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 474:

"and to My Surprise when I arrived on the Ground I found I was the person Selected for the Office of Supervisor   I was forced to acept the Nomination - The townmeeting was to come on the 20th  The Oposite party however prepared their tickets and f[] in the fold[?] of Asa Griffin an Indian Man in principle without any Caucus."

"19  I walked a Distance of 7 miles to the place where the town meeting was to bee held and attended a case of bastardy   Made a good Defense but finely the Court contrary to Law + Every good rule pf Comon Sence Declared this Young man guilty + awarded 30 c per week for him to pay for Maintainance + Support..."

"21   Yesterday My Clerk took My Horse + waggon to go South 10 miles to fech a couple of Ladys a cister of Mine + his    The Harness gave way the horse took flight and ran away Dashing them on the ground injuring the young man on one leg    the Ladys slightly [] the waggon to Atoms[?]. The horse ran down the hill 120 rods []  Such a Matter turnd about and walkd back again untill he met Young man coming after him   I have no Doubt the horse discovered the Misfortune and knew what he was about.  he is one of the Most knowing animals I ever owned..."

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