HISTORICAL MARKER:

"Although county records show some attempts to care for the poor as early as the 1860s, property for a poor farm was not purchased until 1884. Various buildings were erected, including housing for residents and a caretaker, storage barns, a cotton gin, and a canning operation. A jail building was also in use for convict laborers who worked on the farm and on county roads. The ruins of several wells can still be seen throughout the property. A cemetery containing some 75-100 graves is located near the southern edge of the original farm site. Texas Sesquicentennial 1836 - 1986."

An article about their poor farm history can be found in an issue of The Tracings from the Anderson County Genealogical Society at http://www.tvec.net/~bonniew/acgs/publist.htm where you can find a description as follows: Vol. XI. No 3. October 1992 -- Every name Index to Kate Hunter Papers, Vol. 5; Early Times in Palestine; Weaver Runaway Notice; Poor Farm History; Confederate Veterans Association; Elkhart Graduation Class, 1915; 1913 Masonic Lodges; Automobile Registrations; Steamboat Days on the Trinity River; First Congregational Church; Mrs. Annie Richardson's Obituary  $4.00