Lester Griffin of Moira 1805 to 1875

Lester Griffin was born in New Haven, Vermont the son of Asahel Griffin and Polly Loyal. Asahel moved his family to Moira, Franklin County , New York where Lester grew to manhood. Lester raised his family in Moira we present here his will. Lester Griffin dated his will May 14, 1875 his death is recorded on June 10, 1875 in Moira, New York. Most of his life he went by the name Lester but his given name was Leicester. Lester married Emily Austin together they had a family of nine children including a son Peleg Austin Griffin named after his maternal grandfather. After Emily’s death Lester married a women named Margaret. At the time of his death he was married to Philomena Clark who he names in his will. In his will Lester names his children leaving each of them a cash sum. He names his sons Stillman, Charles, David and Peleg. He identifies his daughters using their married name, Clarissa Spencer, Exey ( Achsah) Whiley, Sarah Foster and Abigail Ford. He leaves the bulk of his property to his son Lester Jun. __________ For the history of Asahel Griffin review post from Sept 2012._________Lester / Asahel / Samuel-Mercy Nettleton / Samuel Griffin. Click to enlarge.

Griffin family in the Moira Methodist Church

BOOK #1, COPY OF OLD RECORDS PAGE 20 Luther Lee -- preached in Moira two years 1827 - 1828 G. W. Barney -- preached in Moira one year 1829 Lyndon King -- preached in Moira one year 1830 G. C. Woodruff -- preached in Moira one year 1831 John Loveys -- preached in Moira two years 1831 - 1832 PAGE 20 & 21, YEARS 1831 & 1832 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Previous to the year 1831 the only class for Moira had its' central point, or focus, at Alburgh, in the South part of town, and Judge Pierce was the leader, but in that year the class was divided, and Peter Whitney and Hiram Pierce were made leaders of the two classes respectively. I am indebted to Brother Hiram Pierce for very full records of his own class, and the following is a copy of the first class book put into his hands thirty-nine years ago. Class Book, December 6th, 1831, for the Moira Class (at the Corners) of the Methodist-Episcopal Church, Malone Circuit, Oneida Conference, Spruce Chace, P.E. (Presiding Elder), George Woodruff, John Loveys, Circuit Preachers, for the conference year 1831. The names of members were, Hiram Pierce, Leader, Sally Pierce, Carlostin Olverd, Abigail B. Olverd, Loyal Griffin (Asahel's #1 child), Matilda (Austin) Griffin (wife of Sylvester, Asahel's #4 child), Joseph Griffin (Asahel's #7 child), Wm. C. Peck, Pamilia Peck, Emiline Spence, Polly Keeler, Charlotte Beals, Elvira Hasford, David L. Morey, Nancy Morey, David Keeler, Sally Keeler. There are 17 names making up all the membership of the church in Moira at that time, except a few near the South line of the town. During the next year 1832, Mary Manning and David Payne were added to the class but both of them moved away leaving the class just as it was before, until the following list of sixteen names were received: Sylvia M. Woodruff, Peter Wilder, Polly Wilder, Arvilla Wilder, Nancy Wilder, Arvilla Wilder, John B. Jackson, Polly Jackson, Sarah Ann Jackson, (Sidney Lawrence), Samuel D. Stodard, Lucy Stodard, Lois Gilman, John Beals, Betsy Alexander, and James H. Olverd. Several of these persons afterwards moved to other places where they or their descendents are now the strength of the churches where they reside, and I think four of the young women became wives of Methodist Ministers. That was certinly a prosperous year for the class in Moira. This year Stephen Paddock and John Loveys had charge of the circuit. PAGE 20 & 21, YEAR 1833 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In 1833, Wm. C. Mason and Charles Johnson were appointed to the circuit and the class book for the year shows the following changes: all the Wilders and Jacksons had moved away and the following new names were recorded Palemon Starks, Lyman Farnham, Azubah Kitchum, Maria Ballock, Electa Buckland, Sally Tilden, Henry Tilden, Irene Tilden and Adilia Oakes. PAGE 21, YEAR 1834 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In 1834, Wm. C. Mason and O. Squire had charge of the circuit. Loyal Griffin, Matilda Griffin along with others are marked as gone from the circuit. PAGE 21, YEARS 1835, 1836 & 1837 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- In 1835 I beleive the Malone Circuit was divided and Hubert Graves appointed to Moira, Dickinson, Bangor and Brandon, called the Bangor Circuit, Silas Comfort PAGE 1 the Presiding Elder. No record until July 17th, 1837.. The following is a list