1881 Aberdeen Lunatic Asylum Patient Census Records

Helen Donnelly · Post by **Helen Donnelly** » Thu Nov 01, 2007 7:32 pm

My GG Uncle,Donald Coutts b 1826 Glenmuick, Aberdeen was recorded as a lunatic patient in the 1871 Census on both SP and Ancestry. He is recorded as an insane inmate on Ancestry for the 1881 Census but not at SP. I even checked a patient or two on the list with him(on the same page) for the 1881 census from Ancestry and their names did not appear at SP either. I used every tool available and nothing comes up for the Asylum Census Records in Old Machar, Aberdeen. I realize there will be no image. I just wanted the transcription to see if further info was provided other than what Ancestry had. I have since obtained his death record for 1889. He evidently was transferred to Combination Poorhouse Kincardine at Stonehaven sometime after the 1881 census. From reading further about this facility, the harmless/chronic insane were sent there.
He died at 63 of tuberculosis that had lasted one year. Has anyone run into this problem? If so, any advice? Of course I have written the Archivist at Northern Health Services Grampian and HOPE I can get some direction in obtaining Donald Coutts' patient records from both the Asylum and Stonehaven. Additional advice in this area is most welcome as well.
Helen from Michigan

Russell · Post by **Russell** » Thu Nov 01, 2007 8:14 pm

Hi Helen

There is a 56 year old Donald Coutts comes up with birthplace Aberdeen.
No credits left so I couldn't check it out

Did you find it

Having worked in an asylum myself I know that not all the information given for record purposes was absolutely correct so ages were often approximations even when the correct information was available (usually in the central Admin office which was shut up for the night !)

May be worth a look though.

Russell

Helen Donnelly · Post by **Helen Donnelly** » Thu Nov 01, 2007 8:45 pm

Thanks, Russell
I will give Donald Coutts Aberdeen age 56 a try for the 1881 census, which will leave me 3 credits for the day!
Helen form Michigan

nelmit · Post by **nelmit** » Thu Nov 01, 2007 10:30 pm

Here he is as transcribed to the 1881 census discs.

William MORRICE U 46 M Peterhead, Aberdeen, Scotland
Rel: Inmate Handicap: Lunatic
Donald COUTTS U 54 M Glenmuick, Aberdeen, Scotland
Rel: Inmate Handicap: Lunatic
Occ: Late Farmer
Alex. MC PHERSON U 64 M Auchindoir, Aberdeen, Scotland
Rel: Inmate Handicap: Lunatic
Occ: Late Cattle Dealer
Henry DESBOROUGH U 58 M England
Rel: Inmate Handicap: Lunatic
Occ: Late Lieutenant E.I.C.S.

Regards,
Annette M

Currie · Post by **Currie** » Fri Nov 02, 2007 4:27 am

Hello Helen,

For some not-so-light reading on Scottish lunacy matters around about that time see the report of the Royal Lunacy Commission for Scotland in 1857.

http://www.google.com.au/books?id=cwcfA ... =titlepage

The book is searchable, a search for Old Machar brings up references to the Poorhouse on Page 167 etc.

Alan

p.s. It can be much easier to browse Google Books if the whole book is downloaded but the resultant PDF appears not to have any searchable text properties.

Helen Donnelly · Post by **Helen Donnelly** » Fri Nov 02, 2007 5:42 pm

Thanks to both of you for the 1881 Census Search and record verification for my poor Donald Coutts and the tip to Google Books for the Lunacy Commission Report 1857. I downloaded the 1841 Report from another site and it was fascinating.
Helen from Michigan[/code]