POOR FARM

POOR FARM ARTICLES

Source: Daily Banner Greencastle, Putnam County, Indiana 29 April 1942 p 4

The Putnam County Poor Farm has 25 inmates and 7 employees

GEORGE P. SHOPTAUGH –POOR FARM SUPT

Source: Indianapolis News Wed 24 April 1895 p 1

George P. Shoptaugh was superintendent of the Putnam County Asylum for several years. Recently the county commissioners ordered a change of management and Willis Mark was elected to the superintendency. Possession was quietly given. Shortly after the retirement of the Shoptaugh family, Mrs. Shoptaugh conceived the hallucination that the family had been accused of appropriating the property of the institution and her mind gave way. Yesterday a commission was called to pass upon her condition. Her malady is attributed to heredity, coupled with the idle gossip of the neighborhood and the innuendoes of political enemies. When the neighbors went to her relief, they found the ex-superintendent’s wife violently insane and it required the strength of several men to restrain her from burning the home. Miss Sophia Shoptaugh, worn out with watching and sorrow-stricken, had attempted suicide with morphine, while Mr. Shoptaugh, brooding over the fancied accusations against his honor and physically exhausted by long watching was himself bordering on insanity. Mrs. Shoptaugh will be removed to the insane hospital. Miss Shoptaugh continues in a critical condition but sympathetic friends are bringing both her and Mr. Shoptaugh back to a normal condition.

SCHEDULED TO BE BUILT - 1880

Source: Greencastle Star, 24 Jan 1880 p 8

Messrs. Smythe & Bowen, the contractors for building the County Poor House, expect to have the building completed next week.

LOTS OF FOOD

Source: Greencastle Star 24 July 1880 p 7

Putnam County’s Poor House will be self-supporting so far as bread-stuff is concerned for the next year, the farm having raised 457 bushels of wheat and has left over from last year’s crop 1,500 pounds of flour.

Source: Greencastle (Putnam County, Indiana) Star 30 July 1881 p 6

On last Thursday, WH M’Nary, manager of the County Infirmary, sent James Evans to Indianapolis who our readers will remember had his feet so badly frozen last winter near the rolling mill that amputation was necessary. He had recovered sufficiently to be dismissed from the County House.

--- CALLAHAN dies

Source: Greencastle Daily Banner and Times 1 Sept 1896 p3
Mrs. Callahan, whose home was at the county house died Monday.

Source: Greencastle Daily Banner-Times 14 Sept 1896 p 2

A Mrs. Dicks residing at the poor farm died Sunday and was taken to Cloverdale for Burial.

If anyone knows anything about the poor farm or has any photos, please let me know - also these are not in any rhyme or reason but kind of in yearly order

Source: Greencastle Banner 7 April 1864 p 3

Order of the Board of Commissioners of Putnam County – Notice is hereby give that at the March term, 1864 of said Board Dr. John Slavens was appointed Physician for the paupers of Greencastle Township; and it was ordered by said Board that hereafter no accounts would be received or allowances made for medicines furnished or attendance given to paupers of said Greencastle township other than the Physician regularly appointed and who is paid by the year. ET Keightley, Auditor