as it then stood - including gone from the circuit - Joseph Griffin. PAGE 22, YEAR 1838 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In 1838, Wm. Bowdish, P.E., Benjamin Brown and David Chides Jr, Preachers. The following new names of members included Experince Griffin (I believe this may be Asahel's #3 child who I have only as a daughter but do not know the name). This year A. F. Bigelow, 14 years of age attended quarterly meeting at the old wooden church, began to make aquaintence of his Moira Brothern. PAGE 22, YEAR 1839 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In 1839, B. F. Brown and John Wallace had charge of the circuit, but the class book was not revised. PAGE 22, YEAR 1840 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In 1840, Lewis Whitcomb was P.Elder, the district then called the Governeur District and very extensive. P.D Gorrie, Preacher in Charge this year it seems that a new class was formed, perhaps it was formed some years earlier, but this year several of the members were transferred to what is called P. Austins Class, and the size of the class was much reduced but 11 new members added. PAGE 22, YEARS 1841, 1842 & 1843 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- In 1841, the preachers were Byron Alden and P. L. Bennett but the class book was not renewed until July 1843, when six new names added. PAGE 22 & 23, YEARS 1844 & 1845 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Morenas Thrisher came to the circuit in 1844 and these names were added to the class: Ralph Pierce, Mary Searlus, Major Smith, the Sinclairs, Chester A., Laura, George, Jane, Lauris L. and Ellen F., Mario Carlisle and Sophia Williams. Almonzo Blackman served the charge in 1844 and 1845 and the class book was not revised by him but the following names were added to the list in his hanwritting dated January 1846, John Buckland, Ira Russell, Bethuel Turner and Lathon Buckland. PAGE 23, YEAR 1846 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- J. F. Alden was sent to the circuit in 1846, J. L. Hunt, P.E., Aaron Adams had been P.Elder the 4 preceeding years. From this time we have a full record. Here then start up before us two other classes and we discover at once where many of the missing members had gone. That we may have a complete view of the church in Moira in 1846, just 24 years ago (from 1870), I give a copy of the whole three classes. Class at Moira Corners ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hiram Pierce, Polly Pierce, Sidney Lawrence, Mary Lawrence, Jedehiah Keeler, Saloma Pierce, Perris Willcox, Jonah Hodges, Judith Hodges, Elvira Hoford, Cynthia Hosford, Joseph Griffin, Ira Russell, Ruth P. Russell, Lydia S. Russell, Julia Buckland, Martha Buckland, Eliza Geddes, Alzina Drake, Ralph Pierce, Chapel Beckwith, Sophia Beckwith, Emalin Mithington, Chester A. Sinclaire, Laura Sinclaire, George W. Sinclaire, Jane Sinclaire, Lucy L. Sinclaire, Ellen F. PAGE 2 Sinclaire, Samuel Manning, Kindrick Mallory, Lucinda Mallory, Lathrop Buckland, Electa Buckland, Sophia Williams, Bethuel Turner, Susan Turner, Simon Wright, Sally Wright, Alice S. Alden, Lucy F. Pierce, Wm. P. Russell. Class at North Moira ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- John Farnsworth, Lucy Farnsworth, Adah Bidwell, Lois Gillman, Nicholas Geddes, Wm. Tryon, Salina McNall, Major R. Smith, Sarah Smith, Nancy E. Leonard, Lucy Leonard, Louisa Geddes, Nancy Wiggins, Betsy Leonard, Spencer W. Perry, Benjamin Smith, Edwin Farnsworth, Mary S. Farnsworth. Class at Northwest Moira ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hiram Austin, Horace S. Tilden, Sally Tilden, Wm. A. Whitney, Irene Whitney, John A. Garlic, Olive Garlic, Billy P. Witherell, Maziah Witherell, Rachel Morey, Ruth MacNall, Jane M. Morey, Winslow Gibson. Making in all 77 members 24 years ago (from 1870). There might be added in South Moira, through members of the Alburgh Class, George Kingsley, Betsey Kingsley, Jacob Burnap, Rosilla Burnap, and Amanda Shaw, thus raising the number to 82. PAGE 24, YEAR 1847 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In 1847, J. F. Alden, Preacher in Charge, there were added to the Society, Lucinda Dean, Comer K. Bullock, Mary Bullock, Serepta Lockwood (later became 2nd wife to Wilber Austin, wife was Abigail Griffin #5 child of Asahel), Henry B. Gibson, Franklin Gibson, George Kingsley and Betsey Kingsley. PAGE 24, YEARS 1848 & 1849 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Royal Stratton served the church two years, 1848 & 1849. At the close of his administration, find the following changes, new names: Dolly Drake, Thomas