Crawford County, Pennsylvania

ADOPTIONS
Adoption Abstracts 1886-1895

#8 February Term 1886
Appearance Dk. 99:8 “The petition of JOSEPH B. BUTLER respectfully represents. That he is desirous of adopting FRANK GILLILAND [JR.] a child of FRANK GILLILAND of Norwalk County of Huron and State of Ohio and LOIE GILLIAND [sic] his wife (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 said child Frank Gilliand The petitioner therefore prays the Court if satisfied that the welfare of the said Frank Gilliand will be promoted by such adoption, with the consent of the said Frank Gilliland Sr. evidenced by his signing this petition to decree that the said Frank Gilliand Jr. may assume the name of Frank Clemons Butler and have all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioner and be subject to the duties of a child and he will ever pray &c.” Signed Joseph B Butler, Frank Gilliland [no jurat or acknowledgment].
Granted 9 Nov. 1885, name assumed is Frank Clemons Butler; filed same day.

#9 February Term 1886
Appearance Dk. 99:9 “The petition of ENOS C BROWN and DORCAS BROWN his wife, of Cambridge Borough, County of Crawford and State of Pennsylvania respectfully represents That they are desirous of adopting, ESTELLA COX a minor child of FINLY D COX, as one of their heirs–and that they are willing and will perform towards the said Estella Cox the duties of parents. They further represent that the said Estella Cox is thirteen years old and has been living with your petitioners as a member of their family for more than one year last past. That her mother DELIA E COX is deceased, and that your petitioners do not know wher [sic] her father Findly [written over ‘Enos’] D Cox now is but that his last post office address known to them was Duke Centre, Pa. That the next friend of the said Estella Cox is E J Bunting and that her nearest of kin living in this County is E J Bunting They therefore pray the Court that they may be permitted to adopt the said Estella Cox as one of their heirs, that she may assume the name of her adopting parents viz Estella Brown and may have all the rights of a child and heir of your petioers [sic] and be subject to the duties of such child and that a decree and record of the Court may be made for that purpose as provided in the Act of Assembly of May 4' 1855– And they will ever pray.” Signed Enos. C. Brown, Dorcas Brown; sworn to (by Enos C Brown only) and subscribed Enos C Brown before W. W. Hyatt, J.P., 5 July 1885.
[Consent, attached:] “Cambridge Pa May 16—1885 [¶] I, Jane Bunting do give my full concent [sic] to to E C Brown and D Brown to adopt Estella Cox into their family, and have controle of her as their own child” signed E. J. Bunting; Witness S. R. Bunting.
Granted 12 Oct. 1885, name assumed is Estella Brown, “and atty ordered to draw a decree accordingly”; decree approved 9 Nov. 1885; filed same day.

#29 February Term 1886
Appearance Dk. 99:29 “The petition of OLIVER SAEGER of the Borough of Saegertown County of Crawford Respectfully represents: [¶] That he is desirous of adopting a female child known as DORA without known parents as 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 the said Dora. [¶] The petitioner further represents that the said child has been supported for more than [blank] months by Dr Myra K Merrick of the City of Cleveland Ohio and is now with your petitioner and supported by him [¶] Your petitioner therefore prays the Court if satisfied that the welfare of the Dora will be promoted by such adoption and with consent of the aforesaid Myra K Merrick signified by her written consent hereto attached and made part of this petition to decree that said Dora may assume the name of your petitioner changing the given name and hereafter be known as Laura Darrie[?] Saeger and have all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioner and be subject to the duties of a child.” Signed Oliver Saeger; sworn to and again subscribed before A B Edson, Prothonotary, 23 Nov. 1885.
[Attached affidavit:] “Personally appeared before me a Notary Public in and for said [Cuyahoga] County, Myra K. Merrick M.D. who being duly sworn saith: [¶] That she is a resident of Cleveland Ohio and by occupation a physician. That a female child known as Dora came into her possession and which child has been abandoned by her parents and whose parents are unknown. That the said childs age is as near as can be ascertained six months. [¶] That she gave said child to O. Saeger and wife of Saegertown Crawford Co. Pa. to rear and adopt. That she has given said Dora and consented her [sic] being so adopted, the only known friend of said Dora. That affiant has no interest in said child other than see her well cared for and reared properly. And affiant hereby consents that said Dora be adopted by the said O. Saeger and wife as their child and heir and to assume the name of Saeger. All of which is just, true and correct as said affiant verily believes.” Sworn to and subscribed Myra K. Merrick before Frank Higley, Notary Public, 16 Oct. 1885.
Granted 30 Nov. 1885, name assumed is Laura Darrie Saeger; filed 31 Nov. 1885.

#43 May Term 1886
Appearance Dk. 100:29 “The petition of L. G. WALDO respectfully represents. That your petitioner on the 7^th day of Nov. AD 1882 procured from the Home for Friendless. Children at Erie Pa. one HARRY N. NEAGLEY, aged now fourteen years and that said Harry has been living with your petitioner and family since said date That the names of the parents of said minor are unknown to your petitioner and they are supposed to be dead [¶] That your petitioner desires to adopt the said Harry N. Neagley as one of his heirs and hereby agrees to perform all the duties of a parent to the said child [¶] Your petitioner therefore prays the Court to decree the adoption of the said minor and that he should take the name of Harry N. Waldo. [¶] And your petitioner will ever pray &–”; signed L. G. Waldo [no jurat or acknowledgment].
[Attached “Article of Agreement between Home of Friendless and L. G. Waldo and Mary Waldo November 7" 1882”:] “Whereas, A child named Hanry[?] Neagley aged Eleven or thereabouts, has been given by its Mother to the ‘Home for the Friendless,’ at Erie, Pa., for the purpose of being taken of, and disposed of, according to the power and authority vested in the ‘Home’ for that purpose, and whereas, Mr & Mrs L. Waldo of Conneautville is desirous of receiving and adopting said child into their family, and assuming the relation of parent towards said child, and the said Mr & Mrs L. Waldo hereby declares such to be their desire, and that they will perform all the duties of a parent to the said child, and the said Mr & Mrs Waldo hereby promises and agrees with said ‘Home for the Friendless’. [¶] Now, therefore, the undersigned officers of said ‘Home,’ on behalf of said ‘Home for the Friendless,’ hereby agree and consent that the said Mr & Mrs Waldo shall receive said child in the manner above indicated, that he shall be subject to the control of the said Mr & Mrs Waldo in all matters in the relation of parent and child, free from interference by any other person or persons, with the understanding that said child shall be properly trained and properly educated by the said Mr & Mrs Waldo according to their station in life, and receive the tokens of affection and interest due from parents to children. [¶] Witness the signatures of the officers of the ‘Home for the Friendless’ and the said [blank] in duplicate, this 7^th day of Nov A. D. 1882.” Signed Kate M. Mason President. Mrs H. Louther, Mrs W E Magill, Committee of Admission and Dismission; Attest: Louise W. Shick, Sec’y of “Home for the Friendless.”
Granted 22 Feb. 1886, name assumed is Harry N. Waldo; [filing date not given].

#131 May Term 1886
Appearance Dk. 100:116 “The petition of EVERETT H. KETCHUM of the County aforesaid [Crawford] respectfully represents: That he is desirous of adopting NELLIE F. ABBOTT, aged ten years, and LEWIS K. ABBOTT, aged seven years, children of FRANK W. ABBOTT and SARAH E. ABBOTT as [next two words carreted] two 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 Nellie F. Abbott and Lewis K Abott. The petitioner further represents that Sarah E Abbott the mother of said children is dead; that she was a sister of your petitioner and that the father, Frank W. Abbott has deserted the said children and neglected to care for and support them. [¶] The petitioner therefore prays the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of said Nellie F Abbott and Lewis K Abbott will be promoted by such adoption, to decree that the said Nellie F. Abbott and Lewis K. Abbott may assume the name of the petitioner, viz. Nellie F. Ketchum and Lewis Ketchum, and have all the rights of children and heirs of the petitioner and be subject to the duties of children”; signed E. H. Ketchum; sworn to [but not again subscribed] before J. N. McCloskey, Notary Public, Meadville, 19 March 1886.
[On cover:] “Filed Aprl 8 1886[,] Notice to be served on W^m H Abbott Grand Father of children within named Rtunable 2 Monday of May Per Cur[iam; i.e., by the Court]”
[Enclosed letter, “Filed June 14^th 1886 and adoption allowed – Decree to be drawn by Counsel”:] Titusville Pa April 13/86 / Mr Everet Ketchum / Jamestown, NY / Dear Sir / We will consent to your having Franks Children, Nellie & Loui as soon as you will provide a place for them, and would request you let us hear from you as early as may be and oblige / Yours truly”; signed W^m. H. Abbott.
Granted 14 June 1886 [by separate decree], “and that the said Nellie F. Abbott and Lewis K. Abbott assume the name of their adopting parent, Everett H. Ketcham,” presumably Nellie F. Ketchum and Lewis K. Ketchum; filed 14 June 1886.

#3 September Term 1886
Appearance Dk. 101:3 “The petition of the undersigned, WILLIAM BREENE and MARGARET BREENE respectfully represent. That ANNA RYAN an illegite child of [blank] RYAN and MAGGY RYAN, aged about three years, has been under the control of and supported by your petitioners since the 13^th day of February 1884. That the residence or whereabouts of the parents of the said child are unknown to your petitioners. That the said father never supported the said child and the mother has surrendered the control of the said child to your petitioners and consented to its addoption [sic] by your petitioners. [¶] Your petitioners therefore pray this court to grant them leave to adopt the said Annie Ryan as one of their heirs, and that she may have all the rights of a child and heir and subject to the duties of a child of the adopting parents.—And we will ever pray.” Signed Margret Breen, Wm Breen [no jurat or acknowledgment].
[Mother’s consent, attached:] “Conneautville Pa / Feby 13" 1884 / I am the Mother of Anna Ryan and am willing and hereby consent to the adoption [sic] of my daughter Anna [written over “of”] Ryan by William Breene and Margaret Breene as one of their heirs, and surrender to them full control of her my daughter, if they so adopt her [¶] Witness my hand and seal this 13" day of Feby 1884.” Signed Maggy Riyan.
Granted 10 May 1886, name assumed is Annie Breene; [filing date not given].

#30 November Term 1886
Appearance Dk. 102:30 “The petition of WILLIE PHILANDER WOOD and NETTIE WOOD his wife of the City of Meadville said County of Crawford respectfully represents — That they are desirous of adopting as one of their heirs an infant Son of EMMA LUCRETIA LOPER. And that they will perform all the duties of a parent to the said Child; the petitioners further represent that the said Child was born [next three words carreted] out of wedlock Sep 11^th 1886 at Franklin P^a is now at City Hospital a charitable institution of this City. They further represent that the Consent of the Said parent to such adopton is evidenced by her joining in this petition. [¶] Your petitioners therefore pray the Court to decree that the said infant may assume the name of Willie Philander Wood and have and enjoy 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 Willie Philander Wood, Mrs Nettie Wood, Emma Lucecia[?] Loper; sworn to by “Nettie & Willie P. Wood” before A B Edson, Prothonotary, 27 Sept. 1886.
Granted 27 Sept. 1886, name assumed is William Philander Wood; [filing date not given].

#36 November Term 1886
Appearance Dk. 102:36 “The petition of T. J. PATTERSON of said [Crawford] County, respectfully represents: That he is desirous of adopting VIRGINIA Z. LEMAN, aged five years, a child of HENRY LEMAN, whose whereabouts are unknown to petitioner, and whose mother is dead; that petitioner’s wife is an Aunt of said child, & they have kept said child for about four years; that he desires to adopt said child as one of his heirs, and for that purpose declares he will perform all the duties of a parent of said chld. The petitioner therefore prays the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of said child will be promoted by such adoption, to decree that said child may assume the name of petitioner, viz, Virginia Z. Patterson, 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 Thomas J Patterson; sworn to (as T J Patterson) and again subscribed Thomas J Patterson before J H Holden, J.P., 13 Sept. 1886.
[Consent, on reverse side:] “Sept 28, 1886. We, the undersigned, Overseers of the Poor of Crawford County, approve of the within petition, and ask that the prayer thereof be granted.” signed Scott A Marshall, E. J. Bailey.
Granted 28 Sept. 1886, “the minor child shall assume the name of the adopting parent,” i.e., Virginia Z. Patterson; filed same day.

#4 February Term 1887
Appearance Dk. 103:4 “The petition of GEORGE E. FISH of Athens Township, Crawford County, Pa., respectfully represents. [¶] That he is adopting as one of his heirs LIZZIE CAPERS a minor child of RICHARD C. & ADA B. CAPERS, of said County and that he will perform all the duties of a parent to said child. [¶] He further represents that the consent of the said father is evidenced by his joining in this petition. [¶] Your petioners [sic] therefore pray the Court to decree that the said Lizzie Capers may assume the name of your petioner viz Lizzie Fish; and have and enjoy all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioner, and be subject to the duties of a child. And he will ever pray.” Signed Geo. E. Fish [jurat follows parental consent].
[Parental consent, below:] “I hereby assent to, and join in the above petition for the adoption of my child Lizzie, by George E. Fish.” Signed R C Capers; sworn to [but not again subscribed] by Geo. E. Fish and R.C. Capers before A. B. Edson, Prothonotary, 8 Nov. 1886.
Granted 8 Nov. 1886, name to be Lizzie Fish; [filing date not given].

