State hospitals and asylums generated extensive records that may include medical terminology, legal status descriptions, and administrative classifications. This glossary defines commonly encountered terms found in admission registers, commitment papers, patient case files, and institutional reports. Term Definition Admission Register Log recording entry of patients into institution. Attending Physician Doctor responsible for patient’s care. Board […]
Category: Institutional Records
Guardianship was a legal arrangement appointing an adult to manage the person, property, or both, of a minor child. It most commonly occurred after the death of a father, but could also arise when parents were living but deemed incapable, absent, or financially unstable. Guardianship did not necessarily mean the child was orphaned. When Guardianship […]
Almshouses and poorhouses were public institutions established to provide shelter and basic care for individuals unable to support themselves. Residents often included the elderly poor, widows, disabled individuals, orphaned children, and those experiencing financial hardship. Despite common assumptions, not all residents were permanently destitute; many stayed temporarily during periods of crisis. Purpose and Operation These […]
Almshouses, poorhouses, and county farms were local institutions created to provide relief to the poor, elderly, disabled, and otherwise dependent members of the community. Records from these facilities can reveal residence, health conditions, family relationships, financial status, and burial information. Terminology varied by state and time period, making it important to understand the language used […]
State hospitals and county asylums were central institutions in many communities during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Families often turned to these facilities during times of medical crisis, financial hardship, or legal intervention. For genealogists, records created by these institutions can provide important clues about an ancestor’s health, family relationships, residence, and social circumstances. […]
Institutional records are another class of collections that should be part of one’s genealogy research repertoire. Although most of your ancestors may not have spent time in an institution, I’ll bet that almost every family tree has several that have. So they are worth your effort to research. Here are a few good primers for […]
Institutional records are another class of collections that should be part of one’s genealogy research repertoire. Although most of your ancestors may not have spent time in an institution, I’ll bet that almost every family tree has several that have. So they are worth your effort to research. Here are a few good primers for […]
Institutional records are another class of collections that should be part of one’s genealogy research repertoire. Although most of your ancestors may not have spent time in an institution, I’ll bet that almost every family tree has several that have. So they are worth your effort to research. Here are a few good primers for […]
Institutional records are another class of collections that should be part of one’s genealogy research repertoire. Although most of your ancestors may not have spent time in an institution, I’ll bet that almost every family tree has several that have. So they are worth your effort to research. Here are a few good primers for […]
Institutional records are another class of collections that should be part of one’s genealogy research repertoire. Although most of your ancestors may not have spent time in an institution, I’ll bet that almost every family tree has several that have. So they are worth your effort to research. Here are a few good primers for […]