Young, Elizabeth Young, Charles MacNall, Laura MacNall, Laura Hodges, Helen Spencer, Lucy Cole, Sarah MacNall, Luthera Mallory, Sophia Mallory, Catherine Saxton, Lucuis Saxton, Louisa Kingsley, George Race, Charlotte Race, Fanny Fruman, Mary Bullock, Hannah Turner, Jerusha Chandler, Nancy Chandler, laura Bentley, Martha Lyon and Mary Lyon. Names changed Ellen Sinclaire to Ellen Saxton, Saloma Pierce to Saloma Gale. Died - Judith Hodges and Jedehich Keller and 5 persons moved away. PAGE 24, YEAR 1850 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In 1850, Rufus E. King, Pastor, new names include Stillman Griffin (oldest son of Leicester (Lester) #6 child of Asahel), Sylvia Austin. This year Moira was made a station and Alburgh attached, will add list of members 4 Whitneys, 2 Dollenbacks, 2 Irish Burnap, 2 Griggs, Bethial Wright, and 22 others for a total of 33 members. PAGE 24, YEARS 1851 & 1852 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In 1851 and 1852, Thomas Rickey, Pastor. New members include Celia Austin, Mararet Griffin (2nd wife of Leiceste (Lester) Griffin, Lester Griffin, Mary Griffin (?), Clarissa Griffin (who later married George Spencer), and Sophia Spencer for a total additional 48 members in two years time. PAGE 24, YEAR 1853 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PAGE 3 In 1853 F. A. O'Farrell, Pastor - new names include Peleg Griffin (4th child of Leicester Griffin), Mabel Spencer, Clarissa Spencer, and David Griffin (3rd child of Leicester). Loisa Turner became Loisa Seaver and Hannah Turner became Hannah Chandler. I think there were some other similar changes but I cannot certinly point them out. PAGE 24, YEAR 1854 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In 1854, C. Sinh was preacher and 13 new names added. PAGE 26, YEAR 1855 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ralph Pierce, Preacher in 1855. In the preceeding year it is recorded that Alzina Drake died in the triumphs of faith. Thirteen new names were added including Alma Wright. PAGE 26, YEARS 1856 & 1857 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Charles Baldwin served the church in 1856 and G. D. Greenleaf in 1857. The following names appear in June 1858, George Doolittle, Mary A Farrington, Hircules Mooney, Warren Mooney, Arvila Mooney, Sally Young, Alexander Young, Crosby Young, Eliza A. Young, Amhurst Morgan, Amanda Clarey and Lucy Bryant. Of the above Mary Farrington, Amanda Clarey and Lucy Bryant make us think of persons who were previously called by other names. Lucy Harris died March 1857. PAGE 26 & 27, 1858, 1859 & 1860 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- May 1858 - 1860, A.F. Bigelow, Paster. In the winter of 1859 - 60 a revival meeting was carried on for many weeks with gret sucess. The pastor was assisted by Brother Robbins, a young minister of previous memory, who had now (1870) gone to heaven, of which he often spoke with as much rapture and power. The following persons were added to the rolls, Alma Wright, Sophia Wright, Almina Spencer, Sally A. (Young) Griffin (wife of Willard Griffin, oldest child of Joseph), and in all 54 names. A large number of the converts deferred any church connection for some months and finialy gave their names to the next pastor. During these two years Sarah Follett, Lucy Stoddard, Winslow Gibson and Nancy Wiggins were summonds to cross the stream of dath. It will be noted that deaths, marriages, and removals have not been generally reported in this account, because the ministers have seldom written a date and could not often decide the time of the event within 2 or 3 years. The exemptions and withdrawls have been purposely omitted as it is unpleasant to remember them. In 1860 Smith Griffin (no relation) was pastor and new names added included Stillman Griffin and Lester Griffin (7th child of Leicester and a Jr.). PAGE 28, YEARS 1861 & 1862 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chamberlain Phelps, Pastor for two years. Thirteen new names added including Clariss (Griffin) Spencer (newly wed to George Spencer and #5 child of Leicester) PAGE 28, YEARS 1863, 1864 & 1865 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- H. C. Corbin, Pastor for three years, the first pastor to serve more than two years. 14 new names added including Mary Payden. All but one removed or discontinued. _________This material was copied from the original records by David Griffin who made it available to the Blog. David has added notes to help identify the individual Griffins. The names of Asahel Griffin's children and grandchildren are very much in evidence._________ Asahel / Samuel / Samuel.

