Alexander Viets Griswold, a bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church in the United States, born in Simsbury, Conn., April 22, 1766, died in Boston, Mass., Feb. 15, 1843. His early education was mainly derived from his uncle, the Rev. Roger Viets, rector of the Episcopal church in Simsbury. Mr. Viets during the revolution sided with the royalists, and removed to Nova Scotia in 1787; but he was unable to persuade his nephew to go with him. After some hesitation between law and divinity, Mr. Griswold was ordained June 3, 1795. He entered at once upon a large field of labor, including East Plymouth, Harwinton, and Northfield, at the same time teaching a district school. In 1804 he accepted a call to Bristol, R. I., where he labored with much success. On the formation in 1810 of what was called the Eastern diocese, composed of New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, Dr. Griswold was elected bishop. At first he declined, not deeming himself qualified for the office; but his scruples having been removed, he was consecrated by Bishop White, May 29, 1811. He continued to hold the rectorship of the church in Bristol till 1830, when he removed to Salem, Mass. On Bishop White's death in 1836, he became presiding bishop. In June, 1838, the Rev. Dr. Alonzo Potter was elected his assistant, but declined.

Dr. Eastburn of New York was elected in 1842, and his consecration, Dec. 29, was Bishop Griswold's last public act. He was highly esteemed for his meekness, soundness of judgment, and gentle, courteous demeanor. His publications were mostly sermons addressed to conventions of the church, and a volume of "Sermons on the most important Doctrines and Duties of the Christian Religion " (8vo, 1830). - A "Life" of Bishop Griswold was written by the Rev. J. S. Stone, D. D.