Crawford County, Pennsylvania

Courthouse

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ADOPTIONS

Adoption Abstracts

Petition of John Johnson of the City of Meadville:  that he is a resident of Meadville aforesaid and desires that he may be permitted to adopt one J. ANN MICKLE a poor child, that he will perform all the duties of a parent of said child and also desires that the name of said child shall be Frankie Johnson, Further states that he is a married man and a house keeper in said City and would pray the Court that the adoption be made &c; signed John Johnson; O A Hotchkiss [atty.] attests; [no acknowledgment]; Directors of the Poor consent.  Granted 21 Feb. 1867, name changed to Frankie Johnson.

Petition of Simon J. Peters & Delilah Peters, his wife, to adopt CHARLES SMOCK, born July 28 1877, son of Allice Smock; That the said mother left the child with your petetioners [sic] on July 27 1878 and that they have been caring for him since that time and have now become so much attached to said child that they are desirous of adopting him; That said Allice Smock has resided near Stony Point Crawford County; signed Simon J Peters, Delilah R. Peters; acknowledged by both 2 Aug. 1880.  Mother's consent:

To the Honorable the Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Crawford County, The undersigned Allice Smock respectfully represents that she has heard read the petetion of Simon J Peters and wife in regard to the adoption of Charles Smock; That she has is the mother of said child and knows the facts in said petetion set forth are true and hereby joins in the petetion and asks the Court to make any and all orders and decrees that may be required by law to fully carry into effect the prayer of the said Simon J Peters and wife believing that it would be greatly to the interest of said child so to do as the said petetioners have no children of their own and your petitioner is unable to properly care for the said child; signed Alice Smock.

Granted 20 Dec. 1880, name changed to Charles Peters.

Petition of David Fordyce & Mary B. Fordyce, his wife, of the City of Meadville, to adopt GRACE WOODWORTH, a child of Mary C. Woodworth; that they will ... treat the said chid with kindness and at least give her an opportunity to acquire a good common school education; that the said child was fifteen months of age on the 15th day of April A. D. 1881; That the father of said child is dead was born out of wedlock; [mother consents by signing]; signed David Fordyce, Mary B. Fordyce, Mary C Woodworth; acknowledged by David Fordyce and Mary Woodworth [signed Mary C Woodworth] 25 April 1881.  Granted 9 May 1881, name changed to Grace Fordyce.

Petition of Robert Isaacs & Almira Isaacs, his wife, of Crawford Co., to adopt ALMIRA MELVIN a child of Ardy Melvin and Mary Melvin his wife of Meadville Pa; [parents consent by signing]; signed Robert Isaacs, Almira Isaacs, Ardy Melvin, Mary Melvin; acknowledged by Robert Isaacs 20 April 1881.  Granted 9 May 1881, name changed to Almira Melvin Isaacs.

Petition of Nelson David Steiner & Nancy S. Steiner, his wife, of the City of Meadville, to adopt DAVID CARSON PATTAN who will be five year old on the 24th day of July 1881, minor child of John Pattan, of Township of Vernon; They would also state that the mother of said David Carson Pattan namely Elizabeth Pattan wife of said John Pattan, deceased on the 3rd day of May 1881; [father consents by signing]; signed Nelson David Steiner, Nancy S Steiner, John Pattan; acknowledged by David Nelson Steiner [signed Nelson David Steiner] and John Pattan 8 June 1881.  Granted 27 June 1881, name changed to David Carson Steiner.

Petition of John J. Smith & Eva Smith, his wife, of Linesville, to adopt "ARNOLD AMOND [elsewhere AMMOND]," so called, aged six (6) months, a child obtained from the Cleveland Orphans Asylum by your petitioners, the name of whose parents is to them unknown; [authorities of said Cleveland Orphans Asylum consent by attached letter of superintendent]; signed John J Smith; acknowledged 20 Aug. 1881.  Letter on stationery of the Cleveland Protestant Orphan Asylum, 940 St. Clair Street, Cleveland, O. (established 1853), dated 22 July 1881, addressed to John J. Smith Esq., Linesville Sta., Crawford Co Pa]:

Dear Friends / June of the 10th inst enclosing picture of your boy, at hand; Many thanks; we are delighted with his appearance; Mrs Ellison the lady who took the boy to Mrs Smith would like very much indeed to have one of his pictures for his album; Mrs Ellison had the care of him while he was at the Asylum and became very much attached to him.  Enclosed please find adoption papers such as we use in Ohio; they do not fully answer the purpose in Pennsylvania, but will serve as a basis for proceedings in your Dist Court; You will need to take the papers to some attorney, who understands the adoption laws of your state and get him to draw up a petition for you & attend to the matter before the Court; Hoping your baby may live through the hot season & that he may long be spared to comfort & bless your hearts & home.  I am with much respect, yours truly, A H Shunk, supt  [Reverse side:] We would like to have a copy of the Order of the Court in this matter to place on file in this office.

Granted 12 Sept. 1881, name changed to John Arnold Smith.

Petition of James Baker of Sparta Twp. to adopt ROLLIN MESSENGER a child of Ashley Messenger of the City of Chicago in the State of Illinois and Blanch Messenger his wife; [parents consent by signing]; dated 22 Oct. 1881, signed James Baker, S. A. Messenger, Blanch Messenger; acknowledged at Erie Co., Pa. by James Baker and Blanch Messenger 24 Oct. 1881; acknowledged at Cook Co., Ill. by S A Messenger 27 Oct. 1881.  Granted 2 Nov. 1881, name changed to Rollin Baker.

