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Western Michigan University Collections
Browse Kalamazoo County Records of the Poor

Even before Michigan became a state in 1837, it created laws caring for the poor. Eventually counties were in charge of this responsibility and the County Poor Boards would create a poorhouse/poor farm where these people would live and in some cases work. The records for Kalamazoo County go back to 1838, with the poorhouse opening in 1849 in Comstock Township at the Kalamazoo River. Not all people considered poor lived there.

Three of the four ledgers contain information on expenses ranging from 1838 to 1894. The fourth ledger has a list of inmates from 1885 to 1912 giving names, vital information and reasons they were at the poorhouse. After the need for these institutions waned, this facility became a senior citizen home until the early 1970s. It is now a county park.

Journal of the County Poor Board, 1838-1859
Recorded expenditures and expenses for the poor in Kalamazoo County.

Ledger of Superintendent of the Poor, Kalamazoo County, 1863-1871
Lists individuals or companies who gave funds or supplies for indigent families in addition to costs for medical and temporary relief.

Ledger of Expenses for the Poor, 1871-1894
Lists expenses for the poor house and farm including clothing, furniture, utensils, farm equipment and supplies along with medical and burial expenses for residents.

Records of Inmates, 1885-1912
Includes information on poorhouse residents including name, race, sex, ethnicity and reasons for being there.