Griswold, Matthew

Griswold, Matthew grĭzˈwəld [key], 1714–99, American jurist and politician, b. Lyme, Conn. Admitted to the bar in 1743, he was very learned in the law and was active in Connecticut politics. As deputy governor (1769–84) before and during the American Revolution he was ex officio judge of the highest court in Connecticut, and by his wisdom contributed much to the new state in troubled times. He was later governor (1784–86) and presided over the state convention (1788) that ratified the Constitution. Roger Griswold was his son.

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