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Post Info TOPIC: Accessing government records - Mental Institutions
chaslib


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Accessing government records - Mental Institutions
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Here's one that I don't think has come up before ..... I have an ancestor who died in 1926 and according to the death certificate was in the Mental Hospital, Gladesville - Hunters Hill Municipality.  I have tried to get information online re how to obtain the actual records, but each time I open a link it tells me "page not found".

Has anyone ever accessed this type of record and if so, how did you go about it and what did the records tell you.  I have a particular interest in tracing this info as I had an aunt who suffered with alzheimer's disease - she was descended from the ancestor in question - as am I.  Of course, what was diagnosed as insanity at that time could have just been what we come to think of as age-based forgetfulness or just eccentricity in todays world.

 



-- Edited by chaslib on Monday 10th of February 2014 09:52:57 AM

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Rip and Rosie


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Hi Chaslib
Try NSW State Records http://www.records.nsw.gov.au/state-archives/research-topics/asylum-records/asylum-records

To help you track down the records they need to know:

  • what asylum your ancestor was in
  • approximate date or year in asylum, and
  • the date of death in the asylum or discharge from the asylum.

Be aware though that some records are closed for over 100 years, and you would have to make your case for opening them.

Good luck.



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Rosie
Hendo


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Hi Chaslib

State Records is the go. My great uncle was declared bankrupt in 1904 and after many court cases was jailed for a month in July 1908. I was able to trace the events through the State records and it was a funny feeling holding the same document that he had held and signed all that time ago.

You may have to visit the Viewing Room at Kingswood.

Good luck, and if you are tracing the family history Beware!!! it is very addictive!!

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chaslib


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thanks all - these types of records are sealed for 110 years, so I have to apply and state why I want the record which I will dol

 

Cheers



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The Maccas ....

2013 Avida Esperance Motorhome - based in northern NSW.

 
werkin


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Hi Chaslib, I to have trace my great grandfather in a mental institution in Tasmania and need I say more than many many moons of trying ans asking I finally contacted the main public hospital in Hobart and lo and behold due to the fact it was a public mental institution they still held the records. So not sure if Gladesville was public or private but if you speak to the records department of the closest public hospital they might be able to help you and I'm sure that would be Royal North Shore Hospital at St Leonard's 

good luck it sure is frustrating at times but ohh so rewarding when a piece of the jigsaw fits into place

cheers

Di



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