This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: philipffej Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.michigan.counties.kalamazoo/27060.1.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Probably would have been a court order if the person was insane, or a doctor could commit them because of illness. I do know in later years a person could have themselves committed. I had relatives who died there but were not insane, the Asylum was used for people who could not take care of themselves. http://www.kpl.gov/local-history/health/kph.aspx Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.