Crawford County, Pennsylvania


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ADOPTIONS
Adoption Abstracts 1856-1885

Crawford County Orphans’ Court
#22 February Term 1867
    The 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 jurat]; Directors of the Poor consent.
    Granted 21 Feb. 1867, name changed to Frankie Johnson.
NoteThe remaining cases are all from the Crawford County Court of Common Pleas.

#98 August Term 1859
Appearance Docket 30:317
    “To the Honorable the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Crawford County [¶] The petition of AARON SUTTON of the Township of Greenwood respectfully represents that about eleven years since he took at the request of DANIEL SUTTON on his death bed his daughter RUTH SUTTON then aged about two years, that since which time the said child has lived with your petitioner that he has supported and maintained her in the same way and manner he would if she was his own child. [¶] That he has no children of his own, that he has sufficient means and property to support and maintain the said child, and that he is anxious and desirous that the said child Ruth Sutton shall be deemed to be his adopted child under the provisions of the Act of Assembly in such case made and provided, to have the same rights and privileges as if his own child and to be his heir at law [¶] He further says that he will perform all the duties of a parent towards the said child at all times. [¶] He therefore prays the Court, that in order to promote the welfare of the said child, to decree that the said Ruth Sutton shall have all the rights of a child and heir of him your petitioner, and be subject to the duties of such child & he will ever pray.”  Signed Aaron Sutton [no jurat or acknowledgment].
    [On cover:]  “Now to wit June 3d 1859  Rule to show cause why the prayer of the petitioner should not be granted returnable to the 28th inst.”; signed H. B. Beatty, Pro[thonotary].  “Contd to the 1st Monday of August next”; signed H. B. B. Pro  50 cts paid
    [Consent, below:]  “I [next six words carreted] mother of the said Ruth Sutton assent to the prayer of the petitioner and request that it be granted [¶] Aug 1. 1859.”  Signed with the mark of ANGELINE KELLY; witness ‐[?] Douglass, [illegible], J. W. Farrely Atty [for] Petitioner
    [Decree, on reverse:]  “Augt 1. 1859 Upon the hearing of this petition, and upon the request of Angeline Kelly late Angeline Sutton, the only surviving parent of the child Ruth Ann who personally appeared in Court and requested that the prayer of the petitioner be granted, it is now it is decreed that the child Ruth Ann Sutton shall have all the rights of child and heir of the said Aaron Sutton the petitioner [next nine words carreted] and be subject to the duties of such child and that the prayer of the said Aaron be granted.  By the Court.”; signed H. B. Beatty Pro[thonotary]; name apparently unchanged, i.e., Ruth Sutton; [filing date not given].

#13 February Term 1863
Appearance Docket 34:7
    “The petition of STEPHEN A. NICHOLS and THANKFUL T [sic]. NICHOLS his wife of the Borough of Conneautville in the County aforesaid respectfully showeth that they are desirous of adopting as one of their own Children EDIS HENRIETTA METCALF of Boston Suffolk County in the State of Massachusetts And that they the said Stephen A Nichols and Thankful F. Nichols his wife will perform all the duties of a parent to the said Edis Henrietta Metcalf should the Court grant their request.  Conneautville Nov. 14, 1862”; signed S. A. Nicols, T. F. Nichols.
    [Attached “Consent of Parents”:]  “To the Judge of the Orphans’ Court for the County of Crawford in the State of Pennsylvania:– [¶] The undersigned, the parents (by adoption) of Edis Henrietta Metcalf, of Boston, in the County of Suffolk, in the State of Massachusetts, a minor, of the age of ten years, hereby give their assent that Stephen A. Nichols, of Conneautville, in said County of Crawford and State of Pennsylvania, and Thankful T. Nichols, his wife, may adopt said Edis Henrietta Nichols Metcalf as their own child. [¶] Boston, October 16th, A.D. 1862.”  Signed HOLLIS METCALF, PHEBE METCALF; Witness. Sarah E Metcalf; acknowledged in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by Hollis Metcalf and Phebe Metcalf before Wm B Dorr, Justice of the Peace, 16 Oct. 1862.
    [Decree on reverse side of petition:]  “And now, to wit, Novr. 17. 1862.  It appearing to the satisfaction of the Court that Edis H. Metcalf is without parents living, and that her relations, or next friends, Hollis & Sarah H[sic]. Metcalf, of Massachusetts with whom the said Enis has been living, are desirous that she shall be adopted, as the child of the said S. A Nichols & his wife; it is now ordered & decreed that the said Edis H. Metcalf shall be and is hereby declared the adopted child & daughter of the said S A Nichols & wife, and shall hereafter be known by the name of Edis Henrietta Nichols, and be entitled to all the rights & privileges of an heir at law of her said adoptive parents, under the provisions of the Act of May 4. 1855. [¶] Per. Cur[iam]”; filed 17 Nov. 1862.

#8 April Term 1863
Appearance Docket 34:98
    “The petition of CYRUS HILLS of the County of Crawford, respectfully represents, That he is desirous of Adopting EVA.M. TRYON, a child of PHELENA TRYON of the township of Athens, as one of his heirs; and for that purpose, he herein declares his said desire & also that he will perform all the duties of a parent of said Eva.M. Tryon. [¶] The petitioner therefore prays the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of said Eva.M. Tryon will be promoted by such adoption, with the Consent of said Philena Tryon evidenced by her signing this petition to decree the said Eva.M. Tryon may assume the name of the petitioner viz Eva.M. Tryon Hills, and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioner & be subject to the duties of a child. [¶] Feb 11th 1863.”  Signed Cyrus Hills, Philena Tryon; sworn to, but not again subscribed, by Cyrus Hills and Philena Tryon before D. D. Walker, J.P., 11 Feb. 1863.
    [On cover:]  “And now Feb. 12. 1863 After hearing testimony on the within application, it is ordered & decreed that the within named Eva. M. Tryon shall assume & hereafter be known in law & in fact by the name of Eva M. Hills, & be have & be entitled to all the rights of a child & heir at law of the within named Cyrus Hills.  Per Cur[iam]”; filed 12 Feb. 1863.

#32 February Term 1867
Appearance Docket 39:17
    “The petition of LAFAYETTE EDSON respectfully represents that he is a citizen of Bloomfield Tp. County of Crawford & State of Pennsylvania [¶] That he is aged twenty nine years & is a married man [¶] That he desires to adopt as his own child, the Son of LOREN K OLES, of said Tp. County & State to wit HARRIE OLES [Morris Olis per docket, apparently a misreading] who was born Sept 17th 1865) [¶] He further states that he will perform all the duties of a parent of said Harrie [¶] He further states that he is a Merchant at Lincolnville in said County [¶] that he has a comfortable home for the said Harrie”  Sworn to and subscribed LaFayette Edson before J. B. Compton, Prothonotary, 8 Nov. 1866.
    [Consent, on reverse:]  “I Loren K Oles do hereby consent that my Son Harrie be adopted as the child of the petitioner LaFayette Edson [¶] And I do freely consent to the same.  Witness my hand, this 8th day of Nov 1866”; signed L K Oles; acknowledged before J. B. Compton, Prothonotary, [undated].
    [Supporting affidavit, attached:]  “Personally appeared before [blank] in and for said County Oliver Howard aged [blank] years who on oath says, he is well acquainted with LaFayette Edson, who signed the foregoing petition and know him to be a man of good moral character – a good citizen – having a comfortable home – That he is in all respects suitable to take the care of a child on himself – [¶] That it will be a good home for Harrie Oles – [¶] That the Mother of Harrie to wit Lydia A Oles died on or about the 23rd of March 1866, leaving Seven minor children surviving her”; sworn to and subscribed Oliver Howard before J. B. Compton, Prothonotary, 8 Nov. 1866.
    Granted 12 Nov. 1866, “& that the name of the child be known in law by the that of Harrie Edson; [filing date not given].

#66 June Term 1867
Appearance Docket 40:36
    “The petition of F. M ROBINSON of the County of Crawford respectfully represents.  That he is desirous of adopting. WILLIARD SEWEL TEASDALE a child of ISAAC C TEASDALE of the township [sic] of Blooming Valley and CRYSTALLINA TEASDALE his wife, as one of his heirs; and for that purpose he herein declares his said desire and also that he will perform all the duties of a parent to said Williard Sewel Teasdale.  The petitioner therefore prays the Court if satisfied, that the welfare of said Williard Sewel Teasdale will be promoted by such adoption, with the consent of the said Isaac. C. Teasdale evidenced by his signing this petition to declare that the said Williard Sewel Teasdale may assume the name of the petitioner, viz Williard Sewel Robinson and have all the rights of a child & heir of the petitioner and be subject to the duties of a child.  And he will ever pray. [¶] April 27/67[.]”  Signed F. M. Robinson, Isaac C Teasdale; sworn to and subscribed (but not signed again) by F. M. Robinson before G. F. Bostnick, J.P., 1 May 1867; sworn to and (again) subscribed I C Teasdale before Henry B. Brooks, Notary Public, Meadville, 2 May 1867.
    [Decree, on cover:]  “And now to wit: May 3d 1867 upon the within petition of F. M Robinson presented in open Court.  The Court being satisfied on due consideration that the welfare of the within mentioned child Williard Seuel [sic] Teasdale will be promoted by being adopted as the child and heir of F. M. Robinson; with the consent of his father Isaac. C. Teasdale (in whose care alone the child has been[,] being abandoned by the Mother) decree That the said child shall assume the name of Williard Seuel Robinson [sic; ‘Williard Sewel Robinson’ on docket], and have all the rights of a child and heir of the said F. M. Robinson and be subject to the duties of a child  Per Cur[iam]”; filed 4 May 1867.
    [File includes typed copy of the petition and decree (as Williard Seuel Teasdale).]

#209 September Term 1867
Appearance Docket 40:443
    “The petition of JOEL N. ANGIER and SARAH L his wife of the City of Titusville County of Crawford and state of Pennsylvania respectfully represents that they are [‘he is’ written above ‘they are’] desirous of adopting MINIE HALE, [next six words carreted] aged two [changed from ‘one’, or vice-versa] yrs and eight months an infant child of EDWARD HALE and CARRIE HALE his wife of the City County and State aforesaid as one of their heirs and for that purpose they herein declare their said desire and also that they will perform all the duties of Parents to the said Minie Hale  The petitioners therefore prays the Court if satisfied that the welfare of said Minie Hale will be provided by such adoption, with the consent of the said Edward and Carrie Hale the parents of said child evidenced by their signing this petition to decree that the said Minie Hale may assume the [next word carreted] name of your petitioners viz. Minnie Angier and have all the rights of a child and heir at law of your petitioners and be subject [next word carreted] to the duties of a child and that they will ever pray[.]”  Signed Edward Hale, Carrie Hale, Joel N Angier; sworn to (with “and Sarah E his wife” interlined) and again subscribed Edward Hale, Carrie Hale, and Joel N Angier before Simon Strouse, J.P., 28 July 1867.
    Granted 21 Aug. 1867, name assumed is Minnie Angier; filed same day.

#33 January Term 1868
Appearance Docket 41:24
    “The petition of W. F. McLEAN of Evansburg [now Conneaut Lake] in said County represents,  that he is desirous of adopting MARY DORNHEIFFER a child of MICHAEL DORNHEIFFER of the Township of Summit in said County, as one of his heirs and for that purpose, he herein declares his said desire and also that he will perform all the duties of a parent to said Mary. [¶] The petioner [sic] therefore prays the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of said Mary Dornheiffer will be promoted by such adoption, the consent of the said Michael Dornheiffer, evidenced by his signing this petition — (the mother of said Mary being dead) – to decree that the said Mary Dornhieffer [sic] may assume the name of the petitioner viz Mary McLean, and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioner and be subject to the duties of a child,”  Signed Michael Darnhefer, W. F. McLean; sworn to, but not again subscribed, by W. F. McLean before Edward B James, J.P., 20 Sept. 1867.
    Granted 21 Sept. 1868, name assumed is Mary McLean; filed same day.
    [Petition to vacate record:]  “To the Hon Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Crawford County. [¶] The petition of W. F. McLean of the Borough of Evansburg in said County, represents, [¶] That upon the 21st day of September AD 1867 he petitioned this Court for leave to adopt Mary Darnheifer a minor child of Michael Darnheifer of Summitt [sic; Summit] Township in said County, – also that her name be changed to Mary McLean. [¶] That the said Michael Darnheifer having joined in said petition, this Court upon due consideration, granted the prayer of the petitioner, and decree was made accordingly, [¶] That the said Mary, has absented herself from the residence of your petitioner, and refuses to return, in which she is acting under the advice and direction of her natural parents [sic], [¶] Your petitioner therefore prays the Court, to vacate and annull [sic] the decree made in [next line] in this case on the 21st day of September 1867, as aforesaid[.]”  Sworn to and subscribed W. F. McLean before Wm. S. Root, J.P., 14 Jan. 1871.  Rule to show cause granted 25 Jan. 1871.
    [Answer:]  “To the Hon Judges of said Court. [¶] The undersigned makes answer to the Rule to show cause granted in this case, That the facts set forth in petition of said W. F McLean are [changed from ‘is’] true and correct, that the said Mary has returned to your respondents house and care, and that he unites with the said petitioner, asked the Court that the decree therein mentioned be vacated.”  Signed Michael Darnhefer; sworn to (as Michael Darnheifer, but not again subscribed) before Wm. S Root, J.P., 17 Feb. 1871; filed 28 Feb. 1871.  Docket indicates that on 28 Feb. 1871, “The answer of Michael Dornhefer, the natural father of said Mary read and filed, and on hearing the rule is made absolute.  [By the Court].”

#9 April Term 1868
Appearance Docket 41:405
    “The Petition of Wm H. MESSICK of Conneautville in said County [of Crawford], respectfully represents.  that he is desirous of adopting ALLICE BELL a child without known parents as one of his heirs. And for that purpose he herein declares his said desire. and also that he will perform all the duties of a parent to the said Allice Bell. The petitioner further represents that the said Child has heretofore been supported by the said County at the Poor House  The Petitioner therefore prays the Court if satisfied that the welfare of said Child will be promoted by such adoption (he already having the Consent of the Managers of the said Poor house) to decree that said Allice Bell may assume the name of the Petitioner (to wit: Allice Bell Messick) and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioner, and be subject to the duties of such child. and he will ever pray &c.”  Signed W H Messick; sworn to and (again) subscribed before G. T. Bostwick, J.P., 9 Jan. 1868.
    [Consent, on reverse side:]  “Meadville Jany 14/68  We do certify the facts set forth in the within petition are correct & true to best of our knowledge, and recommend the Court to grant the petition and adoption –”  Signed J. Baker, Jno. M. Calvin, Comr [Commissioners].
    Granted 14 Jan. 1868 [name changed to Allice Bell Messick; filing date not given].

#12 April Term 1868
Appearance Docket 41:406
    “The petition of A. D. WHITE of the City of Meadville in the County of Crawford represents that he is desirous of adopting MARTHA JANE ORTON a child of SARAH ORTON of said City as one of his heirs:  and for that purpose, he herein declares his said desire, and also that he will perform all the duties of a parent to said child. [¶] The petitioner therefore prays the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of said Martha Jane Orton will be promoted by such adoption, with the consent of the said Sarah Orton, her mother, evidenced by her signing this petition, to decree that the said Martha Jane Orton may assume the name of this petitioner viz. Martha Bell White, and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioner & be subject to the duties of a child[.]”  Signed Sarah Orton, A. D. White, Witness B A Darby; sworn to and subscribed A. D. White (only) before K. Davis, J.P., 7 Jan. 1868.
    Granted 13 Jan. 1868, name assumed is Martha Bell White; filed 16 Jan. 1868.

#53 June Term 1868
Appearance Docket 42:38
    “The petition of JAMES E HOLLY and CATHARINE HOLLY his wife of the City of Titusville County of Crawford respectfully represents [¶] That they are desirous of adopting MAY [or MARY?] ELEN SEARS a child of CATHARINE SEARS of the City of Titusville as one of their heirs [next word carreted] and for that purpose of their they herein declare their said desire and also that they will perform all the duties of a parent to said May Elen Sears  The petitioners pray the Court if satisfied that the welfare of said Mary Elen Sears will be promoted by such adoption with the consent of the said Catharine Sears evidenced by her signing this petition, to decree that said Mary Elen Sears may assume the name of the petitioners viz Mary Elen Holly and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioners and be subject to the duties of a child [¶] April 28th 1868[.]”  Signed J. E. Holly, Catharine Holly, Catharine Sears; sworn to and again subscribed by all three before B S M’Allister, J.P., 28 April 1868.
    Granted 28 April 1868, name assumed is Mary Elen Holly; filed 29 April 1868.

#13 January Term 1869
Appearance Docket 43:11
    “The petition of O. D. HAVENS [sic; Haven] of said County [of Crawford] respectfully represents, That he is desirous of adopting ELEANOR BERTHA WILTON, a child whose father [name carreted] ED. HAYS WILTON is still living, as one of his heirs, And for that purpose he herein declares his said desire & also that he will perform all the duties of a parent towards the said Eleanor;– the petitioner further represents that the said child, has been supported for a length of time by the ‘Buffalo Orphan’s Asylum’, a charitable Institution of the City of Buffalo. [¶] Your petitioner therefore prays Your Honors with the consent of the said Asylum [next seven words carreted] & of the father of said child signified by an attested copy of a Resolution of the Board of Trustees of said Institution [next seven words carreted] & the within consent of said father hereunto attached, to decree that the said Eleanor Bertha Wilton, may assume of the name of petitioner, viz. Eleanor Bertha Wilton Havens, & have all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioner, and be subject to the duties of a child [¶] And he will pray &c.”  Signed O. D. Haven; sworn to and again subscribed O. D. Haven before W. F. Chalfant, Prothonotary, 18 Sept. 1868.
    [Attached consent:]  “Know all men by these presents that I Edward Hays Wilton do hereby relinquish my daughter Eleanor Bertha Wilton aged five years and upwards unto O. D. Havens of Meadville in the State of Pennsylvania for and during the period of her minority and I hereby consent and agree not to interfere in anyway with the care and control of my said daughter during said term.  And I do farther, by this Instrument, dispose of the custody and tuition of the said Eleanor Bertha during her minority unto the said O. D. Haven with all the rights and powers, and subject to the duties and obligations confered [sic] and imposed by law upon him as guardian of such daughter.  Witness my hand and seal this third day of August A.D. 1868.”  Signed and sealed Edward Hayes Wilton; acknowledged at Buffalo, Erie Co., N.Y., before M. B. Moore, Notary Public for Erie County, 3 Aug. 1868.
    [Attached consent:]  “At a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo Orphan Asylum held at the office of the Secretary on the sixth day of August 1868 [¶] Present Jason Sexton Esq President George Howard Vice President Benj H Williams Secretary and Messrs Cobb Williams and Clark Trustees [¶] On motion it was unanimously resolved that Mr Oscar D Haven of Meadville Pennsylvania have permission from the Board to adopt the female child Bertha Wilton heretofore indentured to him by the Buffalo Orphan Asylum[.]”  Certified from the record by Benj H Williams, Secretary of Buffalo orphan asylum, whose position is certified by Jaxon Sexton, President of the Buffalo Orphan Asylum, and seal affixed 10 Sept. 1868.
    Granted 18 Sept. 1868, name assumed is Eleanor Bertha Wilton Dunreath Brown Haven; [filing date not given].

