Samuel Griffin land deeds

We thought I would prove interesting to see more complete copies of the land deeds for most of the early land purchases made by Samuel Griffin. The first is the original lot purchased by Samuel and Marah from Benjamin Turner dated September 13, 1762. It is the lot on which the house still stands. In these early deeds recognizable landmarks are used to set out the boundaries for each new piece of property instead of the modern surveys with their precise alignments and measurements. Most of these deeds are identified by their proximity to the “burying yard” the Union Cemetery, or to the Roast Meat Hill Road. The deeds are also referenced by their orientation to the original home lot. After the original purchase Samuel bought numerous pieces surround the home lot between 1765 and 1769. An interesting purchase occurs in 1784. Samuel purchases from the city the “burying yard” that was next to the home lot. Union Cemetery was to become the burial place for the extended Griffin clan. In 1784 it probably contained the graves of Samuel’s wives Marah Griffin and Mercy Nettleton as well as his daughter Molly. Their headstones have not survived. The last deed is in two pieces. It is between Samuel and his son Worden. Worden had purchased most of his father’s property. This deed is a mortgage between father and son. Worden pledges the property to secure a loan from his father. The deed is dated January 16, 1799. A key feature is that it notes that Samuel was at that time living in Vermont. Click on images to enlarge.