First meeting of the Second Ecclesiastical Society May 8, 1735

We have documented in previous articles on the blog the events that led to the formation of a second ecclesiastical society in Killingworth. The act of authorization was passed by the Connecticut General Assembly on May 8, 1735. On September 25 of 1835 the men who were then living within the boundaries of the newly established Second Ecclesiastical Society held their first annual meeting. After electing a moderator one of the first actions was to appoint a committee “to warn the Society meeting as is needful”. In our present day congregations the action would probably be described as “announcements”. In 1735 church attendance was mandatory as both a legal matter and as a necessity for the salvation of one’s soul”. Thus the use of the word “warn”. “Warn” was a term used for the next 100 years. The next item of business was a call for a vote on the necessity for building a meetinghouse. The next item of business was to appoint a committee to approach the General Assemble “to lay a memorial before the General Assembly…………to affix a place for a meeting house”. By January of 1838 the Reverend William Seaward was permanently established as the pastor of the Second Society. We have previously posted the titled page for the ledger he used to record the affairs of the church. Click to enlarge.

Polly Kelsey and Peter Davis of Killingworth

Polly Kelsey was the daughter of Lois Griffin and her husband Stephen Kelsey (Blog November 2012). Polly’s birth is recorded in the Killingworth town records the date May 30, 1786 hinting that she was born in Killingworth. Her parents were counted among those living in Killingworth in the 1790 census. The remainder of the Kelsey family history however takes place in the neighboring community of Madison. I wonder what the reaction was for Lois’s siblings still living at the Griffin home on Roast Meat Hill to the new baby. Did any of the rough boys Joel, Asahel, Worden, John, Samuel or Dan take a turn at holding a new niece? Or was the new baby affections monopolized by the ladies of the house Mercy Bailey Griffin and her daughters Molly and Mercy. What was the reaction of her aunt and namesake Polly Griffin Doud? Did Polly’s grandfather Samuel weave a special piece of cloth on his loom that served as a receiving blanket? Was her crib crafted in her grandfather’s wood working shop? Polly grew up in a farming household with her 3 siblings, Julius, Stephen and Catherine. Polly married a young man that she probably knew well, Peter Davis (Peter / Lemuel / Samuel / Solomon ). The marriage is recorded in Volume 2 of the Killingworth Second Society records on page 151. The original page is too faded to allow us to make a legible copy. The recorded date is February 1, 1807. The Kelsey and Davis families were very well acquainted. They were neighbors in Killingworth and fellow members of the Congregational Society. Peter Davis’s uncle Henry was married to Polly Kelsey’s aunt, Azuba Griffin. Peter’s sister Malinda would eventually marry Polly’s brother Stephen Davis. Peter was the son of Lemuel Davis and his wife Jemina Kelsey. He was born October 4, 1786. He was the second son in the family to carry the name of Peter. The first Peter was born in 1783 and died in 1785. Polly and Peter made their home in Killingworth where they raised a family of 5. Polly and Peter are buried on Row 9 in the Stone House cemetery “In memory of Peter Davis. Died June 29, 1836, aged 53”. “In memory of Polly Davis, wife of Peter Davis, who died Sept. 16, 1833, age 47”. _______________ As with many of our recent projects the story of Polly and Peter’s children travels through the pages of the Union Episcopal Society. As was true with the other families in this situation the birth dates and records for the Davis children have been in a state of ambiguity. Peter’s cousin, Leonard Davis, and Polly’s brother, Julius Kelsey, were major players in the formation of the Episcopal Society. They were present in its early phases and present when the Union Society was formed in 1800. It seems that Polly and Peter joined the movement somewhat later. Although we find Polly and Peter being married in the Congregational Society in 1807 we find an entry in the Episcopal records, which on close evaluation, you can see is dated September 17, 1809. The entry records the baptism of Polly wife of Peter Davis and Alvin and Watson sons to Peter Davis. There is an entry for the baptism of George Nelson son of Peter Davis on September 15, 1811. Lewis Talcott’s baptism is registered on May 8, 1814. Synthia (Cynthia) Elisa’s baptism