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God Knows His Name: The True Story of John Doe No. 24
Police found John Doe No. 24 in the early morning hours of October 11, 1945, in Jacksonville, Illinois. Unable to communicate, the deaf and mute teenager was labeled “feeble minded” and sentenced by a judge to the nightmarish jumble of the Lincoln State School and Colony in Jacksonville. He remained in the Illinois mental health care system for over thirty years and died at the Sharon Oaks Nursing Home in Peoria on November 28, 1993.
Deaf, mute, and later blind, the young black man survived institutionalized beatings, hunger, overcrowding, and the dehumanizing treatment that characterized state institutions through the 1950s. In spite of his environment, he made friends, took on responsibilities, and developed a sense of humor. People who knew him found him remarkable. Award-winning journalist Dave Bakke reconstructs the life of John Doe No. 24 through research into a half-century of the state mental health system, personal interviews with people who knew him at various points during his life, and sixteen black-and-white illustrations. After reading a story about John Doe in the New York Times , acclaimed singer-songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter wrote and recorded “John Doe No. 24” and purchased a headstone for his unmarked grave. She contributes a foreword to this book. As death approached for the man known only as John Doe No. 24, his one-time nurse Donna Romine reflected sadly on his mystery. “Ah, well,” she said, “God knows his name.”
Deaf, mute, and later blind, the young black man survived institutionalized beatings, hunger, overcrowding, and the dehumanizing treatment that characterized state institutions through the 1950s. In spite of his environment, he made friends, took on responsibilities, and developed a sense of humor. People who knew him found him remarkable. Award-winning journalist Dave Bakke reconstructs the life of John Doe No. 24 through research into a half-century of the state mental health system, personal interviews with people who knew him at various points during his life, and sixteen black-and-white illustrations. After reading a story about John Doe in the New York Times , acclaimed singer-songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter wrote and recorded “John Doe No. 24” and purchased a headstone for his unmarked grave. She contributes a foreword to this book. As death approached for the man known only as John Doe No. 24, his one-time nurse Donna Romine reflected sadly on his mystery. “Ah, well,” she said, “God knows his name.”
- GenresNonfictionBiography
142 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 14, 2010
On October 11, 1946, a black boy of indeterminate age was found wandering the streets of Jacksonville, Illinois. When police discovered he was deaf, mute, and suspected to be retarded, he was sent to the Lincoln State School and Colony, a state facility that bore little resemblance to its name. Had he been permitted to stay at the School for the Deaf, his life would have been completely different, but that school was not permitted to take retarded people.
The Lincoln School was a self-contained city having a farm with price-winning cattle and a dairy processing plant. It generated its own power and returned thousands of dollars to the state treasury, thanks to the free labor provided by the residents (really inmates). These people varied from the very severely retarded to those of borderline intelligence. The place was vastly overcrowded, and the pecking order among residents was often established violently.
John Doe, as he was called since they were unable to identify him at all, was given an I.Q. test, but much like any test, if you don't understand the value or importance of the test, there will be little incentive to do well, even assuming you can understand what is expected of you. A special test was used that had been designed for the deaf, but the examiner had difficulty conveying the purpose and instructions for the various tests that were disguised as games or puzzles. John's deafness and inexperience were a huge impediment, and, not surprisingly, he scored very low on the test. This result was to haunt him for years to come. After several unsuccessful escape attempts, John gradually adapted to his surroundings. He had no known relatives so there was no one to claim him nor to send him packages or money that might help alleviate his situation.
By the mid-sixties, thanks in part to JFK's commitment to improving conditions and education for the mentally retarded and an Illinois commission, facilities and conditions were improving at the Lincoln School. John Doe had now been there close to two decades.
Unfortunately, it was also the time of Chlorpromazine that the psychiatric profession had discovered could turn unruly or violent patients into virtually catatonic, but untroublesome, individuals. It soon became the drug of choice for nearly everyone in an institution. Despite regular doses, John was becoming one of the best students in the ASL class that had been started for the deaf residents. He became a trustee and was placed in charge of several other patients, helping them to dress and to get ready for the day.
By 1973 the side effects of the drugs began to manifest themselves and John was inflicted with diabetes and glaucoma. In 1975, the Lincoln School was converted into a state prison, and John was sent to the Jacksonville Developmental Center. He was now totally blind, but thanks to a few dedicated individuals, his talents were recognized and he was sent to the Helen Keller School. This provided him with the skills he needed to subsequently live in a series of group homes.
