HYDE COUNTY LUNACY RECORDS

HYDE COUNTY LUNACY RECORDS
(1899 -1930)

Picture postcard from Historic Asylums website

Before 1868 the power to declare persons to be idiots, lunatics, or non compos mentis (not of sound mind), was vested in the courts of pleas and quarter sessions. Upon receipt of a petition requesting investigation of a person's competence to manage his or her own affairs, the court appointed a jury to hold an "Inquisition of Lunacy." If the person were adjudged incompetent, the court appointed a conservator (often called a guardian) to care for the unfortunate's person and property. In 1868 the power passed to the county superior courts. Legislation of 1899 included "An act to revise, consolidate and amend the insanity laws of this state." Crittenden and Lacy described the procedures and records of this period in The Historical Records of North Carolina (vol. 1, p. 94):

All proceedings for the commitment of, or the appointment of guardians for the inebriate, insane, or otherwise mentally incompetent are had before the Clerk and are required to be recorded in a "Lunacy Docket" or "Record of Inquisitions of Lunacy." This record is usually kept from 1899, or shortly thereafter, to date. Prior to that date the record of such proceedings will be found in the special proceedings docket and the record of orders and decrees. The original petitions, affidavits, and commitment papers will usually be separately filed under the title "Inquisitions of Lunacy", "Lunacy Papers," or "State Hospital Papers," but may be included in the file of special proceedings papers. Lunacy papers, usually headed "Mentally Ill," and inebriacy records have...been included in Special Proceedings since 1966....Lunacy records may include bonds for the maintenance of the insane and bonds to restrain them from committing injuries. Bound volumes of printed forms, "Record of Inquisitions of Lunacy," provide a record of hearings for commitment of inebriates and the insane including names, oaths of parties testifying and copies of orders of commitment and release.

In addition to data about the insane individual, these records may refer to family relationships among several generations as the question of insanity by heredity was explored.
(Above information taken from North Carolina Research - Genealogy and Local History © 1996.)

In 1870 the U.S. Census reported 779 insane in North Carolina and only 242 as patients at asylum. Due to overcrowding, the legislature approved funds to build other state hospitals. In 1880 an asylum for the "colored insane" in the state opened in Goldsboro. An asylum for the "white insane" living in the western half of the state opened three years later at Morganton.

In the 1890's state hospitals were admitting alcoholics, drug users and epileptics as patients. In an effort to reduce the increasing number of patients, the legislature mandated the transfer of the insane criminals back to the central penitentiaries in the 1890's.

The below records were taken from microfilm roll C.053.90004, Hyde County Record of Lunacy 1899-1968 and were in chronological order rather than in alphabetical order. I've left them just as they were in the Lunacy Book but stopped at 1930. I felt it was alright to go through 1930 since the census for that year is now open to the public and all mental hospitals and asylums with patients are listed. It's quite obvious that some of the patients listed below had been in and out of the mental institutions for years while others only spent a short time. Some patients had extra information on them which I did include....others only had cursory notes. If you have any questions about these records please feel free to drop me an e-mail.

The State Hospital in Goldsboro, Wayne Co., NC, also known as Asylum for the Colored Insane, changed it's name to Cherry Hill in 1961 in honor of Gov. Gregg Cherry. It was established in 1880 and served the entire black population of North Carolina for it's first 85 years. It was desegregated in 1965 and is still in use today.

The State Hospital in Raleigh, Wake Co., NC, also known as Dorthea Dix Hospital or Dix Hill, was established in 1851 and on Feb. 22, 1856 the first patient was admitted suffering from "suicidal mania". In the first nine months, fifty-one males and thirty-nine females were admitted.

Alleged Lunatic

Date

Affadavit Made By

Examining Physician

Family Member/s Mentioned

Place of Committment

JULIA A. GIBBS

Gibbs, Julia A.

30 Jun 1899

J.M. Gibbs

Wm. V. Bonner

Martha M. Gibbs

State Hosp., Raleigh

MARY ELIZA WATSON

Watson, Mary Eliza

20 Nov 1899

W.B. Swindell

Dr. E.H. Jones

Daniel Credle

State Hos., Goldsboro

MRS. C.E. JARVIS

Jarvis, Mrs. C.E

4 May 1904

R.P. Wahab. Jr.

Dr. N.M. Gibbs

Mrs. E. Allen Jones

State Hosp., Raleigh

LYDIA M. SADLER

Sadler, Lydia M.

21 Jun 1904

D.G. Sadler

E.H. Jones

D.G. Sadler

State Hosp., Raleigh

O. ANNIE EMORY

Emory, O. Annie

7 Nov 1904

G.H. Weston

E.H. Jones

Eliza Emory

State Hosp., Raleigh

MARY MACKEY

Mackey, Mary

22 Mar 1907

James Mackey

Dr. John Williams

James Mackey

State Hos. Goldsboro

DAVID CREDLE

Credle, David

5 Apr 1907

Sanford Harris

Dr. R.E. Windley

---------------

State Hos., Goldsboro

SAM PETERSON

Peterson, Sam

---------------

ADA SPENCER

Spencer, Ada

8 Mar 1911

A.G. Harris

J. Solomon Spencer

State Hos., Goldsboro

CHARLIE EMORY

Emory, Charlie

20 Mar 1911

Zackis Emory

Dr. E.H. Jones

Zackis Emory

State Hosp., Raleigh

BANISTER SCARBOROUGH

Scarborough, Banister

15 Apr 1911

R.E. Windley

C.T. Scarborough

State Hosp., Raleigh

WINFORD SAWYER

Sawyer, Winford

18 Apr 1911

R.E. Windley

Alonzo Sawyer

State Hosp., Raleigh

ALBERT CUTRELL

Cutrell, Albert

27 Jun 1911

R.E. Windley

A.B. Litchfield
"member of family" crossed out

State Hosp., Raleigh

NANCY ALICE WEATHERLY

Weatherly, Nancy Alice
Discharged 30 Jun 1922 as "having become of sane mind"