is listed as July 12, 1818. All of the children are referred to as the children of Peter Davis. Unlike the Congregationalist the Episcopalians where not in as big a hurry to baptize newborns. Among the Congregationalist birth and baptismal dates are usually quite close together. The same is not true for the Episcopalians. A point to note is the last record we posted dated in 1830 in which Peter Davis withdraws from the Episcopal Society. _________________Alvin Davis was the oldest of the children. He and his mother were baptized into the Episcopal Society on the same day September 17, 1809. Family history offers a date of birth of December 16, 1807. Alvin married Julia Louisa Wright November 28, 1827. The marriage is entered in the town records and on page 157 of the Congregational records. Julia was born June 3, 1807. Alvin and Julia raised their family, which consisted of Sophia Polly, Ellen Louisa, Sidney Talcott, Watson, Randolph and Christina, in Killingworth. Alvin’s death is recorded in the town records on December 14, 1860. As you read the death records remember they are written across double pages in a ledger and are posted in 2 parts. The record notes that he was a farmer and the son of Peter Davis Sen. Was Alvin actually Peter Alvin Davis? Alvin and Julia are buried in Row 9 in the Stone House Cemetery along with his parents. “Alvin Davis died Dec 14, 1860, age 53 yrs”. “Julia, wife of Alvin Davis died July 30, 1886, aged 79 At Rest”. Alvin shares a headstone with his son Randolph who was killed in 1865 during the Civil War. _____________ Watson was baptized along with Alvin on September 17, 1809. Watson’s death is recorded on page 112 of the Hartford death records. The entry notes that he died on October 26, 1887 at the age of 78 years 3 months and 1 day. That calculates to a date of birth on about July 25, 1809. His death record lists his parents as Peter Davis and Polly. Watson married Olive C. Hale in Madison on September 21, 1831. An Episcopalian minister performed the marriage. Olive’s death is also registered in Hartford. It records, Davis Olive C / July 19, 1893 / 756 Main / age 78 / Widow. They raised 3 children in Durham, George, Cynthia and Pauline. Watson, Olive, Pauline and Cynthia are all buried together in the New Cemetery in Durham. The cemetery transcript notes that Watson was born 1809 died in 1887. Olive, wife of Watson 1817 to 1893. Watson and Olive retired in Hartford were they were listed in the city directory. ________________ In the Episcopal records we find the full name for George Nelson Davis. He was baptized September 15, 1811. It is difficult to establish a date of birth for George. The 1810 federal census was taken in August of that year. At that time the household of Peter Davis only registered his two oldest boys Alvin and Watson. The Killingworth town records list his death on June 13, 1879 at the age of 72. Most family histories using this date list a date of birth for him in 1807 but the 1810 census argues otherwise. The census records are not much better. They list dates in 1810, 1814 and 1811. In the 1860 census Alvin, George and Lewis are all living within a few houses of each other. His headstone lists his date of death as June 13, 1879 at the age of 68, which would place his birth in 1811. George N. Davis of North Killingworth married Mary M. Davis of North Madison January 8, 1834. The marriage is recorded in the Madison town records. George and Mary raised their family George, Christopher, Ann, Jane and Aletha in Killingworth. They are buried in the Davis plot in the Rockland Cemetery in Madison. “Davis George N., died June 13, 1879, age 68”. “Davis Mary M., wife of George N., died Sept 21, 1896 age 81”. _______________ Lewis Talcott Davis was baptized May 8, 1814. Almost all of the documents that reference him use the name Lewis T. Davis. In almost every family tree in this part of Connecticut there is one male child that is given the name of Talcott, which is a reflection on the impact that Doctor Alvan Talcott had on these communities. Lewis married Sarah Burr. The birth records for her children note a place of birth for her as Haddam. There are family trees that give her a date of birth on January 16, 1815 and list her parents as Joseph Burr and Huldah Bailey. Census and death records both agree with the 1815 date. Her given name was probably Sarah but she is also referred to as Sally. Lewis and Sarah/Sally raised their family in Killingworth where census records note that he was a farmer. They had a large family Eckeford, John, Asher, Peter, Ralph, Richard, Mary, Henry and Julius. The first child Eckeford