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

Alphabetic by name of county, then town.

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.

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

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

Volume list is available at the repository.

Collation date 1872.

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