Petition of Ulisses Oscar Bunting & Sarah S. Bunting, his wife, residents of Steuben Twp., to adopt ANNIE ELIZABETH SCHOT, child of Catharine Mutchlert; Annie is an inmate of the County Poor House; that child has no father living and that mother consents; also that the Directors of the Poor have apprenticed the said Annie E. Schott to petitioners; Petitioners further say that they have no children of their own; signed U O Bunting, Sarah S Bunting; acknowledged by U. O Bunting 9 Jan. 1882.  Directors of the Poor join in petition [undated].  Granted 24 Jan. 1882, name changed to Annie Elizabeth Bunting.

Petition of Byron S. Childs & Emiline B. Childs, his wife, of the Borough of Townville, to adopt MAUD L. HYATT, a child of Wm. L. & Lina Hyatt, an inmate of petitioners family for six months past, who was four years old the 25th day of August 1881; that the mother of said child is now in the family of your petitioners and consents; they have no children of their own; signed Byron S Childs, Emeline B Childs; acknowledged by Byron S. Childs 16 Jan. 1882.  Granted 24 Jan. 1882, name changed to Maud L. Childs.

Petition of Ezra I. Smith & Harriet A. Smith, his wife, of Meadville, to adopt FREDERIC ALFRED SUTLEY, a child of Mary Sutley of Meadville; [mother consents by signing]; Petitioners have no children; child had a father who deserted his family more than two years since and his whereabouts is unknown, and the said Mary Sutley has been divorced from her said husband Wm. Sutley; signed Ezra I Smith, Harriet A Smith, Mary Sutley with her mark; acknowledged by Ezra I. Smith 14 Feb. 1882.  Granted 17 Feb. 1882, name changed to Frederick [sic] Alfred Smith.

Petition of George H. Day of Spartansburgh [sic] to adopt NELLIE POST, a child of Delos Post & Dora Post, his wife (the mother is now dead); with consent of his wife and of the Director of the Poor in whose charge she was placed from the neglect of her father to take care of her; signed Geo. H. Day, Delila Day; acknowledged by both 7 Nov. 1881.  Directors of Poor join [undated]. Granted 30 March 1882, name changed to Nellie Day.

Petition of Thomas W. Henry & Emily J. Henry, his wife, of Crawford Co., to adopt CHARLES BRION, a child six months old, of Charles W. and Lena Brion of Meadville; [parents consent by signing]; signed Thomas W Henry, Emily J Henry, Charles W. Brion; acknowledged by Thomas W. Henry 28 Feb. 1882.  Affidavit of Mrs. S. Brion:

That she is the mother of Chas W. Brion the father of Charles Brion, and is acquainted with Lena Brion the mother of said child; that the parents of said child have never lived together, and shortly after the birth of said child, Lena Brion, his mother, and her father Mr      Holley, brought him to affiants house and there left him, stating in substance that they would not support and maintain the child, and that unless he was taken care of by affiant, he would have to go to the County Poor House; that the mother of said child then and there abandoned him and has not since supported him, or contributed anything towards his support, but has refused and still does refuse, as also has and does, her father, to support him; that from that time until the 28th day of Feby. 1882, affiant has kept and maintained said child, since which time he has been supported by Thos W Henry and wife, whose petition for his adoption is hereto attached.  Affiant would further represent that the mother of said child is willing that the petition of the petitioners be granted, but is prevented from signing the same by her father; who is also willing that the said child be taken by the petitioners, but is unwilling and refuses to sign, or permit his daughter, to sign the same.  Signed Susan Brion, acknowledged before the Prothonotary 29 March 1882.

Granted 30 March 1882, "it appearing to the Court that the father of said Charles Brion has given his consent, and that the mother Lena Brion has abandoned said child," name changed to Charles Henry.

Petition of Anne Emory:  That she is the wife of Edward Emory and mother of MYRTIE EMORY who was born on the 21st day of July A.D. 1879, that the said Edward Emory deserted her about two years ago and has not since lived with or helped to maintain her; that George Jocelyn of Cussewago Township is willing and desirous to adopt and rear as his own child the said Myrtie Emory, and your petitioner is willing and desirous that the said Myrtie should be so adopted by the said George Jocelyn; signed Annie Emery; acknowledged at McKean County, Pa. (before an Alderman of Bradford) 27 June 1882.  Grandparents' consent:  "We the undersigned Grand Parents of the within named child Myrtie Emory agree and consent to the adoption"; signed Nelson Round, Elizabeth Round, dated 27 June 1882.  Directors of the Poor of Crawford County approve and recommend the within adoption 25 Sept. 1882.  Granted 25 Sept. 1882, name changed to Myrtie Jocelyn [Joslin in docket].

Petition of A. C. Carpenter of Rochester, N.Y. to adopt BERTHA A. DUNLAP of Atlantic, Crawford Co., Pa. a minor child of Lizzie Dunlap (whose husband Jesse Dunlap is deceased); [child] is now Eight (8) years of age; [mother consents by signing]; signed A. C. Carpenter, Mrs Lizzie Holman, formerly Mrs Lizzie Dunlap; acknowledged at Mercer Co., Pa. by A. C. Carpenter 30 Sept. 1882.  Granted 9 Oct. 1882, name changed to Bertha A. Carpenter.

File contains letter dated 7 Nov. 1938 from Milton C. Sharp of Taylor and Stern, Attorneys, 1420 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, requesting information on the adoption of Bertha Adaline Dunlap.

Petition of Daniel Weikal of Woodcock Twp. and Precilla Weikal, his wife:  that GERTRUDE ZIMERMAN at the time about five years old was given to your petitioners about nine years ago by her father Louis Zimerman to be by them kept maintained and held as their own child; That the mother of said Gertrude Zimerman died when she the said Gertrude was an infant and her father has left this county and his whereabout is not known; That said Gertrude Zimerman has lived with your petitioners ... for nine years last past; that the petitioners have no children; that the consent of her guardian having been hereto obtained; signed Daniel Weikal, Priscilla Weikal; acknowledged by both 13 Nov. 1882.  Consent of C. M. Boush, Guardian [undated].  Granted 13 Nov. 1882, name changed to Gertrude Weikal.

