Waterford (N.Y.) Overseer of the Poor account book, 1922-1931 (majority within 1929-1931)

Summary

Creator:

Waterford (N.Y.). Overseer of the Poor

Abstract:

This account book (approximately 120 pages) documents payments made by the overseer of the poor in Waterford, New York, to destitute men and women between January 1922 and December 1931. Most disbursements consisted of groceries and coal, though some individuals received medical assistance or shoes. Each of 569 unique entries contains the recipient's name, age, gender, country of birth, and cause of poverty, along with the amount and type of relief provided.

Extent:

1 volume

Language:

English

Authors:

Collection processed and finding aid created by Cheney J. Schopieray, September 2006, and Meg Hixon, June 2012

Background

Scope and Content:

This account book (approximately 120 pages) documents payments that the overseer of the poor in Waterford, New York, allotted to destitute men and women between January 1922 and December 1931. Most disbursements consisted of groceries and coal, though some individuals received medical assistance or shoes. Each of 569 unique entries contains the recipient's name, age, gender, country of birth, and cause of poverty, along with the amount and type of relief provided.

Both men and women, who are represented almost equally, received allowances for reasons such as illness or old age. Some women required assistance because of their husbands' inability to provide sustenance (on account of death, incarceration, or inability to find work). Though most recipients were born in the United States, the account book includes payments made to persons born in Canada, England, Italy, France, Poland, and Argentina. Records dated from 1922 to 1928 comprise around 20 pages; the remainder is dated from 1929 to 1931.

Biographical / Historical:

The overseer of the poor in Waterford, New York, provided financial assistance to needy individuals. Men and women received aid for a variety of reasons, including health issues, lack of work, or absent spouses.

Acquisition Information:

2004. M-4353.2 .

Processing information:

Cataloging funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC). This collection has been processed according to minimal processing procedures and may be revised, expanded, or updated in the future.

Rules or Conventions:

Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Subjects

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Subjects:

Depressions--1929--United States.
Poverty--United States.
Unemployment--New York--Waterford.

Formats:

Account books.

Places:

Waterford (N.Y.)