10 Jul 1911

R.E. Windley

S.S. Brickhouse

State Hosp., Raleigh

JANIE LEE BERRY

Berry, Fannie Lee Berry, Janie Lee	31 Jul 1911 18 Sep 1915	John H.C. Berry Dr. E.H. Jones	E.H. Jones Dr. E.H. Jones	John H.C. Berry J.H.C. Berry	State Hosp., Raleigh State Hosp., Raleigh
Hyde Co., NC Know all men by these presents that we, J.H.C. Berry, principal, A. Berry and W.T. Berry, sureties, are held and firmly bound unto the State of North Carolina in the sum of $500 for the payment whereof we bind ourselves. Witness our hands and seals the 12th day of Nov. 1912. The condition of the above obligation is this: Whereas the said J.H.C. Berry with a view of affecting the release of Janie L. Berry [listed as "Fannie" Lee Berry in original inquisition] as insane person, resident of Hyde County, from the State Hospital for the Insane at Raleigh, hath undertaken to restrain her from committing injuries and to keep, support, maintain and take care of the said Janie L. Berry. Now if the said J.H.C. Berry shall faithfully comply with the conditions of the obligation then the same shall be void, otherwise it shall be in full force. /s/ J.H.C. Berry; A. Berry; W.T. Berry Sworn to and subscribed before me this Nov. 12, 1912. /s/ S.D. Mann, Clerk Superior Court

ELLA WHITE

White, Ella	25 Nov 1914	R.E. Windley	R.E. Windley	---------------	---------------
Questionnaire Name of Patient: Ella White Race: Colored Age: 35 Born: Lake Landing, N.C. Occupation: field hand Married? No How many attacks of mental disease has patient had? This is the 1st attack Has she been subject of epilepsy? No Has she any delusions? Yes, she thinks someone is going to kill her. Is she destructive of clothing or furniture? No Is she filthy or indecent? Yes Has patient manifested any propensity to injure herself or others? No Has patient threatened or attempted suicide? No Has patient threatened or attempted to commit homicide? No Has she any family? Yes, she has one child, a boy 3 yrs old Are any of them insane? No Are parents of the insane person related by blood? If so, what is the degree of relationship? All her people are dead except her sister and son. Are any of the relatives deaf, dumb, blind, idiotic, epileptic or paralyzed? No What is her bodily disease? Don't know Has any medical treatment been pursued? None Is she in jail? Yes Is she under forcible restraint? Yes, jailor is forced to re_____ with her all the time. Has patient any property? No What is her income? No income Has patient received aid from the county? No Give name & P.O. address of nearest relative. Mrs. Albert Eason, sister, Scranton, N.C. /s/ R.E. Windley, MD; Walker [x] Spencer; J.E. Spencer

MARY M. SPENCER

Spencer, Mary M. Spencer, Mary M.	4 Sep 1911 14 Sep 1912	E.J. Spencer R.E. Windley	A.G. Harris R.E. Windley	E.J. Spencer ---------------	State Hosp., Raleigh State Hosp., Raleigh
Patient improved and was not sent. /s/ S.D. Mann, Clerk On the 6th day of Nov. 1912 there was filed with me a certificate and notice of discharge of the said Mary Spencer for and upon the following reasons: That in the opinion of the Superintendent of the State Hospital at Raleigh, NC that her being at large would not be injurious to herself or dangerous to the community and recommend that she be brought to Hyde County on probation. /s/ S.D. Mann, Clerk Superior Court

MARY ELLA SWINDELL

Swindell, Mary Ella	26 Jan 1912	R.E. Windley	R.E. Windley	Willis Shaw Howard Swindell	State Hos., Goldsboro
State Hospital, Goldsboro, NC - July 11, 1923 This is to certify that Mary Swindell, an insane person, was sent from this hospital from Hyde County, and that in my opinion, she having become improved, is recommended for discharge. Very respectfully, /s/ Dr. W.W. Faison, Superintendent of State Hospital

MARY FRANCES MORRIS

Morris, Mary Frances

5 Jun 1912

R.E. Windley

S.L. Gray, Jr.

State Hos., Goldsboro

CORA SPENCER

Spencer, Cora

28 Jan 1913

R.E. Windley

Odell Mann
Pearle Mann

State Hos., Goldsboro

R. HERTFORD CARAWAN

Carawan, R. Hertford
Carawan, R. Hertford

6 Feb 1913
21 July 1914

Walter F. Carawan
R.E. Windley

R.E. Windley
R.E. Windley

Walter F. Carawan
J.L. Carawan

State Hosp., Raleigh
State Hosp., Raleigh

CHARLES A. BELL

Bell, Chas. A.

