The Chariton Leader, Chariton, Iowa Thursday, June 10, 1909 The board of supervisors, John Norman, T. Hogue Roberts and J.A. White, visited the County Home, on Friday, and by invitation the writer was pleased to accompany them. The inmates under Superintendent John Clouse and his good wife are faring well. The farm is well kept, the grounds and stock showing painstaking care and the quarters occupied by the inmates are kept tidy and clean, and this has shown upon the unfortunates in praiseworthy contagion, as they have become accustomed to this method and are more careful in their personal habits than they otherwise would be. At present there are 18 inmates in the home. At one time since Mr. and Mrs. Clouse took charge of the work there were 24, which taxed the establishment to about the full capacity. No one can realize the work entailed to care for so many people, without visiting the place, and surely the present management is to be commended for the patience and personal attention given, as there are invalids and individuals in the various degrees of mental balance, so it is anything but an easy task. Year after year many of the same faces are beheld. Occasionally one passes out into eternity and another takes his place, thus Lucas County's Charity Hospital is depleted and replenished from the busy struggling world. Not only do the inmates receive watchful care but they also enjoy wholesome food and plenty of it, which speaks well for local humanity. In passing we cannot refrain from adding one or two observations. Seldom is an inmate without hope, although temporarily vanquished in life's struggle. One young lady, mentally incapacitated, sat at the head of the stairway reading one of America's popular magazines and another, an elder lady was in her room perusing the standard fashion book, with all the evident interest of a Chariton belle, in contemplation of a new gown. All who are so inclined are provided with sufficient literature as a healthy stimulus for the mind. Uncle Jackson Barry is enjoying fairly good health and is glad to see his old friends. Mother Grogan, who has been bed ridden for a year, is as courteous and precise in her address as though she were in court presentation, and while sad yet seems grateful. Will Erb, who is a paralytic, owing to a spinal injury, thinks his condition is improving and looks forward to the day when he will be able to walk about the green earth once more. There are several incurable insane being cared for at the home. Their lot is a drear waste. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert July 13, 2005 iggy29@rnetinc.net