#53 May Term 1887
Appearance Dk. 104:53 “The petition of JOHN MYERS, of Rome Tp., in said [Crawford] County, respectfully represents: [¶] That he is desirous of adopting as one of his heirs CASS LOWMAN, an illegitimate child of JUDY LOWMAN, who is an idiot and is kept and maintained at the Poor House of said County; that said Cass Lowman was born Feby 15, 1886, and that he will perform all the duties of a parent to the said child. [¶] Petitioner further representing that his wife is willing and anxious for the adoption of said child, prays the Court to decree that said Cass ~~Myers~~ Lowman may assume the name of petitioner, to wit, Cass Myers, and have and [“and” written over “all”] enjoy 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 John Myers; sworn to and again subscribed before James Graham, clerk, 24 Feb. 1887.
[Consent, on reverse:] “Mch 14, 1887, the undersigned, Overseers of the Poor of Crawford County, consent to the adoption of Cass Lowman by Jno. Myers, as prayed within.” Signed Scott A Marshall, Edwin. J. Bailey.
Granted 16 March 1887, name presumably changed to Cass Myers; [filing date not given].

#87 May Term 1887
Appearance Dk. 104:87 “The petition of M. P. FOREMAN, of Vallonia, said [Crawford] County, respectfully represents:- [¶] That he is desirous of adopting as one of his heirs a boy called by petitioner & his family DONALD C. FOREMAN, whose parentage is unknown, said boy being supposed to be about one year old, having been left by some person or persons unknown, at the County Poor House, about June 30, 1886, and there maintained until about two months ago, when petitioner took said boy therefrom, gave him the name aforesaid, and have since maintained him. [¶] Petitioner further showing that his wife is willing and anxious for the adoption of said child, prays the Court to decree that said Donald C. Foreman may assume and be called by the name of petitioner, to wit, Donald C. Foreman, 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.” Signed M. P. Foreman; sworn to and subscribed M P Foreman before A. B. Edson, Prothonotary, 4 April 1887.
[Consent, on reverse:] “Apr. 4, 1887. We consent to the prayer of the within petition.” Signed Edwin J. Bailey, Scott. A. Marshall, Directors of the Poor of Crawford County.
Granted 4 April 1887, name assumd is Donald C. Foreman; filed same day.

#64 September Term 1887
Appearance Dk. 105:64 “The petition of JOSEPH W. FOGLE of Crawford County, respectfully represents: That he is desirous of adopting JOSEPH ARTHUR WAGONER [sic] a child of JACOB WAGONER of Wayne Township, 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 Joseph Arthur Wagoner. The petitioner therefore prays the court, if satisfied that the welfare of the said Joseph Arthur Wagoner will be promoted by said adoption, with the consent of the said Jacob Wagoner, evidenced by their [sic] signing this petition, to decree, that the said Joseph Arthur Wagoner may assume the name of the petitioner, viz: Joseph Arthur Fogle, 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 J. W. Fogle, Jacob Wagner [sic]; sworn to by Joseph W. Fogle and subscribed J. W. Fogle before Isaac Monderau, J.P., 28 May 1887.
Granted 1 July 1887, name assumed is Joseph Arthur Fogle; [filing date not given].

#38 November Term 1887
Appearance Dk. 106:38 “The petition of GEORGE MAY respectfully represents that he is a resident of Bloomfield Township Crawford County Penn, and that he is desirous to adopt as one of his heirs ALICE THERESA GROVES a minor child of MERTIE MAY formerly MERTIE GROVES That the said child has lived with him and its mother Mertie May since their marriage four years ago and has no other home. That he your petitioner will well and faithfully perform all the duties of a parent to the said child and is desirous that the child should assume his name and be subject to the duties of a child towards him He therefore prays the Court to Decre [sic] that the said Alice Theresa Groves shall assume his name to wit the name Alice Theresa May and have all the rights and be subject to all the duties of a child and heir of him the said George May and that the said decree may become matter of record in this Court and he will ever pray”; sworn to and subscribed with the mark of George May before William Pentz, J.P., 20 Sept. 1887.
[On reverse:] “The petition of Mertie May respectfully represents that she is the wife of George May and the mother of Alice Theresa Groves That the said child is six years old on the 30^th day of September 1887, and has always been maintained and provided for by your petitioner and her husband, and that she believe it would be for the welfare of the said child that she be adopted by George May as prayed for in his petition and that she therefore consents thereto and joins in the prayer of said petition”; sworn to and subscribed Mertie May before William Pentz, J.P., 20 Sept. 1887.
“Decree of adoption granted” 10 Oct. 1887, from which it follows that the name assumed was Alice Theresa May; [filing date not given].

#6 February Term 1888
Appearance Dk. 107:6 “The~~tition~~ petition of FRANCIS D MENOLD and CHARLOTTEM MENOLD his wife represents [¶] That they are desirous of adopting as one of their heirs CHARLOTTE ROSS a daughter of ETTA ROSS, of said [Crawford] county and that they will perform all the duties of parents to said [next word carreted] child And the said Etta Ross the mother of the said child hereby consenting to the said adoption. [¶] Your petitioners therefore pray the Court to decree that the said Charlotte Ross may assume the name of Charlotte Menold and have and enjoy all the rights of a child and heir of the said Francis D Menold and the said Charlotte Menold his wife and be subject to the duties of a child, and they will ever pray &c.” Signed Francis D. Menold, Charlotta [or “Charlottie”] Menold, Ettie Ross. [Beneath these signatures is a jurat for Etta Ross, subscribed Ettie Ross, dated 11 Oct. 1887, but without the stamp or signature of a notary public or other official. Beneath this jurat is the jurat, “Sworn and subscribed before me this 11^th day of Oct. 1887” signed and sealed by Chas. E. Richmond, Notary Public, Meadville.
Granted 14 Nov. 1887, name assumed is Charlotte Menold; filed same day. File contains a certified copy of the decree.

#7 February Term 1888
Appearance Dk. 107:7 “The [typed] petition of G. D. HALL of the city of Meadville Pa. respectfully represents; [¶] That petitioner is desirous of adopting BRUCE W. WELLS [his middle initial changed everywhere from ‘B’ to ‘W’] minor son of A. J. WELLS of Beaver Township Crawford County Pa. [¶] That the mother of said Bruce W. Wells is dead. [¶] That petitioner and petitioners wife are anxious to adopt said minor child and to have this Honorable Court decree that ~~said child may assume the name of~~ Bruce W. Wells shall have all the rights and duties of a child and heir of this petitioner. [¶] That the said Bruce W. Wells is between the age of three and four years old. That petitioner is able and willing to provide and care for said minor in a good and proper manner. [¶] And petitioner will ever pray &c.” Signed G. D. Hall; sworn to and subscribed ~~A J Wells~~ G. D. Hall before A B Edson, Prothonotary, 14 Nov. 1887.
[Father’s consent, below:] “I hereby consent that G. D. Hall may adopt my minor son Bruce W. Wells and further I join in the prayer of the above petition to the court of common pleas of Crawford County for the adoption of said child.” Signed A J Wells.
Decree states that “the prayer of the petitioner granted” 14 Nov. 1887; thus, unclear whether the child’s name remained Bruce W. Wells or was changed to Bruce W. Hall; [filing date not given].

#19 February Term 1888
Appearance Dk. 107:19 “The petition of SOLOMON GOLDSTEIN [sic; Goldstine] and LOISA GOLDSTEIN his wife Respectfully represents that your petitioners are residents of the City of Meadville in said [Crawford] County: that they are desirous of adopting CHARLES S WOLSTEIN a minor of the age ~~under~~ of about eighteen years. that said minor has been living with them for nine years and has been supported and provided for by them in all respects as if he were their own child: that they took him from the Foster Home in Philadelphia and were informed that his parents were both dead and that he had no near relatives to provide for him– having only brothers and sisters not of age. [¶] That they your petitioners will perform all the duties of parents to the said Child and are desirous that he sall [sic] assume their name and have all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioners, and be subject to to [sic] the duties of a child towards them. [¶] Your petitioners therefore pray the Court to make a decree in due form of law that he the said Charles Wolstein may assume their name to wit the name of Charles Goldstein and that he shall have all the rights of a child and heir of them your petitioners and be subject to the duties of a child towards them, and they will ever pray.” Signed Salomon Goldstine, [in German] Louißa Goldstine; sworn to by Solomon S. Goldstein and subscribed S. Goldstine before Philip P. Wenz, J.P., 14 Nov. 1887.
[Consent, below:] “We the Directors of the Poor of Crawford County recommend the granting of the within Petition”; dated 19 Nov. 1887; signed Scott A Marshall, H P. Marley, Edwin J Baily, Directors of the Poor.
Granted 19 Nov. 1887, name assumed is Charles S Goldstein [sic; Goldstine?]; filed and entered 25 Nov. 1887.

#138 September Term 1888
Appearance Dk. 109:138 “The petition of GEORGE B. CONOVER of the township of Rome County of Crawford and state of Pennsylvania respectfully represents:– that he is desirous of adopting BUNA BELLE PLUE a female child of LAFAYETTE PLUE of the same place, 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 Buna Belle Plue. Petitioner further represents that the mother of said Buna Belle Plue is dead and that she is now about 15 months old. The mother of said child was the sister of petitioner. Petitioner is married and can provide the said child a comfortable home. The father of said child has signed this petition as evidence of his consent to said adoption. [¶] The Petitioner therefore prays the Court if satisfied that the welfare of said Buna Belle Plue will be promoted by said adoption to decree that the said Buna Belle Plue may assume the name of petitioner viz., Buna Belle Conover 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”; dated 16 Aug. 1888; signed George B. Conover, Lafayett Plüe; witness, William Morris Jr; sworn to and subscribed George B. Conover before William Morris Jr, J.P., 18 Aug. 1888.
Granted 20 Aug. 1888, name assumed is Buna Belle Conover; filed same day.

#6 November Term 1888
Appearance Dk. 110:6 “The petition of JACKSON CLARK [next three words carreted] of said [Crawford] County respectfully represents that he & his wife are desirous of adopting GEORGE HENRY, aged four years, minor child of LIZZIE HENRY, whose whereabouts are unknown; as one of their heirs; that he got him at the County farm in June last; & that for that purpose he herein declares his said desire & also that he will perform all the duties of a parent to said George Henry. [¶] The petitioner therefore prays the Court, if satisfied that [next line] that the welfare of said minor will be promoted by said adoption, to decree that said minor may assume the name of petitioner to wit George Henry Clark, & have all the rights of a child & heir of petitioner, & be subject to the duties of a child.” Signed Jackson Clark, Lizzie A Clark; sworn to by Jackson Clark and subscribed by him before W. H. Gaskill, Clerk, 6 Sept. 1888.
[Consent, below:] “Apr. 10, 1888. We consent to the above.” Signed H. P. Marley, Edwin J. Baily[,] Overseers of the Poor.
Granted 10 Sept. 1888, name assumed is George Henry Clark; [filing date not given; file includes certified decree].

#4 February Term 1889
Appearance Dk. 111:5 “The petition of SOLON E. HUBBARD of the township of Bloomfield county of Crawford and state of Pennsylvania, respectfully represents:– [¶] That he is desirous of adopting ERNEST GLENN HUBBARD a male child of his daughter EMMA HUBBARD, of the same place, 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 Ernest Glenn Hubbard. [¶] Petitioner further represents that the said Earnest [sic] Glenn Hubbard was born out of wedlock, and that he is three years old; that petitioner is married and can provide the child a comfortable home; that the mother of said Ernest Glenn Hubbard has signed this petition as evidence of her consent to said adoption. [¶] The petitioner therefore prays the Court if satisfied that the welfare of said Earnest Glenn Hubbard will be promoted by said adoption to decree that the said child may assume the name of petitioner, viz: Ernest Glenn Hubbard 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 November 10, 1888.” Signed Emma Hubbard, Solon. E. Hubbard; Witness: Blanche Shreve, G C Bowen; sworn to by Solon E. Hubbard and subscribed Solon. E. Hubbard before S R Miller, J.P., 10 Nov. 1888.
Granted 13 Nov. 1888, name assumed is Ernest Glenn Hubbard; [filing date not given].

#15 February Term 1889
Appearance Dk. 111:15 “The petition of CLARK R. HELIKER of Rome township county of Crawford and state of Penna Respectfully represents: That he is adopting as one of heirs ELWIN LESTER YOUNG a child of HARMON YOUNG of said county the surviving ch parient [sic] of the said Elwin Lester. and that he will perform all the duties of a parient to the said child He further represents that the consent of the said parent to such adoption is evidenced by his joining in this petition [¶] your petitioner therefore prays the Court to decree that the said Elwin Lester Young may assume the name of the petitioner viz Elwin Lester Heliker 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.” Signed Clark R Heliker, Harmon Young; sworn to by Clark R. Hilliker [sic] (but not again subscribed) before Thos Snodgross, J.P., 20 Nov. 1888.
Granted 23 Nov. 1888, name taken is Edwin Lester Hilliker [sic]; filed same day.

