Insane Asylums - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Institutions in Montana

KathleenLeveroni — 2013-05-07 22:33:05Z

I wrote to an institution in Montana regarding a niece of my grandfather's. I was shocked to find that they sent complete medical records, etc. I only asked when she was an inmate. It was almost too much information. Somethings are better left to conjecture!

Re: Why This Board Was Created

kori_carriger — 2013-05-07 04:37:59Z

This is good to know because I am trying to located my great grandmother who was admitted in Eastern State Mental Institution in Oklahoma. Some time after 1914. I have contacted them and they tell me that they can't by law give me anything due to state and federal laws unless I can prove by documentation that through court order that I have provided care to my Great Grandma and or am a responsible adult who provided care for her. Other then my father I am next in line to her living relatives so the people that were able to care for her are no longer living.

Along with that statement from the institution was the statement that she doesn't see why I would want this information and even if they did have it, it is told old and probably can't see anything on it. I am very frustrated at her lack of compassion to those of us who care about our ancestry and her unwillingness to help at all in anyway shape or form. I messaged the Oklahoma Bar Association to find out the laws on this matter and they have yet to message me back.

I am not sure where to go from her because I only know of her name Minnie Wyrick and her married last name of Dick and that per census she was born in Oklahoma and her mother was from Missouri. She was born some time in the 1880's but that is all I know.

Asylum/Sanitarium in Johnson City, Washington Co., TN

CynthiaMantooth13 — 2013-03-02 07:25:05Z

Does anyone know where to obtain records of patients (possibly TB) for the National Sanitarium in Johnson City,TN? I have a relative who I think might have possibly been admitted between 1900 - 1910. I am unable to find a death certificate or any record of him after 1900 and his wife is shown as widowed in the 1910 census.

Athens Asylum, Athens, Ohio

maryrusso2000 — 2013-02-24 22:32:08Z

I have an annual book from the Athens Asylum, organization 1893-94. The superintendent at the time was C. O. Dunlap, M. D. My great grandfather and great grandmother both worked there. My great grandfather was a department superintendent and my great grandmother was a nurse pictured under Attendents and Employees.

In my research I also came across census records that show two of my other relatives who apparently were patients there Mattie and Carrie Warner.

I went to the internet to find out what I could about the asylum. It was originally for post civil war veterans who would today be diagnosed with PTSD, post traumatic stress disorder. It also had a TB wing. It was not just for the insane.

I have not been able to find out why my two relatives were patients.

Would anyone else like to share information about the Athens Asylum.

Theron Phillip Spruill

satipton — 2013-02-22 19:02:42Z

I am looking for Theron Phillip Spruill records in the Austin State Mental Hospital in Austin, Texas. He arrived in Aug.1938. Need to know why he was in here and what treatment he recieved. Died in 1992. I never known my grandfather. Please help!

Manhattan State Hospital

catherined828 — 2013-02-21 21:10:41Z

Hi,
Is there any way I would be able to find info on a patient (inmate)that was there back in the 1930's and 1940's ? I found her in the 1940 census which said she was also there in 1935. I can not find anything on her except in that census and the 1925 census when she was living with her husband before she was committed. Any info on where to search next or how to obtain records from there, I appreciate !!

Columbus State Insane Asylum

mitchellst — 2013-02-03 03:50:25Z

I found a 1940 census record which lists an individual, Sam Rinehart, who may be the person that I am looking for, as an inmate at the Columbus State Insane Asylum. Any tips on how to get patient records from that institution, or court records which declared him legally incompetent/insane?
Thanks,
Teresa

O C Rinehart

mitchellst — 2013-02-03 03:48:27Z

I am looking for any information concerning my paternal great-uncle, Otto or Otho C. Rinehart. Otto was born in Hardin County, Ohio, around 1906; he died in Sept of 2000 in Harrison, Arkansas. Family legend has him insane or a hermit, or both. Otto's parents were Anna Mae (Garlinger) Rinehart and Clinton Ismond Rinehart. He had two sisters, Thelma and Betty, who married and moved to California; he also had two brothers, Harold and Howard, who married sisters and lived next door to each other in Arlington, Ohio, until their deaths.
I would appreciate any tips on how to find out about mentally ill people during that time frame.
Thanks,
Teresa

Re: Where do I start.

jelinnm — 2013-01-27 01:43:39Z

Until the 1950s & 60s when thorazine and other antipsychotic drugs were developed, asylums would chain patients to walls or otherwise restrain them. Families would commit relative that were troublesome, retarded, Downs Syndrome, having seizure disorders, and any matter of condition that was considered "slow", "dim", or otherwise undesirable. I feel so for these people who were thrown in with the truly insane.