4 Mar 1913

R.E. Windley

E.B. Bell

State Hosp., Raleigh

THOMAS R. RUFFIN

Ruffin, Thomas R. Ruffin, Thos. R.	1 Jan 1914 2 Jul 1917	R.E. Windley L.H. Swindell	R.E. Windley L.H. Swindell	Z.T. Fortescue J.L. Ruffin	State Hosp., Raleigh State Hosp., Raleigh
Dix Hill State Hospital at Raleigh - Nov 30, 1914 This is to certify that Thomas R. Ruffin, an insane person, was sent from this hospital from Hyde County, and that in my opinion, he having become improved, is recommended for discharge. /s/ Albert Anderson, Superintendent

HARIOT SPENCER

Spencer, Hariot	__ Aug 1914	R.E. Windley	R.E. Windley	Latham Spencer	State Hos., Goldsboro
State Hospital, Goldsboro, NC - Nov. 4, 1914 This is to certify that Hariot Spencer, an insane person, was sent from this hospital from Hyde County, and that in my opinion, she having become improved, is recommended for discharge. /s/ Dr. W.W. Faison, Superintendent of State Hospital

OTTIE LOUISE SELBY

Selby, Otty Louise Selby, Ottie Selby, Ottie	14 Sep 1914 31 Dec 1924 21 Nov 1931	R.E. Windley Dr. R.E. Windley ---------------	R.E. Windley Dr. R.E. Windley W.L. Swindell	P.Y. & Zorada Credle Auston Selby Johnie Credle	State Hos., Goldsboro State Hos., Goldsboro State Hos., Goldsboro
State Hospital, Goldsboro, NC - Sept. 3, 1915 This is to certify that Otie Selby, an insane person, was sent from this hospital from Hyde County, and that in my opinion, she having become improved, is recommended for discharge. /s/ W.W. Faison, Superintendent State Hospital, Goldsboro, NC - Dec. 8, 1925 This is to certify that Ottie Selby, an insane person, was sent to this hospital from Hyde County, and that she being at large would not, in my opinion, be injurious to herself or dangerous to the community and I recommend that she be sent to said county on probation. /s/ W.W. Faison, Superintendent

GEORGE BARROW

Barrow, George	---------------	---------------	---------------	---------------	---------------
State Hospital, Goldsboro, NC - Jan. 3, 1919 This is to certify that George Barrow, an insane person, was sent from this hospital from Hyde County, and that in my opinion, he having become improved, is recommended for discharge. /s/ W.W. Faison, Superintendent State Hospital, Goldsboro, NC - April 10, 1919 This is to certify that George Barrow, an insane person, was sent from this hospital from Hyde County, and that in my opinion, though of unimproved mind, is recommended for discharge. /s/ Dr. W.W. Faison, Superintendent

MELISSA DUNBAR

Dunbar, Melissa	16 Dec 1914	R.E. Windley	R.E. Windley	Lewis Collins "member of family" crossed out	State Hos., Goldsboro
State Hospital, Goldsboro, NC - Feb. 3, 1916 This is to certify that Melissa Dunbar, an insane person, was sent from this hospital from Hyde County, and that in my opinion, she having become improved, is recommended for discharge. /s/ W.W. Faison, Superintendent

THOMAS CHASE

Chase, Thomas

2 Jan 1915

R.E. Windley

H.H. Watson
"member of family" crossed out

State Hos. Goldsboro

SALLIE L. MACKEY

Mackey, Sallie L.
Mackey, Sallie L.

23 Feb 1915
15 Jul 1918

R.E. Windley
Lewis H. Swindell

Jno. Mackey
Jas. Mackey

State Hos., Goldsboro
State Hos., Goldsboro

SETH HENRY SPENCER

Spencer, Seth Henry

3 May 1915

R.E. Windley

Wiley Read

State Hospital, Goldsboro

GEORGE BENSON

Benson, Geo.

17 Aug 1915

R.E. Windley

G.E. Weston

State Hos., Goldsboro

IRENE WATSON

Watson, Irene	8 Aug 1916	R.E. Windley	Dr. R.E. Windley	Alfred Credle	State Hos., Goldsboro
On the 1 Aug. 1919 there was filed with me a certificate and notice of discharge of the said Irene Watson for and upon the following reasons: That in the opinion of the Superintendent of the State Hospital at Goldsboro, NC that her being at large would not be injurious to herself or dangerous to the community and has sufficiently improved to be sent home on probation. /s/ W.W. Faison, Superintendent State Hospital, Goldsboro, NC