#91 February Term 1889
Appearance Dk. 111:91 “The [typed] petition of WILLIAM M. WALLACE and CATHARINE WALLACE, his wife, respectfully represents:— [¶] That HELENA GALLAGHER, now aged about twelve years, is the daughter of a sister of the said Catharine Wallace; that the mother of the said Helena died a short time after her birth; that the said Helena was left in charge of her grandmother, by whom she was sometime thereafter placed in St. Joseph’s Orphan Asylum, Erie, Pa., in charge of the Sisters of St. Joseph; that she remained there until October, 1888, when at the request of petitioners she was placed in their charge by the Sisters; that it is the desire of your petitioners to adopt the said Helena, and that they will perform all the duties of parents to her; your petitioners therefore, respectfully pray that this Court will decree that the said Helena Gallagher shall assume the name of your petitioners, and be subject to the duties of a child, agreeable to the Act of Assembly, 4th May, 1855. [¶] And they will ever pray, etc.” Signed W^m M. Wallace, Catharine Wallace; sworn to (but not again subscribed) before A. B. Edson, Prothonotary, 12 Jan. 1889.
[Attached consent:] “The petition of Mary Gallagher respectfully represents:– [¶] That she is the grandmother of the said Helena Gallagher, referred to in the foregoing petition, and that she consents to and joins in the petition for adoption.” Signed with her mark.
[Joinder, below:] “The petition of Helena Gallagher respectfully represents:— [¶] That she is the person referred to in the foregoing petition, and that she joins in the petition requesting that your Honorable Court decree the adoption prayed for” Signed Ellie Gallagher.
[Consent, on reverse:] “The undersigned Directors of the Poor of Crawford County, having examined the foregoing petition of William M. and Catharine Wallace, would respectfully request your Honorable Court to grant the same.” Signed H. P. Marley, E. J. Bailey, W. R. Lindsay.
Granted 17 Jan. 1889, name assumed is Helena Wallace; filed 18 Jan. 1889.

#3 September Term 1889
Appearance Dk. 113:3 “The petition of JESSE JONES of the Township of Richmond County of Crawford and state of Penna. [¶] Respectfully represents, that he is desirous of adopting MATTIE VANDERVORT a female child, and that said child is nine years old. that he desires to adopt her as one of his heirs, and for that purpose herein declares that he will perform all the duties of a parent to said child. Petitioner further represent that said child is his grand Daughter and that the Mother of said child is his Daughter and that said Mother has to work out by the week to suport [sic] herself & children and that the Father of said child viz AMBROSE VANDERVORT, deserted his wife and children about a year ago. That your Petitioner is a married man and can provide said child a comfortable home, that the mother of said child has signed this Petition giving her consent to the same. Petitioner therefore prays the Court to decree that said child may assume the name of Mattie Jones, and have all the rights of a child and heir at law of said Petitioner and be subject to the duties of a child and he will ever pray &c.” Signed with his mark, and by MARY Vandervort; Witness, M. C. Powers; sworn to by Jesse Jones and subscribed again with his mark before A. B. Edson, Prothonotary, 1 May 1889.
Granted 13 May 1889, name assumed is Mattie Jones; [filing date not stated].

#9 September Term 1889
Appearance Dk. 113:9 [Per caption, “In the matter of the adoption of Ada Viola Perrette, an infant of the age of fifteen months and upwards, daughter of Louis Perrette”:] “The petition of PETER KLINE respectfully represents. That he is a resident of the City of Titusville in the County of Crawford and State of Pennsylvania and is a freeholder therein. [¶] That he is married but has no children issue of his body and that he is desirous of adopting ADA VIOLA PERRETTE the infant above named, daughter of LOUIS PERRETTE & who also resides in said city. That the mother of said infant ~~has~~ is dead and that the welfare of such infant will be promoted by such adoption. That your petitioner will perform all the duties of a parent to such child. [¶] Wherefore he prays that a decree of said Court may be made authorizing such adoption & that said child shall assume the name of your petitioner and have all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioner [¶] And your petitioner will ever pray &^c.” Signed Peter Kline; sworn to and again subscribed before Waldrom M. Dame, City Recorder, Titusville, 8 Feb. 1889.
[Separate “Petition of father & consent to decree”:] “Whereas I, Louis Perrette a resident of the City of Titusville in the County of Crawford and State of Pennsylvania, the father of Ada Viola Perrette an infant of the age of fifteen months & upward, (the mother of said infant having died on the 24^th day of December last) am having regard for the welfare and comfort of said infant am desirous that she be adopted by Peter Kline of Titusville aforesaid, as his child and heir in the manner provided by law to that end. [¶] Now therefore I do hereby relinquish to the said Peter Kline the care, custody education and control and the person of said infant until such time as the Court of Crawford County may by decree declare her to be the child and heir of said Peter Kline. [¶] Said Kline is married and has no children living, is a substantial freeholder of said County and is a fit and proper person to perform the duties of a parent to said infant and I hereby assent to such decree of adoption. [¶] Dated December 28^th 1888.” Signed Louis Perrette; sworn to and again subscribed before Waldron M. Dame, City Recorder of the City of Titusville, 28 Dec. 1888.
Granted 13 May 1889, “and that said child shall assume the name of the adopting parent,” presumably, Ada Viola Kline; filed same day.

#18 September Term 1889
Appearance Dk. 113:18 “The petition of J. T. MUNGER of said [Crawford] County respectfully represents: That he is desirous of adopting CHARLES MUNGER, aged 12 years, minor child of WARREN and MAY MUNGER, now MAY WOOD; that the father of said minor has been absent for 10 or 12 years, last past, and his whereabouts are unknown to petitioner; that petitioner states that he & his wife MARY E. MUNGER, desire adopting said minor as one of his heirs; and for that purpose he declares his said desire and that he will perform all the duties of a parent to said Charles Munger. Petitioner further states that he has maintained and supported said minor for the last 12 years, and upwards, and still further states that the mother of said minor is willing that he should be adopted by petitioner, as is evidenced by her written consent hereto annexed. [¶] The petitioner therefore prays the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of said minor will be promoted by such adoption to decree that said minor may assume the name of petitioner, viz, Charles Munger, 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 Mary. E. Munger [only]; sworn to by J.T. Munger and subscribed J T. Munger before W. H. Gaskill, Clerk, ~~Feb’y~~25 March 1889.
[Mother’s consent, on reverse side:] “Feby , 1889, I, May Wood, mother of Charles Munger hereby consent to the adoption of said Charles Munger by J.T. Munger as within prayed for.” Signed Mrs. May. Wood.
[Consent, below:] “May 21, 1888. The undersigned, approve of the prayer of the within petition.” Signed E J. Bailey, W. R. Lindsay, Overseers of the Poor.
Granted 27 May 1889, name assumed is Charles Munger; filed same day.

#87 September Term 1889
Appearance Dk. 113:87 “The Petition of WILLIAM J. JACKSON respectfully represents, That he resides at the City of Titusville in said [Crawford] County and is desirous of adopting one SYLVESTER LADD, a minor child, son of LIDA JACKSON, petitioner’s wife by a former husband, as his heir, and that he will perform the duties of a parent to said child [¶] Wherefore your petitioner prays that a decree may be made by this Honorable Court that said child, Sylvester Ladd, shall assume the name of your petitioner and 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 W. J. Jackson; sworn to (as William J. Jackson) and subscribed W. J. Jackson before Samuel Grumbine, Notary Public, 18 July 1889.
[Mother’s consent, on reverse:] “The undersigned Lida Jackson, mother of the within named Sylvester Ladd, hereby consents to the adoption of said child by William J. Jackson, and joins in the prayer for a decree as set forth in the petition of said William J. Jackson [¶] July 18, 1889”; signed Lida Jackson.
Granted 22 July 1889, name assumed is Sylvester Ladd Jackson; [filing date not given].

#88 September Term 1889
Appearance Dk. 113:88 “The Petition of WILLIAM DIETRICH of the City of Titusville in said county respectfully represents, That he is desirous of adopting SAMUEL LAFAYETTE DIETRICH, a child of SAMUEL DIETRICH, late of said city of Titusville, deceased, and NETTIE DIETRICH his wife, as one of his heirs – said child having been deserted by his mother and having no legal guardian, and being now supported partly by your Petitioner and partly by the Overseers of the Poor of said County, and that he will perform all the duties of a parent to the said child. [¶] Your petitioner therefore prays the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of said Samuel Lafayette Dietrich will be promoted by such adoption, and with the consent of the Overseers of the Poor of said County, indorsed hereon, to decree that the said Samuel Lafayette Dietrich may [next nine words carreted] assume the name of petitioner, as aforesaid, and may have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioner and be subject to the duties of such child – ~~the child already having the name of Petitioner, no decree that the child shall assume the name of Petitioner being necessary.~~ [¶] And he will ever pray &c”; signed Wm Deiterich; sworn to and subscribed William Dietrich before Samuel Grumbine, Notary Public, 19 July 1889.
[Consent, below:] “The undersigned Overseers of the Poor of Crawford County hereby consent that the decree as within prayed for be made for the adoption of Samuel Lafayette Dietrich by William Dietrich”; signed H R Marley, Walter R Lindsay, E. J. Bailey, Overseers of the Poor of Crawford Co [undated].
Granted 22 July 1889, name assumed is Samuel Lafayette Dietrich; [filing date not given].

#89 September Term 1889
Appearance Dk. 113:89 “The petition of JOHN M. STRONG of the City of Titusville in said County respectfully represents, That he is desirous of adopting a child without known parents, (who is now known by the name of WILLIAM J. STRONG) who has ~~now~~ no legal guardian, and ~~being~~ [next word carreted] is now supported by your petitioner, and that he will perform all the duties of a parent to said child. [¶] Your Petitioner therefore prays the Court if satisfied that the welfare of said child will be promoted by such adoption and with the consent of the Overseers of the Poor of said County indorsed hereon, to decree that said child may assume the name of your petitioner viz: William J. Strong, 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 Jno M. Strong; sworn to and subscribed Jno M. Strong before Samuel Grumbine, Notary Public, 19 July 1889.
[Consent, on reverse side:] “The undersigned Overseers of the Poor of Crawford County hereby consents [sic] that the decree for the adoption of the child within referred to by John M Strong be made as within prayed for”; signed H. P Marley, Walter R Lindsay, E J Bailey, Oversees of the Poor of Crawford Co [undated].
Granted 22 July 1889, name assumed is William J. Strong; [filing date not given].

#29 November Term 1889
Appearance Dk. 114:29 “The Petition of AUSTIN A FOWLER and ROSE FOWLER his wife respectfully represents That your petitioners are residents of the City of Meadville Crawford County and State of Pennsylvania and are desirous to adopt ADALADE FRANCIS [sic] JOHNSTON a minor child of W^M F JOHNSTONand MAY JOHNSTON his wife – said child being aged five years. and that they will perform all the duties of a parent to the said child They therefore pray the Court to decree that the said child shall asume [sic] the name of your petitioners and be subject to the duties of a child to them and have all the rights of a child and heir of them your petitioners, and they will ever pray.” Signed Austin A Fowler, Rose Fowler; sworn to at Madison County, Indiana, by Austion [sic] A. Fowler and subscribed signed Austin A Fowler before Leander M. Schwinn, Notary Public, Madison Co., 2 Sept. 1889; sworn to by Rose Fowler (but not subscribed) before William Pentz, J.P. [date not given].
[Mother’s consent, below]: “May Johnson [sic] being sworn deposes and says that she is the mother of Adelaide Francis Johnson and that the facts set forth in the above petition are correct and true, and that she consents to the adoption prayed for. The deponent further says that W^m H [sic] Johnston the father of the child has deserted her and the child, and that said child has been exclusively in the care and custody of your deponent since July last. That she is unable to support the child and that it is about to become a charge upon the county unless adopted by the petitioners.” Sworn to and subscribed Mrs May Johnston before William Pentz, J.P., 17 Sept. 1889.
[Consent, below:] “The undersigned Commissioners of the Poor of Crawford County do certify that the said Adelaide Francis Johnson [sic] has become a charge upon the County, and that they do consent o the adoption prayed for in the foregoing petition”; signed W R Lindsay, E J. Bailey, H. P. Marley.
Granted 24 Sept. 1889, name assumed is Adalaide Francis Fowler; filed same day.

#41 November Term 1889
Appearance Dk. 114:41 “The petition of JOHN W. OAKES of Randolph Township, Crawford County, respectfully represents: That he is desirous of adopting MABEL BEABOUT [or possibly BEABONT], a child of NETTIE BEABOUT, of Foxburgh, Clarion County, Pa. as one of his heirs. That said child has been in his family and under his care since the 15^# day of July last past. That he herein declares his said desire and also that he will perform all the duties of a parent to said Mabel Beabout. The petitioner therefore prays the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of said Mabel Beabout will be promoted by such adoption, with the consent of the said Nettie Beabout, evidenced by her signing this petition, to decree that the said Mabel Beabout may assume the name of the petitioner, viz: Maude Pearl Oakes 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. [¶] Sept. 17^# A.D. 1889.” Signed John W Oakes, Miss Nettie Beabout [or possibly Beabont]; “Witness present,” Mrs Maggie Shriver, Mrs Mary Elliott; sworn to and subscribed John W. Oakes before Isaac Monderau, Notary Public, Meadville, 17 Sept. 1889.
Granted 27 Sept. 1889, i.e., name changed to Maude Pearl Oakes; [filing date not given].

