MY GRIFFIN ANCESTORS
By
Joan Firth Kaysen
Mary Louisa Griffin, my great grandmother married “The Boy Next Door” so to speak. He was Solomon Austin Scullin son of the Irish immigrant James O. Scullin and his wife Rachel Austin. She was the fifth born of fifteen children and the third daughter of Orlow B. Griffin 1807-1851 and Hannah Kellogg Thompson 1811-1875. There are many small gravestones in the Essex Town Center Cemetery of the babies and young children born to Mary’s parents. Seven children survived into adulthood.
David Brainerd Griffin 1831-1863 married his cousin Philinda Minerva Griffin daughter of Almon Daniel Griffin and Mary Polly Chase and they had four children before he died serving in the MN 2nd Infantry Regiment at Chickamauga Battlefield during the Civil War. David wrote hundreds of letters home and they are now in a book.
Henry Franklin Griffin 1832-1912 married his cousin Mary Elizabeth Kellogg and they had no children. Henry served in the 12th Vermont during the Civil War.
Maria Ann Griffin 1835-1871 married Arvin D. Angell and they had one son and one daughter after which she died of birth complications.
Samuel Ebenezer Griffin b. 1842 d. after 1890 married Emma L. Seaver and had a son Orlow Burnham Griffin1869-1950. Samuel served in the 5th Vermont during the Civil War and was wounded by a shot in the arm.
Sarah Andalusia Griffin 1846-1872 married Albert A. Bliss and they had two sons and a daughter.
Sylvia Nancy Griffin 1849-1878 did not marry. Sylvia lies buried next to her mother in Forest City, Sierra County, California.
Solomon Austin Scullin left Vermont to go to New York to learn the Timbering trade. Just before 1860 he sailed around the Horn to California under contract to timber gold mines. Mary at the same time had stayed in Vermont to work in a factory. After years of working in the gold mines Solomon joined the California Volunteers to fight the Indians in Arizona. After the war was over he returned to the gold mine timbering business. In the meantime his mother Rachel Scullin died in VT. He returned there and that is when he reclaimed his friendship with Mary. Since Mary’s brother Henry had moved to
Whittier California, she probably traveled to visit her brother and his wife, her cousin.
Solomon and Mary were married in Grass Valley, Nevada County, California on October 24, 1868 and they then returned to Forest City together. They had three sons, Earl, Austin and Paul, and bought half interest in Forest House Inn, in town. The years went by and about 1882 a huge fire broke out in the kitchen of Forest House it became uncontrolled and burned half the town to the ground. Solomon and Mary and their three sons, destitute returned to the east coast to live out the rest of their lives.
There are two Samuel Griffins, both from Killingworth, New London County Connecticut, buried in the Essex Town Center Cemetery. One is Mary L. Griffin’s grandfather and one is her great grandfather. Her grandmother was Sylvia Bradley and her great grandmother was Mercy Bailey. Solomon and Mary L. Griffin Scullin were seventh cousins through the OTIS line. Mary was a Mayflower descendant through John Howland and Elizabeth Tilley. Earl Scullin and his wife Margaret Anne Maguire were the parents of my mother Margaret Mary Scullin who married Thomas Firth.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Samuel Griffin 1776-1851
From the records of the Congregational Church Samuel Griffin born 1776. Son of Samuel Griffin and Mercy Bailey. The original is very faded.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Polly Griffin Dowd daughter of Samuel and Marah Griffin
There are a number of variations on the name of "Polly" Griffin. In the records of the Congregational Church the name is written as Polle. On the line above her is a Phebe. When the church records were transferred for safe keeping into the land records the transcriber accidentally wrote the "Phebe". This name was subsequently miswritten as "Robe" the "PH" being misread as "R".
Sunday, March 25, 2012
The Griffins in the French and Indian War
The French and Indian War was one part of a prolonged struggle for control of the prize that was North America. Its time frame covered the six years between 1754 and 1760. The conflict was part of the worldwide conflict between the French and British as each sought to gain an economic edge that could be translated into a military edge. In North America the struggle revolved around control of the natural resources. The two key factors were the waterways and the Indian tribes. The fur trade had been the prize in early America now it was turning to control of access to the western lands with their potential to produce agricultural bounty. Control meant controlling access to the interior. Access meant control of the waterways, the Ohio River, the Mississippi, Niagara, and in the East control of the Lake Champlain and Lake George water route. The wild card was the Indian tribes. Both sides recruited Indian allies with promises of delivering stability to their way of life. The tribes were divided in their loyalties. Their lack of cohesive action condemned them to becoming mere pawns in a larger game and their ultimate demise.
The Hudson ran from New York City to the mountains west of Lake Champlain. A short overland trek connected the Hudson to Lake George, which drained into Lake Champlain. At this juncture between the two lakes sat Fort Ticonderoga. There existed a series of strong points up and down the lake, key of which was Crown Point, which drained into the St. Lawrence via the Richelieu River at Montreal. This water highway had always been a prize in the struggle for territorial control. In 1754 the French set out to gain dominance over this key water way. The years 1754 to 1757 were marked by a number of small engagements with the French taking the initiative and the British reacting to their lead. The war had started out with the capture of the key forts in New Hampshire and played out in large and small scale engagements all across the area along the American-Canadian border reaching as far south as Pennsylvania where George Washington and his army of Virginians were defeated at the Battle of Great Meadows. The French gradually exerted their control down Lake Champlain to the junction of Lake Champlain and Lake George where Fort Carillon/ Fort Ticonderoga was the prize that promised control of the two lakes. Control of this key point became the focus of the remaining struggle with the British and their colonists trying to retake it and the French jealously guarding it then using it as a jumping off point for attacks on Lake George. It was here that Robert Rogers and his “Rangers” came to fame. In 1757 the French reached the zenith of their power with a campaign to the southern end of Lake George and Fort William Henry. The French force of 8,000 attacked the garrison of 2,300. They mounted a very effective siege operation consistently outmaneuvering the British efforts at defense. As the artillery moved ever closer and the hope of reinforcement dwindled the British sought surrender terms, which were granted. In a face saving gesture the British were to be allowed to march out of the fort with their muskets but no ammunition. They were to promise to not rejoin the war for 18 months. The 2,000 Indian allies either did not appreciate the nature of the agreement or simple ignored it and rushed the fort which they then plundered then set about killing the remaining sick and wounded and the remaining women and children. For the next 3 days they attacked and harassed the retreating British force until it reached Fort Edwards on the Hudson. This episode became the framework for James Fenimore Cooper’s book, “The Last of the Mohicans.” The French then burned Fort William Henry and retreated to Fort Ticonderoga confident that they now controlled Lake Champlain.
In the summer of 1758 the British raised a force of 15,000, 8,000 of which were colonial militiamen, that gathered at the southern end of Lake George. Their intent was to once and for all drive the French from the region. The large British army met the French at Ticonderoga. The result was an overwhelming victory for the French. The British commander Howe paid for his mistakes with his life. The British force retreated to the southern end of Lake George to a rebuilt Fort William Henry. The sick and wounded retreated on to Fort Edward and Albany.
In response to the disaster the British Government dispatched additional troops to America along with a new commander General Jeffery Amherst. In America the call went out to the colonies to muster their militia forces of which Connecticut raised some 5,000. These forces were to gather at Albany, New York in the spring of 1759 and begin a campaign to retake Lake Champlain. In the Killingworth 2nd Society Capt. Peleg Redfield, a veteran of the previous efforts, raised a new company, the 8th Company of the Second Connecticut Regiment. It included Redfield, 2 Lt’s, 1 ensign, 5 sergeants, 2 drummers and 81 effectives. One of who was the 20-year-old Samuel Griffin. In the 1st Society Capt. James Griffin became part of “Bishop’s Company”. The Regiment was under the command of Col. Nathan Whiting. Maj. General Lyman commanded the Connecticut forces. In overall command was Jeffery Amherst. The various units had all gathered in Albany by the end of May 1759.
There exists very little information on a unit-by-unit basis. Understanding the role played by Samuel and James is limited to a view of the general history of the war and mentally placing them in the historical context. Sailing up the Hudson, marching through what was still virgin territory along ancient Indian trails. Shouldering their smooth bore muskets, or were they numbered among the troops that because of their skills with firearms were armed with rifled guns? Struggling to keep the cannons moving, living in the open, cooking over an open fire, meat supplied by hunting parties, interacting with their Mohican allies. What was their reaction to how the Indians lived, their food, their customs, and their outdoor skills? Did they trade for a tomahawk? Did they learn a few Indian phrases? The militiamen in their home spun the British in the classic red uniforms. A constant lookout for advanced parties of the enemy. The brothers meeting at night to talk of family and home. Both were newly married Samuel having just married earlier in May, James in 1757.
By June 21 Amherst had reached Lake George and set about gathering and training his command for a siege of Ticonderoga. The French who had always been outnumbered viewed the gathering forces with its 1,100 boats and barges and decided to abandon Ticonderoga, which they called Ft. Carillon withdrawing to the fort at Crown Point. On July 26 the small force that had been left behind set a fuse to the powder magazine and blew up the fort. By July 31 the French had abandoned the Lake Champlain and Lake George region destroying all the strong points they had left behind. With no forts to protect, the battle for control became a naval battle, with each side struggling to out build the other building ever larger and more powerful ships. The Griffin boys with their heritage in carpentry and shipbuilding probably found ample employment for their skills. Building ships, rebuilding the forts, including Carillon, which they renamed Ticonderoga, serving as marines on the naval vessels. The rest of the summer saw the two sides engage in a back and forth series of naval clashes that stretched into October. With winter approaching both sides withdrew, the French to Montreal and the British to the rebuilt Crown Point. Winters on the shores of Champlain are harsh. The Killingworth boys were probably grateful to have a home with log walls and a warm fireplace to settle into for the winter. We can only imagine the monotony as the weeks stretched into months. The variety of food limited, entertainment scarce, living in close quarters movement outdoors requiring snowshoes.
The campaign season of 1759 had witnessed the British force its way onto Champlain and saw a second British force attack down the St Lawrence ending up with the capture of Quebec. With this in mind General Amherst realized that the remaining French forces would be concentrated at Montreal. He then devised a three-prong attack to bring about their demise. The forces at Quebec were to continue on to Montreal from the east. A second force of regular British troops and continentals would force its way up Lake Champlain to attack the forts at Isle Aux Noix which sat at the head of the Richelieu River as it drained out of the lake. The main body moved to Schenectady, New York. Starting in June it took about 3 weeks to march overland to Oswego on Lake Ontario retaking it from the French who had captured it and burned the fort there earlier in the war. Their mission was to force their way past the French strong points on the St Lawrence and attack Montreal from the west. It’s my best guess that the Griffins were part of the western army.
Logistical issues delayed the campaign and Amherst did not depart Oswego until August 10, 1760. Crossing Lake Ontario in open boats and rude galleys they forced the passage of the St. Lawrence. The French abandoned some of their forts and choose to make their stand at Fort Levis. The final battle of the war was fought at this location on an island in the St Lawrence. It lasted five days and nights. Having swept aside the French Amherst’s forces arrived outside of Montreal on September 5. Out numbered and short on supplies, the French opened surrender negotiations during which Amherst declared, “ I have come to take Canada and I will take nothing less”. After brief talks Montreal surrendered on September 8 along will all of New France. Did the Griffin brothers celebrate with a night on the town? Did they discuss the efforts of the summers campaigning? Three weeks of marching across uninhabited upper New York, weeks building and outfitting boats and barges on the shores of Ontario. Sailing and rowing across the lake. The landing and siege at Fort Levis. The emotions of arriving at Montreal having reached their goal. Their reaction to lining up and exchanging volleyed fire with their enemies, the idea of the bayonet charge, the emotions of facing cannon fire, the stress of dealing with the irregular warfare of the Indians, the loss of friends. Did they discuss the politics of the new realities in America? Did Samuel foresee his move to the Lake Champlain region in the 1790s.?
With the surrender of Montreal the war was over for the colonials. There was nothing for them to do except return home down the lake route to Albany. At Albany Capt. Redfield contracted small pox dying in Stockbridge, Mass on December 5, 1760. My assumption is that they would have traveled on down the Hudson to a place opposite Danbury, Connecticut then crossing overland back to Killingworth. Did they take a land route from Albany down through Massachusetts? Or was Capt. Redfield taken there for treatment? The answer to these questions is left, as is much of this story, to your imagination. What we do know is that their service is a part of your heritage and of the proud history of Killingworth.
The Hudson ran from New York City to the mountains west of Lake Champlain. A short overland trek connected the Hudson to Lake George, which drained into Lake Champlain. At this juncture between the two lakes sat Fort Ticonderoga. There existed a series of strong points up and down the lake, key of which was Crown Point, which drained into the St. Lawrence via the Richelieu River at Montreal. This water highway had always been a prize in the struggle for territorial control. In 1754 the French set out to gain dominance over this key water way. The years 1754 to 1757 were marked by a number of small engagements with the French taking the initiative and the British reacting to their lead. The war had started out with the capture of the key forts in New Hampshire and played out in large and small scale engagements all across the area along the American-Canadian border reaching as far south as Pennsylvania where George Washington and his army of Virginians were defeated at the Battle of Great Meadows. The French gradually exerted their control down Lake Champlain to the junction of Lake Champlain and Lake George where Fort Carillon/ Fort Ticonderoga was the prize that promised control of the two lakes. Control of this key point became the focus of the remaining struggle with the British and their colonists trying to retake it and the French jealously guarding it then using it as a jumping off point for attacks on Lake George. It was here that Robert Rogers and his “Rangers” came to fame. In 1757 the French reached the zenith of their power with a campaign to the southern end of Lake George and Fort William Henry. The French force of 8,000 attacked the garrison of 2,300. They mounted a very effective siege operation consistently outmaneuvering the British efforts at defense. As the artillery moved ever closer and the hope of reinforcement dwindled the British sought surrender terms, which were granted. In a face saving gesture the British were to be allowed to march out of the fort with their muskets but no ammunition. They were to promise to not rejoin the war for 18 months. The 2,000 Indian allies either did not appreciate the nature of the agreement or simple ignored it and rushed the fort which they then plundered then set about killing the remaining sick and wounded and the remaining women and children. For the next 3 days they attacked and harassed the retreating British force until it reached Fort Edwards on the Hudson. This episode became the framework for James Fenimore Cooper’s book, “The Last of the Mohicans.” The French then burned Fort William Henry and retreated to Fort Ticonderoga confident that they now controlled Lake Champlain.
