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New York State Board of Charities Census of Non-institutionalized Insane and Idiots


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Overview of the Records

Repository:

New York State Archives
New York State Education Department
Cultural Education Center
Albany, NY 12230

Summary:
The Commissioners of Public Charities requested information about every non-institutionalized insane or retarded person to determine what provisions the state should make for their care and to plan appropriate legislation. Forms provide information regarding background and condition of mentally ill or retarded persons not currently under state care: name; sex; age; birth county; marital status; occupation; year disability began; if recovered, living independently, or died during the year; and remarks on the diagnosis and severity of the condition.
Creator:
Title:
Census of non-institutionalized insane and idiots
Quantity:

1 cubic foot

16 volumes

Inclusive Dates:
1871
Series Number:
A1979

Arrangement

Alphabetic by name of county, then town.

Scope and Content Note

Forms provide information regarding background and condition of mentally ill or retarded persons not currently under state care.

These volumes contain standard forms that were completed by physicians throughout New York State and returned to the Commissioners of Public Charities. In a letter dated December 20, 1871, which is printed on each census form, the Commissioners requested information about every non-institutionalized insane or retarded person to determine what provisions the State should make to care for such persons and to plan appropriate legislation. Each form contains the following information about an individual: name; sex; age; county of birth; marital status; occupation; year disability began; if recovered during the year; if in the custody of friends; if living independently; if institutionalized during the year; if died during the year; and remarks on the diagnosis and severity of the person's condition. The forms were returned to the Commission in 1872. Many were left blank and returned with letters explaining that the respondent knew of no such persons.

Alternate Formats Available

Microfilm is available for use at the New York State Archives or through inter-library loan.

Related Material

A1989A1989, Register of Insane in County Poorhouses, contains related records.

Other Finding Aids

Available at Repository

Volume list is available at the repository.

Custodial History

Collation date 1872.

Access Restrictions

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of this material.

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