Petition of Chauncy J. Dennington & Martha S. Dennington, his wife, of Meadville, to adopt HATTIE GRACE WILDER, a daughter of Jonas B. Wilder, dec'd., and Rose Wilder; said child was nineteen months old on the 16 day of November A.D. 1882; that the father of said child died on the 16" day of Sept A.D. 1882; [mother consents by signing]; signed C. J. Dennington, Martha S. Dennington, Mrs. Rose Wilder; acknowledged by C. J. Dennington 9 Dec. 1882.  Granted 11 Dec. 1882, name changed to Hattie Grace Dennington.

Petition of James Knappenberger & Susan Knappenberger to adopt LILLY LOWELL, aged five years, a child of Ida Lowell of the City of Titusville; Miss Ida Lowell, the Mother also joins; signed James Knoppenberger, Mrs. Susan Knoppenberger, Miss Ida Lowell; acknowledged by all three 9 Jan. 1883.  Affidavit [attached]:

Personally appeared, Geo W Barr M D, and John M Allen, who being duly sworn say that they are each acquainted, with the petitioners James Knappenberger, and Susan Knappenberger, for the adoption of Lilly Lowell, a fatherless child, the daughter of Ida Lowell, and that we have known, Mr and Mrs Knoppenberger for many years; we further say, that they, are persons of middle age, without children; that Mr Knappenberger and his wife, above named, are in very comfortable circumstances, they are reputed to be of good moral character, and from observations, we have made, we believe them very much attached to said child, and well qualified for its moral training, and education; and we believe, it will be greatly to the benefit, and advantage, of all parties, that the child be adopted, and the prayer of petitioners, be granted, by this Hon Court as prayed for.  Signed Geo. W. Barr, John M. Allen; acknowledged 10 Jan. 1883.

Granted 25 Jan. 1883, name changed to Lilly Knappenberger.

Petition of Walter L. Davis & Harriet S. Davis, his wife, to adopt MAGGIE H. HANCOCK, child of John Hancock, late of Pittsburgh, deceased, and Catharine Hancock, his wife; Maggie was ten years old on the 13th day of Nov. 1882; that she has resided with and made her home with the petitioners since May, 1875; that the petitioners adopted her from the Home of The Friendless in the City of Alleghany; that the father of the said child deserted his wife and the said child, and has since died, as petitioners are informed, at Cincinnati; that the mother of the said child is living, is of unsound mind and not competent to transact any business; signed W L Davis, Harriet S. Davis; acknowledged by Walter L. Davis [signed W. L. Davis] 31 March 1883.  Granted 2 April 1883, name changed to Aggie H. Davis.

Petition of James McElhaney & Hannah McElhaney, his wife, of Summerhill Twp., to adopt ROBERT A. McMICHAEL, son of John McMichael and Nancy McMichael of Mullahind, Ireland, who was nineteen years old on the 8 day of Sept. 1882; that he has resided with and made his home with the petitioners since November 1880; [parents consent by letter]; signed James McElhany, Hannah McElheny; acknowledged by both 11 May 1883.  Parents' consent letter [attached]:

Mullahind Aprile 10 / My Dear Son / having looked over the matter, we have come to the conclusion to give our full consent to you becoming the adopted child of your uncle & we sincerely hope that you may prove yourself worthy of the kindness done to you at the same time hopping that it may turn out for good to both we heartily wish you and your uncle good success in all your undertakings / from your affectionate Father & Mother John & Nancy McMichael.

Granted 21 May 1883, name changed to Robert Archibald McElhaney.

Petition of Charles H. Davison & Sarah Davison, husband and wife, of Townville, to adopt NORA RALSTON DAVENPORT, a child of Mary Ralston Davenport, now Mary Ralston Higley, of said county; aged three years, in Jany. 1884; [mother "and Edward Higley, her husband, stepfather of said Nora," consent by signing]; signed Charles H Davison, Sarah. L. Davison, Alvin Higley, Mary R. Higley; acknowledged by Charles H Davison 27 Aug. 1883.  Granted 10 Sept. 1883, name changed to Nora Davison.

Petition of H. M. Cutshall of Randolph Twp. to adopt GERTRUDE J. KENNEDY, child of Charles W. Kennedy, [who] has lived with petitioner since her birth; that her mother is dead; [father consents by signing]; signed H. M. Cutshall; acknowledged 4 June 1883.  Father's consent:

I, Charles W. Kennedy, of Chautauqua County New York, the father of the minor child above named having read the foregoing petition concur therein and consent that the adoption prayed for be made.  Dated 19 June 1883, signed C. W. Kennedy.

Directors of the Poor approve 10 Sept. 1883.  Granted 11 (entered 15) Feb. 1884, name changed to Gertrude J. Cutshall.

Petition of Michael Condon & Catherine Condon, his wife, of Mead Twp.:  That some six months ago an infant male child was left at his house, who it, or its parents are, they do not know; That the said child is about the age of eight months, and has been cared for and nursed by your petitioners; signed Michael Condon, Catherine Condon; acknowledged by Michael Condon 22 Feb. 1884.  Directors of the Poor assent [undated].  Granted 25 Feb. 1884, name changed to Joseph Raphael Theodore Condon.

