130 years ago in 1894, transcribed as originally published in the Youngstown Vindicator:

Pitiful story which comes from the county infirmary at Canfield. Surrounded by coffins lies a former Youngstown man at death’s door – other awful sights.

A pitiful story is being told on the streets about an inmate of the County Infirmary, and it will be the cause of a number of persons visiting that institution just to see how the place is kept and if its occupants are treated rightly. Yesterday a local resident took a trip to the infirmary, and with the aid of those in charge, was taken through the different departments. Such sights as he witnessed on this occasion he never wants to see again.

The place is completely crowded with inmates and really more room should be obtained for patients. A most horrifying sight met the eyes of the visitor in the person of Charley Christy, formerly of this city, and employed at one time in the mills. He is near death’s door and was found reclining upon a rough box with a quilt under him for a bed. Surrounding him were coffins, rough boxes, undertaker’s fixings, etc. The patient is suffering from a loathsome disease and is hardly able to talk. He does not complain of his surroundings, lays there seemingly contented and is willing to suffer the penalty of his misdeeds. At one time he was strong, robust, and a hard working man. This is the only patient seen who is kept in such quarters. His disease is one that must be carefully guarded and for that reason he is kept by himself in the place mentioned.

An old lady also attracted much sympathy from the visitor. She has not partaken in any food for the past three months, in fact not a morsel is said to have passed her lips since Christmas day. At times she is conscious and knows of her surroundings, then she sinks into a deep slumber. Between her sunken eyelids, over which her gray hair has fallen, can be seen in deathly glaze a pair of piercing eyes which seldom move. She has sat in the one position for months past.

Other occupants were found making merry. Some would dance, sing hymns, pray, etc., and represent different characters in professional life. The place is clean and in as good shape as it can be kept under the circumstances. A number of people who have heard of the suffering at the infirmary have gone to Canfield today to visit the institution. It is to be hoped that their morbid curiosity will be gratified.

Compiled from the Youngstown Vindicator by Traci Manning, Mahoning Valley Historical Society curator of education.