If a person had a mental problem around 1880, does anyone know which
institution they would have been sent living in Cortland , Hamilton Twp ,
Jackson, CO, IN.
Thanks Rose
I'm not sure what the usual process was, but my Great Aunt who grew up in
Jackson County was hospitalized for years at the Madison State Hospital and
later transferred to Central in Indianapolis. She was first committed
around 1895. I was able to get her complete records by writing to the
hospital and could probably give you a relevant address if you can
determine that the person you are interested in was at Madison. I'm a
little weak on my Indiana geography, but it may be that Madison was
actually closer or easier to reach in those days, or it may be that the
courts were obligated to send people from Jackson Co. to Madison rather
than Indianapolis. I simply don't know the state laws governing commitment
processes at that time.
Dave Schneider
sch(a)rice.edu