Poverty in New England, 1620-1800

FAIN: RO-*1428-78

Tufts University (Somerville, MA 02144-2401)
Douglas L. Jones (Project Director: May 1978 to October 1990)

To analyze the evolution of poverty in pre-industrial New England (c.1620-1800). Project will address 4 issues: the increasing stratification of 18th century society, the relationship between policies of social welfare and the actual number and types of poor and dependent people; the use of law to maintain social order; and the response of the poor to the problems of poverty. PI will use local sources such as county court records, tax lists, genealogies, town records, private papers and account books, public records and statutes, and sermons. Computer quantitative methods will be used.