Marker Inscription
Operated 1885-1962 to support and employ dependent or needy citizens and as place for county convicts to work out fines. First superintendent of the 320-acre farm, R. Suffert, managed all land and activities and his wife cooked, washed, and sewed for both inmates and guards. Of inmates buried in the now-leveled cemetery at bend of Center Creek, only names known are Steve Abbey, Sarah McCain, Jim Wilson, Jim M. Goodner, Bill Hodge; Rankin, Owens (surnames); Della, Edna, Ike, and Mariah. In 1969 county sold buildings and 12 acres of farm at auction. (1971)
About this site
Wise County Poor Farm & Cemetery, Site of is a historical marker in Decatur, Wise County, dedicated in 1971. It is one of 91 historical markers documented in Wise County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 162 historic sites cataloged across the county.
The site sits at 33.2086, -97.5953 near Decatur. The nearest cataloged historic site is Wise County Reunion (historical marker), about 0.3 miles away. Others within a short drive include First Baptist Church of Decatur, Decatur Baptist College, and Episcopal Mission of the Ascension.
This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5497004916. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.
