1850 New Hampshire Bastardy (Unmarried Mother) Original Handwritten Document

Item Details

Grafton County, New Hampshire, 1850

Interesting handwritten document from Grafton County, New Hampshire in 1850–a court issued statement by pregnant woman Roxilla A Clark. Roxilla named Cyrus W Cole as the father of her child, seeking support. “Bastardy laws” were enacted to have the actual father carry some burden of support for the bastard child, so they wouldn’t require as much care by the community. The document reads:

Franklin Moseley Justice of the Peace for the County of Grafton—

“Roxilla A Clark of Hill in said county, single woman on oath complains that she is now pregnant with a child, which if born alive, may be a bastard, and that said child was begotten on the third day of November 1849 at the house of Lovey Aldrich and said Hill, by Cyrus W Cole said Hill, husbandman (farmer).

Wherefore the said Roxilla A Clark prays that the said Cyrus W Cole may be held to answer to this complaint, and that justice may be done in the premises. Roxilla A Clark

Grafton April 4, 1850. Personally appeared the said Roxilla A Clark, and made oath that the above complaint by her signed is in her belief true—

Before me—Franklin Moseley Justice of the Peace

(On back)

Complaint

Roxilla A Clark vs Cyrus W Cole

April 4 1850-4 o’clock PM

Respondent arraigned and plead not guilty

With a total of $4.48 in fees assessed.

Document with heavy wear and tear and trimmed edges as shown, but legible. Highly unusual and a learning experience for me!