Petition of Wellington Cummings of Crawford Co. to adopt EDITH CUMMINGS HERON [HERRON], a child of Robert Heron of Montreal, Canada; with [father's consent], the mother of the said child being dead; signed Wellington Cummings, acknowledged 11 April 1884.  Father's consent:

I, Robert Heron of Montreal Canada, father of the above mentioned Edith Cummings Heron, hereby consent to the adoption of the said child by Wellington Cummings of Meadville, Crawford County, U.S.A. Dated 21 April 1884 at Montreal, signed Robert Herron, in the presence of A.Capes Bourgeous of Montreal Merchant.

Granted 19 (entered 22) May 1884, name changed to Edith Herron Cummings.

[On printed Asylum form:] petition of Horace W. Canfield & Christine C. Canfield, his wife, residents of Cambridgeboro, to adopt LETTIE SMITH, aged one (1) year on the sixteenth (16) day of March A.D. 1883, ... bound to the Trustees of The Cleveland Protestant Orphan Asylum, [who consent as per attached declaration]; dated 12 Nov. 1883, at CambridgeBoro; signed W H Canfield, Christina C. Canfield; witness, J. P. Strayer, MD.  Consent of Trustees of Cleveland Protestant Orphan Asylum, 3 Aug. 1883.  Granted 19 May 1884, name changed to Mattie Canfield.

Petition of Nichol[a]s W. Showers of Little Cooley to adopt BESSIE M. COLLINS, a child without known parents; that the said child has been supported for more than one year by him in his family in said County; signed N. W. Showers; acknowledged by Nicholas W. Showers [signed N. W. Showers] 12 Sept. 1884.  Directors of the Poor consent by [attached] resolution dated 12 Sept. 1884.  Granted 12 Sept. 1884, name changed to Bessie M. Showers.

Petition of Wm. A. Davenport of Crawford Co. to adopt BLANCHE RICKERT PALMER, a child of Sarah E. Rickert Palmer, of Hayfield Twp.; [mother consents by signing]; signed Wm. A. Davenport, Sarah E Palmer; acknowledged by Wm. A. Davenport 1 Sept. 1884.  Granted 15 (entered 18) Sept. 1884, name changed to Blanche Davenport.

Petition of Arthur C. Gorton of Mead Twp. to adopt ORLANDO [MORRIS?], illegitimate child of Everjane Morris, of same place; [mother and petitioner's wife Lucy, consent by signing]; that the child may assume the name of your petitioner, viz Orlando Alfred C. Gorton; dated 2 Oct. 1884; signed A C Gorton, Ever Jane Morris, Lucy A Gorton; acknowledged by Arthur C. Gorton [signed A C Gorton], 4 Oct. 1884.  Granted 6 Oct. (entered Nov. 21) 1884, name changed to Orlando [Alfred C.?] Gorton.

Petition of Wellington S. Brown of Crawford Co. to adopt OLAND HOLEMAN, a child of Amina J. Holeman, aged twenty months, of Richmond Twp.; with consent of Amina J. Holeman who is now Amina J. Brown the wife of your petitioner; signed Wellington S Brown, Amina J Brown; acknowledged by Wellington Brown [signed Wellington S Brown] 15 Nov. 1884.  Granted 22 Dec. 1884, name changed to Oland Brown.

Petition of John S. Bell of Crawford Co. to adopt LOUIS MIERS [MYERS per decree], whose mother is dead and whose father has left the county and has not been heard of for more than nine years; that the said child has been supported by him for more than nine years, and further that he has no relatives in the County of Crawford; dated 6 July 1885; signed John. S. Bell; acknowledged 16 July 1885.  Granted 14 Sept. 1885, name changed to Louis Bell.

Petition of Hillora Newhard & Elizabeth Newhard, his wife, of Beaver Twp., to adopt MAGGIE ELIZABETH VICKERY [VICKERS on cover], minor child of John and Sarah Vickery, [who] has lived and made her home with the petitioners for twelve years last past; That her father is dead and her mother is confined in Insane Asylum; dated 31 Aug. 1885; signed H. Newhard, Elisabeth Newhard; witness, A. J. Harper; [not ack.].  H. P. Marley, Scott A. Marshall, and E. J. Bailey [Directors of the Poor?] consent 14 Sept. 1885.  Granted 14 Sept. 1884, name changed to Maggie Elizabeth Newhard.

Petition of Joseph B. Butler to adopt FRANK GILLILAND [JR.], a child of Frank Gilliland of Norwalk, Huron Co., Ohio, and Loie Gilliand [sic] his wife (now deceased); [Frank Gilliland Sr. consents by signing]; signed Joseph B Butler, Frank Gilliland [not ack.].  Granted 9 Nov. 1885, name changed to Frank Clemons Butler.

Petition of Enos C Brown & Dorcas Brown, his wife, of Cambridge Borough, to adopt ESTELLA COX, a minor child of Finly D Cox, [who] is thirteen years old and has been living with your petitioners as a member of their family for more than one year last past; That her mother Delia E Cox is deceased, and that your petitioners do not know wher [sic] her father Fndly [written over "Enos"] D Cox now is but that his last post office address known to them was Duke Centre, Pa.; That the next friend of the said Estella Cox is E J Bunting, and that her nearest of kin living in this County is E J Bunting; signed Enos. C. Brown, Dorcas Brown; acknowledged by Enos C Brown 5 July 1885.  Mother's consent [attached]:

Cambridge Pa May 16 1885 / I, Jane Bunting do give my full concent to to E C Brown and D Brown to adopt Estella Cox into their family, and have controle of her as their own child.  Signed E. J. Bunting; witness, S. R. Bunting.

Granted 9 Nov. 1885, name changed to Estella Brown.

