| Notes |
- RESEARCH_NOTES:
1. FHL book 929.242 G868f "The Greswold Family, 12 Generations in England," researched and edited by Robert L. and Esther G. French, comp. by Coralee Griswold [Wethersfeld, CT; 1999]. The authors standardize spelling as Greswold for England and Griswold for America. As of 2012, it appears that this book is the most current evolution of the Griswold ancestry and includes all previous research up to 1999 when it was published. (It also supersedes the author's own work in 1990 for the later English generations). See notes in this database of the original Griswold for a more detailed explanation of the various sources and a bibliography of previously published books that the authors include in this genealogical compilation.
"Edward12 Griswold (George11, Roger10, John9, John8, John7, John6, John5, William4, Richard3, Ralph2, John1) was christened 26 Jul 1607 in Wooton Wawen, Warwickshire, England. In lieu of a will, Edward on Christmas Day, 1672, signed a conditional inheritance deed of his property to his son John, who was to pay certain legacies; but Edward did not die until 30 Aug 1691, in Killingworth, Middlesex, Connecticut, at the age of 84, and was buried in the Indian River Cemetery in Killingworth, Middlesex, Connecticut. He married (1) Margaret (___) about 1628 in England. ["New England Genealogy," Vol. 1, p.250, cites her surname as HICKS, but the Robert Hicks family was already in Plymouth as of 1621. Records indicate Margaret and Edward were married in England after this date.] She was born about 1609. Margaret died 23 Aug 1670 in Killingworth, Middlesex, Connecticut, and was buried in the cemetery behind the Congregational Church, in Killingworth (now Clinton), Middlesex, Connecticut. Her stone being the oldest marked, "M.G., 1670."
When the Rev. Ephraim Huit arrived in Windsor, Connecticut with his congregation about 17 Aug 1639 to assist the Rev. John Warham, Edward and Margaret Griswold, their four children: Francis, George, John and Sarah; and Edward's brother Matthew, were with the company. ["Savage's Genealogical Dictionary," Vol. 2, p. 316.] In his own deposition, dated 15 May 1684, Edward stated that he was then aged about seventy-seven years and that, "about the year 1639 Mr. William Whiting, Dec'd, was Undertaker [financial sponsor] for a shipp in England, in which Shipp I came to New England." [Ferris, "Dawes-Gates Ancestral Lines"; Gates & Allied Families; Vol. II; p. 399.] Mr. Huit had been pastor at Knowle and Wroxall, Warwickshire, England. A writer of note upon religious subjects and a powerful preacher of the Puritan faith, he was censured for his non-conformity and silenced by the Bishop of Worcester. This no doubt was the cause of his moving to New England with the company he organized, of which both Edward and Matthew were members.
Edward speedily became prominent in the affairs of the new community and was frequently mentioned in colonial records. He served as deputy to the General Court from 18 Aug 1658 to 14 Mar 1660 and again from 15 May 1662 to 11 Mar 1663. Edward served repeatedly on juries, at least two of which, in 1651 and 1662, deliberated on witchcraft cases and brought in verdicts of guilty. In 1659 he was one of the men from Windsor to build the fort at Springfield for Mr. Pynchon. He also served as Justice of the Peace.
Although he was granted land at Poquonoc he did not move there until after the title of the Indians had been fully extinguished in 1642. He was resident there in 1649 with two other families, John Bartlett and Thomas Holcomb. His home stood near the highway at the top of the hill, and contained 29-1/2 acres bounded mostly south and west by Stony Brook and east by the river. His sons George and Joseph received the homestead when he moved to Hammonassett in 1663 with his son John and two daughters, Hannah Westover and Deborah Buell, with their families.
The present Clinton, Connecticut is the original Killingworth; Main Street is the identical ground where the first settlers took their home lots. These were surveyed in 1663 by Byron Rossiter of Guiliford. Edward was one of the first settlers and doubtless suggested the name from Kenilworth Parish in England. He was the most prominent man in the new settlement and must be given full credit for first organizing this community. He was its first deputy to the General Court. He, with his two sons-in-law, were recorded as freeman in 1669.
Edward was instrumental in organizing the first church and was its first deacon. He frequently served on important civil matters; his services, counsel and guidance evidently much sought. He also served on the committee to establish a Latin school at New London.
Ancient land records on file at the office of the Secretary of State, Hartford, show land grants in favor of Edward: one of 200 acres; another of 100 acres given by the town of Killingworth. He showed the spirit of those early English settlers to accumulate large land holdings. They had 11 children:
i. Francis Griswold [male], born about 1629, died 1 Oct 1671.
ii. Sarah Griswold, christened 29 Jan 1631, died 6 Nov 1715.
iii. George Griswold, christened 19 May 1633, died 3 Sep 1704.
iv. John Griswold, christened 10 Jan 1635 in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, died 1642 in Windsor, Hartford, Connecticut.
v. Lydia/Liddia Griswold, christened 17 Nov 1637 in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, England, died about 1637 in England, and was buried 1637 in England.
vi. Ann (Hannah) Griswold, christened 19 Jun 1642, died 3 May 1714.
vii. Mary Griswold, born 5 Oct 1644, died 1690.
viii. Deborah Griswold, christened 28 Jun 1646, died 7 Feb 1717.
ix. Joseph Griswold, born 12 Mar 1647, died 14 Nov 1716.
x. Samuel Griswold, christened 18 Nov 1649 in Windsor, Hartford, Connecticut, died 6 Jul 1672 in Windsor, Hartford, Connecticut.
xi. John Griswold, christened 1 Aug 1652, died 7 Aug 1717.
Edward had 1 stepchild:
xii. Mary Bemis, born 18 Nov 1654, died 27 Oct 1679.
Edward married (2) Sarah Diamond before 25 Dec 1672. She was born about 1632 in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, England. She was the daughter of John Diamond and Rebecca (___). No children. Sarah also married (1) John Bemis."
