Abraham Elliot Griffiths

Abraham Elliot Griffiths (17?? – 1802) was one of the settlers who founded Sierra Leone, in West Africa.

Griffiths was of mixed African and Welsh heritage. He became a protégé of Granville Sharp while in London, having the costs of learning to read and write paid by his patron.[1] He was one of the corporal of the Black Poor of London, and played a leading role in the organisation of the first expedition to Sierra Leone in 1787.[1] He provided publicity for the colony by corresponding with the London newspapers. His first wife Rebecca was a white woman, but after she died he moved to Rogbana, becoming translator and adviser to Naimbanna II, marrying his daughter, who was later known as Clara.[1]

In 1792 Griffiths was taken on as a translator by the Sierra Leone Company, having been recommended by Alexander Falconbridge.[1] However, he failed to engage their trust, having supported Thomas Peters in his demand for a greater share in the running of the colony for the settlers.[2]:97 He was also accused of having forged some currency.[1]

In 1802 he was imprisoned for debt and died in prison.[1]

References
  1. Pybus, Cassandra (2006). Epic Journeys of Freedom: Runaway Slaves of the American Revolution and Their Global Quest for Liberty. Boston: Beacon Press.
  2. Wilson, Ellen Gibson (1980). John Clarkson and the African Adventure. London: Macmillan Press.
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