The Leon Journal-Reporter
Wednesday, November 26, 2003

Fire Destroys Last Remnant of County Farm

Fire believed to have been caused by an electric space heater, destroyed the last building that was part of the old Decatur County Farm last Sunday night, Nov. 23. A neighbor noticed a glow in the sky about a mile from their farm and called the Leon Fire/Rescue about 7:45 p.m. Decatur County Deputy Barry Peterson arrived on the scene soon after the call came in and notified Leon Fire that the house was fully engulfed in flames. The home was (continued on page 10)

FIRE DESTROYS REMAINING PART OF COUNTY HOME

occupied by the Tammy Baldwin family and the farm is owned by Mark Smith. The farm is located just off of the Lineville Road 3 1/2 miles south of Highway 2 east of Leon. This building was the home to the Priest family who were the caretakers of the Decatur County Home. The patient facility was torn down a number of years ago.

It was originally called the Poor farm. A description follows that was taken out of the 1915 History of Decatur County.

Poor Farm

For the purpose of housing the county poor, a tract of 160 acres was purchased January 4, 1866, on motion of S. P. McNeil of High Point, for $2,700. It is located on section 14, Eden Township, and was owned by D. B. Gammon. His residence was enlarged and fitted up as an infirmary. In the autumn of 1878 a frame addition was built, as an insane hospital, at a cost of $2,000.

The County Home was restructured to house those less fortunate and supplied them with farm life including chores and the opportunity to take care of animals and earn money. Decatur County sold the farm a number of years ago.

Copied with permission by
Carla Rae Perks
27 Nov 2003