Pauperism in Chester County

     The care of the poor received attention at an early date, and overseers were appointed in each township who had power to levy a tax upon the inhabitants for their support. There were often disputes as to the legal residence of the persons needing relief, so in 1798 an act was passed providing for the erection of Houses for the employment and support of the Poor in the counties of Chester And Lancaster, and providing for the election of 6 directors....these first directors were Edward Darlington, Ephraim Wilson, Joseph Cope, David Denny, William Trimble and Arthur Andrews.

     The first house was finally erected ca 1800, was of brick and stood till 1855 when it was succeeded by the present structure *( 1881).

The following are the first stewards and matrons -




This page updated on January 31, 2009