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. 498:

"...One thing perhaps worthy of Mention in the Month of Febuary past we had no full Moon..."

"...the Mexican War continues    Much Controversy is had in our Congress about who is the author of the War.   The Whigs Charge the war upon J[] Polk the Locofoco Presidant.  The Administration finely having come to the Conclusion that the war is unpopular..."

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