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•September 20, 2017•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

In 1864 the Moultrie County Board purchased 200 acres from Eli York to establish what would be variously called the Almshouse, the Poor Farm, the York Farm or the Poor House. In 1865 William F. Crouch was hired as the first superintendent.

In those days pauperism was considered a moral failing that could be erased through order and hard work. The poor, sick, insane and orphans were sent to these places when they had no other means or anyone to care for them.       Login or Subscribe to read the rest of this story.