The 1st poor farm in Graves County was established in 1855. Up to that time the paupers were farmed out to the lowest bidder and the records bear the frequent and somewhat startling statement of persons being "sold" at various prices. In April, 1855, a tract of land was purchased for the sum of $250. On this was erected a frame building, which served the purposes of the county until 1870, at which time the entire property was sold. Since then, the paupers have been "let" at public outery to the lowest bidder, the average price at the present time being $7 per head per month.

In 1884 The county purchased a tract of 15 acres of land one mile west of Mayfield for a poor farm, and the present time steps are being taken to erect the necessary buildings thereon.
(Source: KENTUCKY, A History of the State, published 1885 by F. A. Battey publishing Company.)

Original Almshouse (late 1800's poor farm) was on West Broadway, Mayfield, Kentucky in Graves County.

The new location on County Farm Road off of Macedonia Road was erected in 1903 then called County Farm Poor House.

Information derived from Genealogy Trails History Group.

Charles Collier was shown in the 1860 census as having the poor farm. 98% of the Graves County records were destroyed in a courthouse fire in 1887.

These are the dates of Inmates that died while living in the poorhouse.

ALMSHOUSE

SURNAME NAME DEATH DATE
Petty John A. January 6, 1886
McDance Sarah April 2, 1888
McDance Joey April 2, 1888
Parrott (B) Finus December 30, 1887
Tucker Burgess December 24, 1888
Lom (B) Billie January 25, 1888
Burnett (B) Winnie January 26, 1888
Hornsby William February 7, 1888
Tucker Mrs. October 19, 1887
Futrell John January 7, 1888
Adams Wit December 20, 1887
McDonald Azalee February 29, 1888
Williams Clara February 20, 1888
Culp Willie February 4, 1888
Finn Ed February 6, 1888
Boone Mrs. November 8, 1887
Trafford William October 6, 1888
Smith Infant of Fannie March 1, 1889
King Infant February 12, 1889
Coots Wash February 16, 1889
Rowlett Myra March 8, 1889
Wilcox Juy January 12, 1889
Fuguess Infant March 8, 1889
Miller Thomas Unknown
Powell Infant of Richard November 29, 1889
Lavoor Infant of Ellen Cannon June 30, 1890
Pelwon Joel 1888
Giles John November 29, 1888
Malcomb H.W. August 14, 1889
Jenkins (B) John August 14, 1888
Ivory Unknown October 27, 1888
Sanderson William October 5, 1888
Wingo Sallie November 21, 1888
Minor Olie December 18, 1888
Hurt Susan March 14, 1889
Warren 3 yr old of Tommie October 2, 1889
Pryor (B) Henry September 14, 1889
Wagoner Bettie August 29, 1889
Reace (B) Mary July 15, 1889
Powers Lewis May 29, 1889
Apperson Dave 1889
Riley Child of Alice October 5, 1889
Perdue Sarah October 5, 1889
McClure Silva December 1889
Tuyluis Infant of S.A July 21, 1889
Sawyer Menerva September 17, 1889
Beard Unknown November 25, 1887
Rodgers Cull December 1887
McDonald (B) Ivie October 31, 1887
Smith Infant January 15, 1890
Stwet Mary February 3, 1890
Thorp W.F. February 26, 1888
Nichols J.H. March 1, 1890
Buchanon Dick 1890
Pryor Theodon 1890

COUNTY FARM POOR HOUSE
Sign located behind Mayfield Memory Gardens
It was bulldozed over to plant a garden.

SURNAME NAME DEATH DATE
Ferrell (B) Richard buried August 18, 1919
Gill Erline April 19, 1920
Hawkins Dycus December 7, 1912
Coleman Martha Ann September 3, 1935