Knox County, Illinois - The whole text, 1912 (part 6 of 56)

But while we are persuaded in the above opinion we are not yet suf- ; ficiently informed upon the question whether Knox county separate and apart . from the incorporated towns in the county has a sufficient number of of- '; fenders to deal with to justify the necessary outlay of money. If we may

- Galesburg, would be willing to contract with the county for the keeping of ; their offenders during their various terms of imprisonment at a sufficient sum per diem to cover cost of dieting, then we think the question practically settled in favor of such an institution; we have not yet that information, but in view of all the conditions of the case your committee would respectfully ask that its work of investigation be continued until the next regular meeting with instructions to confer with the authorities of the city of Galesburg and the other incorporated towns in the county and ascertain, if possible, whether said authorities will co-operate with Knox county in some plan as above suggested to justify the county in the necessary outlay in erecting an institution that promises a better means of handling their and our offenders against the public peace and order, and also to ascertain and report upon the approximate cost of erecting said institution.

September, 1893. - Mr. Lawrence, of the committee on workhouse, submitted the following report: To the Honorable Chairman and Gentlemen of the Board of Supervisors of

We, the undersigned committee, to whom was referred the matter of a continued investigation of the advisability of building a workhouse in Knox county at the March meeting of 1893, respectfully report as follows, viz: On June 29th last we addressed to the authorities of the several cities and villages of Knox county the following circular letter as embodying the information we then desired in the above matter, and asked a prompt reply to the same: the keeping of as many of such offenders as may fall into your hands during their several terms of imprisonment, as by law may be imposed, at an expense to you of not more than thirty-five cents a day for their dieting and cost of transportation to workhouse?

3rd. About how many committals per annum will you probably have, judging from past experience, that would be subject to the workhouse, if one were built? c -'';. ^v' -''«:.'>- V

: The above questions can be very readily answered by a "yes" or "no" im--- mediately following the first and second ones, and by the suggested number following the third one, and when signed by the president and clerk of the

Number of committals by Knox county annually, estimated from sherifi records (average sentence 30 days), 50. -.;. Total number of probable committals per annum, 673. ' I ;--- r

From the above it would appear that we might expect an average of at least ten persons per day under sentence and subject to work house labor, with the probability of an increase in the number in proportion to the increase of population and business interests. A majority of the towns of our county do not report favorably upon the proposition to build a workhouse, yet we feel assured that such an institution is practical and needed, and will be appreciated when better understood.

.Two plans present themselves, for carrying into effect the proposed work if favored by this body, viz : To purchase land having a dep>osit of clay suitable for brick making, and then erect buildings adapted to the safe-keeping and working of those subject to such penalty; or, second, to erect suitable buildings in our present jail yard to the carrying on of such mechanical work as may be best adapted to our times and circumstances, whereby all offenders that may be subject thereto can be usefully employed ; and, in order to further develop the matter, we most respectfully recommend that the above plans be investigated by a committee to be named by the honorable chairman, and that the probable cost of site and buildings in each case be estimated and reported at the regular meeting of the board or as soon thereafter as practicable.

After two such excellent and comprehensive rejxjrts on this subject, it seems strange that it would be so unceremoniously dropped. However, at the September meeting, 1904, it was brought up again by the presentation of the following petition: ...,;:-'-.-. :; V '----' " -i^: ' ^-=.

September meeting, 1904. - To the Honorable Board of Supervisors of Knox County, III. Gentlemen: We, the undersigned voters and tax payers of Salem and Elba townships in said county, hereby petition that prompt steps be taken by you for the organization and construction of a workhouse in Knox county, Illinois, whereby those who are found guilty of committing any of the misdemeanors enumerated in the laws, ordinances or statutes of the municipalities of our county or of the state at large may be compelled by their labor to defray the expense of their keeping while under sentence as provided in the criminal code of the statute of Illinois.

We believe that such a provision will have a tendency to lessen the number . of misdemeanors committed and reduce the expense of the county in connection with the same.

Thursday morning. - The hour of 10:30 having arrived, on motion of Mr. Sawyer, the matter relating to the petition for a workhouse for Knox county was referred to the police committee with instructions to report at the next regular meeting of this board.

Nothing was done and four years went by before anything further appears on the subject, i At the December meeting, 1908, the following appears of record:

GENTLEMEN - The Committee apf>ointed by your honorable body to confer with a like committee to be appointed by the honorable mayor and city council ' of the city of Galesburg, beg leave to submit the following report:

Your committee, together with the committee appointed by the city council, met on the evening of November 28th, 1908, and after thoroughly discussing

'- the question of finding employment for persons held in custody both at the county jail and city prison, we the undersigned committee, would respectfully recommend that the county and city join together in securing a suitable place for a rock pile, whereon those persons held in custody could be made to work.

- And the product from such labor be used to improve the streets and roads '"'",. within the city and county. K\ - s.\;; .- /-;../ ;j- .? ::

Mr. Robson offered as a substitute to the motion of adoption of the report that the consideration thereon be deferred until 1 130 P. M., which was adopted. On motion of Mr. McWilliams the board adjourned until i :3o P. M. The hour for consideration of the report of the special committee on the employment of prisoners, on motion of Mr. Barlow, said report was adopted. . employment of prisoners having arrived, on motion of Mr. Barlow, said report was adopted.

On motion of Mr. Hoxworth the special committee on employment of prison- : ers was continued and directed to report at the next meeting the plan and probable expense to the county to carry out the plan proposed.

It seems that a motion to ascertain the cost of any proposed improvement of this kind was sufficient to postpone action indefinitely. However, at the December meeting 1910 Mr. Barlow brought up the question again in such a way that results were finally obtained.

The time having arrived which was set for the special order of business the '': resolution presented by the special committee was read, and on motion of Mr. Robson, was adopted.

GENTLEMEN - Your committee, to whom was referred the matter of seciir- ; ing a suitable place wherein the convicts held in our county jail from time to V time might be required to crack rock or perform other kinds of manual labor, wish to make the following report:

We had a meeting with the chairman of the committee appointed by the city council to co-operate with us on the above proposition, and we find that they are quite anxious to take hold with us and help to secure a suitable place for same. Therefore your committee would recommend that they be given power to get options on what they consider to be suitable property, acting jointly with the committee appointed by the city council with a view of each, the county and city, bearing one-half the expense incurred in procuring such a site and improvement of same, and report their findings at the April meeting of said Board.

September, 1911. - The following report of the special committee on workhouse was presented and read, which, upon motion of Mr. Robson, was approved and its recommendations concurred in : To the Honorable Chairman and Gentleman of the Board of Supervisors:

; Your special committee appointed by this board to confer with authorities of the city of Galesburg in regard to the matter of the establishing of a work- . house, beg leave to report that in conjunction with a committee appointed by the city council of the city of Galesburg purchased a parcel of ground described as the west four rods of lots one (i) and two (2) in the subdivision of original lot one (i) in block forty-five (45) in the city of Galesburg, Knox county, Illinois, said tract or lot being adjacent to the property on which the county jail is located, for the sum of three thousand dollars ($3000.00), onehalf of which purchase price is to be paid by Knox county. The deed for said property has been executed and delivered and has, by your joint committee, been placed in the custody and keeping of the city clerk of the city of Galesburg. Your committee would further report that they have entered into a joint agreement with the committee of the city council of the city of Gales- - - burg, placing the control and management of the premises above referred to for rental purposes in the hands of Frank F. Seaman, sheriff, or his successors in office, which said agreement is presented with this report and we recommend that it appear herewith in the record of the proceedings of this board.

' Your committee would recommend that their action as above reported, be approved by this board, and we would further recommend that the sum of fifteen hundred dollars ($1500.00) be included on the county tax levy for the purpose of payment of the portion of the purchase price of said workhouse premises to be borne by the county.

: We would further recommend that the county clerk be authorized to issue a county clerk's order for the sum of fifteen hundred and twenty-seven dollars, payable to the undersigned members of the special committee, in payment of the note for the money advanced for the purchase price of said workhouse lot, which was signed by your committee, together with the interest due on said note to this date.

We would further recommend that the sum of two hundred fifty ($250.00) dollars also be included in the county tax levy for the purpose of making the necessary improvements on said premises. .' '

. ' THIS AGREEMENT made and entered into this 24th day of June, A. D. 1911, by and between the county of Knox, party of the first part, and the city of Galesburg, Illinois, party of the second part,

IVitncsscth: That it is mutually agreed by and between the parties hereto, each being an owner in common of an undivided one-half (J/^) interest in the west four (4) rods of Lots one (i) and two (2) in the subdivision of original Lot one (i) in Block forty-five (45) in the city of Galesburg, Knox county, Illinois, that the control and management of said premises, for rental purposes shall be placed in the hands of F. F. Seaman, sheriff, or his successor in office and that the said F. F. Seaman or his successor, shall be and is hereby empoweretl as agent of both parties hereto to execute and sign all the necessary papers or instruments incident to the leasing said premises, and is empowered to sign same and when so signed such papers shall have the same force and virtue as though signed by the parties hereto; but this authority shall not extend to the making of deeds or incumbrances against said land or the execution of instruments for such purposes; and the said F. F. Seaman or his successor is hereby authorized and employed to collect all rents and profits from said property and to apply the same to the proper care and maintenance of said premises and any sums remaining in his hands after such expenses shall at the end of each six months be paid over by him, one-half to each of the parties hereto, at the same time rendering to each of said parties an itemized statement of the receipts and expenditures by him as such agent.

