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Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott
for the USGenNet Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/
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Formatted by USGenNet Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott
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Portrait and Biographical Album of
Newaygo County, Michigan
Pub. Chapman Bros. Chicago, IL., 1884

     [542-543]

     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. Adams 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 Board purchased 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
     authorized the construction of a suitable building for the sick
     and insane poor, and ordered that 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.

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