Marion County Poor Farm Investigation

Most poor farms cost the counties they resided in, but the Peabody Poor Farm in Marion County actually brought in money.  The building was constructed in 1890 and when superintendent, W. K. Palmer took over in 1893 he brought a new attitude toward the ethics of poor farm residents.

The men farmed 180 acres and raised hogs. The women produced baked goods and sewing as means of supporting themselves and the farm needs. Palmer was so good as encouraging and promoting new ethics to the residents that soon they had a surplus of $200 toward county taxes.  

The residents were the poor, the indigent and the mentally challenged of the area. Unwed mothers were allowed to stay during their pregnancy but had to leave when their child was adopted.

In the 1900’s much of the land was sold off and the poor farm became the Marion County Rest Home at Cedar Ridge.  In 1964 the residents were moved to the new Cedar Ridge Rest Home and the old building was purchased locally and turned into apartments.

There is no ugly past to the property; no mistreatment of the people who lived there. 

There should be nothing but good memories from the place. As a poor farm, the residents; or as they were called back then- the inmates were well treated and held great pride in their ability to sustain themselves and pay taxes to the county. When it became a rest home it was renovated to accommodate the new residents and even an elevator was installed for access to upper floors. 

The residents were so happy with their new home that when TV became a new item, they pooled their own money to purchase one for the house residents.

In 1973 the property and building are down to 2 ½ acres and sold to a private family.  It has been a private resident, a restaurant, a spiritual retreat and finally a private resident/museum.  Activities in the home are substantial especially after the home was struck by an unofficial tornado in 2009. That event seems to have stirred up activity in the residence.

We made several visits to the home and captured class A EVP’s (electronic voice phenomenal).  Personal experiences included being touched, hearing footsteps and whispers and numerous cold spots throughout the property.  Below are some of the photos we captured.

Marion County Poor Farm

The rear of the home took the storm damage and opened up a splurge in paranormal activity.

This photo was taken in the attic

                                      Notice the interesting rod on the left side of the photo.

Taken in one of the back bedrooms now with a damaged roof after the storm.

Be sure to check back for more photos.

Remember all you ghost hunters out there, respect property and respect the dead, and always carry extra batteries! Be sure to check back for more investigations by Cee’s Ghost Hunting and Paranormal. You can also sign up for email notifications at the bottom of this blog.  Be careful out there.

ghost-written by D. Susan Rutz