The Poorhouse

One hundred and twenty-eight years ago today, my 3x great-grandmother, Agnes, faced a difficult situation. Let's imagine the circumstances from the point of view of her daughter, Euphemia.  

Agnes lived in Bothwell, Scotland which is west of Edinburgh.

Family member name: Agnes Gilchrist Crosser

Lifetime: 1820-1895
Tree branch: Anderson
Places lived: Scotland

Relation: My 3x great-grandmother (my mom's dad's mom's mom's mom)

My name is Euphemia Anderson and I'm heartbroken.  My mother, Agnes Crosser, just visited our little home to ask us if we could take her in.  Even though we desperately want to help her, there is just no way my husband Robert and I can afford it.

To understand our background, Agnes was a single mom.  Her husband died before I was born and my 38-year-old mom never remarried.  Life was tough for us as she supported us seven children by selling piece work.  My grandparents had passed away, so we were on our own.

Eventually my siblings and I grew up, got married and started our families. Three of us stayed nearby Bothwell, three of my older brothers either died or were out of the picture.  Sadly, my sister Agnes passed away in 1874 when she was just 21 years old.

When my mom was 65 years old in 1885, she was unable to support herself.  That was the first time she came to us for help. By that time we already had five children under the age of 7, with one on the way.  My husband's salary as a miner could barely feed us.   

My sister Ann also tried to help when she could, but having 6 children herself, they also were just surviving. My brother James went to America in 1881 (8 years ago) and has not been in contact.

It is now August 29, 1892, and we have nine children. So since neither of us siblings have the means or the space to take her in, today my mom has to go the Poorhouse.  It's the fourth time since 1885 and it's killing me. 

I don't want my mom to be in the Poorhouse! (Or the Workhouse as the English called it.) The diet and living conditions are very austere (this discourages applications from those who could otherwise rely on family support), so it is definitely a last resort only for those considered destitute. Thankfully they have medical care there.

In 1885, my mom was in the Poorhouse for 11 days, in 1886 for a period of time I can't remember, and in 1890 for 3 days.  Each time, we were able to get her out somehow or she received an allowance from the government.

Fast forward: I'm so happy that my nephew Thomas Porteous is willing to maintain my mom.  He's so sweet to support his grandma.  She was only in the Poorhouse for 12 days this time, and thankfully, it was the last time!

Here is the Poorhouse record for Agnes from Bothwell, Scotland.