Newaygo County MI Archives History - Books .....Poor Farm 1884
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Jan Cortez http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00020.html#0004939 March 6, 2008, 10:28 pm

Book Title: Newaygo County Portrait & Biographical Album

POOR FARM


The first move towards the maintenance of a poor-farm for the unfortunate poor 
of the county was made March 1, 1859, 

when $50 were appropriated to purchase of Warren P. Admas the southwest 
quarter of the northwest quarter of section 

13, township 11 north, range 13 west (40 acres).  The sum of $100 was also 
appropriated for the purpose of erecting a 

log dwelling-house on this farm.  It was agreed that when this land should be 
wanted no longer by the county, the 

same should be re-conveyed to Mr. Adams, by his paying to the county the value 
of the improvements made thereon by 

the county, and the original price paid for the same, with interest.  These 
very liberal terms (liberal terms for the 

county, at least) were never carried out by Mr. Adams, however, and the farm 
was sold to other parties.  It was 

indeed a poor farm, and was of but little use to the county.  For a number of 
years after this, the poor were let by 

contract to private parties.

Jan. 22, 1873, the Boar dpurchased as a poor farm the west half of the 
southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of 

section 30, and 25 acres off the north side of the southwest quarter of the 
northeast quarter of section 30, in 

township 12 north, range 12 west.  This tract, 45 acres, was purchased of 
MIlton N. Nelson, for $500, and subject to 

a mortgage of $500.  Farming was carried on rather on a small scale, for some 
years.  Jan. 5, 1875, the Board 

authoried the construction of a suitable building for the sick and insane 
poor, and ordered th at the farming tools 

and wagon on the poor farm be sold.

In October, 1881, it was decided to purchase another poor farm.  The Board's 
committee, after examining several 

farms, recommended the purchase of 140 acres belonging to G. Reeves, a mile 
and a half east of Fremont.  This farm 

contained 90 acres cleared of stumps, a large barn, two large orchards, and 25 
acres of wheat.  This farm was 

accordingly purchased, at $5,500, and is now the home of those who become 
dependent upon Newaygo County's charity.

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mi/newaygo/history/1884/newaygoc/poorfarm61gms.txt

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