DESSIE SERMONS

Sermons, Dessie	29 Sep 1917	T.J. Mann	L.H. Swindell	---------------	State Hosp., Raleigh
Questionnaire: [no date] Patient Name: Dessie Sermons Race: White Age: 26 years old Married or Single: Single Any education? Common school Birthplace: Lake Landing, NC How many attacks of mental disease has patient had? Has been gradually growing worse for the past 4 years What is the supposed cause of the present attack? Mental depression, worry, heart attacks due to a toxic goiter Has she been subject to epilepsy? No How long has she been insane? Has demented for the past 2 or 3 years but for the past 2 weeks has been worse. She thinks people are talking about her. She threatens law suits, curses and uses very common language Is she destructive of furniture or clothing? I rather think so. Is she filthy or indecent? No Has she manifested any propensity to injure herself or others? No Has she threatened or attempted suicide? No Has she threatened or attempted homicide? NO Has she any family? No close relatives Any of them insane? One uncle and aunt are insane. Her sisters were also feeble-minded. Are her parents related by blood? No blood relation What is her bodily disease? Has a general debilitating condition physically. Also has a toxic goiter which she has had for 5 or 6 years Has any medical treatment been pursued? Yes, by various physicians Is she in jail or the poor house? No Is she under any forcible restraint? No Has patient any property? None Give name and P.O. address of nearest relative: Mrs. W.K. Gibbs of Lake Landing, NC is her 2nd cousin Give any information about patient not embraced in the above questions: I have know Miss Sermons for the past 8 or 10 years and have always known her to be physically and mentally weak and have known her personally for the past 2 or 3 years and has been getting very nervous and weak and very mentally weak. I think she is a fit subject and is in very serious condition. /s/ Lewis H. Swindell

WILLIAM AUTRY

Autry, William

13 Jul 1918

Louis H. Swindell

Johnie L. Blake

State Hos., Goldsboro

WINSTON MIDYETTE

Midyette, Winston Midyette, Winston	11 May 1918 12 Mar 1919	L.H. Swindell, Jr. Dr. R.E. Windley	L.H. Swindell, Jr. Dr. R.E. Windley	Claude Spencer F.C. Cherry "member of family" crossed out	State Hos., Goldsboro State Hos., Goldsboro
State Hospital, Goldsboro, NC - Aug. 7, 1919 This is to certify that Winston Midyette, an insane person, was sent from this hospital from Hyde County, and that in my opinion he, though of unimproved mind, is recommended for discharge. /s/ Dr. W.W. Faison, Superintendent of State Hospital

JENNIE CARTER

Carter, Jennie
[Patient improved and was not sent to hospital.]

1 Jan 1919

Dr. R.E. Windley

F.F. Spencer
"member of family" crossed out

State Hosp., Raleigh

CLAUDE HILL

Hill, Claude Hill, Claud	2 Apr 1919 3 Sep 1921	Dr. R.E. Windley R.E. Windley	Dr. R.E. Windley R.E. Windley	Will Midyette Fenner Cherry "not members of the family"	State Hos., Goldsboro State Hos., Goldsboro
State Hospital, Goldsboro, NC - June 11, 1920 This is to certify that Claude Hill, an insane person, was sent from this hospital from Hyde County, and that in my opinion he, having become of sane mind, is recommended for discharge. /s/ W.W. Faison, Superintendent

PELL BROWN

Brown, Pell

2 Jun 1919

R.E. Windley, MD

Dr. R.E. Windley

Fenner Cherry
"member of family" crossed out

State Hos., Goldsboro

MRS. DEAN BALLANCE

Ballance, Mrs. Dean

10 Jun 1919

Dr. R.E. Windley

---------------

State Hosp., Raleigh

Swan Quarter, NC
Dear Sir,
Mrs. Dean Ballance, who was probated from this hospital on June 2, 1950, was readmitted from probation on October 17, 1950 as a mental patient.
/s/ E.N. Pleasants, M.D.

Letter from Edward N. Pleasants written on May 7, 1951 states that Mrs. Dean Ballance has been a patient in the State Hospital committed on the 5th day of April 1920 from Hyde County and may now safely return to the County of her settlement on probation.

Letter to Mrs. Florence Gaskill of Ocracoke, NC dated June 18, 1951
Your letter of June 11 addressed to Mr. Ralph L. Roper, has been handed to me for attention. As you doubtless know, Mr. Roper was been succeeded in office by Mr. H.L. Williams and Mr. Williams resigned as clerk and the writer has been appointed by the resident judge to fill the office until the next general election. Speaking to the question of Mrs. Gene Ballance's [listed as Mrs. Dean Ballance in original inquisition] guardianship, I have to advise that the records in my office indicate that she has sufficiently improved to be released or discharged on probation. I am fearful that the guardianship would have to continue until she is discharged as cured. I make this observation for your protection as other parties might be interested. I am inquiring of the State Hospital to ascertain if Mrs. Ballance's mentality has been restored to the end that she may assume her business responsibility without question of mental capacity. As soon as I hear from the State Hospital you will be advised further in this regard. I want you to feel that I am more than anxious to help you in any way I can. I hope you will call on me at any time when you feel that I can be of service.
/s/ Melvin M. Swindell

I, Edward N. Pleasants, M.D., Superintendent of the State Hospital at Raleigh, NC, do hereby certify that she has been a patient in the hospital, committed from Hyde County as a mental case, and is discharged and her commitment is terminated, as in my opinion she will not be injurious to herself or dangerous to the community. This 30th day of June 1952.
/s/ Edward N. Pleasants, M.D.

Note: 1920 Hyde Co. Census - Dean Ballance is listed as an inmate in the County Home in Swan Quarter Twp. She was 37 years old and listed as a widow.

MARY SELBY

Selby, Mary
Selby, Mary

12 Aug 1919
18 Sep 1923

R.E. Windley, M.D.
R.O. Gibbs

Dr. R.E. Windley
A.G. Harris

Olivia Gibbs
R.O. Gibbs

State Hosp., Raleigh
State Hosp., Raleigh

MARY E. WATSON

Watson, Mary E.
Watson, Mary E.