#14 January Term 1869
Appearance Docket 43:12
    “The petition of E. W. LUCE of the City of Meadville in the County of Crawford represents that he is desirous of adopting MARY RICE a child [next six words carreted] aged between three & four years of E. H. RICE of said City as one of his heirs: and for that purpose, he herein declares his said desire, and also that he will perform all the duties of a parent to said child. [¶] The petitioner therefore prays this Court, if satisfied that the welfare of said Mary Rice will be promoted by such adoption, with the consent of the said E. H. Rice, her father, evidenced by his signing this petition, to decree that the said Mary Rice may assume the name of this petitioner viz. Mary Luce, and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioner and be subject to the duties of a child[.]”  Signed E H Rice, E W Luce, Witness C. L. Way; sworn to and again subscribed E W Luce (only) before A[shbel] Clark, J.P., 15 Sept. 1868.
    Granted 15 Sept. 1868, name assumed is Mary Luce; [filing date not given].

#15 January Term 1869
Appearance Docket 43:13
    “The petition of GEORGE LONG of the City of Meadville in this County of Crawford represents that he is desirous of adopting HATTIE JOHNSON a child aged one years of MARINDA [sic; Marrindia] JOHNSON of said City as one of his heirs; and for that purpose, he herein declares his said desire, and also that he will perform all the duties of a parent to said child. [¶] The petitioner therefore prays this Court if satisfied that the welfare of said Hattie Johnson will be promoted by such adoption, with the consent of the said Marinda Johnson, her mother, evidenced by her signing this petition, to decree that the said Hattie Johnson may assume the name of this petitioner viz. Hattie Long, and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioner and be subject to the duties of a child.”  Signed George Long, Witness D Keeting, Miss Marrindia Johnson; sworn to and again subscribed George Long (only) before A[shbel] Clark, J.P., 15 Sept. 1868.
    Granted 18 Sept. 1868, name assumed is Hattie Long; [filing date not given].

#102 January Term 1869
Appearance Docket 43:88
    “The petition of JOHN McKELVEY of the County of Crawford,, Respectfully represents,, That he is desirous of adopting ELIZABETH WILSON a child of GEORGE WILSON of the City of Meadville as one of his heirs and for that purpose he herein declares his said desire and also that he will perform all the duties of a parent to said Elizabeth Wilson. The pititioner [sic] therefore prays the Court if satisfied that the welfare of said Elizabeth Wilson will be promoted by such adoption with the consent of the said George Wilson evidenced by his signing this petition, to decree that the said Elizabeth Wilson may assume the name of the petitioner Viz. Elizabeth Wilson McKelvey, and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioner and be subject to the duties of a child– [¶] And he will ever pray, &c.”  Signed John McKelvey, George Wilson.  Jurat:  “George Wilson and John McKelvey being duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that the facts set forth in the above petition are correct and true, and that the said George Wilson is the father of said child therein mentioned and that the mother of said child is in the state of New York and is not able to support said child and being a woman of intemperate habits is not a proper person to have the custody of said child which is only eighteen months of age.  that the child is in his care he and his wife having parted and that this adoption is made with his consent.”  Sworn to and subscribed John McKelvey, George Wilson before W. F. Chalfant, Prothonotary, 16 Nov. 1868.
    Granted 16 Nov. 1869 “as prayed for,” i.e., name changed to Elizabeth Wilson McKelvey; [filing date not given].

#35 April Term 1869
Appearance Docket 43:461
    “The petition of E W LUCE of said county of Crawford respectfully represents; [¶] That he is desirous of adopting FRANK THOMPSON a child without parents as one of his heirs – and for that purpose he will perform all the duties of a parent to the said Frank Thompson  the petitioner further represents that the said child is now under the care of G. BentleyWilliam Thompson his guardian appointed by this Court of said County who is willing and consents to the same [¶] The petitioner therefore prays the Court if satisfied that the welfare of the said Frank Thompson will be promoted by such adoption and with the consent of the aforesaid William Thompson signified in writing hereto attached to decree that the said Frank Thompson may assume the name of the petitioner viz Frank Thompson Luce and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioner and be subject to the duties of such child[.]”nsp;; Sworn to and subscribed E W Luce before H. B. Brooks, Deputy Prothonotary, 18 [sic] Jan. 1869; filed 17 Jan. 1869.
    [Attached consent:]  “I William Thompson Guardian of the person and estate of Frank Thompson minor child under the age of 14 years of HARRIET L THOMPSON late of Randolph Tp Decd hereby consent that the said William Thompson Frank Thompson be adopted by the said E W Luce the within named petitioner as prayed for[.]”  Signed William Thompson “In presence of” [Atty.] H L Richmond Jr.
    Granted 17 Jan. 1869, name assumed is Frank Thompson Luce; filed same day.

#59 April Term 1869
Appearance Docket 43:483
    “The petition of HUGH C. MCCLINTOCK of said county of Crawford respectfully represents that he is desirous of adopting EMMA BIRD CURRY as one of his heirs;– and for that purpose he hereby declares his said desire, and also that he will perform all the duties of a parent to the said Emma Bird Curry; [¶] the petitioner further represents that the said Emma Bird Curry was committed to his keeping by her father, about two weeks before his death, that she was deserted by her mother when an infant, and that she has been supported for three years by your petitioner. [¶] The petitioner therefore pray the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of the said Emma Bird Curry will be promoted by such adoption, to decree that the said Emma Bird Curry may assume the name of the petitioner viz: Emma Bird McClintock, and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioner and be subject to the duties of such child[.]”  Signed H. C McClintock; sworn to (but not again subscribed) before W. F. Chalfant, Prothonotary [date not given].
    [On cover of petition:]  “This petition is approved by the overseers of the Poor of Crawford County.”  Signed J. Baker, Jno M. Calvin, overseer of Poor.
    Granted 15 Feb. 1869, name assumed is Emma Bird McClintock; filed same day.

#62 September Term 1869
Appearance Docket 44:309
    “The Petition of GEORGE HOWER of the County of Crawford and State of Pennsylvania, respectfully represents that he is desirous of adopting ANNA MARIA MESSENGER, a child of JOSEPH MESSENGER and MARIA his wife, (the latter of whom is now deceased) – as one of his heirs. And for that purpose he herein declares his said desire, and also that he will perform all the duties of a parent to the said Anna Maria Messenger. The Petitioner therefore prays the Court if satisfied that the welfare of said Anna Maria Messenger will be promoted by such adoption, with the consent of the said Joseph Messenger, to decree that the said Anna Maria Messenger may assume the name of the Petitioner, viz, Anna Maria Hower, and have all the rights of a child and heir of the Petitioner and be subject to the duties of a child. And he will ever pray &c.”  Signed George Hower.  Jurat:  “George Hower being sworn according to law deposes and says that the facts set forth in the foregoing Petition are correct and true to the best of his knowledge and belief. And further that he is the grandfather of the said Anna Maria Messenger, who is now about five months of age. that the said Maria Messenger deceased was his daughter. that upon her death bed she gave said Anna Maria, to her mother, the wife of of [sic] your Petitioner  that the said Joseph Messenger is not keeping house, and is not now in this County.” . Signed George Hower before W F Chalfant, Prothonotary, 28 June 1869.
    [Affidavit, below:]  “Susan Flaugh being duly sworn according to law deposes and says that the said Maria Messenger deceased was her sister, that she was present at her death, that upon her death bed she gave the said Anna Maria Messenger to her mother the wife of the above named Petitioner, George Hower, that the said Joseph Messenger is not in this County, and she is not certain as to his whereabouts, has not seen him since the funeral of his wife the said Maria Messenger, but that he was present when his wife gave the said Anna Maria Messenger to her mother and consented to the transaction.”  Sworn to and subscribed Susan Flaugh before W. F. Chalfant, Prothonotary, 28 June 1869.
    Granted 9 July 1869, name assumed is Anna Maria Hower; [filing date not given].

#105 September Term 1869
Appearance Docket 44:345
    “The petition of CHARLES E. TRACY of Titusville in said county respectfully represents, that he is desirous of adopting KATIE PALMER [cover says ‘Katie Cassie Palmer’] a child of HENRY PALMER of Heuvelton St Lawrence County State of New York and of JENNIE PALMER his wife of the City of Titusville aforesaid, as one of his the said Tracy’s heirs.  That JENNIE TRACY the wife of petitioner joins in this petition desiring also to adopt the said Katie as one of her heirs and for that purpose they herein declare their said desire and also that they will perform all the duties of parents to said child Katie. [¶] The petitioners therefore pray the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of said Katie Palmer be promoted by such adoption, with the consent of said Jennie Palmer the mother, evidenced by her signing this petition (The said Henry Palmer being indifferent to the condition of his said child as appears from the accompanying affidavit of Jennie Palmer his wife and unwilling or unable to provide for the maintenance of such child and morally unfit to have her custody or control), to decree that the said Cassie [sic; changed from ‘Katie’] Palmer may assume the name of the Petitioners viz. Katie Tracy, and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioners and be subject to the duties of a child. [¶] And they will ever pray &c.”  Signed Chas. E. Tracy, Jannie [sic] Tracy, Jennie Palmer; sworn to (but not again subscribed) before Joseph J. Holden, Notary Public, Titusville, 6 July 1869.
    [Attached affidavit:]  “Mrs. Jennie Palmer of said county being sworn says she is the mother of the above named child Katie Palmer, who is one year and ten months old and is the only child of deponent. That Henry Palmer the father of such child abandoned this deponent and her said child at Tidioute [next word carreted] Pa in the month of February 1869, and continuously since  That Deponent and her said husband had been living at Tidioute in Warren County since Oct. 1. 1866. that during that period her said husband has been absent from her and in distant parts a great part of the time and that when in Tidioute he would stay away from home days and months at a time.  His intemperance was continuous whenever he had money  He never sent deponent any money or provided anything for her when he was away from her and made but the most trifling and wholly insufficient provision for her support when at home [¶] Deponent was dependent on her own labor and that ofon her sister for her support and that of the child. [¶] Deponent further states that she is unable to provide in a proper manner for the maintenance of said child and has not hope that her said husband will ever provide in any way for said child.”  Sworn to and subscribed Jennie Palmer before Joseph J. Holden, Notary Public, Titusville, 6 July 1869.
    [Consent, below:]  “The undersigned County Commissioner and overseer of the Poor in and for said county on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners and overseers of the poor for said county Respectfully endorses the above petition of Chas. E. & Jennie Tracy as a means of preventing said child from becoming a county charge and believing that she will be properly maintained and educated in the family of said petitioners.  Respectfully submitted [next line] Titusville Pa. July 6 1869.”  Signed J. Baker.
    “Granted as prayed” 10 July 1869; filed 30 July 1869.  Docket indicates:]  Decree of Court  And now, July 10, 1869, Upon the petition of Charles E. Tracy and Jennie Tracy, his wife, and of Mrs. Jennie Palmer, the mother of the said Katie Cassie Palmer, the child therein named, and of J. Baker, Esq., one of the overseers of the Poor in and for the said County, and on behalf of the Board of Overseers of the Poor for such, the proper County, and it appearing that the said Katie Cassie Palmer is abandoned of her father, and that her mother is unable to provide properly for her maintenance and education, and the Court being satisfied on due consideration, that the welfare of the said Katie Cassie Palmer will be promoted as the child and one of the heirs of the said Charles E. Tracy and Jennie Tracy, his wife, with the consent of the mother of the said child, and of the Overseers of the Poor, Decree that the said child shall assume the name of Katie Cassie Tracy, and shall have all the rights of a child and heir of the said Charles E. Tracy and be subject to the duties of a child  Per Curium.”

#31 January Term 1870
Appearance Docket 45:27
    “The petition of JOHN MOONEY and C. A. MOONEY his wife respectfully represents: [¶] That they are desirous of adopting IDA ORN a child of F P ORN now deceased and MARY ORN now WOOLMAN [sic; WORTMAN] of Valonia __ County of Crawford Pa and for that purpose they herein declare their said desire and also their will to perform all the duties of a parent to said child Ida Orn. The petitioners therefore pray the Court if satisfied that the welfare of said Ida Orn will be promoted by such adoption with the consent of the said mother Mary Woolman evidenced by her signing this petition[,] to decree that the said Ida Orn may assume the name of the petitioner viz Ida Ora Mooney and have the rights of a child and heir of the petitioner and be subject to the duties of a child [next line] Sept 24" 1869[.]”  Signed Kety A Mooney, John Mooney, Mary Wortman; sworn to and (again) subscribed Kety A Mooney, John Mooney, Mary Wortman before W. F. Chalfant, Prothonotary, 24 Sept. 1869.
    Granted 24 Sept. 1869, adding “it appearing that Ida Orn the child therein mentioned has been supported by its mother,” name assumed is Ida Orn Mooney; filed same day.

#118 January Term 1870
Appearance Docket 45:108
    “The Petition of CHARLES H STOPP represents. [¶] That [next word carreted] he is a resident of Fairfield Tp said County [of Crawford] & State. and has been a citizen thereof for more than four years past.  That he is a married man, and has no children [¶] That he is desirous of adopting in due form of Law one HUGH DOUTT an illegitimate son & child of MARY DOUTT, about six years of age.  That he promises herein that he (your petitioner) will perform all the duties of a parent to such child.  That the mother of said child is willing & desirous that the same may be done as will appear by her assent in writing hereto attached [¶] He therefore prays the Court to make a decree that said child shall assume the name of Hugh Stopp, and have all the rights of a child & heir of the petitioner and be subject to the duties of such a child & heir as is provided by Law[.]”  Signed with the mark of Charles H Stopp “In presence of” [signed] A. W. Mumford [no jurat or attestation].
    [Attached consent:]  “I Mary Doutt the mother of Hugh Doutt, the person of whom the annexed petition is made for adoption hereby express my consent and desire that the said Hugh Doutt may be adopted by Charles H Stopp and assume the name & have all the legal rights of a child & heir of said Charles H Stopp as is prayed for by him.”  Signed Mary Doutt “In presence of” A. W. Mumford.
    Granted 15 Nov. 1869, name assumed is Hugh Doutt Stopp; [filing date not given].

#134 April Term 1871
Appearance Docket 47:507
    “The petition of JOHN D. BATES respectfully represents that your petitioner is a citizen of this Commonwealth and resides in Spring Township in this [Crawford] County, that he is a married man but has no children, that he is possessed of real estate in his own right and free of incumbrance of the value of one thousand dollars.  Your petitioner further states that in August 1858 Dr. James L. Dunn, then a practicing physician in Conneautville, brought to this petitioner an infant female child, which child your petitioner has ever since kept and maintained.  Said child is named INA VIOLA Bates.  Your petitioner further showing that he has never been able to find the parents of said child, or any other relative or next friend, hereby declares his desire to adopt said child as his heir at Law; and hereby pledges that as heretofore, he will perform all the duties of a parent to said child. He therefore prays the Court to decree that said Ina Viola Bates shall have all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioner, and be subject to the duties of such child. And he will ever pray &c[.]”  Signed John D Bates; sworn to and (again) subscribed before A J McQuiston, clerk, 22 Feb. 1871.
    [Consent, below:]  “As Directors of the Poor and of the House of Employment of Crawford County we concur in the foregoing application [next line] Feb. 2525 1871.”  Signed J. L. Beatty, D. A. Bennett, Henry Shafer.
    Granted 25 [or 28?] Feb. 1871, “said child shall assume the name … of a child and heir of the said John D Bates,” i.e., Ina Viola Bates; [filing date not given].

#16 November Term 1871
Appearance Docket 48:448
    “The petition of JOSEPH HEMBRY of said County [of Crawford] would respectfully represent, That he is desirous of adopting JOSEPH [blank], an illegitimate child of WILLIAM CLAY, of the City of Meadville, Pa. [next five words carreted] under two years of age as one of his heirs; And for that purpose he here declares his said desire, and also that he will perform all the duties of a parent towards said child. [¶] Your petitioner therefore prays the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of the said child will be promoted thereby, with the consent of the said William evidenced by his signing this petition, to declare that the said child may assume the name of your petitioner, viz Joseph Hembry and have all the rights of a child & heir, of your petitioner, and subject to the duties of a child. And he will ever pray[.]”nbsp; Signed with the mark of Joseph Hembry, Witness Wm B Clay; sworn to and subscribed with the mark of Joseph Hembry before Wm. Davis, Jr., Assoc. Judge, 28 July 1871.
    [Attached supporting affidavit:]  “Geo. Wilson being sworn saith, he is well acquainted Joseph Hemry [sic] a [sic; and?] wife, and has known them for near four years[.]  They have no children.  His wife own a House and Lot, & he two Lots in Valonia.  They are persons of good character, and would undoubtedly provide well for the child the adoption of which they seek[.]”  Sworn to and subscribed George Wilson before J. Kinniff, J.P., 8 Aug. 1871.
    Granted 14 Aug. 1871, name assumed is Joseph Hembry; filed same day.

#17 November Term 1871
Appearance Docket 48:449
    “The Petition of MARK MURPHY of the city of Meadville State of Pennsylvania respectfully represents that he is desirous of adopting MARY MURPHY a child, whose mother is dead and without any known father, as one of his heirs, and for that purpose he herein declaires [sic] his said desire and also that he will perform all the duties of a parent to the said Mary Murphy  The petitioner further represents that the said child has been supported two and one half years by the petitioner. And that prior to the time that said child has been with your petitioner, she was in charge of the Sisters of Charity at Erie Penna, a charitable institution in said county.  He further says that he does not know the [blank space] name of said child, but that she has been called Mary Murphy, after your petitioner since living with him [¶] The petitioner therefore prays the Court if satisfied that the welfare of the said Mary Murphy, will be promoted by such adoption, to decree that the said Mary Murphy may assume the name of the petitioner, viz. Mary Murphy and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioner and be subject to the duties of a child[.]”  Sworn to and subscribed with the mark of Mark Murphy before J Kinniff, J.P., 3 Aug. 1871.
    [Attached consent:]  “We the overseers of the Poor for Crawford County agree and consent that Mark Murphy of the City of Meadville shall adopt and make one of his heirs Mary Murphy, as prayed for in the annexed Petition [next line] Aug 9 1871[.]”  Signed J. C. Beatty, D L Bennett, Henry Shafer.
    [Attached supporting affidavit:]  “On this 9th day of August 1871 Personally appeared John Mack of the City of MeadvilleVernon T.P[.] who being duly sworn deposes and says that he has been acquainted with Mark Murphy nine years, that said Murphy is a sober, industrious citizen, that he and his wife are suitable persons, in the opinion of your affiant to have charge of Mary Murphy and further saith not[.]”  Sworn to and subscribed John Mack before J. Kinniff, J.P., 8 Aug. 1871.
    [Supporting affidavit, below:]  “George Bennet of Meadville Vernon T.P. being duly sworn says that he has known Mark Murphy over four years, that he is a person of good habits, that he is sober and industrious and provides well for his family, That Mary Murphy a child five years of age has been living with said Mark Murphy more than two years, during which time she has been wholly supported by him, that said Mark Murphy and his wife have no children: and they are[,] in the opinion of your affiant suitable persons to have the charge of said Mary Murphy”; sworn to and subscribed Geo Bennett before J. Kinniff, J.P., 9 Aug. 1871.
    Granted 9 14 Aug. 1871, name assumed is Mary Murphy; filed same day.