In the summer of 1758 the British raised a force of 15,000, 8,000 of which were colonial militiamen, that gathered at the southern end of Lake George. Their intent was to once and for all drive the French from the region. The large British army met the French at Ticonderoga. The result was an overwhelming victory for the French. The British commander Howe paid for his mistakes with his life. The British force retreated to the southern end of Lake George to a rebuilt Fort William Henry. The sick and wounded retreated on to Fort Edward and Albany.
In response to the disaster the British Government dispatched additional troops to America along with a new commander General Jeffery Amherst. In America the call went out to the colonies to muster their militia forces of which Connecticut raised some 5,000. These forces were to gather at Albany, New York in the spring of 1759 and begin a campaign to retake Lake Champlain. In the Killingworth 2nd Society Capt. Peleg Redfield, a veteran of the previous efforts, raised a new company, the 8th Company of the Second Connecticut Regiment. It included Redfield, 2 Lt’s, 1 ensign, 5 sergeants, 2 drummers and 81 effectives. One of who was the 20-year-old Samuel Griffin. In the 1st Society Capt. James Griffin became part of “Bishop’s Company”. The Regiment was under the command of Col. Nathan Whiting. Maj. General Lyman commanded the Connecticut forces. In overall command was Jeffery Amherst. The various units had all gathered in Albany by the end of May 1759.
There exists very little information on a unit-by-unit basis. Understanding the role played by Samuel and James is limited to a view of the general history of the war and mentally placing them in the historical context. Sailing up the Hudson, marching through what was still virgin territory along ancient Indian trails. Shouldering their smooth bore muskets, or were they numbered among the troops that because of their skills with firearms were armed with rifled guns? Struggling to keep the cannons moving, living in the open, cooking over an open fire, meat supplied by hunting parties, interacting with their Mohican allies. What was their reaction to how the Indians lived, their food, their customs, and their outdoor skills? Did they trade for a tomahawk? Did they learn a few Indian phrases? The militiamen in their home spun the British in the classic red uniforms. A constant lookout for advanced parties of the enemy. The brothers meeting at night to talk of family and home. Both were newly married Samuel having just married earlier in May, James in 1757.
By June 21 Amherst had reached Lake George and set about gathering and training his command for a siege of Ticonderoga. The French who had always been outnumbered viewed the gathering forces with its 1,100 boats and barges and decided to abandon Ticonderoga, which they called Ft. Carillon withdrawing to the fort at Crown Point. On July 26 the small force that had been left behind set a fuse to the powder magazine and blew up the fort. By July 31 the French had abandoned the Lake Champlain and Lake George region destroying all the strong points they had left behind. With no forts to protect, the battle for control became a naval battle, with each side struggling to out build the other building ever larger and more powerful ships. The Griffin boys with their heritage in carpentry and shipbuilding probably found ample employment for their skills. Building ships, rebuilding the forts, including Carillon, which they renamed Ticonderoga, serving as marines on the naval vessels. The rest of the summer saw the two sides engage in a back and forth series of naval clashes that stretched into October. With winter approaching both sides withdrew, the French to Montreal and the British to the rebuilt Crown Point. Winters on the shores of Champlain are harsh. The Killingworth boys were probably grateful to have a home with log walls and a warm fireplace to settle into for the winter. We can only imagine the monotony as the weeks stretched into months. The variety of food limited, entertainment scarce, living in close quarters movement outdoors requiring snowshoes.
The campaign season of 1759 had witnessed the British force its way onto Champlain and saw a second British force attack down the St Lawrence ending up with the capture of Quebec. With this in mind General Amherst realized that the remaining French forces would be concentrated at Montreal. He then devised a three-prong attack to bring about their demise. The forces at Quebec were to continue on to Montreal from the east. A second force of regular British troops and continentals would force its way up Lake Champlain to attack the forts at Isle Aux Noix which sat at the head of the Richelieu River as it drained out of the lake. The main body moved to Schenectady, New York. Starting in June it took about 3 weeks to march overland to Oswego on Lake Ontario retaking it from the French who had captured it and burned the fort there earlier in the war. Their mission was to force their way past the French strong points on the St Lawrence and attack Montreal from the west. It’s my best guess that the Griffins were part of the western army.
Logistical issues delayed the campaign and Amherst did not depart Oswego until August 10, 1760. Crossing Lake Ontario in open boats and rude galleys they forced the passage of the St. Lawrence. The French abandoned some of their forts and choose to make their stand at Fort Levis. The final battle of the war was fought at this location on an island in the St Lawrence. It lasted five days and nights. Having swept aside the French Amherst’s forces arrived outside of Montreal on September 5. Out numbered and short on supplies, the French opened surrender negotiations during which Amherst declared, “ I have come to take Canada and I will take nothing less”. After brief talks Montreal surrendered on September 8 along will all of New France. Did the Griffin brothers celebrate with a night on the town? Did they discuss the efforts of the summers campaigning? Three weeks of marching across uninhabited upper New York, weeks building and outfitting boats and barges on the shores of Ontario. Sailing and rowing across the lake. The landing and siege at Fort Levis. The emotions of arriving at Montreal having reached their goal. Their reaction to lining up and exchanging volleyed fire with their enemies, the idea of the bayonet charge, the emotions of facing cannon fire, the stress of dealing with the irregular warfare of the Indians, the loss of friends. Did they discuss the politics of the new realities in America? Did Samuel foresee his move to the Lake Champlain region in the 1790s.?
With the surrender of Montreal the war was over for the colonials. There was nothing for them to do except return home down the lake route to Albany. At Albany Capt. Redfield contracted small pox dying in Stockbridge, Mass on December 5, 1760. My assumption is that they would have traveled on down the Hudson to a place opposite Danbury, Connecticut then crossing overland back to Killingworth. Did they take a land route from Albany down through Massachusetts? Or was Capt. Redfield taken there for treatment? The answer to these questions is left, as is much of this story, to your imagination. What we do know is that their service is a part of your heritage and of the proud history of Killingworth.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Deed for the Home Lot for Samuel, Marah, Mercy, and Mercy Griffin
This small piece of property was to become the Home Lot to the three families of Samuel Griffin. He and Marah purchased the land from Benjamin Turner Jr. who was married to Marah's sister. Benjamin Turner Sr. was the original land grant holder for the property. In the deed are two defining features the Roast Meat Hill Road which forms the eastern border and the Burying Yard which forms the southern border. It sits next to a low lying swampy area that probably precluded its use as farm land. It was however perfectly suited as a place to built a home.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Asahel and Joel Griffin
The history of brothers Asahel and Joel Griffin are closely linked. They followed the American dream of opening new lands, moving on several times in their lifetimes. But they always lived close to each other. They were the only children born of Samuel and Mercy Nettleton, Mercy dying soon after Asahel’s birth. They grew up with the children from their father’s other two marriages on the farm on Roast Meat Hill in Killingworth Connecticut. The recorded history of the Griffins starts on page 336 of the Land Book. Samuel Griffin and his wife Mary recorded the births of their children. It starts Mary the daughter of Samuel & Mary Griffin was born December the 7th 1728. The other children are listed Thankful, Jerusha, James, Jeremiah and Samuel born February 10, 1739. Samuel married Marah Griffen (her family name was Griffen with an “en”) May 17, 1759 the marriage recorded in the Land Book. They had three daughters Lois, Phebe/Polly and Azubah. Marah died August 13, 1763. Samuel then married Mercy Nettleton the marriage is recorded in the church records, as May 15, 1766. The church records give the baptismal dates of their two boys as Joel, s Samuel Griffin bp Oct 4 1767 and Asahel, s Samuel Griffin bp Jan 29, 1769. Asahel is named after his mothers brother who went on to play a large role in the Second Great Awakening, a movement to revive religious life in America. Mercy must have passed away not long after that because we have the record of Samuel marrying Mercy Stevens (Bailey) March 15, 1770. Mercy and Samuel had six children together. The two brothers grew up as part of the Griffin clan of eleven in Killingworth. As young men seeking land and fortune they moved together to New Haven, Addison County, Vermont. They later moved together to Franklin County, New York. Asahel is buried in Moira, New York and Joel in Rushford, New York. Asahel’s genealogy is well document and widely distributed, Joel’s family history has been a bit of a mystery. What follows is information that has come forth in the past few years. There is very little direct evidence or sources but what evidence is available is quite compelling in its testimony of the family of Joel Griffin.
Samuel and Mercy raised their clan of eleven Children on the farm on Roast meat Hill. Samuel bought the first 2 1/2 acres from his brother in law Benjamin Turner in 1761. The original deed describes the property as north of the burying yard and west of the highway. In five subsequent purchases he acquired twenty acres surround the original lot and had some twenty plus acres near by. The location was and is still called Wolf Meadow and form 1761 to the present only one house site has been occupied. The current house sits on the original foundation and the design fits the period, except for parts of the flooring that have been replaced, it is possible that it is the original structure built by Samuel. The main floor consisted of a small foyer and one large room dominated by a large fireplace covering most of the north end. All the cooking was done in the fireplace facilitated by built in swinging arms and fire grates. There is a trap door giving access to the basement. The walls are built of shaped stone and the beams are large hand hewn timbers. A small staircase off the foyer leads to the second story room. The whole interior of the house was covered in bead board. Additional rooms have been added on, first by Worden Griffin, and then by later occupants. It is still a very beautiful little house still being enjoyed by its current occupants. The original 2 1/2 acre site consists of forested gently rolling hills borded on one side by low swampy ground south by the burying yard and east by the original road all in all a very peaceful beautiful place to raise a family.
Killingworth by 1735 had divided into two separate congregations. The people of the northern second society were referred to as the “farmers”. The economy seems to have revolved around dairy cows with the farms growing crops to support the animals. Hay, grain, corn and garden crops were said to do very well and fruit orchards seemed numerous and highly valued. The original land grant for Killingworth is now the city of Clinton, Starting in the early 1700’s the city in order to attract new settlers and give land to their offspring, began awarding land grants in the unoccupied northern part of the city. The cost to the settler was a simple filing fee. By 1750 most of the property had been allocated. The years between 1750 and 1800 saw the land further subdivided and in some cases consolidated. By the time Samuel’s boys were old enough to strike out on their own most of the available land in Killingworth was taken. As a result all of Samuel’s boys, except Worden, left for Vermont. Worden bought his fathers farm and stayed in Killingworth he is buried next to the house in the “burying yard”. Samuel and three of his boys ended up in Essex, Vermont and Joel and Asahel ended by close by in New Haven, Vermont. In the 1790 Census we find Joel married with a daughter. He married Submit Alvord, daughter of John Alvord, who is also listed in the 1790 Census in New Haven. The marriage is noted in the history of the family of Alexander Alvord. It notes “Married Joel Griffin of St. Lawrence Co. NY, Res. Bangor Franklin Co. NY” . Asahel stayed in New Haven but Joel moved on to Swanton, Vermont. On page 15 of the land book is recorded the birth of three more children. “Oramel Griffin son of Joel & Submit born in Swanton March 26th. 1794”. Milton born January 18th 1796, Lois October 8th 1797. Joel owned several large tracts of land and had a concession to maintain the bridge over the river that divided the town. Joel and Asahel lived within 20 miles of their father and half brothers in Essex, Vermont. Family names suggest that they maintained a close relationship. Dan named a son Joel and Asahel named a son Worden. Joel gave his sister’s name to his daughter Lois. All are listed in their father’s will.
Joel last appears on the tax records in Swanton in 1804. Some information indicates that he maintained some presences there until 1807. By 1810 he and Asahel are both living in Franklin County, New York some 80 miles west. Asahel settled in Moira and several generations of his family remained there. Joel is listed as one of the earliest inhabitants of Bangor most subsequent records list his residence as Malone. It seems that the impetus for the New York move may have originated with his brother in law Wolcott Alvord who was involved in a project to survey part of Franklin County and received an invitation to settle. The lure of land was still a driving force in early 19th century America. From the biography of his son Oramel it appears that the large tracts of land that Joel acquired were raw forested land that the family was obliged to clear. The families circumstance are described in the biography of Oramel “ His parents, thought not poor were not in affluent circumstances, and he engaged actively in clearing land and all the labors incident to the struggles of pioneers in a a new colony”. The family spent the next 20 plus years farming the recovered property.
Putting together a picture of Joel’s family has proven very difficult. The only recorded births are those of Oramel, Milton and Lois. The search for the rest of Joel and Submit’s children begins with the 1810 Federal Census. The 1810 census lists Joel and Submit’s residence as Bangor, New York. It lists one boy under the age of 10, two boys age 10-16, and two boys age 16-26 and Joel. It lists four girls under the age of 10, one girl age 10-16 and one girl age 16 to 26 and Submit. Eleven children in all. Drawing information from previous and later Census records it appears that the 1810 census shows the family in its entirety. From these sources I have drawn the following conclusions. Of the girls the oldest was born in New Haven, Vermont and listed in the 1790 Census making her about age 21 in 1810. Lois was 13 in 1810 and must be the girl listed age 10-16. A daughter Sophia was born in Swanton, Vermont about 1803. The last three daughters were born in Bangor only one of whom has been identified, Saphronia. Of the boys the two boys listed as age 16-26 are probably Oramel age 16 and Milton even though he was only 14 or 15. Of the two boys listed ages 10-16 we have Joel Jr. born about 1800 in Swanton and Aaron born about 1798/99 in Swanton. There is no information available on the youngest boy probably also born in Bangor.