County Of Knox, In The State Of Illinois

Mr. Robson offered a motion, which prevailed, that the present special committee on workhouse be retained with power to carry out the recommendations contained in their report.

December, 1911. - Mr. Burnside of the special committee on workhouse presented the following report, which was read, and on motion of Mr. Robson was accepted by the board and its recommendations concurred in: , .

GENTLEMEN : Your special committee appointed by the board of supervisors on jail yard beg leave to submit the following report: C. x J j; - ; '

Together with the special committee of the city council of the city of Galesburg we have improved said property by placing a new fence and shed on jail yard, and also by making some needed repairs on the house. Since acquiring title and improving said property there has been a legal question raised as to the sentencing of prisoners to labor. We have requested the state's attorney to furnish a resolution in relation to the matter, which is herewith attached.

property owned jointly by Knox county and the city of Galesburg, amounting to $422.93, of which said amount Knox county is to pay one-half, to-wit, $211.47, r' which your committee recommended be allowed and the clerk be directed to issue an order to Frank F. Seaman, sheriff, for the purpose of paying Knox county's share of said expense. '- ' - . .-

The following communication and resolution presented with and referred to in the foregoing report of the special committee on workhouse, were also read, whereupon on motion of Mr. DuVon the resolution as submitted was adopted :

DEAR SIR: Pursuant to your request to draft a resolution providing that-'/ the prisoners confined in the county jail be required to labor for the benefit s of the county during the term of their imprisonment in the jail yard provided '', for that purpose by the county board, I have drafted the following resolution.

The question is involved in considerable doubt, and the various provisions of the statute are somewhat conflicting in regard thereto, and in the absence , of a judicial decision on that particular question, I have used as nearly as ' possible the language of the statute in the resolution. I do not, in submitting the resolution, desire to be understood officially as stating that it will be upheld by the courts upon a test, but that it is merely drawn at your request in compliance, as nearly as may be, with the present arrangement that the board has provided, regarding the employment of prisoners. -'---;:::";:-. ' '\.'\ Respectfully submitted,

Resolved, by the board of supervisors of Knox county, Illinois, That any person convicted in any court of this state, in Knox county, Illinois, having jurisdiction, of a crime or misdemeanor, the punishment of which is confinement in the county jail, may be sentenced by the court, in which such conviction is had, to labor for the benefit of the county during the term of such imprisonment, in the jail yard of the Knox county jail, provided for that purpose by the said Knox county board of supervisors.

Mr. Pankey thereupon offered a motion that F. F. Seaman, sheriff, be authorized and directed to turn over the county's portion, being one-half, of the rent money received for the house at the jail yard, which portion amounts to $22.50, into the county treasury, which motion prevailed. -^^ ..:.-...;

There is nothing more interesting to the people of a county than the construction of its public buildings. It is so natural for people to criticise a building that they begin to do it from the time the grade and marking stakes are drawn and keep it up until it is completed. This is true even of private residences and it is especially true of public buildings after the wants of the county are such as to demand imposing and costly structures. ! --'-'---

In connection with the building of an almshouse and the purchase and support of a poor-farm, another question arises which involves the policy of how best to care for the poor. It would seem that such aid must be rendered in one of three ways. First, if the family has a small home, to give such family a little aid to supplement such partial support as may be obtained from the home place; second, if the person or family is entirely destitute they must be farmed out - so to speak - to the lowest bidder in the township where they reside and the expense borne by the township; or, third, the destitute persons must be sent to county almshouse and poor-farm. All three of these plans may be pursued, to a certain extent, at the same time. A person at the almshouse is openly a charge upon the county, which fact is very humiliating to a proud person, and such person will remain in his home town until absolutely compelled to join the great army of the poor. From the organization of the county, in 1830, to the adoption of township organization, in 1853, the county commissioners were voting money out of county funds for the support of the poor. Numerous instances appear of record where the poor person was farmed out to the lowest bidder for some definite time. Upon the adoption of township organization each township had a representative in the county board and the question became at once a pertinent one, "What can this representative do for the care of the poor in his own township?"

Probably the real question of how best to care for the poor came up for the first time for discussion immediately after the adoption of township organization. Is it better to have a good, comfortable poorhouse, supplied with every convenience for making the poor comfortable and somewhat happy, or shall we continue the old practice of farming them out to be kept by the man who would do it the cheapest and furnish food and care according to the price. From the immediate steps taken by the board looking to the establishment of a poorhouse and farm it is reasonable to suppose that the old idea that you must make the lot of the poor as hard as possible to avoid all inducements to the people to become paupers was passing away. The conflict of these two policies will be noticed pretty much all the way through by a study of the resolutions offered.

The first steps taken toward the erection of a poorhouse was the appointment of a committee at the December meeting, 1853, of the board of supervisors, when the following motion, offered by W. Selden Gale, was passed:

On motion of W. Selden Gale it was voted that a committee of three be appointed to make the necessary inquiries in regard to the propriety of purchasing a farm for the purpose of a county poorhouse and the expense of maintaining paupers on any plan, and to get all the information that they can obtain in the matter and report to the next meeting of this board. W. Selden Gale, Peter Frans and William M. Clark were appointed said committee.

The following motions were passed for the purpose of obtaining information as to the cost of the care of paupers in the county of Knox for the benefit of the committee above provided for. ; -, . ' vV '.::-,:: -'.

, Moved by William M. Clark and seconded by George W. Manley that the overseers of the poor be directed to advertise by putting up three written notices ten days in their respective towns that they will let the keeping of the town paupers to the lowest responsible bidder, provided the bid be satisfactory to the overseer. Provided further, that the pauper may be removed at the discretion of the overseer. ;-v>- ;-:; - ; .. .: -. ----:---- ,.

ORDERED: That the clerk make out the expense of keeping the county paupers for the last 4 years for the committee appointed to inquire into the pauper matters yesterday, -

ORDERED: That the clerk issue an order on the 'treasury in favor of James Bunce for three dollars for medical attendance rendered a Swede woman, a pauper in the town of Galesburg.

-- It has been a custom of the commissioners of the County court for years prior to this time to advertise in this manner for the lowest bidder for keeping the poor people of the county, and the custom was so common that nothing was thought of it. It would seem that a little reflection upon the subject would convince any one that the lowest bidder plan was the best plan by which a poor person could be cared for and made most uncomfortable of all, yet public work and public policy seems to dictate that way of letting contracts. However, if people are driven to offer and perform duties of that kind at the lowest possible cost, they will generally get even by making the provisions and care as cheap as possible. -

The committee on poorhouse were again instructed at the May meeting, 1855, to look further into the matter to ascertain a favorable place to purchase land and the best plans for a building. ':-:-' On motion it is : ^- .-:^H.:;r, -^::v-^^v^;^

ORDERED: That a committee of three be appointed to ascertain where is best to purchase land for a poorhouse and the best plan of building and the probable and best means of paying for the same and report to this board at their September annual meeting. Committee on the above, .: ' ;. v : : -;;/',-,>:; . --; ; .-'^ /;';,>-.--.;--:'-.' ':^~--' '-;'-^.v--;"'.- ;-/- GEORGE A. CHARLES, vv,

Resolved, That George A. Charles, Thomas Gilbert and T. J. Hale be appointed a committee with authority to purchase the W. ^ of the SW. y^ oi Section 21, Township Eleven north of Range 2 east, for the sum of three thousand dollars, for a county farm, upon such terms as may be agreed upon between the owner, T. J. Bestor, and said committee, or some other farm which to them shall seem best, in a sum not exceeding four thousand dollars.

ORDERED: That George A. Charles, Thomas Gilbert and R. W. Miles be appointed a committee to take charge of the poor-farm and they are authorized to take full charge of the same and to rent it on such terms as to them shall seem best for the interests of the county and the poor.

ORDERED: That the clerk issue an order on the treasury to the committee on the poor-farm for the sum of three thousand dollars, to be applied to the payment of said farm and they are authorized to pay for the same and receive a deed therefor in accordance with the contract for the purchase of the same.

May Special Meeting, 1856. - Resolved, That George A. Charles be appointed superintendent of the county farm with authority to make such contracts from time to time as to him shall seem most for the interests of the county and the welfare of the paupers, to make suitable repairs and necessary improvements and to employ any such assistance or medical services as may be necessary, and make report to this board from time to time.

ON MOTION it is ordered that the county poor-farm be rented to Henry G. Colgin for the term of one year from the ist day of April next at the sum of two hundred dollars - the said Colgin to take charge of and keep all the paupers of the county at the sum of two dollars per week, furnishing all necessary provisions and doing all washing for said paupers. --;![.'..

