Forgotten Histories of Lawrence County's Poor Farm

The little-known story of a county-run facility that cared for the destitute, elderly, and mentally ill in the early 20th century.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 5:10pm

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A highly stylized, pop art-inspired silkscreen illustration featuring a repeating grid of an old-fashioned metal bed frame in vibrant neon colors, conceptually representing the forgotten histories of the Lawrence County Poor Farm.The forgotten histories of the Lawrence County Poor Farm are memorialized through the iconic imagery of the facility's simple but essential furnishings.Smithville Today

For decades, Lawrence County, Arkansas operated a 'Poor Farm' or 'County Farm' that provided housing and basic care for the area's most vulnerable residents, including the financially destitute, elderly, and mentally ill. Though not a source of pride, the Poor Farm was an important part of the region's social safety net until it was shuttered in the 1950s, with many of its former residents buried in unmarked graves on the property.

Why it matters

The Lawrence County Poor Farm reflects a bygone era when local governments took more direct responsibility for caring for their most disadvantaged citizens, though the conditions and treatment of residents often fell short of humane standards. As the facility faded from public memory, the unmarked graves of its former residents have become a poignant reminder of the forgotten histories of the poor and marginalized in rural America.

The details

The Poor Farm was established in the 1850s on land just outside the town of Smithville, with the county sheriff, coroner, and justices of the peace tasked with identifying and committing 'paupers' to the facility. Able-bodied residents were required to work on the farm's large gardens, poultry operations, and livestock herds, which helped make the Poor Farm nearly self-sustaining in its early years. Locals referred to it as the 'County Farm' rather than 'Poor Farm' due to this agricultural productivity. The facility included two large dormitories, several other buildings, and two natural springs that provided drinking water and supported laundry operations.

  • The first county poor house land was purchased in April 1853 just outside Smithville, Arkansas.
  • The County Farm at Clear Springs began operating in the late 1800s.
  • In 1904, state lawmakers enacted a law requiring 'every county must relieve its own poor'.
  • By December 1940, the Poor Farm was considered a financial liability on Lawrence County, with only 13 remaining residents.
  • The Poor Farm continued operating through the late 1950s before finally closing.

The players

Charles 'Bud' Verkler

A local resident who described helping deliver meals to the Poor Farm and recounted details about the facility's layout and operations.

Jeff Watts

The son of Buster Watts, who served as a caregiver at the Poor Farm from 1933 to 1940. Jeff Watts grew up on the farm and recalled details about the residents and operations.

Brother King

A country preacher who would come to the Poor Farm to preach on Sundays and conduct funerals for deceased residents.

Irby

The Lawrence County Judge who in 1940 stopped paying salary claims associated with the Poor Farm, citing the county's major financial crisis.

Powhatan Historic Courthouse

A local institution that provided historical records and information about the Poor Farm.

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What they’re saying

“Halfway up the hill behind the last picnic tables are the graves of those who never left the farm.”

— Jeff Watts, Son of former Poor Farm caregiver

“The farm was 'well equipped' for the purpose intended and a jail was built, instead of idling away their time, inmates could work on the farm. Living quarters for the poor and infirm were described in the article as complete and comfort.”

— Paragould newspaper article

What’s next

Efforts are underway to identify the sites of possibly two cemeteries on the former Poor Farm property, where many of the facility's former residents are believed to be buried in unmarked graves.

The takeaway

The Lawrence County Poor Farm stands as a poignant reminder of the complex history of how rural communities once cared for their most vulnerable citizens, often falling short of humane standards but also providing a crucial social safety net. As the facility fades from public memory, the unmarked graves of its former residents have become a powerful symbol of the forgotten histories of the poor and marginalized in America.