Matthew Griswold (governor)

His reputation as a fair and hard-working lawyer won Griswold the appointment of king's attorney for New London County.

That Griswold held this position for over 30 years stands as a testimony to both his ability as a lawyer and his fair-mindedness.

Griswold's busy law practice left much of the management of Black Hall to Ursula.

Griswold and eight other councilmembers demonstrated opposition to the Stamp Act of 1765 when Governor Thomas Fitch was required to take an oath to support it.

He served on many committees that oversaw troop movements, military appointments, provisions, and defense; he especially focused on defending American ships and the Connecticut shoreline.

According to family legend, Griswold twice evaded British soldiers as they searched for him, an important target, in his own home.

After the end of the war, Griswold was chosen to be Governor in 1784 by the General Assembly, after he failed to receive a majority of votes in the regular election.

Griswold continued to manage his family estate, Black Hall, until his death on April 28, 1799.