Poor- Farm for 1858. - January, 1858. Resolved, That George A. Charles, W. S. Gale and J. M. Holyoke be appointed a committee to hire a superintendent of the poor-farm for the coming year and that they be allowed to procure stock and farming tools to cultivate said farm and make such other arrangements as they may deem best, and report to the next meeting of the board.

Rule for care of paupers. Resolved, That all paupers should be brought to the poor-farm, except in such cases as the removal is inexpedient or improper, and that in all cases of bills presented to this board by overseers of the poor for relief, they be expected to give reasons for their non-removal to the poorhouse.

Resolved, That the clerk cause a notice to be published in the newspapers of Knoxville and Galesburg, of a public sale of the county poor-farm, to take place on the second day of the next September term of this board, said sale to be made for one-third cash in hand, the balance in one and two years, possession given the first of April next, and further

Resolved, That the paupers that are at the said farm on the said first day of April next, be taken to the respective towns from which they came, and be supported by said towns respectively. . i .;

May, 1858. - Supervisor Charles called up resolution in relation to sale of poor-farm when Supervisor Gale made a motion to postpone action until September meeting, to which Supervisor Miles offered an amendment that action be indefinitely postponed, which amendment was adopted.

to dispose of Knox county poor-farm, and that there be a committee appointed by the present board of supervisors to make the necessary preparations to dispose of said farm, and that the proceeds of the said farm be placed in trie county treasury; and futhermore, in pursuance of "An act passed by the legislature of the State of Illinois during its session of the year 1857" that each town of the said county of Knox, make provisions to cancel all demands that may arise in case of paupers residing in the same, and that after the ist day of April next, every pauper on said farm shall be removed to the town from whence they came. ' Resolution laid on the table. ..i.";^. :^"- ^;^-- --"A 'I--:

Supervisor Nelson then offered the following resolution as a substitute for the one presented by him yesterday and which was laid on the table:

Resolved, That the respective towns in the county of Knox be required to support the paupers residing in the same in accordance with an act provided by the legislature of the state of Illinois for the counties of Ogle and Knox, approved February i6th, 1857, and that the paupers that may be at the poorfarm on the first day of April, 1859, shall be sent to the towns from whence they came at the expense of the county ; and that a committee be appointed by the chairman of the board of supervisors to have charge and the leasing of said poor-farm, for the next year, from the first day of April next, and that the rent of said farm shall be paid in cash at such rates fixed by said committee, and the same when collected be paid into the treasury of the county to be used for county purposes, and furthermore, that Rufus W. Miles, our representative in the legislature, is hereby requested by the board of supervisors of Knox county to take the steps to repeal said act "Approved February i6th, 1857."

Supervisor Gale moved that the whole subject be deferred to a committee to report at next meeting of the board, all information of expenses of paupers outside and in county poorhouse, and the expense of the different systems of managing the poorhouse. : ' -?:;

: "Shall the paupers of the county be supported by the county, or by the towns to which they belong?" After discussion Mr. Martin withdrew his substitute, whereupon Mr. Gale withdrew his motion, and offered the following substitute :

.,/: Resolved, That a committee be appointed to report at a meeting of the board to be held on the first Tuesday of March next on the subject of paup>erism, and the cost of the different systems of managing the same, presenting in tabular form the comparative expense, by reference to cost incurred in supporting paupers in former years.

Yeas, Messrs. Meek, Kelly, Nelson, Titus, Martin, LeBarron, Hamrick, Godfrey, Benson, Knable, Tucker and Jarnagin, 12. Nays, Messrs. Gale, Brown, Routh, Holyoke and Stuckey, 5. Resolution adopted.

The following resolution is given for the purpose of showing the development of the sentiment in Knox county upon the subject of the care of the poor.

Resolved, That whereas Dr. J. W. Spaulding and Dr. Taylor of Galesburg have each of them appealed from the decisions of this board to the circuit court of Knox county in cases of obstetrics where one is allowed five dollars and the other nineteen 50/100 dollars, both being pauper cases, and whereas this board have by a preceding resolution ordered that each town hereafter takes care of its own paupers, which will in the future prevent any further account between this board and the medical faculty of Galesburg, and

Resolved, That this board allow these bills, or such part, as have not been allowed heretofore, which in the case of Spaulding is five dollars and Taylor's six 50/100 dollars, said Spaulding and Taylor paying all costs heretofore made in said cases, and that the orders be so expressed by the clerk when issued that it may be known that said orders are issued according to the spirit of these resolutions.

Resolved, That a committee be appointed to take charge of the paupers of the county, said committee to be authorized to superintend the poor-farm, and provide for taking charge of the poor; to employ physicians on contract, at Knoxville and Galesburg and elsewhere where the interests of the county may require ; to receive from the poor masters of the county reports of individuals in their charge and direct that such person be supported outside of the poorhouse or returned to the poorhouse, as may be for the interest of the county. That no expenses be paid on any pauper outside the poorhouse more than twenty-four hours before notice sent to the committee nor after orders in the case made by the committee, except on the order of the committee.

On which resolution the yeas and nays were demanded, resulting: Yeas, Messrs. Stevens, Gale, Charles, Hammond. Manley and Jones, 6. Nays, Messrs. Meek. McKee, Robertson, Martin, Routh, Swigart, McComack, Stuckey, Knable and Tucker, lo. Lost. . .....

Resolved, That this board deem it expedient to keep the paupers of this county at the county poorhouse, and all expenses arising from the bringing of paupers to said poor- farm ; and expenses accruing at said farm be paid from the county treasury, and further.

The yeas and nays being called, resulted: Yeas, Messrs. Stevens, Gale. Routh, Charles, Hammond, Manley, McCornack, Stuckey and Jones, 9. Xays, Messrs. Meek, McKee, Robertson, Martin, Swigart, Knable and Tucker, 7. Adopted.

And the same day, for the purpose of more effectually carrying into operation the foregoing resolution, the following was introduced and passed: , . Supervisor Charles offered the following resolution, which was adopted:

Resolved, That there be a committee of three appointed to take charge of the poor-farm, and make the necessary arrangements and contracts as to them may seem best and proper to receive and take care of the county paupers from the 1 5th of April next.

-.r At the January meeting, i86i, there appears the first systematic report from the committee on the poor-farm, which on motion of Supervisor Gale, was received and ordered to be spread upon the records. This report is signed by George A. Charles, J. M. Holyoke and John S. Winter, as a committee that had been appointed to take charge of this farm. It shows the entire expense of the farm up to that time had been $789.57. No objections to or criticism upon said report seem to have been made. It is therefore reasonable to supf>ose that the cost was satisfactory to the board.

The following report, submitted at the May meeting, 1863, is given in full for the purpose of showing a little of the conditions under which the board of supervisors had been laboring. Upon the one hand was the poor of the county, then increasing in number the same as today, as well as here and there an insane person, all of these people needing care and such care as can come only from the very best surroundings. On the other hand, was the apparently excessive cost of maintaining a poor-farm, well equipped with buildings and apparatus, and it appears from resolutions of the board herein contained that a strong effort had been made to throw these people wholly upon the townships, abandon the idea of a central home, sell the farm that had been purchased for the purposes of a home and the county thereby relieve itself of what was thought by some members of the board an intolerable and unnecessary expense. This report led, as will be seen from subsequent actions of the board, to the construction of one of the finest and most commodious almshouses in the State of Illinois and one that will stand inspection from almost any point of

The committee on poor-farm would respectfully report, that in accordance with the resolution passed at the last meeting of the board they have purchased from F. Andrews, overseer of the poor-farm, his stock thereon (horses excepted), to-wit: 4 cows, 3 two-year-old cattle and 3 yearlings, for the sum of one hundred and thirty ($I3O.CX)) dollars. We find that the farm can well sustain that amount of stock or more, and that hereafter the increase thereon will aid materially in furnishing provisions for the inmates of the institution.

We have renewed the contract with Mr. Andrews as overseer for another year, at the same rate as was paid during last year, to-wit, $525.00. And here we would state that we have made frequent visits to the poor-farm, at such times as suited our convenience, and would say that we have always found the house clean and neat, the inmates contented and happy as persons situated as they are can be, and the gradual improvement of the farm, with the good order in which the fences are kept, and the property taken care of in our estimation, speaks well for the management of our overseer, and the care and industry of the matron.