2. The book "The Griswold Family, the First Five Generations in America," comp. and ed. by Esther Griswold French and Robert Lewis French, May 1990, printed by The Griswold Family Association, 116 Garden St., Wethersfield, CT, 06109, pages 6-24. The authors note that their book updates Vol. II, "The Griswold Family England - America," which was published 50 years ago:
"George (son of Edward), bp. 19 May 1633 at Kenilworth, England; m. at Windsor, Conn. 3 Oct 1655 Mary Holcombe who came with the Dorchester Company in 1630 and moved to Windsor in 1635.
In 1649 George moved his home to Poquonoc where he had purchased land from the Indians. Being six miles from Windsor, there was no protection from danger. From the records, we find this family was never molested. Probably because he dealt honestly and fairly with the Indians, they respected him.
George was made freeman in 1669, was a large landowner and a man greatly respected. He was a sturdy active citizen but did not aspire to political office. Records show that in 1676 he contributed to the poor of other colonies; in 1679 he had a warehouse on the north side of the Rivulet near the ferry; and in 1685 he was mentioned in Windsor Patent. He engaged in trade with England and the West Indies.
He died 3 Sep 1704. His estate is given in Hartford Probate VII:108; IX:10,11; Manwaring II:70. Inventory was taken 2 Oct 1704. An agreement made by the widow and children for the settlement of the estate is recorded. This agreement also mentions his granddaughter Abigail Griswold and daughters Mary Cooley and Deborah Moore.
The will of George (the son of George) dated 25 Nov 1746, Hartford Probate Records, was heretofore believed to be important as a reference to a relationship between Edward of Windsor and Michael of Wethersfield since the will as abstracted in Manwaring listed the final heir as Jacob. (The generic term 'cousin' was used to denote relationshp.) It left the major portion of his property to and named as executor, Hezekiah, son of his brother John. He also left property to Daniel; John and Isaac, sons of his brother John; Zerviah, daughter of his brother Benjamin and her husband George, his cousin, son of Joseph; and Joseph Bernard/Barnard, husband of Abigail, his brother Edward's daughter. A study of the microfilm of the original will shows that the name was not Jacob, but Joab, the son of Zerviah and George Griswold. (Esther Griswold French)
Children recorded in Windsor:
Daniel, b. 1 Oct 1656.
Thomas, b. 29 Dec 1658.
Edward, b. 19 Mar 1660/1.
Mary, b. 28 Sep 1663.
George, b. 3 Dec 1665; d. unmarried 1746.
John, b. 17 Sep 1668.
Benjamin, b. 16 Apr 1671.
Deborah, b. 30 May 1674.
Abigail, b. 31 Oct 1676; d. 7 May 1682.
Samuel, b. 5 Nov, 1681; d. 1 Jun 1682.
References: Kenilworth, England Parish Register; Windsor, Conn. records; Hartford Probate Records; Nash: Fifty Puritan Ancestors; Stiles: Anchient Windsor II:351; Porter Family History I:63; NEHGR V:226; Conn. Colonial Records I:196, 156; II:519; Daniel Bissell Family History p. 25; Joseph Parsons Family History p. 119; Historic Families of America p. 297; Conn. Historical Society Collections XXII:183, 219, 264; Spear: The Search for the Passengers of the Mary and John 1630 (1985)."
3. Henry R. Stiles, "The History and Genealogies of Ancient Windsor, Connecticut," 1892, v. 2, pp. 346-353:
"Edward, born in Eng. about 1607; m. (1) 1630, in Eng., Margaret ___, who died 23 Aug 1670; her gravestone, inscribed "M.G., 1670,' is known as the oldest monument in Cong. Graveyard, Clinton (formerly Killingworth), Conn.; he m. (2) (1732 or '3, Sara (wid. of James) Bemis of New London.
Mr. Edward Griswold came to America at the time of the second visit of Mr. George Fenwick, at which date, also, came a large number of new settlers to the Conn. settlement. It was a time when many of the gentry of England and wealthy persons connected with the Warwick patent were intending removel hither; but the breaking out of the Scotch Rebellion compelled King Charles to call a Parliament, and they stayed at home to carry on their struggle with the King and Archbishop Laud. Mr. Griswold undoubtedly came in the interest of some of these patentees. He was attorney for Mr. St. Nicholas of Warwickshire, who had a house built in Windsor, and also a tract of land 'impaled' (fenced), as had Sir Richard Saltonstall. The Rev. Ephraim Huit, who came, also, in 1639, was from the same parish, as, also, the Wyllys family, who settled at Hartford.
His first location in Windsor is not known; but he had (see p. 157, Vol. I) a grant of land in Poquonok, to which he removed, in 1649, accompanied by a few families, who there found an 'outpost' settlement. His residence at P. was on the site of the present dwelling of the heirs of the late Eliphalet S. Ladd, and who, on the female side, are Griswold descendants. The spot is a beautiful knoll which overlooks the brook on the west, the Tunxis River on the south and east. As soon as he had fairly established his home, he began to take that active part in public matters which was natural to a man of his character. In 1650 he was a deputy from W. to the General Court, and continued, with the exception of one session, to represent the town until the reception of the charter from King Charles. At this time he was the principal promoter of a new settlement authorized by the court, called Hommonoscett, which lay immediatly west of Saybrook, and to which, about 1663, he removed with his younger children, deeding to his sons, George and Joseph, who remained behind, his W. lands, reserving a small life annuity therefrom. The settlement was organized as a town in 1667 and received, probably from him the name of his old English home Kenilworth, afterwards corrupted to Killingworth, and now known as Clinton. He was the first deputy from K., and continued to be its magistrate and representative for more than 20 years, 1662 to 1678-89, and was succeeded by his son John.
The 'Col. Rec.' show him to have been a very active, influential menmber of the legislature - pre-eminently one of those men who, in the first half-century, did so much to make the small colony of Connecticut so important a factor in American affairs. As a member of Sessions, he had the pleasure of meeting with his brother Matthew and his one son Francis; and there has, since that time, rarely been an Assembly of Conn. in which some of their lineal descendants have not been members. He was frequently a commisisioner; and, in 1678, was on a committee for establishing a Latin school in New London, and was first deacon of the K. church. He died at K., it is said, in 1691, in 84th year. Children (all by 1st wife; *Kenilworth Engl. Rec.):
A. Sarah, * b. 1631.
B. George, * born in Eng., 1633. Rec'd (with his bro. Joseph) his father's W. lands, when the latter rem. to Killingworth; was also a large purchaser of lands from the Indians and an eminently respected citizen; freeman in 1654; he d. 3 Sep 1704; m. Mary (dau. Thos. Holcomb), 3 Oct 1665, who d. 4 Apr 1708.