1877 Greencastle Banner 14 June p 3 – County Commissioners – only partial listing – all for poor, though

BF Hays & Co goods furnished poor $11.50
Wm. Nelson digging graves for poor $3.50
Lewis H. Stewart, goods for poor $6.69
William Cox, goods for poor $1.52
Ritchey & Wasson goods for poor $28.14
James Rains keeping poor $10.00
HC Black, provision for poor $4.65
Henry Kropff, keeping poor $19.00
HH Hillis, bricks for Co Infirmary $2.00
Wm. Ford, provision and wood for poor $7.50 & %.70
NW Ader, goods for poor $6.85
John H. Hendricks, keeping poor $10.14
Thomas J. Williams, provisions for poor $11.75
JK Langdon, School Books Co Infirmary $2.00
Patton & Smith provisions for poor $6.00
John T. Cline, clothes for poor $9.50
Hercules Ellis, provisions for poor $7.55
Mike Maloney keeping poor $1.00
Vermilion & Allen goods for poor $5.00
M.D. & JW Bridges, goods for poor $38.35
Jas. W. Bridges, goods for poor $72.49
Stoops & Bowen goods for poor $57.36
Holloway & Lancet, goods for poor $21.10
Jessie Bugg taking care of pauper $12.60
R. L. Stone, medical attendance for poor – per contract $14.25
Cookerly & Son, coffings for poor $11.00
D. Stonley, goods for Co Asylum $1.40
Adeline Kellogg, keeping poor $10.80
H. Denny, flour for poor $2.00
Arth. Rodgers keeping poor $9.36
Wm B Vestal, money paid for poor $8.55

JL Jenkins, goods for poor $5.50
GM Foster, goods for poor $5.19

Mariah Jenkins, goods for Co Asylum $8.00
Sanford Straughan coffin for asylum $8.00
Jane Farmer tobacco for asylum $5.00
Henry Arnold, potatoes for asylum $5.00
Wm. Matkins, tomato plants for asylum $4.50
Willis McCoy rails for asylum $14.00
George P. Stoptaugh, money paid out $1.02
Thos. O’Connell work for asylum $1.25
Lewis C. Burgis wood for county $1.50

1879 – County Superintendent (Greencastle Banner, 20 March p 2) – George P. Shoptaugh, salary - $13.25

Source: Crawfordsville Star 5-29-1879 p 2

The county infirmary at Greencastle was burned the other night. It contained 53 inmates but all escaped except two insane men who were burned to death. The loss is about $10,000 with no insurance. It is the third time the institution has been destroyed by fire in 20 years.

1880 - report

Source: Greencastle Star 24 July 1880 p 7

Putnam County’s Poor House will be self-supporting as far as bread-stuff is concerned for the next year, the farm having raised this year 457 bushels of wheat and has left over from last year’s crop 1,500 # of flour.

Source: Greencastle Star, 24 Jan 1880 p 8

Messrs. Smythe & Bowen, the contractors for building the County Poor House, expect to have the building completed next week.

Source: Greencastle Star 26 June 1880 p 4 – The contract for furnishing coffins for paupers was awarded to Smythe, Terry & Co. Mr. Shoptaugh, Superintendent of the County Poor House, reported 46 inmates and the average expenses, weekly, per capita, 89 cents.

1881 Items

Source: Greencastle Star 19 March 1881 p8

The report for the past six months made by Mr. G P Shoptaugh, Supt of the County Poor Farm shows the average number of inmates to be: Males 18; Females 23. Total cost per head per week – Board 12 cents; clothing 15 cents; Furnishing, 37 cents; Superintendent’s salary, 25 cents. Total 89 cents. Number of inmates now in institution – 41. Invalids, 5; sick, 3; insane 7, old and infirm, 7; idiotic, 2; cripples, 2; children 7 able to work occasionally, 6 females

EDWARDS –

Source: Greencastle Star 19 March 1881 p8

Last Sunday an inmate of the County Poor House named Edwards died after a long sickness

1887 Articles

Source: Greencastle Banner, 15 Dec 1887 p 5 – GP Shoptaugh was reelected Superintendent of the poor farm George Reynolds was ordered sent from the poor house to an asylum for feeble-minded children.

Source: Greencastle Star Press 8 oct 1892 p 4

On Friday night the old barn situated on the County Farm east of this city was entirely destroyed by fire. The origin of the fire is unknown but is supposed to have been the result of an accident. The loss is about $300 one half of which falls on the county and other half on Superintendent Shoptaugh. Two horses which were in the barn when the fire started were rescued alive but both of them were quite severely scorched the animals were cut loose in their stalls and they immediately ran out of the building thus upsetting the old theory that horses will not voluntarily leave a burning building.

