This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: kunochione Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/topics.institutions.poorhouses.general/126.2/mb.ashx Message Board Post: A historical society worker told me recently that often, in general in the 1800's, if the mom became ill or passed then sometimes the father would not be granted guardianship and just the children could end up in a poorhouse. But check with aunts, uncles, and grandparents. Perhaps someone in the family thought is not proper for girls to be in the poorhouse, with such bad conditions. The idea that is they were working with a family, too, a possible husband might be found to alleviate the girl's situations? Just a thought. 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.