25 Sep 1919
2 May 1921

R.E. Windley
C.C. Credle

Dr. R.E. Windley
R.E. Windley

Fenner Cherry
J.M. Credle
"not members of the family"

State Hos., Goldsboro State Hos., Goldsboro

ODIS SPENCER

Spencer, Odis Spencer, Otis Spencer, Odis Spencer, Odis	25 Sep 1919 2 Jun 1921 21 Jan 1926 20 Nov 1926	R.E. Windley Dr. R.E. Windley Dr. R.E. Windley Dr. R.E. Windley	Dr. R.E. Windley Dr. R.E. Windley Dr. R.E. Windley Dr. R.E. Windley	Fenner Cherry D.G. Saunders J.S. Brinn --------------- (none of the above members of the family)	State Hos., Goldsboro State Hos., Goldsboro State Hos., Goldsboro State Hos., Goldsboro
State Hospital, Goldsboro, NC - Sept. 9, 1924 This is to certify that Otis Spencer, an insane person, was sent from this hospital from Hyde County, and that in my opinion, he having become of improved mind, is recommended for discharge. /s/ W.W. Faison, Superintendent Letter from O.L. Williams, Clerk, to the State Hospital at Goldsboro, NC dated Nov. 30, 1926 Dear Sir: You will find enclosed an application for Odis Spencer (Col.) who is insane and in bad health and needs attention. I am told by the authorities at the County Home that he is dangerous and I hope it will be convenient for the State Hospital authorities to take care of him at once.

LETHA FONVILLE

Fonville, Letha
Fonville, Lether

3 Jun 1920
15 Jun 1925

H.W. Cahoon
R.E. Windley

R.E. Windley
R.E. Windley

T.W. Lee (not family)
Onie Fonville

State Hos., Goldsboro
State Hos., Goldsboro

ED BROWN

Brown, Ed

12 Jun 1920

Fenner Cherry

R.E. Windley

Fenner Cherry
"member of family" crossed out

State Hos., Goldsboro

DESSIE HARRIS

Harris, Dessie

15 Jul 1920

W.A. Harris

R.E. Windley

Joseph B. Harris

State Hosp., Raleigh

W.H. WILLIAMS

Williams, W.H.

16 Aug 1920

W.L. Swindell

W.H. Berry
"member of family" crossed out

State Hosp., Raleigh

SALLIE D. WILLIAMS

Williams, Sallie D.	16 Aug 1920	W.L. Swindell	W.L. Swindell	Jeff Credle "member of family" crossed out	State Hosp., Raleigh
Dix Hill State Hospital at Raleigh - February 26, 1924 This is to certify that Mrs. Sallie D. Williams, an insane person, was sent to this hospital from Hyde County, and that her being at large would not, in my opinion, be injurious to herself or dangerous to the community and I recommend that she be sent to said county on probation. /s/ Albert Anderson, Superintendent Dix Hill State Hospital at Raleigh - June 30, 1924 This is to certify that Mrs. Sallie D. Williams, an insane person, was sent from this hospital from Hyde County, and that in my opinion, she having become of sane mind, is recommended for discharge. /s/ Albert Anderson, Superintendent

CLEVELAND HOWARD

Howard, Cleveland

12 Aug 1921

W.L. Swindell

H.J. Gibbs

State Hos., Goldsboro

ANNIE SPENCER

Spencer, Annie

3 Sep 1921

Dr. R.E. Windley

R.E. Windley

Fenner Cherry
"member of family" crossed out

State Hos., Goldsboro

J.L. BURRUS

Burrus, J.L.	3 Sep 1921	F.M. Young	A.G. Harris	J.E. Spencer "member of family" crossed out	State Hosp., Raleigh
Dix Hill State Hospital at Raleigh - March 10, 1922 This is to certify that J.L. Burrus, an insane person, was sent to this hospital from Hyde County, and that he being at large would not, in my opinion, be injurious to himself or dangerous to the community and I recommend that he be sent to said county on probation. /s/ Albert Anderson, Superintendent

ROBENA CAHOON

Cahoon, Robena
Cahoon, Robena

24 Oct 1921
16 Jul 1923

W.P. Cahoon
Holly? ONeal

A.G. Harris
Dr. A.G. Harris

W.P. Cahoon
---------------

State Hosp., Raleigh
State Hosp., Raleigh

Dix Hill State Hospital at Raleigh - Sept. 2, 1922
This is to certify that Robena Cahoon, an insane person, was sent to this hospital from Hyde County, and that she being at large would not, in my opinion, be injurious to herself or dangerous to the community and I recommend that she be sent to said county on probation.
/s/ Albert Anderson, Superintendent

Dix Hill State Hospital at Raleigh - Feb. 6, 1924
This is to certify that Mrs. Robena Cahoon, an insane person, was sent from this hospital from Hyde County, and that in my opinion, she having become of sane mind, is recommended for discharge.
/s/ Albert Anderson, Superintendent

Note: same person as Mrs. W.P. Cahoon listed in this list further down

ERNEST SHELDON, JR.