1891 – Foul, Impure and Offensive = County Poor House

Source: Greencastle Banner 8 Oct 1891 p 1

On Wednesday last the grand jury returned its report for the present term. This grand jury has been a faithful one and has discharged its duty in a manner that is commended by all. On Wednesday they drove out to the poor farm east of the city and gave that institution an overhauling such as it has never had before, and from all reports it was about due. Putnam’s pauper asylum is in a very bad fix. In the words of the grand jury the entire ranch is impure, foul and offensive. That is a beautiful state of affairs for such an institution as a poor asylum. Still it is but in keeping with democratic mismanagement of asylum. NO granary! Just think of that. There is no granary at the poor farm and the wheat is stored in the main building where all the stench, dirt and vermin of the house has full swing. Think of the pestilence-making germs that are breeded by grinding flour out of such stuff. The floors are rotten and liable to break at any moment. Odors arising constantly that draw hordes of rats and mice to the house. 42 inmates, situated as they are, have to stand anything that comes. Our people of Putnam who have read with disgust of the terrible brutalities of asylums in larger Indiana cities little know what has been going on in our midst. The poor farm is in decidedly poor shape and to back up this assertion we publish the report of the grand jury on the matter in full:
We the grand jury of Putnam county report the condition of the county poor house ___ as follows: 42 inmates are at the poor house; all doing well as could be expected under the circumstances. We found the atmosphere throughout that part of the building occupied by the inmates to be very impure, foul and offensive, and we would recommend that a better ventilation of that part of the building be had or such necessary alterations or improvements be made as would improve and purify the atmosphere. We find that the poor farm has no granary; that about 600 bushels of wheat are store away in several different rooms in that part of the building occupied by inmates, which throw off odors which are mixed with the other oders and smells and draw rats and mice to the building. We recommend that a suitable granary for the poor farm be erected and wheat and grain stored therein. “We also find the plank floor in the basement dining room is old, giving out and in bad repair. We recommend that same by replace with a stone floor. When above recommendations are carried out then we believe the poor house and farm would be in excellent condition.” William Thomas, Foreman.

Source: Greencastle Democrat 19 March 1892 p 8

Expended – Poor Farm:

Boarding $233.00
Clothing $288.00
Furnishings $782.00
Quarterly Allowance $210.
Total $1,513.00
Receipts $160.00
Total $1,353.00
Average number of inmates 46
Number at present 45
Cost per head per week – board .20
Cost per head per week – clothing .24
Cost per head per week furnishings .52
Quarterly allowance .18
Total $1.14
Estimated value of personal property on Poor Farm belonging to Putnam County March 1, 1881 … $1,762.00
March 13, 1886 … $1.907.00
March 1^st, 1892 … $2,823.
Condition of inmates: There are 3 sick; 2 insane; 2 blind; 1 epileptic; balance in good health … Geo. P. Shoptaugh, Supt.

19 females 26 males – ages of males range from 5-93 and females from 0 to 73 years.

1892 - Carrie McCloud - insane

Source: Greencastle Star Press 19 March 1892 p8

Carrie M. McCloud of the County Infirmary has been readmitted to the Insane Asylum at Indianapolis, having been declared of unsound mind.

1909 Commissioner Allowances

Source: Star-Democrat 12 Feb 1909 p 4

Commissioners Allowances (here is just those relating to poor whether they are supplying things or are collecting the fees, not sure nor what it is for – since there are Drs, and businesses, I’d say these people rec’d monies to help the poor – could be a combination as well – no explanation given)

EN Webster, poor, Jackson $5.00
WH Myers, poor, Franklin $6.35 & again $4.90
Elmer Rogers, poor, Franklin $3.25
Wm. Gough, Poor, Frank $8.00
JW Bilbo, poor, Russell $30.00
WF Scott, poor, Russell $26.00

