CRAWFORD GRISWOLD

Submitted by: Ethel Lawson, 9 November 2002

     CRAWFORD GRISWOLD (born 27 Jul 1842 in Chatham) was the grandson of Jabez and Ann Spencer Griswold, early settlers of Spencertown, and a son of Norman Francis and Deborah Richmond Griswold.

     In1862 he enlisted in the New York Mounted Rifles, serving a a Sergeant until the end of the Civil War. Many of Chatham's young men were in this unit whose activities are listed at The National Park Service website at:   www.itd.nps.gov

     After being mustered out in front of Libby prison, 13 Jun 1865, he served a clerk in his father's store at Chatham Corners. Later he moved to Lima, Ohio where he was employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad. His marriage to Louisa Kesler of nearby Middlepoint was 9 Mar 1871. In 1875 he was appointed foreman of the central division bridge gang and the family moved to Ft. Wayne, IN, residing there until his death, 7 Oct 1913. Burial is in Lindenwood Cemetery.

     Retaining a keen interest in the Civil War, he was commander of a G.A.R. post, corresponded with other veterans. and wrote newspaper articles about their experiences.

     Crawford was a Mason and a Methodist. Three of his five children left descendants, Lena B. Davis, Ethel Ellis, and Grace G. Johnson.