An Illustrated History of the State of Washington, by Rev. H.K. Hines, D.D., The
Lewis Publishing Co., Chicago, IL., 1893, pages 353-353
	
	
	THOMAS C. GRIFFITTS needs no introduction to the readers of this work. His
prominence at the bar, in politics, and in the business life of the State of
Washington, with his distinguished services in every position he has been called
upon to fill, have wade his name almost a household word in Washington and in
the adjoining States.
	Born in Carthage, Illinois, December 5, 1857, he grew up in the sterling
society of that portion of Illinois which, in the early years of his life,
Lincoln and Douglas were making their battle ground. In 1889 he was elected to
the Constitutional Convention of the State of Washington, being the leading man
on the ticket, although his district was very largely Republican. His career in
the constitutional convention was one of singular fidelity to the trust reposed
in him. His own idea was that laying the foundation of the State was the
greatest duty that could be imposed upon a citizen, and during the fifty-seven
days the body was in session he was absent from his seat in the convention but
one hour. He was ever present and industrious in his committee work, and his
originality of thought and ideas, with courageous conduct in the defense of his
convictions, made him beyond all question the most powerful factor in that
eminent body. A distinguished member of that convention, now occupying high
position in the State Government of Washington, said of Mr. Griffitts in the
closing days of the convention, that his voice had prevailed in that body more
largely than that of any other member.
	Shortly after the adjournment of the constitutional convention Mr. Griffitts
was persuaded to enter the race for Congress as the first Democratic candidate
of the State of Washington. Party spirit ran high in that election on account of
the determination of the Republicans to bring Washington into the Union as a
Republican State, and, notwithstanding personal popularity and a brilliant
canvass, he was defeated. It is said that he accounts his defeat as the most
fortunate event of his life. Since that time he has devoted himself exclusively
and assiduously to his profession, in which he holds position second to none in
the State; indeed, his fame as a lawyer is not bounded by State lines, but is
equally well established in several of the adjoining States.
	Mr. Griffitts' distinguishing features as a lawyer are industry, tenacity of
purpose, great astuteness, and analytical and logical powers, almost marvelous
memory, and devotion to his clients, coupled with so complete a mastery of
language and knowledge of human nature as to make him almost invincible before a
jury. His career at the bar has been marked with unvarying success. In the
defense of persons accused of crime he has been singularly successful, having
within ten years acquitted twenty-four different defendants of the crime of
murder in the first degree without a single conviction, and having defended men
and women charged with almost every crime in the calendar. In that period of
time he has met with but one verdict of guilty. In the practice of civil law he
has been no less successful, and there is scarcely a prominent lawsuit in the
records of eastern Washington in the last eight years in which he has not
appeared, and in which his handiwork is not shown. His career is marked with
industry, integrity and strict attention to matters in hand.
	In order that he might the more assiduously prosecute his profession Mr.
Griffitts has publicly and privately announced that he is out of politics until
he is ready to retire from the bar. He resigned his position as vice-president
of the National Association of Democratic Clubs for the State of Washington, and
studiously avoids participation in politics. Since his retirement from politics
his business has grown to such dimensions as to require his constant attention
with a large corps of assistants. It is a sure thing that when he again enters
politics in Washington he can and will have whatever he desires.
	In New York city, October 19, 1892, Mr. Griffitts was married to Miss Ada C.
Mordaunt, an accomplished young English lady, daughter of Alfred Edwin Mordaunt
and a lineal descendant of Lord Mordaunt, Earl of Petersborough, and First Lord
of the Treasury under William III. Mrs. Griffitts, however, has passed much of
her life in Spokane, and is a most thorough American. His home, presided over
most graciously by this beautiful and amiable wife, is one in which happiness
finds abiding place, and here our subject may be found at all times when his
attention is not demanded at his office, in the court room, or in the discharge
of business duties.
	
	
Submitted to the WA. Bios Project in September 2003 by Jeffrey L. Elmer
	
	
	
	
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Notice: These biographies were transcribed for the Washington Biographies
Project.  Unless otherwise stated, no further information is available on the
individual featured in the biographies.