The next 30 years in the history of Joel and Submit’s family and the stories behind identifying their children revolves around their son Oramel. Tracing Oramel began with the discovery of his name on a list of men who served in the war of 1812 from Franklin County. The record states that he moved to Livingston Co, NY by 1821. Oramel moved to the Livingston and Allegany County area of Western New York and over the next 60 years became very successful becoming one of the leading citizens in those counties. Describing his early years his biography states, “ often pursued his studies by the light of burning brands on the land he was engaged in clearing”. It seems that he left the hard farming life behind and made his way via his intellect. He worked as a clerk and teacher and by dint of his hard efforts was invited by his employer to become a partner. He later struck out on his own, opening a dry good store in Rushford, New York. The history Rushford and Rushford People writes of him, “Oramel earned his 1st hundred dollars by falling trees for a living. With this money he early opened a store in Rushford and continued in that business over 25 years, accumulating it was supposed $100,000.”. He married the daughter of a prominent family Caroline Gary and they had a family of four. With his success Oramel began to accumulate property. He bought a large tract of land next to the Genesee Valley Canal, a part of the canal system that fed into the Erie Canal. The area and town he started was named in his honor, Oramel, New York. The location of the town of Oramel was at one of the locks on the canal system and served the area as a “port”. where goods were loaded and unloaded. Oramel was a fee collector for the canal. As the area grew he developed the adjoining property adding to his wealth. Later he expanded his land purchases into Michigan. Having achieved a good deal of success Oramel reached out to his family. The county history writes of him, “ He removed his parents and several members of his family to Rushford and rendered them such assistance as they required”. And so it is that we find the bulk of Joel and Submit's family gathered in Allegany County, New York. Joel and Submit are buried in the family plot in Rushford along side Oramel and Caroline, Joel Jr. and his wife Clarissa and Oramel's two boys Jackson and Solon.
It seems that Oramel’s family joined him gradually in western New York. Joel died in Rushford, September 15, 1833. We discover his brother, Joel Jr. when in 1838 a Presbyterian congregation was formed, listing among its founding members, Joel Jr. and Clarissa and Submit Griffin. Joel Jr. and Oramel are also linked as brothers in the town history, Joel Jr. being described as a small farmer and produce dealer. He was also clerk for the local chapter of the anti-slavery society. We find his brother Milton in nearby New Hudson. Census records list him as a goldsmith. The census records indicate that he was born in Vermont in 1796. In the 1860’s we find Milton’s daughter living with Oramel’s sons in Michigan. Referring to Milton the local history writes, “One of the Griffins who came to Rushford was a little peculiar, unlike the other members of the family, and some one, knowing his name was Griffin asked “Uncle Joel” if he were his brother. “Yes,” said he, but quickly added, He’s Oramel’s brother too.” This reply became one of the proverbs of the town.”. The only evidence connecting the fourth brother Aaron to Joel’s family is the 1820 and 1830 Census records in Malone. The original records are organized by neighborhoods. We find Milton, his father Joel, and Aaron all living as neighbors, in fact, Aaron and Joel lived next to each other. The dates involved are consistent with Aaron being born in 1798/99 in Swanton. Aaron disappears after the 1840 census. It seems he died before he had a chance to join the family in western New York. The first start in identifying the sisters begins with a notice in the Malone Palladium where we find the wedding announcement for Solon Nichols of Chateaugay and Sophronia Griffin of Malone in October 1828. The Alvord family history also makes note of the marriage, the only bit of information it contains concerning Joel and Submits’s family. In the 1850-60-70 Census records for Allegany County we find Solon and Sophronia living in New Hudson by Milton. Solons full name was Solon Jackson Nichols. It is interesting to note that Oramel named his two boys Solon and Jackson, and that Solons name is on Joel’s will as a witness. Solon is listed in the census records as a merchant. It is my guess that he was a partner with Oramel. In the 1880 Census in Kalamazoo, Michigan we find Solon and Sophronia living in close proximity to Jackson Griffin who had occupied his fathers property there. The clues to the identity of Sophia were found quite by accident. In discussing the history of the area churches in the volume Rushford and Rushford People we find a description of a local choir. In describing its members the author writes, “Mrs. Hitchcock a sister to Joel Griffin”. In the 1850 census we find the only Hitchcock in Oramel (Caneadea), Augustus Hitchcock and his wife Sophia. They have two children Augusta and Jackson. In the 1880 census record for Solon and Sophronia in Michigan we find Sophia Hitchcock as part of the household, listed as age 77. By the time of the 1890 Census all of Joel and Submit’s children have passed from the scene no longer appearing in any Census record. Joel’s generations maintained a presents in Allegany county into the 1970’s. They occupied a place in the highest levels of society. Any one visiting today can introduce themselves as Griffins and will still be recognized as being connected to local history.
It should be noted that the author has reviewed primary sources for all of the records and histories cited in this narrative.
Killingworth Records Vol 1 , 2 Town Clerk
Land Records for Killingworth Town Clerk
Union Cemetery records Killingworth
Church Records First Congregational Church Killingworth Connecticut
Rushford and Rushford people by Mrs. Helen Josephine Gilbert
Allegany County and its People by John S. Minard
History of Allegany County N.Y. by F.W. Beers
History of Allegany County, New York 1806-1879 by Robert M. French
A Genealogy of the Descendants of Alexander Alvord An Early Settler of Windsor, Connecticut and Northampton, Massachusetts by Samuel Morgan Alvord 1908
Land Records Swanton, Vermont
Town Records Swanton, Vermont
1790 Census New Haven, Addison, Vermont
1810, 1820,1830,1840 Census, Franklin County, New York
Extracted marriage records from the Malone Palladium
1840, 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880 Census Allegany County, New York
Church records from Rushford First Presbyterian Church
1880 Census Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo, Michigan
1860 Census Barry, Barry, Michigan
Samuel and Mercy raised their clan of eleven Children on the farm on Roast meat Hill. Samuel bought the first 2 1/2 acres from his brother in law Benjamin Turner in 1761. The original deed describes the property as north of the burying yard and west of the highway. In five subsequent purchases he acquired twenty acres surround the original lot and had some twenty plus acres near by. The location was and is still called Wolf Meadow and form 1761 to the present only one house site has been occupied. The current house sits on the original foundation and the design fits the period, except for parts of the flooring that have been replaced, it is possible that it is the original structure built by Samuel. The main floor consisted of a small foyer and one large room dominated by a large fireplace covering most of the north end. All the cooking was done in the fireplace facilitated by built in swinging arms and fire grates. There is a trap door giving access to the basement. The walls are built of shaped stone and the beams are large hand hewn timbers. A small staircase off the foyer leads to the second story room. The whole interior of the house was covered in bead board. Additional rooms have been added on, first by Worden Griffin, and then by later occupants. It is still a very beautiful little house still being enjoyed by its current occupants. The original 2 1/2 acre site consists of forested gently rolling hills borded on one side by low swampy ground south by the burying yard and east by the original road all in all a very peaceful beautiful place to raise a family.
Killingworth by 1735 had divided into two separate congregations. The people of the northern second society were referred to as the “farmers”. The economy seems to have revolved around dairy cows with the farms growing crops to support the animals. Hay, grain, corn and garden crops were said to do very well and fruit orchards seemed numerous and highly valued. The original land grant for Killingworth is now the city of Clinton, Starting in the early 1700’s the city in order to attract new settlers and give land to their offspring, began awarding land grants in the unoccupied northern part of the city. The cost to the settler was a simple filing fee. By 1750 most of the property had been allocated. The years between 1750 and 1800 saw the land further subdivided and in some cases consolidated. By the time Samuel’s boys were old enough to strike out on their own most of the available land in Killingworth was taken. As a result all of Samuel’s boys, except Worden, left for Vermont. Worden bought his fathers farm and stayed in Killingworth he is buried next to the house in the “burying yard”. Samuel and three of his boys ended up in Essex, Vermont and Joel and Asahel ended by close by in New Haven, Vermont. In the 1790 Census we find Joel married with a daughter. He married Submit Alvord, daughter of John Alvord, who is also listed in the 1790 Census in New Haven. The marriage is noted in the history of the family of Alexander Alvord. It notes “Married Joel Griffin of St. Lawrence Co. NY, Res. Bangor Franklin Co. NY” . Asahel stayed in New Haven but Joel moved on to Swanton, Vermont. On page 15 of the land book is recorded the birth of three more children. “Oramel Griffin son of Joel & Submit born in Swanton March 26th. 1794”. Milton born January 18th 1796, Lois October 8th 1797. Joel owned several large tracts of land and had a concession to maintain the bridge over the river that divided the town. Joel and Asahel lived within 20 miles of their father and half brothers in Essex, Vermont. Family names suggest that they maintained a close relationship. Dan named a son Joel and Asahel named a son Worden. Joel gave his sister’s name to his daughter Lois. All are listed in their father’s will.
Joel last appears on the tax records in Swanton in 1804. Some information indicates that he maintained some presences there until 1807. By 1810 he and Asahel are both living in Franklin County, New York some 80 miles west. Asahel settled in Moira and several generations of his family remained there. Joel is listed as one of the earliest inhabitants of Bangor most subsequent records list his residence as Malone. It seems that the impetus for the New York move may have originated with his brother in law Wolcott Alvord who was involved in a project to survey part of Franklin County and received an invitation to settle. The lure of land was still a driving force in early 19th century America. From the biography of his son Oramel it appears that the large tracts of land that Joel acquired were raw forested land that the family was obliged to clear. The families circumstance are described in the biography of Oramel “ His parents, thought not poor were not in affluent circumstances, and he engaged actively in clearing land and all the labors incident to the struggles of pioneers in a a new colony”. The family spent the next 20 plus years farming the recovered property.
Putting together a picture of Joel’s family has proven very difficult. The only recorded births are those of Oramel, Milton and Lois. The search for the rest of Joel and Submit’s children begins with the 1810 Federal Census. The 1810 census lists Joel and Submit’s residence as Bangor, New York. It lists one boy under the age of 10, two boys age 10-16, and two boys age 16-26 and Joel. It lists four girls under the age of 10, one girl age 10-16 and one girl age 16 to 26 and Submit. Eleven children in all. Drawing information from previous and later Census records it appears that the 1810 census shows the family in its entirety. From these sources I have drawn the following conclusions. Of the girls the oldest was born in New Haven, Vermont and listed in the 1790 Census making her about age 21 in 1810. Lois was 13 in 1810 and must be the girl listed age 10-16. A daughter Sophia was born in Swanton, Vermont about 1803. The last three daughters were born in Bangor only one of whom has been identified, Saphronia. Of the boys the two boys listed as age 16-26 are probably Oramel age 16 and Milton even though he was only 14 or 15. Of the two boys listed ages 10-16 we have Joel Jr. born about 1800 in Swanton and Aaron born about 1798/99 in Swanton. There is no information available on the youngest boy probably also born in Bangor.
The next 30 years in the history of Joel and Submit’s family and the stories behind identifying their children revolves around their son Oramel. Tracing Oramel began with the discovery of his name on a list of men who served in the war of 1812 from Franklin County. The record states that he moved to Livingston Co, NY by 1821. Oramel moved to the Livingston and Allegany County area of Western New York and over the next 60 years became very successful becoming one of the leading citizens in those counties. Describing his early years his biography states, “ often pursued his studies by the light of burning brands on the land he was engaged in clearing”. It seems that he left the hard farming life behind and made his way via his intellect. He worked as a clerk and teacher and by dint of his hard efforts was invited by his employer to become a partner. He later struck out on his own, opening a dry good store in Rushford, New York. The history Rushford and Rushford People writes of him, “Oramel earned his 1st hundred dollars by falling trees for a living. With this money he early opened a store in Rushford and continued in that business over 25 years, accumulating it was supposed $100,000.”. He married the daughter of a prominent family Caroline Gary and they had a family of four. With his success Oramel began to accumulate property. He bought a large tract of land next to the Genesee Valley Canal, a part of the canal system that fed into the Erie Canal. The area and town he started was named in his honor, Oramel, New York. The location of the town of Oramel was at one of the locks on the canal system and served the area as a “port”. where goods were loaded and unloaded. Oramel was a fee collector for the canal. As the area grew he developed the adjoining property adding to his wealth. Later he expanded his land purchases into Michigan. Having achieved a good deal of success Oramel reached out to his family. The county history writes of him, “ He removed his parents and several members of his family to Rushford and rendered them such assistance as they required”. And so it is that we find the bulk of Joel and Submit's family gathered in Allegany County, New York. Joel and Submit are buried in the family plot in Rushford along side Oramel and Caroline, Joel Jr. and his wife Clarissa and Oramel's two boys Jackson and Solon.
