“Defectives, Dependents and Delinquents.” A look at the less fortunate population in Whately, Massachusetts,
1771 – 1915
by Dereka Smith, January 2024
While doing research for her genealogies of Whately families, Dereka Smith noticed that the town’s Annual Reports each included a list of “paupers” supported by the town. Her curiosity sparked, Dereka did some research on the individuals and families who received assistance from the town between 1771 and 1915.