#12 January Term 1872
Appearance Docket 49:12
    “The petition of NAHUM GOLDIN, and SARAH A. GOLDIN, his wife of the township of Sparta in the County of Crawford, respectfully represents that they are desirous of adopting JENNIE MAY AMES, the child of SUSAN E. AMES spinster (whose assent is hereby given by signing this petition) as one of their heirs; and for that purpose they herein declare their said desire and also that they will perform all the duties of parents to the said Jennie May Ames. [¶] The petitioners therefore pray the Court if satisfied that the welfare of the said Jennie May Ames, will be promoted by such adoption and with the consent of the aforesaid spinster as signified by signing this petition to decree that the said Jennie May Ames may assume the name of the petitioners, to wit: of Jennie May Goldin, and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioners and be subject to the duties of such a child. [¶] And they will ever pray &c.”  Signed Susan E Ames, Sarah A. Goldin, Nahum. R. Goldin, witness to Susan E. Ames, signature T A Morrison, dated 22 Aug. 1871; sworn to and again subscribed by Nahum. R. Goldin (only) before Paul Blackmer, J.P., 25 Aug. 1871.  Note on cover:  “Nov. 6 1871  Rule to Show Cause granted returnable this week.  Per cur[iam].”
    [Separate supporting affidavit, location not stated:]  “T. A. Morrison, being duly sworn says that he has been and is now acting in behalf of the parties interested, and is familiar with all the facts in the case, and the character and circumstances of the petitioners and the mother of said child; That since child is illegitimate, and its mother is an orphan girl without means or ability for its support; That said Nahum & Sarah Goldin, are uncle and aunt to said Susan E. Ames; that they are persons of middle age and have no daughter; That they are persons of good moral character; That they are in circumstances to provide for the wants of said child, and are much more competent to suitably bring it up than its mother, and that they have had the possession, control and entire charge of said child, by gift of its mother, for about ten months last past, and are desirous of making said child [next two words carreted] one of their legal heirs.”  Sworn to and subscribed T. A. Morrison before M. C. Benedict, Notary Public, Pleasantville, Venango Co., Pa., 11 Nov. 1871; filed 12 Dec. 1871.
    [No decree found; docket indicates that rule made absolute, i.e., adoption approved 12 Dec. 1872 (name not indicated, presumably Jennie May Goldin).]

#39 April Term 1872
Appearance Docket 49:405
    Petition of SAMUEL PETERSON to adopt HATTIE NICKERSON [missing; note on reverse side of slip granting Myron Park Davis, attorney for Hattie Peterson, permission on 18 March 1905 to remove the petition:]  “Nov. 2, 1912.  The within receipt for petition is attached to the record certified to Supreme Court & now on file in the Clerk of the Courts Office No. 5 Sept Tr. 1901. O.C.”; signed by Deputy Prothonotary.
    [From Orphans’ Court Case No. 5 September Term 1901, Estate of Laura Peterson, deceased, exceptions to Auditor’s report (see below):]  “The petition of SAMUEL PETERSON, of the City of Meadville in said County [of Crawford], respectfully represents, that he is desirous of adopting HATTIE NICKERSON child of ANN NICKERSON, as one of his heirs, – and for that purpose he herein declares his said desire and also that he will perform all the duties of a parent to the said Hattie Nickerson. [¶] The petitioner further represents that the said child is about three years of age, that about one & half years ago the mother of said child left her with the petitioner, and that since that time has been supported by him, that he has no knowledge of the whereabouts of the childs parents, and beleives [sic] her to have been abandoned. [¶] The petitioner therefore prays the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of the said child will be promoted by such adoption, and having the consent of the Directors of the Poor of said County hereto attached, to decree that the said Hattie Nickerson, may assume the name of Hattie Peterson, and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioner and be subject to the duties of such child.”  Signed Saml Peterson, LAURA PETERSON; sworn to by Samuel Peterson (but not again subscribed) before N. B. Brooks, Prothonotary, 9 Jan. 1872; presented by [Attorneys] Peters & Davis.
    [Consent, below:]  “We the undersigned ‘Directors of the Poor and House of Employment’ for the County of Crawford, hereby consent that the prayer of the above petition be granted, and unite in the same. [¶] In testimony whereof we have hereto set our hands this Ninth day of January A D 1872.”  Signed Henry Shafer[?], Titus Ridgway, Directors of the Poor.
    [Supporting affidavit, below:]  “Alexander Power — being sworn says that he was is well acquainted with Samuel Peterson the petitioner above named,  That he is a proper person to adopt the said Child, and that by so doing believes her welfare will be promoted.”  Sworn to and subscribed Alexr Power before N. B. Brooks, Prothonotary, 9 Jan. 1872.
    Granted 15 Jan. 1872, name assumed is Hattie Peterson; filed same day.
    The Appeal of Hattie Peterson on 28 March 1905 to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, at No. 120 January Term 1905, indicates that Laura Patterson, late of Geneva Boro, died on or about 25 May 1900, and letters of administration on her estate were issued on 4 June 1900 to Hattie Peterson, who filed her final account on 29 July 1902, showing a balance of $13,870.26.  Alfred Brink, son of Almira Brink, a sister of Laura, filed exceptions to the account on 11 March 1903, and the Auditor determined that Hattie was not the adopted daughter of Laura (only Samuel, who had previously died).  The Judge of the Crawford County Orphans Court agreed, and Hattie appealed.
Appeal of Hattie Peterson “From a decree dismissing exceptions to an auditor’s report,” published at In re Peterson’s Estate, 212 Pa. 453, 61 A. 1005 (1905):
This case seems to have been argued and adjudged in the court below on the view that the only essential and governing fact on the question of adoption is the literal decree of the court. This is an error. The cardinal fact is the intent of the adopting parent. The court has a veto power, to refuse to sanction the adoption unless satisfied that the welfare of the child will be promoted by it; but beyond that its action is only confirmatory of the action of the parent, of which, in the language of the statute, ‘the record of the court shall be sufficient evidence.’ No action by any court appears to be absolutely essential to a valid and lawful adoption. The act of April 2, 1872 (P. L. 31), recognizes adoption by deed, and provides for the recording of the deed and a certified copy as evidence. Ballard v. Ward, 89 Pa. 358. The more convenient system under the act of 1855, now supplied by the amended act of May 19, 1887 (P. L. 125), provides for the approval of the judge, and the decree of the court is made the statutory evidence of a fully formed and executed intent on the part of the adopting parent, just as, in the analogous case of a will, where the intent is the cardinal fact, the law requires that it be signed at the end thereof as the statutory evidence that the intent is complete and executed. In the present case the decree is ambiguous, in that it uses both singular and plural in reference to the petition, ‘And now, January 15, 1872, upon the petition of Samuel Peterson, and it appearing that Hattie Nickerson, the child therein mentioned, has been supported by the petitioner for one and half years past, and the court, being satisfied on due consideration that the welfare of the said Hattie Nickerson will be promoted by the adoption as the child and one of the heirs of the petitioners, with the consent of the directors of the poor of said county, decree that the said child shall assume the name of Hattie Peterson, and have all the rights of a child and heir of said Samuel Peterson, and be subject to the duties of a child.’ Turning, now, to the petition, we find that Samuel Peterson is named first as the sole petitioner, but the prayer is for a decree that the child may assume the name of Hattie Peterson and ‘have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioners’ (in the plural), and the petition is signed by both Samuel and Laura Peterson. How all this came about is explained by the counsel in the case, from whose testimony it appears that the petition was drawn originally in the name of the husband, and after presentation to the court the wife came in at the suggestion of the judge, and then the petition and decree already prepared were changed to conform to the changed application, but the change was made with such want of completeness as to create the ambiguity. [¶] How far the ambiguity in the decree may be considered latent, so as to admit this parol evidence, may be open to doubt; but we may disregard such evidence entirely and still have no difficulty. The petition is the act of both husband and wife. Both signed it before the court passed upon it, and ‘mala grammatica non vitiat chartam.’ A paper, though drawn in the name of one, is presumed to be the act of all who sign it, and therefore, when Laura Peterson signed the petition, it must be presumed that she intended to make herself party to it, and this presumption is reinforced by the prayer that the adopted child shall have ‘all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioners.’ On the face of the record, therefore, Laura Peterson was a party to the adoption, and, if we look into the parol testimony as to her actual intent, there is demonstration that it was not only her intention at the time to do it, but her unquestioning belief through a long subsequent life that she had done so. A similar careful examination of the decree leads to the same conclusion. The recital of the petition as that of Samuel Peterson, and of the support of the child by the petitioner, is in the singular; but the next clause, which expresses the decision of the court on the essential point which its judicial duty was to consider, is in the plural‘the court, being satisfied on due consideration that the welfare of the said Hattie Nickerson will be promoted by the adoption as the child and one of the heirs of the petitioners,’ etc. [¶] Where ambiguity is introduced into a writing by verbal changes, which either should have been made in additional places or not made at all, the presumption in favor of the validity of affirmative action should prevail. In other words, as applicable to this case, it is more probable, as shown by experience, and therefore to be presumed, that the hand that made the alterations in the papers made fewer of them than he should have made to express his full purpose than that those he did make were accidental or unintended. In every view the appellant’s case was clear. [¶] Decree reversed. Petition and all subsequent proceedings directed to be dismissed, at the cost of the appellees.
    Remittitur from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court: Estate of Laura Peterson late of Crawford Co dec’d  
[Letter in file:]  “No 5111 Aldama St., Los Angeles, California  Jan. 4 – 1939.  To Register of Records, City of Meadville, Crawford Co. Pa.  My dear Sir, – I am desirous of obtaining the Date, and Year of my Birth and also the Record of my adoption, in the city of Meadville, Crawford County, Pa.  I was a child of adoption by Samuel Peterson, and his wife Laura Peterson, whose house was located on Park Avenue (number not known) City of Meadville. [¶] My own mother’s name was, Mrs. Anne Nickerson, (My name Hattie Nickerson) Parents parted.  Adoption took place in January 1872.  I assumed the name Peterson at that time.  Myron Park Davis Atty., who was afterwards my attorney for a case, told me he drew up the adoption papers.  I merely speak of this thinking it might be of help to you in case his records are still on file, as he died some years ago.  I have not got a record of my birth, or adoption but was told by Foster Parents I was born March 25, 1869.  Have gone by that statement ever since.  But I have applied for Old Age Pension in California, (Los Angeles County) and it seems necessary that I have those records if possible, there are so many people here who are trying to take advantage in various ways.  I was advised, ‘To write to the place of my birth and see if I could find anything definite’ [¶] So if you can find any records on the matter and kindly send them to me, and also include Fee for your efforts, It will be gratefully received. [¶] Thanking you in advance. [¶] I am Yours Truly, Miss Harriett G. Peterson[,] 5111 Aldama Street, Highland Park, Los Angeles, California.  [on reverse:]  P.S.  Have chosen name Harriett G. Peterson in preference to nickname Hattie.  An attorney told me I had a right to do so if I preferred the former so I sign all papers by that name.  But the name Hattie was given in adoption papers. [¢] Sincerely  Harriett G. Peterson.

[Carbon copy of letter typed on Prothonotary’s stationery, dated at Meadville 10 Jan. 1939, addressed to Miss Harriet G. Peterson, 5111 Aldama Street, Highland Park, Los Angeles, Calif.:]  “My dear Madam:  Your letter of 4th instant, addressed to ‘Register of Records’ has finally been delivered to me, as adoptions were in this Court up to 1925, and there being no such office as register of records. [¶] First, There were no [two words interlined] birth records in Pennsylvania until 1893,-except in a few of the cities. [¶] Second, I find that one Hattie Nickerson was adopted by decree of this court dated Jan. 15, 1872, as the child and heir of Samuel Peterson, and her name changed to Hattie Peterson. [¶] Third, in the year 1901, in the matter of the estate of Laura Peterson, No. 5 Sept. term, 1901, in the Orphans Court of this county, it appears that the question came up as to whether Hattie Peterson was also the heir of Laura Peterson.  Our court decided that she was not, because of the omission of the name of the wife, Laura Peterson from the decree of adoption, although Laura Peterson had signed the petition.  the case appealed to the Supreme Court of Penn’a, and the decree was reversed. [¶] Fourth, the petition for adoption which was sworn to on January 9, 1872, sets forth that ‘the child is about three years of age. [¶] Fifth, the petition also sets forth that Hattie was the child of Ann Nickerson, and that petitioner had no knowledge of the whereabouts of the child’s parents, and believe her to be abandoned. [¶] If you desire a record of the adoption proceedings in this court I will make samem [sic] duly certified under Act of Congress on receipt of $3.00.  My fees for searches, etc. is $1.00, which please remit.  Yours very truly, Paul D. Slayton, Prothonotary.”
#210 April Term 1872
Appearance Docket 49:525
    “The petition of W.M W. BLOSS and L. K. BLOSS his wife of the City of Titusville County, County of Crawford and State of Pennsylvania respectfully represents that they are desirous of adopting INDEPENDENCE FOLEY a female infant about two years of age without known parents as one of their heirs;– And for that purpose they declare their said desire and also that they will perform all the duties of parents to the said Independence Foley; the petitioners further represent that the said child has been supported for more than one year by the ‘Childrens Home’ of Washington County Ohio a charitable institution in said last named county [¶] The petitioners further pray the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of the said Independence Foley will be promoted by such adoption and with the consent of the Trustees of said ‘Childrens Home’ signified by their contract with the petitioners dated October 24th A.D. 1871, and which contract is hereto attached, to decree that [interlined word or letters] said Independence Foley may assume the name of Violet Bloss and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioners and be subject to the duties of such child and they will ever pray &c.”  Signed Wm W. Bloss, Louise K. Bloss; sworn to and again subscribed by both before Joseph J. Holden, Notary Public, Titusville, Pa., 9 March 1872.
    [Attached contract:]  “Memorandum made Oct. 24th 1871, between Mrs L. K. Bloss, for herself and her husband W. W. Bloss of Titusville in the State of New YorkPennsylvania of the one part and, the Trustees of the Childrens Home of Washington County Ohio of the other part.  Witnesseth that said parties of the first part, with the consent of said Trustees & by their agreement, have taken for the purpose of adoption into their family as one of their children to be treated, raised educated & provided for in all respects as their own child ‘Independence Foley,’ a female infant of the age of two years now an inmate of said ‘Home’ subject to the control & management of said Trustees, and said parties of the first part agree to proceed according to the laws of New YorkPennsylvania to have said child adopted as one of their own into their family, & to forward to said Trustees a Certified Copy of such adoption, within reasonable time, or to return said child to the Home.  In testimony thereof said parties have hereto set their hands this day & year aforesaid at Marietta O.”  Signed L. K. Bloss, “For self and husbandW. W. Bloss,” W. H. Oloham for Trustees of Home.
    [Attached affidavit:]  “Personally appeared before me Geo. J. Sherman who being duly sworn says that he is personally acquainted with Wm W. Bloss and L. K. Bloss his wife the foregoing petitioners, and that they are in good circumstances and abundantly able to support Independence Foley the child that they are desirous of adopting; that they are of kind and affectionate disposition and suitable persons to have the parental charge of said child and that her welfare will be greatly promoted by their adopting her[.]”  Sworn to and subscribed Geo. J. Sherman before Joseph J. Holden, Notary Public, Titusville, 9 March 1872.
    Granted 19 March 1872, name assumed is Violet Bloss; [filing date not given].

#70 August Term 1872
Appearance Docket 50:55
    “The petition of JAMES B PASTORIOUS [sic; Pastorius] and ANGELINE A PASTORIOUS respectfully represent that they are desirous of adopting JOHN SWIFT an illegitimate child of SALLY BAUGHER of Troy township Crawford County And that they will perform all the duties of parents to the said John Swift  The petitioners further represent that they have kept and raised the said John Swift from the time he was about one year old to the age of over twenty years [¶] The petitioners therefore pray the Court if satisfied that the welfare of said John Swift will be promoted by such adoption with the consent of said Sally Baugher the mother evidenced by her signing this petition[,] to decree that the said John Swift may assume the name of the petitioners viz Dorsey Pastorious and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioners and be subject to the duties of a child and heir of the[.]”  Signed J. B. Pastorius, Angeline Pastorius, Sally Baugher; sworn to and again subscribed J. B. Pastorius, Angeline Pastorius before H. J. Perry, J.P., 27 April 1872;
    [Affidavit, below:]  “personally appeared Sally Baugher the person named within and M. V. Corey who being duly sworn say that they are acquainted with the facts set forth in this petition and that they are just and true and further that said James B Pastorious and Angeline A Pastorious are well qualified in every respect to perform all the duties of parents to the said John Swift[.]”  Signed Sally Baugher, M V Corey before Daniel Baugher, J.P., 27 April 1872.
    Granted 29 April 1872, name assumed is Dorsey Pastorious; [filing date not given].

#151 August Term 1872
Appearance Docket 50:115
    “The petition of JOEL HITES and HARRIET E HITES his wife of the County of Crawford. Respectfully showeth. That they are desirous of adopting JOHN WM PETERSON a child of ANDREW and ELLA. O. PETERSON as one of their Heirs. And for that purpose they herein declare their said desire, and also that they will perform all the duties of Parants [sic] to the said John Wm Peterson. The petitioners further state that the said Child is now about fifteen months of age – That the Father Andrew Peterson died before the Birth of the said Child.  That the Mother Ella. O. Peterson has since intermarried with one Andrew KISEL [¶] Your petitioners therefore pray the Court if satisfied that the welfare of the said John Wm Peterson will be promoted by such adoption with the consent of the said Ella. O. Peterson evidenced by her signing this petition[,] to decree that the said John Mm Peterson may assume the name of John Wm Hites and have all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioners, and be subject to the duties of a child [¶] And they will ever pray &c[.]”  Signed Joel Hites, Harriet E Hites, Ella O. Kisel (her mark); sworn to and again subscribed by all three before H. B. Brooks, Prothonotary, 10 June 1872.
    [Affidavit, below:]  “Joel Hites and Harriet Hites being duly sworn according to law depose and say.  That they are the owners of One Hundred and Nine Acres of Land Lying in the Township of Woodcock Crawford County mostly improved with House and barn thereon.  Also about Three Thousand Dollars worth of personal property all of which is true to the best of their knowledge and belief[.]”  Sworn to and subscribed Joel Hites, Harriet E Hites before H. B. Brooks, Prothonotary, 10 June 1872.
    [Affidavit, below:]  “Ella. C. Kisel being duly sworn according to Law deposes and says That she does not own any Property either Real or personal or of any kind whatsoever all of which is true to the best of her knowledge and belief[.]”  Sworn to and subscribed with the mark of Ella O Kisel before H. B. Brooks, Prothonotary, 10 June 1872.
    Granted 11 June 1872, name assumed is John William Hites; [filing date not given].

#25 January Term 1873
Appearance Docket 51:25
    “The petition of ADRIAN A. BURROWS and ARETHUSA F. BURROWS his wife respectfully represents, That they are desirous of adopting HARRIET MAY COMPTON an infant child of ANNIE COMPTON, Widow, aged about nineteen months, as one of their heirs & for that purpose they herein declare their said desire and that they will perform all the duties of parents to said Harriet May Compton. The petitioners therefore pray the Court if satisfied that the welfare of said Harriet May Compton will be promoted by such adoption with the consent of the said Annie Compton evidenced by her signing this petition[,] to decree that the said Harriet May Compton may assume the name of your petitioners and henceforth be known as Eva Arethusa Burrows and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioners & be subject to the duties of a child. Said Annie Compton resides Oct at Titusville in said County.”  Signed A. A Burrows, Arethusa F. Burrows, Annie Compton, Witness H. A. Hutson; sworn to by Adrian A Burrows (only) and (again) subscribed A. A Burrows before Edward H Chase, A[ssociate] J[udge], 14 Oct. 1872.
    [Separate supporting affidavit:]  “Personally appeared before me Henry A. Hudson [sic; Hutson] who being duly sworn says that he is personally acquainted with Adrian A. Burrows & Arethusa F. his wife, who are desirous of adopting Harriet May Compton & that he is also acquainted with Anna Compton the mother of said Harriet May Compton; that she the said mother is without means to maintain & educate her said child in a suitable manner & that she is desirous of its adoption by said Adrian A. Burrows & wife, & that said Burrows & wife are of kind & affectionate disposition & are in comfortable circumstances & able to provide for & educate said child & are suitable persons to have the parental care of said child[.]”  Sworn to and subscribed Henry A. Hutson before Edward H Chase, A.J., 14 Oct. 1872.
    Granted 6 Nov. 1872, name assumed is Eva Arethusa Burrows; filed same day.

