Overseers of the Poor

Overseers of the Poor were local officials in colonial America and early U.S. society responsible for helping those in need, such as the impoverished, elderly, and orphaned. They managed public assistance programs, including distributing food, clothing, and shelter. These overseers operated at the town or parish level, often funded by local taxes. Their role was to ensure that the vulnerable received necessary support while also trying to prevent dependency on aid. This system reflected early efforts to address poverty and social welfare before more formalized government programs were established.