#2 May Term 1890
Appearance Dk. 116:2 “The petition of W. S. STRUBLE, of said [Crawford] County, respectfully represents: [¶] That he is desirous of adopting as one of his heirs LILLIAN GRACE —, aged four years, whose parents and sur name are unknown; that he will perform all the duties of a parent to said child. [¶] He further represents that the consent of the Overseers of the Poor of said County to such adoption, is evidenced by their joining in this petition. Your petitioner therefore prays the Court to decree that the said Lillian Grace — may assume the name of the petitioner, to wit: Lillian Grace Struble; 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 &c.” Signed W S Struble “In presence of [Attorney] Arthur L Bates” [no jurat or acknowledgement].
[Consent, below:] “We the undersigned Commissioners of the County of Crawford and Overseers of the Poor hereby join in the above petition.” Signed Henry P. Marley, E J. Bailey [undated]; petition filed same day.
Granted 15 [docket says 10] Feb. 1890, name assumed is Lillian Grace Strubble; decree filed 15 Feb. 1890.
[Handwritten letter:]

Mrs James Spence / Rt. 1 Davisburg / Michigan / Jan. 27, 1939 / [to] Clerk of Courts / Meadville / Penna. / Dear Sir, / In the year of or about 1889 Mr Walter Struble and wife Rosia adopted a little girl by the name of LIZZIE DAVIS, taken from the orphanage there, the child was two years old then, I am that girl and have just learned the fact[.] I Wish to know if I can get a copy of adoption papers and where my Father lived at time and the name of the Dr connected with the orphanage at that time & what are the charges for papers, would like to know Mr Davis’s first name and what Mrs Davis’ maiden name was, she ~~was~~ had died before Mrs Struble came to orphanage – & Mr Davis could not take care of me his daughter. Enclosed is envelope for reply; the Strubles lived Crawford I believe at that time, please send all information you have. / Sincerely / Mrs J. R. Spence / Rt 1 / Davisburg / Mich.
Prothonotary’s typed reply letter, dated 28 Jan. 1939: [unable to answer questions other than to provide info stated above].

#22 September Term 1890
Appearance Dk. 117:22 “The petition of JONATHAN L KINGSBURY of the City of Titusville in said [Crawford] County respectfully represents, That he is desirous of adopting GRACE SIBLEY a child of LEROY SIBLEY and JOSEPHINE his wife, of East Titusville in the township of Oil Creek 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 Grace Sibley [¶] He therefore prays the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of said Grace Sibley will be promoted by such adoption, with the consent of the said Leroy Sibley and Josephine Sibley, evidenced by signing this petition, to decree that the said Grace Sibley may assume the name of the petitioner, viz Grace Kingsburg 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 Jonathan L Kingsbury, “We join in the foregoing petition” signed Josephine Sibley, Leroy Sibley; sworn to and again subscribed by Jonathan L Kingsbury (only) before Samuel Grumbine, Notary Public, 13 May 1890.
Granted 2 June 1890, name assumed is Grace Kingsbury; [filing date not given].

#23 September Term 1890
Appearance Dk. 117:23 “The petition of JONATHAN L. KINGSBURY of the City of Titusville in said [Crawford] County respectfully represents, That he is desirous of adopting HATTIE BURGESS, a child of B. F. BURGESS and JEANNETTE, his wife, of Elmira, New York, 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 Hattie Burgess as he has already done for upwards of fourteen years during which time she has lived in Petitioners family [¶] Your petitioner therefore prays the Court if satisfied that the welfare of said Hattie Burgess will be promoted by such adoption, with the consent of said B. F. Burgess and Jeannette Burgess evidenced by their signing this petition, to decree that the said Hattie Burgess may assume the name of your petitioner, viz Hattie Kingsbury, 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 Jonathan L Kingsbury [on reverse] “We join in the prayer of the foregoing petition” signed B S[?] Burgess, Jenett[?] Burgess; sworn to and subscribed by Jonathan L Kingsbury (only) before Samuel Grumbine, Notary Public, 15 May 1890.
Granted 2 June 1890, name assumed is Hattie Kingsbury; [filing date not given].

#23 November Term 1890
Appearance Dk. 118:23 “The petition of GEORGE W. BROWN and PHOEBE [sic] A. BROWN his wife respectfully represents: That your petitiones are desirous of adopting as one of their heirs, CLARA C THOMAS a child of WILLIAM A. THOMAS and NANCY J. THOMAS his wife of Kinsman, Trumbull County, Ohio; that your petitiones will perform all the duties of parents towards the said child. They further represent that the parents of said child consent to such adoption and join in this petition for the same. Your petitiones therefore pray that a decree may be made that the said Clara C Thomas may assume the name of Clara C Brown and may have and enjoy all the rights of a child and heir of the said petitiones and be subject to the duties of a child, and they will ever pray &c”; signed Geo. W. Brown, Phebe A. Brown; sworn to by Geo. W. Brown (only, and not again subscribed) before Valentine Hitchcock, J.P., 5 Aug. 1890.
[Parental consent, below:] “William A. Thomas & Nancy J. Thomas parents of the above name Clara. C Thomas hereby declare that they have read the foregoing petition and that they join in the prayer of the same.” Signed William A. Thomas, Nancy J. Thomas.
Granted 15 Sept. 1890, name assumed is Clara C. Brown; filed same day.

#6 February Term 1891
Appearance Dk. 119:6 “The petition of DAVID A. MARLEY respectfully represents: that he is a citizen and resident of said County [of Crawford: that he and his wife are desirous of adopting JOHN SMITH, seven years of age, and son of FRANEY WIARD, of said County [next five words carreted] as one of his heirs, said John Smith having lived with petitioner for two years last past. [¶] Petitioner further representing that he will perform all the duties of a parent, prays the Court, if satisfied that such adoption will promote the welfare of said child, and that the mother consents to the same, to decree that said John Smith may assume the name of petitioner to wit, John Marley, and have all the rights of a child and heir of petitioner, and be subject to the duties of a child.” Signed D A Marley; sworn to and again subscribed before John A. Adams, J.P., 7 Nov. 1890.
[Spousal joinder, below:] “Nov. 7, 1890, I, Mollie Marley, wife of the petitioner hereby consent to & approve of the adoption of John Smith by my husband, the petitioner.” Signed Mollie Marley.
[Mother’s consent, on reverse side:] “Nov 10, 1890, I, Franey Wiard, mother of John Smith within named, hereby consent to and approve of the adoption of my said son, as prayed for by David A Marley.” Signed with her mark; witness Henry P. Marley.
Granted 11 Nov. 1890 “as prayed for,” i.e., name assumed is John Marley; filed same day.

#55 February Term 1891
Appearance Docket 119:55 “The petition of JNO. M. CHAPIN, of Crawford County, Pa., respectfully represents: That he is desirous of adopting MARY HAZEL DELO, a child of HATTIE DELO (nullius filia) of Warren County, this State, 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 Hazel DeLo. Petitioner further represents that said mother assigned & transferred all of her right & interest in, & custody over said Mary Hazel to the Children’s Aid Society of Crawford County, by writing by her signed, dated Oct, 22. 1889, and that said Society consents to her adoption by this petitioner. [¶] The petitioner therefore prays the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of said Mary Hazel will be promoted by such adoption, to decree that the said ~~Charles Gregg~~ Mary Hazel may assume the name of the petitioner, to wit: Mary Hazel Chapin, and have all the rights of a child & heir of petitioner, and be subject to the duties of a child. [¶] And he will ever pray &c.” Signed John M. Chapin; sworn to (as Jno. M. Chapin) but not again subscribed before E. S. Beardsley, J.P., 30 Sept. 1890.
[Spousal joinder, below:] “I, Victor Ella Chapin, wife of Jno. M. Chapin, hereby consent to the adoption of Mary Hazel DeLo as prayed for.” signed Victor Ella Chapin.
[Consent, below:] “Sept [blank], 1890. The undersigned, Directors [next two words carreted] & Overseers of the Poor of Crawford County hereby consent to & approve of the adoption of Mary Hazel DeLo, by John M. Chapin.” Signed Walter. R. Lindsay, Henry P. Marley, Edwin J. Bailey.
[Enclosed printed form “Agreement of Hattie Delo mother of child with Childrens Aid Scty of Crawford Co.”] “General Release to The Children’s Aid Society, [next four word, handwritten, inserted] of Crawford County, Pennsylvania [next line] Allegheny County and Western Pennsylvania. [¶] Know all Men by these Presents, That I, Hattie DeLo the undersigned of [blank] County of Warren State of Pennsylvania, for value received, doth hereby assign and transfer to the Children’s Aid Society of ~~Allegheny~~Crawford County, Pa., ~~and Western Pennsylvania,~~ and its successors, all my right and claim to the obedience, control, education, services and earnings of Hazel De Loe who is now of the age of two days ~~years~~, and all my rights, claim or demand of whatsoever kind arising to me by virtue of my relation of mother to said child, until the said child shall have arrived at the age of 21 years. The proper meaning and intent hereof being that said Aid Society shall in all respects stand in my place a parent of said child so far as I am concerned. [¶] It is also understood and agreed hereby that under no circumstances am I to have any right to any claim, demand or demands of whatever kind which may or might otherwise arise, to from or through said child as against said Society, or their agents in relation to the management or treatment of said child, and that in case of accident thereto, whereby any damage or rights to recover the same may or might accrue to me by reason of the laws of this State, the same shall be for the use and benefit of said Society, with the right to sue for and recover the same in its name, and to hold and use the same for the benefit of said child, or otherwise, at its Discretion. [¶] In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 22^d day of October A .D. 1889.” Signed Hattie DeLo (seal); “Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of us.” signed Theo^d. Young, M D., Mrs H D Chenry[?]; Mrs G E Delo. [on reverse, handwritten:] “The Childrens Aid Society of Crawford County, Pa, hereby consents to the adoption of the within named Hazel Delo by John M Chapin – said Childrens Aid Society of Crawford County, Pa having supported said child since she was two days old, and is now supporting her. It is believed by said Society that the welfare of said child will be promoted by the adoption by said [blank] [¶] Titusville Pa ~~March~~July 23 1890. ].” Signed Lucia O Streeter, President, Attest: Lavinnia A. Baer, Secretary [also signed] Victorella Chapin.
Granted 16 Dec. 1890 “as prayed for,” i.e., name assumed is Mary Hazel Chapin; filed same day.

#56 February Term 1891
Appearance Docket 119:56 “The petition of GEORGE S. BANCROFT of Crawford County Pa respectfully represents [next line] That he is desirous of adopting LEO STOWELL FAHEY a child of CELIA FAHEY of this 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 Leo Stowell Fahey. Petitioner further represents that said mother assigned and transfered [sic] all of her right and intrest and custody over said Leo Stowell Fahey to the Childrens Aid Society of Crawford County by writing by her signed dated March 20^th 1890 and that said Society consents to his adoption by this petitioner. [¶] The Petitioner therefore prays the Court if satisfied that the welfare of said Leo Stowell will be promoted by such adoption to decree that said Leo Stowell may assume the name of petitioner to wit Leo Stowell Bancroft 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&.#148; Signed G.S. Bancroft; sworn to [but not again subscribed] before J. E. Stratton, J.P., 25 Nov. 1890.
[Spousal joinder, below:] “I Sarah M. Bancroft ~~Brancroft~~ wife of George S Bancroft hereby consent to the adoption of Leo Stowell Fahey as prayed for”; signed Sarah M. Bancroft.
[Consent, below:] “Nov 25^th 1890 The undersigned Directors and Oversees of the Poor of Crawford County consent to and approve of the adoption of Leo Stowell Fahey by George S Bancroft”; signed Walter R. Lindsay, Henry P. Marley, Edwin J. Bailey.
[Enclosed “Release from childs mother to Children’s Aid Scty of Titusville”:] “Know all men by these Presents [¶] That I, Celia Fahey, mother of an infant male child, born Dec 28^th 18890 in consideration of the care and maintenance to be given said child by the Childrens Aid Society of Titusville, Penn have released and quitclaimed, and do by these presents forever release and quitclaim all my parental rights and control, custody and management of my said child to said Childrens Aid Society, of Titusville, Pa., and to the person or persons to whom said Society may entrust the custody, care, management maintenance and bringing up of said child, and I hereby give my consent to the adoption of said child by such person or persons. [¶] Witness my hand and seal this ~~Nineteenth~~Twentieth day of March 1890”; signed Celia Fahey “In presence of” Wm Megahey, Carrie B. Brown.
[Consent, below:] “The Childrens Aid Society of Titusville Pa hereby consents to the adoption of Leo. Stowell Fahey, the child described in the above release by the mother Celia Fahey, by George S. Bancroft of Riceville, Crawford County, Penn. [¶] Titusville Pa Sept. 19, 1890”; signed Lucia O. Streeter, President, Attest: Lovinia A Barr, Secretary.
Granted 16 Dec. 1890 “as prayed,” i.e., name changed to Leo Stowell Bancroft; filed same day.