Simpson McGaughey, poor Clinton $15.00
C.W. Keyt, poor, Clinton $6.00
Milton Brown, poor, Monroe $14.00
LC Wilson, poor, Floyd $22.00
FP Heustis, poor Marion .78
MM McGaughey, poor, Marion $69.50 (Milton?)
J.B. Bunten, poor, Marion $16.00
CA O’Brien, poor, Marion $15.00
Daniel Kelley, poor GC $2.00
WM McGaughey, poor GC $23.50
ER Bartley, poor, GC $1.65
AB Hanna, poor, GC $15.25
EP Huestis, poor, GC .40
ER Bartley, poor, GC $1.40
CT Peck, poor, GC 1.05
Sim Stoner, poor, GC $4.00
CH Barnaby, poor GC $1.50
Charles Zeis, poor, GC $6.00
GW Bence, MD, poor GC $14.75
FB Hillis Coal Co. poor, GC $3.75
FGW King, poor, Madison $10.12
Mort Smith, poor Wash $9.00
B Hillis, Coal Co poor GC $3.75
ET Zaring, poor, Washington $5.60 & $3.25
Geo. Fox, poor, Wash $3.85
Morton Smith, poor, Wash $4.00 & $5.05
JO Mullinix, poor, Wash $17.11 & $8.10
JD Rader, poor, Wash $18.00
AB Hanna, poor, Warren $24.50
Hurt McAninch Co, poor Warren $3.00
JH Fox & Son, poor, Jeff $5.19
WA Moser, poor, Jeff $15.00
AJ Larkin, poor, Jeff $3.07
WJ Wood, poor, Cloverdale $15.00
EM Hurst, poor, Cloverdale, $25.00
WA Moser, poor, M. Creek $10.00
Indianapolis Orphan Ass, poor $55.20
Ind Children Home Soc, poor $64.40
AL Evans, poor, Warren $48.00
JN Dalby, Orphan poor $4.04
Jackson Boyd, orphan poor $15.00
Jackson Boyd, orphan poor $5.00 (Insanity plea)

1909 Commissioners Visit

Source: Star-Democrat 11 June 1909 p 5

On May 28, 1909, I visited the Putnam County Poor Asylum and Jail, as required by law and have herewith to make report. It should be stated in fairness to the superintendent and his wife, that they were absent at the time of our visit to the poor asylum and we did not get to see them except to meet them upon the road on our way home. We were, therefore, deprived of whatever information and explanations they could have given. In view of these facts this report will not enter at any length into the details of management. Much of that which appears to be bad would be better if the building were kept in better repair and if there were proper facilities for the administration of the institution. The buildings have been long neglected. The walls are cracked, the outside wood and metal work needs painting, the roof leaks. Inside the walls are cracked, the plaster off in places. In the kitchen and a number of the rooms the walls are very dirty. The inside wood work needs paint. While some painting and a little whitewashing have been done, the part of the institution occupied by the inmates is generally unclean, untidy and unsanitary. The superintendent and his wife are said to be kind and well-intentioned people. While there was some complaint of the food served, the inmates in general spoke well of them. However, their poor asylum management, as evidenced by the condition in which it was, is not good. They stated that they had never visited a well conducted poor asylum. It is evident that if one has never visited a properly conducted poor asylum, he can not know how to properly conduct one. The first thing needed by a superintendent and matron is a proper comprehension of what is necessary and then a knowledge of how it is to be done. Rules should be adopted. A system of management should be inaugurated. Neatness should be established and cleanliness prevail. More help should be provided. The right kind of care should be given to the unfortunate sick, infirm and insane that have been put under your care!

Source: Indianapolis News 26 Nov 1912 p 18

The board of state charities has made public results of investigations of condition at the poor asylums in Ripley, Brown and Putnam Counties. They were found to be “bad.” The report follows: “Bad conditions have been found in some county poor asylums recently visited by inspectors of the board of state charities. Special reports have been made concerning Ripley, Brown and Putnam Counties … The poor asylum building in Putnam County, which is old and worn, has been neglected by the commissioners. The brick walls are cracked and bricks have fallen from the arches over the windows and doors. Parts of the main building and some of the outbuildings are unsafe. There should be a good water system and better fire protection. The men’s closet is too near the main building and is not only offensive but very unsanitary. “The commissioners do not visit the institution as often as they should and it is reported that all members of the board have not visited it at the same time for about three years.”

