Certificates of insanity

Chronological by date of certification.

This series contains abstracts of certificates of insanity and indigence issued by county judges. Each certificate gives name of alleged insane person; his municipality and county of residence; date of admission to Utica State Hospital; occupation; by whom brought; date of certificate; and name and signature of county judge issuing certificate.

The certificates state that an application has been made to the judge on behalf of the alleged insane person for a certificate entitling admission to the State Lunatic Asylum at Utica as a person in indigent circumstances, not a pauper. The certificate further states that the judge has given reasonable notice of the time and place of hearing to the superintendent of the poor of the county which is chargeable for the expenses of the patient; has called two respectable physicians and other credible witnesses; has fully investigated the facts of the case; and certifies that satisfactory proof shows the person is insane and with an estate insufficient to support him/herself and family.

Also included for each certificate of insanity is a certificate of the county clerk declaring that the judge is indeed judge of the county; that the clerk is acquainted with the handwriting of the judge; and that the signature is genuine.

Alphabetical name index at fore of volume.

These records were transferred to the State Archives on September 16, 1996 from Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center under RDA 19266.

Restricted to protect personal privacy.Access permitted under certain conditions upon application and approval by the State Archives.