#13 September Term 1891
Appearance Docket 121:13 [On Probate Court form:] “To the Honorable, The Judge of the ~~Probate~~ Court [next three words handwritten] of Common Pleas of the County of Crawford State of ~~Ohio~~Penn’a. [¶] Your Petitioners, STILES L. MINER and M. JENNIE MINER respectfully represent that they are inhabitants of the state of ~~Ohio,~~Pa. residing at Linesville in said county of Crawford, and are husband and wife; that they desire to adopt as their own, MYRA BLASHKE, a minor child of the age of Three years on the 6^th day of December 1890; that said minor child iswas an inmate of The Cleveland Protestant Orphan Asylum, of Cleveland, Ohio, organized under the laws of the said state, and that the written consent to such adoption, by the President of the Board of Trustees of said Asylum, is filed herewith [handwritten:], and that said minor is now a resident of this County, having her home with Petitioners] [¶] Your Petitioners further represent that they have the ability to bring up and educate said child properly, and that the adoption of said minor child, as herein prayed for is fit and proper. [¶] Your Petitioners therefore pray that upon the hearing of this matter the said Myra Blashke may be declared by the court, to be their child to all legal intents and purposes, and promise 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 that her name be changed to Leah Charline Miner and for such other orders as the case may require. [¶] ~~Ohio,~~ 10^th day of April 1891”; signed Stiles L. Miner, M. Jennie Miner; sworn to [as S. L. Miner and M. Jennie Miner, but not again subscribed] before John J. Henderson, President Judge, 10 April 1891.
[Enclosed consent, on Probate Court of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, form:] “Now Comes Douglas Perkins and represents to the Court that ‘The Cleveland Protestant Orphan Asylum’ is organized under the laws of the State of Ohio, and that he is the President of the Board of Trustees of said Asylum. [¶] He further represents and says that on the 19^th day of April 1888, the said Myra Blashke was voluntarily surrendered by its parent ~~guardian~~ to the trustees of said Asylum, ~~has been abandoned by its parent guardian~~, and is now an inmate of said Asylum. [¶] That he has examined the petition herein and believes the allegations therein set forth to be true, and as President of said Board of Trustees hereby consents to the adoption of said Myra Blashke by the said Stiles L. Miner and M. Jennie Miner and for the change of her name as prayed for in said petition. Cleveland Ohio, Feb. 23^th 1891”; Signed Douglas Perkins; sworn to and again subscribed before A H Shunk, Notary Public, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, 23 Feb. 1891.
Granted 19 May 1891], name changed to Leah Charline Miner; separate decree, on modified Probate Court form, filed same day.

#93 September Term 1891
Appearance Docket 121:93 “The petition of BRADFORD CARR and CORA BELL CARR his wife of Springboro Pa. respectfully represent That RUTH HAMILTON is the daughter of CORA HAMILTON an unmarried woman That the said Cora Hamilton gave the said Ruth to your petitioners when she was Two months old, since which time she has lived with and been supported by your petitioners That the said Ruth is now of the age of Twenty months That your petitioners desire to adopt the said Ruth and will perform all the duties of parents to such child [¶] Your petitioners therefore pray this Honorable Court to make a decree, that the said Ruth to be adopted by your petitioners and that she shall assume the name of the adopting parents. And they will ever pray.” Signed Bradford Carr, Cora Bell Carr [no jurat or affidavit].
[Parental consent, attached:] “I hereby give my consent to the adoption of my child Ruth Hamilton by Bradford Carr and Cora Bell Carr, as by them prayed for in the petitioner hereto attached. [¶] Witness my hand and seal this 14^th day of July A.D. 1891.” Signed Cora May Hamilton [and] C. M. Hamilton; Witness: L. C. Gravs.
Granted 3 Aug. 1891, name assumed is Ruth Carr; filed same day.

#5 November Term 1891
Appearance Docket 122:5 “The petition of HULBERT J. KEENAN [¶] that he is desirous of adopting FLOY ETTA RELAY [RALYA], a minor child of W^M RELAY, of Sadsbury township, in said county, as one of his heirs. And that he will perform all the duties of a parent to said child vis Floy Etta Relay [¶] Your petitioner therefore prays that a decree be made that the said Floy Etta Relay shall assume the name of Floy Etta Keenan That she shall have all the rights of a child and heir of the said Hubert J Keenan and be subject to all the duties of such child”; signed Hubert J. Keenan; sworn to and subscribed at Hancock Co., Ohio, by Hubert J. Keenan before Robert Morris, Notary Public, Hancock Co., 31 Aug. 1891.
[Parental consent, on reverse:] “I, W^M Relay of the Township of Sadsbury Crawford Co. Pa. and Father of the within named Floy Etta Relay do hereby consent to the within prayed for adoption.” Signed William Ralya.
Granted 14 Sept. 1891, name to be born is Floy Etta Keenan; [filing date not given].

#8 November Term 1891
Appearance Docket 122:8 “The petition of C. W. MICKLE of the township of Bloomfield, County of Crawford and state of Pennsylvania, respectfully represents: [¶] That he is desirous of adopting CALLA IRENE LEE, a female child of ESTHER LEE of the same place, 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 child. Petitioner further represents that the father of said Calla Irene Lee is unknown and that said child is about one year old. He further represents that Esther Lee the mother of said child has signed this petition as evidence of her consent to said adoption. Your petitioner therefore prays the Court to decree that the said Calla Irene Lee may assume the name of the petitioner, viz: Calla Irene Mickle, 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”; dated 20 Aug. 1891. Signed C. W. Mickle, Esther Lee; Witness: S. R. Miller; sworn to and subscribed by C. W. Mickle before S. R. Miller, J.P., 20 Aug. 1891.
Granted 14 Sept. 1891, name assumed is Calla Irene Mickle [filing date not given].

#9 November Term 1891
Appearance Docket 122:9 “The petition of F. L. PAGE of the township of Bloomfield, County of Crawford and state of Pennsylvania, respectfully represents: [¶] That he is desirous of adopting JAMES MILLIMAN a male child of GEORGE and HARRIET MILLIMAN 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 child. Petitioner further represents that George Milliman the father of said child is a lunatic and is now and has been for more than two years last past confined in the state Hospital for the Insane at Warren, Pa; that the child is about four years old, and that Harriet Milliman its mother is poor and unable to provide a suitable home for her said child. Petitioner further represents that Harriet Milliman has singed this petition as evidence of her consent to said adoption.&bnsp; Your petitioner therefore prays the Court to decree that the said James Milliman may assume the name of the petitioner, viz: James Page, and have and enjoy all the rights of a child and heir of said petitioner, and be subject to the duties of a child. And he will ever pray &c” dated 9 Sept. 1891. Signed F L Page, and with the mark of Harriet Milliman; Witness: E. C. Miller. Sworn to and subscribed by F. L. Page before S. R. Miller, J.P., 9 Sept. 1891.
Granted 14 Sept. 1891, name assumed is James Page; [filing date not given]

[Enclosed letter typed on Grand Trunk Western Railroad Company stationery:] “Office of Trainmaster, Durand, Michigan, Jan. 9, 1939 [addressed to] Probate Court Crawford County, Meadville, Penna. [¶] Dear Sir: [¶] Our employee, James Frederick Page, now living at 932 Lomita Avenue, Flint, and engaged as a Switchman, is being required to furnish birth certificate or satisfactory proof of age, and in conversation with I have learned the following facts; [¶] He was born November 1, 1889 at Oil City, Venango County, Pennsylvania and was adopted by Louis and Almia Page, when about four years of age. Adoption papers were filed through the Court of Crawford County, and he has no knowledge of his original name or history. [¶] It is necessary that we have something definite from the State of Pennsylvania, also the County of Venango as to any registration of birth (after we have developed his original name) or a copy of the adoption papers, if in order. If it is not in order for the Court to furnish this information, a letter or affidavit indicating what the adoption records show as to his name and date of birth, together with information as to date of adoption, will suffice. [¶] I am writing this letter for Mr. Page and you may reply to me direct, or to our employee at his home address – 928 Lomita Avenue, Flint, Michigan. [¶] Yours Sincerely,” signed G A Briggs, Trainmaster.
[Attached letter from Paul D. Slayton, Prothonotary, addressed to Mr. G. A. Briggs:] “ … I can find no adoption of a child of that name by Louis and Alma Page indexed in our records. However, I find that F. L. Page of Bloomfied Township (about 20 miles N.E. of Meadville) adopted one James Milliman, child of George and Harriet Milliman, on Sept. 14, 1891. The petition sets forth that the child was then about four years old. Quite likely this is an other person [!?!].”

#17 November Term 1891
Appearance Docket 122:17 [On Probate Court form:] “To the Honorable, The Judge of the ~~Probate~~ [next two words carreted, handwritten] Common Pleas Court of the County of Crawford State of ~~Ohio~~Pa. [¶] Your Petitioners, JOHN FRANCIS WEAVER and MARY WEAVER respectfully represent that they are inhabitants of the state of ~~Ohio,~~Pa residing at Cochranton in said county of Crawford, and are husband and wife; that they desire to adopt as their own, KATE DELAWDER a minor child of the age of One year on the 10^th day of June 1891; that said minor child iswas an inmate of The Cleveland Protestant Orphan Asylum, of Cleveland, Ohio, organized under the laws of the said state, and that the written consent to such adoption, by the President of the Board of Trustees of said Asylum, is filed herewith. [handwritten:] with the consent and approval of the Directors of the Poor of Crawford County. [¶] Your Petitioners further represent that they have the ability to bring up and educate said child properly, and that the adoption of said minor child, as herein prayed for is fit and proper. [¶] Your Petitioners therefore pray that upon the hearing of this matter the said Kate DeLawder may be declared by the court, to be their child to all legal intents and purposes, and promise 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 that her name be changed to Goldie May Weaver and for such other orders as the case may require. [¶] Meadville ~~Ohio,~~Pa. 14^th day of September 1891”; signed John Francis Weaver, Ida May Weaver; sworn to and again subscribed before Isaac Monderau, Notary Public, Meadville, 14 Sept. 1891.
[Consent, on reverse above Weaver jurat:] “We the undersigned Directors of the Poor of the County of aforesaid [Crawford], hereby approve the within petition and consent to the prayer of the petitioners”; signed John B Brawley Clerk, Overseers of the Poor, Crawford Co. Pa.
[Enclosed consent, on Probate Court of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, form:] “Now Comes Douglas Perkins and represents to the Court that ‘The Cleveland Protestant Orphan Asylum’ is organized under the laws of the State of Ohio, and that he is the President of the Board of Trustees of said Asylum. [¶] He further represents and says that on the thirteenth day of July 1891, the said Kate DeLawder was voluntarily surrendered by its ~~parent~~ guardian to the trustees of said Asylum, ~~has been abandoned by its parent guardian~~, and is now an inmate of said Asylum. [¶] That he has examined the petition herein and believes the allegations therein set forth to be true, and as President of said Board of Trustees hereby consents to the adoption of said Kate DeLawder by the said John Francis Weaver and Ida May Weaver and for the change of her name as prayed for in said petition. Cleveland Ohio, Sept. 7^th 1891”; Signed Douglas Perkins; sworn to and again subscribed before A. H. Shunk, Notary Public, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, 7 Sept. 1891.
Granted 16 Sept. 1891, name changed to Goldie May Weaver; filed same day.

#23 November Term 1891
Appearance Docket 122:23 “The petition of A.W. and ADDA BIRCH respectfully represents That they are residents of said [Crawford] County and are desirous of adopting PEARL M [blank] a minor child which has been desserted [sic] by its parents, as one of their heirs. [¶] That the said Pearl M [blank] has no legal guardian and that they will perform all the duties of a parent to her [¶] That the managers of the Childrens Aid Society of Allegheny County, from whom they received the said minor child when an infant have consented to said adoption prayed for by your petitioners Wherefore your petitioner pray your Hon. Court to order and decree that the said Pearl. M. shall assume the name of your petitioners and that the said Pearl M. shall have all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioners and be subject to the duties of a child”; signed A W Birch, Adda Birch; sworn to and subscribed A. W. Birch, Adda Birch before Philip P. Wenz, J.P., 31 July 1891.
[Consent, below:] “We Mrs. M A. Woodburn Pres and Mrs Jas R Darling [sic] of the Childrens Aid Society of Allegheny County hereby consent to the adoption of Pearl M [blank] as prayed for in the foregoing petition, and believe that such adoption will be for the welfare of the said [blank]”; signed Mrs. M. A. Woodburn, Mrs. James R Darragh, Sec’y.
Granted 21 Sept. 1891, name changed to Bessie Pearl Birch; filed same day.