C. Francis, b. in Eng., 1635. Was made a freeman 1657, and, before his father left W., he had rem. to Saybrook, and thence to Norwich, Conn., of which he was a first proprietor and an active citizen, and which town he rep. in Gen Court from 1661 inclusive to 1671; he died Oct 1671. wife's name unknown.
D. Liddia, * born Eng., 1637.
E. Sarah, * b. in Eng., 1638; m. (1) Samuel (s. William, Sen) Phelps, 10 Nov 1650; (2) 21 July 1670, Nathaniel (s. Humphrey) Pinney.
F. Ann, b. Windsor; bp. 19 Jun 1642 - O.C.R. and 'Col. Rec.'
G. Mary, b. W.; bp. 13 Oct 1644; m. Timothy (s. William, Sen) Phelps, 19 Mar 1661.
H. Deborah, b. and bp. W., 28 Jun 1646 (O.C.R.); m. Samuel (s. William) Buell, 1662; removed to Killingworth.
I. Joseph, b. and bp. 12 Mar 1647. - O.C.R. - m. Mary (dau. of Samuel) Gaylord, 14 Jul 1670 (O.C.R.); res. W.; d 14 Nov 1716; will dated 6 Sep 1716 (Htfd. co. Prob.); his wife contrib. (the only G. that did so) to Conn. Fund for Relief of Poor of other Colonies, 1676, the sum of 2s. 6d. - O.R.
J. Samuel, b. and bp. 18 Nov 1649 (O.C.R.); d. 6 Jul 1672.
H. John, b. and bp. 1 Aug 1652. - O.C.R. - m. (1) Mary ___, who d. 27 Oct 1679; m. (2) Bathsheba ___, who d. 19 Mar 1736; rem. from W. to Kill., prob with his father, and there d. 7 Aug 1717; was a man of property, intelligence, and influence; deacon in ch.; invent. presented 7 Oct 1717, gave lands to sons Samuel, Joseph, Benjamin, and Walter."
4. Henry R. Stiles, "The History and Genealogies of Ancient Windsor, Connecticut," 1892, v. 2, p. 351: "Children from Old Church Records:
A. Daniel, b. 1 Oct 1656, m. Mindwell (dau. Nathaniel) Bissell, 3 Feb 1680, who d. 31 Dec 1728.
B. Thomas, b. 29 Sep 165(8), m. Hester (dau. Job and Mary Wolcott) Drake, and gd.-dau. of Hon. Henry Wolcott, by Capt. Newbury, 11 Aug 1681 (O.C.R., which says, 'He is 23 yrs. old next Dec. 29, she 19 Oct.10.), who d. 19 Feb 1691/2. He is prob. the Thomas 'of Windsor,' whose death is rec. on 'Westfield (Mass.) Rec.,' p. 173, as occurring 29 Jan 1727/8. On 'West. Ch. Rec.,' which give same date, he is called 'Ensign.'
C. Edward, b. 19 Mar 166(1), m. Abigail Williams, 3 Nov 1681; he d. Westfield, 31 May 1688; she d. 16 Sep 1690. He adm. to Westfield Ch., 26 May 1685 - 'West. Ch. Rec.'
D. Mary, b. 28 Sep 1663.
E. George, b. 3 Dec 1665; d.s.p.
F. John (Sgt.), b. 17 Sep 1668, m. Abigail (dau. Nath.) Gaylord, 22 Nov 1705; he d. 13 Jun 1738, in 70th yr.
G. Benjamin, b. 16 Aug 1671, m. Elizabeth Cook.
H. Deborah, b. 30 May 1674; m. Thos. Moore of Windsor 12 Dec 1695.
I. Abigail, b. 31 Oct 1676; d. 7 May 1682.
J. Samuel, b. 5 Nov 1681; d. 1 Jun 1682 (not in O.C.R.)."
5. From the book "The Griswold Family: England-America," by Glenn E. Griswold, 1935, vols. 2 and 3, pps. 13-34:
"George, b. England, 1633 (Edward); m. in Windsor, Conn., Oct. 3, 1655, Mary HOLCOMBE, daughter of Thomas and ElizaÂbeth, who came from England to Dorchester, Mass., and removed to Windsor 1635. Mary d. Apr. 4, 1708. George made his home in Poquoson 1649 where he purchased land from the Indians. Poquoson then was about six miles from Windsor and those families venturing out to this settlement had no protection from any danger that might come or from the Indians; however, from the records, we find this family was never molested. Probably from the fact that he dealt honestly with the Indians and treated them fairly, they respected him; he was known to be of kindly disposition. Made freeman 1669; was a large land owner and a man of high respectability. A sturdy active citizen, but did not aspire to political office. Died Sept. 3, 1704. His estate, Hartford Probate, Vol. VII, 108; Vol. IX, 10, 11; Mainwaring, II, 70. Inventory Oct. 2, 1704. An agreement made by the widow and also mentions his grand-daughter Abigail Griswold and daughters Mary Cooley and Deborah Moore. 1685 he was menÂtioned in Windsor Patent. 1676 contributed to the poor of other colonies. 1679 had a warehouse on the north side of the Rivulet near the ferry. Trade with England and West Indies.
Children recorded in Windsor:
Daniel, b. Oct. 1, 1656.
Thomas, b. Sept. 29, 1658.
Edward, b. May 19, 1660/1.
Mary, b. Sept. 28, 1663.
George, b. Dec. 3, 1665. Unm., See
John, b. Sept. 17,1668.
Benjamin, b. Apr. 16, 1671.
DEBORAH, b. May 30, 1674.
Abigail, b. Oct. 31, 1676; d. May 7, 1682.
