MICHAEL GRISWOLD BRANCH

Michael was one of the earliest settlers of Wethersfield, or Watertown, as originally called; it was under the jurisdiction of Massachusetts, and the towns from which they sprang. The name was changed to Wethersfield about 1636. It was also under the jurisdiction of the church in Watertown, Mass., until such time as the settlers organized their own church in Wethersfield.

One session at least of the General Court was held in Watertown, on the Connecticut River, and it is interesting to note that at this session administration was granted on the estate of the murdered Oldham who led the first group of settlers to Wethersfield.

The exact time of Michael Griswold's arrival there is not known, but from subsequent data we believe he probably arrived with Emanuel Buck and John Riley. The records show a close intimacy between these men, and Michael is called a kinsman of Emanuel Buck. It is also shown that they were owners of land in common and associated in business together.

The will of John Riley 1674 mentions his brother Emanuel Buck; his brother John Belding; and his cousin Michael Griswold.

Michael owned considerable land, and his home lot which he gave to his wife Ann, then to his son Michael. There must have been a dwelling house with it, probably the original structure of the present Michael Griswold house, facing on Garden street and later remodeled by his son Michael. This homelot was originally considered to have been on New street just southwest of the present house, but later abandoned, and this bears out the contention that the present house and property was Michael's homelot.

Michael evidently held the respect of his neighbors. He was one of a committee to obtain a minister for their church 1665. Also served as constable, a post considered of great importance in those days. Also held the offices of assessor and appraiser of lands.

It is not known who was the wife of Michael, but as there was such close association of Michael with Emanuel Buck, it would not be surprising if we found that she was the sister of Emanuel, had we the records from England showing this Buck family.

Source: "The Griswold Family England-America, Volume III" ³⁶⁰⁹