Source: Greencastle Herald Putnam County 13 March 1913 p3

Notice is hereby given that bids will be received at the office of the County Auditor of Putnam County Indiana on Saturday March 29, 1913 at 2 o’clock pm of said day for the furnishing of supplies for the Putnam County Poor Asylum for the next ensuing three months as directed and provided by law. All bids submitted must be filed in duplicate on blanks to be furnished by the County Auditor and must comply with the law in every particular. Bidders will be required to submit samples. CL Airhart, Auditor of Putnam County

Anderson - 1915 Blind Fiddler inmate of asylum dies

Source: Herald-Democrat 25 June 1915 p 9

Clemm Anderson 42 years old, an inmate of the county asylum east of the city, generally known as the “blind fiddler,” died suddenly in his room at the county house Saturday afternoon at 3 o’clock. Heart trouble was the cause of his dead which was sudden. No funeral services were held. The burial was in the Putnamville cemetery Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock. Anderson had been an inmate of the county asylum for many years, having been sent there when a young man. He was crippled when a boy and some time later suffered an accident which caused him to lose the sight of both of his eyes. He was talented as a musician and played a violin. He was one of the most popular inmates of the county asylum, often entertaining the other inmates with his “fiddle” music. He had been in ill health for several days and Saturday had been in bed all day. His illness was not considered serious, but that afternoon he was found dead.
Stone photo taken by SunCacher-inscription from Grace Cohn and Martha Williams, Reelsville residence in June 1981.

1923 Burial of Poor

Source: Greencastle Democrat 19 March 1892 p 8

George P. Shoptaugh, Supt Co Asylum - $105.00

Source: Greencastle Herald, 5 July 1923 p 4

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Commissioners of Putnam County, Indiana will, in the Commissioners Room in the Court house in the City of Greencastle, Putnam County, Indiana receive bids for the burial of the pauper dead of said county up to the hour of 10 a.m. of Saturday July 21^st, 1923. The successful bidder will be required to give said pauper dead a decent burial at the County Poor Asylum, said Asylum being situated about 5 miles east of the City of Greencastle, Indiana and said bidder will be required to embalm the body of said pauper dead and furnish a shroud for the same. An upholstered casket shall be furnished with four handles and name plate on same. A box shall be furnished for this casket. RE Knoll, Auditor, Putnam County, Indiana.

Same page – note there are many of these throughout many years in the Democrat, Banner and Herald): Notice is hereby give that bids will be received at the office of the County Auditor of Putnam County, Indiana on Sat July 21, 1923 at 10 a.m. of said day for the furnishing of supplies for said County Poor Asylum for the quarter ending Oct 31, 1923 as directed and approved by law. All bids must be filed in duplicate on blanks to be furnished by the County Auditor and must comply with the law in every particular.

Bidders are required to furnish samples, said samples to be the property of the County if said bidder is successful and shall be retained by the County Commissioner for comparison with the goods purchased when the same are received and checked in at the County Asylum. RE Knoll, Auditor Putnam County, Indiana

1927 Supplies for County Poor Asylum

Source: Greencastle Herald 12 Dec 1927 p6

Notice is hereby given that bids will be received at the office of the County Auditor of Putnam County on Monday January 2^nd, 1928 at 11 o’clock a.m. of said day for the furnishing of supplies for said County Poor Asylum for the quarter ending March 31, 1928 as directed and approved by law. All bids submitted must be filed in duplicate on planks (?) to be furnished by the County Auditor and must comply with the laws in every particular. Bidders are required to furnish samples, said samples to be property of the County if said bidder is successful and shall be retained by the County Commissioners for comparison with the goods purchased, when the same are received and checked in at the County Asylum. WD Lovett, Putnam County, Indiana, Auditor

Source: Greencastle Herald, 8 Jan 1929 p 2

Carey Austin, aged Greencastle colored man died at the County Farm where he had been taken recently for care, Tuesday morning about 10:30 o’clock. Mr. Austin, known by many Greencastle people through his familiarity with the Bible, had been a handy man about the city for many years. Despite the handicap of the loss of one arm he worked and made a living until ill health and age forced him to give up the struggle for self maintenance.

