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 corporals 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]