#211 April Term 1873
Appearance Docket 51:557
    “The prayer of your petitioner respectfully showeth: [¶] That your petitioner [JAMES FLYNN] is desirous of adopting FRANK GRANT KLINGENSMITH–(a minor son of WILSON R. and MARIA KLINGENSMITH)– as his heir, or one of his heirs, and that he will well and truly perform all of the duties of a parent to said child– [¶] That said child was born in March A.D. 1868, and is now nearly five years of age– That its Mother is dead, That it has lived in petitioners family for nearly two (2) years last past, and that the childs Father gives his full and free consent to such adoption [¶] He also represents that he desires to adopt said child under the name of Frank Grant Flynn; and that he verily believes that the welfare of said child will be promoted by such adoption – [¶] Your petitioner therefore prays this honorable Court to decree that said child shall assume the family name of this petitioner, and shall be subject to all the duties, and have all the rights, of a child and heir of your petitioner, in accordance with the provisions of an Act of the Legislative Assembly of Pennsylvania, entitled ‘An Act relating to certain duties and rights of Husband and Wife, and Parents and Children’ Approved May 4th AD 1855—Sec 4 [¶] And your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray &c.”; Signed James Flynn [no jurat or attestation].
    [Supporting affidavit, below:]  “M. P. Lowry and G. W. Deuce being first duly sworn on oath state that they are and have for a long time been acquainted with James Flynn the above named petitioner, and with Wilson Klingensmith– That the said Klingensmith is the surviving parent of the child mentioned in the petition and that James Flynn: the petitioner, is a sober industrious man and is a proper person to have the care and custody of such child—”  Sworn to and subscribed M.P. Lowry, G.W. Deuse [or “Druce”?] before William Pentz, J.P., 6 March 1873.
    [Father’s consent, below:]  “I Wilson Klingensmith, sole surviving parent of Frank Grant Klingensmith, give my full and free consent to the adoption of said child by James Flynn, and request that the above petition be granted by the Court.”  Signed W. R. Klingensmith.
    [Joinder, below:]  “I, MARY FLYNN wife to James Flynn join in the above petition and ask that it may be granted—”  Signed Mary Flynn [undated].
    Granted 7 March 1873, name assumed is Frank Grant Flynn; filed same day.

#66 November Term 1873
Appearance Docket 52:535
    “The petition of PETER SHAFFER [sic; SCHAEFFER] of the borough of Valonia in the County aforesaid [Crawford] respectfully represents. That he is desirous of adopting FRANCIS HOPE a child of GEORGE HOPE of the City of Meadville, as one of his heirs; and for that purpose he herein declares his said desire, and also that he will perform all the duties of a parent to said Francis Hope. The petitioner therefore prays the Court if satisfied that the welfare of said Francis Hope will be promoted by such adoption with the consent of said George Hope, (the mother of the said child being dead) evidenced by his signing this petition to decree that the said Francis Hope may assume the name of the petitioner viz Francis Shaffer and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioner and be subject to the duties of a child. And he will ever pray &c [¶] Aug 25. 1873[.]”  Signed Peter Schaeffer; sworn to (as Peter Shaffer) and subscribed Peter Schaeffer before John F Morris, Prothonotary, 25 Aug. 1873.
    [Father’s consent, on reverse side:]  “I the undersigned Geo. Hope – father of Francis Hope – do hereby join Peter Shaffer in the foregoing petition and request your Honors to grant the prayer of his petition and I do further hereby declare that the mother of Francis died in May last (1873)[.]”  Sworn to and subscribed George Hope before John F Morris, Prothonotary, 25 Aug. 1873.
    [Supporting affidavit, below:]  “John J. Henderson Esq. of the City of Meadville being duly sworn doth depose and say: that he is acquainted with Peter Shaffer the above petitioner: and that he believes that he is a suitable person to take the charge and care of said child and that he beleives [sic] the welfare of said child will be promoted by the granting the prayer of the petitioner[.]”  Sworn to and subscribed Jno. Joseph Henderson before John F Morris, Prothonotary, 25 Aug. 1873.
    Granted 26 Aug. 1873, named assumed is Francis Shaffer; filed 28 Aug. 1873.

#85 November Term 1873
Appearance Docket 52:545
    “ The petition of JOHN D. BATES of the Township of Spring, county of Crawford, and SARAH, his wife, respectfully represents, That they are desirous of adopting MINNIE BETSY BOYLE a female child of LAFAYETTE BOYLE, of the Township and county aforesaid, whose mother is now dead, as one of his heirs; and for that purpose they herein declare their said desire, and also that they will perform all the duties of parents to the said Minnie Betsy Boyle  The petitioners therefore pray the court, if satisfied that the [next line] the welfare of said Minnie Betsy Boyle will be promoted by such adoption, with the consent of the said Lafayette Boyle evidenced by his signing this petition, to decree that the said Minnie Betsy Boyle may assume the name of the petitioners, viz, Minnie Betsy Bates and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioners and be subject to the duties of a child.”  Signed John D. Bates, Sarah A Bates, Lafayette Boyle; sworn to (by John D. Bates only) and again subscribed John D. Bates before H. J. Cooper, J.P., 12 Aug. 1873.
    [Attached supporting affidavit:]  “J. C. Greenlee and W G Head [¶] being sworn say that they are acquainted with the above named John D. Bates and Sarah, his wife, and also Lafayette Boyle and Minnie Betsy Boile [sic] the said child; that the said child is a girl of about one year of age; that she has been in the care of said John D. Bates and wife for more than seven months past; that the childs mother has been dead about one year and the child left without proper care except such as some of the neighboring friends gave it, That the said John D. Bates and wife are proper persons for the care of the said child; and that its adoption by them would be for the child’s welfare.”  Sworn to and subscribed J. C. Greenle, Wm. G. Head before H. J. Cooper [J.P.], 12 Aug. 1873.
    [Attached parental consent:]  “I Lafayette Boyle father of Minnie Betsy Boyle the child mentioned in the petition of John D. and Sarah Bates of Spring Township Crawford County, do concur in the statements made in their said petition. And as to the facts setforth in the affidavit of J. C. Greelee & W. G Head they are true.  And I do hereby join in the prayer of the said John D. Bates and wife, in said petition that the decree therein asked for may be made.”  Signed Lafayette Boyle [undated].
    [Separate decree:]  Granted 5 Sept. 1873, name assumed is Minnie Betsy Bates; filed same day.

#102 January Term 1874
Appearance Docket 53:100
    “The petition of J. N. KERR & [next five letters and words carreted] M. A. KERR his wife of the County of Crawford, respectfully represents that they are [changed from ‘is’] desirous of adopting JOHN ATWELL a child of L. G. ATWELL of Geneva Boro and MARTHA ANN ATWELL his wife dec’d. as his heir one of their [changed from ‘his’] heirs; and for that purpose they herein declares their [changed from ‘his’] said desire, and also that they [changed from ‘he’] will perform all the duties of a parents [changed from ‘parent’] to said John Atwell. The petitioners [changed from ‘petitioner’] therefore prays the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of said John Atwell will be promoted by such adoption with the consent of L. G. Atwell evidenced by his signing this petition, to decree that the said John Atwell may assume the name of the petitioners viz John Atwell Kerr, and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioners [changed from ‘petitioner’] and be subject to the duties of a child. And they [changed from ‘he’] will ever pray.”  Signed J N Kerr, M A Kerr, L. G. Atwell; sworn to (by J. N. Kerr only) and again subscribed J N Kerr before John F. Morris, Prothonotary, 3 Nov. 1873.
    Granted 1 Dec. 1873, name assumed is John Atwell Kerr; [filing date not given].

#42 April Term 1874
Appearance Docket 53:468
    “The petition of JOHN WORMALD and MARGARET J. WORMALD his wife of the County of Crawford respectfully represents. That they are desirous of adopting SARAH E. CRIDER a child of WM CRIDER of the County of Venango and MARY CRIDER his wife now dec’d. That the said Mary mother of said Sarah E. died when the said Sarah E. was but four weeks old[;] that your petitioners have had the care of said Sarah E. ever since the death of her mother. that said Sarah E. is now twenty years old past.  That your petitioners are desirous of adopting said Sarah E. Crider as one of their heirs and for that purpose they herein declare their said desire and also that they will perform all the duties of parents to said Sarah E. Crider [¶] The petitioners therefore pray the Court if satisfied that the welfare of said Sarah E. Crider will be promoted by such adoption with the consent of said Wm Crider evidenced by his signing this petition to declare that the said Sarah E. Crider may assume the name of the petitioners viz: Sarah E. Wormald and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioners and be subject to the duties of a child and that they will pray &c.”  Signed John Wormald, Margaret J Wormald, Wm. Crider; sworn to (by John and Margaret J. Wormald only) and (again) subscribed John Wormald, Margaret J Wormald before N. Truesdale, J.P., 12 Jan. 1874.
    Granted 20 Jan. 1874, name assumed is Sarah E. Wormald; filed same day.

#128 April Term 1874
Appearance Docket 53:521
    “The Petition [of] JASON T. WAID of Spartansburgh [sic] in the County of Crawford in the State of Pennsylvania Respectfully Represents, That he is desirous of adopting JASON EDGAR WINTON, aged one year, as one of his heirs – And for that purpose, he herein declairs [sic] his said desire, and also that he will perform all the duties of a Parent to the said child [¶] Petitioner further says, that the Mother of said child is dead.  And that the Father consents and desires that the said child shall be by Petitioner adopted [¶] The Petitioner therefore Prays the Court if satisfied that the welfare of the said Jason Edgar Winton, will be promoted by such adoption, to Decree that the said Jason Edgar Winton may assume the name of the Petitioner, viz of Jason Edgar Waid And have all the rights of child and heir of the Petitioner [next page] And be subject to the duties of such child.  And he will ever Pray[.]”  Signed J. T. Waid; sworn to and (again) subscribed before John F Morris, Prothonotary, 19 Feb. 1874; filed same day in open Court.
    [Parental consent, attached:]  “And now February 20th 1874 I consent and desire that my infant son Jason Edgar Winton shall be adopted by Jason T. Waid as his child and heir.”  Signed CHARLES WINTON.
    [Spousal consent, below:]  “And now February 20th 1874 I consent that my husband Jason T. Waid shall adopt as his child and heir Jason Edgar Winton[.]”  Signed LOUIE [sic] S. WAID.
    [Supporting affidavit, attached:]  “Avery C. Oakes[,] Jeremiah Baker, and James R. Clay, being duly sworn depo[s]e and say That they are personally and Intimately acquainted with Jason T. Waid and his family, that he is a man of excellent moral character, and that considering his said character and the character and standing of his family, in the opinion of deponent, the welfare of the infant Jason Edgar Winton will be greatly promoted by its adoption by said Waid.[¶] Deponents further say that said infant is a nephew of said Waid, that said Waid has no children of his own, and Further say not[.]”  Sworn to and subscribed A. C. Oakes, Jeremiah Baker, J R Clay before John F Morris, Prothonotary, 19 Feb. 1874.
    Granted 10 March 1874 upon hearing, named assumed is Jason Edgar Waid; [filing date not given].

#139 November Term 1874
Appearance Docket 54:622
    “The Petition of CHARLES M. JOHNSON, in said County [of Crawford] respectfully represents, That he is desirous of adopting EDITH E. DUNLAP, a child of JOHN DUNLAP, of East Fallowfield Township, and JENNETT [Janette] DUNLAP his wife as one of his heirs, and for that purpose he herein declares his said desire, and and also that he will perform all the duties of a parent to said Edith Dunlap. The petitioner therefore pray the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of said Edith Dunlap will be promoted by said adoption, with the consent of her said parents evinced by their signing this petition, to declare that the said Edith may assume the name of the petitioner viz. Edith E. Johnson, and have all the rights of a child and heir of petitioner. And be subject to the duties of a child. And &c. [next line] Aug. 8 1874[.]”  Signed C M Johnson, John Dunlap (his mark), Janette Dunlap [or Dunlop?]; sworn to (where or by whom not stated) and (again) subscribed C M Johnson before G. W. Congdon, J.P., 12 Aug. 1874 [a jurat for Charles M. Johnson on the reverse side, dated 8 Aug. 1874, was not completed].
    [Attached spousal consent:]  “I, the undersigned [blank] Johnson, wife of the above named Charles M. Johnson, do consent to and desire the adoption of Edith E. Dunlap, as prayed for in the annexed petition.”  Signed Ellen Johnson.
    [Supporting statement, below:]  “I have known Ch. M. Johnson for many years and have no hesitancy in certifying to his good character, and that he is a suitable person to have the care and education of the said Edith as his adopted child[.]”  Signed H. L. Richmond, dated 14 Sept. 1874.
    Granted 14 Sept. 1874, name changed to Edith E. Johnson; filed same day.

#25 April Term 1875
Appearance Docket 56:25
    “The petition of JOSEPH GARLACH [sic; Gerlach; “Gerloch” on cover] of the county aforesaid [Crawford] respectfully represents, That he is desirous of adopting EMMA GECKEL, a child of MICHAEL GECKEL and BARBARA [next word carreted] deceased his wife, as one of his heirs; and for that purpose he herein declares his said desire and also that he will perform all the duties of a parent to said Emma Geckel.  The petitioner there [next line] fore prays the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of said Emma Geckel will be promoted by such adoption, with the consent of Mathias H Huber Guardian of the person of said Emma Geckel, evidenced by his signing this petition, to decree that said Emma Geckel may assume the name of the petitioner viz Emma Garlach and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioner and be subject to the duties of a child And he will ever pray &c[.]”  Signed Joseph Gerlach, M H. Huber guardian of Emma Geckel [jurats below].
    [Spousal joinder, below:]  “I, Catherine Gerlach, wife of Joseph Gerlach join in the foregoing petition and desire that the same be granted.”  Signed Catherine Gerlach (her mark); Witness Jno. J. Henderson [Associate Judge].
    [Jurat, on reverse:]  “Erie County ss [next line] Mathias H Huber Guardian of Emma Geckel being duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith that the facts set forth in the foregoing petition are true to the best of his knowledge and belief[.]”  Sworn to and (again) subscribed M H Huber before M. B. Chamberlin, J.P., 27 Nov. 1874.
    [Jurat, below:]  “Crawford County ss [next line] Joseph Garlach being duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith that the facts set forth in the foregoing petition are true to the best of his knowledge and belief[.]”  Sworn to [in Crawford Co.] and (again) subscribed Joseph Gerlach before William Pentz, J.P., 30 Nov. 1874.
    [Affidavit and consent, attached:]  “Mathias H. Huber being duly sworn says that he is the grandfather and guardian of the said Emma Geckel; that the said Emma is in her third year of age; that the mother of the said Emma is dead, and that deponent was appointed guardian of the said Emma, by the Orphans Court of Erie County Pennsylvania, by reason of the intemperate and dissolute character of her father Michael Geckel; that the said Emma is living with the petitioner Joseph Gerlach, in the city of Meadville; that he has read the foregoing petition of the said Joseph Gerlach and hereby gives his consent to the adoption of the said Emma by the said Joseph Gerlach. [¶] Deponent hereto annexes a certificate of his appointment as guardian of the said Emma Geckel [missing from file].”  Sworn to [in Crawford Co.] and subscribed M[?; German script?] Huler [sic; signature differs from above signatures] before R C Frey, J.P., 4 Dec. 1874.
    [Supporting affidavit, on reverse:]  “Samuel B. Dick and D. George Shryock being duly sworn say that they are well acquainted with the within named Joseph Gerlach; that he is a man of industrious and temperate habits; and that, in the opinion of the deponents, the said Emma Geckel would be well taken care of by the said Joseph Gerlach[.]”  Sworn to and subscribed Saml B. Dick, D G Shryock before G. W. Adams, Notary Public, Meadville, 10 Dec. 1874.
    Granted 29 Jan. 1875 [per cover, 16 Jan. 1875], name assumed is Emma Gerlach; [separate] decree filed 1 Feb. 1875.

#113 August Term 1875
Appearance Docket 57:113
    “The petition of JAMES E DAVISON and ELVIRA [or ELVINA?] N. [DAVISON] his wife of Richmond Township Crawford County Pa. respectfully represents, that they are desirous of adopting CHARLES H SEELY and FLORA A SEELY minor children of WILLIAM W SEELEY [sic] of Richmond Township, aforesaid, deceased, that both the parents of said children are dead, and that Joel Maryott of said [sic] is their Guardian by appointment of the Orphans Court of said County.  That the said Charles is now about sixteen years of age, and the said Flora A. about fourteen, that both of said children have live [sic] with your petitioner for the last ten years and been supported and maintained by them during all that time. [¶] For the purpose aforesaid your petitioner[edge of paper] herein declare their desire to adopt said children and also that they will perform all the duties of parents to them, the said Charles H Seely and Flora A Seely, And pray the Court if satisfied that the welfare of the said Charles, and Flora will be promoted by such adoption, and with the consent of the aforesaid Guardian signified by his petition herein annexed, to decree that the said Charles H. Seely and Flora A Seely may assume the name of your petitioners, viz Charls H Davison and Flora A Davison and have all the rights of children and heirs of said petitioners and be subject to the duties of such children.”  Signed James E. Davison, Elvira N Davison; sworn to and (again) subscribed (by both) before Horace C Rounds, J.P., 31 May 1875.
    [Guardian’s joinder, below:]  “I Joel Maryott, Guardian of the above named Charles H Seely and Flora A Seely, hereby unite in the above petition, beleiving [sic] that the decree prayed for, will be for the advantage of said Children.”  Signed Joel Maryott [no jurat].
    [Children’s joinder, below:]  “We unite in the above petition and desire the prayer thereof to be granted.”  Signed Charles H Seely, Flora. A. Seely.
    [Supporting affidavit, below:]  “John F. Wikoff and L J Hayse being duly sworn say that they are well acquainted with James E Davison and Elvira N, his wife, the above petitioners, that they are proper persons to have the care and custody of the said Charles H Seely and Flora A Seely, and that in their opinion the welfare of said child will be promoted by the decree prayed for.”  Sworn to and subscribed John F. Wikoff, L. J. Hays before Horace C Rounds, J.P., 31 May 1875.
    Granted 7 June 1875, names assumed are Charles H Davison and Flora A Davison; [filing date not given].

#65 January Term 1877
Appearance Docket 63:65
    “The petition of HOMER M. SACKETT of Saegertown, said county of Crawford respectfully represents that he is desirous of adopting JESSE LEE– a child without known parents– as one of his heirs and for that purpose, he herein declares his said desire and also that he will perform all the duties of a parent to the said Jesse Lee, the petitioner further represents that he has supported said child in his family for over five months who had been previously in the Crawford County Infirmary for the poor a Charitable Institution supported by said county that said child is a little over one year old from the best information your petitioner can obtain in relation thereto– [¶] The petitioner therefore prays the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of the said Jesse Lee will be promoted by such and with the consent of the Commissioners of the said Crawford County Infirmary who are en officio drectors [sic] of the poor, signified by their written consent hereto attached– a record of the same having been made in the records of said Commissioners office, to decree that said Jesse Lee may assume the name of the petitioner viz Jesse Lee Sacket and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioner and be subject to the duties of such child[.]”  Signed Homer M. Sackett; sworn to and again subscribed before J N McCloskey [J.P.] 18 Dec. 1876.
    [Consent, below:]  “The undersigned Commissioners of Crawford County respectfully represent to your Honorable Court that they are acquainted with Homer M. Sackett the within named petitioner applying for the adoption of Jesse Lee as his child– that they deem him a suitable and proper person to have the care, custody and education of said child and respectfully recommend your Honorable Court to decree the adoption of said child as prayed for in said Homer M. Sacett [sic][.]”  Signed G. W. Congdon, Jos Scowden, Commissioners [undated].
    [Supporting affidavit, attached:]  “George R. Wilson being duly sworn says that he is well acquainted with Homer M. Sackett the above named petitioner, applying for the adoption of Jesse Lee as his child, that said Homer M. is a suitable and proper person to have the care and training of such child as he verily believes[.]”  Sworn to and subscribed Geo R Wilson before J. N. McCloskey [J.P.], 18 Dec. 1896.
    Granted 18 Dec. 1876, name assumed is Jesse Lee Sackett; filed 19 Dec. 1876.