The regular number of inmates is nine, of which five are insane, two idiotic and two claim the sympathy and support of the public from age and infirmity. Another case which has caused some trouble is Gustavus Anderson, returned from the insane asylum as incurable, but who after his return we found, with the present accommodations that it was impossible to keep, as, unless he was closely confined or imprisoned, he would continually escape. For some time past he had been in Galesburg, and bills will be presented from that town for his support. Your committee, with full knowledge of the capacity of the poorhouse, know that the overseer could not keep him without employing someone to watch him. And your committee would urge upon the board, the propriety of constructing some good and suitable building for keeping the insane of the county, which we find to be the class of paupers which now, as they will hereafter, form the principal portion of those needing aid from the county authorities, such buildings require to be built of brick, and heated by furnace that fires may not originate therefrom, and their erection would be a credit to our county. We cannot pass this matter and justify our consciences without referring to a case now in the poor-farm. A girl known as Crazy Hannah, who has been confined in a small room over three years, unsafe to permit to go out and breathe the fresh air of Heaven, compelled to live within four close walls, until her destiny is fulfilled ; during all the cold days and nights of winter that poor, demented girl cannot approach the fire, between her and it, at a safe distance from her hands, has to be placed strong iron bars lest she should set fire to the building. With all the "modern improvements" for heating buildings suitable for persons in her condition, are we as citizens of Knox county doing our duty to the unfortunate of our county?

By our direction the overseer has purchased young fruit trees, and set them out, so that in a few years the farm will be abundantly supplied with fruit.

A large garden has been made this season, which will furnish the inmates of the poor-farm good and wholesome living and be conducive to their health.

In conclusion, let the committee ask that the board, in a body, proceed to the farm, examine its condition and see what is required to make it such a poor-farm as the County of Knox should have, so that its members may act understandingly.

For which your committee ask that orders may be passed in payment to the parties named and would also ask that an order issue in favor of F. Andrews for $130, the purchase price of the stock, bought under direction of the board, by us. -:- , -... -;;. ,-/ - ... ---.,.

Which report on motion of Supervisor Mathews was accepted and approved. Whereupon the Clerk was instructed to issue orders in payment to the parties named for the sums specified in the report. .:;':.

Supervisor Mathews moved that a committee of three be appointed to obtain information as to the plans and cost of erecting such a building on the poorfarm for the safe and comfortable keeping of the insane of the county as is contemplated in the report of the committee on the poor-farm, and required by the county, and report at the September meeting of this board. Adopted.

The chair appointed Messrs. Davis, Arms and Winter said committee. ,. : May Meeting, 1864. - Supervisor Nelson offered the following resolution: «' ; Resolved, That from and after the first day of June, A. D. 1864, that all persons becoming chargeable as paupers remaining in the different towns of Knox county, and the same being sick, in such a manner as to be unable to be removed to the county poor-farm during such sickness, the same being certified to by the overseer of the poor and attending physician; all such bills that are reasonable attending such sickness, together with a reasonable bill for a physician, be allowed and paid by the board of supervisors of Knox county, when said bills shall be presented.

On which resolution the yeas and nays were called resulting: Yeas, Messrs. Finch, Stewart, Nelson and Heflin, 4. Nays, Messrs. Meek, Lowrie, Newell, Hagey, Arms, Holyoke, LeBarron, Potter, Pickrell, McComack, Stuckey, Knable, Nicholson, Shaffer, Lyons and Gibbs, i6.

At the September special meeting, held January, 1865, the committee on poor- farm closed their report with the following appeal for something to be done to relieve the deplorable conditions at the poorhouse.

Your committee do not feel willing to let this meeting pass without calling the serious attention of this Board to the condition of these poor, unfortunate beings whom God has committed to our especial care - a trust that your committee feel this honorable board has not discharged. There is but one very poor building for the poor master's^ family and the paupers, having six rooms below and two small chambers, a hall running through the building divides the lower rooms, two rooms and a small store room on one side are occupied by the family. On the other side, the two larger rooms are used during the day by the paupers and the small room has been fitted up as a grated cell for Crazy Hannah, a grated partition separating her from the stove.

At night the paupers, many of whom are idiotic or insane, are locked up in the two small chambers, and this with the present class of inmates, has to be done irrespective of numbers, and almost of the condition of the paupers. From this brief statement it will be seen how illy adapted the premises are to purposes of a poorhouse, even when all are in health; but when any are sick it is impossible to make them comfortable, and especially is this so when, as in the case of the man with the frozen feet, it becomes as a loathsome pesthouse, not only to the paupers but to the poor master and his family, the stench from the gangrened foot filling every part of the building, and sickening the inmates.

In view of these facts, your committee most earnestly call upon this board to take some steps to make such improvements that it may no longer with truth be said, "That the poorhouse is a disgrace to Knox county."

On motion of Supervisor Stewart, it was ordered that an appropriation not to exceed the sum of two thousand dollars be made to the committee on the poor-farm, to build a suitable dwelling for the poor master, and to make such repairs on the present building as may be needed to make it comfortable for the paupers.

Mr. Arms from committee on poor-farm made the following report, which was on motion accepted and approved, and the clerk directed to issue orders to the parties named in accordance with said report:

Your poor-farm committee report that they have renewed the contract with Mr. Andrews as overseer of the poor-farm for the present year on the same terms as last year, viz. : $600 ; that the paupers, twelve in number, have been made as comfortable, your committee believes, as the circumstances of the case would admit.

We have contracted for the erection of a building on the farm for the overseer's family in accordance with the action of the board at its January meeting, which is now in process of erection, and when completed will give the

At the September special meeting, held January, 1865, the committee on poor-farm closed their report with the following appeal for something to be done to relieve the deplorable conditions at the poorhouse. I : '

Your committee do not feel willing to let this meeting pass without calling the serious attention of this Board to the condition of these poor, unfortunate beings whom God has committed to our especial care - a trust that your committee feel this honorable board has not discharged. There is but one very poor building for the poor master's- family and the paupers, having six rooms below and two small chambers, a hall running through the building divides the k)wer rooms, two rooms and a small store room on one side are occupied by the family. On the other side, the two larger rooms are used during the day by the paupers and the small room has been fitted up as a grated cell for Crazy . Hannah, a grated partition separating her from the stove.

At night the paupers, many of whom are idiotic or insane, are locked up in the two small chambers, and this with the present class of inmates, has to be done irrespective of numbers, and almost of the condition of the paupers. From this brief statement it will be seen how illy adapted the premises are to purposes of a poorhouse, even when all are in health ; but when any are sick it is impossible to make them comfortable, and especially is this so when, as in the case of the man with the frozen feet, it becomes as a loathsome pest- :. house, not only to the paupers but to the poor master and his family, the stench from the gangrened foot filling every part of the building, and sickening the inmates.

In view of these facts, your committee most earnestly call upon this board to take some steps to make such improvements that it may no longer with truth be said. "That the poorhouse is a disgrace to Knox county."

On motion of Supervisor Stewart, it was ordered that an appropriation not to exceed the sum of two thousand dollars be made to the committee on the poor-farm, to build a suitable dwelling for the poor master, and to make such repairs on the i)resent building as may be needed to make it comfortable for the paupers.

Mr, Arms from committee on poor-farm made the following report, which was on motion accepted and approved, and the clerk directed to issue orders to the parties named in accordance with said report:

Your poor-farm committee report that they have renewed the contract with Mr, Andrews as overseer of the poor-farm for the present year on the same terms as last year, viz.: $600; that the paupers, twelve in number, have been made as comfortable, your committee believes, as the circumstances of the case would admit.

We have contracted for the erection of a building on the farm for the over- ;. seer's family in accordance with the action of the board at its January meeting, which is now in process of erection, and when completed will give the whole of the main building for the accommodation of the paupers. We have audited the several bills presented for articles furnished to the poor-farm, and recommend that orders issue in favor of the persons, aggregating $587.98.

R. Vv. Miles John S. Winter

That in compliance with the order of the board we have built upon the poor- farm a dwelling house 18x30 feet in size, one and one-half stories high with a good cellar under the whole building, and that the same has been done in a substantial manner; that we have had both ends of the poorhouse new sided, and made other repairs to said building as we deemed necessary ; that the entire cost of said new building, and repairs on the old house, amount to $1487.12. We would further state that owing to the number of flies we did not think it best to finish painting the buildings until fall.

January, 1866. - The clerk then read a circular from the superintendent of the Illinois hospital for the insane, when Mr. Gale offered the following resolution, which was unanimously adopted:

Resolved, That the committee on the poor-farm have discretion to provide for the support of insane paupers in the state hospital for the insane.

On motion of Mr. Gale it was ordered that the poor-farm committee be instructed to examine and report what action is necessary for the proper care and support of the incurable insane of the county.

That this board will pay the expense incurred by the poor-farm committee, in preparing report and plans for the improvement of the poorhouse and premises to be made for the care of the insane, and full compensation for the time spent by the members of the committee.

That the said committee be authorized to make temporary provision for the care of the insane so far as the present arrangements of the poorhouse are insufficient. April, 1866. - Mr. Gale offered the following resolutions, which were adopted :

Resolved, That the question relating to the construction of a poorhouse be referred to a committee to consist of the poor-farm committee and two other supervisors - Messrs. Beadle and Harden.

That the committee be instructed to re-examine the subject, and to consider the propriety of so modifying the proposed plans as to require the erection of a building suitable to the present wants of the county and capable of economical extension as the wants of the county increase. ;; - :

That the committee also consider the necessity or propriety of purchasing an addition to the poor-farm, and also the advantages of a re-location on other grounds.