It seems that Oramel’s family joined him gradually in western New York. Joel died in Rushford, September 15, 1833. We discover his brother, Joel Jr. when in 1838 a Presbyterian congregation was formed, listing among its founding members, Joel Jr. and Clarissa and Submit Griffin. Joel Jr. and Oramel are also linked as brothers in the town history, Joel Jr. being described as a small farmer and produce dealer. He was also clerk for the local chapter of the anti-slavery society. We find his brother Milton in nearby New Hudson. Census records list him as a goldsmith. The census records indicate that he was born in Vermont in 1796. In the 1860’s we find Milton’s daughter living with Oramel’s sons in Michigan. Referring to Milton the local history writes, “One of the Griffins who came to Rushford was a little peculiar, unlike the other members of the family, and some one, knowing his name was Griffin asked “Uncle Joel” if he were his brother. “Yes,” said he, but quickly added, He’s Oramel’s brother too.” This reply became one of the proverbs of the town.”. The only evidence connecting the fourth brother Aaron to Joel’s family is the 1820 and 1830 Census records in Malone. The original records are organized by neighborhoods. We find Milton, his father Joel, and Aaron all living as neighbors, in fact, Aaron and Joel lived next to each other. The dates involved are consistent with Aaron being born in 1798/99 in Swanton. Aaron disappears after the 1840 census. It seems he died before he had a chance to join the family in western New York. The first start in identifying the sisters begins with a notice in the Malone Palladium where we find the wedding announcement for Solon Nichols of Chateaugay and Sophronia Griffin of Malone in October 1828. The Alvord family history also makes note of the marriage, the only bit of information it contains concerning Joel and Submits’s family. In the 1850-60-70 Census records for Allegany County we find Solon and Sophronia living in New Hudson by Milton. Solons full name was Solon Jackson Nichols. It is interesting to note that Oramel named his two boys Solon and Jackson, and that Solons name is on Joel’s will as a witness. Solon is listed in the census records as a merchant. It is my guess that he was a partner with Oramel. In the 1880 Census in Kalamazoo, Michigan we find Solon and Sophronia living in close proximity to Jackson Griffin who had occupied his fathers property there. The clues to the identity of Sophia were found quite by accident. In discussing the history of the area churches in the volume Rushford and Rushford People we find a description of a local choir. In describing its members the author writes, “Mrs. Hitchcock a sister to Joel Griffin”. In the 1850 census we find the only Hitchcock in Oramel (Caneadea), Augustus Hitchcock and his wife Sophia. They have two children Augusta and Jackson. In the 1880 census record for Solon and Sophronia in Michigan we find Sophia Hitchcock as part of the household, listed as age 77. By the time of the 1890 Census all of Joel and Submit’s children have passed from the scene no longer appearing in any Census record. Joel’s generations maintained a presents in Allegany county into the 1970’s. They occupied a place in the highest levels of society. Any one visiting today can introduce themselves as Griffins and will still be recognized as being connected to local history.
It should be noted that the author has reviewed primary sources for all of the records and histories cited in this narrative.
Killingworth Records Vol 1 , 2 Town Clerk
Land Records for Killingworth Town Clerk
Union Cemetery records Killingworth
Church Records First Congregational Church Killingworth Connecticut
Rushford and Rushford people by Mrs. Helen Josephine Gilbert
Allegany County and its People by John S. Minard
History of Allegany County N.Y. by F.W. Beers
History of Allegany County, New York 1806-1879 by Robert M. French
A Genealogy of the Descendants of Alexander Alvord An Early Settler of Windsor, Connecticut and Northampton, Massachusetts by Samuel Morgan Alvord 1908
Land Records Swanton, Vermont
Town Records Swanton, Vermont
1790 Census New Haven, Addison, Vermont
1810, 1820,1830,1840 Census, Franklin County, New York
Extracted marriage records from the Malone Palladium
1840, 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880 Census Allegany County, New York
Church records from Rushford First Presbyterian Church
1880 Census Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo, Michigan
1860 Census Barry, Barry, Michigan
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Location of Samuel and Marah's Home Lot
Samuel and Marah Griffin purchased 3 acres for a home lot on September 13, 1762. The deed recorded its southern boundary as the Burying Yard, now, Union Cemetery. Over the next several years Samuel made 6 additional purchases his property running from above Wolf Hollow Lane down to Hwy 80. He had 2 acres located across the road from the home lot. In addition he had a 20 acre plot near the Killingworth Reservoir. His son Worden owned all the properly bounded by the Roast Meat Hill Rd, Hwys 80 and 81 and above Wolf Hollow Lane. 
Map of Killingworth
The arrow points to the Union Cemetery. In 1747 when is was set aside by the city it was referred to as the Burying Yard. It marked the southern boundry of the first piece of properly purchase by the 2nd Samuel Griffin. The Congregational Chapel is just to the west.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Oldest section of the "Burying Yard"
Most of the headstones in this section are not legible. There is no published record for a burial place for Samuel and Mary Griffin. Circumstances lead me to assume they are buried here.
The "Burying Yard"
Union Cemetery is the final resting place for 4 generations of the Griffin family. The city officials set aside the ground for a "Burying Yard" in 1747 it must have already been in use. In 1796 Samuel purchased the "Burying Yard" from the city as the family prepared to moved to Vermont. My assumption is that his parents are buried here. I am fairly certain that Marah Griffin, Mercy Nettleton Griffin, and Samuels daughter Mercy are buried here as well as 2 generations of Worden's family. We also find the family of Daniel Stevens and Mercy Griffin, and Thankful and Nathan Buell. The stone fence which marks the northern boundary is a prominent land mark for land deeds.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Children of Samuel and Marah Griffin
This family record is written on a page in the land records. It list the three girls born to Samuel Griffin and his first wife Marah/Mariah Griffen. Yes her maiden name was Griffen. The ink blotch covered up the name of their oldest child. When viewing the original record you can still make out what is written "Lois ye daughter of Samuel and Marah". Lois married Stephen Kelsey. The second daughter is written as Phebe often misspelled as Robe. She was baptizes as Polly and married Reuben Doud. Azubah married Henry Davis.
Worden Griffin and Rhoda Hull
The story of Mercy Griffin daughter of Worden Griffin and Rhoda Hull.
Finding the true identity of Mercy Griffin, daughter of Worden and Rhoda Griffin, has taken a twisting path to say the least. Earlier generations of family genealogists had provided very little concerning the family, including the two girls, Sabra Steevens and Mercy, of Worden and Rhoda Hull. Their children are not identified in the Barbour Collection a source for much of what we know concerning the earliest Griffins. We have slowly identified Worden’s children as we have found record of them scattered among the recorded history of Killingworth. The first real discovery of Worden’s girls was found in the family history of another Connecticut family the Havens. The Silas Havens family has published a very detailed history of its several generations. It records births and marriages, children and grandchildren. It records the marriage of Silas Havens to Sabra Steevens Griffin. The history states that after Sabra’s untimely death Silas then married her sister Marietta who I identified as Mercy Marietta, Marietta a middle name that I had not found in Killingworth. Between the two sisters he fathered fourteen children. The history is rich in its first person descriptions of both women. It states, among other things, that their mother Rhoda Hull was the seventh daughter in a family of all daughters. In the world of folk medicine such women were reputed to have special healing powers. The description is a true description of Rhoda Hull Griffin. The story is so compelling that I took it at face value. About a year later I came across a marriage record for a Mercy Griffin and Daniel Stevens. The discovery of a second Mercy Griffin was nevertheless intriguing. As I worked on other Killingworth projects I kept an eye out for the second Mercy. While reviewing church records for material for my blog I quickly scanned the index under Stevens. Much to my surprise I found that on November 21, 1830 Daniel and Mercy Stevens had five children baptized. Their oldest boy was named, Samuel Griffin Stevens. Samuel Griffin was the name of Worden’s father, grandfather to Sabra and Mercy Marietta. Would a non-family member give that name to a child? With this revelation I began an all out search for Worden’s daughter Mercy. One of the first projects was to go back to the original records to find the date of birth for Mercy. In the personal notebook of Abraham Pierson, the Pastor in Killingworth, is recorded “Mercy daughter of Worden Griffin baptized September 23, 1798”. Taking a look at burial records for Marietta Havens her date of birth is given as 1809. All references to Mercy Griffin Stevens use the date of September 23, 1798. It became clear that Worden’s girl Mercy did in fact marry Daniel Stevens. This fact was confirmed as I discovered additional documentation. I found their marriage record dated May 1, 1817. In Killingworth town records is recorded a detailed death notice “Mercy Griffin Stevens wife of Daniel died January 15, 1861 parents Worden Griffin, Hull”. Married in 1817 on November 21, 1830 Daniel Stevens was baptized into the Killingworth 2nd Society along with his children, Samuel Griffin, Martha Roxanna, Maria Cynthia, Rhoda Angeline, Sabra Maryette, Charles Ellsworth.
The Mercy Griffin project then shifted gears toward gathering enough information to put together a picture of Mercy’s family. Not being born under the Congregational Covenant there are no birth or baptismal records until the 1830 baptismal record. The goal now was to find other dates, marriages deaths etc. to provide some degree of certainty to the identity of these children. The hardest to find information on was Daniel Stevens. There is no record of his birth in Killingworth He is always referred to as Daniel 2nd in records concerning his children. But I could not find a record of a Daniel Stevens with a son Daniel in any of the Middlesex County communities. There is a listing for a Moses Stevens. One transcribed record of his birth writes “Moses (dau?) of” I am guessing that the (dau?) was originally written Daniel not dau the short hand used for daughter. Moses born in Killingworth raised his family in nearby Haddam. He married Martha Burr, Martha a name used by Daniel and Mercy. Daniel’s date of birth listed June 4, 1796 a match for Mercy’s in 1798. Hoping to find at least one concrete date for him I reviewed the records for each of the Killingworth Cemeteries. Much to my surprise I found he and Mercy interned in the “Burying Yard” , the one purchased from the city by the family in 1794 next to the Griffin homestead, along with Mercy’s father and mother and not far from Thankful and Nathan Buell. In addition the information confirmed the 1796 birth date from Haddam. Even more surprising was the discovery of two more children, Ellis M. and Harmon E.. Having started out thinking I had a list of all of Daniel and Mercy’s children I now had to consider the possibility that there were still other children. I returned to the Congregational Church Records going through them line by line. There I found the records for four additional children. Francis, Eliza, a second Ellis M, and Emerson.
Let me introduce you to the family of Daniel and Mercy Griffin Stevens.
Samuel Griffin: The baptismal record lists him first so he was probably born 1818/19; He married Elizabeth Parmelee June 23, 1841. They made their home in Haddam. Census records list him as a shoemaker. Elizabeth died September 6, 1861. Samuel lived alone relying on his children and siblings for comfort for another forty years. Town records list his death February 3, 1900.
Cynthia Maria: Probably born 1819/20 married Comfort Prout August 34, 1842 in Killingworth she died August 24, 1843.
Martha Roxanna: Listed third in the baptismal record. No other records for her have been found, probably born about 1822.
Rhoda Angeline: Listed after Martha, the 1900 Census places her date of birth as April ,1824. Connecticut birth and death index list it as April 23, 1824, death recorded as August 14, 1904 in Plainville, Connecticut. Married Charles Wellman October 19, 1846 in Killingworth. They made their home in Guilford. After Charles’s death married Gilbert Richardson.
Sabra Maryette: Family history puts her date of birth at June 21, 1826, Census records confirm the year. Died August 14, 1866 in Chester, Connecticut. Married Harlow Lewis December 5, 1847 in Killingworth.
Charles Ellsworth: Probably born 1828/29, listed with his siblings, in the 1830 baptismal record. There were no other records in Killingworth for Charles we found our first hint of him in a collection of family letters that I found housed in the Connecticut State Library. Two of the letters were from his wife to the widower Daniel Stevens. She signed them Eliza. On first inspection I thought they were from Charles’s sister Eliza. She listed their address as Bethany, Connecticut. Looking in those records I found a birth record for one of their children. The name of the child has been lost but it identifies the parent as Charles E Stevens and Eliza A Talmadge. It further identifies Prospect, Connecticut as the place where she was born. They seem to have started their married life in Prospect then moved next door to Bethany. They then moved to Durham and lived close to Samuel. It seems that they then moved to North Branford and took over Ellis’s farm after his death. Charles died March 8, 1893.
Francis Henry: Baptized in the 2nd Society October30, 1831. He is listed at age 19 in a census record. No marriage records have been found.
Eliza Fidelia: Baptized October 23, 1836, born March 23, 1834, died June 13, 1919 in Plainville, Connecticut. Married Henry Wellman October 20, 1859 in Killingworth. They raised their family in Madison moving to Plainville later in life. The ladies auxiliary records the transfer of her church records from Madison along with a short biography. Of note, I was confused as to why Rhoda would live most of her life in Guilford only to relocate late in life to Plainville. Then I found the information on Eliza. Charles and Henry Wellman were brothers. The widowed sisters passed their later days together in Plainville. She must have been a favorite sister the 1860 census shows Ellis living with her.
Harmon Emerson: Baptized April 2, 1836. His headstone reads “Harmon E Stevens, son of Daniel & Mercy, died April 15, 1842 age 6yrs”. Named after Mercy’s brother.
Ellis Munroe: Baptized April 2, 1839. Headstone reads, “ Ellis M son of Daniel & Mercy, died Apr 2, 1839 age 9 mos”. It appears that he was a sickly child hurriedly baptized on the day he died. His baptism was recorded in the 2nd Society records.
Ellis Munroe: His baptism is also recorded in the 2nd Society records as September 12, 1841. As was a common practice he was named after an older brother who had died too young. This tradition would make a great subject for a church sermon on family. Those families had a strong desire to keep alive the memory of their dearly departed that left this world too soon. This action testifies that they want to be remembered. Ellis married Sarah Burr. They raised their family in North Branford. Ellis died young April 22, 1882 his wife remarried.
Emerson Rilando: Carrying the name of a deceased brother he was baptized September 5, 1845. Town and Census records indicate he probably died about 1929 in Branford, Connecticut. He had three children all born in Guilford. Listed as divorced he and his son Fredrick lived the life of old bachelors until his death. Ellis and Emerson joined the army together their names listed consecutively on the enlistment record. They joined in 1861 Emerson left in 1864 Ellis fought until the end of the war. Both are listed as having been wounded. Their unit was attached to General Ord who commanded an army corps under Grant in the battle for Richmond. This corps took the leading role in the events that ended up at Appomattox, General Ord being present as Grant and Lee signed the surrender. Ellis probably witnessed the pageantry that was involved in the surrender ceremonies as the southern troops laid down their arm
Part of the miracle of this voyage of discovery was finding a manuscript collection in the Connecticut State Library titled “Letters to Daniel Stevens of Killingworth”. The letters are somewhat plain in their content offering up very little family history information. They do contain two hints. We find out that Charles is married to an Eliza and that their brother Frank (Francis) is still alive in the 1860s. However they are rich in family sentiment. They always start with Dear Father. The collection is centered on the years that Ellis and Emerson were serving in the army. The family news is centered around the families deep concern for their welfare. Sabra’s letters in particular cry out with her anguish expressing her fears that they will be lost. Ellis writes in one of his letters that with their mothers passing Sabra has become like a mother to him. Ellis and Emerson’s letters are full of concern for their fathers' well being. They often state that they wish that they could see him. They both write that they are sending him the bonus money they received for reenlisting for another year’s military service. Ellis is the more prolific writer he always gives a report on Emerson who he refers to as Em. Later when Charles joins the army late in the war he also always gives a report on Charles who he calls Barb. There is a letter from Eliza Fidelia in which she describes the family’s plans for Thanksgiving. She reminds her father that he need not worry about the food since the family had all arranged to bring plenty. Ellis writes he wishes he could be home for the Thanksgiving gathering. An early letter from Samuel, the older brother, contains a warning that Daniel needs to make sure the baby brothers keep up their share of support for their father. He need not to have worried. Their letters constantly express a deep concern for their father. There are notes on teething children, pigs to be butchered, sausage to make. There are requests of their father to save them some of his cranberry harvest. There are reports on the shoes that he made for his grandchildren. There are inquiries on the state of the vegetable gardens and potato crop, hay harvest. There is a, “I wish you were here I made mince pies today”. In the collection is a letter from a stone carver discussing their specifications for headstones for their grandparents, Worden and Rhoda Hull Griffin. There is a constant reference to letters received from each other. But what the letters really say is that these people are real. They were very much a family. They are very much our family.