#36 November Term 1891
Appearance Docket 122:36 “The petition of G. W. GREEN respectfully represents. [¶] That he is a resident of Spring Township, Crawford County Pa. [¶] That he is desirous of adopting EMMA HEADLY [HEADLEY] an adult person of the age of 26 years. [¶] That the said Emma Headley and JOHN HEADLEY and LYDIA HEADLY the parents of the said Emma Headly have assented to the said adoption prayed for by your petitioner. [¶] Wherefore your petitioner prays your Honorable Court to order and decree that the said Emma Headly shall have all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioner, and be subject to the duties of such child [¶] And that the said Emma Headley may assume & bear the name of Emma Headley Green [¶] And your petitioner will ever pray &c”; signed George W Green, sworn to [as G. W. Green] and subscribed George W Green before Henry West, J.P., Springboro, 28 Aug. 1891.
[Parental consent, below:] “John Headley & Lydia Headly the parents of Emma Headly hereby consent to the adoption of the said Emma Headley as prayed for in the foregoing petition and believe such adoption will be for the welfare of the said Emma Headley”; signed with the mark of John Headly, and by Lydia Headly, Witness[es] Casper Terry, Rose Terry.
[Supporting affidavit, below:] “Asa S McCoy & H C Pond being duly sworn according to law says that they are acquainted with G. W. Green the within named petitioner; that he is a person of respectability & property and that the deponents believe that the welfare of the said Emma Headley will be promoted by the adoption prayed for in said petition”; sworn to and subscribed Asa S. M^cCoy, H. C. Pond before Henry West, J.P., Springboro, 28 Aug. 1891.
Granted 28 Sept. 1891, name assumed is Emma H. Green; filed same day.

#46 February Term 1892
Appearance Docket 123:46 “The petition of JOHN H HURST and LIBBIE HURST, his wife, of the City of Meadville, to adopt HELEN HOFFMAN, an orphan child of 20 months of age and late an inmate of the Fairmont Childrens Home of the State of Ohio, and now in the charge of the petitioners in said City; Board consents; signed John H Hurst, Mrs Libbie Hurst. Sworn to and subscribed by both 11 Dec. 1891.
Attached consent of President of the Board of Trustees of Fairmont Childrens Home of the Counties of Stark and Columbiana in the State of Ohio, ack. 2 Dec. 1891.
Granted 15 Dec. 1891, name changed to Hellen May Hurst.

#52 February Term 1892
Appearance Docket 123:52 “The petition of WILHELM G. KOESSLING respectfully represents: - [¶] That he is a resident of Meadville in said County of Crawford; that he is desirous of adopting MARIA KOESSLING as one of his heirs; that said Maria was born out of wedlock in the house of this petitioner; that her mother gave her to your petitioner and his wife upon her birth and she has been reared, provided and cared for by them as their own child, and has been known as such, ever since; that said Maria is now nearly 14 years of age and her said mother has never claimed said child or made an effort to support her or provide a home for her, nor is her said mother’s whereabouts known to this petitioner. [¶] Your petitioner further showing that said Maria having become endeared to him and his wife, and having been regarded as their own child, and being themselves childless, pray teh Court to decree that the said Maria shall continue to be known by the name of Maria Koessling and shall have all the rights of a child and heir of this petitioner and be subject to duties accordingly, and he will ever pray &c.” Signed Wilhelm G. Koessling; sworn to and again subscribed before C. R. Slocum, Prothonotary, 17 Dec. 1891.
[Consent, below:] “Consent of the Overseers of the Poor is hereby given to the adoption of Marie [sic] Koessling as prayed for in above petition. Dec. 17, 1891.” Signed Overseers of the Poor of Crawford County per John B Brawley Clerk.
Granted 17 Dec. 1891, name will continue to be Maria Koessling; filed same day.

#56 February Term 1892
Appearance Docket 123:56 “The petition of A M PEEBLES a resident of the Borough of Vallonia represents [¶] That on the 5th of November last there was found by him on his House Door Step a female infant child of six months old or thereabouts and he has taken said child into his family. That said child is a waif & has no parents known to petitioner. That he & his wife SARAH A PEEBLES are desirous of adopting said nameless child & hereby promise to perform all the duties of parents to said child [¶] The consent of the Directors of the Poor &c of said County has been obtained for the proposed adoption as appears by the Certificate of their Clerk hereto attached, said Board joining herein [¶] Petitioner therefore prays the Court to order & decree that said nameless child may assume the name of Ethel Peebles & have & enjoy all the rights of a child & heir of Petitioner, and become subject to the duties of a child” signed A. M. Peebles [the jurat consists simply of the statement by C. R. Slocum, Prothonotary, that “Petitioner sworn to before me 21 Dec^r 1891”].
[Consent, on reverse:] The Board of Directors of the Poor & of the House of Employment of Crawford County hereby consents to the adoption of the child within mentioned by within named petitioner, & hereby requests that Petition be granted [next line] 21 Dec 1891.” Directors of the Poor &c[,] John B Brawley, Clerk.
Granted 22 Dec. 1891, name assumed is Ethel Peebles; [filing date not given].

#99 February Term 1892
Appearance Docket 123:100 “The petition of JOHN GRAHAM and MARY JANE GRAHAM of ~~Spring~~Conneaut Township, County aforesaid [Crawford] respectfully represents. That Miss ELSIE PLATT aged twenty one years, has lived in the family of your petitioners and been cared for by them for six years or more last past. [¶] That the parents of the said Elsie are dead. [¶] That your petitioners are desirous of adopting the said Elsie, and agree to perform all the duties of parents to such child, and desire that she may take the name of Elsie Graham and we will ever pray [¶] Witness our hands and seals this 8" day of January 1892.” Signed John Graham, Mary Jane Graham [no jurat or acknowledgment].
[Consent, below:] “I hereby consent to the action of the foregoing petitioners and pray the Court may approve the same.” Signed Miss Elsie Platt.
[Consent, on reverse:] “And now Jany 27" 1892 [next line] We approval of the within petition and consent that the prayer be granged.” Signed Poor Directors of Crawford County[,] per John B Brawley Clerk.
Granted 27 Jan. 1892, name taken is Elsie Graham; [filing date not given].

#86 May Term 1892
Appearance Docket 124:86 “The petition of JOSEPH B BUTLER respectfully represents [¶] That he is a resident of the township of Cambridge in said County [¶] that he is desirous of adopting GRACE JOHN’S minor child of [blank] JOHN’S as one of his heirs [¶] that he will perform all the duties of a parent to the said Grace John’s [¶] that the said Grace John’s has been deserted by her father for a period of over three years. [¶] Wherefore your petitioner prays your Honorable Court to order and decree that the said Grace John’s assume the name of Grace Butler and that [next line] that the said Grace John’s shall have all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioner and be subject to the duties of such child [¶] And your petitioner w=shall ever pray &c.” Signed Joseph B. Butler; sworn to and subscribed before W^m A Dougan, J.P., 1 April 1892.
[Consent, on reverse:] We Directors of the Poor of the County of Crawford hereby consent to the within prayed for adoption”; signed O. P. Blakeslee.
Granted 11 April 1892, name assumed is Grace Butler; filed same day.

#4 September Term 1892
Appearance Docket 125:4 “The petition of GREGOR LOESLEIN respectfully represents:- [¶] that he is desirous of adopting JOHN GUENTHER and MARY GUENTHER, aged six and four years respectively, and children of KARL GUENTHER; that said Karl Guenther disappeared about four years ago and has offered no provision or care for said children; and his whereabouts is now unknown to any of his friends or your petitioner; that the mother of said children died nine days after the birth of the younger, and since said time the children have been cared for by your petitioner and his father. [¶] Your petitioner representing that he desires to adopt the said children as his heirs, prays the Court to decree that the said children may assume the name of your petitioner, and enjoy all the rights of a child and be subject to the duties of children and he will ever pray,” signed Gregor Loeslein. Sworn to and subscribed before W H Gaskill, Clerk, 3 May 1892.
[Consent, on reverse:] We, the Overseers of the Poor hereby consent to the adoption of John and Mary Guenther by Gregor Loeslein as prayed for in the above petition. May 9, 1892.” Signed Overseers of Poor per John B Brawley Clerk.
Granted 9 May 1892, the children to assume the name of the petitioner, i.e., presumably John Loeslein and Mary Loeslein; [filing date not given].

Enclosed letter from Miles B. Kitts, Attorney-at-Law, 25 East Eighth Street, Erie, Pa., dated 28 July 1928, requesting a search for the adoption of John and Marie Gunther by a George Loeslein or a Gregor George Loeslein or his wife, Mary Loeslein; and replies by V. L. Greeley, Prothonotary.

#8 September Term 1892
Appearance Docket 125:8 “The Petition of THOMAS J. BLYSTONE of Venango Township, Crawford County, Pa. respectfully represents: That he is desirous of adopting as one of his heirs HARRY B. HACKETT, a child of DAVID and HELEN HACKETT, late of said County, now deceased; And that he will perform all the duties of a parent to said child: He further represents that the consent of James Perley Skelton, the uncle of said Harry B. Hackett and next friend to such adoption is evidenced by his joining in this petition [¶] Your Petitioner therefore prays the Court to decree that said Harry B. Hackett may assume the name of your petitioner viz Harry B. Blystone and have and enjoy all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioner, and be subject to the duties of a child [¶] And he will ever pray &c.” Signed Thomas J Blystone; [on reverse side] sworn to and subscribed Thomas J. Blystone before C. R. Slocum, Prothonotary, 10 May 1892.
[Consent, below petition:] “I do hereby consent to the adoption of Harry B. Hackett as above prayed for and join in this petition”; signed J. P. Skelton, uncle and next friend.
Granted 12 May 1892, name assumed is Harry B. Blystone; [filing date not given].

#14 November Term 1892
Appearance Docket 126:14 “The petition of JAMES JOHNSON of Hayfield Twp. of said County respectfully represents: [¶] That he is desirous of adopting as one of his heirs RAY COREY, a child of ARCH COREY and LILLIE his wife, late of said County, who have deserted said child, and that he will perform all the duties of a parent to said child. He further represents that the consent of Eliza Smith, grandmother of said Ray and next friend, ~~to such adopton~~ and the directors of the poor, to such adoption is evidenced by joining in this petition. [¶] Your petitioner therefore prays the Court to decree that the said Ray Corey may assume the name of the petitioner viz: James Johnson Jr. and have and enjoy 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 James Johnson; sworn to and again subscribed before C. R. Slocum, Prothonotary, 15 Sept. 1892.
[Consent, below:] “We hereby join in the prayer of the above petition”; signed Elizza [sic] Smith [and also] Levi Putnam, O. P. Blakeslee, Edgar Partch [apparently by] John B Brawley Director of the Poor[,] Clerk.
Granted 15 Sept. 1892, name assumed is James Johnson, Jr.; [filing date not given].

#43 November Term 1892
Appearance Docket 126:43 “The petition of JOHN G. M^CPHEETERS of South Shenango Township Crawford County, Pa., respectfully represents that he is desirous of adopting MILO CAMERON CROWE, a minor child of OLIVER C. CROWE and MILLIE A. CROWE, both of whom are 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 Milo Cameron Crowe, [¶] The petitioner further represents that he has had sole charge of said child for the past year, and that it is the wish and desire of Rev. Samuel J. Crowe, of Mercer, Pa., who is the only living paternal uncle of said child, that the Court should grant this petition. [¶] The petitioner therefore prays the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of said Milo Cameron Crowe, will be promoted by such adoption, and with the consent of the the [sic] said Samuel J. Crowe, to decree that said Milo Cameron Crowe, may assume the name of your petitioner viz: of Milo Cameron Crowe McFeeters, 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”; sworn to and subscribed John G McFeeters at Mercer Co., Pa., before H H Zeigler, Clerk, 20 Sept. 1892
[Consent, below:] “Personally appeared before me Saml J. Crowe, who being duly sworn declares that he joins in the foregoing petition of John G. McFeeters; that he is the only paternal uncle living, of the said Milo Cameron Crowe; that the said Oliver C. and Millie A. Crowe, are both deceased, and left to survive them six minor children, the said Milo being one of the six; that the said Milo is six years of age and has been living with the said John G. McPheeters for the past year; that since the death of the said Oliver C. Crowe, the deponent has been looking after his said children, and settling up his estate; that he is well acquainted with the said John G. McFeeters and believes him to be a proper person to have charge of said child; and he therefore requests that the Court grant the foregoing petition; signed Samuel J. Crowe, sworn to at Mercer Co. 20 Sept. 1892.
Granted 30 Sept. 1892, name changed to Milo Cameron Crowe McFeeters.

#64 November Term 1892
Appearance Docket 126:64 “The petetion [sic] of JAMES G. HOLDEN and CLARA HOLDEN his wife respectfully represents. That they were residents of Meadville Crawford County for Eight years and more That CLAIR E HOFIUS a son of THEDA J & JOHN F HOFIUS has resided with them for over one year last past; That said Clair E Hofius is Four years old [next two words carreted] and upwards and by virtue of a decree of the Court of Common Pleas of Crawford County Pa. in N^o 46 Nov Term 1890 the custody of said child was given to his mother Theda J. Hofius and she divorced from her said Husband John F. Hofius That your petetioners are desirous of adopting the said Clair E Hofius and agree to perform all the duties of parents to said child and that he the said Clair E Hofius may be their heir and inherit their property as though born to them in lawful wedlock. They further showing that the Mother of said child is willing that they should adopt said child, desire that he may take their name to wit Clair E. Holden and be declared by decree of this Court to be their child and legal heir [¶] In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals this 30^th day of September A.D. 1892”; signed J G Holden, Mrs Clara Holden [no jurat or acknowledgment].
[Consent, below:] “I Theda J Hofius mother of the above named child hereby certify that I have heard read the above petetion, That the facts therein set forth are true and I hereby request this Court to grant the prayer of the foregoing petetioners James G. Holden and Clara Holden my sister”; signed Theda J Hofius.
Granted 12 Oct. 1892, name assumed to Clair E. Holden; [filing date not stated].