Sheldon, Jr., Ernest

2 Apr 1923

D.L. Berry

R.E. Windley

Ernest Sheldon

State Hos., Goldsboro

MARY JENNETTE

Jennette, Mary	2 Jun 1923	Edward Jennette	J.E. Mann	O.B. Gibbs "member of family" crossed out	State Hos., Goldsboro
In the matter of Mary Jennette being admitted to the State Hospital at Goldsboro, NC: It appearing to the undersigned Assistant Clerk of Superior Court of Hyde County that Mary Jennette, a woman of color, has been adjudged insane after proper inquisition, and that her condition is such that it is undesirable to attempt to keep her in the County Home and that the county jail is not a fit place for confinement of a person in her condition, and it further having been made to appear to the Court that Mary Swindell, now an inmate of the State Hospital at Goldsboro, NC has so far been restored to normal state of mental condition that she can be properly cared for in the County Home, this is to commit the said Mary Jennette to the State Hospital at Goldsboro in exchange for Mary Swindell, who will be received, with the approval of the Board of Commissioner of Hyde County, in the County Home for the poor and infirm at Swan Quarter, NC. Witness my hand and seal this 22nd day of June 1923 /s/ E.B. Lavender, Asst. Clerk of Superior Court Approved: The keeper of the County Home for the poor and infirm at Swan Quarter will receive Mary Swindell as an inmate of said home until further orders of this Board. /s/ B.A. Mason, Chairman of the Board of Hyde Co., NC Commissioners

POLLY R. GASKILL

Gaskill, Polly L.	12 Jul 1923	D.L. Williams	D.T. Taylor, Jr.	D.F. Simmons "member of family" crossed out	State Hosp., Raleigh
Dix Hill State Hospital at Raleigh - Dec. 13, 1923 This is to certify that Miss Polly R. Gaskill [listed as Polly L. in original inquisition], an insane person, was sent to this hospital from Hyde County, and that she being at large would not, in my opinion, be injurious to herself or dangerous to the community and I recommend that she be sent to said county on probation. /s/ Albert Anderson, Superintendent Dix Hill State Hospital at Raleigh - June 30, 1924 This is to certify that Miss Polly R. Gaskill, an insane person, was sent from this hospital from Hyde County, and that in my opinion, she having become of sane mind, is recommended for discharge. /s/ Albert Anderson, Superintendent

ANNIE J. WILLIAMS

Williams, Annie J.	10 Sep 1923	W.L. Swindell	W.L. Swindell	C.R. Williams	State Hosp., Raleigh
Dix Hill State Hospital at Raleigh - Dec. 4, 1923 This is to certify that Mrs. Annie J. Williams, an insane person, was sent to this hospital from Hyde County, and that she being at large would not, in my opinion, be injurious to herself or dangerous to the community and I recommend that she be sent to said county on probation. /s/ Albert Anderson, Superintendent Dix Hill State Hospital at Raleigh - June 30, 1924 This is to certify that Mrs. Annie J. Williams, an insane person, was sent from this hospital from Hyde County, and that in my opinion, she having become of sane mind, is recommended for discharge. /s/ Albert Anderson, Superintendent

MADIE L. PURVIS

Purvis, Madie L.	16 Nov 1923	Dr. R.E. Windley	R.E. Windley	R.E. Purvis	State Hosp., Raleigh
Dix Hill State Hospital at Raleigh - May 27, 1924 This is to certify that Mrs. Madie L. Purvis, an insane person, was sent to this hospital from Hyde County, and that she being at large would not, in my opinion, be injurious to herself or dangerous to the community and I recommend that she be sent to said county on probation. /s/ Albert Anderson, Superintendent Dix Hill State Hospital at Raleigh - June 20, 1924 This is to certify that Mrs. Madie L. Purvis, an insane person, was sent from this hospital from Hyde County, and that in my opinion, she having become of sane mind, is recommended for discharge. /s/ Albert Anderson, Superintendent

H.R. JARVIS

Jarvis, H.R.

2 Jan 1924

Dr. R.E. Windley

R.E. Windley

W.A. Jarvis

State Hosp., Raleigh

ABRAM RIDDICK

Riddick, Abram

1 Jan 1924

W.L. Swindell

J.L. Griffin
"member of family" crossed out

State Hos., Goldsboro

RUFUS SAUNDERSON

Saunderson, Rufus Saunderson, Rufus	9 Jul 1924 3 Sep 1925	Dr. W.L. Swindell R.E. Windley	W.L. Swindell R.E. Windley	Griffin ONeal W.R. Williams "member of family" crossed out	State Hos. Goldsboro State Hos. Goldsboro
Letter to O.L. Williams, Clerk of Sup. Court of Hyde Co., dated Aug. 13, 1924 Dear Sir: The application of Rufus Saunders [Saunderson in original inquisition] has been received. Our male wards are full and we can accept him only in exchange for another patient. We have a man from your county, Odis Spencer, who is getting on very well and can be cared for at the County Home if his people will not take him. If you wish to make the exchange bring applicant and ___ Spencer back. Hyde County already has more patients here than its quota. /s/ W.W. Faison, Superintendent State Hospital at Goldsboro, NC State Hospital, Goldsboro, NC - July 10, 1925 This is to certify that Rufus Saunderson, an insane person, was sent from this hospital from Hyde County, and that in my opinion, he having become of improved mind, is recommended for discharge. /s/ W.W. Faison, Superintendent

HUGH J. SPENCER

Spencer, Hugh J.

