Many widows / single mums / poor families where dad was ill and out of work, applied to the Poice Court for assistance from the Poor Box. The Poor Box was not an endless supply of money either as often the Magistrate would call for donations, some fines would be directed there etc etc. The Geelong Ladies Benevolent Society has funded struggling families.regards, Pam Jennings ----- Original Message ----- From: <JulieMWhyte@aol.com> To: <AUS-VIC-GEELONG-DISTRICT-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Sunday, February 29, 2004 7:50 PM Subject: [GEELONG] Widows?? Supporting families late 1800's > Hello > > Just wondering if anyone could help explain how a widow would have supported > her family after her husbands death in Geelong late 1800's.? > > My g g g grandfather James EAGEN died 1874. His widow Margaret EGAN nee > LISTON (sometimes given as Lyster /Linton) didn't pass away until about 1921. > > When James died Margaret had a young family - how would she have supported > them? > The family lived in the ASHBY area. > > Could anyone shed light on how this family would have survived please. > > Thank you > Julie > > > ==== AUS-VIC-GEELONG-DISTRICT Mailing List ==== > Geelong & District Surnames of Interest : > http://www.zades.com.au/geelong/gdname.htm >