Enclosed letter from Garl Bonewitz, Attorney at Law, Huntington, Indiana, to V. L. Greeley, Prothonotary, dated 11 May 1934, concerning corrections to be made to a certified copy of the adoption decree (change “1992” to “1892,” and “Claris” to “Clair.”

#9 February Term 1893
Appearance Docket 127:9 “The petition of TH—[?; THURON?] H. BAKER of Summerhill Twp said County respectfully represents. That he is desirous of adopting HATTIE R. DUDLEY, a child & daughter of HARRY [or HARVEY?] DUDLEY of said County, the surviving parent of the said Hattie, & hereby declares that he will perform all the duties of a parent to said child. [¶] He further represents that the consent of the said surviving parent to such adoption is evidenced by his joining in this petition. [¶] Your petitioner therefore prays the Court to decree that the said Hattie Dudley may assume the name of this petitioner namely Hattie R. Baker & have & enjoy all the rights of a child & heir of petitioner & be subject to the duties of a child. [¶] And he will ever pray”; signed T. H. Baker; dated 19 Nov. 1892 [no jurat or acknowledgment].
[Parental consent, on reverse:] “The undersigned surviving parent of Hattie R Dudley hereby assents to this petition & consents to the adoption of said Hattie R Dudley by said petitioner as prayed for in this petition”; 19 Nov. 1892; signed H. W. Dudley.
Granted 19 Nov. 1892 “as prayed for,” i.e., name changed to Hattie R. Baker; [filing date not given].

#100 May Term 1893
Appearance Docket 128:100 “The petition of WILSON S SMITH of said [Crawford] County represents. That he is desirous of adopting ALICE C. ERICKSON, a child eighteen months old the names & places of Residence are unknown to petitioner as the [illegible; father?] having since abandoned their said child He avers that he will perform all the duties of a parent to said child The Directors of the Poor & of the House of Employment of Crawford County, upon whom the said child may unless —ly[?] adopted by petitioner, become a burden, have given & do hereby give their consent to the adoption [¶] Petitioner therefor prays the Court to decree that the said Alice C Erickson may assume the name of petitioner, namely Alice C Smith & have & enjoy all the rights & privileges of a child & heir of petitioner, & be subject to the duties of a child of petitioner”; signed Wilson S. Smith; dated 12 April 1893 [no jurat or acknowledgement].
[Consent, below] “The consent of the Directors of the Poor &c of Crawford County hereby consent to the adoption of above named child by —[?; aforesaid?] petitioner”; signed Directors of Poor of Crawford County, Per F. J. Thomas, Clerk Pro.tem.; dated 12 April 1893.
Granted 12 April 1893, name assumed is Alice C. Smith; [filing date not given].

#17 September Term 1893
Appearance Docket 129:17 “The petition of JOSEPH H GARWOOD and of LYDIA L. GARWOOD his wife represents [¶] That they are citizens of Summit Township said County, and are desirous of adopting as their heir an infant girl aged about eighteen months. That they will perform all the duties of parents to said infant [¶] The said child has no parents known to the petitioners. Said child was left on their door step on the 1st October 1891 by some person unknown to petitioners, and is legally a charge upon the Directors of the Poor &c of Crawford County who have by signing this paper, their consent to its adoption by petitioners [¶] Your petitioners therefore pray the Court to direct that the said child may assume the name of petitioners & be known as Ruth Garwood and have & enjoy all the rights of a child & heir of the undersigned petitioners, and be subject to the duties of a child of petitioners [¶] And they will ever pray.” Signed J. H. Garwood, Lydia L Garwood [no jurat or acknowledgement].
[Consent and joinder, below:] The undersigned Directors of the Poor & of the House of Employment of Crawford County join in the above petition, give their consent to, & pray that the same may be granted”; signed Poor Directors of Crawford County, By F. J. Thomas, Clerk Pro tem.
Granted 23 May 1893, name assumed is Ruth Garwood; [filing date not given].

#18 September Term 1893
Appearance Docket 129:18 “The petition [in Prothonotary’s handwriting] of G. H. KOESSLING and Mrs. LOUISA KOESSLING, his wife, respectfully represents: [¶] That they are citizens of the Borough of Vallonia, in said County; and are desirous of adopting as their heir, CALVIN ROAN, aged five years, on the 10^th day of July, 1893; that they will perform all the duties of parents to said child; that said Calvin Roan has been surrendered to the Trustees of the Fairmont Children’s Home, of the Counties of Stark and Columbiana, in the State of Ohio, of which he has been an inmate; and that they have procured the written consent of Elisha Teeters, President of the Board of Trustees of said Home to said adoption and change of name, which is hereto annexed. [¶] Your petitioners therefore prays your Honorable Court for leave to adopt the said Calvin Roan as their child, and for leave to change his name to Calvin Koessling. [¶] And they will ever pray &c.” Signed G H Koessling, Louisa Koessling; sworn to by Mrs. Louisa Koessling (only) and subscribed Louias [sic] Koessling before C. R. Slocum, Prothonotary, 23 May 1893.
[Attached completed Fairmont Children’s Home petition form:] “To the Probate Court of Crawford County, State of Ohio: [¶] We G.H. Koessling and Mrs Louisa Koessling, his wife, residents of the County of Crawford, and State of ~~Ohio~~Penn hereby jointly petition the Honorable ~~Court of Probate~~Prothonotary within and for said County, for leave to adopt Caroline Roan, Aged Five (5) years, on the Tenth (10) day of July, A. D., 1893, and not theirs by birth; as their child, and for leave to change His name to Calvin Koessling [¶] The Petitioners represent; that said Calvin Roan has been surrendered to the Trustees of the Fairmont Children’s Home, of the Counties of Stark and Columbiana, in said State of Ohio, of which He has been an inmate; and that they have procured the written consent of Mr Elisha Teeter, President of the Board of Trustees of said Home to said adoption and change of name, which they herewith file. Dated this 18^th day of May, 1893.” Signed G H Koessling, Louias Koessling. [Below:] “I, Elisha Teeters, President of the Board of Trustees of Fairmont Children’s Home, hereby give my consent to the adoption and change of name of Calvin Roan, as prayed in the within petition.” Signed Fairmont Children’s Home, May 18^th 1893. Elisha Teeters Pres. [and also, at bottom] M. M. Southworth Supt
Granted 23 May 1893, name assumed is Calvin Koessling; [filing date not given].

#35 September Term 1893
Appearance Docket 129:35 “The petition of WILLIAM JOHNSON of said [Crawford] County, respectfully represents: [¶] That he is adopting as one of his heirs MAGGIE AYTON, a child of DAVID AYTON and MARTHA AYTON and that he will perform all the duties of a parent of said child. He further represents that he has obtained the consent of the mother of said child and that the whereabouts of the father is unknown, the said Martha Ayton joining in this petition [¶] Your petitioner therefore prays the Court that the said Maggie Ayton may assume the name of the petitioner; viz Maggie Johnson, and have and enjoy all the rights of a child and heir of this petitioner and be subject to the duties of a child. And he will ever pray &c.” Signed William Johnson, Martha Ayton; sworn to (by William Johnson only) and subscribed William Johnson before C. R. Slocum, Prothonotary, 30 May 1893.
[Consent, on reverse:] “The overseers of the Poor hereby consent and approve of the within petition [next two words carreted] and adoption. June 12, 1893.” Signed Levi Putnam, O. P. Blakeslee, Edgar Partch, Poor Directors of Crawford Co. Pa.
Granted 12 June 1893, name assumed is Maggie Johnson; [filing date not given].

#36 September Term 1893
Appearance Docket 129:36 “The petition of HENRY SMALLENBERGER and HOLDA SMALLENGERGER his wife of the City of Meadville, Crawford County Penn^a respectfully represents: [¶] that they are desirous of adopting DAUPHINE ELOISE CARSON an infant child of JAMES CARSON whose residence is unknown and ELLEN CARSON ~~Carson~~ his wife, an inmate of the Erie County Pa, Alms 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 the said Dauphine Eloise Carson. The petitioners therefore pray the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of said Dauphine Eloise Carson will be promoted by such adoption, with the consent of Ellen Carson the mother (the father James Carson having abandoned his wife before said child was born and absconded to parts unknown), and the consent of the Directors of the Poor of Erie County Pa. in whose care and custody said child Dauphine Eloise Carson has been since her birth, as evidenced by the statements of said parties hereto attached, to decree that the said Dauphine Eloise Carson may assume the name of the petitioners, viz: Dauphine Eloise Smallenberger, and have all the rights of child and heir of the petitioners, and be subject to the duties of a child. And they will every &c. Dated June 1^st 1893.” Signed H Smalenberger, Holda Smallenberger; sworn to and subscribed by Henry Smallenberger and Holda Smallenberger, his wife (signing as above) before L. H. Lauderbaugh, J.P., 1 June 1893.
[Parental consent, below:] “I hereby certify that I give my full and free consent to the adoption of my infant child Dauphine Eloise Carson by Henry Smallenberger and Holda Smallenberger his wife, the above petitioners, believing it to be for the best interests of said child. And I further certify that my husband James Carson abandoned me several months before said child was born, that I have never seen him since and have no knowledge of his whereabouts.” Signed Ellen Carson, “Signed in the presence of” F. E. Wade.
[Consent, below:] We the undersigned Directors of the Poor of Erie County Pa. do hereby certify that the above mentioned child Dauphine Eloise Carson was born in the Alms House of Erie County Pa. that her mother was committed to said Alms House for confinement as a pauper, and that she is still an inmate of said institution, that they have made diligent search for James Carson, the father of said child, but cannot learn of his whereabouts: That they fully believe the statements above made by the petitioners and the Mother of said child, and believe the best interests of said [sic] will be promoted by its adoption as prayed for, and they hereby give their full consent to said adoption by Mr & Mrs Henry Smallengerber.” Signed H Dunn, W^m Hopkins, B. E. Riblet, Directors of the Poor of Erie County Pa.
Granted 12 June 1893, name assumed is Dauphine Eloise Smalenberger; [filing date not given].

#51 February Term 1894
Appearance Docket 131:51 “The Petition of J. C. LESLIE & MALONA J LESLIE, his wife, of Rockdale, said [Crawford] County represent. That they are desirous of adopting as one of their heirs, an Infant female child, born of the body of one IRENE OWEN of said County That the said child is about nine months old and was born in the Alms House in said County The [sic] aver that they will perform all the duties of parents to said Child. They also aver That the consent of the mother of said child, and of the Directors of the Poor &c of Crawford County has been obtained to this petition & is evidenced by their joining in this Petition as do also the Directors of the Poor of said County Your petitioners therefore pray the Court to decree that the said Infant Child may assume the name of Gwendoline Leslie the name of Petitioners & have all & enjoy all the rights of a Child & Heir of Petitioners and be subject to the duties of a Child of theirs And they will ever pray”; signed J. C. Leslie, Malona J Leslie
[Parental consent, to the left of the petitioners’ signatures:] “The undersigned mother of above joins in & approves of this petition”; signed Irene M. Owen.
[Consent, below:] “The undersigned Directors of the Poor of Crawford County assent to & approve of the adoption hereinabove prayed for.” Signed Directors of the Poor of Crawford Co. By N. C. McLaughlin Jr. Clerk; dated 21 Dec. 1893.
Granted 21 Dec. 1893, name assumed is Gwendoline Leslie; [filing date not given].

#29 May Term 1894
Appearance Docket 132:29 “The petition of J. S. BRADLEY, of Spring Boro, County of Crawford, respectfully represents, that he is desirous of adopting MAY SHELLITO, a child aged three years, who was abandoned by her mother about one year ago, and cared for by the Commissioners of said County of Crawford at the County Poor House until in August 26, 1893, when the said Commissioners placed said child in the care and custody of the Meadville Childrens Aid Society an Auxiliary of the Crawford County Childrens Aid Society, of Titusville, an incorporated association for the prevention of cruelty to children. that the whereabouts of the mother is unknown to your petitioner. [¶] Your petitioner further represents that he desires to adopt the said May Shellito as one of his heirs; and for that purpose he declares his said desire and also that he will perform all the duties of a parent to the said Mary Shellito. [¶] The petitioner therefore prays the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of the said Mary Shellito will be promoted by such adoption, and with the consent of the said Childrens Aid Society, as attested by the signatures of the President and Secretary of said Society hereto attached, to decree that the said Mary Shellito may assume the name of your petitioner, [next two words carreted] to wit: May Bradley, and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioner and be subject to the duties of such child.” Signed J S Bradley; sworn to by J. B. Bradley [sic] [but not again subscribed] before C. R. Slocum, Prothonotary, 2 March 1893.
[Consent, below:] “The President and Secretary of the Ladies Children Aid Society of Meadville, hereby certify, that Mr. and Mrs. Bradley have had the custody and care of the said May Shellito for about six months, That she was placed there by said Society and that said Society recommend the Court to decree said adoption being satisfied the welfare of the child will be greatly subserved by said decree.” Signed Anna C. Shryock, President of the Childrens Aid Society [and] Mary E. M^cFarland, Secretary of the Childrens Aid Society.
Granted 2 March 1894, name assumed is May Bradley; filed same day.

