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

Excerpt from p. 485:

"...The Small Pox is about.  Whilst I had gone to Kingston I passd one town[?] which had 6 cases in + there was 3 Cases in Rondout.  I understand Yesterday there was Several Cases Now in Delaware Near Delhi  -- The Cases in Delaware as far as I have learnd are confined to the ..."

Excerpts from p. 486:

(continued from p. 485) "Feb 21st  House where they originated..."

"22   ...A Sad accident ocured in our neighborhood   Yesterday a Young Man carelessly Drove his Sleigh and horses over an aged Man a W. A. Bradle injuring him much   so much So his life is considered in Danger.  The Young Man was immediately arrested   I was Calld upon to act as his Counsel   We Interposed a plea of Guilty by Saying we unintentionally done the act.   The Counsel for the People Refusd To accept the Plea + a plea of Not Guilty was Enterd   The cause [] down for today owing to the weather   A Jury nor the Witness could not bee got and the Case is Still pending to bee tryd as soon as the weather will permit...   "

"26  The old man who was injured is getting better..."

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