Can someone help me with clarification about this institution?

My gguncle died there in December 1903. In our cemetary plot information it says place of death - Hudson County Asylum. At that point in time - was it an insane asylum, a poor house? He was very wealthy in the late 1800's - that is unless he got a bum tip on a horse! I'd love to know if he was nuts (which would explain a lot about our family - he he) or if his horse came in last!

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have been trying to get a death certificate for him and I keep getting a run around by Meadowview Hospital, Progressive Nursing Center and even Trenton! HELP!

Much Thanks... Nadine