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Griffin, Simon Goodell

soldier, lawyer, legislator, historian, was born Aug. 9, 1824, in Nelson, N. H. For many years he was engaged in educational work; and for two terms represented his town in the New Hampshire state legislature. In 1860 he practiced law in Concord; and at President Lincoln's first call for troops he volunteered as a private and was chosen captain of company B, second regiment New Hampshire volunteer infantry. He commanded his company at the first battle of Bull Run; was promoted to lieutenant-colonel of the sixth regiment New Hampshire volunteer infantry, and joined Burnside's expedition to North Carolina. He was rapidly promoted to colonel, brigadiergeneral and brevet major-general. After the war General Griffin settled in Keene, N. H., and represented that town three terms in the state legislature, two of which he served as speaker of the house.

In 1887-88 he was commander of the Massachusetts commandery of the military order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. This eminent soldier and statesman is now engaged in historical literary work.