James Griffin 1733-1774 French and Indian War

The following records are part of the collection of Colonial Records housed at the Connecticut State Library. In early America the standing military was the British Army. Many young American men hoped to gain a commission in the British Army as a career choice but for the most part military service in America was as part of a colonial militia. In answer to military needs, primarily as adjuncts to the British Army, each year the colonies would issue a call for the militias to rally and they would set aside funds for the effort. In addition to a strong sense of patriotism a key attraction was the issuing of land grants to those that served. Such was the case with the French and Indian War. Each locality usually had a group of men with some military experience and these, in answer to the call from the Colonies, would raise a company of men. The call usually lasted for a campaigning season that covered the good weather months. What we see is men joining the local militia for a part of any one year. They were then discharged. Then starting over in the next year the Captain of the local militia would raise a new company made up of some veterans and some newcomers. Most men in the ranks would only serve for one or two years. A brief history of the French and Indian war is written in another part of the blog. In the critical year of 1759 we find James Griffin listed on the Pay Role of the Twelfth Company of the Fourth Regiment. “FOURTH REGIMENT COL. ELEAZER FITCH REGIMENTAL OFFICERS. Eleaser Fitch (of Windham) appointed Colonel and Captain of the first company. March 1759. Israel Putnam (of Pomfrey) appointed Lieutenant-Colonel and Captain of the second company, March 1759. John Durkee (of Norwich) appointed Major and Captain of the third company, March 1759. Rev. Benjamin Pomroy of Hebron appointed Chaplain, March 1759. David Adams of Canterbury appointed Surgeon, March 1759. John Williams of Norwich appointed Commissary, March 1759.” TWELFTH COMPANY-CAPT. BISHOP Nicholas Bishop of New London, Captain. Daniel Griswold of Killingworth, First Lieutenant. William Clark, Second Lieutenant. Benjamin Woodworth of Groton, Ensign.” “A Pay Role of Capt. Nicholas Bishops Company In the Fourth Connecticut Regiment Commanded By Colonel Eleaser Fitch Esq. Camp 1759” James Griffen Time of Inlisting May 25 Time of Discharge Dec 12” I had previous thought he had served as an officer. With the new information it is clear that he served in the ranks. The “Capt” on his headstone refers to Capt. Bishop. “James Griffin Capt. Bishop’s Co., d, Aug17, 1774. Age 41, Fre. & Ind. War. “ The headstone was erected by the State of Connecticut. There is another connection, however, he served in a company that was raised in the maritime community. James left a marvelous heritage to honor him we need to share his story with all of our extended families.