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. 462:

"July 31st  I find the testimony is principly  closed; the partys are both members of the M E Church  Jarvis is a nephew of the Circuit Preacher and a Member of his family - the members therefore are against us...    Submitted + a Judgement Obtained in Our favor for Damages of $25.00  The church folks now swarm around..."

"Aug 4 The weather continues warm and dry  people are progressing finely with their hay and grain   Wm D is Now able to come to the table again as usual."

" 5  Awake in the morning felt quite unwell arose + walked out  was troubled with a Disease calld the Sumer Complaint...  Took Burnd Brandy + Sugar + Retired to Rest  My disease grew worse  I took a Dose of Billious [}ic + thus wore away the Night

"Aug 6  The weather continues Dry and warm Corn is quite Rolld up with the Drouth...

"...I have just received My paper giving a Menute Discription of the Great Fire in N York..."

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