The remaining question from this journey is who was Marietta Havens? What evidence connect her to Worden? Sabra Steevens Griffin Havens named two of her children Charles and Eliza. Marietta Havens used the names Sabra, Angeline, Cynthia, Francis, Munroe, and Worden. Mercy Griffin Stevens used Sabra Maryetta, Charles, Eliza, Angeline, Cynthia, Francis and Munroe. Harmon Griffin used Charles and Eliza. Coincidence? With the passing of Abraham Pierson in 1802 the era of excellent record keeping in Killingworth was over. There are almost no records of births from 1800 to the 1840’s. Do you think Marietta Havens was a sister to Sabra and Mercy? Mercy Griffin and her family wants us to know who they are and I use the word are not were. I hope this suffices as a proper introduction.
Worden Griffin the grandson of Samuel and Mary was born September 6, 1772 to Samuel Griffin and Mercy Bailey. His birth recorded in the 2nd Society records. He died February 17, 1847. He rests in the "Burying Yard" next to his wife Rhoda Hull. He bought the home lot from his father and stayed in Killingworth as the rest of the family made the move to Vermont. Rhoda was born in Killingworth October 19, 1773 died one year after Worden December 9, 1848. They married February 15, 1796 the marriage recorded in the Killingworth town records. Children of record Sabra Steevens, Mercy and Harmon. Evidence suggests a fourth child Marietta.
Sabra Steevens: Listed in the 2nd Society records and also in Abraham Pierson’s personal journal a birth/baptismal date of November 27, 1796. There are no other records for her in Killingworth. We do find record of her in the family records of the Silas Havens family. They also record her name as Sabra Steevens, Steevens with the two e’s. A very unique combination of names with unique spellings. Given the world of genealogical research it’s hard to determine if the information came from their own records or from material they gathered with the assumption that it was correct. The nature of the Havens family story strongly indicates that they are drawing from family memories and records. Birth dates for her children indicate a marriage date of 1814/15. Her headstone records her death as February 26, 1826, age 30.
Mercy: Birth recorded in the same records as Sabra as September 23, 1798 listed as “daughter of Worden Griffin”.
Harmon: Birth and death information is gathered from his headstone “Harmon Griffin died Feb 20, 1860, age 59 yrs” putting his date of birth at 1801. He married his mother’s niece Betsy Hull September 29, 1827. Their two children, Eliza and Charles did not survive past childhood.
Mariette: There are almost no birth dates recorded in Killingworth from 1802 to the 1840’s. So there is no record of the birth of Mariette or any other possible children born to Worden and Rhoda after 1800. In a recent review of the 1820 Federal Census for Killingworth Worden is listed as having one child left at home a girl between the ages of 10 and 15. Sabra and Mercy are clearly outside of this range. Is this Marietta the girl vividly identified in Havens records as the daughter of Worden Griffin and Rhoda Hull sister of Sabra? Marietta married Silas September 29, 1826. On her headstone is written, “Maryette Havens, wife of Silas died March 18, 1884, age 74”.
Finding the true identity of Mercy Griffin, daughter of Worden and Rhoda Griffin, has taken a twisting path to say the least. Earlier generations of family genealogists had provided very little concerning the family, including the two girls, Sabra Steevens and Mercy, of Worden and Rhoda Hull. Their children are not identified in the Barbour Collection a source for much of what we know concerning the earliest Griffins. We have slowly identified Worden’s children as we have found record of them scattered among the recorded history of Killingworth. The first real discovery of Worden’s girls was found in the family history of another Connecticut family the Havens. The Silas Havens family has published a very detailed history of its several generations. It records births and marriages, children and grandchildren. It records the marriage of Silas Havens to Sabra Steevens Griffin. The history states that after Sabra’s untimely death Silas then married her sister Marietta who I identified as Mercy Marietta, Marietta a middle name that I had not found in Killingworth. Between the two sisters he fathered fourteen children. The history is rich in its first person descriptions of both women. It states, among other things, that their mother Rhoda Hull was the seventh daughter in a family of all daughters. In the world of folk medicine such women were reputed to have special healing powers. The description is a true description of Rhoda Hull Griffin. The story is so compelling that I took it at face value. About a year later I came across a marriage record for a Mercy Griffin and Daniel Stevens. The discovery of a second Mercy Griffin was nevertheless intriguing. As I worked on other Killingworth projects I kept an eye out for the second Mercy. While reviewing church records for material for my blog I quickly scanned the index under Stevens. Much to my surprise I found that on November 21, 1830 Daniel and Mercy Stevens had five children baptized. Their oldest boy was named, Samuel Griffin Stevens. Samuel Griffin was the name of Worden’s father, grandfather to Sabra and Mercy Marietta. Would a non-family member give that name to a child? With this revelation I began an all out search for Worden’s daughter Mercy. One of the first projects was to go back to the original records to find the date of birth for Mercy. In the personal notebook of Abraham Pierson, the Pastor in Killingworth, is recorded “Mercy daughter of Worden Griffin baptized September 23, 1798”. Taking a look at burial records for Marietta Havens her date of birth is given as 1809. All references to Mercy Griffin Stevens use the date of September 23, 1798. It became clear that Worden’s girl Mercy did in fact marry Daniel Stevens. This fact was confirmed as I discovered additional documentation. I found their marriage record dated May 1, 1817. In Killingworth town records is recorded a detailed death notice “Mercy Griffin Stevens wife of Daniel died January 15, 1861 parents Worden Griffin, Hull”. Married in 1817 on November 21, 1830 Daniel Stevens was baptized into the Killingworth 2nd Society along with his children, Samuel Griffin, Martha Roxanna, Maria Cynthia, Rhoda Angeline, Sabra Maryette, Charles Ellsworth.
The Mercy Griffin project then shifted gears toward gathering enough information to put together a picture of Mercy’s family. Not being born under the Congregational Covenant there are no birth or baptismal records until the 1830 baptismal record. The goal now was to find other dates, marriages deaths etc. to provide some degree of certainty to the identity of these children. The hardest to find information on was Daniel Stevens. There is no record of his birth in Killingworth He is always referred to as Daniel 2nd in records concerning his children. But I could not find a record of a Daniel Stevens with a son Daniel in any of the Middlesex County communities. There is a listing for a Moses Stevens. One transcribed record of his birth writes “Moses (dau?) of” I am guessing that the (dau?) was originally written Daniel not dau the short hand used for daughter. Moses born in Killingworth raised his family in nearby Haddam. He married Martha Burr, Martha a name used by Daniel and Mercy. Daniel’s date of birth listed June 4, 1796 a match for Mercy’s in 1798. Hoping to find at least one concrete date for him I reviewed the records for each of the Killingworth Cemeteries. Much to my surprise I found he and Mercy interned in the “Burying Yard” , the one purchased from the city by the family in 1794 next to the Griffin homestead, along with Mercy’s father and mother and not far from Thankful and Nathan Buell. In addition the information confirmed the 1796 birth date from Haddam. Even more surprising was the discovery of two more children, Ellis M. and Harmon E.. Having started out thinking I had a list of all of Daniel and Mercy’s children I now had to consider the possibility that there were still other children. I returned to the Congregational Church Records going through them line by line. There I found the records for four additional children. Francis, Eliza, a second Ellis M, and Emerson.
Let me introduce you to the family of Daniel and Mercy Griffin Stevens.
Samuel Griffin: The baptismal record lists him first so he was probably born 1818/19; He married Elizabeth Parmelee June 23, 1841. They made their home in Haddam. Census records list him as a shoemaker. Elizabeth died September 6, 1861. Samuel lived alone relying on his children and siblings for comfort for another forty years. Town records list his death February 3, 1900.
Cynthia Maria: Probably born 1819/20 married Comfort Prout August 34, 1842 in Killingworth she died August 24, 1843.
Martha Roxanna: Listed third in the baptismal record. No other records for her have been found, probably born about 1822.
Rhoda Angeline: Listed after Martha, the 1900 Census places her date of birth as April ,1824. Connecticut birth and death index list it as April 23, 1824, death recorded as August 14, 1904 in Plainville, Connecticut. Married Charles Wellman October 19, 1846 in Killingworth. They made their home in Guilford. After Charles’s death married Gilbert Richardson.
Sabra Maryette: Family history puts her date of birth at June 21, 1826, Census records confirm the year. Died August 14, 1866 in Chester, Connecticut. Married Harlow Lewis December 5, 1847 in Killingworth.
Charles Ellsworth: Probably born 1828/29, listed with his siblings, in the 1830 baptismal record. There were no other records in Killingworth for Charles we found our first hint of him in a collection of family letters that I found housed in the Connecticut State Library. Two of the letters were from his wife to the widower Daniel Stevens. She signed them Eliza. On first inspection I thought they were from Charles’s sister Eliza. She listed their address as Bethany, Connecticut. Looking in those records I found a birth record for one of their children. The name of the child has been lost but it identifies the parent as Charles E Stevens and Eliza A Talmadge. It further identifies Prospect, Connecticut as the place where she was born. They seem to have started their married life in Prospect then moved next door to Bethany. They then moved to Durham and lived close to Samuel. It seems that they then moved to North Branford and took over Ellis’s farm after his death. Charles died March 8, 1893.
Francis Henry: Baptized in the 2nd Society October30, 1831. He is listed at age 19 in a census record. No marriage records have been found.
Eliza Fidelia: Baptized October 23, 1836, born March 23, 1834, died June 13, 1919 in Plainville, Connecticut. Married Henry Wellman October 20, 1859 in Killingworth. They raised their family in Madison moving to Plainville later in life. The ladies auxiliary records the transfer of her church records from Madison along with a short biography. Of note, I was confused as to why Rhoda would live most of her life in Guilford only to relocate late in life to Plainville. Then I found the information on Eliza. Charles and Henry Wellman were brothers. The widowed sisters passed their later days together in Plainville. She must have been a favorite sister the 1860 census shows Ellis living with her.
Harmon Emerson: Baptized April 2, 1836. His headstone reads “Harmon E Stevens, son of Daniel & Mercy, died April 15, 1842 age 6yrs”. Named after Mercy’s brother.
Ellis Munroe: Baptized April 2, 1839. Headstone reads, “ Ellis M son of Daniel & Mercy, died Apr 2, 1839 age 9 mos”. It appears that he was a sickly child hurriedly baptized on the day he died. His baptism was recorded in the 2nd Society records.
Ellis Munroe: His baptism is also recorded in the 2nd Society records as September 12, 1841. As was a common practice he was named after an older brother who had died too young. This tradition would make a great subject for a church sermon on family. Those families had a strong desire to keep alive the memory of their dearly departed that left this world too soon. This action testifies that they want to be remembered. Ellis married Sarah Burr. They raised their family in North Branford. Ellis died young April 22, 1882 his wife remarried.
Emerson Rilando: Carrying the name of a deceased brother he was baptized September 5, 1845. Town and Census records indicate he probably died about 1929 in Branford, Connecticut. He had three children all born in Guilford. Listed as divorced he and his son Fredrick lived the life of old bachelors until his death. Ellis and Emerson joined the army together their names listed consecutively on the enlistment record. They joined in 1861 Emerson left in 1864 Ellis fought until the end of the war. Both are listed as having been wounded. Their unit was attached to General Ord who commanded an army corps under Grant in the battle for Richmond. This corps took the leading role in the events that ended up at Appomattox, General Ord being present as Grant and Lee signed the surrender. Ellis probably witnessed the pageantry that was involved in the surrender ceremonies as the southern troops laid down their arm
Part of the miracle of this voyage of discovery was finding a manuscript collection in the Connecticut State Library titled “Letters to Daniel Stevens of Killingworth”. The letters are somewhat plain in their content offering up very little family history information. They do contain two hints. We find out that Charles is married to an Eliza and that their brother Frank (Francis) is still alive in the 1860s. However they are rich in family sentiment. They always start with Dear Father. The collection is centered on the years that Ellis and Emerson were serving in the army. The family news is centered around the families deep concern for their welfare. Sabra’s letters in particular cry out with her anguish expressing her fears that they will be lost. Ellis writes in one of his letters that with their mothers passing Sabra has become like a mother to him. Ellis and Emerson’s letters are full of concern for their fathers' well being. They often state that they wish that they could see him. They both write that they are sending him the bonus money they received for reenlisting for another year’s military service. Ellis is the more prolific writer he always gives a report on Emerson who he refers to as Em. Later when Charles joins the army late in the war he also always gives a report on Charles who he calls Barb. There is a letter from Eliza Fidelia in which she describes the family’s plans for Thanksgiving. She reminds her father that he need not worry about the food since the family had all arranged to bring plenty. Ellis writes he wishes he could be home for the Thanksgiving gathering. An early letter from Samuel, the older brother, contains a warning that Daniel needs to make sure the baby brothers keep up their share of support for their father. He need not to have worried. Their letters constantly express a deep concern for their father. There are notes on teething children, pigs to be butchered, sausage to make. There are requests of their father to save them some of his cranberry harvest. There are reports on the shoes that he made for his grandchildren. There are inquiries on the state of the vegetable gardens and potato crop, hay harvest. There is a, “I wish you were here I made mince pies today”. In the collection is a letter from a stone carver discussing their specifications for headstones for their grandparents, Worden and Rhoda Hull Griffin. There is a constant reference to letters received from each other. But what the letters really say is that these people are real. They were very much a family. They are very much our family.
