WEST-CENTRAL-KY-L Archives

From: Jesse L Barnett <>
Subject: Re: What was a "Poor House"?
Date: Sun, 04 Jul 1999 12:00:07 -0500

I recall a "Poor Farm" still in operation in Warrick Co., IN during the late
50s. We drove by it every other weekend on the way to visit my grandmother who
lived in Boonville.
Jesse Barnett

wrote:

> To my knowledge, it would be precursor to the welfare system, non-existant in
> its present form in the 19th century. Most charity work was done by private
> groups or churchs, but many county governments had large "poor houses", to
> house and feed the indigent of their area. I have seen some former ones in
> counties around where I live and they were usually out in the country, brick
> and several stories high. There may well have been some farming or other
> work connected to sustaining them , or residency. I am sure more knowlegable
> people will respoond. I would expect there, A couple of dictionary references
> are:
> Poor house: An establisnment maintained at public expense for internment of
> paupers.
> Poor Farm: A farm that houses, supports and employs paupers at public
> expense.
> There were"poor laws" that governed these services. Hope this helps. Dave

This thread:

• Re: What was a "Poor House"? by Jesse L Barnett <>