete restoration the roof is a modern type metal standing seam roof.  This home is in need of total restoration including plumbing, electrical, HVAC, kitchen and baths.  Call or click for more information.

The Family:

Dr. Peter Evans Griffin was born in Society Hill August 30, 1830. His father was Thomas W. Griffin who died in 1833 leaving three children of which Dr. Griffin was the youngest. His great grandfather was a Roderick McKiver the head of the Welch colony that settled the Pee Dee section of the State.  Dr. Griffin was a prominant physician in the State of South Carolina.  He graduated from the South Carolina College with honors and studied medicine at the South Carolina Medical College in Charleston, the University of Pennsylvania, and two years of study in Paris. When the War Between the States broke out he enlisted as a private in Company F of the 8th Regiment of the South Carolina Volunteers. He was soon made second lieutenant due to his gallantry as a soldier.  He fought at the first battle of Bull Run and in the fight at Williamsburg Virginia. He subsequently took ill and had to be sent home where he remained until the last year of the war. He then reenlisted as a surgeon of the 3rd Regiment of State Troops where he served until the close of the War.  Dr. Griffin was well renowned in the State and engaged in private practice in Society Hill, Darlington, Florence and Columbia S.C. He also served as superintendent of the South Carolina State Mental Hospital for 13 years.  Dr Giffin Died May 18th, 1904 (aged 73).