Subject: | |
From: | |
Reply To: | A LISTSERV list for discussions pertaining to New York State history." < [log in to unmask]> |
Date: | Fri, 15 Aug 1997 13:20:21 -0400 |
Content-Type: | text/plain |
Parts/Attachments: |
|
|
In doing research on Long Island history, I've come across some
information on ear-marking, an early form of identifying cattle.
Beginning in colonial times and up through the 1800's the townspeoples
cattle and sheep were often pastured together on common lands. The
animals were left in charge of a keeper who watched over them and was
paid a fee for his services. He rounded up strays, rescued cattle who
got stuck in the marsh or were injured, and herded them into enclosures
when necessary. Each owner identified his cattle by means of an
ear-mark. This was a similar system to brands that were used on Western
cattle. Earmarks were registered with the town clerks as evidence of
private ownership. Earmarks were cuts in the animals ear in a specific
pattern. They can be used as a source of information in tracing
genealogies because a son would use the same ear-mark of his father
after his fathers death. Earmarks were recorded in the town clerk's
offices by means of a diagram and in the larger offices, an accompanying
written description.
Georgina Martorella
Newsday--Long Island History Project
|
|
|