Series 1 is the Litchfield overseers of the poor records (2011-22-0, .42 linear feet) that consist generally of orders signed by the selectmen of Litchfield, Conn., naming an administrator, or overseer, who was typically a responsible town resident, to direct and oversee the affairs of a potentially indigent town resident. The collection also includes bills submitted to the town for expenses rendered by overseers, caregivers, hotels who took in tramps, and merchants. The collection covers the period 1783 to 1901. The orders generally take the following form: "We the subscribers being a majority of the selectmen of Litchfield having examined [name of person] in the management of his [or her] affairs do find that by means of [list of causes, such as mismanagement, intemperance, and bad husbandry] he [or she] is in danger of becoming chargable to the Said Town. We do therefore appoint [name of overseer] to advise, direct, and oversee him [or her] in the management of his [or her] business for the term of three years from this date. [Dated] [Signatures of three selectmen]" Overseers were appointed for both men and women, with women frequently being widows. The collection also contains order to rescind an overseer, such as in the case of a widow remarrying a man with means. Of note is an Oct. 30, 1866, petition signed by several dozen "neighbors and acquaintences" of a man who was assigned an overseer asking that the selectman cancel the order because the man did not require oversight. "If he needs an overseer," the petition states, "scores of us are in the same predicament."