Often, the only source of heat in a new england farmhouse was in the kitchen.

Often, the only source of heat in a New England farmhouse was "Fireplace" in the kitchen.
In colonial farm houses there used to be a big hall which was used for cooking for the whole family. People fancied living in large groups on farms as it had benefits of running the farm more conveniently. The farm houses were not much comfortable, on winter nights the whole family gathered around the fireplace for heat and food and an environment of storytelling was prevalent.

they died because of a disease during the first spanish colonies.