People like Mary Griffith

Mary Griffith (1772–1846) was an American writer, horticulturist and scientist. She published the results of her research in scientific and literary journals, as well as newspapers. She also published several novels and stories, including Camperdown, or News from Our Neighborhood (1836), as well as Three Hundred Years Hence, the first known utopian novel by an American woman.

Mary Corre was born in 1772. Her father was Joseph Corré, who emigrated from France in 1776. He served as a cook to Major Richard Crewe of the British 17th Light Dragoons. Within a few months in October 1776, Joseph established his own confectionery and catering business in New York City, which expanded to include a hotel, tavern, ice cream shop and two theaters. He was self-promoted and innovative, which allowed him to excel in the social scene. This allowed for his daughter Mary to marry a socialite, John Griffith (1768–1815), a wealthy New York City merchant. John's family had connections in Burlington, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and New York City. Many of his relatives were involved in New Jersey politics and societies.