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 475:

"Sept 22  ...I took a walk to visit a Sick Man a friend of Mine who had the Misfortune to upset his waggon..."

"My youngest son is again quite unwell   His old complaint has Returned he is  too[] dull and pail..."

23   "I took my Gun and Dog this morning and Tramped over the Hills in cearch of Pidgeons   Succeeded finding a Small flock    Captured 4 of these..."

25   "I Started this morning acompanyd with My wife and Youngest boy of Owego (Tioga Co)  we was 3 days agoing..."

"... We arived Safely Back to Delhi on the 2nd Day of October.  The trials were in Progress [] The antirenter John Vansteelburgh had been tryd for murder + found Guilty  Earl Brisbane and E. W. Squires plead Guilty to Manslaughter in the 1st Degree.   The Court was using a good Deal..." 

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