The life course and labor of a colonial farmer: Historical New Hampshire / Thomas C. Thompson.

Title:

The life course and labor of a colonial farmer: Historical New Hampshire / Thomas C. Thompson.

Author:

Thompson, Thomas C.

Call Number:

977.8 N5321h

Publication Information:

Concord, NH: Historical New Hampshire, 1985.

Physical Description:

p. 135 - 155.

Source:

Vol. 40, Nos. 3-4 (Fall-Winter, 1985) Historical New Hampshire.

Description:

In the debate over whether or not farmers in colonial New England were self-sufficient, few historians have looked at how farmers actually spent their time. Matthew Patten of Bedford, New Hampshire, kept a diary during 1754-88 that reveals farming accounted for less than one-third of his time. Community affairs absorbed more than one-third, while hunting, fishing, and carpentry accounted for 15%. Patten spent about two-thirds of his time off the farm. By the 1770's Patten's sons took over much of the farm work, allowing him more time for community affairs.

Language:

English.

Subjects:

Farm life New Hampshire. , Home economics, Rural.

Locations:

New Bedford (N.H.).

People:

Patten, Matthew, 1719-1795.

Terms of Use:

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Electronic Resources:

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