#75 January Term 1877
Appearance Docket 63:75
    “The petition of HENRY W. GROSS of Meadville, Crawford County, respectfully represents, That he is desirous of adopting WILLIAM HENRY MARTIN a child of WILLIAM MARTIN and [blank] MARTIN, that said William Henry Martin is only about five months old whose mother [blank] is now deceased, that said William Martin the father of said child has abandoned and deserted his said child and is reported to be a recless [sic] intemperate and worthless person, that your petitioner his [sic; has?] now the care and possession of said child to prevent it from being sent to the County poor house, that he desires to make him one of his heirs, and for that purpose he herein declares his said desire and also that he will perform all the duties of a parent to said William Henry Martin– [¶] The petitioner therefore prays the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of said William Henry Martin will be promoted by such adoption, to decree that the said William Henry Martin may assume the name of the petitioner viz, William Henry Gross, and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioner and be subject to the duties of a child. [¶] And he will &c[.]”  Signed Henry. W. Gross; sworn to and again subscribed before J. N. McCloskey, J.P., 21 Dec. 1876.
    [Consent, below:]  “The undersigned Commissioners of Crawford County, respectfully represent, that they are acquainted with Henry W. Gross the above named petitioner applying to your Honorable court for permission to adopt William Henry Martion [sic] as his child and heir, and from their best information and belief, deem him a suitable person to have the care, training and education of said child, and therefore recommend the adoption of him to be decreed as prayed for by said petitioner[.]”  Signed O. H. Hollister Clerk “By Order of Directors of the Poor, & Co Comrs.
    Granted 26 Dec. 1876, name assumed is William Henry Gross; [filing date not given].

#192 April Term 1877
Appearance Docket 64:192
    “The petition of W. F. MCLEAN and ANNA M his wife of the Borough of Evansburg in said County [of Crawford].  respectfully represents, That they are desirous of adopting EDWARD OAKLY [sic; OAKLEY] a son of WILLIAM OAKLY of Dowagiac Cass County Michigan, as one of their heirs: and for that purpose, they herein declare their said desire. and also that they will perform all the duties of a parents to said Edward Oakly.  The petitioners therefore pray the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of said child will be promoted by such adoption with the consent of the said William Oakly – (the wife of said William Oakly & mother of said Child being dead)– evidenced by his signing this petition. to decree that the said Edward Oakly may assume the name of the petitioner viz Edward Oakly McLean and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioners and subject to the duties of a child.”  Sworn to and subscribed W. F. McLean, Annie M. McLean before Robtt Scott, J.P., 31 Jan. 1877.
    [Father’s consent, below:]  “I William Oakly the father of said Edward Oakly hereby unite in the above petition and ask that the prayer thereof be granted.”nbsp; Signed Wm. H. Oakley.
    Granted 21 Feb. 1877, name assumed Edward Oakley McLean; filed 14 March 1877.

#106 August Term 1877
Appearance Docket 65:106
    “The petition of JOHN WESLEY BAKER of Richmond Township, Crawford County, Penn’a, respectfully represents: That he is desirous of adopting MAGGIE E. PETTEGREW, a child of ROBERT PETTEGREW and MARTHA PETTEGREW: that said Maggie E. Pettegrew was five years of the [sic] 4th day of September last past: that its mother deserted her husband – the said Rob’t Pettegrew – and two children, of which the said Maggie was one, over nearly three years ago, and has since been, and now is, living with another man, in Warren County: that the said Robert Pettegrew desired your petitioner to take and keep said Maggie: that your petitioner did so take her in January 1875, and has been keeping and taking care of the said Maggie since that time: that he now desires to make her one of his heirs, and for that purpose he hereby declares his said desire, and also that he will perform all the duties of a parent to the said Maggie E. Pettegrew. Your petitioner therefore prays the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of the said Maggie E. Pettegrew will be promoted by such adoption, to decree that the said Maggie E. Pettegrew may assume the name of your petitioner, viz: Maggie E. Baker, and have all the rights of a child and heir of this petitioner, and be subject to the duties of such child.“  Signed John W Baker; sworn to and again subscribed John W Baker before A J McQuiston, Prothonotary, 15 Feb. 1877.
    [Father’s affidavit, below:]  “Rob’ L. Pettegrew, being duly sworn says:  the facts and statements set forth in the foregoing petition are correct and true: that at the time said Baker took the said Maggie in 1875, he was not able to take proper care of her: that she was not yet three years of age when her mother deserted your deponent: that her mother has never returned to see or care for said child since deserting her: that deponent is not now able to take proper care of her– he having no home and working from place to place: that Jno. W. Baker, the petitioner is a suitable person to have the care, training and education of said child.  He therefore prays the Court for the adoption of the said Maggie E. Pettegrew as prayed for in the above petition.” ; Sworn to and subscribed Robert L Pettegrew before A J McQuiston, Prothonotary, 15 Feb. 1877.
    [Witness affidavits, below:  “R. Ed. Ashley & C. B. Sellew, being duly sworn says that they are well acquainted with Jno. W. Baker, the within named petitioner: that the petitioner is a sober, industrious man of good moral character and excellent habits, and that he is a suitable and proper person to have the care, custody, training and education of the said Maggie E. Pettegrew, for whose adoption he prays the Court.”; Sworn to and subscribed R. Ed. Ashley, C B. Sellew before A J McQuiston, Prothonotary, 16 Feb. 1877.
    Granted 21 Feb. 1877, name assumed is Maggie E. Baker; filed 22 May 1877.

#55 January Term 1878
Appearance Docket 67:55
    “The petitioner C. A. LOWREY, respectfully represents that he is desirous of adopting LUTIE W. COBB, aged five years, a child of CHAS COBB and ANNIE E COBB, his wife of the City of Meadville Pa. (said Annie E Cobb, now being the wife of the petitioner C. A Lowrey,) As one of his heirs and for that purpose he herein declares his said desire. And also that he will perform all the duties of a Parent to the said Lutie W Cobb. [¶] The petitioner therefore prays the Court if satisfied that the welfare of the said Lutie W. Cobb will be promoted by such adoption with the consent of the Parents of the said Lutie W Cobb, evidenced by signing this petition. to declare that the said Lutie W. Cobbl may assume the name of the petitioner viz Lutie W Lowrey. And have all of the rights of a child and heir of the petitioner and be subject to the duties of a child [¶] And he will pray &c.”  Sworn to and subscribed C A Lowery [sic], Mrs Anna Lowrey[?] before A J McQuiston, Prothonotary, 10 Dec. 1877.
Granted 10 Dec. 1877 [no separate decree **the Court orders that the prayer of the Petitioner be granted as prayed for Per Cur; named changed to Lutie W. Lowrey]; filed 11 Dec. 1877.

#89 November Term 1878
Appearance Docket 70:89
    “The Petition of JOHN SCHECK of Titusville in said County of Crawford respectfully represents. [¶] That he is desirous of adopting HENRY HARLEY WILKISON a child without parents (they being now deceased) as one of heirs; and for that purpose he herein declares his said desire and also that he will perform all the duties of parent to the said Henry Harley Wilkison. [¶] That Samuel Wilkison a half-brother of JONATHAN WILKISON the Father of said child is and is acting as his next friend. [¶] The Petitioner therefore prays the Court if satisfied that the welfare of the said Henry Harley Wilkison will be promoted by such adoption and with the consent of the aforesaid Samuel Wilkison signified hereto to decree that said Henry Harley Wilkison may assume the name of Henry Harley Scheck. and have all the rights of a child and heir of the Petitioner and be subject to the duties of such child. [¶] Said Henry Harley Wilkison was three years of age May [date carreted] 25th 1878.”  Signed John Scheck; sworn to and again subscribed before M. J. Heywang, Notary Public, Titusville, 12 Sept. 1878.
    [Affidavit, below:]  “Samuel Wilkison of Shenango Township, Lawrence County Pa. respectfully states to the Court That he is half brother of Jonathan Wilkison who died at Titusville, Crawford Co Pa in [blank] last leaving a widow and five children of whom Henry Harley Wilkison was one. that the said widow has since died[.] That neither the Father or mother left any property except a few household articles. [¶] That he is the nearest relative of said children so situated as to look after their interests, and has visited Titusville several times for that purpose. That he believes it will be for the interest and welfare of said Henry Harley Wilkison that he be adopted by John Scheck as his child. and as next friend of said child he hereby consents to the foregoing Petition and such adoption[.]”  Sworn to (in Crawford County) and subscribed Samuel Wilkison before O. H. Judd, J.P., 12 Sept. 1878.
    [Separate supporting affidavit, filed 16 Sept. 1878:]  “Rev Jason N Fradenburg [sic; Fradenburgh] being duly sworn says. That he is and for two years – last past has been Pastor of the Methodist Church of Titusville in said County.  That he is and for nine months   last past has been acquainted with John Scheck and also his wife. who are attendants at said Church. said John and wife are both members of our church. [¶] That said John Scheck is a Boiler maker and iron riveter by trade and has been regularly employed as such since he came to Titusville. or since I have known him. [next page] He has the reputation of being a faithful workman and both appear to be persons of correct character and conduct during the nine months I have known them. [¶] That Mrs Scheck appears to be a woman of superior intelligence and in opinion of affiant would take good care of a child. [¶] That said Scheck and wife have no children. [¶] That he would regard it for the welfare of the child whom they propose to adopt to be adopted and become a part of their family.”  Signed J. N. Fradenburgh; “Subscribed and sworn to before me,” Mark J. Heywang, Notary Public, Titusville, 12 Sept. 1878.
    [Separate supporting affidavit, filed 16 Sept. 1878:]  “Lewis B Silliman being duly sworn deposes and says [¶] That he has resided in Titusville more than 13 years last past and the last six – years has been [next two words carreted] connected with and now is Cashier of Roberts & Co Banking House. [¶] That he knows Henry Harley Wilkison. knew his Parents for the past two years and more  The Father was mason by trade. was taken sick with consumption and so continued till March last about 8 to 12 months when he died about March last [¶] That his wife went into a rapid decline soon after and died leaving five children. four of whom have been in the Sunday School (Presbyterian) of which he is Superintendent – and since the Parents death and before he has aided in the care and support of the children and has often been at the house where they lived. [¶] That he knows John Scheck and wife to some extent personally. and quite well by reputation and feeling an interest in the welfare of said children he believes it will be a good place for said Henry H Wilkison to be adopted by Mr Scheck as his child[.]”  Sworn to and subscribed Lewis B Silliman before Mark J. Hegwang, Notary Public, Titusville, 13 Sept. 1878
    [Supporting affidavit, below:]  “E K Thompson being duly sworn says. He has resided in Titusville over thirteen years last past – and has been in the general drug business during that time – that he knows the family of Jonathan Wilkison and has known them well for over six years [¶] and has lived near them most of the time and often been at the house.  That Samuel Wilkison so far as affiant knows is the only relative so interested as to look after said children and has recently taken two of them home with him. [¶] Affiant knows John Scheck and wife but has not known them very long.  From what he knows personally and by reputation he would recommend their proposed adoption of Henry Harly Wilkison one of these children[.]”  Signed E. K. Thompson; “Subscribed and sworn to before me,” O. H. Judd, J.P., 14 Sept. 1878.
    Granted 16 Sept. 1878 [no separate decree; name changed to Henry Harley Scheck; filing date not given].
[Typed letter on stationery of Gwinn & Pell, Counsellors at Law, 522 Fifth Avenue, New York, dated 19 Dec. 1929 and addressed to Clerk of the Orphans Court of Crawford County, Meadville, re: Estate of Ida M. Haslett, Deceased, with envelope postmarked Grand Central Station same day:]  “We are endeavoring to trace the whereabouts of a brother of the above named decedent.  This brother, whose name is Harley Wilkison, was born in Titusville, Pennsylvania, and is reputed to have been adopted by John and Mary Scheck (or Scheek) some time between 1879 and 1884. [¶] The information which we have at hand indicates that this adoption was had by regular legal proceedings, and we further understand that a record of the adoption is on file in the County records, which we presume would be in the Orphans Court. [¶] We would appreciate it if you would advise us whether you have any record of such an adoption, and, if so, what the cost of procuring a transcript thereof would be.  If the cost is not too great, it may be that we would want to have a transcript thereof. [¶] Return addressed envelope is enclosed for your reply. [¶] Thanking you, we are [¶] Very truly yours,” signed Gwinn & Pell and initialed JFL:DF.
[Attached response of Prothonotary, indicating the case number and $5 fee for an exemplification]
[Attached cover letter dated 27 Dec. 1929 enclosing the $5 fee, with handwritten note at bottom: “mailed exemp. Dec 30/29”]

[Typed letter on plain paper addressed to County Clerk of Crawford County, Meadville, dated 22 Dec. 1929, bearing an address at the bottom of Mrs. Harley A. Cook, 1104 Ditmas Avenue, Brooklyn, N.Y.:]  “Please send me at your earliest possible convenience a certified copy of the adoption papers of Henry Harley Wilkison by John and Mary Scheck (or Sheck) at Titusville, Pa., about the year 1876-7 or possible later. [¶] I would greatly appreciate it if you would send them to me soon, as they are to be used in connection with the settlement of an estate. [¶] Kindly let me know the cost of the same and I will send a check promptly.”  Signed Emma Wilkinson Cook.
[Prothonotary’s response dated 30 Dec. 1929, enclosing exemplification]

#90 November Term 1878
Appearance Docket 70:90
    “The Petition of THOMAS ROBINSON of Titusville in said County of Crawford respectfully represents – [¶] That he is desirous of adopting EMMA WILKISON a child without parents (they being now deceased) as one of his heirs : and for that purpose he herein declares his said desire and also that he will perform all the duties of a parent to the said Emma Wilkison.  That Samuel Wilkison a half-brother of JONATHAN WILKISON the Father of said Emma is and is acting as her next friend. [¶] The Petitioner therefore prays the Court if satisfied that the welfare of the said Emma Wilkison will be promoted by such adoption and with the consent of the aforesaid Samuel Wilkison signified hereto, to decree that said Emma Wilkison may assume the name of Petitioner viz of Emma Robinson and have all the rights of a child and heir of the Petitioner and be subject to the duties of such child. Said Emma Wilkison was six years old January 12, 1878.”  Signed Thos Robinson; “Subscribed and sworn to before” M. J. Heywang, Notary Public, Titusville, 12 Sept. 1878.
    [Supporting affidavit, below:] “Samuel Wilkison, of Shenango Township, Lawrence County Pa respectfully states to the Court That he is half brother of Jonathan Wilkison who died at Titusville, Crawford Co Pa in [blank] last leaving a widow and five children of whom Emma Wilkison was one, that the said widow has since died, That neither the Father or mother left any property except a few household articles. [¶] That he is the nearest relative of said children so situated as to look after their interests and has visited Titusville several times for that purpose– [¶] That he believes it will be for the interest [next two words carreted] and welfare of said Emma Wilkison that she be adopted by Thomas Robinson as his child – and as next friend of said Emma he hereby consents to the foregoing Petition and such adoption[.]”nbsp; Sworn to (in Crawford Co.) and subscribed Samuel Wilkison before O. H. Judd, J.P., [blank] Sept. 1878.
    [Separate supporting affidavit, filed 16 Sept. 1878:]  “Lewis B Silliman being duly sworn deposes and says [¶] That he has resided in Titusville more than 13 years last past and the last six years has been [next two words carreted] connected with and now is Cashier of Roberts & Co Banking House. [¶] That he knows [‘Henry Harley’ erased] Emma Wilkison, knew her [changed from ‘his’] Parents for the past two years or more The Father was a mason by trade  he was taken sick with consumption and so continued till March last – about 8 to 12 months when he died [¶] That his wife went into a rapid decline soon after and died leaving five children four of whom have been in the Sunday School (Presbyterian) of which he is Superintendent – and since the Parents death and before he has aided in the care and support of the children and has often been at the house where they lived [¶] That he knows Thos Robinson and wife to some extent personally – and quite well by reputation and feeling an interest in the welfare of said children he believes it will be a good place for said [‘Henry Harley’ erased] Emma Wilkison to be adopted by Mr Robinson as his child[.]”  Signed Lewis B Silliman; “Subscribed and sworn to before” Mark J. Hegwang, Notary Public, Titusville, 13 Sept. 1878.
    [Separate supporting affidavit, filed 16 Sept. 1878:]  “H B Ostrom being duly sworn says  he has been acquainted with Thomas Robinson for [next word carreted] about twelve years last past – His business now is and for sometime has been that of a Treater in what is known as the Porter, Moreland and Company Refinery in Titusville [¶] That he is an industrious sober man and so far as I have knowledge or information a worthy man of good character. [¶] I have known the Wilkison family of which Emma is one, for about two years. [next line] years. – Both parents have died leaving no property except a small amount of household articles [next three words added above the line] to my knowledge – Both were members of the same Church as the undersigned.  From what I know of both families I think it would be for the welfare of said Emma to be adopted as the child of said Thomas Robinson[.]”  Signed Henry B Ostrom; “Subscribed and sworn to before” O. H. Judd, J.P., 14 Sept. 1878.
    [Supporting affidavit, below:]  “We the undersigned have been acquainted with Thomas Robinson for about eight years last past. [¶] and also his family – his wife is a very worthy woman .they have three children all boys. From what we know of them we think that their family would be a good home for a little girl and that Mr and Mrs Robinson would take good care of her and make good parents to her, [¶] We know Emma Robinson only by hearing of her, since last Spring about the time her Father died – and would consider favorably the adoption of said Emma by Mr Robinson[.]”  Signed George R Miller; “Subscribed and sworn to before” O. H. Judd, J.P., 14 Sept. 1878.
    [Supporting affidavit, below:]  “E K Thompson – wholesale and retail druggist being duly sworn says  He has lived near Jonathan Wilkison and family for more than six years – [¶] and known them well for that time – [¶] That he knows Thomas Robinson and wife – has known him full eight years. – He has been in the same Refinery for over five years as a Treater – Is a superior workman and from all he knows of both parties would recommend the Petition of said Robinson for the adoption of Emma Wilkison – as for her welfare – have often dealt with him in his purchases for the Refinery of articles in his department, and think his home an excellent place for said child.”  Signed E. K. Thompson; “Subscribed and sworn to before” O. H. Judd, J.P., 14 Sept. 1878.
    “The within Petition is granted in open court#148; 16 Sept. 1878 [no separate decree; name changed to Emma Robinson; filing date not given].

