Poor Relief in Durham, Lee, & Madbury, New Hampshire, 1732-1891

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The study offers a comprehensive analysis of poor relief practices in three Strafford County towns—Durham, Lee, and Madbury—spanning from the early 1730s to the late 1890s. It contrasts "outdoor" relief, where aid was provided at home, with "indoor" relief, which confined paupers to institutions. Drawing from original town documents, the text illustrates the evolution of these practices and societal attitudes toward poverty. The conclusion evaluates local methods against national trends, and the appendix provides detailed financial data on town expenditures. Individual stories enhance the narrative's richness.