Documents at Plainsman paint picture of County Poor Farm

Farm located at site of old Orville City, county seat

  • The caption below this original photo reads ‘A.J. McConaughey and family first custodian of the Hamilton County Poor Farm, Section 22, Orville Precinct 1884-1892.’ Those pictured are, from left: B. E. McConaughey, A. J. McConaughey, May (Mrs. May Fowler) McConaughey, Mrs. A. J. (Drussila) McConaughey and Ora T. McConaughey. Mr. James Bird is in the wagon on the left.
    The caption below this original photo reads ‘A.J. McConaughey and family first custodian of the Hamilton County Poor Farm, Section 22, Orville Precinct 1884-1892.’ Those pictured are, from left: B. E. McConaughey, A. J. McConaughey, May (Mrs. May Fowler) McConaughey, Mrs. A. J. (Drussila) McConaughey and Ora T. McConaughey. Mr. James Bird is in the wagon on the left.
Another Hamilton County historical location has a plethora of information on file at the Plainsman Museum, and though it may not physically exist anymore, is remembered in writing by pioneers of the past.  “The County Poor Farm was established by the County Board of Commissioners in 1884,” read reminiscings by Lyle B. McConaughey in 1966. “It was on the middle quarter section of and at the…

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