May, 1866. - On motion it was ordered that a special meeting of this board be held on the last Tuesday of May, being the 29th day of said month.

]Vhereas, It is due to humanity that we should look well to the comfort and welfare of our fellow beings whose misfortune it is to be thrown upon --the charity of our county, therefore

Resolved, That this board adopt the plan on exhibition in the clerk's office, drawn by W. W. Boyington of Chicago, for a poorhouse, and that we erect the following portions of said plan : the middle or steward's apartments, :' - with the right wing of said plan, and that the balance of said plan be built . and completed as soon as the demands require, any resolution of the board to the contrary; and that there be a building committee of three appointed to let and make a contract for said portions of plan mentioned above, and that the entire job be let to the same party, the said party giving bonds and security in double the cost of said building for the faithful performance of their duties and for further security to the county, the county shall retain one-third of the entire costs of said building until it is inspected and approved.

Resolved, That the committee appointed at the last meeting to whom was referred the questions relating to the construction of a poorhouse, be authorized to purchase the northwest quarter of Section ^4, ii N. i east, at a price not exceeding $7,600, if a perfect title can be had, and that the same committee be authorized to proceed to the erection on said grounds of a poorhouse on the plan recommended by the poor-farm committee at the last meeting, so much to be finished this season as is needed for present use.

Resolved, That the committee appointed to erect the poorhouse be authorized to borrow money on the credit of the county to such extent as may be necessary to meet their expenditures. On motion of Mr. Sanderson it was ordered that the clerk be added to said committee.

June Special Meeting, 1866. - The chairman directed the clerk to read the call under which this meeting is held, which is as follows : , . "To James J. Egan, Clerk of the Board of Supervisors of Knox County, State

"The undersigned being one-third of the members of the board of supervisors of Knox county, do request that a special meeting of said board will be held, to convene on the I2th day of June, A. D. 1866, at the court house in the City of Knoxville, to re-examine the matter of the location or re-location of the poor-farm. Dated this 2nd day of June, A. D. 1866. - , , "RuFus W. MILES, "Wn. B. KELLAR,

V Mr. Rhea, moved that the action had at the adjourned meeting on the 29th day of May last be reconsidered, on which motion the yeas and nays were demanded, resulting: Yeas, Messrs. Heflin, Newell, Heagy, Arms, Ebright, Combs, Kelldr, Johnston, Stuckey, Rhea, Adams, Thompson and Chairman, 13.

The members of the committee then present met at the close of the last meeting of the board, and agreed to meet at the council room in the city of Galesburg, on the Friday following, Mr. Conger informing the committee that he had the refusal of the land proposed to be purchased, for the next day only. It was, as we understood, agreed that Mr. Conger should close the purchase at once, conditioned on the soundness of the title, and that A. M. Craig, Esq., should examine the records, and report to Mr. Conger as early as practicable the next day.

We considered the action of the board decisive as to the selection of the location, and understood the desire of the board to be that the work should be commenced with the least possible delay. Upon the next day, Mr. Conger learned that one of the persons of whom the land was to be purchased had expressed regret at having offered it at that price, and that another person was about to attempt to purchase. As there were four different owners of the land and either one of them might destroy the value of the purchase to the county by refusing to comply, and the power to enforce compliance with the agreement giving refusal was questionable, he thought no time ought to be lost in fastening the purchase.

Not expecting to get Mr. Craig's report until noon, he called for advice on Messrs. Douglas and Arnold, who had formerly owned the land. Mr. Arnold assured him that Mr. Craig could not report otherwise than that the title was complete of record; that Judge Douglas and himself had carefully perfected the title. He also exhibited the title deeds and expressed perfect confidence in the title. :;-:

Mr. Conger therefore ordered the preparation of the necessary papers, and notified the owners that he took the land, provided the examination showed good title.

Mr. Craig not arriving as expected, Mr. Conger proceeded to complete the purchase, and take the deeds. While so engaged, Mr. Craig arrived and submitted a full abstract of title, reported the title so far as appeared of record, perfect, and expressed the opinion that it was a safe title to buy. At the same time Mr. Conger received letters from Messrs. Miles and Arms, members of the committee, and from Mr. Egan, assuming to be a member of the committee, advising that the interest of the county might be promoted by a delay. These gentlemen gave no reason for their advice. Mr. Conger thought he saw no danger to the .interests of the county in delay, and thought he had gone too far with the owners of the land, honorably to recede, and while some might be willing to release him others might not. At the same time Mr. Dunlap, supervisor from Henderson, informed him that he had just seen Mr. Miles ; that Mr. Miles told him he desired delay because the citizens of Knoxville, disappointed by the action of the board, in locating the poorhouse, were disposed to endeavor to raise by subscription means to purchase or aid in purchasing a farm, if the board would re-consider the location, and that he intended to join with such supervisors as were willing to call a special meeting for the purpose.

The committee had already given a great deal of attention to the selection of the site, and Mr. Conger was convinced no other location that the board would accept could be obtained in the vicinity of either Galesburg or Knoxville for less than from $2CXX) to $4000 advance on the price of the land already selected, that none equally desirable could be had at that rate even. That to throw away the chance already secured, in the hopes that after the chance was gone, the citizens of Knoxville would contribute $6000 or $8000 for the purpose of controlling the location seemed to him a very unbusinesslike transaction. It seemed to him quite likely that those who desired to control the location might find it the cheapest way to purchase one of the four interests in the land in question, and thus defeat any attempt to secure it again, and compel the county to make a location elsewhere, on less favorable terms. In these views Mr. Dunlap entirely concurred.

On Friday, the time set for the meeting of the committee, there were present, Messrs. Harden, Beadle and Conger. After waiting until afternoon for the arrival of the other members of the committee they proceeded to receive statement from Mr. Conger of his action and examined the land. (

In the absence of the gentleman who was understood to be chairman of the committee, Mr. Harden was appointed temporary chainnan. Mr. Conger's action was approved and the deeds ordered to be placed on record.

We have explained our action and motives the more fully that we wish to show that we have not intended to show any lack of courtesy towards the other members of the committee, or in any wise to take any advantage of power temporarily placed in our hands by our associates in the board and tie up the hands of the board, or in any way embarrass its free action.

If the opinions of other members of the committee have not had due weight with us, it is because they did not give us an opportunity for consultation with them. We did no more than we thought the exigencies of the case required and believe that had the committee been full its members would have concurred ; that under the circumstances we could not do less. What we have done has been done in good faith, and we believe for the interest of the county, and we expect to be sustained by the board. We are more than ever satisfied with the location. The land is of first quality, and possesses the diversified surface desirable in a farm, both for beauty and utility.

. -. 'Near the center of the tract it affords a beautiful site for building, commanding a view of the whole farm, and of the county for miles around. Near enough to the highway, but sufficiently removed for desirable privacy.

We are assured that there will be every facility given by the railroad company, both for delivering of building materials on the ground, and hereafter landing inmates upon the premises at a platform to be erected near the track, also for the delivery of fuel and other heavy supplies. Its proximity to a station where extra engines are kept constantly heated will enable the railroad to give many such facilities, without expense, that could not well be given the same distance from other stations.

Situated nearly midway between the western portion of the City of Galesburg and the City of Knoxville those large centers of population could not be better accommodated, and its nearness to the point where all the railroads converge gives it peculiar advantages in accommodating the county towns.

We believe the greatest value of the poorhouse will be as a hospital and that suitable provisions of ambulance, easy chairs and the proper use of the facilities of the railroad, very sick persons can be removed from any place in .the county without danger, and that once there, they can be well cared for at an expense below the cost of medical attendance alone in the country towns.

To carry out such arrangements we consider a location on the railroad indispensable, and we regard it as a great advantage that the superintendent shall receive his mail at Galesburg, from which point he can communicate with the authorities of the several towns with promptness, and can in most cases know the situation, and remove the patient in 24 to 48 hours less time than if the location was at another point.

In conclusion we recommend that the committee be instructed to proceed with the construction of the building with the least delay, consistent with the proper economy of the work.

On motion of Mr. Conger and by consent the abstract of title made by Hon. A. M. Craig on the northwest quarter of Section 24, in Township 1 1 N. i E. was read.

On motion of Mr. Arms, it was voted that the board immediately on convening in the afternoon, will hear a report on the title of said land from Mr. Sanford.

Resolved, That the purchase of the northwest quarter of Section 24, ii N. I E. made by the committee of the poor-farm be and the same is hereby ratified and approved. And, be it further ,'. , ;'-.