The remaining question from this journey is who was Marietta Havens? What evidence connect her to Worden? Sabra Steevens Griffin Havens named two of her children Charles and Eliza. Marietta Havens used the names Sabra, Angeline, Cynthia, Francis, Munroe, and Worden. Mercy Griffin Stevens used Sabra Maryetta, Charles, Eliza, Angeline, Cynthia, Francis and Munroe. Harmon Griffin used Charles and Eliza. Coincidence? With the passing of Abraham Pierson in 1802 the era of excellent record keeping in Killingworth was over. There are almost no records of births from 1800 to the 1840’s. Do you think Marietta Havens was a sister to Sabra and Mercy? Mercy Griffin and her family wants us to know who they are and I use the word are not were. I hope this suffices as a proper introduction.
Worden Griffin the grandson of Samuel and Mary was born September 6, 1772 to Samuel Griffin and Mercy Bailey. His birth recorded in the 2nd Society records. He died February 17, 1847. He rests in the "Burying Yard" next to his wife Rhoda Hull. He bought the home lot from his father and stayed in Killingworth as the rest of the family made the move to Vermont. Rhoda was born in Killingworth October 19, 1773 died one year after Worden December 9, 1848. They married February 15, 1796 the marriage recorded in the Killingworth town records. Children of record Sabra Steevens, Mercy and Harmon. Evidence suggests a fourth child Marietta.
Sabra Steevens: Listed in the 2nd Society records and also in Abraham Pierson’s personal journal a birth/baptismal date of November 27, 1796. There are no other records for her in Killingworth. We do find record of her in the family records of the Silas Havens family. They also record her name as Sabra Steevens, Steevens with the two e’s. A very unique combination of names with unique spellings. Given the world of genealogical research it’s hard to determine if the information came from their own records or from material they gathered with the assumption that it was correct. The nature of the Havens family story strongly indicates that they are drawing from family memories and records. Birth dates for her children indicate a marriage date of 1814/15. Her headstone records her death as February 26, 1826, age 30.
Mercy: Birth recorded in the same records as Sabra as September 23, 1798 listed as “daughter of Worden Griffin”.
Harmon: Birth and death information is gathered from his headstone “Harmon Griffin died Feb 20, 1860, age 59 yrs” putting his date of birth at 1801. He married his mother’s niece Betsy Hull September 29, 1827. Their two children, Eliza and Charles did not survive past childhood.
Mariette: There are almost no birth dates recorded in Killingworth from 1802 to the 1840’s. So there is no record of the birth of Mariette or any other possible children born to Worden and Rhoda after 1800. In a recent review of the 1820 Federal Census for Killingworth Worden is listed as having one child left at home a girl between the ages of 10 and 15. Sabra and Mercy are clearly outside of this range. Is this Marietta the girl vividly identified in Havens records as the daughter of Worden Griffin and Rhoda Hull sister of Sabra? Marietta married Silas September 29, 1826. On her headstone is written, “Maryette Havens, wife of Silas died March 18, 1884, age 74”.
James Needham Griffin
James Needham was the oldest child of James Griffin and his wife Polly Needham. There is very little documentary evidence concerning James Needham Griffin and his family. His birth is recorded in the land records as March 29, 1760. His marriage to Polly Stevens on November 7, 1780 is found in the 1st Church of Killingworth Marriage Records, collected by the Rev. Fredrick Bailey, first published in 1906. The last piece of property he bought is recorded in Volume 18 of the land deeds on March 5, 1808. The 1790 Federal Census lists him in Killingworth, father of one son and two daughters. Data from the 1800 and 1810 census records are hard to track and interpret. There is no evidence of him in the 1820 Census. There is a record of the death of a James Griffin In Clinton in 1815. Whether or not this is James Needham is yet to be established. But what of his children? The story of those records is the story of Abraham Pierson. The source of many of the earliest vital records for many 17th and 18th Century American communities is contained in the volumes containing the land deeds. In early America the business of the English Crown was the distribution of land. This was accomplished by recruiting a group of prominent men and for a fee granting them the right to a section of land. This group, who were called the Proprietors, organized a survey, divided up the land and organized it for sale. The land was bought, sold and resold. This whole process was diligently recorded in the volumes of land deeds. The first volume usually contained the original land grant, the list of proprietors and the subsequent sale of the land. In the early days of a community the organization of the town, its officers and bylaws, road construction, taxes etc. were all recorded in these volumes. It also became a logical place to record the vital records: births, deaths and marriages. As each town grew the recording of these events transitioned to the churches and town clerks to be recorded in separate volumes. In Killingworth the books of land deeds was used much more extensive as a repository for these vital records. The driving force behind this effort was Abraham Pierson. As Killingworth grew it divided into the 1st and 2nd Societies of the Congregational Church. Abraham Pierson collected the records from the two societies and recorded the material in the land deeds creating, as it were; a master copy of the town’s records of is births, deaths and marriages. This became very important since much of the 1st Societies records were lost. Abraham’s efforts came to an end soon after 1800. The result is a gap in the records for the next forty years. It is in this gap that the families of James and his brother Edward were born. What we have for evidence is circumstantial but by its nature is still very compelling.
James Needham Griffin and Polly Stevens’ son was also named James Needham Griffin. To differentiate him from his father he was referred to as James N. Griffin. His direct descendants in their family histories and traditions have identified the connection although the name itself is proof enough. He married Jemima Rosseter and raised his family in the Killingworth Congregational 1st Society renamed Clinton in 1830. Evidence and hints from his family helps establish the identity of his sisters. His death is recorded in Clinton town records as December 1, 1863 at age 79 indicating a date of birth in 1784. The death record lists his occupation as a mechanic, indicates that he was widowed and that his cause of death was “injury by a fall”. Records lead me to believe that he inherited the original Samuel Griffin Homestead from his father who had also inherit it as the oldest son. In comparison to his contemporaries he bought and sold very little land but still had enough to gather his children close to him.
James Needhams' oldest child was Charlotte Griffin. There is no record of her birth, In Abraham Piersons personal notebook he records her marriage to Ansel Jones, January 9, 1800. The 2nd Society records list her death on September 27, 1804. Girls were marrying at about age 19 to 22 in that era arguing for a date of birth about 1781, her parents marrying in 1780. Although there were two other Griffin families in the area the date distribution for the births of the children argues that children born 1780 to 1790 belonged to James or his brother Edward. In addition the 2nd Griffin family group is well documented and easily identified. Records argue that all the Griffins in Clinton belonged to one or the other of the two groups.
Polly Griffin married Nathaniel Hurd, October 13,1806. In one of the most complete family records I have ever seen her birth is listed as February 9, 1787. Her birthday is consistent with a time frame for James and Pollys' children and its obvious that she was named after her mother. The evidence for her and her sister takes another interesting turn. Her sister having died in 1804, with the birth of her first daughter Polly gave her the name of Charlotte Griffin Hurd, not Charlotte but Charlotte Griffin. Anyone who has spent any time researching in this era can appreciate that this follows a rich tradition of honoring lost family members in such a fashion.
The arguments for the family of James and Polly is further played out in their extended family circle. James N. Griffin’s children were born in Clinton. Again there is no direct evidence of their connection to their father. In the marriage records for Clinton is recorded the marriage of a Susan Griffin to Zerah Brooks, December 31, 1843. In the 1860 Census James N. Griffin age 75 is part of the Brooks household. Also In Clinton is recorded the marriage of Maria Louisa Griffin to Zarah Brooks' brother Julius, September 22, 1839. In the 1850 Census living next to Maria Louisa and Julius is Chauncey Griffin whose age makes him a candidate to be Marias' brother. He is also buried next to Maria and her husband in the Indian River Cemetery in Clinton. In Chaunceys' will we find some intriguing connections. Dying with no family he leaves all of his property and possessions to Maria Louisa, who he identifies as Maria Louisa Griffin. In another twist he chooses Charlottes' husband Ansel Jones as the executor to his will. Also Susan Griffin Brooks, named a son Ansel Jones Brooks again seemingly a connection to her fathers’ sister Charlotte. In land records we find Ansel Jones providing mortgages for three of James N.’s children. Reviewing census records we see that these families all lived as neighbors. If you spend any amount of time studying the records for Clinton it becomes very obvious that these people shared a family connection. Dates place them in family groups.
James Needham Griffin and Polly Stevens’ son was also named James Needham Griffin. To differentiate him from his father he was referred to as James N. Griffin. His direct descendants in their family histories and traditions have identified the connection although the name itself is proof enough. He married Jemima Rosseter and raised his family in the Killingworth Congregational 1st Society renamed Clinton in 1830. Evidence and hints from his family helps establish the identity of his sisters. His death is recorded in Clinton town records as December 1, 1863 at age 79 indicating a date of birth in 1784. The death record lists his occupation as a mechanic, indicates that he was widowed and that his cause of death was “injury by a fall”. Records lead me to believe that he inherited the original Samuel Griffin Homestead from his father who had also inherit it as the oldest son. In comparison to his contemporaries he bought and sold very little land but still had enough to gather his children close to him.
James Needhams' oldest child was Charlotte Griffin. There is no record of her birth, In Abraham Piersons personal notebook he records her marriage to Ansel Jones, January 9, 1800. The 2nd Society records list her death on September 27, 1804. Girls were marrying at about age 19 to 22 in that era arguing for a date of birth about 1781, her parents marrying in 1780. Although there were two other Griffin families in the area the date distribution for the births of the children argues that children born 1780 to 1790 belonged to James or his brother Edward. In addition the 2nd Griffin family group is well documented and easily identified. Records argue that all the Griffins in Clinton belonged to one or the other of the two groups.
Polly Griffin married Nathaniel Hurd, October 13,1806. In one of the most complete family records I have ever seen her birth is listed as February 9, 1787. Her birthday is consistent with a time frame for James and Pollys' children and its obvious that she was named after her mother. The evidence for her and her sister takes another interesting turn. Her sister having died in 1804, with the birth of her first daughter Polly gave her the name of Charlotte Griffin Hurd, not Charlotte but Charlotte Griffin. Anyone who has spent any time researching in this era can appreciate that this follows a rich tradition of honoring lost family members in such a fashion.
The arguments for the family of James and Polly is further played out in their extended family circle. James N. Griffin’s children were born in Clinton. Again there is no direct evidence of their connection to their father. In the marriage records for Clinton is recorded the marriage of a Susan Griffin to Zerah Brooks, December 31, 1843. In the 1860 Census James N. Griffin age 75 is part of the Brooks household. Also In Clinton is recorded the marriage of Maria Louisa Griffin to Zarah Brooks' brother Julius, September 22, 1839. In the 1850 Census living next to Maria Louisa and Julius is Chauncey Griffin whose age makes him a candidate to be Marias' brother. He is also buried next to Maria and her husband in the Indian River Cemetery in Clinton. In Chaunceys' will we find some intriguing connections. Dying with no family he leaves all of his property and possessions to Maria Louisa, who he identifies as Maria Louisa Griffin. In another twist he chooses Charlottes' husband Ansel Jones as the executor to his will. Also Susan Griffin Brooks, named a son Ansel Jones Brooks again seemingly a connection to her fathers’ sister Charlotte. In land records we find Ansel Jones providing mortgages for three of James N.’s children. Reviewing census records we see that these families all lived as neighbors. If you spend any amount of time studying the records for Clinton it becomes very obvious that these people shared a family connection. Dates place them in family groups.
The Will of Edward Griffin
The Will of Edward Griffin dated July 28, 1802
Edwards’ Will is several pages long written in the language and phrases of the day. It is one of the most descriptive and specific wills I have ever read. It is written by a fairly young man apparently faced with his own mortality. It is an admission that he will not live to see his children grow to maturity. The will is a blueprint for their future. The writing indicates that it came from the hand of a man with an above average education. Edwards’ legacy is still alive in the modern day history of Madison Connecticut. As it is now told he was a wealthy, stern and demanding sea captain even to the point of being more than a little mean spirited. His will reveals a man used to being in charge with strong ideas. His actions speak to a man who hoped for the best for his family.
In the opening lines he writes” I recommend my soul unto the hands of God who gave it……and my body to the earth….nothing doubting but that I shall receive the same again at the general resurrection by the power of God”. The sentiment is one of a man brought up within the Congregational circle. Although the sentiments are very common in wills of his day his personal flourishes indicate a man of some religious conviction. The first order of business concerns his wife he writes, “I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Submit Griffin the sum of six hundred and twenty dollars”. That represented a tidy sum in 1800’s Connecticut. He goes on to make a number of provisions for the support of his wife and children. He leaves instructions that the income from his farm, even though it is on the small side, be used to pay for his families expenses. He indicates that he has issued a number of loans. His instruction is that the interest payments be used to also support his family. From his other assets he directs that the executors of his will are to purchase a farm and home in what every location his wife directs for her support and comfort. It is to remain in her control as long as she remains married to him or until her death when it is to be divided among his children.
Edward then turns his attention to his individual children. His oldest child was Harry. Part of the history of Madison is the description of an episode, which happened during a sea voyage in which Edward throws Harry overboard. The crew was forced to scramble to affect a rescue. From the will it is evident that father and son had a strained relationship. He writes “Paying a legacy hereafter to be mentioned to my son Harry Allen Griffin of twenty dollars”. He also writes “immediately after my decease ….set himself to learn a mechanical trade…except ships carpentry…in such a manner as to make any tolerable proficiency therein” if successful Harry was to receive an addition one hundred dollars. “These two sums constitutes all that I direct to be paid to my son Harry at any time”, harsh words from a father apparently at the end of his patience’s with a wayward son.