#145 February Term 1879
Appearance Docket 71:145
    “The petition of HENRY FOUST, a citizen of Hayfield Township in said County [of Crawford] respectfully showeth; [¶] That on, or about, the 12th day of July 1866, a male child, supposed to be only a few hours old, was found lying near the house of Wm Scott, in Woodcock township in said County; That said child was taken thence and committed to the Poor House, in the same County, that, about two days thereafter, your petitioner, and his wife, went to said poor House, and, by and with the consent of the Superintendent of said house, took said child and, from that time to the present, have fed, clothed and cared for said child the same as if he had been their own, That no person has ever claimed said child, or attempted, or offered, to assume any control over it, and that its parentage is unknown to your petitioner, That the said child is now nearly twelve years of age and is a fine inteligent [sic] boy, that your petitioner has no children, and is desirous of adopting said child as his heir and hereby declares that he will perform all the duties of a parent to said child. [¶] Your petitioner therefore prays the Court to decree that said child shall assume the name of Elmer Ellsworth Foust and have all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioner and be subject to the duties of a child, agreeable to the Act of Assembly in such case made and provided, and your petitioner will ever pray[.]”  Sworn to and subscribed Henry Foust before B. G. David, J.P., 23 July 1878.
    Granted 12 Aug. 1878, name assumed is Elmer Ellsworth Foust; filed 11 Jan. 1879.

#84 May Term 1879
Appearance Docket 72:84
    “The petition of JOHN F. TEEGE and ANNA S. [TEEGE] his wife, of the City of Titusville in said County [of Crawford], respectfully represents: [¶] That they are desirous of adopting HARRY MCLAUGHLIN, who is of the age of less than two years, but will be of that age on the 4th day of January 1879, who now lives with your petitioners in said Titusville. [¶] That said Harry McLaughlin is the child of MARGARET MCLAUGHLIN, who joins in this petition, and has no father. [¶] Your petitioners declare their intention and desire and that they will perform all the duties of a parent to said Harry McLaughlin. [¶] Your petitioners therefore pray your Honor, if satisfied that the welfare of said Harry Mc will be promoted by such adoption to decree that that [sic] the said Harry McLaughlin may assume the name of petitioners, viz:– Harry Teege, and have all the rights of a child and heir of petitioners and be subject to the duties of a child. [¶] Dated Titusville, Pa. December 19. 1878.”  Signed John Teege, Anna Teege, Maggie M. Laughlin; sworn to and again subscribed (by all three) before Simon Strauss, J.P., 19 Dec. 1878.
    Granted 17 March 1879, name assumed is Harry Teege; filed same day.

#138 May Term 1879
Appearance Docket 72:138
    “The petition of JOHN J. YOUNG and Mrs A. P. YOUNG [next two words carreted] his wife of Meadville Crawford County Pa respectfully represents: [¶] That they are desirous of adopting HATTIE DEICHMAN a child of HARRY DEICHMAN and MARY DEICHMAN his wife, as one of their heirs: and for that purpose they herein declare their said desire, and also that they will perform all the duties of parents to said Hattie Deichman.  That the said Hattie Deichman is now about one year and eight months of age.  That her father the said Harry Deichman absconded frome the country before her birth and is still absent, and her mother the said Mary Deichman is a resident of Meadville. [¶] The petitioners therefore pray the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of the said Hattie Deichman will be promoted by such adoption, with the consent of said Mary Deichman, evidenced by her signing this petition, to decree that the said Hattie Deichman may assume the name of the petitioners viz: Hattie Young, and have all all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioners and be subject to the duties of a child. And they will ever pray &c.”  Signed John Jay Young, Anna. P. Young, Mary, J. Deichman; sworn to (by all three) and again subscribed before George W. Adams, Notary Public, Meadville, 18 Jan. 1877.
    Granted 3 Feb. 1879, name assumed is Hattie Young; filed 4 May [written over “April”] 1879.

#9 February Term 1880
Appearance Docket
    “The petition of WILLIAM WIRT CHASE of the City of Titusville, County of Crawford respectfully represents:  That he is desirous of adopting ETHEL HOFF a child of WILLIAM H. HOFF, of said City of Titusville, as one of his heir: And for that purpose, he herein declares his said desire, and also that he will perform all the duties of a parent to said Ethel Hoff. The petitioner therefore prays the Court if satisfied that the welfare of said Ethel Hoff will be promoted by such adoption, with the consent of the said W H. Hough, evidenced by his signing this petition, to decree that the said Ethel Hoff, may assume the name of the petitioner viz: Ethel Hoff Chase, and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioner, and be subject to the duties of a child. [¶] And your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray &c. [next line] October 29th 1879[.]”  Signed Wm Wirt Chase, W W Hoff; sworn to (by William Wirt Chase) and subscribed by Wm. Wirt. Chase before Joseph T. Chase, Notary Public, Titusville, 29 Oct. 1879.
    [Father’s affidavit and consent, below:]  “On this 29th day of October A. D. 1879, before me a Notary Public within and for said County personally came, William H. Hoff, who being by me duly sworn, says that he is the father of Ethel Hoff and was the husband of LOUISA R. HOFF, late of the City of Titusville, who died in said City May 4th 1879 leaving surviving her Five Children.  That said Ethel Hoff, is the youngest of said Children, and is now in her fourth year, having been born in the City of Titusville September 2nd A. D. 1876.  That since the death of his said wife, Wm Wirt Chase the petitioner above named, has had, the care and support of his said child Ethel Hoff.  And he is desirous that said Ethel Hoff, be adopted as the child of said William Wirt Chase, and as one of his heirs, and believes that the welfare of said Ethel Hoff will be promoted by such adoption[.]”  Sworn to and subscribed William H Hoff before Joseph T. Chase, Notary Public, Titusville, 29 Oct. 1879.
    Granted 10 Nov. 1879, name assumed is Ethel Hoff Chase; [filing date not given].

#30 May Term 1880
Appearance Docket ___
    “The petition of C N. DANIELS of Spring [next word carreted] Township Boro Crawford County Pa respectfully represents [next line] That he desirous of adopting FLOY HILLS a child of WILSON HILLS of Spring Township and VIOLA HILLS his wife, as one of his heirs; and for that purpose he herein declares his said desire, and also that he will perform all the duties of a parent to said Floy Hills. [¶] The petitioner therefore pays [sic] the Court; if satisfied that the welfare of said Floy Hills will be promoted by such adoption, with the consent of the said Viola Hills mother of said Floy Hills evidenced by her signing this petition, to decree that the said Floy Hills may assume the name of the petitioner viz Floy Daniels and have and enjoy all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioner and be subject to the duties of a child. And he will ever pray &c[.]”  sworn to and subscribed C. N. Daniels, Viola Hills before E. A. Tinny, J.P., 19 Feb. 1880.
    [Attached supporting affidavit:]  “S.S. McBride and R.D. Bacon Being duly sworn according to law deposes and says they are personally acquainted with C N Daniels the above named petitioner & have known him a number of years  That he is a proper person to adopt and have the care and education of the said Floy Hills and is abundantly able to discharge the duties & responsibilities of a faithful parent to said Floy Hills. That Wilson Hills the father of said Floy Hills has absented himself from his wife & children since last October and left them in destitute circumstances and wholly dependant [sic] upon said Viola Hills the wife for their support [next line] That said Wilson Hills whereabouts is unknown to his family & neighbors.”  Sworn to and subscribed R D Bacon, S. S. McBride before E. A. Tinny, J.P., 19 Feb. 1880.
    [Separate consent and affidavit:]  “Before me a justice of the peace in & for said County [of Crawford] personally appeared Viola Hills wife of Wilson Hills & mother of Floy Hills who being sworn according to law deposes and says she is personally acquainted with C N Daniels of Spring Township & has known him a number of years. [next line] That she is desirous that he should adopt her said daughter Floy Hills as his heir at law & respectfully asks the Court to make such decree [next line[ That on the 10 Day of Oct 1879 her said husband absented himself from his home & family & has failed to support & maintain them and that they are in destitute circumstances and wholly dependant upon [next two words carreted] her the said Viola Hills for their support.  That she has not heard from her said husband & does not know his whereabouts[.]”  Sworn to and subscribed Viola Hills before E. A. Tinny, J.P., 19 Feb. 1880; filed 24 Feb. 1880.
    Granted 24 Feb. 1880, name assumed is Floy Daniels; filed same day.
    [Petition to vacate order:]  “The petition of Elmina A. Daniels respectfully represents, that upon a petition duly presented to your Honor in No. 30 May Term A.D. 1880, as by reference to the Records in said Case will more fully show, Floy Hills, a minor daughter of Wilson and Viola Hills, was adopted by a decree made in said case, as a child and heir of C. N. Daniels, who was the husband of your petitioner. That the said adopted child has continued to reside with your petitioner ever since the said decree of adoption, and still continues to reside with her. [¶] Your petitioner further represents that her husband, the said C. N. Daniels, died on the 25th day of July AD. 1885, at Albion, Erie Co. Pa., intestate and insolvent. That the whole amount of [next word carreted] personal property left by the said decedent inventoried at only two hundred and sixty four Dollars, which under the intestate laws of Pennsylvania was given to your petitioner by the Orphans’ Court of said County of Erie.  That her said husband at the time of his death was possessed of no real-estate whatever. [¶] Your petitioner further represents that she is in poor health, in dependent circumstances, and has been compelled to return to her father’s house in Cussewago Township Crawford County, where she and her adopted daughter the said Floy Daniels, are now living supported and maintained by her father. [¶] Your petitioner further represents that Wilson Hills, the father of the said Floy Daniels, has signified his desire and willingness to support, maintain and care for his daughter, provided your Honor will vacate the decree of adoption by which the said Floy Hills became the daughter [next six words carreted] of the said C. N. Daniels, and assumed the name of Floy Daniels.  That while your petitioner is very much attached to her [changed from “the,” or vice-versa] adopted child, she believes it to be for the interest and highest good of the child that said decree be vacated and the father be permitted to support, maintain and educate her as he is able and willing to do. [¶] Your petitioner further represents that she is entirely unable to support her adopted child by reason of ill health and having by the death of her said husband been left in indigent circumstances, that her said adopted daughter was nine years old on the 25th day of July 13th day of August last and needs more care and providing for than is in the power of your petitioner to give. [next line] She therefore prays your Honor to vacate said decree that the said child may assume the name of her parents & she will ever pray &c.”  Sworn to and subscribed Elmina A Daniels before J. S. Bail, J.P., 5 Nov. 1885; filed 9 Nov. 1885.
    [Supporting affidavit, below:]  “Albert B. Hills, being duly sworn according to law, says, I reside in Spring Township, said County, have read the petition of Elmina A. Daniels and know the statements made therein are true. The said Floy Daniels is my granddaughter, her father, Wilson Hills, being my son. Mrs. Daniels, was left by the death of her husband in indigent circumstances, and although strongly attached to her adopted daughter, she is unable to provide for her.  My son is abundantly able and willing to provide for his daughter, and I believe it to be for the best interest of the child that the decree of adoption in this case be vacated, I therefore recommend your Honor to vacate said decree of adoption whereby the said Floy Hills became Floy Daniels.”  Sworn to and subscribed Albert. B. Hills before J. S. Bail, J.P., 5 Nov. 1885.
    [Attached:]  “The petition of Wilson Hills, respectfully represents that in proceedings instituted in Your Honorable Court in No. 30 May Tr. 1880, Floy Hills a daughter of your petitioner, was in due form of law made the adopted child of C. N. Daniels, and from that time has borne the name of the adopted parents.  That the said C. N. Daniels died on or about the 25th day of July AD. 1885, intestate and insolvent, leaving no estate out of which the said adopted child can be supported. That your petitioner is able and willing to care for & support said child, and he therefore prays your Honor to vacate the said decree of adoption.  And he will ever pray &c.”  Sworn to at Westchester Co., N.Y. and subscribed Wilson Hills before John Knol, J.P., 5 Nov. 1885.
    [Attached:]  “The petition of ALTA. V. HOTCHKISS respectfully represents that your petitioner is the mother of Floy Daniels [see Crawford Co. Court of Common Pleas No. 1 February Term 1883, Alta Viola Hills [nèe Hotchkiss] v. Wilson Hills, divorced 5 June 1883], who became the adopted daughter of C. N. Daniels, by decree of your Honorable Court, upon the petition of the said Daniels and at the request of your petitioner.  Your petitioner further represents that at the time of said proceedings of adoption she was unable to provide for her said child and that she is still unable to do so, but that the father of said child, Wilson Hills, is able and willing to provide for her provided the decree of adoption shall be vacated by your Honor. The statements set forth in the petition of the said Elmina A. Daniels are true, and she is unable to provide for her adopted daughter, and your petitioner believes it to be for the very best interests of her child, the said Floy Daniels, that the decree of adoption be vacated, and she be permitted to assume the name of her natural parents. [¶] Your petitioner therefore asks your Honor to vacate the order made in this case, and she will ever pray. &c.”  Sworn to and subscribed Alta V. Hotchkiss before J. S. Bail, J.P., 5 Nov. 1885.
    Granted 3 Dec. 1885, “ and the said Floy Daniels may resume the name ofgiven [next two words carreted] her by her natural parents Wilson and Viola Hills,” [i.e., Floy Hills; filing date not given].

#57 May Term 1880
Appearance Docket
    “The Petition of I C WILCOX of the township of Rockdale and County aforesaid [Crawford] respectfully represents that he is desirous of adopting ROSA C HENRY an orphan child of A D HENRY [and] OIRILIA A HENRY his wife both deceased–as one of his heirs, and for that purpose he herein declares his said desire and also that he will perform all the duties of a parent to the said. Rosa C Henry: The petitioner further states that said child is now about seven years old and that he has kept supported & maintained said child in his family since she was four months old, [¶] The petitioner therefore prays the Court if satisfied that the welfare of the said Rosa C Henry will be promoted by such adoption, to decree that the said Rosa C Henry. may assume the name of the petitioner, viz that of Rosa C Wilcox and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioner and be subject to the duties of such child & he will ever pray &c[.]”  Signed I. C. Wilcox; sworn to and again subscribed before Win S Rose, Prothonotary, 3 March 1880.
    [Consent, below, dated 3 March 1880:]  “I Daniel McQueen Guardian of said Rosa C Henry hereby Certify that I am acquainted with the petitioner I C Wilcox and the facts set forth in the petition and I believe the welfare of the said Rosa C Henry will be promoted by the adoption above prayed for and as her Guardian hereby give my assent to the adoption of the said minor into the family of the petitioner[.]”&bnsp; Signed Daniel McQueen (Guardian)
    Granted 8 March 1880, named assumed is Rosa C. Wilcox; [filing date not given].

#77 September Term 1880
Appearance Docket 77:77
    “The petition of CHARLES CANNELL [next four words carreted] and ELIZABETH, his wife, of the City of Titusville in said County of Crawford respectfully represents, [¶] That they are [changed from ‘he is’] desirous of adopting FRANKIE M. HARRIS, who is of the age of fifteen years, who resides and has resided with your petitioners about ten years at Titusville. [¶] That said Frankie M. Harris’ mother died at her birth, and her surviving parent, her father, is DAVID A. HARRIS, who resides at Castle-Rock Township, Dacota County, State of Minnesota, but who is at present in Titusville aforesaid, and joins in this petition. [¶] Your petitioners declare [changed from ‘declares’] their [changed from ‘his’] desire and also that they [changed from ‘he’] will perform all the duties of a parent to said Frankie M. Harris. [¶] Your petitioners therefore prays the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of said Frankie M. Harris will be promoted by such adoption, to decree that the said Frankie M. Harris may assume the name of the petitoners, viz:–Frankie M. Cannell, and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioners and be subject to the duties of a child. Dated Titusville, Pa. March 2. 1878.”  signed Charles Cannell, David A Harris, Elizabeth Cannell; sworn to (by all three) and again subscribed before J. J. Holden, J.P., 2 March 1878.
    Granted 19 June 1878, name assumed is Frankie M Cannell; filed 22 June 1880.
[Enclosed handwritten letter on stationery of I. L. Shank, Manufacturer and Dealer in lumber, etc., Titusville, dated at Titusville 4 March 1922, and addressed to Clerk of Court:]  “Some where about 44 years ago, my wife was legally adopted by Chas Cannell of Titusville as his daughter, her name then being Frankie M. Cannell. I wish you’d send me just as soon as possible a certified copy of those adoption papers, send me bill of the costs, and I will remit or send the bill with the papers and I will send ck.& am in a big hurry for them / Yours truly[,]” signed C. F. Shank, 416 E. Main St., Titusville.
#89 November Term 1880
Appearance Docket 78:89
    “The Petition of GEO. F. ELLIS, of the city of Meadville, [next five words carreted] & LIZZIE E. his wife would respectfully represent,  That they are desirous of adopting ETHEL [SMITH], a child of Mrs. NELLIE SMITH of Salamanca, New York, (whose father has seperated [sic] himself from his wife, and gone to parts unknown, for more than one year, as one of their heirs, and for that purpose they herein declare their said desire, and also that they will perform all the duties of a parent to said Ethel. He therefore prays the Court if satisfied that the welfare of the said child will be promoted by said adoption, with the consent of the said Nellie Smith evidenced by her signing this petition, to decree that the said Ethel may assume the name of your petitioners, viz Ethel Ellis, and have all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioners and be subject to the duties of a child. And they will &c.”  Signed George F. Ellis, Lizzie E. Ellis, Mrs Nellie Smith now Mohr [no jurat].
    [Parental consent, below:]  “The within named Nellie Smith (now Nellie Mohr) agrees to and desires the adoption of her child Ethel by Geo. F Ellis, as within prayed for, and her present husband, H. Mohr assents thereto, as evidenced by his signing this agreement.”  Signed with (1) the mark of H. Mohr, Witness Fannie M. Morrison, (2) with the mark of Henry Mohr, Witness Joseph Mohr, and (3) Mrs Nellie Mohr [undated].
    Granted 19 Oct. 1880, name assumed is Ethel Ellis; [filing date not given].

#50 February Term 1881
Appearance Docket 79:50
    “[Preprinted Committee on Receiving and Giving Out Children form:]  “Your Petitoners, HOMER E POWELL & LAURA POWELL wife of said Homer E Powell respectfully represent to your Honor that they are residents of Meadville County of Crawford and State of Pennsylvania and that they petition your Court for permission to adopt as their own child ERNEST SINCLAIR aged Two (2) years, on the Nineteenth (19) day of August A. D. 1880; and that your petitioners further represent that said chld was at the age of Nineteen (19) months bound to the Trustees of the Cleveland Protestant Orphan Asylum, and that said Trustees, acting in the capacity of Guardian to said child, freely give their consent to said adoption, as expressed in their formal declaration attached to this petition. [¶] Your Petitioners further represent that they are in comfortable circumstances, and have the means to bring up and educate said child in a suitable and proper manner, and promise, if the prayer of this petition be granted by the Court, to treat said child with kindness, and give such moral instruction and good example as parents in christian communities give their own children, and will at least give him an opportunity to acquire a good common school education.  And it is their wish and promise that the said child shall be heir to their estate and property, the same as if he was their own, born in lawful wedlock. [¶] And your Petitioners further ask that the name of said child be changed from Ernest Sinclair to Ernest G. Powell [¶] In Witness Whereof, we have hereunto set our hands, this 21st day of Sept 1880, at Meadville, Pa.“  Signed Homer E Powell, Laura A Powell [“Witness” line left blank]; sworn to (by Homer E. Powell only) and subscribed H. E. Powell before Win S. Rose, Prothonotary, 6 Dec. 1880.
    [Attached consent, on preprinted form:]  “In the Matter of the Adoption of Ernest Sinclair In the Probate Court of Crawford County, and State of Pennsylvania [next line] And now come Joseph Perkins Henry Chisholm & J H Wade Trustees of the Cleveland Protestant Orphan Asylum, and in answer to the petition of Homer E Powell & Laura A Powell in this case, say that they have examined said petition, and believe that the facts and allegations set forth are true, and that they know of no reason why said Adoption should not, by the Court, be permitted; and further, that they freely give their consent that the said Ernest Sinclair be, by said Petitioners, adopted; and that the name of said child be changed from Edward Sinclair to Ernest G Powell as prayed for in said petition. [next line] Cleveland, O. Sept. 21 1880[.]”  Signed Henry Chisholm, J. H. Wade, Jos Perkins, Trustees of the Cleveland Protestant Orphan Asylum; “Countersigned this 21st day of Sept 1880 [signed] Jos Perkins, President Board Trustees.
    Granted 6 Dec. 1880, named assumed is Ernest G. Powell; filed same day.

