Buchanan County bulletin and guardian. (Independence, Iowa) 1866-1869, 1868-07-03
THE POOR FARM.

Thus fur the Buchanan Co. Poor Farm
has proved decided success, if we rcgart
the reduction OF expenditures for the poor O
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 oursel
Of its condition and prospects.
The farm comprises leo acres Of splendid
prairie, and twenty-five acres Of timber, be,
sides the gaiden and house plat Of six acres.
The kitchen garden, Of four acres, is well
filled with such vegetables as will be needed
on the farm, and is in excellent condition.
The field crops comprise 81 acres corn, GO
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.
Their, they present very promising appear
ance.
The house is built of stone, 24x36 feet,
two stories, with an addition lGx2l feet, q
story and half There is an abundance Of
stable room, and a 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 III
gals Seeder and Harrison Corn Plow.
The stock on the place comprises three cows
and three calves. The Steward furnishes~
team by contract.
Mr.. Gin,her has conducted the farm OPP
craiions thus far with great economy and
fai,hfulness, having done large share Of
the work himself His estimable wife has,
till within few days, done all the house
work Misunderstanding in her being pros.
tra,ed upon bed Of sickness. This is car
ryiug faithfulnsss 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 SOS. 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 and 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
18th, aged Sc. Buried Oh the farm.
Frederick Phelps, 9 years old, Fairbank,
entered Dec. 10Th. s;;!l at farm and ats
tending school.
Loretta Rogers, s years old, Fairbank,
entered Dec. 10Th. Still u, farm and attend
ing school.
James Smith, so years old, Fairbank, en-
tered Jan. 18th, left Feb. lth.
Susan Smith. aged IS years, Fairbank,
entered Jan. 18th, left Feb. 18th.
Al.ira Robinson, II years old, Fairbank.
entered April 10th, crippled, still at 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 to re
duce pauperism in the county. 1t is found
,ha, large proportion Of those who former
" depended upon the county for support,
can, and consequently ought to provide for
themselves. The poor farm viii more than
Sustain itself under It's present good manage.
meat. We're il removed to-day, to.morrow's
sun would rise oa q score of additional pau,
pers in the county. The poor farm policy
is thus seen to be the RICH, policy.