aka: Henry County Poor Farm Graveyard.
aka Clinton Poor Farm Cemetery

T42, R26, S33 - Fields Creek Township
NW 221, Clinton, Henry County, Missouri
44 known burials

History: Burials in this cemetery are documented by a few death certificates, county records and newspaper reports only. The actual number of burials is unknown, and may have spanned over 60 years. The County Farm was started in 1871 when the court bought 160 acres NW of Clinton from Frederick Crissman. The poor, crippled, blind and insane were housed here. Those who were able to work tended cattle, hogs, mules, corn, hay, wheat and fruit. In 1883 there were only 9 residents. That number grew to between 40 and 60 by 1896. A large brick building, which originally consisted of 8 cells and 16 rooms is still standing, a reminder of how Henry County attempted to care for their helpless and poverty stricken residents.

As of 1930 census, 29 "inmates" were named, ranging in ages from 10 to 87, with most over 60. It was shown as Henry Co. "Almshouse".

All known records are stored at the Henry County Historical Society. A box containing most of the records is believed to have been lost during the transfer of old records from the Court House to the newly established Historical Society.

There are no markers. When the County discontinued use of the facility, it was sold to a neighboring farmer who immediately plowed up the graveyard. Any markers that might have existed were destroyed/plowed under.

1950: "Henry County closes the Henry County Poor Farm, located just west of Clinton (Highway 35 - now Highway 7 - and what is now NW 221 Road). The building is leased to J. D. Arnold for use as a rest home."

Note: As photos taken 2007 show, the buildings have since been abandoned, are in a state of collapse and open to the elements.