History of Gardner, Massachusetts/Power and Duty of the Overseers of the Poor
Power and Duty of the Overseers of the Poor.
"It shall be their duty to provide for all poor, indigent persons, who are unable to take care of themselves. At all times when circumstances will admit, they shall be supported on the farm, which the town have purchased for that purpose and shall hereafter be known by the name of Gardner work-house. They are to provide suitable stock, farming utensils and household furniture: also, make such additions and repairs as are necessary for the establishment. They are to manage the concern in the best possible manner, and to provide suitable places for all poor children, as soon as they can earn their living, and see that they are brought up to some trade or calling, and suitably schooled. They shall constantly keep suitable persons for a Master and Mistress, and such other help as they shall deem necessary.
A Physician shall be employed to attend the sick, (when requested by the Overseers, or Master,) who shall keep a record of his visits, the price, and for whom they were made; and shall receive such compensation as may be agreed upon by him and the Overseers, and may be removed at the pleasure of the Overseers. It shall be the duty of the Overseers to meet at the work-house on the last Saturday in February, May, August, and November annually, for the purpose of inspecting the concerns of the establishment, and giving directions to the master. It shall be the duty also for one of the Overseers to visit the work-house as often as once a month, for the purpose of inspecting the management of the concerns, the usage of the inmates, and giving directions to the master, &c. At their meeting in February, they shall take an inventory of all the personal property, and the betterments, if any, which shall be recorded in a book kept by them for that and other purposes. They shall keep a record of all persons who are supported in the work-house; the time when they came, and when they go away; and to record all other matters which they shall deem necessary: all of which shall be reported by them at the annual March meeting."