In contrast concerning his other two sons he writes” My desire that my two sons Charles and Edward Hargrave be suitably educated for common business” A 19th Century MBA. The income from his assets is to be used for this purpose. To Charles be bequeaths his fowling piece and shot pouch, silver knee buckles, silver coffee pot, the book Ship Masters Assistant among other items and two shares of his estate. Shares to be paid at age 21, “what is left from the part which shall be expended in bringing him up”. To Edward a similar list of items one thing in particular a Masonic Medal valued at ten pounds. He also leaves instruction that the small items from his desk are to be saved and given to the boys at age twenty-one. I seems his intent was a little something to remember him by.
To the two oldest girls Polly and Fanny he leaves one share each of his estate and directs that they are to inherit most of the household goods, mahogany cases and chairs, marble top tables, silver spoons, china, beds and bedding. The inheritance from the estate is to be provided “At her marriage provided she not marry until she is eighteen” Executors were to monitor that the girls did not sell off the most valuable items. He recommends that the two oldest daughters learn either of the trades of milliner or manteau makers or tailors. And that the two younger sisters “have as good as opportunities”.
Edward was a father who wanted what he thought was best for his children. Of them he wrote that it was of the “greatest importance” that they be brought up in “good moral families persons of sobriety and strict integrity” He is less specific concerning his two younger daughters Submit and Julia. I think he assumed that his wife would remarry and what happened to those girls would be dictated by that circumstance. He does leave them each a share in the estate along with a few small items including a necklace of gold beads. As a small aside he refers to his daughter Submit as “my Mitte”. Mitte was named after her mother. The name Submit came out of the Congregational world, a world of strict religious obedience and female subservience. It’s obvious that to Edward it had lost its strict Congregational overtones and he had tried to soften its hard edge.
Edwards’ Will is the will of a Sea Captain. Men that were strictly in charge. Men that charted the course. Strong willed tough-minded men. But as you read the sentiments you see a father very much concerned for the well being of his family. Several things are note worthy. Even at age forty he died a man of considerable means. Clinton records indicate that he was more than a captain that he had also owned his own ship. We see an educated man his estate included a large number of books, uncommon for the day. I find it interesting in the men he chose to execute his will. They were among the leading men in Killingworth were he had lived most of his life. To them he left some of his books to one he left his masonic apron, of them he wrote “These bequeaths are not made as being of value, but as marks of respect”. They faithful followed Edwards’ wishes. Edward's family tree: Edward/ James/ Samuel Griffin.
Edwards’ Will is several pages long written in the language and phrases of the day. It is one of the most descriptive and specific wills I have ever read. It is written by a fairly young man apparently faced with his own mortality. It is an admission that he will not live to see his children grow to maturity. The will is a blueprint for their future. The writing indicates that it came from the hand of a man with an above average education. Edwards’ legacy is still alive in the modern day history of Madison Connecticut. As it is now told he was a wealthy, stern and demanding sea captain even to the point of being more than a little mean spirited. His will reveals a man used to being in charge with strong ideas. His actions speak to a man who hoped for the best for his family.
In the opening lines he writes” I recommend my soul unto the hands of God who gave it……and my body to the earth….nothing doubting but that I shall receive the same again at the general resurrection by the power of God”. The sentiment is one of a man brought up within the Congregational circle. Although the sentiments are very common in wills of his day his personal flourishes indicate a man of some religious conviction. The first order of business concerns his wife he writes, “I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Submit Griffin the sum of six hundred and twenty dollars”. That represented a tidy sum in 1800’s Connecticut. He goes on to make a number of provisions for the support of his wife and children. He leaves instructions that the income from his farm, even though it is on the small side, be used to pay for his families expenses. He indicates that he has issued a number of loans. His instruction is that the interest payments be used to also support his family. From his other assets he directs that the executors of his will are to purchase a farm and home in what every location his wife directs for her support and comfort. It is to remain in her control as long as she remains married to him or until her death when it is to be divided among his children.
Edward then turns his attention to his individual children. His oldest child was Harry. Part of the history of Madison is the description of an episode, which happened during a sea voyage in which Edward throws Harry overboard. The crew was forced to scramble to affect a rescue. From the will it is evident that father and son had a strained relationship. He writes “Paying a legacy hereafter to be mentioned to my son Harry Allen Griffin of twenty dollars”. He also writes “immediately after my decease ….set himself to learn a mechanical trade…except ships carpentry…in such a manner as to make any tolerable proficiency therein” if successful Harry was to receive an addition one hundred dollars. “These two sums constitutes all that I direct to be paid to my son Harry at any time”, harsh words from a father apparently at the end of his patience’s with a wayward son.
In contrast concerning his other two sons he writes” My desire that my two sons Charles and Edward Hargrave be suitably educated for common business” A 19th Century MBA. The income from his assets is to be used for this purpose. To Charles be bequeaths his fowling piece and shot pouch, silver knee buckles, silver coffee pot, the book Ship Masters Assistant among other items and two shares of his estate. Shares to be paid at age 21, “what is left from the part which shall be expended in bringing him up”. To Edward a similar list of items one thing in particular a Masonic Medal valued at ten pounds. He also leaves instruction that the small items from his desk are to be saved and given to the boys at age twenty-one. I seems his intent was a little something to remember him by.
To the two oldest girls Polly and Fanny he leaves one share each of his estate and directs that they are to inherit most of the household goods, mahogany cases and chairs, marble top tables, silver spoons, china, beds and bedding. The inheritance from the estate is to be provided “At her marriage provided she not marry until she is eighteen” Executors were to monitor that the girls did not sell off the most valuable items. He recommends that the two oldest daughters learn either of the trades of milliner or manteau makers or tailors. And that the two younger sisters “have as good as opportunities”.
Edward was a father who wanted what he thought was best for his children. Of them he wrote that it was of the “greatest importance” that they be brought up in “good moral families persons of sobriety and strict integrity” He is less specific concerning his two younger daughters Submit and Julia. I think he assumed that his wife would remarry and what happened to those girls would be dictated by that circumstance. He does leave them each a share in the estate along with a few small items including a necklace of gold beads. As a small aside he refers to his daughter Submit as “my Mitte”. Mitte was named after her mother. The name Submit came out of the Congregational world, a world of strict religious obedience and female subservience. It’s obvious that to Edward it had lost its strict Congregational overtones and he had tried to soften its hard edge.
Edwards’ Will is the will of a Sea Captain. Men that were strictly in charge. Men that charted the course. Strong willed tough-minded men. But as you read the sentiments you see a father very much concerned for the well being of his family. Several things are note worthy. Even at age forty he died a man of considerable means. Clinton records indicate that he was more than a captain that he had also owned his own ship. We see an educated man his estate included a large number of books, uncommon for the day. I find it interesting in the men he chose to execute his will. They were among the leading men in Killingworth were he had lived most of his life. To them he left some of his books to one he left his masonic apron, of them he wrote “These bequeaths are not made as being of value, but as marks of respect”. They faithful followed Edwards’ wishes. Edward's family tree: Edward/ James/ Samuel Griffin.
Captain Edward Griffin
Captain Edward Griffin 1762-1802
Edward Griffin was born in Killingworth, May 8, 1762, son of James Griffin and Polly Needham. He grew up in the Killingworth First Society. Historical evidence suggests that his father was a man of some stature within the community. James was the oldest son of his father Samuel Griffin. Within the strict rules for inheritance James probably inherited at least one-third of the estate and in all likelihood occupied his fathers’ house and home lot. It is within this set of circumstance that the young Edward was raised along with two brothers and a sister. James and Polly died in 1774 leaving behind four minor children. We have not found any probate records to indicate how the estate was managed or divided up. Nor is there any record concerning who assumed responsibility for the welfare of the children. But what we do see is that the two brothers, James Needham and Edward, who survived to adulthood, seemed to have inherited enough resources to propel them to successful careers. James Needham seems to have inherited enough property to allow him to keep his children gathered around him. Their town lots sit next to his. As for Edward, he was given a boost into the upper levels of the maritime trade, an accomplishment that required connections and resources to enable him to gain the training and education required of a ship captain. In the several historical references to him he is always referred to as Captain Edward Griffin. The Hammonasset River divides Killingworth from Madison and was a center for the maritime trades. Edward ended his days in Madison and is still a recognized figure in its living history. Of him the town history writes, “He lived in the finest house in Madison but he spent most of his time at sea where he ran his vessels from Boston to Haiti. At the end of his life he returned to land and operated a mill on the Hammonasset”. Of these trade routes one historian writes, “ Connecticut shipped endless amounts of livestock to the West Indies as well as a lot of grown produce wheat, corn, potatoes, butter, and cheese and they generally brought back rum and molasses and it was a very very lucrative trade”. In the maritime history of Clinton is a record of him assuming ownership of the Sloop Ranger in 1798 and registering it for foreign trade. This description of Edward places him in the upper levels of the most lucrative industry of the day. The items described in his will add to the picture of a wealthy household; mahogany furniture, marble topped tables, silver furnishings, a large collection of books, farms, and a loan portfolio. The executors of his will were among the leading lights of the day. Noah Lester was the Worshipful Master, the head of the Masonic Lodge. Edward’s will lists a masonic medal and apron indicating Edward also enjoyed an advanced standing in the Masonic brotherhood. Edward married Submit DeWolf, a Killingworth girl born to Elijah DeWolf and Submit Wilcoxson January 5, 1760, July 1, 1782. The marriage is recorded in the Congregation First Society records. They must have made their first home in South Killingworth. Edward is listed as the head of a household in the 1790 census for Killingworth. Deed records show him buying and selling property there as he tried to consolidate his holdings around a home lot in what is now the town of Clinton. In one of his last transactions the deed describes the location of the property as being bounded on the south by Samuel Griffin Lands. The property was probably close to where he grew up, close to his brother. Edward died at the young age of forty on August 3, 1802. He is buried in Madison. His grave is covered by a large stone slab, which supports a large raised tablet support by four pillars on which is inscribed. “ Though Boreas blasts and Neptunes waves have tos’d me to and for In spite of both God’s decree I Harbor here below Where I do now at anchor ride With many of our fleet Yet once again I must set sail Our Admiral Christ to meet. Behold and see as you pass by As you are now so once was I As I am now so you might be Prepare for death and follow me”.
After reading the detail in his will it seemed a for-gone conclusion that the children’s life would be something of an open book, their future almost guaranteed. The reality is that there is very little information concerning what happened to them, who they married, where they ended up. I have not found any family history written by succeeding generations. There are no baptismal or marriage records in Killingworth or Madison. Even estimating a date of birth for his children posed challenges. Following the practice of the day Edward listed his children by birth order. The complication is that he has two lists one for his sons one for his daughters. Harry Allen, Charles and Edward Hargrave then Polly, Fanny, Mitte, his name for Submit, and Julia. The question is how do you coordinate the two lists? The story takes up again in 1808 in Colebrook, Connecticut. Edwards’ will provided funds to settle his wife on a farm in a location of her choosing. She chose Colebrook to be close to her brothers. The 1810 Census finds Sumit with a household of two boys and two girls. Living next door is Harry with his three children. By 1810 the two older girls must be married with their own households. In 1815 the Congregational Church records list as members Submit, Edward and Mitte. The will specifies that the children could not claim their inheritance before the age of twenty-one. In 1817 Mitte sells her property rights in Colebrook followed by Julia in 1818 and Edward 1819. They all sell their property to Charles giving an indication that he was older. A real breakthrough in the mystery of Edwards’s children came with the discovery of a land deed listed under a Martin Lawrence that seemed to have a Griffin connection. The deed turned out to be the final disposition of the farm owned by Submit Griffin who had deeded it to her children. It was dated April 30, 1818. It was signed by Martin and Submit Lawrence, Lyman and Fanny Doud, Timothy and Polly Gaylord and Charles and Julia Griffin. As was the practice of the day to better establish identity it named the city where the parties lived. The Douds in Guilford, the Gaylords in Norfolk, The Lawrences and Griffins in Colebrook. Edwards’ share was handled in a separate later deed. With these historical clues we can begin to tell the story of the family of Edward and Submit Griffin.
Harry Allen Griffin was the oldest child. It is hard to determine whether Edward’s children were born in Killingworth or Madison. He was named after his fathers’ brother Allen. The will would lead you to believe he was his fathers’ least favorite child. His inheritance was limited to twenty dollars. His parents married in 1782. Census records place his birth as 1782. By 1810 he is married to Percia Segar with three children. Married twice, his second wife was Ursula Dickinson. It was a 2nd marriage for both of them. In a deed record in Killingworth she is listed as the daughter of Nathan and Lucy Wright a fact noted in her death record in Madison dated October 1869. Her name appears with his in census records. Starting out in Colebrook they lived for the most part in Madison. Madison records list Harry’s death as June 1, 1870, listing his occupation as sailor.
The next child was Polly named for her mother. A date on her headstone gives her birth as 1784. It records her death as December 10, 1867 age 83. There is no marriage record. I think she probably married in Colebrook around 1808 to Timothy Gaylord. They lived in the next town to the west, Norfolk. Their names are listed in town and church records. After reviewing the names of her siblings take note of the names of her children. Edward Lyman, Caroline Submit, Charles, Julia Ann, Fanny. Ever the big sister.
Fanny married Lyman Doud on May, 1805, in Guilford. Her death is recorded in the town records as December 2, 1820 age 34. This puts her date of birth as 1786. She and Lyman started their family with a daughter Emeline followed by Fanny. Edward Lyman, Susan and Richard, Lyman remarried and had four more children. Given the dowry left to them by their father both girls probably started married life with a well furnished home.
