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 470:

"...portion of billious pills about 1 oclock  PM  I took My Bred  I continued to grow worse until the Next day."

"30.  I had the physician call[] who Discribed an Emeric   I accordingly took an Emetic which is always unpleasant for Me to take - It operated as an Emetic + Cathartic  Made Me verry distressed untill 2 Oclock PM....  I finally Settled my Stomach by taking a Spoonful of Milk + Vinegar"

"31. ...Receivd the proclomation of the govenor Yesterday Declaring the County in a State of insurrection.  I now Sit up + read the proclimation + a well written peace it is To    Troops are Now at the Capital   have Elected their Officers + will Take up their March tomorrow...    people are Hunted like foxes from their holes

"Sept 1st  ...  This day is the Day for Company Training   The Company is ordered Out at My Old Stand- Tis astonishing the people are afraid to assemble and therefore they who attend are Dis[] ..."

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