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Facts and Events
[Mary Elizabeth Giddings from 2787254.ged]
Robert Griffing was born at his father's homestead "at the foot of Town Harbor Lane" leading from the main street to the harbor. Robert Griffing was the son who eventually came into possession of his homestead and its lands on Peconic Bay. Jasper, the eldest son, in a curious old deed dated June 21, 1718, states that his father bequeathed to his third son, Edward, forever, his dwelling and lands, "including 1-2 windmill," and that the said Edward, "is desirous that the sd Jasper Griffing his brother shall conform the sd housen, lands and meadows to him." Therefore Jasper, "in consideration of a certain sum by the sd Edward, leaves him in his full and peaceable possession all such right estate." The following January, a deed of sale is recorded of all the above property from Edward Griffing to his brother Robert, for a consideration of 300 pounds. Thus the youngest son became the holder of his father's estate, and Robert's eldest son, Samuel, assumed in his turn possession of the property.
The following story appears in Griffin's Journal:
- Isaac Overton was distinguished for his great physical strength; he was much known in his country, and through this then colony, from 1725 to 1794 at which last date, his great-grandson, Mr. Jonathan Overton, told me [Augustus Griffin] he died, aged near sixty years. As a man, he was mild, well disposed, and respected. Very many amusing stories of his feats of strength are told of him. The following was told me by Jared Griffin, who had it from his father, Samuel Griffin; who was a neighbor to Mr. Overton, and an eye witness to the fact. The incident took place at the house of Mr. Robert Griffin, who at the time, 1725, kept an inn at Southold. At or near the date noticed, an athletic bully or boxer, as he styled himself, came to Boston from England. He gave out that he had never met his equal for strength; or one that he could not easily whip. Hearing of Overton's powers, he immediately repaired to Southold to show Overton a "thing or two," as he he said on arriving at Mr. Griffin's. After partaking of refreshments, he requested Mr. G to send his boy after Mr. Overton; Mr. G. did so, but told the stranger that Overton was of tiring habits and rather bashful; and would not notice nor pay attention to testing his strength in wrestling, or other sports, which he viewed as degrading. Not knowing for what intent he was sent for, Mr. Overton came with the boy. On being introduced to the stranger, and learning her errand, he utterly refused to have anything to do with him. Mr. Overton, the stranger soon learned, was fond of flip, a beverage in those days made of beer, spirits, and sugar. He was liberally supplied with this stimulus, yet not till a blow with the flat of the hand from this stranger could he be aroused to defend himself. Then with the quickness of thought, he seized the bully by the seat of his trousers, and the collar of his coat, with his arms at full length, he held him as high as his chin, then walked around the room, crying at the top of his voice, "Mr. Griffin, what shall I do with him? Mr. Griffin, what shall I do with him?" And amidst the contortions and writhing of the stranger, who was held in his vice, and the roars of laughter of those present, let him fall heavily on the floor. The stranger did not trouble Mr. Overton again."
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