Charles N. Griffin, according to census records for his father, was probably born 1788/9. He made the move to Colebrook with his mother. He seemed to set up his own household buying land from his siblings. He bought and sold a number of properties as he consolidated his holdings. In 1827 he sells off all of his holdings then seemed to disappear. The clue to finding him came from the land deeds. Listed as simply Charles in his fathers’ will in the land deeds he is listed as Charles N, the “N” in all likelihood stands for Needham. Looking for Charles N. Griffins we find several candidates including one living in Copley, Ohio, the Western Reserve having become the newest frontier in America. Looking at the 1830 Census we find a Charles N. Griffin aged between 30 to 39 living next to Ewrd H. Griffin also aged 30 to 39. Two brothers same name, same middle initials, the right age, the right time frame what are the chances this is not Charles and Edward Griffin? A review of records in Copley finds Charles buying his first piece of land in 1827 a few months after leaving Colebrook. He married Elizabeth Bell on October 27, 1832. Census records indicate three children living with him in 1850. Philander whose date of birth is about 1827. Was Charles married previously? Then two more children Cerona born November 4, 1835, she married Henry Piper November 9, 1853 in Medina County Ohio and died in Orleans Michigan in 1892. In the 1870 Census Elizabeth is living in Michigan with Cerona, Charles must have died after 1860 the last Census year where we find him. Sherman was born about 1843 and married Catherine (Cassa) Finch February 1, 1865. The 1870 Census shows him living in Saunder County Nebraska.
Submit, her fathers’ Mitte, according to census records was probably born about 1791. The deed records from Colebrook identify her as the wife of Martin C. Lawrence. She and Martin are living in Hudson, Portage, Ohio in the 1820 Census close to where Charles and Edward Griffin ended up.Their daughter Juliann married John Deacon. There is a detailed biography for John in the Portage County History. In the 1830 and 1840 Census Martin is living in Salt Creek, Wayne, Ohio. There is a headstone for Submit in the Stony Hill Cemetery in Bath, Ohio dated September 2, 1841. Her brother Charles was living in Bath. In the 1850 census Martin is living in Springfield , Clark, Ohio with his second wife Mary Prior. Martin and Mary are buried in the Evergreen Cemetery in Sabula, Iowa. Martin followed his son's, Horace, Martin and Chauncey to Sabula. Census records list then all as carpenters.
Julia was born about 1793 in Killingworth. In Colebrook we have a number of indirect clues concerning her. There is a deed dated 1834 in which Submit signs an agreement with Augustus Elmer. The deed states that in consideration of other land transactions and the last remaining 1/3 acre of Submits’ property Augustus promise to provide her room in his house. The deed is very liberal in its terms and conditions allowing either side a good deal of leeway. Census records show an older female of Submits age being part of Augustus’s household over a number of years. What was the connection? Buried in the Colebrook cemetery next to Augustus is; “Julia Elmer, wife of Augustus, died Sept. 25, 1845, age 52”.
Edward Hargrave was probably the baby of the family probably born about 1795. He seems to be the last to come of age and gain the right to his inheritance. In the deeds of 1818/19 he lists himself as “late of Colebrook”. Had he already began the move west with the young men of his generation? In the 1830 Ohio Census we find Ewrd H. living next to Charles N. By 1830 he had 3 children all boys. There are no other records for him, no land purchases, no marriage record, nothing. What we do find is Charles with two large farms in neighboring townships, Copely and Bath. In the 1850 Census we find Philander listed in both Copely and Bath. In Bath he is living with a Martin Griffin who is the same age. Was Martin Edwards’ son? Were the two boys farming Charles’ holdings in Bath? I hope someone in the extended family can add to the picture of Edward H Griffin.
Reading the description of the will adds to the story of Edwards’ children. He was deeply concerned for their future. It is our obligation to keep their memory alive.
Edward Griffin was born in Killingworth, May 8, 1762, son of James Griffin and Polly Needham. He grew up in the Killingworth First Society. Historical evidence suggests that his father was a man of some stature within the community. James was the oldest son of his father Samuel Griffin. Within the strict rules for inheritance James probably inherited at least one-third of the estate and in all likelihood occupied his fathers’ house and home lot. It is within this set of circumstance that the young Edward was raised along with two brothers and a sister. James and Polly died in 1774 leaving behind four minor children. We have not found any probate records to indicate how the estate was managed or divided up. Nor is there any record concerning who assumed responsibility for the welfare of the children. But what we do see is that the two brothers, James Needham and Edward, who survived to adulthood, seemed to have inherited enough resources to propel them to successful careers. James Needham seems to have inherited enough property to allow him to keep his children gathered around him. Their town lots sit next to his. As for Edward, he was given a boost into the upper levels of the maritime trade, an accomplishment that required connections and resources to enable him to gain the training and education required of a ship captain. In the several historical references to him he is always referred to as Captain Edward Griffin. The Hammonasset River divides Killingworth from Madison and was a center for the maritime trades. Edward ended his days in Madison and is still a recognized figure in its living history. Of him the town history writes, “He lived in the finest house in Madison but he spent most of his time at sea where he ran his vessels from Boston to Haiti. At the end of his life he returned to land and operated a mill on the Hammonasset”. Of these trade routes one historian writes, “ Connecticut shipped endless amounts of livestock to the West Indies as well as a lot of grown produce wheat, corn, potatoes, butter, and cheese and they generally brought back rum and molasses and it was a very very lucrative trade”. In the maritime history of Clinton is a record of him assuming ownership of the Sloop Ranger in 1798 and registering it for foreign trade. This description of Edward places him in the upper levels of the most lucrative industry of the day. The items described in his will add to the picture of a wealthy household; mahogany furniture, marble topped tables, silver furnishings, a large collection of books, farms, and a loan portfolio. The executors of his will were among the leading lights of the day. Noah Lester was the Worshipful Master, the head of the Masonic Lodge. Edward’s will lists a masonic medal and apron indicating Edward also enjoyed an advanced standing in the Masonic brotherhood. Edward married Submit DeWolf, a Killingworth girl born to Elijah DeWolf and Submit Wilcoxson January 5, 1760, July 1, 1782. The marriage is recorded in the Congregation First Society records. They must have made their first home in South Killingworth. Edward is listed as the head of a household in the 1790 census for Killingworth. Deed records show him buying and selling property there as he tried to consolidate his holdings around a home lot in what is now the town of Clinton. In one of his last transactions the deed describes the location of the property as being bounded on the south by Samuel Griffin Lands. The property was probably close to where he grew up, close to his brother. Edward died at the young age of forty on August 3, 1802. He is buried in Madison. His grave is covered by a large stone slab, which supports a large raised tablet support by four pillars on which is inscribed. “ Though Boreas blasts and Neptunes waves have tos’d me to and for In spite of both God’s decree I Harbor here below Where I do now at anchor ride With many of our fleet Yet once again I must set sail Our Admiral Christ to meet. Behold and see as you pass by As you are now so once was I As I am now so you might be Prepare for death and follow me”.
After reading the detail in his will it seemed a for-gone conclusion that the children’s life would be something of an open book, their future almost guaranteed. The reality is that there is very little information concerning what happened to them, who they married, where they ended up. I have not found any family history written by succeeding generations. There are no baptismal or marriage records in Killingworth or Madison. Even estimating a date of birth for his children posed challenges. Following the practice of the day Edward listed his children by birth order. The complication is that he has two lists one for his sons one for his daughters. Harry Allen, Charles and Edward Hargrave then Polly, Fanny, Mitte, his name for Submit, and Julia. The question is how do you coordinate the two lists? The story takes up again in 1808 in Colebrook, Connecticut. Edwards’ will provided funds to settle his wife on a farm in a location of her choosing. She chose Colebrook to be close to her brothers. The 1810 Census finds Sumit with a household of two boys and two girls. Living next door is Harry with his three children. By 1810 the two older girls must be married with their own households. In 1815 the Congregational Church records list as members Submit, Edward and Mitte. The will specifies that the children could not claim their inheritance before the age of twenty-one. In 1817 Mitte sells her property rights in Colebrook followed by Julia in 1818 and Edward 1819. They all sell their property to Charles giving an indication that he was older. A real breakthrough in the mystery of Edwards’s children came with the discovery of a land deed listed under a Martin Lawrence that seemed to have a Griffin connection. The deed turned out to be the final disposition of the farm owned by Submit Griffin who had deeded it to her children. It was dated April 30, 1818. It was signed by Martin and Submit Lawrence, Lyman and Fanny Doud, Timothy and Polly Gaylord and Charles and Julia Griffin. As was the practice of the day to better establish identity it named the city where the parties lived. The Douds in Guilford, the Gaylords in Norfolk, The Lawrences and Griffins in Colebrook. Edwards’ share was handled in a separate later deed. With these historical clues we can begin to tell the story of the family of Edward and Submit Griffin.
Harry Allen Griffin was the oldest child. It is hard to determine whether Edward’s children were born in Killingworth or Madison. He was named after his fathers’ brother Allen. The will would lead you to believe he was his fathers’ least favorite child. His inheritance was limited to twenty dollars. His parents married in 1782. Census records place his birth as 1782. By 1810 he is married to Percia Segar with three children. Married twice, his second wife was Ursula Dickinson. It was a 2nd marriage for both of them. In a deed record in Killingworth she is listed as the daughter of Nathan and Lucy Wright a fact noted in her death record in Madison dated October 1869. Her name appears with his in census records. Starting out in Colebrook they lived for the most part in Madison. Madison records list Harry’s death as June 1, 1870, listing his occupation as sailor.
The next child was Polly named for her mother. A date on her headstone gives her birth as 1784. It records her death as December 10, 1867 age 83. There is no marriage record. I think she probably married in Colebrook around 1808 to Timothy Gaylord. They lived in the next town to the west, Norfolk. Their names are listed in town and church records. After reviewing the names of her siblings take note of the names of her children. Edward Lyman, Caroline Submit, Charles, Julia Ann, Fanny. Ever the big sister.
Fanny married Lyman Doud on May, 1805, in Guilford. Her death is recorded in the town records as December 2, 1820 age 34. This puts her date of birth as 1786. She and Lyman started their family with a daughter Emeline followed by Fanny. Edward Lyman, Susan and Richard, Lyman remarried and had four more children. Given the dowry left to them by their father both girls probably started married life with a well furnished home.
Charles N. Griffin, according to census records for his father, was probably born 1788/9. He made the move to Colebrook with his mother. He seemed to set up his own household buying land from his siblings. He bought and sold a number of properties as he consolidated his holdings. In 1827 he sells off all of his holdings then seemed to disappear. The clue to finding him came from the land deeds. Listed as simply Charles in his fathers’ will in the land deeds he is listed as Charles N, the “N” in all likelihood stands for Needham. Looking for Charles N. Griffins we find several candidates including one living in Copley, Ohio, the Western Reserve having become the newest frontier in America. Looking at the 1830 Census we find a Charles N. Griffin aged between 30 to 39 living next to Ewrd H. Griffin also aged 30 to 39. Two brothers same name, same middle initials, the right age, the right time frame what are the chances this is not Charles and Edward Griffin? A review of records in Copley finds Charles buying his first piece of land in 1827 a few months after leaving Colebrook. He married Elizabeth Bell on October 27, 1832. Census records indicate three children living with him in 1850. Philander whose date of birth is about 1827. Was Charles married previously? Then two more children Cerona born November 4, 1835, she married Henry Piper November 9, 1853 in Medina County Ohio and died in Orleans Michigan in 1892. In the 1870 Census Elizabeth is living in Michigan with Cerona, Charles must have died after 1860 the last Census year where we find him. Sherman was born about 1843 and married Catherine (Cassa) Finch February 1, 1865. The 1870 Census shows him living in Saunder County Nebraska.
Submit, her fathers’ Mitte, according to census records was probably born about 1791. The deed records from Colebrook identify her as the wife of Martin C. Lawrence. She and Martin are living in Hudson, Portage, Ohio in the 1820 Census close to where Charles and Edward Griffin ended up.Their daughter Juliann married John Deacon. There is a detailed biography for John in the Portage County History. In the 1830 and 1840 Census Martin is living in Salt Creek, Wayne, Ohio. There is a headstone for Submit in the Stony Hill Cemetery in Bath, Ohio dated September 2, 1841. Her brother Charles was living in Bath. In the 1850 census Martin is living in Springfield , Clark, Ohio with his second wife Mary Prior. Martin and Mary are buried in the Evergreen Cemetery in Sabula, Iowa. Martin followed his son's, Horace, Martin and Chauncey to Sabula. Census records list then all as carpenters.
Julia was born about 1793 in Killingworth. In Colebrook we have a number of indirect clues concerning her. There is a deed dated 1834 in which Submit signs an agreement with Augustus Elmer. The deed states that in consideration of other land transactions and the last remaining 1/3 acre of Submits’ property Augustus promise to provide her room in his house. The deed is very liberal in its terms and conditions allowing either side a good deal of leeway. Census records show an older female of Submits age being part of Augustus’s household over a number of years. What was the connection? Buried in the Colebrook cemetery next to Augustus is; “Julia Elmer, wife of Augustus, died Sept. 25, 1845, age 52”.
Edward Hargrave was probably the baby of the family probably born about 1795. He seems to be the last to come of age and gain the right to his inheritance. In the deeds of 1818/19 he lists himself as “late of Colebrook”. Had he already began the move west with the young men of his generation? In the 1830 Ohio Census we find Ewrd H. living next to Charles N. By 1830 he had 3 children all boys. There are no other records for him, no land purchases, no marriage record, nothing. What we do find is Charles with two large farms in neighboring townships, Copely and Bath. In the 1850 Census we find Philander listed in both Copely and Bath. In Bath he is living with a Martin Griffin who is the same age. Was Martin Edwards’ son? Were the two boys farming Charles’ holdings in Bath? I hope someone in the extended family can add to the picture of Edward H Griffin.
Reading the description of the will adds to the story of Edwards’ children. He was deeply concerned for their future. It is our obligation to keep their memory alive.
Abbreviations for the records of the Congregational Church
This page is from the records of the Congregational Congregation in Madison CT. These abbreviation and their sentiments were widely used among the Congregationalist. D: dismissed by letter. This indicated that the member had moved to a new city. This letter gained them entry into the new Congregation where membership was earned not granted. W: watch and care withdrawn. This was an ominous pronouncement in a community where life revolved around the church.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)