#51 February Term 1881
Appearance Docket 79:51
    “The petition of CHARLES W TODD of Blooming valley County of Crawford, Respectfully represents. [¶] That he is desirous of adoptiong HENRY W MILLER a child of MARY MILLER of Meadville Pa as one of his heirs and for that purpose herein declares his said desire and also that he will perform all the duties of a parent to said Henry W Miller. That said child was born to Mary Miller with out lawful wedlock. [¶] The petitioner therefore prays the Court if satisfied that the welfare of the said Henry W Miller will be promoted by such adoption with the evidence of Mary Miller the mother by her signing this petition to decree that the said Henry W Miller may assume the name of the petitioner viz Henry W Todd and will have all the rights and of a child and heir of the petitioner and be subject to the duties of a child[.]”  Signed C W Todd, Mrs. C. W Todd (her mark with “Witness” C A Priest), Miss May [sic] Miller, Attest W. H. Addle; sworn to and again subscribed by all three before W. H. Addle, J.P., 22 [changed to 26] Nov. 1880.
    Granted 6 Dec. 1880, “it appearing that Henry W Miller the child therein mentioned has no known father and has been with petitioner for some time,” named assumed is Henry W Todd; [filing date not given].

#76 February Term 1881
Appearance Docket 79:76
    “The petition of SIMON J. PETERS snd DELILAH PETERS his wife respectfully represent, that they are husband and wife.  That they are desirous of adopting as their child and heir at law 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 as their heir and will and have been performing all the duties of parents to said child.  That said Allice Smock has resided near Stony Point Crawford County.  They therefore pray the Court to order and decree that said Charles Smock may bear hereafter petetioners name and have all the rights of a child and heir of your petetioners and be subject to the duties of a child and they will ever pray[.]“  Signed Simon J Peters, Delilah R. Peters; sworn to (as Simon J Peters and Delilah Peters) and subscribed Simon J Peters, Delilah Peters before Willis W Hyatt, J.P., 2 Aug. 1880.
    [Mother’s consent, below:]  “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 assumed is Charles Peters; [filing date not given].

#1 September Term 1881
Appearance Dk. 81:1
    “The petition of DAVID FORDYCE and MARY B. FORDYCE, his wife, of the City of Meadville, Crawford County, Pennsylvania, respectfully represents. [¶] That they are desirous of adopting GRACE WOODWORTH a child of MARY C. WOODWORTH as one of their heirs, and for that purpose herein declare their said desire and also that they will do and perform all the duties of parents to said Grace Woodworth treat the said child 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 deceasedwas born out of wedlock; and the mother Mary Woodworth joins in this petition and is desirous that the prayer of the petitioners be granted. [¶] The petitioners therefore pray the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of the said Grace Woodworth will be promoted by such adoption, to decree that the prayer of the petitioners be granted and that the said Grace Woodworth assume the name of petitioners viz: Grace Fordyce and will have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioners and be subject to the duties of a child and they will ever pray.”  Signed David Fordyce, Mary. B. Fordyce, Mary C Woodworth; sworn to by David Fordyce and Mary Woodworth (only) and again subscribed by them before Pearson Church, President Judge, 25 April 1881.
    Granted 9 May 1881, name assumed is Grace Fordyce; [filing date not stated].

#2 September Term 1881
Appearance Dk. 81:2
    “The petition of ROBERT ISAACS & ALMIRA ISAACS his wife of the County of Crawford respectfully represents that they are desirous of adopting ALMIRA MELVIN a child of ARDY MELVIN and MARY MELVIN his wife of Meadville Pa as one of their heirs: and for that purpose they herein declare their said desire and also that they will perform all the duties of parents to said Almira Melvin. [¶] The petitioners therefore pray the Court if satisfied that the welfare of said Almira Melvin will be promoted by such adoption with the consent of the said Ardy Melvin and Mary Melvin evidenced by their signing this petition, to decree that the said Almira Melvin may assume the name of the petitioners viz Almira [next word carreted] Melvin Isaacs and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioners and be subject to the duties of a child[.]”  Signed Robert Isaacs, Almira Isaacs, Ardy Melvin, Mary Melvin; sworn to by Robert Isaacs (only) and again subscribed by him before Win S. Rose, Prothonotary, 20 April 1881.
    Granted 9 May 1881, name assumed is Almira Melvin Isaacs; filed same day.

#72 September Term 1881
Appearance Dk. 81:72
    “The Petition of NELSON DAVID STEINER and NANCY S STEINER his wife of the City of Meadville County of Crawford and State of Pennsylvania Respectfully represent  That they are desirous of adopting 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, County of Crawford and State of Pennsylvania, as one of their heirs, And for that purpose they declare that they desire and will perform all the duties of a parent to said David Carson Pattan.  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 AD 1881.– The petitioners therefore pray the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of said David Carson Patton will be promoted by such adoption with the Consent of the said John Pattan, father as aforesaid evidenced by the said John Pattan joining in and signing this Petition, to decree that the said David Carson Patton may assume the name of your petitioners towit the Surname of Steiner, to wit David Carson Stener and he to have all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioner and be subject to the duties of a child. They will ever pray andc.”  Signed Nelson David Steiner, Nancy S Steiner, John Pattan; sworn to by Nelson David Steiner and John Pattan (only) and subscribed by them before L. Barr, J.P., 8 June 1881.
    Granted 27 June 1881, name changed to David Carson Steiner; [filing date not given].

#9 November Term 1881
Appearance Dk. 82:9
    “The petition of JOHN J. SMITH and EVA SMITH – his wife of Linesville said county [of Crawford] [“] Respectfully represents; that they are desirous of adopting ‘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, and for that purpose they herein declare their said desire and also that they will perform all the duties of a parent to said Arnold Ammond– [¶] The petitioners therefore prays [sic] the court, if satisfied that the welfare of said Arnold Ammond will be promoted by such adoption with the consent of the authorities of said Cleveland Orphans Asylum, evenced by the letter of the superintendent hereto attached– to decree that the said Arnold Ammond may assume the name of the petitioners viz, John Arnold Smith and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioner and be subject to the duties of [‘a’ erased) children[.]”  Signed John J Smith; sworn to and again subscribed before J N McCloskey, Notary Public, Meadville, 20 Aug. 1881.
    [Attached 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  [on 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.”  Signed AHS.
    Granted 12 Sept. 1881, name assumed is John Arnold Smith; [filing date not given].

#85 November Term 1881
Appearance Dk. 82:85
    “The petition of JAMES BAKER of Sparta Townshp in the County of Crawford respectfully represents That he is desirous of adopting ROLLIN MESSENGER a child of ASHLEY MESSENGER of the City of Chicago in the State of Illinois and BLANCH MESSENGER his wife, as one of his heirs; and for that purpose he herein declares his his said desire and also that he will perform all the duties of a parent to said Rollin Messenger. The petitioner therefore prays the Court if satisfied that the welfare of said Rollin Messenger will be promoted by such adoption, with the consent of the said Ashley Messenger and Blanch Messenger his wife evidenced by their signing this petition, to decree that the said Rollin Messenger may [next word carreted] assume the name of the petitioner, viz Rollin Baker and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioner and be subject to the duties of a child and he will ever pray &c [¶] Oct 22n 1881[.]”  Signed James Baker, S. A. Messenger, Blanch Messenger; sworn to at Erie Co., Pa. by James Baker and Blanch Messenger (not again subscribed) before Henry S Holdridge, J.P., 24 Oct. 1881; sworn to at Cook Co., Illinois, by S A Messenger and subscribed S A Messenger before V. P. Cocy[?], Notary Public, 27 Oct. 1881.
    Granted 2 Nov. 1881, name assumed is Rollin Baker; filed same day.

#86 February Term 1882
Appearance Dk. 83:86
    “The petition of ULISSES OSCAR BUNTING and SARAH S. BUNTING his wife, residents of Steuben Township in said County respectfully represents, That they are desirous of adopting ANNIE ELIZABETH SCHOTT, a child of one CATHARINE MUTCHLER, an inmate of the County Poor House, as one of their heirs; and for that purpose they herein declare their said desire, and also that they will perform all the duties of parents, to said Annie E. Schott. The petitioners further represent that the said child has no father living and that the said mother of said child consents to the adoption prayed for. Also that the Directors of the Poor of said county have apprenticed the said Annie E. Schott to your petitioners as appears by their indentures hereto annexed. Petitioners further say they have no children of their own. [¶] Petitioners therefore pray the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of the said Annie E. Schott will be promoted by such adoption and with the consent of the aforesaid Catharine Mutchler and of the Directors of the Poor to decree that the said Annie E. Schott may assume the name of the petitioners to wit, Annie E. Bunting, and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioners and be subject to the duties of such child[.]”  Signed U O Bunting, Sarah S Bunting; sworn to (by U.O. Bunting only, and not again subscribed) before W. C. Wygant, J.P., 9 Jan. 1882.
    [Mother’s consent, below:]  “And now Jany,12th, 1882 I Catharine Mutchler mother of said Annie E. Schott do hereby consent That she be adopted as a child and heir of U. O. Bunting & Sarah S. Bunting.”  Signed Mrs. Kate S. Mutchler.
    [Consent, below:]  “We the Directors of the Poor of said County join in the prayer of the foregoing petition for the adoption of said Annie E. Schott by U. O.. & Sarah Bunting.”  Signed W. Jasper. Kerr, Hiram Davis [undated].
    Granted 24 Jan. 1882, name assumed is Annie Elizabeth Bunting; [filing date not given].

#87 February Term 1882
Appearance Dk. 83:87
    “The Petition of BYRON S. CHILDS and EMILINE B. CHILDS his wife, of the Borough of Townville in said County, Respectfully represents that they are desirous of adopting MAUD L. HYATT, a child of WM L[?]. & LINA HYATT, an inmate of petitioners family for six months past, as one of their heirs; and also that they will perform all the duties of parents to the said Maud L. Hyatt who was four years old the 25th day of August 1881.  The petitioners further represent that the said mother of said child is now in the family of your petitioners and consents to the adoption prayed for.  Petitioners further say they have no children of their own. [¶] Petitioners therefore pray the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of the said Maud L. Hyatt will be promoted by said adoption, and with consent of the aforesaid mother Lina Hyatt, to decree that the said Maud L. Hyatt may assume the name of the petitioners to wit; Maud L. Childs, and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioners and be subject to the duties of such child.”  Signed Byron S Childs, Emeline B Childs; sworn to (by Byron S. Childs only) and again subscribed Byron S. Childs before James Walram[?] Clerk, 16 Jan. 1882.
    [Mother’s consent, below:]  “And now Jany 16. 1882 I Lina Hyatt mother of said Maud L. Hyatt do hereby consent that she be adopted as a child and heir of Byron S. Childs and Emeline B. Childs, and being duly sworn, depose and say that my said husband and father of this child has deserted us and has done nothing for our support for more than two years last past, and further that I have no knowledge of the residence or whereabouts of my said husband William L. Hyatt.” . Sworn to and subscribed Lina Hyatt. before James Graham, Clerk, 16 Jan. 1882.
    Granted 24 Jan. 1882, name assumed is Maud L. Childs; filed same day.

#7 May Term 1882
Appearance Dk. 84:7
    “The petition of EZRA I. SMITH and HARRIET A. SMITH his wife of Meadville in said county respectfully represents, That they are desirous of adopting FREDERIC ALFRED SUTLEY a child of MARY SUTLEY of Meadville, Pa. as one of their heirs, and for that purpose they herein declare their said desire, and also that they will perform all the duties of parents to said Frederic Alfred Sutley. Petitioners therefore pray the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of the said Frederick Alfred Sutley will be promoted by said adoption, with the consent of the said Mary Sutley evidenced by her signing this petition to decree that the said Frederic Alfred Sutley may assume the name of the petitioners, to wit, Frederic Alfred Smith, and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioners and be subject to the duties of a child. Petitioners have no children. The said Frederic Alfred Sutley 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. [See Crawford Co. Court of Common Pleas No. 44 September Term 1880, Mary Sutley v. William Sutley (not finalized).] [¶] As in duty bound your petitioners will ever pray &c[.]”  Signed Ezra I Smith, Harriet A Smith, Mary Sutley (her mark, “Signed in presence of” (signed) Alice Champlin; sworn to (by Ezra I. Smith only) and again subscribed before Win S Rose, Prothonotary, 14 Feb. 1882.
    Granted 17 Feb. 1882, name assumed is Frederick [sic] Alfred Smith; filed same day.

#58 May Term 1882
Appearance Dk. 84:58
    “The Petition of HENRY DEWEY of Township of Mead County of Crawford and State of Pennsylvania, respectfully represents, That he is desirous of adopting WALTER SMITH [next three words added in the margin] aged two years, a child of SARAH JANE SMITH widow of ALPHEUS SMITH of New Richmond County and state aforesaid as one of his heirs; for that purpose he herein declares his said desire, and also that he will perform all the duties of a Parent to said Walter Smith. The petitioner therefore prays the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of said Walter Smith will be promoted by such adoption, with the consent of said Sarah Jane Smith evidenced by their signing this Petition; to decree that the said Walter Smith may assume the name of Petitioner viz Walter Dewey and have all the rights of a child and heir of the Petitioner, and be subject to the duties of a child. And he will ever pray &c March 30th 1882[.]”  Signed Henry J. Dewey, Sarah Jane Smith; sworn to by Henry Dewey (only) and subscribed Henry J Dewey before M. C. Powers, J.P., 30 March 1882.
    Granted 30 March 1882, name assumed is Walter Dewey; filed same day.

#59 May Term 1882
Appearance Dk. 84:59
    “The petition of GEO H DAY of Spartansburgh [sic] County of Crawford Pa respectfully represents [¶] That he is desirous of adopting NELLIE POST a child of DELOS POST and DORA POST his wife (the mother is now dead) as one of his heirs and for that purpose he herein declares his desire – and also that he will perform all the duties of a parent to said Nellie Post; that if the court is satisfied that the welfare of the said Nellie Post will be promoted by such adoption with the 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 as is evidenced sic; by?] the records in the office of said Director of the Poor by the signing of this petition therefore prays the Court to decree that the said Nellie Post may assume the name of the petitioner viz Nellie Day and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioner and be subject to the duties of a child.”  Signed Geo. H. Day, Delila Day; sworn to and subscribed Geo. H. Day, Delila Day before Wm. Farley, J.P., 7 Nov. 1881.
    [Consent, below:]  “We the undersigned directors of Poor of Crawford County consent and request that the court decree the adoption of Nellie Post as asked for by George H Day and wife.”  Signed Scott A Marshall, Wm K Kerr, Hiram Davis [undated].
    Granted 30 March 1882, name assumed is Nellie Day; [filing date not given].

#60 May Term 1882
Appearance Dk. 84:60
    “The petition of THOMAS W. HENRY and EMILY J. HENRY his wife, of the county of Crawford state of Pennsylvania would respectfully represent:– [¶] That they are desirous of adopting CHARLES BRION, a child six months old, of CHARLES W. and LENA BRION of Meadville Pennsylvania, as one of their heirs; And for that purpose they herein declare their said desire and also that they will perform all the duties of parents to said Charles Brim. [¶] The petitioners therefore pray the court, if satisfied that the welfare of the said Charles Brion will be promoted by such adoption, with the consent of the said Charles W. and Lena Brion the parents of said child, evidenced by their signing this petition, to decree that the said Charles Brion may assume the name of the petitioner, viz. Charles Henry, and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioners, and be subject to the duties of a child. [¶] And they will ever pray &c.”  Signed Thomas W Henry, Emily J Henry, Charles W. Brion; sworn to by Thomas W Henry (only) and again subscribed by him before John O McClintock, Notary Public, Meadville, 28 Feb. 1882.
    [Attached affidavit:]  “Mrs. S. Brion being duly sworn according to law, doth depose and say, 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 [blank] 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.”  Sworn to and subscribed Susan Brion before Win S. Rose, 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 assumed is Charles Henry; filed same day.

#19 November Term 1882
Appearance Dk. 86:19
    “The petition of ANNE EMORY respectfully represents:  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. [¶] She therefore prays your Honorable Court to make the necessary order in the case, and she will ever pray.&C.”  Signed Annie Emery; sworn to at McKean County, Pa., and again subscribed before Heckburn McClure, Alderman, Bradford, 27 June 1882.
    [Grandparents’ consent, on reverse side:}  “We the undersigned Grand Parents of the within named Child Myrtie Emory agree and consent to the adoption of said Child as within stated. [next line] June 27: 1882”  Signed Nelson Round, Elizabeth Round, witness. [blank].
    [Consent, below:]  “And now Sept. 25„ 1882. The Directors of the Poor of Crawford County approve and recommend the within adoption as prayed for[.]”  Signed O. H. Hollister Clerk “By Order of the Board.”
    Granted 25 Sept. 1882, name assumed is Myrtie Jocelyn [Joslin in docket]; filed same day.

#42 November Term 1882
Appearance Dk. 86:42
    “The Petition [of] A. C. CARPENTER of Rochester N.Y. [¶] Respectfully Represents That he is desirous of adopting BERTHA A. DUNLAP of Atlantic Crawford County Pa. a minor child of LIZZIE DUNLAP (whose husband JESSE DUNLAP is deceased) as one of his Heirs [¶] And for that purpose he herein declares his said desire and also that he will perform all the duties of a parent to the said Bertha A. Dunlap who is now eight (8) years of age [¶] Your Petitioner therefore prays the Court if satisfied that the welfare of the said Bertha A. Dunlap will be promoted by such adoption with the consent of her said mother evidenced by her signing this Petition to Decree that the said Bertha A. Dunlap may assume the name of the Petitioner towit Bertha A. Carpenter and have all the rights of child and heir of the Petitioner and be subject to the duties of a child and he will ever pray &c[.]”  Signed A C Carpenter, Mrs Lizzie Holman, Formerly Mrs Lizzie Dunlap; sworn to by A. C. Carpenter (only) at Mercer Co., Pa., and subscribed A C Carpenter before Wm. Buck, J.P., 30 Sept. 1882.
    Granted 9 Oct. 1882, name assumed is Bertha A Carpenter; filed same day.
File contains letter to the Prothonotary 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 “sometime between the years 1879 to 1886,” along with the envelope posted at Philadelphia 8 Nov. 1938, and the Prothonotary’s reply dated 10 Nov. 1838, giving the cost of an exemplification of record [but not the case number] and noting, “You neglected to name the adopting parent, but I finally found that one Bertha A. Dunlap was adopted in 1882, by one A. C. Carpenter.”
#4 February Term 1883
Appearance Dk. 87:4
    “The Petition of DANIEL WEIKAL of Woodcock tsp. county aforesaid [of Crawford] and PRECILLA [sic] WEIKAL his wife respectfully represents 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, was kept, educated and provided for by them and treated as their own child for nine years last past,  that the petitioners have no children and are desirous of adopting said Gertrude Zimerman as their heir, and; for that purpose they hereby declare their said desire and also that they will perform all the duties of parents to said Gertrude Zimerman.  The Petitioners therefore pray the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of said Gertrude Zimerman will be promoted by such adoption to decree that the said Gertrude Zimerman may assume the name of the petitioners, viz: Gertrude Weikal and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioners and be subject to the duties of a child.    And they will ever pray.”  Signed Daniel Weikal, Prissilla Weikal; sworn to and again subscribed (by both) before Win S Rose, Prothonotary, 13 Nov. 1882.
    [Guardian’s consent, attached:]  “I, C. M. Boush Guardian of the aforesaid Gertrude Zimerman do hereby consent that said Gertrude Zimmerman [sic] be adopted by Daniel Weikal and Precilla Wiekal as their child and heir to be known hereafter by and under the name of Gertrude Weikal.”  Signed C. M. Boush Guardian of Getrude [sic] Zimerman [undated].
    Granted 13 Nov. 1882, name assumed is Gertrude Weikal; filed same day.

