Samuel Griffin 1739-1808

Samuel and Mercy Griffin spent some dozen years together in Essex Vermont. Mercy outlived him by fourteen years. By the time of their deaths they had the pleasure of gathering their grandchildren about them. Joel and Asahel lived within easy traveling distance from them. John, Samuel, Dan and for a short time Mercy Griffin and her husband Ithamar Pelton all lived in Essex. I am sure that the grandchildren were all left with rich memories of their grand parents. We present here Samuel’s signature on the cover letter for his will. His signature reduced to a shaky scrawl is a testament to the life he had lived. Carving a homestead out of the woods in Killingworth. Building the beautiful little home next to the burying yard. The hardships of the French and Indian war. The move to Essex and a new farm caved out of the virgin forest. Working in his joiners shop. Winter nights at his loom. By 1808 life had extracted its toll on him. He and Mercy Bailey are buried in the Essex Common Burial Ground in Essex.