Edward Griffin of Flushing

I hope you have all taken the opportunity to review the material on the Internet concerning Edward Griffin. The two most widely regarded and best-researched sites are those created by Theresa Griffin and Paul Griffin. Recently I have been involved in reviewing updates on the Griffin DNA project. The more material that is assembled the stronger the link has become between the family of Samuel Griffin of Killingworth and Edward Griffin of Flushing, New York. At this point in time there is little doubt that we are descendants of Edward. The information seems to point to a line of Samuel / Unknown/ Edward / Edward of Flushing. As part of your heritage I thought it would be interesting to review Edward’s involvement with the Flushing Remonstrance. Again left me encourage you to review the material available on the Internet on this subject. The document called the Flushing Remonstrance was written in 1657. The Dutch Governor had recently taken a number of actions to suppress religious freedom in particular against the Quaker community in an effort to maintain religious conformity. The response of the citizens was to oppose those efforts. They argued that to follow the dictates of the Governor would compromise their standing with God. "We desire therefore in this case not to judge least we be judged". In essence it was a call for religious freedom. In this regard the Flushing Remonstrance is considered to be a significant precursor to the U.S. Constitution’s call for religious freedom in the Bill of Rights. At a recently held celebration of the event members of the Griffin DNA project were invited to attend in order to honor Edward who was one of the signers of the Remonstrance. There are 3 pages that make up the Remonstrance we show here the signature page with Edward's signature. The document still survives although badly damaged in a fire in the New York Archives.

The Griffin Home Lot in Killingworth

These photos document the original 3 acres purchase by Samuel and Marah Griffin. It was home to Lois, Polly and Azuba. Asahel and Joel walked these acres. Mercy, Molly, Worden, John, Samuel and Dan all grew up here. Worden raised his family here. The house faces out onto Roast Meat Hill Road one of the original roads traveling north through Killingworth. The road is still framed in many places by the original stone fences first thrown up in the early 1700s. The 2nd photo is the end on view of the house from the burying yard that marks the lot’s southern boundary. The next 4 photos are a panoramic view of the yard with the fourth showing the end of the yard as it drops off to a swampy area. If you look closely at the photo of the red building you can see the original stone foundation for the corn-crib. The last photo is taken from the other side of the house looking away from the house. The building you see in that last photo is on property later purchased by Samuel. Your ancestral home is truly a beautiful little spot I hope you all get the chance to visit it in person.