Calvin P Arrant (d.1930), SW Texas Insane Asylum & 1 other

jelinnm — 2013-01-27 01:31:42Z

Sometime between the 1910 & 1920 Census, this relative was institutionalized at the SW Texas Insane Asylum, then between 1920 & 1930 he was relocated to the Wichita Falls State Hospital.

How would one go about locating the records? If it was an involuntary committment, there would be court records, but how are they categorized in the Card Catalog?

Any help would be appreciated. I would like to know admission diagnosis and cause of death.

Erie, PA Instution 1880's

E_Maloney — 2013-01-10 14:06:41Z

I am trying to find out if there was any type of mental institution in Erie between 1880-1885. Sometime in this period my 2nd great-grandmother was living in Erie, where she died in 1885, and her mother was caring for her young children. Since 2 of her children were manic-depressive, I've wondered if that was why she was away from her family.
I would welcome any info regarding such a place. Thanks

Child in Ohio Institution

ljones147_1 — 2012-11-25 23:22:31Z

I am trying to help locate information on an elderly friend's brother. As a child his brother was sent to an institution in Ohio because was mentally disabled. I have the man's name but have not been able to locate anything. Any ideas?

No trace found

aaryss27 — 2012-10-27 01:20:49Z

Looking for info on my great grandmother. Sylvia A. Scott Makowiak. I believe she was institutionalized around 1950. Found her on the US Census married to my gap Myron W. Scott but nothing after that. Cannot find parents or siblings. Help?

Re: No trace found

aaryss27 — 2012-10-26 04:45:16Z

Got it on ObitsArchive.com! Thank you!

Re: No trace found

AdrianBrisee — 2012-10-26 01:58:00Z

It's a weird setup, rootsweb indexes it, but you have to write to the society linked to the page to get a copy. I'm not too familiar with WI records so can't advise you on the marriage/divorce records.

Re: No trace found

aaryss27 — 2012-10-26 01:48:15Z

Where do I send for it? Do you know how I could find info about her marriage/divorce?

Re: No trace found

AdrianBrisee — 2012-10-25 17:13:56Z

Her obit is listed on the Obituary Daily Times, you'd have to send away for it.

http://obits.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/obit.cgi?Surname=... A Makowiak%20Scott&type=Keyword

Re: Powick Hospital Worcester Elsie May Constable DIED 1960

pauline2516 — 2012-10-07 22:01:00Z

Hi Karla

Thank you for the link, sorry but I dont think we have a family connection.
My Gran didnt have a sister Elizabeth, it was a transcription error on the census.
Good luck with your search,
best regards Pauline

Re: Powick Hospital Worcester Elsie May Constable DIED 1960

karlacarroll3 — 2012-10-04 11:21:03Z

HI, i have no idea about powick hospital, but im wondering if elsie may's older sister elizabeth was married to a william geoffery ward.

there are only 2 elizabeth lowbridges that could be my great grandmothers and elsie's sister is one of them, and there were mental health issues in the family.

Lunatic Asylum Workers

jamie_long951 — 2012-09-30 17:55:26Z

Hi,

I have an ancestor who worked as an 'attendent' & 'keeper' in 'the lunatic asylum' as indicated on census returns, and his marriage certificate.

Just curious, are there any employment records for workers in the asylums? He worked around 1850 60 70 etc?

Thanks

Re: Shelby County Asylum for the Poor and Insane

cmgwiz — 2012-08-29 12:16:11Z

I just ran across an article about Women and the Insane Asylums. www.tngs.org/library/asylum.htm
You might find it helpful in some way.

Could I ask what district the Poor House and Insane Asylum was in? I've been trying to locate it in the 1880 Census.

Thanks.
Connie

Re: Insane Asylum, Little Rock, Arkansas

kumeyaayindian — 2012-08-01 21:08:47Z

Are you saying you can't get the death certificate ??? It will list reason for death..Yes you could get the dr. to do it as well..

Re: Insane Asylum, Little Rock, Arkansas

LeeAnn724 — 2012-08-01 21:07:23Z

Thanks for looking. I have all that info as well, but since I only recently found out she had been committed to the insane asylum, I've been trying to find out if she died there (I assume so) and the cause. I have ordered a death certificate but not gotten any reply. The only reply I got was from the hospital saying that her medical records could not be released. Over 100 years ago! I can't believe there is any reason to keep the records confidential at this point. They said if a doctor was treating a direct descendant and requested the records, they could release them. I have thought about asking my doctor to do so.