13 Aug 1924

Dr. Clyde Ruff

Clyde Ruff

Indianna Spencer

State Hosp., Raleigh

GUSSIE BELLE SPENCER

Gibbs, Gussie Belle	2 Oct 1924	J.E. Mann, MD	---------------	Jno. O. Gibbs	State Hosp., Raleigh
Dix Hill State Hospital at Raleigh - June 20, 1924 This is to certify that Miss Gussie Belle Gibbs, an insane person, was sent from this hospital from Hyde County, and that in my opinion, she having become of sane mind, is recommended for discharge. /s/ Albert Anderson, Superintendent

ANNIE M. McCLAUD

McClaud, Annie M.
McClaud, Annie M.

25 Mar 1925
27 Oct 1927

Rena S. Jennette
George A. Selby, Jr.

Clyde Ruff
J.E. Mann

Mrs. H.B. Spencer
Geo. A. Selby, Jr.

State Hosp., Raleigh
State Hosp., Raleigh

Letter from Mrs. George Selby, Jr. to C.L. Bell, Swan Quarter - October 28, 1927
Dear Clifton,
Enclosed you'll find papers filled out by Dr. Mann. May I ask that you please send these to Raleigh at once. If they do not come back to you will you please ask that they be mailed at once to my brother (Mr. E.C. McClaud; 215 Chesapeake Ave.; Newport News, Va.) stating what day that my mother can be carried to the hospital but giving my brother 2 days notice so he can make necessary arrangements for the trip to Raleigh. Should the papers be sent back to you will you please mail them to the said address. Please make your letter to Dr. Anderson very urgent as we want to get things adjusted as nicely as possible.

Letter from C.L. Bell to the State Hospital at Raleigh, NC - October 28, 1927
Herewith find attached application for Mrs. Annie M. McClaud to be committed in the State Hospital at Raleigh. I hope you will be able to take Mrs. McClaud because I understand she is in bad condition and needs attention and has been in the Hospital before.

Letter from Albert Anderson, Superintendent of the State Hospital at Raleigh - November 1, 1927
Dear Sir:
I have received your application for the admission to this hospital of Mrs. Annie McClaud and we are writing to state that we will accept her if she is brought to the hospital within the next 10 days. We are in receipt of a communication this morning from her son at Newport News, Va. stating that he would like to bring her Saturday, Nov. 5th, and this will be all right with us. I have forwarded a copy of the original letter to Clay McClaud in Newport News.

DELL GREEN

Green, Dell

19 Nov 1925

R.E. Windley

James Green

State Hos. Goldsboro

ALICE BRIMMAGE

Brimmage, Alice Brimmage, Alice	24 May 1926 15 Feb 1928	Dr. R.E. Windley Luther Brimmage	Dr. R.E. Windley W.L. Swindell	Luther Brimmage Luther Brimmage	State Hos. Goldsboro State Hos. Goldsboro
State Hospital, Goldsboro, NC - July 10, 1929 This is to certify that Alice Brimmage, an insane person, was sent to this hospital from Hyde County, and that she being at large would not, in my opinion, be injurious to herself or dangerous to the community and I recommend that she be sent to said county on probation. /s/ Dr. W.C. Linville, Superintendent

LUCY JONES

Jones, Lucy

28 Aug 1926

Dr. R.E. Windley

Amanda Weston

State Hos. Goldsboro

SOLOMON SPENCER

Spencer, Solomon

1 Nov 1926

Dr. T.A. Mann

---------------

State Hos. Goldsboro

State of North Carolina, Fairfield Twp., Hyde Co.
Thomas Mann (white), R.L. Mann, Robert Sadler and Toy Gibbs appeared before me, Justice of the Peace for Fairfield Twp., and made the following affidavit: that the said Solomon Spencer is insane and therefore he is very dangerous and we are asking a relief by having this man placed in jail for the protection of the public and himself and family.
/s/ R.L. Mann; Thos. C. Mann; Robt. [x] Sadler; Toy [x] Gibbs
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 27th day of Oct. 1926. /s/ D.D. Cutrell, J.P.

Letter from C.L. Bell, Hyde Co. Clerk of Superior Court, to the State Hospital in Goldsboro dated Nov. 1, 1926
Dear Sir:
You will find enclosed an application for Solomon Spencer who is insane and in bad health and needs attention immediately. I am told that he is dangerous and I hope it will be convenient for the State Hospital authorities to take care of him at once as he is confined in the County jail at present.

State Hospital, Goldsboro, NC - March 9, 1927
This is to certify that Solomon Spencer, an insane person, was sent to this hospital from Hyde County, and that he being at large would not, in my opinion, be injurious to himself or dangerous to the community and I recommend that he be sent to said county on probation.
/s/ Dr. W.C. Linville, Superintendent

State Hospital, Goldsboro, NC - June 10, 1927
This is to certify that Solomon Spencer, an insane person, was sent from this hospital from Hyde County, and that in my opinion, he having become of sane mind, is recommended for discharge.
/s/ Dr. W.C. Linville, Superintendent

BAN CARTER

Carter, Ban

19 Feb 1927

J.S. Brinn

R.E. Windley

---------------

State Hos. Goldsboro

Affidavit to procure examination of an Insane Person - Feb. 19, 1927
The undersigned, residing in Hyde County, makes oath that he has carefully examined Ban Carter and believes him to be an insane person and to be, in the opinion of the undersigned, a fit subject for admission into a hospital for the insane.
/s/ R.E. Windley

Letter from C.L. Bell, Clerk of Superior Court in Hyde County, to the State Hospital at Goldsboro - Feb. 19, 1927
Dear Sir:
Herewith find attached application for Ban Carter (Col.) to be admitted in the Hospital. I hope you will be able to take this man because he is in bad condition and needs medical attention. He seems to want to shoot people while on the public highway and I am afraid he will do damage if allowed to run at large.

