If any poor person shall suppose that he is entitled to the benefit of the laws for the relief of the poor, and the overseers of the poor of the county in which he resides, shall refuse to give such person the benefit thereof, upon applicant of such person, the judge of the district court of the county, may, if he shall think proper, direct the said overseers of the poor to receive such person on the poor list, on his application therefor.
R.L. 1910, § 4542.