Petition of Oliver Saeger, of the Borough of Saegertown, to adopt a female child known as DORA without known parents, that the said child has been supported for more than ___ months by Dr. Myre K Merrick of the City of Cleveland Ohio and is now with your petitioner and supported by him; signed Oliver Saeger; acknowledged 23 Nov. 1885.  Affidavit of Myra K. Merrick, M.D. [attached]:

That she is a resident of Cleveland Ohio and by occupation a physician. That a female child known as Dora came into her possession and which child has been abandoned by her parents and whose parents are unknown. That the said childs age is as near as can be ascertained six months. that she gave said child to O. Saeger and wife of Saegertown Crawford Co. Pa. to rear and adopt. That she has given said Dora and consented her being so adopted, the only known friend of said Dora. That affiant has no interest in said child other than see her well cared for and reared properly. And affiant hereby consents that said Dora be adopted by the said O. Saeger and wife as their child and heir and to assume the name of Saeger.  All of which is just, true and correct as said affiant verily believes. Signed Myra K. Merrick, acknowledged Cuyahoga Co., Ohio 16 Oct. 1885.

Granted 30 Nov. 1885, name changed to Laura Darrie Saeger.

Petition of L. G. Waldo to adopt HARRY N. NEAGLEY; That your petitioner on the 7th day of Nov. 1882 procured from the Home for Friendless Children at Erie Pa. one Harry N. Neagley, aged now fourteen years and that said Harry has been living with your petitioner and family since said date; That the names of the parents of said minor are unknown to your petitioner and they are supposed to be dead; signed L. G. Waldo [not ack.].  Article of Agreement between Home of the Friendless and L. G. Waldo and Mary Waldo dated 7 Nov. 1882 [attached]:

Whereas, A child named Hanry[?] Neagley aged Eleven or thereabouts, has been given by its Mother to the "Home for the Friendless," at Erie, Pa., for the purpose of being taken of, and disposed of, according to the power and authority vested in the "Home" for that purpose, and whereas, Mr & Mrs L. Waldo of Conneautville is desirous of receiving and adopting said child into their family, and assuming the relation of parent towards said child, and the said Mr & Mrs L. Waldo hereby declares such to be their desire, and that they will perform all the duties of a parent to the said child, and the said Mr & Mrs Waldo hereby promises and agrees with said "Home for the Friendless" so to do.

Now, therefore, the undersigned officers of said "Home," on behalf of said "Home for the Friendless," hereby agree and consent that the said Mr & Mrs Waldo shall receive said child in the manner above indicated, that he shall be subject to the control of the said Mr & Mrs Waldo in all matters in the relation of parent and child, free from interference by any other person or persons, with the understanding that said child shall be properly trained and properly educated by the said Mr & Mrs Waldo according to their station in life, and receive the tokens of affection and interest due from parents to children.

Witness the signatures of the officers of the "Home for the Friendless" and the said _____ in duplicate, this 8th day of Nov A. D. 1882.

Granted 22 Feb. 1886, name changed to Harry N. Waldo.

Petition of Everett H. Ketchum of Crawford Co. to adopt NELLIE F. ABBOTT, aged ten years, and LEWIS K. ABBOTT, aged seven years, children of Frank W. Abbott and Sarah E. Abbott; that Sarah E Abbott the mother of said children is dead; that she was a sister of your petitioner and that the father, Frank W. Abbott has deserted the said children and neglected to care for and support them; signed E. H. Ketchum; acknowledged 19 March 1886; filed 8 April 1886, "Notice to be served on Wm H Abbot Grand Father of children within named."  Letter [enclosed, filed 14 June 1886]:

Titusville Pa April 13/86 / Mr Everet Ketchum / Jamestown, NY / Dear Sir / We will consent to your having Franks Children, Nellie & Loui as soon as you will provide a place for them, and would request you let us hear from you as early as may be and oblige / Yours truly / W. H. Abbott.

Granted 14 June 1886, petition asks that the children "assume the name of their adopting parent," i.e., Nellie F. [?] and Lewis K. [?] Ketchum .

Petition of William Breene & Margaret Breene to adopt ANNIE RYAN; that Anna Ryan [is] an illegitimate child of    Ryan and Maggy Ryan, aged about three years, [who] has been under the control of and supported by your petitioners since the 13th day of February 1884; That the residence or whereabouts of the parents of the said child are unknown to your petitioners; That the said father never supported the said child and the mother has surrendered the control of the said child to your petitioners and consented to its addoption [sic] by your petitioners; signed Margret Breen, Wm. Breen [no ack.].  Mother's consent [attached]:

Conneautville Pa / Feby 13" 1884 / I am the Mother of Anna Ryan and am willing and hereby consent to the addoption of my daughter Anna Ryan by William Breene and Margaret Breene as one of their heirs, and surrender to them full control of her my daughter, if they so adopt her.  Witness my hand and seal this 13" day of Feby 1884.  Signed Maggy Riyan.

Granted 10 May 1886, name change to Annie Breene.

Petition of Willie Philander Wood & Nettie Wood, his wife, of the City of Meadville, to adopt an infant son of Emma Lucretia Loper; that the said child was born out of wedlock Sep 11th 1886 at Franklin Pa. is now at City Hospital, a charitable institution of this city; [mother consents by joining]; signed Willie Philander Wood, Mrs Nettie Wood, Emma Lucecia[?] Loper; acknowledged by Willie P. Wood and Nettie Wood 27 Sept. 1886.  Granted 27 Sept. 1886, name changed to William Philander Wood.

Petition of T. J. Patterson of Crawford Co. to adopt VIRGINIA Z. LEMAN, aged five years, a child of Henry Leman, whose whereabouts are unknown to petitioner, and whose mother is dead; that petitioner's wife is an Aunt of said child, & they have kept said child for about four years; signed Thomas J Patterson; acknowledged by T J Patterson [signed Thomas J Patterson] 13 Sept. 1886.  Overseers of the Poor of Crawford County consent 28 Sept. 1886.  Granted 28 Sept. 1886, petition asks that name be changed to Virginia Z. Patterson.