Resolved, That the committee on the poor-farm hereafter consist of Messrs. R. W. Miles, C. Arms and L. E. Conger, and that in case the piece of land, of about 32 acres south of the poor-farm, owned by John Eads, be donated to the county free of costs, and that the piece of ground west of the poor farm of about 36 acres, owned by W. Y. Miller, can be purchased for $35 per acre, and a good defensible title can be had, then and in that case, the aforesaid committee be and they are hereby instructed to purchase said land of said Miller, and

. to commence the construction of a poorhouse as soon as possible on the grounds of the present poor-farm; the same to be constructed after the plans and specifications of W. W. Boyington, now in the hands of the poor-farm committee, save and except one of the wings, the committee to determine which one to be left off. And the' committee are hereby empowered to borrow money on the credit of the county for the construction of said building, and the purchase of the land of said Miller, and that already purchased by the poor-farm commit-

; tee. to the amount of forty thousand dollars, and no more, without further authority from this board, and that the committee retain 20 per cent, of the contract price in their hands for the faithful completion of the work. And, be it further

Resolved, That in case a good and sufficient title to the above mentioned land, satisfactory to the members of the committee, cannot be had, on the conditions above specified, then and in that case, the committee be and is hereby authorized to commence the construction of a poorhouse on the same conditions above specified, on the land now purchased by the committee, that is the northwest quarter of Section 24. Township ii N. i E.

Which substitute was accepted by the board by the following votes : Yeas, Messrs. Heflin. Newell, Heagy, Arms, Combs, Kellar, Johnston, Stuckey, Rhea,

Resolved, That when this board adjourn it adjourn for five weeks. That the purchase of the northwest quarter of Section 24, in Township ii N. I E. be confirmed.

That the supervisor from Indian Point, Victoria, Truro, Henderson and Sparta be appointed a committee to report upon the best location for a poorhouse, taking into account convenience to the county, expense of site, cost of buildings and future running expenses.

Mr. Combs moved to amend by striking out the names of the committee and that the chair appoint said committee. Amendment lost by the following vote : Yeas, Messrs. Hefiin, Newell, Heagy, Arms, Combs, Kellar, Rhea, Adams, Thompson and Vaughn, lo. Nays, Messrs. Meek, Harden, Gale, Conger, Clay, Sanderson, Dunlap, Ebright, Beadle, Johnston and Stuckey, ii.

' and Kellar to the committee named, which amendment was carried by the following vote : Yeas, Messrs. Hefiin, Newell, Heagy, Arms, Combs, Kellar, Johnston, Stuckey, Rhea, Adams, Thompson, Vaughn and Chairman, 13. Nays, Messrs. Meek, Harden, Gale, Conger, Clay, Sanderson, Dunlap, Ebright and Beadle, 9.

The question recurring on the acceptance of the substitute of Mr. Gale as amended, it was accepted by the following vote: Yeas, Messrs. Meek, Harden,

> On motion of Mr. Stuckey adjourned until lo o'clock tomorrow morning. ; V- The chairman announced that the substitute of Mr. Gale under considera-

Resolved, That the purchase of the northwest quarter of Section 24, Township II N. I E. made by Messrs. L. E. Conger, O. Beadle and E. S. Harden, members of the poor-farm committee, be and the same is hereby ratified and approved. And, it is further

Resolved, That the committee on the poor-farm hereafter consist of Messrs. R. W. Miles, C. Arms and L. E. Conger, and that in case the piece of land of about 32 acres, south of and adjoining the poor-farm, owned by John Eads, and the piece of land west of and adjoining the poor-farm, of about 36 acres, owned by William Y. Miller, be donated, and a deed of the same made to the county free of cost; then, and in that case, the aforesaid committee be and they are hereby instructed and empowered to commence the construction of a poorhouse as soon as possible, on the grounds of the present poor-farm ; the same to be constructed after the plans and specifications of W. W. Boyington, now in the hands of the poor-farm committee, save and 'except one of the wings, extending from the steward's department; the committee to determine which one to be left off, and the said committee are hereby empowered to borrow money on the credit of the county for the construction of said building, and for the payment of the aforesaid northwest quarter of Section 24, Township 1 1 N. i E. to the amount of thirty-five thousand dollars, and no more, without further authority from this board, and that the committee retain 20 per cent of the contract price in their hands for the faithful completion of the work. And, be it further

Resolved, That in case a good and sufficient title to the above described lands, adjoining the present poor-farm, cannot be had on the above mentioned conditions, and satisfactory to the aforesaid committee; then and in that case the committee be and it is hereby instructed and authorized to commence immediately the construction of a poorhouse on the northwest quarter of Section 24, Township ii N. i E. in the same manner, and on the same conditions as above specified. And, it is further ..'--: o

Resolved, That all resolutions heretofore passed by this board, and inconsistent with this resolution, in regard to the construction of a poorhouse, be and they are hereby rescinded.

Whereas, there have been deeds executed to Knox county of the N. W. 24, II N. I E. under instructions of Mr. L. E. Conger, a member of the poor- farm committee under protest of one-half of said committee, therefore

Resolved, That Knox county quit claim to the said L. E. Conger, all claims in said tract of land as the record does show a title to said land contrary to instructions, and the action of said members of committee are hereby rescinded. And that the contractors of said buildings be required to give security in double the amount of costs of buildings.

And the question being on the acceptance of Mr. Vaughn's substitute the yeas and nays were demanded, resulting: Yeas, Messrs. Newell, Heagy, Arms, Ebright, Combs, Kellar, Johnston, Stuckey, Rhea, Adams, Thompson, Vaughn

A motion to adjourn was then offered, on which the yeas and nays were called, resulting: Yeas, Messrs. Meek, Harden, Gale, Conger, Clay, Sanderson, Dunlap, Heflin, Beadle, Combs and Gibbs, ii. Nays, Messrs. Newell, Heagy, Arms, Ebright, Kellar, Johnston, Stuckey, Rhea, Adams, Thompson, Vaughn and Mr. Chairman, 12. Lost.

Mr. Ebright moved that a committee of five be appointed to receive proposals from the several points desiring to secure the location of the poor-farm, and report at 1 130 o'clock this afternoon. Adopted. The chairman appointed Messrs. Ebright, Stuckey, Conger, Vaughn and Rhea, said committee.

1st. I, John Eads, do hereby agree to convey by deed, for the purpose of, ar-'J as a poor-farm for Knox county, state of Illinois, to the board of supervisors Oi said county, my land lying east of the city of Knoxville, in said county, bounded on the north by the Peoria road leading east from Knoxville, on the west and south, by the road leading from Maquon to Knoxville, being about 117 acres and parts of the S. E. quarter of Sec. 27 and N. E. 34 in township II N., range 2 east in said county, for the sum of $17 per acre, provided said board will erect, or cause to be erected on said land the poorhouse now in contemplation of erection.

2nd. I, Cephas Arms, supervisor of the town of Knox, do hereby offer the donation of 33 acres, lying south of and adjoining the poor-farm, owned by John Eads, and about 36 acres adjoining, and lying west of the poor-farm, owned by Wm. Y. Miller, for poor-farm purposes to the board of supervisors of Knox county. 111., provided said board will erect or cause to be erected on said poor-farm the poorhouse now in contemplation of erection, and do guarantee the conveyance of said lands to the said board on the above conditions.

3rd. I will see that the county have paid into the treasury within ten days $10,000 for the purpose of erecting a poorhouse on Boyington's plan, on N. W. 24, II N. I. E. W. SELDEN GALE.

4th. The town of Lynn will donate to the county of Knox, the S. W. quarter of section lo, 13 N. 4 E. with a clear title, for the purpose of erecting a county poorhouse upon it. ,.--...

The yeas and nays being demanded, resulted: Yeas - Messrs. Meek, Harden, Gale, Conger, Clay, Sanderson, Dunlap, Heflin, Ebright, Beadle, Stuckey, Thompson, Vaughn and Gibbs, 14. Nays - Messrs. Newell, Heagy, Arms, Combs, Kellar, Johnston, Rhea, Adams and Chairman, 9. Substitute accepted, when on motion said resolution was adopted.

A motion to adjourn was then offered, on which the yeas and nays were called, resulting: Yeas, Messrs. Meek, Harden, Gale, Conger, Clay, Sanderson, Dunlap, Heflin, Beadle, Combs and Gibbs, ii. Nays, Messrs. Newell, Heagy, Arms, Ebright, Kellar, Johnston, Stuckey, Rhea, Adams, Thompson, Vaughn and ^Ir. Chairman, 12. Lost.

Mr. Ebright moved that a committee of five be appointed to receive proposals from the several points desiring to secure the location of the poor-farm, and report at i :3O o'clock this afternoon. Adopted. The chairman appointed Messrs. Ebright, Stuckey, Conger, \'aughn and Rhea, said committee.

1st. I, John Eads, do hereby agree to convey by deed, for the purpose of, a.r." as a poor-farm for Knox county, state of Illinois, to the board of supervisors Oi said county, my land lying east of the city of Knoxville, in said county, bounded on the north by the Peoria road leading east from Knoxville, on the west and south, by the road leading from Maquon to Knoxville, being about 117 acres and parts of the S, E. quarter of Sec, 27 and N. E. 34 in township II N., range 2 east in said county, for the sum of $17 per acre, provided said board will erect, or cause to be erected on said land the poorhouse now in contemplation of erection, , : '- :. .( ' .

