Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History & Culture Enduring Connections: Exploring Delmarva's Black History

Record Detail

Record #40 from Free Black Families of Colonial Delmarva (abstracted by Paul Heinegg)

State Maryland
County (Primary) Dorchester
Other Counties Kent
Family Name Griffin
Family History Notes Members of the Griffin family in Maryland and Delaware were i. Joseph1, a "Black Man" head of a Transquakin Hundred, Dorchester County household of 9 "Negroes" in 1776 [Carothers, 1776 Census of Maryland, 48], head of a Kent County household of 6 "other free" in 1800. ii. Peter, "Negro" head of a Kent County household of 5 "other free" in 1790 and 4 in 1800 [MD:161]. iii. Ann, born say 1755, had an illegitimate male child by Nehemiah Hanser in Dover Hundred, Kent County, Delaware, about January 1774 [DSA, RG 3505, MS case files, February 1775 indictments]. 1 iv. Robert, born say 1775. v. Joseph2, head of a Charles County household of 2 "other free" in 1800 [MD:161]. vi. Catherine, head of a Kent County household of 2 "other free" in 1800 [MD:172]. 1. Robert Griffin, born say 1775, was free and married to Priscilla Griffin on 10 March 1821 when his son Matthew obtained a certificate of freedom in Dorchester County. Robert and Priscilla were the parents of i. Matthew, born about 1799, obtained a certificate of freedom in Dorchester County on 10 March 1821: of a yellow complection ... free born, was raised in Dorchester County and is the son of Robert and Priscilla Griffin who were both free, aged about 22 years [Certificates of Freedom for Negroes 1806-64, 43].
Additional Notes

If you are citing this record, please use the following format:

[Author (if known)], Free Black Families of Colonial Delmarva (abstracted by Paul Heinegg), [Date (if known)], Enduring Connections: Exploring Delmarva’s Black History, Nabb Research Center, Salisbury University.

Pinned records can be viewed at any time by clicking the More menu in the top right corner of the page, then selecting My Pinned Records.