Re: Insane Asylum, Little Rock, Arkansas

kumeyaayindian — 2012-08-01 20:22:45Z

did you see this ?
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=JO...;

I found her in the 1880 census
1880 United States Federal Census about Ida C. Casey
Name: Ida C. Casey
Age: 10
Birth Year: abt 1870
Birthplace: Illinois
Home in 1880: Saint Rose, Clinton, Illinois
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Daughter
Marital Status: Single
Father's Name: William P. Casey
Father's Birthplace: Kentucky
Mother's Name: Mary E. Casey
Mother's Birthplace: Tennessee
Neighbors: View others on page
Occupation: At Home
Cannot read/write:

Blind:

Deaf and dumb:

Otherwise disabled:

Idiotic or insane:

View image
Household Members:
Name Age
William P. Casey 54
Mary E. Casey 52
Alfred S. Casey 20
Ira C. Casey 13
Ida C. Casey 10
George W. Casey 7
Mary G. Sanders 30
John R. Sanders 11
Dwight L. Sanders 6
Alice G. Sanders 2

you should be able to order a death certificate

Re: Insane Asylum, Little Rock, Arkansas

kumeyaayindian — 2012-08-01 20:10:03Z

Have you seen this site ?
http://www.arkansasties.com/WhatsNew/2011/05/insane-asylum-l...

https://www.google.com/#hl=en&output=search&sclient=...

Karen

Re: yracuse State Institution for Mental Defectives

kumeyaayindian — 2012-08-01 20:03:11Z

There is also a map of the place

U.S. Enumeration District Maps and Descriptions, 1940
Enumeration District: 66-162
City: Syracuse
County: Onondaga
State: New York
Description: SYRACUSE CITY WARD 11 (TRACT 50 - PART), SYRACUSE COLONY OF THE ROME STATE SCHOOL (WORKING GIRLS HOME)

View County Maps

View City Map(s)

Save This Record
Attach this record to a person in your tree as a source record, or save for later evaluation.
Save
Source Information:
Ancestry.com. U.S. Enumeration District Maps and Descriptions, 1940 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012.
Original data: United States of America, Bureau of the Census.
Description:
This database contains Enumeration District maps and their descriptions for the 1940 US Census. Learn more...

Have you looked at the info on wikipedia?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syracuse_State_School

or here
http://www.asylumprojects.org/index.php?title=Syracuse_State...

or here
http://www.disabilitymuseum.org/dhm/lib/catcard.html?id=1370

Re: yracuse State Institution for Mental Defectives

kumeyaayindian — 2012-08-01 19:33:54Z

Are you on ancestry? I see people on here that have pictures and such of her.. Karen

Re: Wisconsin Asylum? Yes no maybe so? and where

kumeyaayindian — 2012-08-01 19:31:10Z

This may help explain what a home for paupers is ... or also called poor house
http://www.poorhousestory.com/history.htm

I also found him in the 1880 census
1880 United States Federal Census about John Markey
Name: John Markey
Age: 12
Birth Year: abt 1868
Birthplace: Wisconsin
Home in 1880: La Fayette, Walworth, Wisconsin
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Son
Marital Status: Single
Father's Name: Anthony Markey
Mother's Name: Jane Markey
Neighbors: View others on page
Occupation: At Home
Cannot read/write:

Blind:

Deaf and dumb:

Otherwise disabled:

Idiotic or insane:

View image
Household Members:
Name Age
Anthony Markey 61
Jane Markey 53
Anna Markey 30
Lawrence Markey 27
Bridget Markey 23
Mary Markey 21
Anthony Markey 17
John Markey 12
Catherine Markey 10
View
Original
Record

View original image

I WOULD ALSO CONTACT http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/localhistory/directory/views...
THEY WILL BE ABLE TO HELP YOU OUT WITH MORE INFO AND DOCUMENTS..

Re: Insane Asylum, Little Rock, Arkansas

LeeAnn724 — 2012-07-25 20:57:05Z

I got a reply for the Insane Asylum in Little Rock, but they will not release any medical records, even though she died 115 years ago! I will probably never know what happened to her.