Samuel, b. Nov. 5., 1681; d. June 1, 1682.
Windsor, Conn., records; Nash Puritan Ancestors; Stiles Ancient Windsor, II, 351; Porter Farm. Hist., I,63; N. E. Register, V, 226; Conn. Colonial records, Vol. I, 196, 256; II, 519; Gen. Daniel Bissell Fam. Hist., 25; Joseph Parsons Fam. Hist., 119; Historic Families of America, 297; Conn. Hist.. Soc. Col., XXII, 183, 219, 264.
The will of George, b. 1665 (Manwaring Hartford Probate, III, 560), becomes important as a reference in that it mentions a number of the family and especially it seems to link the families of Edward and Michael by its reference to Jacob Griswold. Will dated Nov. 25, 1746.
I, George Griswold, of Windsor, make this my last will and testament: I give unto my cousin Hezekiah Griswold the whole of the lott that I now live upon, with all the buildings and appurÂtenances thereof; also the pasture on the west side of the street, likewise the whole of my round swamp; also my will is that the said Hezekiah have my two lots in Indian field and also my island; likewise to said Hezekiah have all my part in the corn mill; also that he have one half of my moveable estate. I give unto Peletiah Griswold my south lott in the fourth meadow during his natural life and after Peletiah's death my will is that the same lot return to the above Hezekiah Griswold. Also that the said Peletiah have one half of the last division of land laid out to me in the town commons during his natural life, and after Peletiah's death my will is that it shall return to my cousin John Griswold. I give unto Joseph Bernard all my land in the quarrey field. I give unto George Griswold, 2nd of Windsor, my north lot in the fourth meadow. I give unto Jacob Griswold my wash brook lott. I give George Griswold, son of Daniel of Bolton, my right in the equivalent land. I give unto Isaac Griswold the other half of the last division of land laid out to me in the town commons, together with Peletiah Griswold to be divided between them, viz., Peletiah and Isaac. I give Zerviah, Sgt. George Griswold's wife, the other half of my moveable estate, together with Hezekiah Griswold to be divided between them. I appoint my cousin Hezekiah Griswold sole executor.
All the legatees mentioned in the above will were his first cousins except Isaac and Jacob. If it be true that Edward and Michael were brothers then Isaac and Jacob would be second cousins. However, Isaac of Windsor might have been the one intended and he would have been a third cousin. But we find no Jacob in the Edward branch, and George having mentioned his cousins through the will it might be his mention of Jacob would be a strong conjecture of the relationship of the two families."
6. The book "The Griswold Family, the First Five Generations in America," comp. and ed. by Esther Griswold French and Robert Lewis French, May 1990, printed by The Griswold Family Association, 116 Garden St., Wethersfield, CT, 06109, pages 6-24. The authors note that their book updates Vol. II, "The Griswold Family England - America," which was published 50 years ago. The following is a partial transcription regarding the children of Edward and Margaret of which the whole transcription can be seen in the notes of Edward Griswold:
"...When the Rev. Ephraim Huit arrived in Windsor, Conn. with his congregation about Aug. 17, 1639 to assist the Rev. John Warham, Edward and Margaret Griswold, their four children: Francis, George, John and Sarah; and Edward's brother Matthew, were with the company (Savage's Genealogical Dictionary 2:316)...
...Although he was granted land at Poquonoc he did not move there until after the title of the Indians had been fully extinguished in 1642. He was resident there in 1649 with two other families, John Bartlett and Thomas Holcomb. His home stood near the highway at the top of the hill, and contained 29-1/2 acres bounded mostly south and west by Stony Brook and east by the river. His sons George and Joseph received the homestead when he moved to Hammonassett in 1663 with his son John and two daughters, Hannah Westover and Deborah Buell, with their families...
Edward married (2) Sarah Dimond Bemis, daughter of John and Rebecca (Bemis) Dimond and widow of James Bemis, constable of New London, who died in 1665. Her daughter married as his first wife, John, youngest son of Edward and Margaret. The date of Edward's second marriage was before Dec 25, 1672 when a deed of gift to his son John was executed 'of and for natural affection and also for divers other good causes' giving John 'my housing and land lying and being in the the Township of Killingworth' for which John was to pay to:
'Samuel son of ffrancis Griswold deceased ₤60 when he attains the age of 21 and if he dye before he be twenty-one years of age then John is to pay ₤5 a year to his six sisters the daughters of ffrancis. In case John dye childless and have no issue then the ₤60 or the ₤30 is to be returned by those that inherit the land to the widdow and relict of John Griswold or whom he shall bequeath it to. And all the above sayde land and housing so returne to the eldest sons of George, Joseph and Samuel Griswold the imediat sons of Edward Griswold Snr and if they have no sons then to their eldest daughters. Also the sayde John Griswold is to kepe all the housing in good repayre and to allow to my wife after my decease the use and benefit of the parlors and meadow to kepe two cowes during the time of her widdowhood. Also if John Griswold dye and have no issue his widdow is to enjoy the one halfe of the housing and lands during the time of her widdowhood. Witnesses: Tobias Hull, Jonas Westover. December 25, 1672.'
Edward died in 1690 in his 84th year, his burial place being unknown, except it may be in the vacant space next to that of Margaret.
Based on additional research, the order of birth and number of children of Edward and Margaret have been revised from that given in the earlier Griswold family genealogy. Kenilworth Parish Register entries show four children baptized there of which Lydia is the only one who did not come to this country, indicating she died as an infant in England. The first John died in 1642 in Windsor, Conn. The Kenilworth Parish Register begins with the year 1630 so no baptismal record has been found for Francis who was undoubtedly the oldest child, born about 1629 to have been married about 1652 at approximately 23 year of age. Sarah bp. Jan. 29, 1631/2 in Kenilworth is the logical one to have married in 1650. Savage's Genealogical Dictionary and the Kenilworth Parish Records refer to only one Sarah, born in England who came to Windsor with her parents in 1639. She would have been 18 years of age at the time of her marriage in 1650, not 15 nor 12 as has previously been asserted.
Children, first five born in Kenilworth, England, the rest in Windsor, Conn.:
Francis b. ca. 1629.