#56 September Term 1894
Appearance Docket 133:56 “The [typed] petition of JAMES T. REED & MARTHA J. REED, his wife, of Cochranton: That about ten years ago there was brought to their home in said County, by a society known as The Children’s Temporary Home of Allegheny County, Pa., a little female child about four years of age; a legitimate child of parents whose addition and residence were then, and are now entirely unknown; That said little child has been an inmate of Petitioners’ home from that time until the present; That said child has been heretofore been duly baptized and christened under the name of Nellie Georgie Reed; Petitioners aver that there are no parents, nor is there any public Institution other than the Directors of the Poor etc. of this county, who can lawfully give consent to the granting of this Petition ”; signed James T. Reed, Martha J Reed.
[Consent, below:] Directors fo the Poor etc. of the County of Crawford consent, 2 July 1894.
Granted 3 July 1894, name changed to Nellie Georgia Reed.

#81 September Term 1894
Appearance Docket 133:81 “The petition of STEPHEN F. LOCKE respectfully represents: [¶] I–That he is a resident of said County of Crawford. [¶] II–That he is desirous of adopting CLAUDE EUGENE CALKINS, a minor child of WILLIAM O. CALKINS and MARIA MAY CALKINS, as one of his heirs [#&182;] III–That he will perform all the duties of a parent to the said Claude Eugene Calkins. [¶] IV–That the mother of said Claude Eugene Calkins is dead, and the father, William O. Calkins, has neglected to provide for the said Claude Eugene Calkins for more than two years last past, and that your petitioner has provided for and maintained said Claude Eugene Calkins, at his (your petitioner’s) own proper expense during the aforesaid period of time, that your petitioner is the maternal grandfather of the said Claude Eugene Calkins. [¶] V–That frequent requests have been made of the said William O. Calkins, by letter to his last known residence and place of business, to provide for the said Claude Eugene Calkins, but that said requests have never been answered, nor the letters returned. [¶] VI–That the said Claude Eugene Calkins has been deserted by its father, the said William O. Calkins, and has no legal guardian. [¶] VII–That David E. Locke, the next friend of said Claude Eugene Locke, has consented to the said adoption prayed for by your petitioner. [¶] Wherefore your petitioner prays your honorable Court to order and decree that the said Claude Eugene Calkins shall assume the name of your petitioner and that the said Claude Eugene Calkins shall have all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioner, and be subject to the duties of said child. And your petitioner will ever pray, etc.” Signed Stephen F. Locke, sworn to and again subscribed before Joseph T. Chase, Notary Public, Titusville, Pa., 2 June 1894.
[Consent, below:] “I, David E. Locke, the next friend of the said Claude Eugene Calkins, hereby consent to the adoption of the said Claude Eugene Calkins, as prayed for in the foregoing petition, and believe such adoption will be for the welfare of the said Claude Eugene Calkins.”; signed David. E. Locke.
[Supporting affidavit, below:] “Norris Crossman and William Schiewe, being duly sworn according to law, depose and say that they are well acquainted with Stephen F. Locke, the within named petitioner, that he is a person of respectability and property, and that deponents believe that the welfare of the said Claude Eugene Calkins will be promoted by the adoption prayed for in the said petition.” Sworn to and subscribed Norris Crossman, W^m Schiewe before Joseph T. Chase, Notary Public, Titusville, Pa., 2 June 1894.
[Per cover:] “And now July 9, 1894 Petition granted on condition that the consent of the Commissioners of the Poor be obtained. Per Cur[iam].”
[Attached consent] “Now July [blank] 1894 having read the annexed petition of Stephen F. Locke for the adoption of Claude Eugene Colkin, minor child of William O. Colkin and Maria May Colkin, we the commissioners of the Poor of Crawford County do hereby recommend the granting of the said petition in Witness whereof we have this day of July 1894 hereunto set our hands and seals. [¶] Signed.” L M Sayre[?], Joseph T First, Levi Putnam
Granted 9 July 1894, name assumed is Claude Eugene Locke; filed 21 July 1894.

#1 November Term 1894
Appearance Docket 134:1 “The petition of HOMER D. TRACE of the County of Crawford, respectfully represents: [¶] That he is desirous of adopting ARTHUR STOREY PULFORD, a child of ALFRED PULFORD and ZYLPHA PULFORD, said Zylpha Pulford 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 said Arthur Storey Fulford [¶] The petitioner therefore prays the Court if satisfied that the welfare of said Arthur Storey Fulford will be promoted by such adoption with the consent of his father evidenced by his signing this petition, to decree that the said Arthur Storey Fulford may assume the name of the petitioner, viz: Arthur Storey Trace, 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”; dated 28 Aug. 1894 and signed Homer D. Trace; sworn to and again subscribed before Philip P. Wenz, J.P., 28 Aug. 1894.
[Parental consent, below:] “I Alfred Pulford, father of Arthur Storey Pulford, join in the prayer of the above petition, and request the Court to decree the adoption of the child as therein prayed for; the said Arthur Storey Pulford was born the fourth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ninety two”; signed Alfred Pulford; sworn to at City of Ansonia, County of New Haven, State of Conn. and again subscribed before Frederick T. Rolfe, Notary Public, Ansonia, Conn., 4 Sept. 1894.
Granted 10 Sept. 1894, name assumed is Arthur Storey Trace; [filing date not given].

#92 February Term 1895
Appearance Docket 135:92 “The petition of MORGAN S. LEWIS of the County of Crawford, respectfully represents. That he is desirous of adopting NELLIE ANNIE FISHER [next four words carreted] aged nearly seven years, a child of ALFRED FISHER of Wayne township, and ELLA FISHER ~~his wife,~~ as one of his heirs; that said child is your petitioners grandchild and has been living with him for the last six years; That the parents of said child have been divorced and the father of said child for the last six years has neglected and refused to care for and provide for his said child; [¶] Your petitioner declares that he will perform all the duties of a parent to said Nellie Annie Fisher. [¶] The petitioner therefore prays the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of said Nellie Annie Fisher will be promoted by said adoption, with the consent of the said Elle Fisher (her Mother) evidenced by her signing this petition, to decree that the said Nellie Annie Fisher may assume the name of the petitioner, viz: Nellie Annie Lewis 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 with the mark of Morgan S Lewis, Ella Fisher, In the presence of [witnesses] Isaac Monderau and D C McCoy; sworn to and subscribed with the mark of Morgan S. Lewis, Ella Fisher before Isaac Monderau, Notary Public, Meadville, 12 Jan 1895.
Granted 18 Jan. 1895, name assumed is Nellie Annie Lewis; filed same day.

#119 February Term 1895
Appearance Docket 135:119 “The petition of JOHN MORROW respectfully represents:- That he is adopting as one of his heirs MYRTLE PECK SLATER minor child of ALLEN SLATER and ~~Myrtle Peck~~ FANNIE SLATER his wife, and that your petitioner will perform all the duties of parent of the said child. He further represents that the consent of the parents to said adoption is evidenced by their joining in this petition on the part of the mother. [¶] Your petitioner therefore ~~represents~~ prays the Court to decree that the said child may assume the name of Myrtle Mildred Morrow, and have and enjoy all the rights of a child and heir of this petitioner and be subject to the duties of a child. And he will ever pray &c.” Signed John Morrow, Allie Morrow, Mrs Fannie Slater [no jurat or acknowledgment].
[Consent, below:] “Now, Feb. 4, 1895, The Overseers of the Poor hereby consent to above adoption”; signed L M Sayre[?], J T First, Levi Putnam Overseers.
Granted 5 Feb. 1894, name assumed is Myrtle Mildred Morrow; filed same day.

#42 November Term 1895
Appearance Docket 138:42 “The petition of MARY SHELLITO respectfully represents: [¶] I ‐ That she is a resident of said [Crawford] County. [¶] II – That she is desirous of adopting LIZZIE ROBINSON a minor child of MARY ROBINSON [¶] III – That she will perform all the duties of a parent to said Lizzie Robinson. [¶] IV – That the said Mary Robinson the parent of said Lizzie Robinson has consented to the said adoption prayed for by your petitioner, as evidenced by her written consent hereto attached. [¶] Wherefore your petitioner prays your Honorable Court to order and decree that the said Lizzie Robinson shall assume the name of your petitioner, and that said Lizzie Robinson shall have all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioner and be subject to the duties of such child, And your petitioner will ever pray &c.” Signed Mary Shellito; sworn to [but not again subscribed] before C R Slocum, Prothonotary, 7 Oct. 1895.
[Parental consent, attached:] “I hereby consent to the adoption of my child Lizzie Robinson by Mary Shellito, Said child was born on the 24^th day of May A.D. 1893. I never was married and the child never had any legal father the Father was ARTHUR DOGAN”; signed Mary Robinson, sworn to and again subscribed before C R Slocum, Prothonotary, 7 Oct. 1895.
[Supporting affidavit, attached:] “J. L. Shipman & R. C. Jackson being duly sworn says that Mary Shellito who is desirous of adopting Lizzie Robinson is a person of good moral character, and is possessed of the undivided one half interest in a farm in Sadsbury Township in said County, said farm containing about ninety acres, And he believes the welfare of the child will be promoted by said adoption.” Signed John L Shipman, R. C. Jackson; sworn to [but not again] subscribed before R. J. Dennis, J.P., 9 Oct. 1895.
Granted 14 Oct. 1895, “and that the said Lizzie Robinson shall assume the name of said Mary Shellito [presumably, Lizzie Shellito]; filed same day.

#43 November Term 1895
Appearance Docket 138:43 “The [typed] petition of EDITH M. GUSSMANN, a citizen and resident of Titusville and of the county aforesaid [Crawford], respectfully represents: [¶] That she is desirous of adopting KENNETH PAUL WAGONER, a minor child of GEORGE WAGONER (widower), now of the age of three years, as one of her heirs; that she will perform all the duties of a parent toward the said minor, and that the said George Wagoner, the surviving parent of the said Kenneth Paul Wagoner, has consented to such adoption. [¶] Wherefore your petitioner prays your honorable court to order and decree that the said Kenneth Paul Wagoner shall assume the name of your petitioner, and have all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioner, and be subject to the duties of such child.” Signed Edith M. Gussmann; sworn to and again subscribed before Samuel Grumbine, Notary Public, 28 Sept. 1895.
[Parental consent, below:] “I, George Wagoner, the surviving parent of the said Kenneth Paul Wagoner, hereby signify my consent to the adoption of the said Kenneth Paul Wagoner as prayed for in the foregoing petition, and believe that such adoption will be for his welfare.” Signed George Wagoner.
[Supporting affidavit, attached:] “T[J?]. W. Reuting and Geo. Mangel, being duly sworn according to law, say that they are well acquainted with Edith M. Gussman, the above named petitioner; that she is a person of good moral character, and that they believe that the welfare of the said Kenneth Paul Wagoner will be promoted by the adoption as prayed for.” Signed T[J?]. W. Reuting, Geo Mangel; sworn to [but not again subscribed] before Samuel Grumbine, Notary Public, 28 Sept. 1895.
Granted 14 Oct. 1895, “and that the said Kenneth Paul Wagoner shall assume the name of the said Edith M. Gussman,” presumably Kenneth Paul Gussmann; filed same day.

#85 November Term 1895
Appearance Docket 138:85 “The petition of MARY B. CONDON respectfully represents:- [¶] That [next word carreted] she is desires to adopt as an heir LORETTA ROBERTS a child of FRED. and ELLA ROBERTS, of the County of Crawford: and that she will perform all the duties of a parent of said child; She further represents that the consent of the mother of said child to said adoption is evidenced by said Ella Roberts joining in this petition. [¶] Your petitioner therefore prays the Court to decree that the said Loretta Roberts may keep her said name, but have and enjoy all the rights of a child and heir of this petitioner, and be subject to the duties of a child, and she will ever pray, etc.” Signed Mary B Condon; sworn to [but not again subscribed] before James Kepler, J.P., 6 Nov. 1895.
[Parental consent, on next sheet:] “Personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Crawford, Ella Roberts who being duly sworn says: That she is the mother of Loretta Roberts and a sister of Mary B. Condon; that she humbly prays the Court to decree adoption of her said child; as prayed for by her said sister; that deponent is now ill and advised by her physician that she is about going into quick consumption; that deponent’s husband is given to drink and not likely to give their said child proper care and attention; that said child is but nineteen months of a age [sic], and this deponent desires to know that a good home and careful training has been provided for her said child in the event of her decease.” Signed Ella Roberts.; sworn to [but not subscribed] before James Kepler, J.P., 6 Nov. 1895.
[On cover:] “Now, Nov. 7, 1895, a rule is granted to show cause why the prayer of petitioner shall not be granted, and returnable to Monday, Nov. 11, 1895, and that a citation be issued and served upon Fred. Roberts, the father. Per Cur[iam,] C.R. Slocum, Pro[thonotary] [below:] Nov. 11, 1895, On motion in open Court, time for service of notice extended to Monday, Nov. 18, 1895. Per Cur.[,] C.R. Slocum, Pro.”
[Separate, typed decree:] Granted 26 Nov. 1895, “… due notice having been given to Fred Roberts, the father of said child … the child shall have the name of Loretta Roberts” [sic]; [filing date not given].

Adoptions 1896-1905