Petition of George E. Fish of Athens Twp. to adopt LIZZIE CAPERS, a minor child of Richard C. & Ada B. Capers, of said County; [father consents by joining]; signed Geo. E. Fish; "I hereby assent to, and join in the above petition for the adoption of my child Lizzie, by George E. Fish," signed R C Capers; acknowledged by Geo. E. Fish and R. C. Capers 8 Nov. 1886.  Granted 8 Nov. 1886, name changed to Lizzie Fish.

Petition of John Myers of Rome Twp. to adopt CASS LOWMAN, an illegitimate child of Judy Lowman, who is an idiot and is kept and maintained at the Poor House of said [Crawford] County; that said Cass Lowman was born Feby 15, 1886; Petitioner further representing that his wife is willing and anxious for the adoption of said child; signed John Myers; acknowledged 24 Feb. 1887.  Overseers of the Poor of Crawford County consent 14 March 1887. Granted 16 March 1887, petition asks that name be changed to Cass Myers.

Petition of M. P. Foreman of Vallonia to adopt a boy called by petitioner & his family DONALD C. FOREMAN, whose parentage is unknown, said boy being supposed to be about one year old, having been left by some person or persons unknown, at the County Poor House, about June 30, 1886, and there maintained until about two months ago, when petitioner took said boy there & from, gave him the name aforesaid, and have since maintained him; Petitioner further showing that his wife is willing and anxious for the adoption of said child; signed M. P. Foreman; acknowledged 4 April 1887.  Directors of the Poor of Crawford County consent 4 April 1887.  Granted 4 April 1887, name changed to Donald C. Foreman.

Petition of Joseph W. Fogle of Crawford Co. to adopt JOSEPH ARTHUR WAGONER a child of Jacob Wagoner of Wayne Township; [father consents by sign-ing]; signed J. W. Fogle, Jacob Wagner [sic]; acknowledged by Joseph W. Fogle [signed J. W. Fogle] 28 May 1887.  Granted 1 July 1887, name changed to Joseph Arthur Fogle.

Petition of Francis D Menold & Charlotte Menold, his wife, to adopt CHARLOTTE ROSS, a daughter of Etta Ross, of said county; [mother consents by signing]; signed Francis D. Menold, Charlotte[?] Menold, Ettie Ross; acknowledged by Etta Ross [signed Ettie Ross] 11 Oct. 1887.  Granted 14 Nov. 1887, name changed to Charlotte Menold.

[Typed] petition of G. D. Hall, of the city of Meadville, to adopt BRUCE BW. WELLS, minor son of A. J. Wells of Beaver Township Crawford County Pa.; That the mother of said Bruce W. Wells is dead; That the said Bruce W. Wells is between the age of three and four years old; signed G. D. Hall; acknowledged 14 Nov. 1887.  Father's consent:

I hereby consent that G. D. Hall may adopt my minor son Bruce W. Wells and further I join in the prayer of the above petition to the court of common pleas of Crawford County for the adoption of said child.  Signed A J Wells.

Granted 14 Nov. 1887 [petition does not request a name change; and on the decree, "said child may assume the name of" is crossed out].

Petition of Solomon Goldstein & Loisa Goldstein, his wife, residents of the City of Meadville, to adopt CHARLES S. WOLSTEIN, a minor of the age of about eighteen years; that said minor has been living with them for nine years and has been supported and provided for by them in all respects as if he were there own child; that they took him from the Foster Home in Philadelphia and were informed that his parents were both dead and that he had no near relatives to provide for him, having only brothers and sisters not of age; signed Salomon Goldstine, Louisa Goldstine; acknowledged by Solomon S. Goldstein [signed S. Goldstine] 14 Nov. 1887.  Granted 19 (entered 25) Nov. 1887, name changed to Charles S. Goldstein.

Petition of George B. Conover of Rome Twp. to adopt BUNA BELLE PLUE, a female child of Lafayette Plue of the same place, that the mother of said Buna Belle Plue is dead and that she is now about 15 months old; The mother of said child was the sister of petitioner; Petitioner is married and can provide the said child a comfortable home; [father consents by signing]; dated 16 Aug. 1888; signed George B. Conover, Lafayett Plue; witness, William Morris Jr. (J.P.); acknowledged by George B. Conover 18 Aug. 1888.  Granted 20 Aug. 1888, name changed to Buna Belle Conover.

Petition of Jackson Clark of Crawford Co., that he & his wife are desirous of adopting GEORGE HENRY, aged four years, minor child of Lizzie Henry, whose whereabouts are unknown; that he got him at the County farm in June last; signed Jackson Clark, Lizzie A Clark; acknowledged by Jackson Clark 6 Sept. 1888.  Overseers of the Poor consent 10 Sept. 1888.  Granted 10 Sept. 1888, name changed to George Henry Clark.

Petition of Solon E. Hubbard of Bloomfield Twp. to adopt ERNEST GLENN HUBBARD, a male child of his daughter Emma Hubbard, of the same place; that the said Earnest [sic] Glenn Hubbard was born out of wedlock, and that he is three years old; that petitioner is married and can provide the child a comfortable home; [mother consents by signing]; signed Emma Hubbard, Solon E. Hubbard; witnesses, Blanche Shreve and G C Bowen; acknowledged by Solon E. Hubbard 10 Nov. 1888.  Granted 13 Nov. 1888, name changed to Ernest Glenn Hubbard.

