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

From p. 460: Many Men and these too whose [] heretofore Sustained a good Character utterly Refused to Trade with or Do any buisness with any..."

Excerpts from p. 461:

"...person whose opposed them - or who would Not Join the cry of Down with the Rent. They hold Meetings Monthly and upon Other Occasions Sh[] and Secretly from those who[] they are Mistrustfull off. God only Knows where this matter will End."

"July 26...  I heard from Bovina and Delhi this day + hear tis quite Sickly about that Section  Wm D is much the Same quite Restless and has much fever - his complaint the Doctor Says is the Scarlet Rash...

"July 28  Wm D is better..."

July 29...  I am about to engage in counsel for  J. O. Smith V.S Jarvis + I Armor for maliciously Putting barnyard filth upon Smiths Saddle..."

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