Griffiths, Austin E. (Austin Edwards), 1863-1952

Lawyer, civic leader, politician, judge, columnist, Seattle city councilman, chief of police (1914), founder of Seattle Playground Association (1908), and supporter of League of Nations.

From the description of Papers, 1891-1952; (bulk 1904-1920). (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122457147

Austin Edward Griffiths was a lawyer, civic leader, politician, judge, columnist, Seattle city councilman, chief of police (1914), founder of Seattle Playground Association (1908), and supporter of the League of Nations. Born in England in 1863, he emigrated to Nebraska with his family in 1872 and moved to Washington Territory in 1889. Griffiths practiced law in Grays Harbor before moving to Seattle in 1897. Throughout his adult life, Griffiths was active in public affairs both in Seattle and in Washington State. His concern for progressive causes was reflected in his political activities as a Progressive Republican in the state. Griffiths died in 1952.

From the description of Austin E. Griffiths papers, 1891-1952 (bulk 1904-1920). (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 28412194

Austin Edward Griffiths was born in Worcester, England, in 1863 and was raised by foster parents Philip and Ann Priday, who emigrated to Nebraska in 1872. After graduating from the University of Michigan, Griffiths moved to the Washington Territory in 1889 and began practicing law in Grays Harbor before moving to Seattle in 1897. Throughout his adult life, Griffiths was active in public affairs both in Seattle and in Washington State. He served on the Seattle City Council from 1910 to 1913 and 1934 to 1937, ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 1913-1914, was appointed chief of police in 1914, served as superior court judge from 1921 to 1929, and was elected twice to the Seattle School Board (1929-1930, 1931-1934).

Griffiths's faith in collective programs for social advancement led to his involvement in numerous civic and charitable causes. As founder, in 1908, of the Seattle Playground Association, Griffiths became known as the "Father of Seattle Playgrounds" for his successful efforts to establish parks and recreation centers throughout the city. He subsequently became identified with the National Playground Association and helped popularize the playground movement nationwide. He was an active member of the Seattle Chamber of Commerce, serving as a trustee and member of many committees. Griffiths also held leadership positions in the Young Men's Christian Association, the Seattle Charity Organization Society, and the Cascade Tunnel Association.

Griffiths's concern for progressive causes also was reflected in his political activities. An important voice in Progressive Republican affairs in Washington State, he supported Theodore Roosevelt's Bull Moose campaign in 1912 and later joined with Harold Ickes and other Progressive Republicans to lobby for the United States's participation in the League of Nations. In later life, Griffiths was a prolific writer and commentator on national and international affairs, authoring a column entitled "Free Lance" in the Washington Weekly Review . He published several articles on police and reform and was a member of the International Law Association.

For further biographical information see Griffiths's autobiography, Great Faith, in the Speeches and Writing series in this collection. A copy is also available in the University of Washington Special Collections Pacific Northwest Collection.

From the guide to the Austin E. Griffiths papers, 1891-1952, (University of Washington Libraries Special Collections)