Re:Powick Asylum, Worcester England- My Gran Elsie May Lowbridge

pauline2516 — 2012-07-12 11:22:45Z

Hi Caroline

I too am trying to find any information about my "Secret Gran". My Mother Rose Constable was told her mother had died, but the truth was that she had been committed to Powick Asylum, Worcester and died there on 23rd August 1960.
Elsie May Lowbridge was born on in 1889 in Walsall and married my Grandfather John Francis Constable.

They had many family problems and 2 children died and my Grandfather was posted missing presumed dead in 1914-1918.
He came back from the army with the loss of his right arm and could not continue with his trade of Carpenter. He laboured for the rest of his life and money was always short.
My mother was only told about the existence of her mother Elsie May just before she died in 1960. I am desperate to find her last resting place.?
All crematoriums and Cemeteries have so far proved blank.
Do you know of any Funeral directors that had the contract to carry of funerals of patients at Powick Hospital??
Do you know any one that Worked at Powick Hospital?
Also known locally as White Chimneys!
Any info gratefully received.

Re: Insane Asylum, Little Rock, Arkansas

mlhawki — 2012-07-06 16:48:19Z

I don't know if this will help but there was an asylum in Little Rock called "St. Anthony's Hospital"
It is now a regular hospital and has changed names and ownership several times.

Re: Austin State Hospital (Texas)

KATHEYKOPYCINSKI — 2012-07-05 19:32:21Z

I am also looking for the reason a relative was admitted to the Austin Insane Asylum before 1910. My relative died their in 1962. I have the death certificate, but have lots of questions why he was a patient their for almost 50 years. I don't have any family members living that would know the answer. Is there a way to get an admission reason or copy of the court order that shows the reason to commit
Any help from any one out there would be appreciated.

Re: Why This Board Was Created

bobslady1 — 2012-07-04 14:54:14Z

I am not sure if this board is still being followed, but I have to at least try. My grandmother, Eliza Carr(nee Cooper) was placed in the Hudson River State Hospital sometime after 1920. The 3 children were placed in orphanages, one of them being my mother. States that she was married in the 1930 census, while in the State Hospital and I know she was still alive in the 50's, as I was taken there to see her once. No record of her in the 1940 census. No record of death. No positive record of her husband, but may have been a boarder. The 3 children were reconnected in adult life and I did have contact with them, but no one mentioned anything about their parents and they are all deceased at this time. Any help out there please ? Thank you so much in advance

Re: Austin State Hospital (Texas)

bigfootgal — 2012-06-26 21:41:10Z

I saw your note offering to look up info on death records for patients of Austin State Hospital. Are you still able and willing to do that? I am searching for death and burial info on Nancy Jane Kennedy Howard - Mrs. John Wright Howard. The date of death I have for her is May 1, 1881. Family legend has it that she died at the state hospital, and she is not buried in the family plot in Medina County, TX. Any information you find would be very welcome.
Judy Whitt

Re: yracuse State Institution for Mental Defectives

whiteowl141 — 2012-06-08 22:41:16Z

I just found an uncle who was there in 1925 by searching the 1925 NY state census. He was 14 at the time.

Re: Michigan Asylum for the Insane

Alrod1949 — 2012-06-01 00:52:08Z

I just happened across this query and had to respond.

Years ago they put people in asylums that were not able to support themselves. They had no trade to pay for things needed to sustain life. I had a relative put there for this reason. He had sisters but they had their own families to care for and as times were financially tough back then, they had him admitted. It's not that he couldn't work, it's that he didn't know how to care for himself physically, financially or have family willing to take him in. Sad situation but all too common back then.

Re: Austin State Hospital (Texas)

Dozenelk6 — 2012-05-25 20:37:15Z

I searched a listing of patients at the Austin Asylum on the 1920 census this morning, looking for someone else. There were about 37 pages of patients to go through and about 1 page of employees. It is not in alphabetical order but it is on ancestry.com. I suggest you look there.

yracuse State Institution for Mental Defectives

cregs5 — 2012-05-16 18:51:17Z

My grandmothers sister was sent to Syracuse NY to the Syracuse State School in 1947 after their mother died during childbirth.. she was raised at the Sacred Heart Orphan Asylum in Ulster County from age 6 to 20 (about 1934 to 47). She ran away from the Asylum and then disappeared. I'm able to find the 1940 record for Sacred Heart, and she's there (age 11) But is there anyway to find a record of her at the Syracuse State School? Anna Esther Perez, born 1928...

