----- Original Message ----- From: Diane Rayburn To: ILLIVING-L@rootsweb.com Sent: Friday, June 22, 2001 9:26 AM Subject: POOR FARMS Can I ask about Poor Farms? Was it a Farm where the poor were made to work to earn their keep? How were they housed? In England we called it the workhouse which was an apt description as it was usually a grim building and it really was a last resort to have to go there. Married couples were separated, any children in the family old enough to work [11-12 years] were found live away from home jobs. Did the same apply to the Poor Farms? I am fascinated to know, I have never seen a link to them on the web pages is there one? I haven't found any of mine in one yet, but suspect that is where I am going to have to look shortly for one family member. Thank you.........Diane Rayburn