Petition of Clark R. Heliker of Rome Twp. to adopt ELWIN LESTER YOUNG, a child of Harmon Young of said county, the surviving parent of the said Elwin Lester; [father consents by signing]; signed Clark R Heliker, Harmon Young; acknowledged by Clark R. Hilliker 20 Nov. 1888.  Granted 23 Nov. 1888, name changed to Edwin Lester Helleker [sic].

[Typed] petition of William M. Wallace & Catharine Wallace, his wife, [to adopt] HELENA GALLAGHER, now aged about twelve years, [who] is the daughter of a sister of the said Catharine Wallace; that the mother of the said Helena died a short time after her birth; that the said Helena was left in charge of her grand-mother, by whom she was sometime thereafter placed in St. Joseph's Orphan Asylum, Erie, Pa., in charge of the Sisters of St. Joseph; that she remained there until October, 1888, when at the request of petitioners she was placed in their charge by the Sisters; signed Wm. M. Wallace, Catharine Wallace; acknowledged by both 12 Jan. 1889.  Consent of Mary Gallagher [attached]:  "That she is the grandmother of the said Helena Gallagher, referred to in the foregoing petition, and that she consents to and joins in the petition for adoption"; signed with her mark.  [Below:] The petition of Helena Gallagher:  "That she is the person referred to in the foregoing petition, and that she joins in the petition requesting your Honorable Court decree the adoption prayed for"; signed Ellie Gallagher.  Directors of the Poor of Crawford Co. consent [undated].  Granted 17 (entered 18 ) Jan. 1889, name changed to Helena Wallace.

Petition of Jesse Jones of Richmond Twp. to adopt MATTIE VANDERVORT, a female child, and that said child is nine years old; that said child is his grand Daughter and that the Mother of said child is his Daughter and that said Mother has to work out by the week to suport [sic] herself & children and that the Father of said child viz Ambrose Vandervort, deserted his wife and children about a year ago; That your Petitioner is a married man and can provide said child a comfortable home; [mother consents by signing]; signed with his mark, and by Mary Vandervort; witness, M. C. Powers; acknowledged by Jesse Jones 1 May 1889.  Granted 13 May 1889, name changed to Mattie Jones.

Petition of Peter Kline, a resident of the City of Titusville, and a freeholder therein, [who] is married but has no children issue of his body, to adopt ADA VIOLA PERRETTE, an infant of the age of fifteen months and upwards, daughter of Louis Perrette, who also resides in said city; That the mother of said infant is dead; signed Peter Kline; acknowledged 8 Feb. 1889.  "Petition of Father & consent to decree":

Whereas I, Louis Perrette, a resident of the City of Titusville in the County of Crawford and State of Pennsylvania, the father of Ada Viola Perrette an infant of the age of fifteen months & upward, (the mother of said infant having died on the 24th day of December last) having regard for the welfare and comfort of said infant am desirous that she be adopted by Peter Kline of Titusville aforesaid, as his child and heir in the manner provided by law to that end.  Now therefore I do hereby relinquish to the said Peter Kline the care, custody education and control and the person of said infant until such time as the Court of Crawford County may by decree declare her to be the child and heir of said Peter Kline.  Said Kline is married and has no children living, is a substantial freeholder of said County and is a fit and proper person to perform the duties of a parent to said infant and I hereby assent to such decree of adoption.  Dated December 28th, 1888.  Signed Louis Perrette; acknowledged 28 Dec. 1888.

Granted 13 May 1889, petition asks that the child "assume the name of the adopting parent," i.e., Ada Viola [?] Kline.

Petition of J. T. Munger of Crawford Co. to adopt CHARLES MUNGER, aged 12 years, minor child of Warren and May Munger, now May Wood; that the father of said minor has been absent for 10 or 12 years, last past, and his whereabouts are unknown to petitioner; that he & his wife Mary E Munger desire adopting said minor; that he has maintained and supported said minor for the last 12 years, and upwards; [mother consents by signing]; signed Mary. E. Munger; acknowledged by J. T. Munger [signed J T. Munger] 25 March 1889.  Mother's consent:

Feby   , 1889, I, May Wood, mother of Charles Munger hereby consent to the adoption of said Charles Munger by J.T. Munger as within prayed for.  Signed Mrs. May. Wood.

Overseers of the Poor approve 21 May 1888.  Granted 27 May 1889, name changed to Charles Munger.

Petition of William J. Jackson [who] resides at the City of Titusville to adopt SYLVESTER LADD, a minor child, a son of Lida Jackson, petitioner's wife by a former husband; signed W. J. Jackson; acknowledged 18 July 1889.  Mother's consent:

The undersigned Lida Jackson, mother of the within named Sylvester Ladd, hereby consents to the adoption of said child by William J. Jackson, and joins in the prayer for a decree as set forth in the petition of said William J. Jackson. July 18, 1889; signed Lida Jackson.

Granted 22 July 1889, name changed to Sylvester Ladd Jackson.

Petition of William Dietrich of the City of Titusville to adopt SAMUEL LAFAYETTE DIETRICH, a child of Samuel Dietrich, late of said city of Titusville, deceased, and Nettie Dietrich his wife; said child having been deserted by his mother and having no legal guardian, and being now supported partly by your Petitioner and partly by the Overseers of the Poor of said County; signed Wm Deiterich; acknowledged by William Dietrich 19 July 1889.  Overseers of the Poor consent [undated].  Granted 22 July 1889, name changed to Samuel Lafayette Dietrich.

Petition of John M. Strong of the City of Titusville to adopt a child without known parents, (who is now known by the name of WILLIAM J. STRONG) who has no legal guardian, and is now supported by your petitioner; signed Jno M. Strong; acknowledged 19 July 1889.  Overseers of the Poor consent [undated].  Granted 22 July 1889, name changed to William J. Strong.