Sarah, bp. 29 Jan 1631/2.
George, bp. 19 May 1633.
John, bp. 10 Jan 1635/6; d. 1642 Windsor, Conn.
Lydia, bp. 17 Nov 1637; d. England before 1639.
Ann (Hannah), bp. 19 Jun 1642.
Mary, b. 5 Oct 1644.
Deborah, bp. 28 June 1646.
Joseph, bp. 12 Mar 1647/8.
Samuel, bp. 18 Nov 1649; d. 6 Jul 1672. Inventory of his estate is dated 26 Feb 1672/3, probated 6 Mar 1672/3. His brother George was appointed administrator.
John, bp. 1 Aug 1652.
References: Parish Register, Kenilworth, England; Killingworth and Clinton, Conn. Records; Historic Families of America, p. 297; Conn. Society of Colonial Dames Register; Savage: Genealogical Dictionary of the First Settlers of New England II:316; Dimond Family pp. 13-14; Bemis Family p. 211; NEHGR Vol. V; Magazine of American History I:120-129; Wyllys Papers XXXI; Trumbull: Hartford County II:521, 548, 552; Hartford Probate Records; Stiles: Ancient Windsor I:71, 148, 157, 158; II:351; Anniversary of the First Church, Clinton, Conn. p. 25; Conn. Magazine VIII;489, 504; Booth and Allied Families; Caulkins: History of New London p. 283; History of Norwich, Conn. pp. 92, 176; Conn. Historical Society Collections XXII; Conn. Colony Records I, II, III; TAG 41:214."
7. "The Connecticut Magazine," Third Quarter, 1908, No. 3, Vol. XII, pp. 323-329, Article: "Recent Investigations in Connecticut Genealogy - Griswolds of Windsor," by Mrs. Julia Welles Griswold Smith, deals mainly with later Griswolds, but does have the following interesting comment in speaking of the children of Edward and Margaret: "Francis settled at Norwich; Sarah and Mary married brothers Samuel and Lieutenant Timothy, sons of Mr. William Phelps, and the Phelps and Griswold families have intermarried ever since. Deborah married Samuel Buell of Killingworth and is recorded as of fine presence and strong character, sometimes written of as 'the mother of all the Buells' in Connecticut. About 1663, after years of public service, Edward, the emigrant, deeded his Windsor lands and house to his sons, George and Joseph, and with some younger children removed to the south shore of the colony and was one of the founders of Killingworth, now Clinton. Here English Margaret died and here her tombstone stands today marked 'M.G. 1670.'
Edward immediately entered public life in Killingworth as in Windsor, as shown in Stiles and Salisbury Histories, but returning to Windsor for his last years, died in 1691. His sons, George and Joseph, who had remained there, are the ancestors of Windsor Griswolds...
Windsor had its real estate boom in 1640-50, when land was held at high prices and then dropped, for the obvious reason that if they could not pay Windsor prices there was plenty more land all about.
The Griswolds for many generations were large land-holders. Edward, first settler, had large acreage. George also bought of the Indians and was man of wealth and importance in Poquonoc. Windsor is an elastic term and includes much of what is since Poquonoc, Simsbury, Tarriffville, East Granby, and so forth. Samuel's property was some of the most beautiful in the state, nearly 500 acres, with views of Farmington River where it breaks through the Talcott Mountains and most romantic scenes of valley and mountain. Tarriffville used to be called Griswold Mills..."
8. The book "Families of Early Guilford, Connecticut," comp. by Alvan Talcott, 1984, has the following [Note: the book appears to be more of a compilation then a documented resource; consequently, there may be some errors.]:
"George Griswold, son of Edward and Margaret, was born 1632 and d. 3 Sep 1704. He m. 3 Oct 1655 Mary Holcomb who d. 4 Apr 1708, dau. of Thomas. Lived in Simsbury, Conn. Children:
Daniel, b. 1 Oct 1656, m. Mindwell Bissell.
Thomas, b. 29 Sep 1658; m. Hester Drake.
Edward, b. 19 Mar 1661, d. 3 Sep 1688; m. Abigail Williams.
Mary, b. 28 Sep 1663.
George, b. 3 Dec 1665.
John, b. 17 Sep 1668; d. 13 Jun 1738; m. Abigail Gaylord.
Benjamin, b. 16 Aug 1671; m. Elizabeth Cook.
Deborah, b. 20 May 1674; m. Thomas Moore.
Abigail, b. 31 Oct 1676; d. 7 mar 1682.
Samuel, b. 5 Nov 1681; d. 1 Jun 1682."
9. From the book "The Griswold Family," by Edward Elbridge Salisbury, privately published 1884, copy in Windsor, Conn. Historical Society Library, pp. 8-10:
"[Edward] was twice married; first, in England, to Margaret ___, who died 23 Aug 1670. ('Her gravestone stands in the Clinton Congregational Burying Ground, with the letters M.G., and is called the oldest monument.') and secondly, in 1672 or 1673, to the widow of James Bemis of New London. 'Before coming to Windsor he had Francis, George, John, and Sarah, probably all born in England, and he had at Windsor; three sons and three daughters - all, as appears by their days of birth or baptism recorded at Windsor, by his first marriage...
George, son of Edward, Griswold, was a freeman of Windsor in 1669, (Public Records of Col. of Conn., 1665-1677, Hartford, 1852, p. 519) and seems to have lived there permanently. He died in 1704, (Stiles' Hist. of Anc. Windsor, p. 641) having had sons and daughters. John (b. 1668), son of Georrge, was father of Isaac (b. 1718), who was father of Abiel (b. 1755), who was father of Origin (b. 1785), who was father of judge S.O. Griswold, now of Cleveland, Ohio. Judge Griswold and his sisters now own a tract of land at Windsor which once belonged to their ancestor George."
