Traquair's American Connection

The images in this gallery are from a small display of documents that were exhibited at Traquair House in 2010 that relate to our American connection which dates from the eighteenth century.

In the late 1760's, Lord Linton, son of the 6th Earl of Traquair was studying at Edinburgh University where he made friends with a young law student, Cyrus Griffin. Cyrus was invited to Traquair where he met and fell in love with Charles' eldest sister, Lady Christina, and despite some initial opposition from her family they eloped and married in 1770. She returned with her husband to America in 1773 where Cyrus' legal and political career flourished. He was heavily involved in the negotiations surrounding American independence, becoming the last president of the Continental Congress from January to March 1788. The following month George Washington was sworn in as President of the United States of America. Cyrus then became the judge of the US District Court of Virginia, an appointment he held until his death. Christina never returned to Traquair. Both Christina and Cyrus are buried in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Click on any image to enlarge; you can then navigate back and forth through the gallery.

Family Tree	Portrait - Christina	Portrait - Cyrus	Cyrus Biography	Map	Label - map	Letter – Christina to father 1773
Label - MacIver snippets	MacIver snippet 3	Typescript – Cyrus to BF	Label - homesickness	Letter – Christina to brother 1788	John to uncle 1793	Transcript – John - 1793
Label – John letter 1793	Transcript – Christina to cousin 1801	Letter – Cyrus to Charles 1803	Transcript – Cyrus - 1803	Capitol, Williamsburg	Obituary - Christina	Bruton Parish Church sketch
Photo - tombstone	Tombstone Inscription	Obituary - Cyrus	Label - burials	Letter – SSG to LL - 1822	Transcript – SSG - 1822	Label - SSG
Photo – Tayloe House	Label – Tayloe House	Printed – Federal Judge	Printed - Lover	Printed – Colonial Tale