Thanks to every one who sent me instructions about how to get those NATF Form 80 thingies from NARA to send off for his pension record. There is no notation on the record that he paid his own board at the PH. And you guys are more correct than you know about the multi-purpose function of the Poor House. Happy Hunting! Linda > -----Original Message----- > From: Donna Mills [mailto:deemills@netsync.net] > Sent: Monday, August 23, 1999 7:27 PM > To: Linda Crannell > Cc: GEN-NYS-L@rootsweb.com > Subject: Re: A Civil War Veteran 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. > >