Book Description
Martin Ignatius Joseph Griffin (1842-1911) was an American Catholic journalist and historian, instrumental to the founding of the American Catholic Historical Society. He contributed widely to scholarly journals and was the author of several books and monographs on the Catholic history of the United States. From an early age, Griffin became known as a regular contributor and editor with various Catholic publications. In 1872 he was made secretary of the Irish Catholic Benevolent Union, and both founded and edited its journal from 1873 to 1894. This publication began as the I. C. B. U. Journal but was eventually called simply Griffin's Journal. Articles on American Catholic history were a regular feature in his journal. This historical interest led to the founding of the American Catholic Historical Society on July 22, 1884.