according to the 1900 census was born in May 1836, which puts a marriage date probably in the summer of 1835. We find their deaths registered in the Killingworth town records. Lewis T. Davis the date October 14, 1874 at the age of 60. The record lists his fathers as Peter Davis Sen. For Sarah, Sarah Davis death January 28, 1869 the widow of Lewis T. Davis, maiden name Burr. There is a funeral record in the Episcopal records for Lewis, “Lewis T. Davis Died in Killingworth Oct 14, 1874 aged 60 yrs. Officiated Funeral at the house and at the grave in the Stone House yard Oct 16th”. Lewis and Sarah are buried in the Stone House Cemetery. “Davis, Lewis T, died Oct 14, 1874 age 61”. “Davis, Sally Burr, wife of Lewis died Jan 28, 1869, age 54”. __________________ Cynthia Eliza Davis was baptized July 12, 1818. Including her baptismal record we only have two records from her life. In the records of the Durham First Congregational Society, Vol. 4, page 78, we have a marriage record “ Morgan Davis of North Madison and Cynthia E. Davis of South Killingworth 27 September 1835”. We find Cynthia and Morgan living in Hamden in the 1850 Census. Morgan 41, Cynthia 33, Joseph M. 13, Watson W. 9, Harriet 8. There is a death record for Morgan dated May 27, 1853 at the age of 42. He is buried in the Central Burying Ground in Hamden. There are no records for any of his family in the same cemetery. I think Cynthia must have remarried and her remaining history will be found under the name of her second husband. ________________ Polly Kelsey / Lois Griffin-Stephen Kelsey / Samuel-Marah / Samuel Griffin. ________________Randolph Davis’s headstone reads “Davis, Randolph, Civil War. Co L 1st Conn Cavalry at Fredrick Me., died Jan 4, 1865”. The 1st Connecticut Calvary had a very distinguished battle record in the Civil War. Its unit history can be found online. I highly recommend that you take time to review that material. In the last years of the war the 1st Conn. was assigned to the cavalry led by General Sheridan serving more often than not under General Custer. They were the spear point in the initial phases of General Grant’s invasion of Virginia being very involved in the opening battles of the Wilderness and Spotsylvania. From the unit history, “Next morning the 1st Conn., as advance guard met Longstreet’s advance at Craig’s Church and opened the Wilderness battles on our left. Major Marcy, with about 200 men, reconnoitering, was cut off. As the only chance of escape, he ordered sabers drawn and a charge through the enemy. This feat was most gallantly accomplished, with the loss of about 40 men. The division fell back slowly, the 1st Conn, covering the rear, to Todd’s Tavern, where it made a stand and checked the enemy. The terrific infantry fighting of the next 2 days being ended, the 1st Conn. led the advance in Grant’s movement toward Spotsylvania Court House, and early in the morning charged into town, driving out the enemy there and capturing 35 prisoners but support failing to come up, the division presently withdrew”. The 1st Conn. Also played a part in Sheridan’s major raid down through Virginia. With the onset on the siege of Richmond the cavalry units were used to probe and raid the edges of Lee’s defenses while most of the army was tied up in siege warfare. One of the major actions was a raid on the South Side and Danville railroads. Success in these actions would have cut off supplies to Lee’s army. The unit history describes the raid, ”The expedition was gone 10 days, marched 300 miles, destroyed 60 miles of railroad track with tanks, saw-mills, and depots, fought 4 battles and many skirmishes, rest at no place over 6 hours”. In the spring Sheridan’s cavalry, now armed with the new Spencer carbines, was transferred to the Shenandoah Valley. In a sharply contested campaign Sheridan’s command wrestled control of the strategic valley from the confederates. The key battle was at Cedar Creek. In the decisive action in the battle Custer, with the 1st Connecticut as part of his command, turned the left flank of the confederate forces an action, which contributed to a major Union victory. That winter the cavalry units were involved in a number of raids against the confederate cavalry under General Rosser and actions against local confederate militia units led by the famous partisan leader Col Mosby. It was during this time that Randolph probably received his fatal wounds. His headstone notes that he died in Fredrick, Maryland. It is my guess that he had been removed from the Shenandoah to that location, a transportation hub, to recover from wounds he had received in action.

