At the October county election, in 1874, the question of purchase of a poor farm and tax levy for that purpose was submitted to vote of the county electors, and decided in the affirmative. At this time William Groesbeck, K. White and George A. Ide constituted the Board of Supervisors and at their meeting Nov. 21, 1874, they contracted for the purchase of the one hundred sixty acres in Highland township known as the J.P. Emerson farm, described as north half of the south west quarter and south half of the north west quarter section 12 for the sum of 47 hundred dollars. The county has from time to time purchase land adjoining until the farm now comprises 247 acres. The farm is situated about six miles east of Creston and four miles northwest of Afton (on what is now Highway 34). When the farm was purchased some repairs were made and buildings were made to answer for the few inmates until 1879, when the board at the meeting in May passed the following resolution.
Whereas the poor house of Union county having become unsafe and insufficient for the accommodations of the poor of the county, there, fore be it resolved by the board of supervisors that they proceed to erect a suitable building on the county poor farm for the use and benefit of the poor and also appropriate the sum of $5,000 to build the same. The building, a three story brick 36 x 40 feet, containing 27 rooms, was erected in 1879 and has been kept in excellent repair. It is now equipped with a modern hot water heating plant and conveniences for the care and comfort of the inmates. Adjoining the brick is one and a half story, frame building 24 x 28 with addition. Suitable barns, cribs, and sheds are provided for the use of the farm and a wind mill and piping from an excellent will furnishes water in abundance. The buildings are situated nearly in the center of the farm and are protected on the north by a grove of native timber. The livestock belonging to the county is among the best and the farm is equipped with needed teams and implements for the successful running of the place.
The steward of the poor farm is appointed annually by the board of supervisors and he is under their direction and control. Salary for the year 1908 was $750.
Union county poor farm was given second place among the county farms of the state in 1906 report of the state inspector. This fact reflects credit upon the management. At present there are twenty inmates at the farm. The poor fund levy of one mill upon the taxable property of the county is expended outside of the county farm for the care of indigent poor of the county. The amount of this tax for 1907 was $4,362.00. Additional information about the County Home can be found in the 1908 Union County History by George A. Ide.
Note: The following note was written by George Lee whose parents managed the farm forsix years.
From December, 1959 until 1964 my parents were steward and matron of the Union County Farm. During their tenure it was one of the first county homes in the State of Iowa to be licensed and be accredited by the state. It was a 26 bed facility housing mostly people with problems that didn't need constant supervision. The residents lived in a loving, caring environment. Most of the people living there performed some work, light housework to farming chores. I saw many of the people change from being completely withdrawn to being more outward and happy. My parents gave selflessly of themselves to see that everyone was well cared for, both emotionally and physically. As far as bodies were concerned, I have heard of such rumors. During the time my parents worked there, anyone that passed away was given a funeral and buried in the Afton Cemetery or other cemetery if family requested it. Many years ago I saw a picture of the old county farm, with horse grazing in the pasture. The porches to the south of the structure had either been torn down or fallen down. If you would like to know more, please contact me.