10. The book "Dorset Pilgrims," 1989, p. 227, concerning a religious problem occurring among the second generation of immigrants wherein they wanted their children baptized even though the parents were less fervent then their parents. This upset the status quo where only the seriously converted parents had the right to have their children baptized. These parents created a faction against the standard orthodoxy and wanted their own liberal pastor. "The anti-Chauncey faction were so incensed by the stubborn refusal of the orthodox ascendency of Windsor church to recognize their right to appoint Woodbridge as their pastor in the full sense that they determined to call an extraordinary town meeting to railroad through a resolution authorizing him to preach on the Lord's Day. The meeting was summoned for 8 Aug. [1662] by townsmen at the wish of 'several inhabitants', and the proposition was accepted 'by a full vote'. However, it seems as though the meeting had been irregularly summoned and the vote packed; for the minute was drafted not by Matthew Grant, the town clerk, whose duty it was, but by George Griswold, a leading member of the Woodbridge faction. As a townsman Griswold had called the meeting himself, had conducted its business and then, with 'some others', had gone to Grant's house in the Palisado and demanded that the minute of a vote in favour of Woodbridge's Sabbath preaching be duly inscribed in the official minute book. Matthew Grant refused … Whereupon Griswold, whit his authority as a townsman, demanded the minute book. Grant laid it on the table and Griswold wrote the minute in his own hand. That town meeting had been irregularly engineered in order to achieve the vote the dissidents wanted. It was the act of exasperated and no doubt unscrupulous men. George Griswold further evinced his bitterness two months later by appealing to the court against Mr. Chauncey's refusal to baptize his child on the ground that he was a Woodbridge supporter."
11. The book "Emerson-Benson Saga …," by Edmund K. Swigart (Baltimore: Gateway Press, Inc., 1994), pp. 248-49:
"EDWARD GRISWOLD (GEORGEA, HENRYB) was born circa 1607 in Kenilworth, county Warwick, England, and died in 1691 in Killingworth, CT. He was the oldest of three (five?) sons of GEORGEA GRISWOLD of Kenilworth and the grandson of HENRYB and DOROTHYA (JAMES) GRISWOLD of Greet, County Warwick. His family dates back to the late 13th century, when JOHN GRISWOLD of Kenilworth married (___) HUGGERFORD, circa 1290. EDWARD1 GRISWOLD marred as his first wife by 1629-20, probably in Kenilworth, MARGARET HICKS?. MARGARET1 was born circa 1610 in England and died in August of 1670 in Kenilworth, CT. "Her gravestone marked as ‘M.G. 1670' is known as the oldest monument in the Congregational graveyard at Clinton, CT (formerly part of Killingworth)" (ref. 1). EDWARD1 married circa 1672 as his second wife, probably in New London, CT, Sarah? (___) Bemus, widow of James, who died in New London in 1665. Sarah? had two daughters by her first marriage, Rebecca2 and Mary2. Mary2 married John2, EDWARD1's son, creating the interesting situation of John2 having a mother-in-law who was also his step-mother. EDWARD1's second wife Sarah? probably died in Killingworth.
In 1639 EDWARD immigrated from Kenilworth, England, to Windsor, CT, perhaps by boat from Dorchester, MA, with Rev. Ephraim Huit (as part of his congregation), or directly from England with George Fenwick on his second visit to the Colonies. Accompanying him, whenever he came, was his wife MARGARET1. MARGARET1, "mother of eleven children, was a real pioneer pilgrim. After nine years of married life in England, with five baby children, she braved the wilderness of the New World at Windsor. Here she lived a full quarter of a century, and then lived for seven years in the new virgin town of Kenilworth," [later Killingworth] "Conn., which was named for her home town in England" (ref. 1).
In the new world EDWARD1 was always addressed as "Mr.", a title rarely granted and indicating he had a strong financial and social background in England -- and that he had earned great respect among his peers in the New World. Between 1640 and 1642 EDWARD1 was granted 150 acres of land by the town of Windsor and was one of the first settlers of Poquonock, four miles west of Windsor. By 1649 the danger of Indian raids was still so real that 'The Gen'l Court, in view of the ‘many dangers the familyes of Edward Griswold, Thomas Holcombe," [etc.] "are in, by reason of remote living from neighbors and nearness to the Indians', frees one of them from training on each training day, provided he stand about as a sentinel" (ref. 1). EDWARD1 was a deputy to the General Court for Windsor from 1658 to 1661. In 1662 he was the foreman of a jury of 12 men who condemned Nathaniel Greensmith as "worthy of death for witchcraft. They found Rebecca, his wife, also guilty and she confessed same in open court. ...The witchcraft delusion was very light in America compared to Europe" (ref. 1).
EDWARD1 deeded his Windsor property to sons George2 and Joseph2 shortly before he became one of the 21 subscribers in 1663, along with ancestor JOSIAH2 HULL (see JOSIAH2 HULL for details) to help found Kenilworth, CT. Most of his children were married and settled in Windsor at this point, but apparently he wanted to move once more. Thus, at the age of 56, he went with his wife and two children, plus newly married daughter DEBORAH2 and son-in-law SAMUEL2 BUELL, to help settle Kenilworth. EDWARD1 served as the first deputy from that town to the General Court in 1667 and the General Court appointed he and JOSIAH2 HULL as commissioners for Kenilworth. This post he held for 14 years. In 1672 he drew up a Conditional Inheritance Deed, which served as his will when he died. In it he made son John2 his principal beneficiary, but named his other children and their children as well. In 1678 EDWARD1 served on a committee to help set up a Latin School in New London.
EDWARD1 and MARGARET (HICKS?) GRISWOLD had the following children, the oldest five? (six?) born at Kenilworth, county Warwick, England, and the rest in Windsor, CT:
I Sarah2, b. 1631: d. soon, prob. at Kenilworth, Eng.
II Sarah2, b. 1632; d. 1715: m. 1/hs 10 Nov 1650, prob. at Windsor, CT. Samuel Phelps who d. in 1669, prob. at Windsor, m. 2/hs 21 Jul 1670, prob. at Windsor, Nathaniel Pinney.
III Lieut. Francis2, b. 1633; d. Oct 1671 at Norwich, CT; m. by 1653, Mary?/Sarah? Post?.