Petition of Austin A. Fowler & Rose Fowler, his wife, residents of the City of Meadville, to adopt ADALADE FRANCIS [sic] JOHNSTON, a minor child of Wm. F Johnston and May Johnston, his wife, said child being aged five years; signed Austin A Fowler, Rose Fowler; acknowledged Madison Co., Ind. by Austion A. Fowler [signed Austin A Fowler] 2 Sept. 1889; acknowledged Crawford Co., Pa. by Rose Fowler [undated].  Mother's consent:

May Johnson being sworn deposes and says that she is the mother of Adelaide Francis Johnston and that the facts set forth in the above petition are correct and true, and that she consents to the adoption prayed for.  The deponent further says that Wm. H [sic] Johnston the father of the child has deserted her and the child, and that said child has been exclusively in the care and custody of your deponent since July last.  That she is unable to support the child and that it is about to become a charge upon the county unless adopted by the petitioner.  Signed Mrs May Johnston, acknowledged 17 Sept. 1889.

Commissioners of the Poor of Crawford County do certify that the said Adelaide Francis Johnson [sic] has become a charge upon the County, and that they do consent.  Granted 24 Sept. 1889, name changed to Adalaide Francis Fowler.

Petition of John W. Oakes of Randolph Twp. to adopt MABEL BEABONT, a child of Nettie Beabont, of Foxburgh, Clarion County, Pa.; That said child has been in his family and under his care since the 15th day of July last past; [mother consents by signing]; 17 Sept. 1889; signed John W Oakes, Miss Nettie Beabont; witnesses, Mrs Maggie Shriver and Mrs Mary Elliott; acknowledged by John W. Oakes 17 Sept. 1889.  Granted 27 Sept. 1889, petition asks that name be changed to Maude Pearl Oakes.

Petition of J H. S. Struble of Crawford Co. to adopt LILLIAN GRACE _____, aged four years whose parents and sur name are unknown; [Overseers of the Poor consent by joining]; signed W S Struble; witness, Arthur L Bates.  Commissioners of the County of Crawford and Overseers of the Poor consent [undated].  Granted 15 [docket says 10] Feb. 1890, name changed to Lillian Grace Strubble.

File contains handwritten letter:

Mrs James Spence / Rt. 1 Davisburg / Michigan / Jan. 27, 1939 / [to] Clerk of Courts / Meadville / Penna. / Dear Sir, / In the year of or about 1889 Mr Walter Struble and wife Rosia adopted a little girl by the name of Lizzie Davis, taken from the orphanze there, the child was two years old then, I am that girl and have just learned the fact[.]  I Wish to know if I can get a copy of adoption papers and where my Father lived at time and the name of the Dr connected with the orphanage at that time & what are the charges for papers, would like to know Mr Davis's first name and what Mrs Davis' maiden name was, she was had died before Mrs Struble came to orphanage - & Mr Davis could not take care of me his daughter.  Enclosed is envelope for reply; the Strubles lived Crawford I believe at that time, please send all information you have. Sincerely / Mrs J. R. Spence.

Prothonotary's response, dated 28 Jan. 1939: [unable to answer questions other than to provide info stated above].

Petition of Jonathan L. Kingsbury of the City of Titusville to adopt GRACE SIBLEY, a child of Leroy Sibley and Josephine, his wife, of East Titusville, in Oil Creek Twp.; [parents consent by signing]; signed Jonathan L Kingsbury, ("We join in the foregoing petition") Josephine Sibley, Leroy Sibley; acknowledged by all three 13 May 1890.  Granted 2 June 1890, name changed to Grace Kingsbury.

Petition of Jonathan L. Kingsbury of the City of Titusville to adopt HATTIE BURGESS, a child of B. F. Burgess and Jeannette, his wife, of Elmira, New York; that he will perform all the duties of a parent to said Hattie Burgess as he has already done for upwards of fourteen years during which time she has lived in Petitioners family; [parents consent by signing]; signed Jonathan L Kingsbury, ("We join in the prayer of the foregoing petition") B S[?] Burgess, Janett[?] Burgess; acknowledged by Jonathan L Kingsbury 15 May 1890.  Granted 2 June 1890, name changed to Hattie Kingsbury.

Petition of George W. Brown & Phebe A. Brown, his wife, to adopt CLARA C. THOMAS, a child of William A. Thomas and Nancy J. Thomas, his wife, of Kinsman, Trumbull County, Ohio; [parents consent by joining]; signed Geo. W. Brown, Phebe A. Brown; acknowledged by Geo. W. Brown 5 Aug. 1890.  Parents' consent:

William A. Thomas and Nancy J. Thomas parents of the above name Clara C. Thomas hereby declare that they have read the foregoing petition and that they join in the prayer of the same.  Signed William A. Thomas, Nancy J. Thomas.

Granted 15 Sept. 1890, name changed to Clara C. Brown.

Petition of David A. Marley of Crawford Co.:  that he and his wife are desirous of adopting JOHN SMITH, seven years of age, and son of Franey Wiard, of said County, said John Smith having lived with petitioner for two years last past; [mother consents]; signed D A Marley; acknowledged 7 Nov. 1890.

Nov. 7, 1890, I, Mollie Marley, wife of the petitioner hereby consent to & approve of the adoption of John Smith by my husband, the petitioner.  Signed Mollie Marley.  Nov 10, 1890, I, Franey Wiard, mother of John Smith within named, hereby consent to and approve of the adoption of my said son, as prayed for by David A Marley.  Signed with her mark; witness Henry P. Marley.

Granted 11 Nov. 1890, petition asks that name be changed to John Marley.