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A Cow for the Poor

In 1644 Andrew Hallett of Yarmouth offered a cow or a heifer in calve for the benefit of the poor of Yarmouth. The gift had to be first approved by the Court.

This was done and the Court ordered “that the cow or heifer in calve shall be on May day next delivered to Thomas Payne of Yarmouth, who shall have her for three years next ensuing and the milk and one-half of the increase during that time, and after the said three years are expired, the poor of Yarmouth shall have her, and the increase be disposed of by the townsmen of Yarmouth from time to time to other poor persons dwelling in the said town as they shall think fit, and for such term, reserving the benefit of said stock to any other use.”

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