Overseer of the Poor

The Overseers of the Poor administered poor relief: support of paupers at the town almshouse (see Town Farm), aid to families in their own homes, and lodging for tramps. For most of the 19th century the selectmen served as overseers. From 1890 the town elected a separate three-member board each year; in 1894-1896 the same men were elected as both assessors and overseers. Coburn S. Smith and Richard J. Conway served together from 1903 until 1927, when the overseers were replaced by the Board of Public Welfare.