Probate records for Theophilus Redfield senior and junior

Theophilus and Priscilla Redfield are the patriarchs of the Redfield Clan in Killingworth. They have a very large posterity scattered throughout Connecticut and across America. Theophilus’s will is transcribed on several Family Trees on Ancestry.Com. What we present here is his famous signature take from his will. We have also included a document from his probate file that lists his sons. “The Several Gifts of Mr. Theophilus Redfield late of Killingworth Decd to his Several Sons Computed and Valued in Lawful Money”. We have also included a few pages from the probate file of his wife Priscilla. The documents are a list of her personal effects. Such lists provide a wonderful insight into the day-to-day lives of our ancestors. The last 4 pages are from the probate file of their son Theophilus Jr. In these pages you will find the names of his children including a heading “To Mary the wife of Capt. Bezeleel Bristol”. ______ You may click on images to enlarge. _____ Amy Maria Bristol Kelsey / Phillip Redfield Bristol / Mary Redfield / Theophilus / Theophilus.

Amy Maria Bristol Kelsey's Bristol heritage

We have a few documents from Amy Maria Bristol Kelsey’s Bristol roots. Bazeleel Bristol and Eunice Dudley were married in Killingworth on June 13, 1742. Their marriage and death records are all found in the Killingworth town records. In the town records we also find the record for their family. Their son Bazeleel was baptized in the Congregational Second Society on April 2, 1749. Bazeleel Jr’s marriage to Mary Redfield is also in the town records the date December 1, 1774. Their son, Amy Maria’s father, Phillip Redfield Bristol was baptized in the Second Society April 30, 1780. We have also included a few pages from the probate files for Bazeleel and his wife Eunice._____________ Amy Maria Bristol Kelsey / Phillip Redfield Bristol / Bazeleel / Bazeleel-Eunice. Click on images to enlarge.

Joseph J. Griffin 1811-1861 son of Asahel Griffin

Joseph J. Griffin was the son of Asahel Griffin and Polly Loyal. Joseph was born in Moira, New York. He was born after the family had made the move from Vermont. Joseph married Achsah Whitney in 1839 they raised a family of 6 in Moira. There is one section in his will that names most of his family but all of their names are found scattered in the will except that of Joseph who had died in the first year of his life. He mentions Willard A, Sally Ann, Flora Amanda Whitney, Samuel and Evaline A.._______ Samuel, who carried the name of his grandfathers, was to sacrifice his life in the Civil War. He died from wounds he received on September 29, 1864 during a battle at Chapin’s Farm in Virginia during the siege of Richmond. Samuel was serving under Gen. George Stannard in the NY 92nd. From Wikipedia we get the following. "General Edward Ord, assaulted Fort Harrison to the west of New Market Heights. Ord's assault was led by Brig. George Stannard, a veteran of Gettysburg. Stannard's men rushed across an open field and took cover in a slight depression just in front of the fort and, after a moment's rest took the fort. The confederate defenders broke to the rear,". Fort Harrison was a a key point in the defense of Richmond its loss was a severe blow to the Confederate defensive allignment._____________ Joseph / Asahel / Samuel-Mercy Nettleton / Samuel Griffin. Click on images to enlarge.