Jackson Poor Farm Cemetery

Jackson Poor Farm Cemetery. Part of a larger landmark known as The Jackson County Poor Farm/House/Infirmary. , Ira McGonagel (1808- 1892) is among those buried in the Jackson Poor Farm Cemetery. Ira, the son of Scottish immigrants, was the father of 9, a "farmer” and a "laborer" He owned real estate in Jackson County in the 1860s-70s, according to census documents. He was laid to rest in the cemetery in December 1892., Enduring Place of Rest , The Jackson Poor Farm Cemetery was originally part of a larger property known as the Jackson County Poor Farm/ House/ Infirmary. The 100+ acre property, purchased by the Board of Superintendents of the Poor in 1839, served many roles: it was a self-sustaining farm, refuge for the indigent, medical facility, and a final place. of rest. The home, managed by several overseers over the years, lodged between 24-90 boarders in a typical year. Occupants ranged from infants to those 90+ years old, and included individuals and families. In January 1886, the original house was destroyed by fire. The brick home pictured above was the second structure on the property (historical images courtesy Jackson District Library). After undergoing several ownership and other changes, it also was destroyed by fire in 1967. Many of the residents who died in its care over the years were buried in the adjacent Jackson Poor Farm Cemetery (also called the "Jackson County Cemetery"). Today, the cemetery is the sole remnant of this larger, historic property. The 1911 Plat Map (left) shows the footprint of the County Farm” in Blackman Township. The cemetery is about where the star is located (star added to map).