Hoosier Dusty Files - September 08, 1823 - First Poorhouse in Knox County

A Year of Indiana History - 2016

September 08, 1823 - First Poorhouse in Knox County
Before welfare, unemployment insurance and food stamps, the county poor house existed to care for the mentally and physically disabled, the poor, unwed mothers and other unfortunates that could not take care of themselves. Every county had one in an era when care for the impoverished was a local affair. Most counties built large, stately brick structures to serve as the local poorhouse, poor farm or county infirmary, as the various local terms applied to them. The first of these in Indiana opened in Knox County in 1823.
Knox County Poorhouse
The General Assembly appointed David McClure, Thomas Emison, Samuel Chambers, Thomas Jordan, William Gamble, Abraham Kuykendall, James Watson and Henry Ruble to find suitable grounds and purchase them in 1820. This task was accomplished and the Knox County poor farm opened on September 8, 1823. In 1831, the Indiana legislature would approve poor houses in all counties. Since the poor farm was considered a sign of civilization, the counties were proud of their poor farms, built impressive structures to house the orphans, indigent, and disabled people in their care.

It is fun to experience Indiana's rich history. The easy to read “this day in history format” of the Hoosier Dusty Files makes it easy for readers to learn the history of the Hoosier state The author has excerpted articles his "A Year in Indiana History" book. . Visitors may read the articles as they appear or purchase the book:
A Year of Indiana History - 2016
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