IV George2, b. 1635; d. 3 Sep 1704, prob. at Windsor, CT: m. 3 Oct 1655, Mary2 Holcomb (Thomas1)
V Liddia2, b. 1637.
VI Ann2, bapt. 19 Jun 1642 at Windsor, CT.
VII Mary2, b. 5 Oct, bapt. 13 Oct 1644; m. 19 Mar 1661, prob. at Windsor, CT, Capt. Timothy Phelps, prob. bro. of Samuel.
VIII DEBORAH2, b. and bapt. 28 Jun 1646: d. 1717-8 at Killingworth, CT; m. 13 Nov 1662 at Windsor, CT, SAMUEL2 BUELL (see BUELL).
IX Joseph2, bapt. 12 Mar 1647-8; d. 14 Nov 1714: m. ca. 14 Jul 1670, prob. at Windsor, CT, Mary2 Gaylord (John1).
X Samuel2, b. and bapt. 18 Nov 1649; d. 6 Jul 1672, perh. at Killingworth, CT; unm.
XI John2, bapt. 1 Aug 1652; d. 1717, prob. at Killingworth, CT; m. as 1/wf 28 Nov 1672. perh. at Killingworth, Mary Bemis, his step-sis., who d. 27 Oct 1679, prob. at Killingworth, m. 2/wf aft. Oct 1679. bef. 4 May 1681, Bathsheba Smith?/North?.
REFERENCES
1) Bassette, B. B., op. cit., 158-69, 357-67.
2) Colket, M. B., op. cit., 137.
3) Ferris, M. W., op. cit., Dawes-Gates, II:461-2.
3) McCracken, George E., "William Buell & Early Descendants". TAG, 54(1978):71.
4) Pierce, R. Andrew, personal communication, research and material on the Buell and Griswold lines, 25 January 1993, LET and MAT, Swigart, E. K., Washington, CT.
5) Savage, J., op. cit., I:288; II:316.
6) Torrey, C. A., op. cit., 114, 329, 576, 587."
12. The book "The Ancestry of Allen Grinnell Cleaver and Martha Irene Jessup," by William Jessup Cleaver (Baltimore, MD: Gateway Press, Inc., 1989), pp. 486-90, 494-95:
"1. EDWARD GRISWOLD, son of George and Dousabell--, was baptized 26 July 1607 in Wooten Wawen, a chapelry of Henley in Warwickshire, England. He married in England Margaret-- and they emigrated to New England in 1639 with perhaps six children and his younger brother Matthew. Margaret died in Killingsworth, Connecticut 23 August 1670. Her gravestone marked "M. G. 1670" is the oldest in the cemetery. Edward married, second, in 1672/3 Sarah (--) Bemis, widow of James Bemis of New London. Edward may be buried in the empty space beside Margaret's stone in Clinton. He died in 1691 in his 84th year. (1)(4)(15)
In a deposition dated 5 May 1684, Edward Griswold stated that he was about sixty-seven years old and that "about the year 1639 Mr. William Whiting, Dec'd, was Undertaker [financial sponser] for a shipp in England, in which Shipp I came to New England." He was to act as agent for Whiting in collecting £200 from a Mr. John St. Nicholas who was expected to soon be in Windsor. The Rev. Ephraim Huet of Wroxall near Kenilworth, though an eminent preacher and writer of the Puritan faith; had b6en persecuted as a non-conformist by Archbishop Laud. He emigrated with a party which undoubtedly included the Griswolds, arriving in Windsor, Connecticut 17 August 1639. Huet became the first teacher in the church there. Edward received his first share of lands at Windsor in January 1640/41. In 1642 title to Poquonack-about four miles away -- had been cleared with the Indians and a few families including the Griswolds moved there and Edward had a corner lot of twenty-nine acres bounded by Stony Creek on both the south and the west. This settlement seemed so remote to the General Court that in September of 1649 in consideration of the exposure of so many dangers it freed one "souldger" from each family from attendance on each training-day requiring that he who "tarryes at home, stands about the aforesaid howses uppon his sentinel posture." (4)(5)(15)
Edward was deputy from Windsor to the General Court (legislature) from 1656 until the charter was received from King Charles II in 1662/3 -- except for one session. He later represented Killingsworth almost continuously from 1667 to 1689 and he was Judge at Killingsworth from 1667 through 1677. (7)
In 1659 William Pyncheon contracted Edward Griswold to build "Old Fort," a mansion for the Pyncheon family on Main Street in Springfield in the Bay Colony. The building stood sixty or seventy-five feet back from the street, was forty-two feet long, twenty-one feet wide and was twenty-two feet from the ground to the eaves and the same distance perpendicular from the eaves to the ridge beams -- a very steep roof. The walls were red Long Meadow stone and bricks made in Northampton. The brick walls were over two feet thick on the first floor and half that on the second story. Eight by ten oak timbers supported the roof. Edward Griswold was paid €40 for the construction including both the stonework and the brickwork. A future son-in-law, Samuel Buel, prepared the hewn logs. On 5 October 1675 when Springfield was attacked and burned by the Indians, the house was one of three fortified houses. The building stood until 1831 and until 1800 was the only brick building in Springfield. Major Pyncheon held Court in one of the lower rooms and records were stored in a space above the porch. (4)(17)
In March-1663 the General Court appointed a committee to view Hamonoscett to ascertain if it would be a fit location for a new settlement or plantation. The second report of the committee which had decided in favor of the location and that it would support thirty families included Edward Griswold's name as one of the first settlers. He was then age sixty-four. The settlement was called Kenilworth (later corrupted to Killingsworth) as a courtesy to Edward's memory of his home in England. It was specified that each settler was to stay four years -- and to build within two years. Edward deeded his lands in Windsor to his older sons, reserving a small annuity for himself, and moved in 1663. The new town was first represented on the General Court in May of 1667 and Edward Griswold was its first Deputy. He was Deacon of the First Church, as well, and Commissioner (Justice) for more than sixteen years. At this same time his son Francis sat on the General Court representing Norwich and his younger brother, Matthew, was Deputy from Lyme. Only two men, including Edward, were accorded the prefix "Mr." on the 1669 list of Freeman. He was involved with laying out land for other plantations, arranging roads and bridges and their upkeep and establishing a Latin School at New London. The General Court in appreciation granted him two hundred acres of land in 1674, laid out at the north end of the "Lyme bounds," and the town of Killings-worth followed suit with a one hundred acre grant. (4)(6)(7)
Rather than a will he signed a conditional inheritance deed on Christmas day 1672 -- nineteen years before his death. John Griswold was to receive all the property out of which he paid certain legacies. He had, in the spirit of most .colonists, accumulated considerable land. (4)(8)
Children of Edward Griswold and Margaret:
i. FRANCIS, b. about 1629 in England.
ii. Sarah, bapt. at Kenilworth, England 1631, died young.
iii. George, bapt. at Kenilworth, England 1633; d. at Windsor, Conn. 3 Sept. 1674; m. 3 Oct. 1655 Mary Holcomb, daughter of Thomas.
iv. Sarah, bapt. at Kenilworth, England 1635, d. at Windsor 6 Nov. 1715, m. (1st) at Windsor 10 Nov. 1650 Samuel Phelps, son of William, who d. 15 May 1669. They settled at Windsor, had nine children. She m. (2nd) at Windsor 21 July 1670 Nathan Pinney.
v. Lydia, bapt. 1637. Kenilworth, England.
vi. John, d. at Windsor, 1642.
vii. Ann, bapt. at Windsor, 19 June 1642; known as Hannah; d. at Simsbury, 3 May 1714; m. at Windsor 19 Nov. 1663 Jonas Westover of Killingsworth and Simsbury.
viii. Mary, bapt. at Windsor, 13 Oct. 1644; m. at Windsor 19 Mar. 1661 Timothy Phelps, son of William.
ix. Deborah, bapt. at Windsor 28 June 1646; d. at Killingsworth 7 Feb. 1717; m. at Windsor 13 Nov. 1662, Samuel Buell, son of William.
x. Joseph, bapt. at Windsor 12 Mar. 1647/8; d. at Windsor 14 Nov. 1716; m. 10 or 14 June or July 1670, Mary Gaylord.
xi. Samuel, bapt. at Windsor 18 Nov. 1649; d. 6 July 1672. Inventory taken 26 Feb. 1672/3. Administered by George Griswold.
xii. JOHN, bapt. at Windsor 1 Aug 1652. (4)(6)(8)
References:
(1) TAG, vol. 39, 1963. Mrs. Genevive Tvlee Kiepura.
(2) TAG, vol. 40, 1946, John G. Hunt and Donald Lines Jacobus.
(3) TAG, vol. 41, 1965, John G. Hunt.
(4) Dawes-Gates Ancestral Lines, Mary Walton Ferris 1931-43, vol. II.
(5) Colonial Records of Connecticut, vols. I, II, III.
(6) Waterman Family, D. L. Jacobus, 1939.
(7) A List of Civil, Military and Ecclesiastical Officers, Donald Lines Jacobus.
(8) The Griswold Family, England and America, Glenn E. Griswold, 1935, 1942.
(9) Family Histories and Genealogies, E. E. and E. M. Salisbury, 1892, vol. II.
(10) History and Genealogies of Ancient Windsor, Henry R. Stiles, 1892.
(11) Saybrook Vital Records
(12) Norwich Vital Records.
(13) Lebanon Vital Records.
(14) Killingsworth Vital Records, TAG, vol. 12.
(15) Griswold Family of Connecticut, Edward Elbridge Salisbury, 1884.
(16) Soldiers in King Philip's War, George M. Bodge, 1896.
(17) One Branch of the Booth Family, Chas. E. Booth, 1910."
BAPTISM:
1. The booklet "The Griswold Family in England before 1639 - A Report of the Findings of Bonnie Boone Day Griswold and James Wells Griswold," 1984, Exeter, NH, copy in the library of the Windsor CT. Historical Society. The authors went to England to look up actual records. Quote from pp. 10-13:
"The search for hard facts about our direct Griswold ancestors in England has yielded information only on Edward. This we found in the Warwickshire County Records Library. Even this information is evidently not new because the names and accurate dates are given in Glen E. Griswold's Vol. II of the Griswold Family. But since he does not cite the source of his information, maybe the following will add a bit.
The above-mentioned library, located in Warwick, is well staffed and has a good catalog. However, the novice finds it confusing at the beginning. It takes several visits to learn how to use the available resources. We learned that there have been many visitors inquiring about he Griswolds.
Of great interest is the Kenilworth Parish Register. This is a leather-bound book, about 13 inches long and 5 inches wide. Originally it was a bound blank book with about 200 pages. Entries were made chronologically in ink in four sections: Baptisms (not births), Marriages, Burials, and finally in the back of the book, the 'Beneficences" of Lady Dudley of Kenilworth Castle to the members of the parish at the time of Christmas (read the book 'Kenilworth' by Scott). The librarian had to help us by translating archaic terms of some entries. The handwriting of the book changed from period to period indicating a different recorder. We are sorry to report that an earlier Griswold researcher had marked each of te relevant entries with a penciled X in the margin.
All the entries that relate to the family of Edward Griswold are listed below. Please note that even for the entries for the same family the spelling of the last name may be different.
In the section on Baptisms:
Sarah daughter of Edward Grissold was baptised Jan 29 1631.
George the sone of Edward Griswold was baptised may 19 1633.
Sarah the daughter of Edward Grissold and Margaret his wife was baptized Jan 10 1635.
Liddia the daughter of Edward Grissold and Marg-t his wife was baptised Dec 17 1637.
In the section for Burials:
Sarah the daughter of Edward Grissold was burried Dec 28 1634.
It is interesting to note tha the family names their second daughter Sarah in honor of her older sister who had died only two weeks before the second daughter was baptized.
These were the only references we could find that apply directly to our family, even though there were many other entries for other Griswold families.
It was exciting to hold this parish record book in our hands, but it was also frustrating to be so close to the facts we wanted and yet could not find. If the book could only talk, there would be so many answers to our questions."
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Chris & Julie Petersen's Genealogy
1633 - 1704 (~ 71 years)