County Clerk
Records Storage Center & Archives
Almshouse Burial Permits
| Record Series |
Bastardy Papers |
| Sample of Records |
View a sample record |
| Dates |
1813-1913 |
| Location |
Warren County Records Storage & Archives |
| Format |
Handwritten records including affidavits, replies, testimony,
recognizance, appeal and final orders
|
| Arranged |
Chronological by File Date |
| Volume |
0.5 cubic ft |
| Department |
County Clerk |
| Legal Restrictions |
Restricted - 100 yrs. |
| Use Restrictions |
Staff will access all records and must approve all requests for
copies
|
| Historical Background |
According to an act of legislature passed by New York State on 5
March 1801, municipalities were entitled to "secure relief from the
maintenance of bastard children." Procedures were established and
carried out before the Court of General Sessions, during which
Overseers of the Poor introduced their claim for reimbursement from
reputed fathers in anticipation of defraying the cost of the
support of such children. Revised Statutes of 1829 (published
1836), Part I, Ch. XX, Title 6, Section 1-73 provide ample detail
into the procedures used during the 19th century.
|
| Description of Record Series |
Handwritten records including affidavits, replies, testimony,
recognizance, appeal and final orders containing defendant name,
information on maternity (including mother's name, confinement and
birth information), and, within the final order, the amount of
payment being sought from the father, as well as court, date and
filing information. Also known as Orders of Filiation, Order of
Affiliation, Overseer of Poor Bond (Warrant), Bond. OCA Schedule #
20180
|
| Purpose of Record |
A record used by the court to establish the paternity of bastard
children in an effort to relieve the counties of any undue burdens
of support.
|
| Other Formats |
None |
| Finding Aids |
Name index 1813-1913 (paper and computerized) available. Series
locations on inventory database.
|
| Related Series |
Recognizance 1814-1909, Almshouse Records, Proceedings of the Board
of Supervisors. May also be found in town records.
|
Back to the Archival Collection