Source: Greencastle Herald, Putnam County, Indiana 27 July 1929 p 2

Otho McCullough, Superintendent of the Putnam County, Poor Farm and Asylum, took possession and j management about the 15th day of September, 1926. Since that time he his sold products from the farm and paid the proceeds from all sales made by him, amounting to $2,053.03 into the county treasury.

He has on the farm at this time, sufficient Hay to feed all stock on the farm for a period of one year, several tons of baled straw, plenty of Oats for seed and to feed for this season. Meat and lard: sufficient to supply the institution until time to butcher next fall, enough shouts for meat for the institution for the next year, six milk cows, three horses, chickens and six heifer calves, and one bull calf.

The Asylum has thirty three inmates, the county employees three to four employees depending on the amount of work and season of the year, crops, etc. paying from $120 to $160 per month. Hendricks County Asylum has 28 inmates, 8 employees at a cost of $320 per month. The unusual thing shown in the above statement is the payment of $2,053.03 into the county treasuery from products sold from the farm. Since Mr. McCullough took charge of the County Asylum, he has caused 10 inmates of the institution to be insane and tuberculosis state institutions. This has reduced one weeks maintenance cost for each day, making 10 persons less to feed, clothe and maintain, he has constructed 660 rod of new fence since he became superintendent of the farm!

Source: Daily Banner, 16 July 1943 p 4

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Commissioiners of Putnam County, Indiana will receive sealed bids up to 12:00 noon on Monday Aug 2^nd, 1943 for the furnishing of coal to the Putnam County Heating Plant and for coal to be used at the Putnam County Poor Asylum for the winter of 1943-44 to wit:
For the Putnam County Heating Plant 75 tons, more or less of Prepared Stoker Coal 1 ½” to 5/16” to be a good grade of coal. Said coal to be weighed on city scales of Greencastle and said persons or firm furnishing said coal to pay for said weighing delivering coal to said heating plant. Bidder to furnish samples of coal.

For the County Poor Asylum: Stoker coal 1 ½” to 5/16” good grade coal. Also 6 x 2 lump coal. Bidders to furnish samples of coal to be supplied on contract. The coal for the County Poor Asylum to be weighted on the city scales of Greencastle and the person or firm furnishing said coal to pay for said weighing. Said coal to be delivered by said bidder to said County Poor Asylum as needed.

The Persons or Firm awarded the contract to furnish coal for said heating plant and County Poor Asylum must bid with the proposition to furnish said coal from time to time as may be required so as not to permit either of said places to be without sufficient quantity of coal on hands at all times.

The bidder to make and file with his bid a non-collusion affidavit as required by statute.

The person or firm awarded the contract will be required to enter into a written contract to so furnish said coal and give bond or written guarantee to the effect that they will keep their contract as entered into.

The Board reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

Signed: George Rice – Wallace Spencer – Andy Cross Members of the Putnam County Board of Commissioners., Attest: Eddie Buis, Auditor of Putnam County.

PURCELL

Source: Greencastle Times 23 Dec 1886 p 5
Samuel Purcell an inmate of the county asylum died Monday last at the age of 45 years. His disease was consumption.

1934 – Elisha WIXSON - Body Found

Source: Garrett Indiana Clipper 19 April 1934 p 7
The body of Elisha WIXSON, 81 years old, missing from the county poor asylum at Greencastle, Ind since April 1 was found Monday in Big Walnut Creek near that city by three fishermen.