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| House of Refuge, Randall's Island, New York 1853 | |
Almshouse records are a
genealogist’s treasure and often contain immigration details. Some
contain basic information on each person admitted, such as the name of
ship, the date of arrival in USA and the port of arrival. Others contain
much more information.
In the early 1800s port cities in the United States bore the burdens
of immigration. By the time immigrants arrived from their native
country, many were tired, hungry, and poor. Many newly arrived
immigrants ended up in the City Almshouse or Poorhouse. This meant the
citizens of their new country had to take care of them.
New York City assumed responsibility
for its citizens who were destitute, sick, homeless, or otherwise
unable to care for themselves. The city maintained an almshouse
(sometimes labeled a house of refuge), various hospitals, and a
workhouse on Blackwell's Island (Roosevelt Island) to care
for the poor. Some were admitted on a voluntary basis, others were sent
by the local courts.
There are many widows or single women. These women had no
families to support them and had no recourse except to ask the city
for help for themselves or their children. Abandoned children can also
be found in these records.
Almshouse records for New York City exist from 1758 to 1953. Olive
Tree Genealogy has an ongoing project to transcribe and publish all New
York Almshouse Records that contain immigration information.
Project Number One
The first set of New York Almshouse admittance records is for the years 1782 to 1813.
New York Almshouse Records 1782-1813.
The records contain the name of the person, date admitted, age, where from or born, complaint [illness], discharged, died, remarks.
Project Number Two
This set of
New York Almshouse Admissions covers the years 1819-1840
These records include Name, Age, Place of birth, Ship Name, Where the person is from,
Ship Captain's Name, Date of Bond, Sureties, Date Discharged, Death
Date, Remarks, etc. Remarks often include genealogical details
Project Number Three
It contains the following information: Name, age, country of origin, date
of arrival, arrival port, departure port, name of ship, captain of ship,
married or single, name of someone who knows them, how many times they
have been on the island, and a section for remarks.
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| Page from 1855 Almshouse Records |
Image Credits:
Art and Picture
Collection, The New York Public Library. "House Of Refuge, Randall'S
Island." The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1853. http://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47e0-d364-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99
