On July 7, 2026, American Civil War historians lost one of its great characters, John Grant Griffiths, the great- great grandson of President Ulysses S. Grant.
I first met John in October 2005 at an artillery demonstration at Bolivar Heights Battlefield, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. John, my husband, and several other Civil War historians, are part of the living history group known as 2nd Maryland, CSA, The Baltimore Light Artillery.
John was a fixture at Civil War reenactments beginning with the 100th Commemoration in1961. Notwithstanding the fact that his ancestor led the federal army during the Civil War, John enjoyed pursuing his love of history on both sides of the conflict- wearing both blue and gray.
He loved participating in television shows and movies, and as he aged often died his gray hair and beard so he could still, mostly, look the part. On occasion, he arrived at an event looking dapper in his linen civilian suits.
John was also the grandson of Major General Ulysses S. Grant III and Secretary of War Elihu Root. But he was most proud of his Great Great Grandfather.
My husband and I portrayed itinerant photographers during the 145th through 150th cycle of Civil War reenactments. We set up a 18 x 24 foot canvas studio making collodion images on glass and tin - mostly reenactors. John had a tintype made at every event. He would sit in our tent, happy to talk about history to all visitors,enjoying every second of the attention.
After one of the 150th Gettysburg reenactments, while we were waiting for rain to stop so we could pack up, I asked my husband Todd and our friend Bob Szabo what interested John other than the American Civil War. They looked at each other, started to laugh, and said at the same time- other wars!
Everyone who knew John has a story to tell that will fill them with warm remembrances.
The world has lost a true original. John was stubborn, told great stories, loved history, enjoyed educating the public, a good friend, and to the last-proud of his heritage.
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