Samuel Griffin's home lot in Killingworth

When Samuel Griffin left Killingworth for Essex, Vermont he left behind his son Worden. The land records show that Worden purchased several hundred acres adjoining his father’s original home lot. In the land records we also find two deeds between Samuel and Worden in which Worden took possession of his fathers home lot and the surrounding acreage. Given the fact that Worden does not appear in his father’s will it is my assumption that part of the deal included his inheritance. ----------------The value of the two deeds is that they give us a very good description of Samuel’s property and insights into how he made his living. The first deed included Samuel’s home, “My Dwelling House”. The deed covers 20 acres bounded by the burying yard and the highway, Roast Meat Hill Rd.. In addition there are 2 acres on the far side of the highway. On the property we see listed a barn and joiners shop. There is still evidence for the foundations for a corncrib near the original house, which still stands. The second deed is for an additional 20 acres. That property is south of the burying yard. In 1807 we find a deed for another 20 acres sold by Samuel to John Turner.------- The men who lived in North Killingworth were referred to as the “Farmers”. Most of the farms exceeded 100 acres in size. His daughter Azuba and her husband held over 250 acres. What is reveled in the 2 deeds is that Samuel did not own enough land to make a full time living as a farmer. The land described in the first deed is on marginal land. It represented a place to live rather than a farm on which to make a living. I think that Samuel made his living in his joiners shop and at his loom. His loom and joiners tools were primary assets to be divided among his sons in his will. The land he did own was probably sufficient to maintain a kitchen garden and provide forage for what few animals he kept.---------- Killingworth is still home to many homes that could have been worked on by Samuel Griffin. The majority are two story wood frame homes. The interiors are furnished and fitted with fine wood detail work. The original Griffin home has its walls lined with beautifully crafted two-inch bead boards.