Griffin home in Killingworth, CT

There is a renewed interest in cities like Killingworth in their historical buildings. Over the last few years they have been researching and publishing the history of their historical homes. It is particularly interesting to the Griffin family because many of these homes are from the same age as the original Griffin home on Roast Meat Hill Rd. We have included two homes as an example. We choose them because, both were constructed by members of the Wright family. Benjamin Wright built the oldest in 1710. Benjamin Wright is credited as being the first man to live in the Killingworth area. Benjamin Wright is also Mercy Bailey’s grandfather.---------- With very few exceptions these old homes are wood framed. All of them exhibit detailed woodwork in the window frames, doorframes, shutters, etc. The interiors also exhibit finely detailed woodworking. This use of wood provided a living for Samuel Griffin and his “joiners shop”. In our day men such as Samuel are referred to as cabinetmakers or finish carpenters. In that era such men were real craftsmen with everything being made from scratch using only hand tools. Samuel's large collection of joiners tools were divided among his sons in his will.---------- The typical house is the two story Benjamin Wright house. There are others that are referred to as a Half House. These lacked the full two stories. The Griffin house is a Half House. Even though it does not have the full two stories it does have a small upstairs room.---------- We have also reposted pictures from the original Griffin home lot and house. One picture is from a view in the Union Cemetery. This corner nestled next to the home lot is the oldest part of the cemetery. I think it is a fair assumption that Marah Griffin and Mercy Nettleton, wives of Samuel Griffin, are buried here.