1775-1800

Famine of 1787

"About this time, the country was visited with a dreadful famine, which not only prevailed at Burch Town, but likewise at Chebucto, Annapolis, Digby and other places. Many of the poor people were compelled to sell their best gowns for five pounds of flour, in order to support life. When they had parted with all their clothes, even to their blankets, several of them fell down dead in the streets, thro' hunger. Some killed and eat their dogs and cats, and poverty and distress prevailed on every side, so that to my great grief I was obliged to leave Burch Town, because I could get no employment."
Boston King, carpenter and shipwright

Related: Publications by Religious Leaders

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