He died a few years later, but to this day no one has still been able to track down his identity.
P.S. Mary Chapin Carpenter wrote a song that included the words from his tombstone.
The Lincoln School was a self-contained city having a farm with price-winning cattle and a dairy processing plant. It generated its own power and returned thousands of dollars to the state treasury, thanks to the free labor provided by the residents (really inmates). These people varied from the very severely retarded to those of borderline intelligence. The place was vastly overcrowded, and the pecking order among residents was often established violently.
John Doe, as he was called since they were unable to identify him at all, was given an I.Q. test, but much like any test, if you don't understand the value or importance of the test, there will be little incentive to do well, even assuming you can understand what is expected of you. A special test was used that had been designed for the deaf, but the examiner had difficulty conveying the purpose and instructions for the various tests that were disguised as games or puzzles. John's deafness and inexperience were a huge impediment, and, not surprisingly, he scored very low on the test. This result was to haunt him for years to come. After several unsuccessful escape attempts, John gradually adapted to his surroundings. He had no known relatives so there was no one to claim him nor to send him packages or money that might help alleviate his situation.
By the mid-sixties, thanks in part to JFK's commitment to improving conditions and education for the mentally retarded and an Illinois commission, facilities and conditions were improving at the Lincoln School. John Doe had now been there close to two decades.
Unfortunately, it was also the time of Chlorpromazine that the psychiatric profession had discovered could turn unruly or violent patients into virtually catatonic, but untroublesome, individuals. It soon became the drug of choice for nearly everyone in an institution. Despite regular doses, John was becoming one of the best students in the ASL class that had been started for the deaf residents. He became a trustee and was placed in charge of several other patients, helping them to dress and to get ready for the day.
By 1973 the side effects of the drugs began to manifest themselves and John was inflicted with diabetes and glaucoma. In 1975, the Lincoln School was converted into a state prison, and John was sent to the Jacksonville Developmental Center. He was now totally blind, but thanks to a few dedicated individuals, his talents were recognized and he was sent to the Helen Keller School. This provided him with the skills he needed to subsequently live in a series of group homes.
He died a few years later, but to this day no one has still been able to track down his identity.
P.S. Mary Chapin Carpenter wrote a song that included the words from his tombstone.
October 14, 2011
I read this one after reading the story of beautiful girl because this books inspired the main deaf character. Someone was found roaming the streets, named "john doe" and then put in mental institutions for the rest of his life. I had to understand.
April 17, 2011
If you work in human services - particularly with people with disabilities - you must read this book.
January 1, 2015
This is an intensely depressing book, from a variety of angles: the deplorable state of mental health care in the 1940s and 1950s, the personal tragedy of “John Doe’s” life of (for the most part) hopeless struggle, the implication that the church was not interested in “John Doe”, the lack of lasting, stable relationships in his life, and the sadness at the many disruptions of relationships that were fashioned with him. At the same time, it is a story of multiple kindnesses by individual staff persons in various institutions and by persons devoted to improving opportunities for disabled persons. Bakke offers a largely favorable portrait of the Jacksonville Developmental Center and the Jacksonville, Illinois, community, where “John’s” institutionalized life began when police picked him up off the streets in the 1940s and where he lived for 5 years in the 1970s.
February 10, 2010
A great story about life that needed to be told!
Its a bitter sweet story about the perseverance of an individual.
A story first introduced in an article by the NY Times (http://www.nytimes.com/1993/12/05/us/...)
Brought to song by Mary Chapin Carpenter (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFyfY7...)
"there's no doubt that life's a mystery; But so too is the human heart"
Its a bitter sweet story about the perseverance of an individual.
A story first introduced in an article by the NY Times (http://www.nytimes.com/1993/12/05/us/...)
Brought to song by Mary Chapin Carpenter (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFyfY7...)
"there's no doubt that life's a mystery; But so too is the human heart"
August 8, 2011
I read this book after reading The Story of a Beautiful Girl. Which I recommend reading this book first then Beautiful Girl. This book can leave a lingering sad feeling and even though Beautiful Girl is non fiction it will help remove some of the grief you'll have for John.
