CAPT. BENJAMIN T. GRIFFIN

BORN: October 16, 1823 - Riverhead, NY
MARRIED: November 4, 1850 - Riverhead, NY
DIED: April, 1899 - Riverhead, NY
BURIED: Northville Cemetery
FATHER: James Griffin
MOTHER: Elizabeth Conklin Tuthill

WIFE: Desiah Ann Hudson
BORN: January 20, 1829 - Riverhead, NY
DIED: January 30, 1879

CHILDREN:
1. Elizabeth Griffin
b. January 31, 1852

2. James E. Griffin
b. April 29, 1855
m. Lena Jagella Terry - 1875
d. July 24, 1895

3. Edward B. Griffin
b. ABT 1859 - Riverhead, NY
d. 1860 - Riverhead, NY

4. Daniel H. Griffin
b. February 1, 1865 - Riverhead, NY
m. Eleda Ryan - 1895
d.
buried - Jamesport Cemetery

5. David H. Griffin
b. February 1, 1895 - Riverhead, NY

FROM: Portrait and Biographical Record p.578-581
Found in PDF on www.longislandgenealogy.com (2007)
RED print refers to info directly about Capt. Benjamin T. Griffin

Capt. Benjamin T. Griffin, a prominent and successful businessman of Jamesport, was born in the town of Riverhead, near Aquebogue, October 16, 1823.  To his parents, James and Elizabeth (Tuthill) Griffin, there was born a family of five children, of whom Benjamin T. was the eldest.  James Madison, the youngest of the household, followed the sea for a livelihood, and died when forty-five years of age.  The other members of the family departed this life when young.

James Griffin was born in the above town, and as soon as old enough apprenticed himself to learn the business of ship carpenter, which he mastered in due time, following it very successfully during the greater part of his life.  He fought as a patriot in the War of 1812, during which conflict he was severely wounded at Sag Harbor, on account of which he was afterward granted a pension by the government.  He lived to the advanced age of eighty-five years, and in his death the county lost one of its most respected citizens.  He was a believer in the principles advocated by the Democratic party, and through his entire life supported its candidates.  His father, the Grandfather of our subject, was likewise born in this town, as was of English descent.  Mrs. Elizabeth Griffin, our subjects mother, came from one of the oldest and most prominent families on the island.  She lived to be eighty years of age, dying firm in the faith of the Congressional Church, with which she had been connected so many years.

Capt. Griffin remained with his parents until about eighteen years of age, when he left home and went to sea.  Previous to this time, however, he had made his own way in the world by clerking in a store near his home.  For eight years he followed the sea, coasting from New York to Southern ports, and was then made mate of the vessel, holding this position for two years, when he was again promoted, this time being made captain, and for a period of nine years was in command of a packet plying between New York and Charleston.  During that time he also made several trips to the West Indies.  He had a splendid record as a captain, and during a long life on the waters never lost a vessel or suffered severely in any way from incompetency.

In 1861 Capt. Griffin settled down to life on terra firma, and, purchasing a tract of land in the town of Riverhead, moved upon the same and began its cultivation.  He remained on this place until 1885, when he was appointed Postmaster of Jamesport, and in order to enter upon the duties of this position, rented his farm and moved his family into the village.  Four years later, on the change of administration, he resigned his office and engaged in the wood and coal business in that place.  His yards are filled with every variety of coal, which he retails at low prices, and by giving prompt attention to his customers he is in command of a large trade.

Capt. Griffin and Miss Desiah Hudson were united in marriage November 4, 1850.  Mrs. Griffin was born in this town January 20, 1829, and was the daughter of Daniel and Rachel (Skillman) Hudson.  She remained the companion and helpmate of her devoted husband for twenty-nine years, and on her death, January 30, 1879, left three children:  Elizabeth, born January 31, 1852 is still at home with her father; James E., born April 29, 1855, was accidentally killed on the Northern Central Railroad July 24, 1895, leaving a wife and four children; Daniel H., born February 1, 1865, is the present Postmaster of Jamesport; Edward B., who was born in 1859, died the following year.

Daniel H. Griffin, who is one of the enterprising young business men of Jamesport, remained with his parents until reaching his majority.  He was educated in the common schools, and upon starting out to make his own way in the world became assistant baggage master on the Long Island Railroad.  This position he held for some time and was then expressman on the same for a period of three years, his route being the main line from Greenport to Long Island City.  At the expiration of that time he returned home and became the assistant of his father in the post office.  On the change of administration we find him engaged in the harness business in company with a Mr. Hawkins, the firm being known as Griffin & Hawkins.  They dissolved partnership after a year, and the business was then carried on under the style of Griffin Brothers.  April 14, 1894 Daniel H. was appointed Postmaster of this place, still, however, retaining his interest in the store.  June 27, 1895, he was married to Miss Eleda Ryan, of this place.  In politics, like his father, he supports the candidates of the Democratic party.

Found on the Brooklyn Eagle Website (2007)