Linda Crannell wrote: > > I have become quite interested in the effect of the Civil War in Washington > County as reflected in admissions to the Poor House. This has been a verrrry > tricky one. In 1862 & 1863 there were several mentions made; ie. father > killed in war, father away in war, husband killed in war ... even a couple > of men of whom it was said they were hurt in the war. Then, abruptly, no > more mention of the war in any admissions. > > > Here is the example I just MUST try to track down. > David MOUNTAIN > Male 57 White Single born Ireland/Waterford/? > Poor House Admission/Discharge > 11/10/85 - 4/19/86 > 11/13/86 - 4/25/87 > 5/2/87 - 5/6/87 > Comments on his certificate: > Rheumatism -- served in the War, 16th Artillery > > Here's my question (obvious!) > WHY would a man whose service in the Civil War could surely be documented -- > after all, they even knew which unit (sorry, guys: probably wrong term--I > don't know military terminology from Greek!)in which he served -- who would > almost certainly have been eligible for a pension -- spend TWO WINTERS in > the Poor House?!? > The Poor House in that era was the equvilaent of todays nursing homes, as well as a Homeless shelter, Insane asylum, Detox center etc. The man probably was unable to work in the winter due to his reumatism - so he went to the Poor house to stay. He may also have paid some board- have you checked this possibility? Many in our county Poor house did pay board. They were unable to care for themselves and either had no family or the family did not want to care for them. But they did have some income - pension, savings etc. So they paid their way. Hope this helps. To get the man's pension record you need to send to National Archives Name and unit he served in will get you his record.