Buchanan County bulletin and guardian. (Independence, Iowa) 1866-1869, 1868-07-03
CITY AND coz MY.
TnE POOW FARM.

Thus far the Buchanan Co. Poor Farm
has proved a decided success, If we regard
the reduction OF expenditures for the poor OF
the county as the criterion Of success. On
Monday we had the pleasure of visiting the
farm, which is situated about two miles
north east of the city, and informing ourself
Of its condition and prospects.
The farm comprises leo acres Of splendid
prairie, and twenty-five acres Of timber, be>
sides the ga,den and house plat Of six acres.
The kitchen garden, Of four acres, is well
filed with such vegetables as will be needed
on the farm, and is in excellent condition.
The field crops comprise 81 acres corn, GO
acres wheat, rs acres oats seeded 10 clover,
and 20 acres seeded to timothy and clover.
The crops look uniformly well, and where
last year, under shallow culture they were
decidedly poor, this year, under the deep
blowing Of the efficient steward, Mr.. G. Gin.
ther, they present very promising appear
ance.
The house is built Of stone, 2ix36 feet,
two stories, with an addition l6x2i feet, a
story and half There is an abundance o!
stable room, and new barn is to be built
in few weeks, in accordance with provis>
ions Of the Board Of Supervisors at their late
meeting In addition to ordinary farm inn
plements, the county has purchased an In
CALLS Seeder aud Harrison Corn Plow.
The stock on the place comprises three cows
and three calves. The Steward furnishes~
team by contract.
Mr.. Ginther has conducted the farm OPP
era,ions thus far with great economy and
fai,hfulness, having done large share Of
tire work himself. His estimable wife has,
till within few days, done all the house
work unaided--resulting in Ter being pros
trated upon bed of sickness. This is car
rying failhtulnsss to an extreme. Mr.. Gin.
Their took possession Of the farm on the
4,h of November, and has only employed
labor TO the amount of $es His own sala.
~ is $3.50 per year. He furnishes team
and wagon.
Thus far only SIX persons have become in
mates Of the poor house. OF these, one has
died, two have been discharged aud three
children remain. The following is regis
ter Of the whole.
The house was opened for the poor on the
9th Of December.
Mrs. Mary Ward was received from Wash
ington township ON the ll,h. Died, April
10th, aged Sc. Buried on the farm.
Frederick Phelps, . years old, Fairbank,
entered Dec. 10Th. Sill at farm aud ats
tending school.
Loretta Rogers, years old, Fairbank,
entered Dec. 10Th. Sill at farm aud attend
ing school.
James Smith, so years old, Fairbank, en-
tered Jan 18th, left Feb. llth.
Susan Smith. aged IS years, Fairbank,
entered Jan. 18th, lief, Feb. 18th.
Al,ira Robinson, II years old, Fairbank.
entered April 10th, crippled, still a, farm
and attending school.
Thus there are at present only three in>
mates of the poor house-all children. The
practical effect Of the farm has been 10 re.
ducs paupcrism in the county. Ii is found
that large proportion Of those who formers
" depended upon the county for support,
caa, and consequently ought to provide for
themselves. The poor farm will more than
sustain itself under its present good manage.
meat. Were il removed to-day, tomorrow
sun would rise on score of additional pau>
pers in the county. The poor farm policy
is thus seen TO be the right policy.