2nd, I, Cephas Arms, supervisor of the town of Knox, do hereby offer the donation of 33 acres, lying south of and adjoining the poor-farm, owned by John Eads, and about 36 acres adjoining, and lying west of the poor-farm, owned by Wm. Y. Miller, for poor- farm purposes to the board of supervisors of Knox county. 111., provided said board will erect or cause to be erected on said poor-farm the poorhouse now in contemplation of erection, and do guarantee the conveyance of said lands to the said board on the above conditions,

3rd. I will see that the county have paid into the treasury within ten days $10,000 for the purpose of erecting a poorhouse on Boyington's plan, on N. W. 24, II X. I. E. W. SELDEN GALE.

4th. The town of Lynn will donate to the county of Knox, the S. W. quarter of section lo, 13 N. 4 E, with a clear title, for the purpose of erecting a county poorhouse upon it. . . . ' - :

The yeas and nays being demanded, resulted : Yeas - Messrs. Meek, Harden, Gale, Conger, Clay, Sanderson, Dunlap, Heflin, Ebright, Beadle, Stuckey, Thompson, \'aughn and Gibbs, 14. Nays - Messrs. Newell, Heagy, Arms, Combs, Kellar, Johnston, Rhea, Adams and Chairman, 9. Substitute accepted, when on motion said resolution was adopted. -

C; - Resolved, That the proposition of the town of ICnox, donating lands in V. addition to the present poor- farm, upon the conditions specified, be accepted. .'.-r Mr. Gale offered the following resolution as a substitute:

-T-.; i Resolved, That the poorhouse building committee be directed to proceed ';; - . to erect on the northwest quarter of section 24, ii north i east, the center and .-.";' one wing of the plan for poorhouse adopted at last meeting, provided the ':'-'.'-- sum of $10,000 shall be paid into the county treasury within ten days by the . C '- authorities of Galesburg, as a donation for the purpose. -' V That the said committee be authorized to borrow money for the purpose

- :: .,. to be constructed after the plans and specifications of W. W. Boyington, now :;-;'-.; in the hands of the poor-farm committee, save and except one of the wings

.;.;.'; one to be left off. And the said committee are hereby empowered to borrow ;.. .?; money on the credit of the county for the construction of the said building, ' ^ , and for the payment of the (purchase money of the) northwest quarter of

.;./:. section 24, town ii N. i E. to the amount of twenty thousand dollars, and no -';',: more, without further authority from this board. And that the committee

/ -- -- ' lands adjoining the present poor-farm, cannot be had on the above mentioned .''-'. .- conditions, and satisfactory to the aforesaid committee, then and in that case, -:- ,, the committee.be, and it is hereby instructed and authorized to commence imiyj /;-; mediately the construction of a poorhouse, on the N. W. quarter of Section

:; j On the adoption of which substitute, the yeas and nays were called, re- :v;> ": suiting: Yeas - Messrs. Heflin, Newell, Heagy, Arms, Combs, Kellar, John- 4 --- , ston, Stuckey, Rhea, Adams, Thompson, Vaughn and Mr. Chairman, 13. Nays - ;i;,.;'; Messrs. Meek, Harden, Gale, Conger, Clay, Sanderson, Dunlap, Ebright, Beadle and Gibbs, lo. Adopted.

And the question being shall the resolution pass, the yeas and nays were called, and the resolution adopted by the following vote : Yeas - Messrs. Heflin,

; . January, 1867 - The poor-farm committee reported that by their estimates it will require about $15,000 additional to complete the building and properly stock and improve said farm.

As the poor-farm committee made no written report at the Sept. ineeting, we will briefly state that at the special meeting in June 1866, your committee was directed (provided the titles to certain parcels of land adjoining the old poor-farm, proposed to be donated to Knox county by the citizens of Knoxville, were good and sufficient titles) to accept of the deeds, and proceed to erect one wing and the center building of the poorhouse according to plans and specifications of W. W. Boyington. Your committee consulted Messrs. Sanford and Craig as to the titles to said land. They pronounced the titles good. Your committee accepted the deeds and immediately advertised for proposals for erecting the building. Upon opening the bids, the bid of Mr. Wm. Armstrong was decided to be the lowest and best bid, and the contract was immediately drawn up and signed accordingly. Mr. Armstrong contracts that for the sum of $26,900.00 he will erect and complete the building ready for use, warming apparatus included, subject to the approval of W. W. Boyington. Owing to the inclemency of the weather, Mr. Armstrong will not be able to complete the building according to the time of the contract, but your committee believe that Mr. Armstrong has faithfully tried to comply with the terms of the contract not only as to time, but in material and workmanship of the building. Your committee was also authorized to borrow $20,000 to be expended on the building and for paying for the N. W. quarter of section 24, II N. 2 E. An itemized statement attached shows the amount of expenditures to be $16,769.99.

April, 1867. - Mr. Gale moved that when this board adjourned, that it be until called together by the poor-farm committee. Carried. Yeas - Messrs. Meek, Harden, Clay, Gale, Conger, Sanderson, Whiting, WyckoflF, Beadle, Miles, Johnston, Chambers, Hall, Vaughn and Gibbs, 15. Nays - Messrs. McKee, Sumner, Charles. Keightley, Hanrick, Swigart and Shaffer, 7. Excused, Messrs. Dunlap and Wood, 2.

Resolved, That the buildings heretofore known and called the Knox county poorhouse, be hereafter known and called the Knox county almshouse.

- This balance of $3,627.89 has been expended by the committee in stocking . .. the farm, tiles and drain, wagons, harness, plows, furniture, expenses of insane at Jacksonville, etc., etc. All of which is shown in the report of the committee ; V in separate items in the payment of the amount $47,239.04. . -

, . Whereas, The present ventilation of the Knox county almshouse has been ': ; declared by the secretary of the state board of charities, to be wholly insufficient to secure wholesome air for the inmates, and

Whereas, Your committee by careful examination find the accommodation for the insane wholly inadequate, all the cells being filled, and there are several still running at large on the premises, for whose safety and the safety of others, .. V cells should be provided; and there are also quite a number at the insane hos- . ' : pitals that are liable to be returned at any time; and :

Whereas, The laundry accommodations were originally designed to be in the east wing of the originally planned building, but are now in the west basement designed for cellars, and is not only wholly inadequate for the purpose, but the dampness arising from it is injurious to the building, and endangers the health of the inmates; and

Whereas, Under the present arrangements it is impossible for the superintendent to keep the sexes properly separated, which is absolutely necessary in order to sustain the moral character of the institution; and

Whereas, Labor and material are at this time unusually cheap, therefore your committee would earnestly recommend, that the board of supervisors take immediate steps to add to the present building the east wing contemplated in the original design of said building, the plans and specifications of which your committee understand are in the hands of the county clerk, and also to adopt a proper plan for heating and ventilation of the whole building upon the most approved and economical plan. All of which is respectfully submitted.

On motion of Mr. Holyoke, the matter was referred to almshouse committee, with instructions to report fully at the adjourned meeting of the board, the probable cost of the contemplated improvement, and expense of necessary heating and ventilation.

July Adjourned Meeting, 1876. - Mr. Eiker, from almshouse committee, presented the following special report: . ,. ..-;--?.:.. ..4 ; To the Honorable Board of Supervisors of Knox County:

Your committee on almshouse and paupers, to whom was referred the matter reported by them at the July meeting, would report that they have attended to the duty assigned to them, and herewith present the original plans and specifications, from which the present building was erected, together with drawings by Messrs. Parry & Stevens, presenting the changes which your committee would recommend. From them you will readily see that, although we have added 8 feet in length and 2 feet in width to the east wing, yet it will not detract from the original design nor materially increase the expense. In the present building we have but 8 insane cells. In the new wing we get 19, together with all the laundry and baking accommodations, the want of which has so long been felt. To heat and ventilate the entire building, your committee would recommend that the boiler be situated outside of the west end of the building; that a chimney be erected for boiler purposes, from which the best of ventilation can be secured for that part of the building now erected. For the new part, ventilation can readily be obtained from the large chimney shown in the plan.

- The estimated cost of building complete in all parts, exclusive of heating apparatus and fixtures, as furnished us by Messrs. Parry & Stevens, will be about $15.000, and as furnished us by W. O. Thomas, of Macomb, $13,425, the latter party omitting several points which would increase his estimate. For ; heating and ventilating, the estimated cost is as follows : For boiler-house, . setting boiler, and smoke-stack, 45 feet high, with sheet iron flue, same height, - $620; for heating apparatus, including boiler and all necessary fixtures to insure the heating of the whole building, $2,339.68, the latter estimate from Frost Manufacturing Company, making the estimates, including all complete, amount ^ to $17,959.68.

