PERRY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
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THE COUNTY HOME
aka- THE POOR HOUSE

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HISTORY | STEWARDS | INMATES 

HISTORY

When Perry County was formed in 1820, from Cumberland County, the county home  became the property of Perry County, with the agreement that residents, residing therein, belonging to Cumberland County, would remain there for several years.  

The site was originally purchased from Adam Bernheisel, of Tyrone Township, in April, 1810.  The brick dwelling house, built by Adam Bernheisel, became the residence of the steward.   In 1839, the almshouse (including the records) were destroyed by fire. Samuel Shuman was contracted to build the new building.  This building was replaced in 1871 by the present one.  

The present 4-story County Home contains about 70 rooms.  It is located on the road connecting Loysville with Landisburg.  The grounds also contain a farm, which produces much of the food eaten by those housed here.  Inmates who are in good health and not elderly, share in many of the duties around the farm and home.  

1887 REGISTER  |  1888 REGISTER  |  1889 REGISTER  |  1890 REGISTER  |  1893 REGISTER |  1895 REGISTER  |  1896 REGISTER



STEWARDS

1840-43: Daniel Minich
1844-50: Benjamin Rice
1851:       H. Kleckner
1852-54: Benjamin Balthauser
1855-57: Jacob Balthauser
1858-59: Samuel P. Campbell
1860-62: Thomas W. Morrow
1863-66: John Hopple
1867-69: Jeremiah Minich
1870-74: Joseph S. Bistline
1875-76: Isaac B. Trostle
1876-79: Henry P. Lightner
1879-82: T. P. Orner
1882-90: P. G. Kell
1890-1911: John R. Boden
1911-12: Irwin I. Rice
1912-14: William J. Rice
1914-       Robert J. Eaton



INMATES

Listing of Inmates extracted from census schedules:

1850 Residents

1860 Residents

1870 Residents

1880 Residents

1900 Residents

 


 

The book, History of Perry County, Pennsylvania; H. H. Hain; Harrisburg, PA; 1922, was used to obtain the information in the above written sections:  Description & Stewards.


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This site is maintained  by Cathy Wentz-Eisenstadt
Copyright 2003-2010.  All Rights Reserved.

This page was last updated on:   03/14/2009


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