Although today’s society often appears to be rife with crime, little has changed since the 1800s when it comes to human nature. Western New York was no exception. Crimes of passion, drunkenness, murder, greed, power, control, indebtedness, bootlegging occurred frequently and made the headlines of many local newspapers. Sheriffs were elected and court systems were set up quickly following pioneer settlement to protect communities and to serve justice with equity. In this exhibit we feature selected stories of crime as well as look at the types of punishment meted out.
Theft and Robbery: Theft of goods and property began as soon as people came to settle in Western New York. However, the legal system was established very quickly to accommodate those who sought to take advantage of others.
From Temperance to Prohibition: The temperance movement began in the early 19th century spearheaded by physicians, ministers and employers concerned about the drunkenness of workers and servants. It eventually became one of several social reform movements led by the middle class.
The Crime of Debt: In the early 19th century failure to pay one’s debts could land the debtor in jail. What would the current financial community think of the use of debtor’s prison in the 21st century?
Murder!!: Like today, 19th century passion, drunkenness, greed, and the desire for power sometimes led to the crime of murder. In the late 1800s, the punishment for murder in the first degree was death by hanging: two men were hanged in Ontario County, one in Wayne County, and several in Monroe County.
Institutional Committal instead of Jail
During the 19th century, individuals with mental health problems, physical disabilities, and mental disabilities were often placed in jail or in institutions as their families were unable or unwilling to care for them, or they had no means of support. Such individuals were housed in the county jail or the poorhouse until state reforms began.
Ontario County Jails
Shortly after Ontario County was founded in 1789, the first county jail was erected – a log structure. By 1815, the County allotted $6000 to construct a permanent jail – a substantial fieldstone structure. In 1895, a new larger jail was constructed next to the old one for nearly $25,000.
