TIP #540 - OH POOR ME! How did Kentucky help the poor in the early statehood days? If we take a look at some of the early laws of the Commonwealth, it might help explain the actions that were taken. An act was passed December 19th 1798 regarding the poor. In this act it is stated that the county courts in the state had the power, and were required to provide relief for the poor by laying out a county levy. This levy was to cover those who were personally unable to procure a livlihood. The courts could from time to time, make orders on the sheriffs or county levy collectors and use it to pay such sums of money as they shall allow to help such people. The count justices when meeting monthly provided to the court information about poor orphans and other children whose parents are incapable of supporting or bringing them up in "honest courses". If it seemed right to the court, a "next friend" could be appointed as to where this child should reside. The next friend normally knew the child and parents. The court then bound out the child (orphan or a child whose family could not provide for them), and apprenticed them until the age of 21 for a boy and 18 years for a girl. It was the responsible of the next friend to teach them reading and writing and, if a boy, common arithmetic including the rule of three. The child was also to be paid three pounds and ten shillings when the apprenticeship ended, and provide him with a new suit of clothes. All indentures were to be recorded by the county officials. The next act was passed January 30, 1798 and went into effect March 1st. The act stated and every poor person who had a cause of action against any person within the Commonwealth would have the discretion of the court before whom he would sue. This allowed the poor the right to sue out writs without paying for the suit. February 10, 1798 was the next act involving those considered poor, again went into effect March 1st. This act dealt with anyone who brought into the state from any other state, or from one county to another, people who were unable to support themselves and thus become chargeable to the new state or county. This protected the state and the county from individuals who were likely not provided for in another state/county and rushing here in order to reap the benefits of generous Kentucky! On December 23rd, 1803, another act passed that empowered the courts to provide what they deemed necessary to the poor and make a reasonable compensation for medical treatment. This money was also taken out of the county levy. Poorhouses were established December 19th, 1821. This act stated that the county courts would have full power and authority to purchase and receive a conveyance - housing - for the poor to reside in. The county could build a home known as the poor house for the housing of the poor. The county levy could be used to hire carpenters to build the home and to pay the workers who built the home. Once the house was built, it was lawful for the county court to appoint someone they saw fit to superintend the poor house and to pay them a reasonable salary out of the levy. The superintendent of the poor house could be removed by order of the court if there was any problem. Poor widows also were provided for by the county. An act passed December 21st, 1820 regarding these widows. If a widow could provide proof to the county or circuit clerks in the county where she resided that she has no estate in her right greater than $100.00, she would be considered for assistance. Her finances would to be proven in open court by testimony of two or more credible witnesses. She could be issued 100 acres of land with a land warrant issued for the land in her name. Any unoccupied land could be chosen except for the land west of the Tennessee River and south of Walker's line. This land would not be liable to sale by execution; it vested in the widow who acquired the title for the rest of her life with the remainder to her children if she has any. If she died without children, the land reverted back to the state. (c) Copyright 12 May 2005, Sandra K. Gorin, All Rights Reserved. Gorin Publishing: http://ggpublishing.tripod.com/ New books available now! 29 Apr 2005 Sandi's Puzzlers: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~gensoup/gorin/puz.html SCKY Links: http://www.public.asu.edu/~moore/Gorin.html