Paupers - Who Liable To Support

Every poor person who shall be unable to earn a livelihood because of any bodily infirmity, idiocy, lunacy, or other unavoidable cause, shall be supported by the father, grandfather, mother, grandmother, children, grandchildren, brothers or sisters of such poor person, if they or either of them be of sufficient ability; provided, that when persons become paupers through intemperance or other bad conduct, they shall not be entitled to support from any other relation except parent or child.

R. S., ch. 107. sec. 1.

Who First Called Upon

The children shall first be called upon to support such poor person, if of sufficient ability. Next in order the parents, brothers, sisters, grandchildren, or grandparents, if they, in the order named, be of sufficient ability.

Proceedings under this act in this county are conducted by the County Attorney.

Sec. 2.

Children On Poor Farms - Home For Such Children

The county judge may release from the custody of the keepers of poor farms all children confined therein under the age of 14 years, who have no parents or legal guardians living, if the judge can, without expense to the county, through the agency of any person or charitable society, secure a good home for such child; it is the duty of said judge to enter into a contract on behalf of such children with the person who agrees to take such children, which contract shall provide that such child or children shall be clothed, maintained and schooled in the common schools, until the male children are 21 years old, and the female children are 18 years old.

Sec. 43.

Costs - Poor Persons

The court may permit a poor person, who is unable to prosecute his suit and pay the costs and expenses thereof, to commence and prosecute his action as a poor person. The court. may assign counsel for such person, who, as well as all the other officers of the court, shall perform their duties without any fees. If there is judgment for the plaintiff, the costs shall be collected for the use of such officers.

R. S., ch. 33, sec. 5.