Questionnaire filled out by Dr. R.E. Windley:
Patient's name: Ban Carter
Born: about 1860
Birthplace: Sladesville, NC
Marital Status: single
Name & birthplace of father: [no name written], Sladesville, NC
Name & birthplace of mother: Don't know
Occupation of patient for past 5 years: Inmate at County Home for the last 10 years
Were mother & father related? Don't know
Is patient now charged with a crime? No
When was the change first observed in patient's conduct indicating insanity? about 30 days ago
Does patient have delusions? No
Has patient attempted or threatened suicide? No
Has patient attempted or threatened homicide? Yes
Is patient an idiot? No
Is patient feeble-minded? No
How many are dependant on him? None
What is his annual income? None
Is patient addicted to alcohol, morphine, cocaine, heroin or any other drugs? No

EMMA FRANCES BURRUS

Burrus, Emma Frances

13 Aug 1927

R.E. Windley, MD

A.G. Harris

Thomas S. Burrus

State Hosp., Raleigh

GLADYS SHELDON

Sheldon, Gladys	21 Apr 1928	---------------	W.L. Swindell	Ernest Sheldon	State Hos. Goldsboro
Letter from C.L. Bell, Clerk of Superior Court in Hyde County, to the State Hospital at Goldsboro - April 21, 1928 Dear Sir: Herewith find enclosed application for Gladys Sheldon, colored, to be admitted in the State Hospital.

MRS. W.P. CAHOON

Cahoon, Mrs. W.P. Cahoon, Mrs. W.P. Cahoon, Mrs. W.P.	5 Jun 1928 23 Oct 1929 25 Jun 1930	P.C. Simmons Herford Jones D.W. Cutrell	Dr. A.G. Harris A.G. Harris Dr. A.G. Harris	--------------- --------------- D.W. Cutrell	State Hosp., Raleigh State Hosp., Raleigh State Hosp., Raleigh
Letter from Clerk of Superior Court in Hyde County [no name given], to the State Hospital at Raleigh - June 5, 1928 Dear Sir: I understand Mrs. W.P. Cahoon has been admitted in the State Hospital before and is in bad condition and I hope you will take care of her immediately for the reason that we have just had a criminal term of Superior Court and we do not have any place to keep her. I know it is a custom to have the application approved be officials of the institution but it is necessary that we take her away now or otherwise she might do injury to herself or someone else. Note: same person as Robena Cahoon listed further up in this list.

S.L. POWELL

Powell, S.L.	9 May 1928	Mrs. Mary A. Powell	Dr. W.L. Swindell	---------------	State Hosp., Raleigh
Letter from C.L. Bell, Clerk of Superior Court in Hyde County, to the State Hospital at Raleigh - June 1, 1928 Dear Sir: Herewith find enclosed application for S.L. Powell for admission in hospital. I understand he is in bad condition and I hope you will arrange to take care of him.

THOMAS SAUNDERSON SPENCER

Spencer, Thomas Saunderson	6 Feb 1929	R.S. Spencer	Dr. W.L. Swindell	R.S. Spencer	State Hosp., Raleigh
Letter from C.L. Bell, Clerk of Superior Court in Hyde County, to the State Hospital at Raleigh - Feb. 6, 1929 Dear Sir: You will find enclosed application of Thomas Saunderson Spencer to be admitted in the State Hospital. He is a young boy about 15 years of age and needs attention immediately but on the other hand if he is neglected it might develop that nothing could be done for him.

MALISSA EASON

Eason, Malissa

14 May 1929

Julia Eason

Dr. Noah Rouse

Julia Eason

State Hos. Goldsboro

JOSEPH HENRY MIDYETTE, SR.

Midyette, Sr., Joseph Henry

31 Jun 1929

Joseph Henry Midyette, Jr.

J.E. Mann, MD

Joseph Henry Midyette. Jr.

State Hosp., Raleigh

SARAH C. DUNBAR

Dunbar, Sarah C.

6 Jun 1929

Norfleet Dunbar
George Radcliff

Dr. W.L. Swindell

Norfleet Dunbar

State Hosp., Raleigh

REBECCA CAMPBELL

Campbell, Rebecca

29 Jun 1929

Edward Collins
Ben Brown

W.L. Swindell, MD

Edward Collins

State Hos. Goldsboro

GEORGE D. MIDYETTE

Midyette, George D.

31 Oct 1929

E.A. Williams

Carl W. Bell

E.A. Midyette

State Hosp., Raleigh

ANNIE M. JARVIS

Jarvis, Annie M.

4 Sep 1930

H.E. Green

W.L. Swindell

Lee T. O'Neal

State Hos. Goldsboro

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