Re: Austin State Hospital (Texas)

gfostel — 2012-05-16 16:33:19Z

I saw that you were able to find someones ancestor that was at the Insane Asylum in Austin Texas, and was hoping you might be able to do the same for me. I've hit a dead end with one of my people, he was commited to the asylum and died there as well. His name is Leonard Bernhardt Fostel Born in 1833 and died in 1883 at the asylum. I know it's not much, but that's all the info I've been able to find on him. So if there is anything you can find to help me out, that would be awesome. Thanks so much!

Re: Wisconsin Asylum? Yes no maybe so? and where

cemcrawler — 2012-04-25 13:56:16Z

The census page says the following:

Lafayette County Home for Paupers
he is age 61
single
born in Wisconsin
Parents born in Ireland

Wisconsin Asylum? Yes no maybe so? and where

Kathi_Kimber — 2012-04-18 05:47:21Z

I am looking for information on a John Johnnie Markey that in the 1930 census was list at Darlington, Lafayette, Wisconsin
Relation to Head of House:

Inmate I am assume that this means he was at a sanatarium? How do I find out more information about this? What would be the name of the place he was committed to? It doesn't say

Name John Mackey
[John Markey]

Re: Where do I start.

sjbmouse — 2012-04-09 19:07:35Z

Thank you, thank you, thank you. That is what I will try next. sjb

Re: Where do I start.

mlhawki — 2012-04-07 02:19:54Z

This information is specific to the Tioga/Bradford Area. There was an institution in the general area known as Polk Institute. Also, there was and still is mental hospital in Warren, Pennsylvania. this is the current institution where people are sent to live, if necessary. (My aunt is there.)
Try searching for information on the institutions themselves, just to figure out where your uncle may have been sent. Also, institutions are listed on the census but it is usually necessary to find the specific enumeration district number.

Insane Asylum, Little Rock, Arkansas

LeeAnn724 — 2012-03-25 23:51:36Z

In searching probate records on my ancestors I found that my great grandmother, Ida C. Casey Johnson, was committed to the Insane Asylum in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1897. She died at age 28 less than 2 years later. The Insane Order does not give any indication of what was wrong. Maybe post partum depression? She had 3 small children including my grandmother who was under 3 at the time. I have searched and can't find any records for the Asylum. I also can't find a death record. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Re: Where do I start.

whackywheelers — 2012-03-13 03:56:54Z

Check the 1880 US census. I found my Great, Great Grandfather listed in a special census at the back of the county where the Asylum is located. He was also listed at home that year because he returned to home and was counted twice.

Good Luck

Re: Where do I start.

Kimberly_Seyler — 2012-03-03 21:41:45Z

I'm also looking for help with this. Where do you begin your search? I know my great grandfather's name and the hospital in which he died. However, I can't find records.

I'm new to this and don't really know what I'm doing, but I'd love some help.

Thanks!

Re: Where do I start.

whackywheelers — 2012-02-28 21:25:35Z

I also searched the court records for the county and time my grandfather lived and found a record in which "James H went to the court to declare that Reuben H was insane."
A doctor examined Reuben, declared him insane and court ordered the sheriff to deliver him to the asylum.

And back and forth records from Asylum and county court for the next 7 years until he is release to the care of the County poor farm.

Please note that insanity has a lot of reasons and was not understood at all. Many asylums opened after the Civil War for obvious reasons. But my grandfather was hit on the head by a falling tree and, according the family, "Wandered off for 15 years". In truth, his medical records describe a man with severe head injury suffering from paranoia, depression and lethargy.

Others fell off horses and hit their head on a rock, or were kicked in the head by a cow. Others were born with mental problems/disabilities. Some cracked due to post-traumatic stress from the war. Lots of reasons

David

Re: Danvers Insane Asylum in Massachusetts

Champlain9 — 2012-02-27 08:38:23Z

Okay.

Regards

Re: Danvers Insane Asylum in Massachusetts

katharineparsons1 — 2012-02-27 00:46:21Z

Thanks, I have those censuses. I will try the Peabody Essex Museum.

I appreciate your help!

Katharine

Re: Chelmsford State Hospital Lowell Mass.

rhowe81068 — 2012-02-27 00:06:57Z

Thanks,
1930 Federal census shows "Angie Dahlberg" as an "inmate" at Chelmsford State Hospital. This is my GGM Angie Howe. She married a Martin W. Dahlberg. I'm trying to find out why she was in a State hospital.
Thanks Again
rhowe81068@aol.com