Your committee are of the opinion that the estimates presented are liberal, and that the cost of contemplated improvement would not exceed estimates, but competition in bidding for contract would materially reduce them. For reasons given in our former report, and correspondence furnished us by the clerk, from ' . our insane asylums, your committee feel the urgent necessity of putting the . building under contract at once, as we are informed that it can be completed ; by January i, 1877. -.^--.' v .' . ..:V::. '

-; And we therefore would recommend that the plans and specifications, as presented, be adopted, and that provision be made for the amount of money necessary, at a low rate of interest, until our present tax can be levied and collected, and that the clerk be directed to advertise for sealed proposals for building and heating, separate or combined, according to plan and specifications, for . the space of 15 days. --^-. . '^v.x ..-'-;-: 'v. :.: v --

Mr. Felt moved that the special report of the committee be accepted, adopted, - and its recommendations concurred in. Carried, and the clerk directed to advertise for proposals as contemplated by the report. . .' ^'^ 7. -'-'''^^'^^'f^-''^-'^:.^ ':

Resolved, That when this board adjourn, it adjourn to meet on Monday, August 2ist, for the purpose of opening bids for building addition to alms- - house, and the transaction of other business connected therewith, as may be deemed necessary. ;" - . ; ';%;/:.;- :-.'^:;..T.V for adding on an east wing of the Knox county almshouse, and the heating apparatus necessary to the completion of old and the contemplated new building herewith report that, we have had the various bids under consideration, and if we are to decide in favor of the bids made, on the basis of the plans and specifications upon which the bids were made, we have decided in favor of Stevens & Parry, whose bid is $16,250; but a bid has been presented by Parry & Stevens, amounting to $17,400, which includes the largest sized boiler that any of the bidders have named, and qualifies all and everything that may be needed to the full completion of building and heating apparatus, including all changes that may be conceived necessary for comfort and convenience, during the progress of the building, without extra charge. We submit to the board the two propositions, and ask that they consider and decide which of the two propositions had best be accepted. As for ourselves, we recommend this latter proposition, and think it will be cheaper and more satisfactory, in the conclusion, than the first. . j

Wm. G. West

Resolved, That Messrs. Parry & Stevens be and are hereby awarded the contract for the construction of the east wing and other improvements at the Knox county almshouse, they having, in our judgment, made the lowest and best bid for the same.

Resolved, That the almshouse committee be authorized and directed to draw a contract with Messrs. Parry & Stevens, which shall specify all the materials to be furnished and all the work to be performed; that no alterations or additions be made which shall increase the expense above the contract price; and that said committee be empowered to bind the county to pay the contract price of $17,400 in monthly payments, not exceeding 85 per cent, on the work done and the materials furnished during the month preceding. - : j -

Mr. Holyoke moved, that if the committee cannot employ Mr. Cooley, that they employ some other competent person as superintendent, who is not a member of the committee. Adopted. :

4 We expected to be able to report the fact that the east wing, which is under contract for building, had been completed and ready for use. In this v" we have been disappointed, but in accordance with the expectations of the builders, it will be ready for delivery in two weeks hence, and we suggest that ; v^ Mr. Cooley examine the premises thoroughly before accepting the keys. '- During the process of putting up the new part of the building, it was dis- - covered that some necessary repairs should be applied to the old building, in '-- order to protect it from decay, which has been done by order of the committee, . r: after carefully weighing the importance of making the repairs. -- - : ;;: -;-';-;:;.'::/'. Respectfully submitted, .:- ^; :;:-;\;..

April Meeting, 1877. - The following, taken from the report of the almshouse committee submitted April 23rd, 1877, describes quite fully the conditions then existing in regard to the almshouse which had recently been constructed:

:. startling, and if not cognizant of the causes of accountability for this disparity, you might bring accusations of unnecessary extravagance having been duty is performed; and the expenses for which usually amount to three, and sometimes four hundred dollars, and has always been reported at our July meeting. This work being done, the expense of it is included in this report. The premises are in commendable order, and our worthy matron will shirk no duty incumbent upon her, to keep them continuously in praiseworthy condition. In conclusion we submit that, in accordance with your instructions, we insured the almshouse for the term of five years from the I5th day of January last, to the amount of $30,000, and the furniture within the house to the extent of $3,000, at two per cent, for the term or period of five years.

On motion of Mr. Gale, the report of the committee, as recorded, was accepted, and the clerk ordered to issue orders in payment of allowances made.

The almshouse committee presented the following report of Mr. Z. Cooley, superintendent of building east wing of almshouse: State of Illinois, I - . -\! -: :

The undersigned, who was appointed to superintend the building of the addition to the Knox county almshouse, respectfully reports to your honorable body, that the contractors, Messrs. Parry & Stevens, have erected and completed said building in all respects as required by their contract, in accordance with the plans and specifications, to the satisfaction of the undersigned in all respects, except the plastering; which is owing to the very unfavorable weather at the time when it was done, and when it had to be done in order that the contractors might complete their building within the time they were required to do so by their contract ; and that the county might have the use of the building during the past winter. The undersigned did not think that he ought to require the contractors to delay their work until favorable weather for so doing, and which there was then no prospect of until another season. Then the reason that said plastering is not entirely satisfactory to the undersigned, is not that the material used and the workmanship furnished was not good and sufficient, but for the reason that at the time it was done and required to be done, it was impossible to do or make a first-class job. The undersigned would further report that upon an examination of said plastering during the past week, he found it to be in a better condition than he had expected. That an expenditure of from eight to ten dollars, whenever in the future the house required cleaning and renovating, would remove most of the defects that now appear upon some of the walls. The undersigned would further report that he has granted to the contractors, Messrs. Parry & Stevens, to apply upon their said contract, certificates for the sum of $17,300. All of which is respectfully submitted.

' On motion of Mr. Eiker, the report of Mr. Cooley was accepted, and the clerk directed to issue an order in favor of Parry & Stevens for the sum of

-:- ;- Mr. Holyoke offered the following resolution, which was adopted: .; " Resolved, That we endorse the action of the almshouse committee in all ; the expenses incurred by the county in the renovation and repair of the old . ;; building, and the furnishing of both old and new; and inasmuch as everything about the almshouse is in first-rate order, we instruct the almshouse committee to rest upon the laurels already won, and incur no more expenses at the aimshouse, except for subsistence and hired help; until the next meeting of the board, unless absolutely necessary. . ; - (_.

-- April Meeting, 1878. - Mr. Temple offered the following resolution: .:'.. ' - Resolved, That the almshouse committee be instructed when making their report and pauper bills submitted to them, to report for payment only that : .' . class of bills which by the rules heretofore and at present in force become :',^ properly county charges. Vvy - ' -- : \: ,;^.^

.. "Except in case where temporary, or partial support can be furnished by ' the county at less expense than if removed to the almshouse." .

, . .; Mr. McKee moved to lay proposed addition to the rule on the table. Lost. :' - Yeas - Messrs. McKee, Sisson, Bair, Sumner, Higgins, Sloan and Tucker, 7. Nays - Messrs. Butler, Latimer, Gale (W. S.), Dieterich, Nelson, Hale, Mc- ." } Farland, Eiker, Robson, Stephenson, Benson, Aldrich, Temple, Multer, West, V. ^ Gaines and Sellon, 17. ;i^;:;^

;. The motion of Mr. Sellon was then adopted, and it was ordered that the '.-, - rule as amended be published with the proceedings of the board. ' ' The rule as amended reads: -:.-.-

' Resolved, That it is the duty of the several overseers of the poor in this ' county to remove to the almshouse all persons requiring relief from the county, : except in the following cases : ,-.,.., .. - ., .-^..

.' ;- July Meeting, 1878. - Mr. Hale offered the following resolution: ; '". ' That a committee of three be appointed to devise some means of adequate , protection from fire for the Knox county almshouse property and report to the ,. ,;. next regular meeting of this board.

,-;":. That before the next regular meeting of this board the superintendent of . ; - the Knox county almshouse be instructed to discontinue the practice of smoking

' .J That before the next regular meeting of the board the superintendent of the ; Knox county almshouse, be instructed to discontinue the habitual use of opium .' . in any form by the inmates of said institution. ; i . KL.';;-

September Meeting, 1878. - Mr. Hale from special committee in regard to securing almshouse property from damage of fire, by permission, presented the following report :

Your special committee, appointed at the last regular session of this board, to devise some means of adequate protection from fire for the Knox county almshouse property beg leave to report that they have given some consideration to the subject matter referred to them.

They report that they find the premises at present almost wholly without means of extinguishment of a fire if one should occur. They recommend that water tanks of suitable size, and adapted to the purpose designed, be placed in the attics of the two wings of the building, and elsewhere if found necessary, to be kept constantly filled with water, and with necessary reels of hose on each floor and with convenient means of attachment with the standing pipes, as a tolerable means of extinguishment of fires in case of their occurrence. They recommend that your committee (or such other committee as you shall appoint), be authorized to employ Zelotes Cooley, Esq., or some other competent person, to prepare and submit a plan in detail for carrying out the foregoing recommendations, with an estimate of the probable cost, to be submitted to this board, at its next regular session.

Mr. Eiker from committee on almshouse read report of county physician, and on motion of Mr. Hale said report was received and ordered to be printed with the proceedings of the board. . ,