#49 February Term 1883
Appearance Dk. 87:49
    “The petition of CHAUNCY J. DENNINGTON and MARTHA S. DENNINGTON his wife of the City of Meadville, Crawford County Pennsylvania respectfully represents. [¶] That they are desirous of adopting HATTIE GRACE WILDER a daughter of JONAS B. WILDER dec’d and ROSE WILDER as one of their heirs and for that purpose herein declare their said desire and also that they will do and perform all the duties of parents to said Hattie Grace Wilder, treat the said child with kindness and at least give her a good common school education, that the 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 and the mother Rose Wilder joins in this petition and is desirous that the prayer of the petitioners be granted. [¶] The petitioners therefore pray the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of the said Hattie Grace Wilder will be promoted by such adoption to decree that the prayer of the petitioners be granted and that the said Hattie Grace Wilder assume the name of petitioners viz: Hattie Grace Dennington and will have all the rights of a child and heir of the said Chauncy J. and Martha S. Dennington and be subject to the duties of a child[.]”  Signed C. J. Dennington, Martha S. Dennington, Mrs Rose Wilder, “Attest:” [blank]; sworn to by C. J. Dennington (only) and subscribed C. J. Dennington before Win S Rose, Prothonotary, 9 Dec. 1882.
    Granted 11 Dec. 1882, name assumed is Hattie Grace Dennington; filed same day.

#100 February Term 1883
Appearance Dk. 87:100
    “The petition of JAMES KNAPPENBERGER and SUSAN KNOPPENBERGER, respectfully represent, that they are desirous, of adopting LILLY LOWELL, aged five years, a child of IDA LOWELL of the City of Titusville, Crawford County, as one of their heirs, and they declare that they will perform, all the duties of parents, to said Lilly Lowell, [¶] Miss Ida Lowell, the Mother also joins, in [next line] in this petition, which she has signed, and they pray the Court, to decree, that said Lilly Lowell, may assume the name, of petitioners, viz Lilly Knoppenberger, and have all the rights, of a child, and heir of said James & Susan Knoppenberger, and be subject to the duties of a child, and they will ever pray,”  Sworn to and subscribed James Knoppenberger, Mrs. Susan Knoppenberger, Miss Ida Lowell before J R L—[?; illegible], J.P., 9 Jan. 1883.
    [Attached supporting affidavit:]  “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 Knoppenberger, and Susan Knoppenberger, 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 Knoppenberger 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.”  Sworn to and subscribed Geo. W. Barr, John M. Allen, 10 Jan. 1883.
    Granted 12 Jan. 1883, name assumed is Lilly Knoppenberger; filed 25 Jan. 1883.

#84 May Term 1883
Appearance Dk. 88:84
    “The petition of WALTER L. DAVIS and HARRIET S. DAVIS, his wife, respectfully represents  That they are desirous of adopting MAGGIE H. HANCOCK, child of JOHN HANCOCK, late of Pittsburgh, deceased, and CATHARINE HANCOCK, his wife, as one of their heirs, and for that purpose they herein declare their said desire: also that they will perform all the duties of a parents [changed from ‘parent’] to the said Maggie. [¶] Petitioners further represent that the said Maggie H. Hancock was ten years old on the 13th day of November 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. [¶] Petitioners therefore pray the Court that if satisfied that the welfare of the said child will be promoted by said adoption, to decree that the said child may assume the name of the petitioners, to wit: Aggie H. Davis, and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioners.”  Signed W L Davis, Harriet S. Davis; sworn to (by Walter L. Davis only) and subscribed W. L. Davis before Robt. Scott, J.P., 31 March 1883.
    [Attached consent:]  “April 2d 1883 The within petition having been considered by the Overseers of the Poor and Directors of the House of Employment is approved by them[.]”  Signed O. H. Hollister, Clerk.
    Granted 2 April 1883, name assumed is Aggie H. Davis; [filing date not given].

#28 September Term 1883
Appearance Dk. 89:29
    “The petition JAMES MCELHANEY and HANNAH MCELHANEY his wife of the Township of Summerhill in said County [of Crawford] respectfully represents. That they are desirous of adopting ROBERT A. MCMICHAEL son of JOHN MCMICHAEL and NANCY MCMICHAEL of Mullahind Ireland, as one of their heirs and for that purpose they herein declare their said desire. Also that they will perform all the duties of parents to the said Robert [¶] Petitioners further represent that the said Robert McMichael 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. [¶] The petitioners further represent that the parents of the said Robert have given their full consent for said adoption as appears by letter hereto attached. [¶] Petitioners therefore pray the Court that if satisfied that the welfare of the said child will be promoted by said adoption to decree that the said child may assume the name of the petitioners to wit Robert Archibald McElhaney and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioners[.]”  Sworn to and subscribed James McElhany, Hannah McElheny before N. Truesdale, J.P., 11 May 1883.
    [Attached handwritten letter on lined 7" x 4.5" sheet of paper:]  “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 assumed is Robert Archibald McElhaney; [filing date not stated].

#6 November Term 1883
Appearance Dk. 90:6
    “The petition of CHARLES H DAVISON and SARAH DAVISON, husband and wife, of Townville in said county [of Crawford] would respectfully represent: [¶] That they are desirous of adopting NORA RALSTON DAVENPORT a child of MARY RALSTON DAVENPORT [next six words carreted] aged three years, in Jany. 1884 now MARY RALSTON HIGLEY, of said county, as one of theirs heirs; and for that purpose they herein declare their said desire and also that they will perform all the duties of parents to said Nora; [¶] The petitioners therefore pray the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of the said Nora, will be promoted by such adoption, with the consent of the said Mary Ralston Higley, the mother of said child, and of EDWARD HIGLEY, her husband, stepfather to said Nora, evidenced by their signing this petition, to decree that the said Nora may assume the name of the petitioners, viz. Nora Davison, and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioners, and be subject to the duties of a child. [¶] And they will ever pray &c.”  Signed Charles H Davison, Sarah. L. Davison, Alvin Higley, Mary R. Higley; sworn to by Charles H Davison (only) and subscribed by him before John McClintock, Notary Public, Meadville, 27 Aug. 1883.
    Granted 10 Sept. 1883, name assumed is Nora Davison; filed same day.

#16 May Term 1884
Appearance Dk. 92:16
    “The petition of H M. CUTSHALL of Randolph Township Crawford County respectfully represents; That GERTRUDE J. KENNEDY, child of CHARLES [initial carreted]W KENNEDY, has lived with petitioner since her birth and that her mother is dead, and your petitioner is desirous of adopting the said Gertrude J Kennedy as one of his heirs; and for that purpose he herein declares his said desire and also that he will perform all the duties of a parent to said Gertrude J Kennedy. [¶] The petitioner therefore prays the Court if satisfied that the welfare of said Gertrude J Kennedy will be promoted by such adoption, with the consent of the said Charles [initial added in margin] W. Kennedy evidenced by his signing this petition, to declare that the said Gertrude J Kennedy may assume the name of Gertrude J Cutshall, and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioner and be subject to the duties of a child[.]”  Signed H. M. Cutshall; sworn to and again subscribed before John A. Neyland, J.P., 4 June 1883.
    [Father’s consent, attached:]  “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. [next line] Witness my hand and seal this 19 day of June 1883[.]”  Signed C. W. Kennedy (seal).
    [Attached consent:]  “The Directors of the poor, having considered the foregoing petition and being satisfied of the propriety of the proposed adoption approve of the same. [next line] Sept. 10" 1883[.]”  Signed W Jasper Kerr, Hiram Davis [undated].
    Granted 11 Feb. 1884, name assumed is Gertrude J. Cutshall; filed 15 Feb. 1884.

#25 May Term 1884
Appearance Dk. 92:25
    “The Petition of MICHAEL CONDON and CATHERINE CONDON his wife of the Township of Mead County of Crawford and State of Pennsylvania [¶] Respectfully represent, 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.  They are now desirous of adopting the said child as one of their heirs, and for that purpose, they herein declare their said desire, and also that they will perform the duties of parents to the said child [¶] The petitioner [sic] therefore pray the Court if satisfied that the welfare of said child will be promoted by such adoption, to decree that the said child may assume the name of the petitioners, viz, Joseph Raphael Theodore Condon, and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioners, and be subject to all the duties of a child.”  Signed Michael. Condon, Catherine Condon; sworn to by Michael Condon (only) and subscribed by him before Wm A Dougan, J.P., 22 Feb. 1884.
    [Attached consent:]  “The undersigned Directors of the Poor for the County of Crawford hereby assent that the decree of adoption prayed for may be made and unite with the petetioners for that purpose. [next line] Approved By Order of Directors of the Poor,” signed O. H. Hollister Clerk [undated].
    Granted 25 Feb. 1884, name assumed is Joseph Raphael Theodore Condon; filed same day.

#14 September Term 1884
Appearance Dk. 93:14
    “The petition of WELLINGTON CUMMINGS of said county [of Crawford] respectfully represents, That he is desirous of adopting EDITH CUMMINGS HERON [sic; HERRON], a child of ROBERT HERON of Montreal, Canada, as one of his heirs; and for that purpose, he herein declares his said desire and also that he will perform all the duties of a parent to the said Edith Cummings Heron. The petitioner therefore the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of said Edith Cummings Heron will be promoted by such adoption, with the consent of the said Robert Heron, the mother of the said child being dead, to decree that the said Edith Cummings Heron may assume the name of the petitioner, viz, Edith Heron Cummings, and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioner and be subject to the duties of a child. And he will ever pray[.]”  Signed Wellington Cummings, sworn to and again subscribed before James Graham, clerk, 16 April 1884.
    [Father’s consent, below:]  “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. [next line] Montreal 21st April 1884[.]”  Signed Robert Herron, “In the Presence of” A. Bourgeous of Montreal Merchant.
    Granted 19 May 1884, name assumed is Edith Herron Cummings; filed 22 May 1884.

#15 September Term 1884
Appearance Dk. 93:15
    [On Asylum’s preprinted form:]  “Your Petitioners, HORACE W. CANFIELD and CHRISTINE C. CANFIELD wife of said Horace W. Canfield respectfully represent to your Honor that they are residents of Cambridgeboro County of Crawford and State of Pennsylvania and that they petition your Court for permission to adopt as their own child LETTIE SMITH aged One (1) year on the Sixteenth (16) day of March A. D. 1883; and that your petitioners further represent that said child was at the [blank] of [blank] bound to the Trustees of The Cleveland Protestant Orphan Asylum, and that said Trustees, acting in the capacity of Guardian to said child, freely give their consent to said adoption, as expressed in their formal declaration attached to this petition. [¶] Your Petitioners further represent that they are in comfortable circumstances, and have the means to bring up and educate said child in a suitable and proper manner, and promise, if the prayer of this petition be granted by the Court, to treat said child with kindness, and give such moral instruction and good example as parents in christian communities give their own children, and will at least give her an opportunity to acquire a good common school education.  And it is their wish and promise that said child shall be heir to their estate and property, the same as if she was their own, born in lawful wedlock. [¶] And your Petitioners further ask that the name of said child be changed from Lettie Smith to Mattie Canfield [¶] In Witness Whereof, we have hereunto set our hands, his 12th day of Nov. 1883, at CambridgeBoro Pa.”  Signed W H Canfield, Christina C. Canfield; Witness: J. P. Strayer, MD. [handwritten at bottom:]  “Cleveland, O., Aug. 3, 1883.”
    [(Separate) “Consent of Trustees” on preprinted form:]  “In the Matter of the Adoption of Lettie Smith In the ProbateCrawford County, and State of Pennsylvania [¶] And now come Joseph Perkins, J. H. Wade and William Chisholm of Cleveland, O. Trustees of The Cleveland Protestant Orphan Asylum and in answer to the petition of Horace W. Canfield and Christina C. Canfield, Cambridgeboro, Crawford Co. Pa. in this case, say that they have examined said petition, and believe that the facts and allegations set forth are true, and that they know of no reason why said Adoption should not, by the Court, be permitted; and further, that they freely give their consent that the said Lettie Smith be, by said Petitioners, adopted; and that the name of said child be changed from Lettie Smith to Mattie Canfield as prayed for in said petition.”  Signed Jos Perkins, J. H. Wade, Wm Chisholm, “Trustees of the Cleveland Protestant Orphan Asylum.  Countersigned this 3d day of August, 1883.”  Signed Jos Perkins, “President Board of Trustees.”
    Granted 19 May 1884, name assumed is Mattie Canfield; filed 22 May 1884.

#7 November Term 1884
Appearance Dk. 94:7
    “The petition of NICHOL[A]S W. SHOWERS of Little Cooley, Crawford County [¶] Respectfully represents That he is desirous of adopting BESSIE M. COLLINS a child wout [sic] without known parents as one of his heirs. and for that purpose he herein declares his said desire and also that he will perform [sic] all the duties of a parent to the said Bessie M. Collins; the petitioner further represents that the said child has been supported for more than one year by him in his family in said County [¶] The petitioner therefore prays the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of the said Bessie M. Collins will be promoted by such adoption and with the consent of Poor Directors signified by an attested copy of a resolution of the board Poor Directors hereto annexed to decree that said Bessie M. Collins may assume the name of your petitioner viz Bessie M. Showers and have all the rights of a child and heir at law of the petitioner and be subject to the duties of such child[.]”  Signed N. W. Showers; sworn to and subscribed before Win S Rose, Prothonotary, 12 Sept. 1884.
    [Attached consent, on stationery of County Commissioner’s Office, Crawford County (naming the Commissioners and Directors of the Poor, etc.), Meadville, Pa., dated 12 Sept. 1884:]  “At a meeting of the Directors of the Poor this day, it was resolved that they recommend the Court of Common Pleas, to permit N. W. Showers to adopt, Bessie M Collins as his child and heir.at law. He being a proper and suitable person for the custody of said child as his heir.”  Signed O. H. Holister Clerk, Poor Directors Crawford Co.
    Granted 12 Sept. 1884, name assumed is Bessie M. Showers; filed same day.

#16 November Term 1884
Appearance Dk. 94:16
    “The petition of WM A. DAVENPORT, of Crawford County, respectfully represents:  That he is desirous of adopting BLANCHE RICKERTPALMER, a child of SARAH E. RICKERTPALMER, of Hayfield Township, as one of his heirs; and for that purpose, he herein declares his said desire and also that he will perform all the duties of a parent to said Blanche. [¶] The petitioner therefore prays the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of said Blanche RickertPalmer will be promoted by such adoption, with the consent of said Sarah E. RickertPalmer, evidenced by her signing this petition, to decree that said Blanche RickertPalmer may assume the name of the petitioner, viz, Blanche Davenport, and have all the rights of a child and heir of petitioner, and be subject to the duties of a child.  And he will ever pray &c.”  Signed Wm. A. Davenport, Sarah E Palmer; sworn to by Wm. A. Davenport (only) and again subscribed by him before E. S. Skeel, J.P., 1 Sept. 1884.
    Granted 15 Sept. 1884, name assumed is Blanche Davenport; filed 19 Sept. 1884.

#14 February Term 1885
Appearance Dk. 95:14
    “ARTHUR C. GORTON, of Mead Township , Crawford Co. Penna: would respectfully represent, – That he is desirous of adopting ORLANDO, illegitimate child of EVER JANE MORRIS, of same place, as one of his heirs — And for that purpose; – And for that purpose [sic], he herein declares his said desire, and also that he will perform all the duties of a parent to the said Orlando. Your petitioner therefore prays the Court if satisfied that the welfare of the said Orlando, will be promoted by said adoption, with the consent of the said Ever Jane – And also with the consent of his wife LUCY, evidenced by their signing this petition[,] to deree that the said Orlando, may assume the name of your petitioner, viz Orlando Alfred C. [handwritten above ‘Orlando’] Gorton, and have all the rights of a child and heir of petitioner and be subject to the duties of a child. Sept Oct 2. 1844[.]”  Signed A C Gorton, Ever Jane Morris, Lucy A Gorton; sworn to [by Arthur C. Gorton only] before Wm. A Lougan, J.P., 4 Oct. 1844; presented by Atty. H. L. Richmond.
    Granted 6 Oct. 1884, name assumed is Orlando Gorton; filed 21 Nov. 1884; cover states “Petition of A. C. Gordon and Lucy A Gorton his wife for the adoption of Orlando &c.”

#50 February Term 1885
Appearance Dk. 95:50
    “The petition of WELLINGTON S. BROWN of the said County [of Crawford] respectfully represents, That he is desirous of adopting OLAND HOLEMAN a child of AMINA. J. HOLEMAN [next three words carreted] aged twenty months, of the Township of Richmond in said county as one of his heirs; and for that purpose he herein declares his said desire and also that he will perform all the duties of a parent to the said Oland Holeman. Your petitioner therefore pray the Court, if satisfied that the consent of the said Amina J Holeman who is now Amina J. Brown the wife of your petitioner is obtained, and who as evidence thereof has signed this petition, and that the welfare of the said Oland Holeman will be promoted by such adoption To decree that the said Oland Holeman may assume the name of the petitioner viz Oland Brown, and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioner, & be subject to the duties of a child, & he will ever pray &c.”  Signed Wellington S Brown, Amina J Brown; sworn to (by Wellington Brown only) and again subscribed before Joseph N. Scott, J.P., 15 Nov. 1884.
    Granted 22 Dec. 1884, name assumed is Oland Brown; [filing date not given].

#9 November Term 1885
Appearance Dk. 98:9
    “The petition of JOHN S. BELL of said County [of Crawford], respectfully represents, that he is desirous of adopting LOUIS MIERS [‘MYERS’ per decree], a child with known parents, whose mother is dead and whose father has left the county and has not been heard of for more than nine years, and for that purpose he herein declares his said desire and also that he will perform all the duties of a parent to the said Louis Miers; the petitioner further represents 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.”  Signed John. S. Bell; dated 6 July 1885; sworn to and again subscribed before J. J. Long, J.P., 16 July 1885.
    Granted 14 Sept. 1885, name assumed is Louis Bell; filed same day.

#12 November Term 1885
Appearance Dk. 98:12
    “The petition of HILLORA NEWHARD and ELIZABETH NEWHARD his wife of the Township of Beaver County of Crawford and State of Pennsylvania. Respectfully represents that MAGGIE ELIZABETH VICKERY [‘VICKERS’ on cover], minor child of JOHN and SARAH VICKERY, 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   Your petitioner therefore desires to adopt the said Maggie as one of his heirs, and agrees to perform all the duties of parents to said child. [¶] Your [next word carreted] petitioners pray the Court to make a decree granting them their petition and that the said child may assume the name of the petitioners  and they will ever pray. [¶] In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals this 31st day of August A.D. 1885.”  Signed H. Newhard, Elisabeth Newhard; Witness, A. J. Harper; [no jurat or acknowledgement].
    [Consent, below:]  “And now Sept 14" 1885 [[¶] We hereby consent to the adoption of the within named minor as prayed for in the within petition[.]“  Signed H. P. Marley, Scott A Marshall, and E. J. Bailey [Directors of the Poor or the “Insane Asslym”?].
    Granted 14 Sept. 1884, name assumed is Maggie Elizabeth Newhard; filed same day.

Adoptions 1886-1895