The County Home
Stories of Guernsy County by Wm. Wolfe Page 486-487
The County Home
In 1831 a law was passed by the General Assembly of Ohio, creating what was then termed the “poor house.” Under the provisions of this law a county might establish such an institution for the care of its unfortunate poor. In 1850 the name was changed to “infirmary,” and at a later date to “county home.”
First Care of the Poor.—Guernsey county did not provide a home for its poor for ten years after legal authority had been granted to do so. Each township took care of its own indigent citizens. The expression that a certain person or family was “on the township” meant that the person or family was being supplied with food and other necessities at public expense. Before roads required as much attention as today, the work of a board of township trustees pertained mainly to the care of the poor.
Home Established in 1841.—In 1841 the county commissioners purchased the farm of Josiah Robe, consisting of 160 acres. It was located in Wills township, two miles south of Washington. The amount paid for it was $3500.
The law enacted in 1831, which authorized the establishment of “poor houses” by boards of county commissioners, provided for the election f three infirmary directors in each county, who would appoint superintendents and have general jurisdiction over the institutions. The first directors chosen were Messrs. Barton, Smith and Sproat. William Lawrence, of Washington, was the member from Guernsey county in the General Assembly at the time, and he secured the necessary incorporation papers.
The institution was operated on a small scale at first. A dwelling on the farm was used. It was later enlarged by the addition of two wings. In 1859 a brick building, three stories in height, eighty feet long, thirty-five feet wide, with an “L” in the center forty-five feet in depth and twenty-five feet wide, was erected.
The original dwelling and this large brick building constituted the Guernsey county “infirmary” until 1912. A half century of use was beginning to show on the walls and foundation which had become cracked and weakened. A bond issue for a new building, submitted to the voters of the county, failed to carry. The state department of inspection of public buildings declared the structure unsafe, and the residents were moved to a home in Washington, that was rented by the county authorities.
The Home at Present.—For eight years, from 1912 to 1920, the home on the infirmary farm was abandoned. Improvements were then made at a cost of $18,000, that placed the building in a modern and safe condition. A water system and electric lights were installed and many conveniences added that would contribute to the comfort and happiness of the residents. At the present time fifty persons are living at the county home. This number is above the average for the ninety years since the institution was established.
The farm now contains 212 acres. The land is kept in excellent condition, as are the spacious grounds about the home, the fences and out-buildings. All this reflects much credit upon the long-time superintendent and matron, Mr. and Mrs. C.O. Leonard, and the present officials, Mr. and Mrs. O.D. Inskeep. The farm is very productive and not only supplies much of the food for the home, but is also a source of revenue. Two or there teams of horses are kept for work on the farm. Fifteen cows supply milk and butter. About thirty hogs are butchered each year.
In 1913 the board of infirmary directors was abolished and the work of administration placed in the hands of the county commissioners. The office of infirmary director, although the compensation was very little, used to be sought by members of both political parties.
Guernsey county has never willingly neglected her poor. A home has been provided for those so unfortunate as to have none of their own, the means of obtaining it, or persons whom they might charge for their support. And they are given here kindly care and consideration.
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