September 26, 2020
God knows EVERYONE'S name
This book is a treasure. It is so fitting in this remarkable year of the pandemic, 2020 when so many have been buried with no family present. Everyone should read this book. Brings compassion to your soul. Thank you to artist Mary Chapin Carpenter for introducing this book to the world and for bringing Lewis's (John Doe #24) story to light.
This book is a treasure. It is so fitting in this remarkable year of the pandemic, 2020 when so many have been buried with no family present. Everyone should read this book. Brings compassion to your soul. Thank you to artist Mary Chapin Carpenter for introducing this book to the world and for bringing Lewis's (John Doe #24) story to light.
December 20, 2018
Poignant and soul-searching read.
A lesson in empathy for all of us. Well written and well researched, using all that was available it seems.
A lesson in empathy for all of us. Well written and well researched, using all that was available it seems.
January 14, 2022
Content was most interesting since I live in one of the towns where the institutions are located. The writing was just adequate.
September 15, 2024
Everyone needs to read this book.
To remind you to be kind, don't judge and not take anything for granted
To remind you to be kind, don't judge and not take anything for granted
October 14, 2011
This book must be read for two reasons. One, it is simply a GOOD READ - the author, Mr. Bakke did a great job of story telling (great writing!). Two, John Doe, or Lewis as I prefer to think of him...DESERVES to have his story known. Lewis exhibited great basic human caring and intellect that was often over-looked because of his inability to communicate. We take for granted that our learning (to take instructions) is just common sense - all you have to do is look at another culture to know that is not true.
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It's also a must read for anyone who drinks the kool-aid and thinks that our country is so perfect that we don't need any change. :-) Fortunately, many of the atrocities that Lewis/John suffered have been addressed by the hero's Mr. Bakke mentioned in his book, those who made a difference in the care of the mentally disabled.
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Be prepared for raw truths. All people are born with the same basic homo-sapien genetic makeup. It's culture that makes us separate from other peoples. In this case, imagine, if you will, you have no form of communications, (with those around you who have already been well indoctrinated in American/St.Louis, 1945, culture) by the age of age 16. You will have never learned of boundaries and simple common sense. Boundaries and common sense are traits we, the hearing, do not realize are not inherit in our genes but learned as we grow in our culture. The deaf (and I have deaf parents and grew up in Jacksonville, IL) even when given the tools of communications at an early appropriate age - still have an entirely different set of boundaries than the hearing. In Lewis/John's case, the boundaries were even less defined since he was never taught communications in his early tender learning years. Remember this when you read the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It's also a must read for anyone who drinks the kool-aid and thinks that our country is so perfect that we don't need any change. :-) Fortunately, many of the atrocities that Lewis/John suffered have been addressed by the hero's Mr. Bakke mentioned in his book, those who made a difference in the care of the mentally disabled.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Be prepared for raw truths. All people are born with the same basic homo-sapien genetic makeup. It's culture that makes us separate from other peoples. In this case, imagine, if you will, you have no form of communications, (with those around you who have already been well indoctrinated in American/St.Louis, 1945, culture) by the age of age 16. You will have never learned of boundaries and simple common sense. Boundaries and common sense are traits we, the hearing, do not realize are not inherit in our genes but learned as we grow in our culture. The deaf (and I have deaf parents and grew up in Jacksonville, IL) even when given the tools of communications at an early appropriate age - still have an entirely different set of boundaries than the hearing. In Lewis/John's case, the boundaries were even less defined since he was never taught communications in his early tender learning years. Remember this when you read the book.
May 14, 2012
I went searching for this book, after reading The Story of a Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon. Apparently, this book inspired Rachel Simon to write The Story of a Beautiful Girl. It's sad that in the 1940s this man was institutionalized because he was deaf. He was found wondering the streets. It's a sad but a great read.
March 1, 2013
The story interested me and I LOVE the Mary Chapin Carpenter song about this specific John Doe. However, I found it difficult to read with too many details. I had to skip around to keep myself interested and finding the meat of the story.
July 27, 2016
Being from the area that is most prevalent to this book, and growing up in the time period that was covered, I found this story fascinating . It is so hard to believe that in my lifetime these archaic methods were considered humane. This is man's inhumanity to man.
June 22, 2011
one of the best books I have ever read
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews