Ripley County Poor Asylum
| Ripley County Poor Asylum | |
|---|---|
| Established | 1830 |
| Opened | 1831 |
| Closed | 1970 |
| Current Status | Demolished |
| Building Style | Single Building |
| Location | Versailles, IN |
History[edit]
On July 5, 1830, a committee of eight was appointed to inquire into the buying of a poor farm. Stephen Hole, John C. McPheeters, and Joel Coombs were appointed to select and buy a farm. On January 3, 1831, a plot was bought for $1,000 from Noah Wright, with the price to be paid in 3 installments. In March of 1831, Thomas Hedge, Henry DeWalt, and Rhodes Mead were appointed directors. They were to employ an agent to run the farm. Tilmon Hartley was hired for this position, and Dr. Charles Hay was hired to administer to the medical wants of the poor.
In 1838 Robinson and Huston built a frame addition to the poor home. There were 11 paupers in the asylum at that time. In 1872 a “mad house” was built on the poor farm at a cost of $245, and in 1878 a residence for the superintendent was erected at a cost of $593. In 1904 a large brick building was constructed and improvements were made. More land was purchased and Matthew Kinney was superintendent. In 1915 there were 30 males and 28 females cared for. In 1926 the buildings were destroyed by fire, and the 47 inmates had to be housed in tents until a building could be completed. The first buildings to be completed were the smoke and wash houses. A new brick dormitory was completed by Shrum, Shrum, and Barrett in 1928.
By 1930, more patients came to live at the poor farm due to the Great Depression and the difficulty of finding jobs during this time. Sometimes mothers with several children or whole families were housed there. By 1933 a count of 43 people were present; eventually other means became available to care for the indigent, unwed mothers, orphans, and outcasts so fewer and fewer were cared for in the county home. Only 6 persons were admitted after 1960; in 1970 only 4 residents remained and were placed in a convalescent home. The farm was sold in September of 1970.
