A report from 1843 describing the first, or at least some of the earliest ‘inmates’ sheds light on the many aspects of the life within Magherafelt Poor Law Union and the need to provide for the poor in the first place. The report lists the details surrounding the reasons why nine individuals were residing in the workhouse at that time. The information suggests a number of things including that the workhouse was being used by people of all ages, young and old; people of numerous religions; and the general poor health that many were in and thus needed care. They were described as follows:
Henry M’Nickell [McNicoll], aged 80—Roman Catholic—peasant—single— admitted by Board of Guardians January 11th—bodily and mentally infirm—most filthy, and in rags—destitution made known by a personal application—walked to workhouse three miles—present condition, in men’s infirm ward.
John Brown, aged 20—Roman Catholic—mendicant—single—admitted by master January 12th—mentally infirm—idiot—very wretched, dirty, and in rags—destitution made known by a personal application—-walked to workhouse—present condition, in men’s day ward.
Sarah Carlton, aged 10—Protestant—mendicant—orphan—admitted by Board of Guardians February 1st—very dirty, and almost starved—application through a Guardian—walked to workhouse, three miles—present condition, at girls’ school.
Thomas Carlton, aged 6—Protestant—orphan—admitted by Board of Guardians February 1st—very dirty, and almost starved—application through a Guardian—walked to workhouse, three miles—present condition, at boys’ school.
Elizabeth Campbell, aged 50—Protestant—servant—single—admitted by master February 12th—mentally infirm—lunatic—outrageous, and very filthy—conveyed to workhouse by relations, two miles—present condition, in day ward.
Patrick Lunnan, aged 60—Roman Catholic—mendicant—single—admitted by Board of Guardians March 2nd—bodily infirm—very wretched—in rags, and most filthy—destitution made known personally—walked to workhouse—present condition, in men’s day room.
William Connor, aged 82—Protestant—shoemaker—widower—admitted by Board of Guardians March 14th—bodily infirm—dangerously ill, and in rags—destitution made known by a Guardian—walked to workhouse, two miles—-present condition, in men’s infirm ward.
James Conroy, aged 72—Roman Catholic—weaver—widower—three children alive— admitted by master March 21st—filthy, and in rags—destitution made known by a personal application—walked to workhouse, one half mile—present condition, in men’s day ward.
Eliza Hughes, aged 14—Roman Catholic—servant—motherless—deserted by father— admitted by master April 2nd—bodily infirm—dangerously ill—conveyed to workhouse— destitution made known by personal application—present condition, in hospital
