The Trustees of the Poor

The Alms House Records

The Alms House has been replaced by orphanages, foster homes, retirement homes, mental illness facilities, homeless shelters, social services, social security and other government agencies along with a change of social attitudes. Prior to the development of these facilities and funds everyone lived together in one place until their needs could be met in another way. Most of the time, it was a temporary situation for the inmate.

Ø What you will find in the Alms House records

ü The name of the resident

ü The age of the resident

ü Complete families and their relationship to each other

ü Date of Birth

ü Date of Death

ü The date they entered the home

ü The date they leave the home

ü The reason for departure

ü Type of illness if any

ü Their destination when leaving

ü Notes made on their behavior, medical treatment, etc.