Background: The diary of Matthew Griffin was discovered under some hay in the corner of a carriage barn in Fleishmanns, New York in the summer of 1916.

Matthew Griffin was born in Fishkill, New York in 1808 and moved with his family to Middletown, Delaware County, New York in 1823. He was an "Up-Renter": he disapproved of the "Down-Renters" (Anti-Renters). His diary provides vivid accounts of both the Anti-Rent conflict and daily life in Antebellum rural New York.

Note: For serious researchers only: may be hard to read, as is the original diary

Excerpts from p. 455:

"I Matthew Griffin Was born in the Town of Fishkill County of Duchess + State of New York lived in Said Town until May 1823. From there My father Mooved to Middletown in Delaware County...

"...asisted in working the farm untill  I was 15 Years of age I then Sought to Study  attended Comon School in the winter Season for 3 years I then Took A School as Teacher for Two winters at the trifiling wages of $7.00 per Month...

"..Became acquainted with Miss Clarrisa Dodge of Delhi in Delaware County afforesaid and After a [few?] weeks courtship was in the Month of July weded to Said Clarrisa who is now my lawful wife and the Mother of Three Boys + Three Daughters...

"...During this period My father has become in Embaresed Circumstances: and [Deposited?] the Title to secure the payment of $115.00. With the Small Means I had Earned and through the assistance of an aged + kind Uncle I imediatedly Set about to Raise the money which was held by Lease and contained . 1307?. After procuring the title in My Own Hands I then took charge of the Affairs of the farm. I hired a Man to work the farm  Together with the Assistance of My Father and Younger Brother I then Moved My Small family to a Leather Manufactory. Hired out for 3 years + was paid for my services $500- + also allowed for my Board to Act as a Clerk in the Store..."

Matthew Griffin's diary is in the Delaware County Historical Association Archives, 46549 State Hwy 10, Delhi, NY, 13753.