Crawford County, Pennsylvania

Courthouse

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ADOPTIONS
Adoption Abstracts 1906-1915

[Handwritten letter, dated at Cleveland, Ohio, 13 June 1927:]  “Dear Sir:  Enclosed finding a money order for two dollars (^$2.00) for which will you kindly send me a certified copy of the adoption proceedings of Doris Morton. [¶] Being unable to give my former name also the date of the adoption as that is what I am trying to find out. [¶] My adopted parents were Mr. and Mrs. Frank Morton. [¶] Thanking you in advance [next line] I am Yours Truly [signed] Mrs. J. E. Roberts  formerly Doris Morton  1910 E. 55^thSt.”
[Also carbon copy of typed reply from the Prothonotary dated at Meadville 14 June 1927.]

[Handwritten letter:]  “Gary Ind Aug 4 – 27” [next line] to the Hon Judge of the Crawford Co Court Meadville Pa [¶] Dear Sir [¶] would you please hand this letter to the proper authoritys [¶] about September 1907 one Thomas E. and Mary Foringer, adopted a Child, Mildred Ruth Coleman as the Records will show in your Court.  Ruth has now come into posesion of a small Inheratance, and it will be necccary for us to get a copy of her adoption papers before we can get this money for her, we had a coppy of these papers but we had a bad Fire and lost all.  the estate would like to get these papers as soon as possible inorder to clear up the estate. [¶] trusting we will hear from this soon, we remain Thomas E and Mary Foringer [signed] Thomas E Foringer[,] 201 Tyler S^t, Gary Ind
[Attached typed letter on Prothonotary’s stationery, dated 12 Aug. 1927, indicating that he had “searched and found the record of the adoption of your foster-child Mildred Ruth,” and requesting $1.00 for a certified copy of the decree, or $2.50 for exemplification of record, or $3.50 for exemplification certified under act of Congress.]
[Attached handwritten letter from T E Foringer, 601 Tyler St, Gary, Ind., dated at Gary, Ind., 13 Aug. 1927, enclosing check for $1.00, with typed notation at bottom, “Aug. 15, 1927. – Mailed certified copy of decree, as requested.”]

[Typed letter on the stationery of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, dated at Jamestown, N.Y., 10 March 1937, referencing the adoption petition and decree, and inquiring as follows:]  “The child, Marie A. Ellison, adopted by the above named Mary and Carlton Ellison has grown and in due course of time married Joseph M. Taylor, Portland Road, Portland, N.Y. [¶] Joseph M. Taylor died by drowning, Sept. 2, 1936. The accident occurred in Lake Erie, and the body was recovered, and the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company has approved claim for payment in amount $10,000.00 and under the settlement plan arranged by the insured for the beneficiary, we require a record of the date of birth of the beneficiary, who, in this case is Marie A. Taylor, the child that was adopted by the Ellison’s.  The adoption papers that we have before us does not indicate the age of the child or the date of birth.  We need this information, and we are endeavoring to assist Mrs. Taylor in securing this data. In fact she has requested our Assistant Manager Wolford to help her as much as possible.   Will you, therefore, examine the records, to see if you can give us any definite information regarding the date of birth of this child, Marie Angeline McCollum, or the age at time of adoption by the Ellison’s? [¶] Please advise us, using the enclosed stamped envelope for reply, in re. any fee charge for making the search. [¶] Thank you to assist us, in giving aid to the claimant.”  Signed Very truly, D. Ross Metzbar, Manager.
[Attached (typed) detailed response from the Prothonotary dated 11 March 1937, noting that the child was said in April 1908 to be “now of the age of one year,” and including the following information:]  “The papers do not show the date or place of birth of the child.  I Examined the birth record in the Clerk of the Orphans Court’s office, covering the years 1904 and 1905 but did not find the name.  From Jan. 1, 1906, birth records in Penn’a have been kept by the State Registrar of Vital Statistics, at Harrisburg.  I enclose blank application for a birth certificate, showing the facts they want. [¶] I do not know where these particular Ellisons lived at the time, although there were some Ellisons living at Townville about that time.  From the fact that the petition is endorsed with the names of Trax & Parker, Attorneys, Oil City, Pa., the child might have been born in Venango County.  The petition and consent of the natural parents were both sworn to before an Alderman of the City of Titusville, this County.  A memorandum on the petition indicates that the decree was ‘issued to Byles,’ which would be Axtell J. Byles, Esq., then practicing in Titusville, Pa., now in the City of New York.—I think he is the President of the American Oil Institute. [¶] Would suggest that you write to J. D. Trax, Esq., Oil City, Pa.; perhaps he can remember something about the parties, though doubt it, for it was near 29 years ago.”  Note at bottom, signed David T McKay, states as follows:  “Will say that I am the same person who attested the copy of the decree in April 1908.  However, the parties were all strangers to me, and I have no recollection of it.”
[Attached (typed) letter dated at Dunkirk, N.Y., 10 Dec. 1937, addressed to County Clerk, Crawford County, Meadville, Pa.:]  “Dear Sir; [¶] On the 6th day of April 1908 Marie Angeline McCollun [sic] was adopted by law by Mary L. Ellison and Carlton A. Ellison. I need Marie Angeline McCullen,s date of birth in order to settle a business transaction that requires that date. [¶] Will you please search your records for that date and when found send it to me. I will appreciate your cooperation in this very much.  It might be possible that your records will show the name of Marie McCullon and if not Marie Ellison. [¶] Thank you in advance,” signed H. L. Wolford, 29 E. 4th St., Dunkirk, N.Y.
[Attached (typed) response from the Deputy Prothonotary, dated 11 Dec. 1936 [sic], referencing the above decree, enclosing a blank application form for a birth certificate from the State Registrar of Vital Statistics at Harrisburg, and stating copy fees, including 50¢ for the search.]

November 1908.”  Dated 5 Dec. 1908; signed Mrs. E. A.[?] Sowers, Pres. of C.A.S. of Western Penn’a., Mrs J. H. McLean, Secretary C.A.S. Western Penna.
    Granted 14 Dec. 1908, name assumed is Margaret Louise Wright; filed same day.

#59 February Term 1909
Appearance Docket 191:59     “The [typed] petition of EDGAR BURNHAM and FANNIE BURNHAM his wife of the City of Meadville, County of Crawford and State of Pennsylvania respectfully represents that they are desirous of adopting as one of their heirs, ANNA LUCRETIA SANDERS, a child of CHARLES SANDERS and NETTIE SANDERS his wife, and that they will perform all of the duties of parents to said child. [¶] They further represent that the consent of the mother of said child, towit; Nettie Sanders, to such adoption is evidenced by her joining in this petition and your petitioners further represent that the father of said child named Charles Sanders has from drunkenness neglected the said Anna Lucretia Sanders for the period of more than one full year. [¶] Your petitioners, therefore, pray the Court to decree that the said Anna Lucretia Sanders may assume the name of your petitioners, towit:  Anna Lucretia Burnham and have and enjoy all the rights of a child and heir of said petitioners and be subject to the duties of such a child. [¶] And as they will ever pray.”  Signed Edgar Burnham, Fannie Burnham, Nettie Sanders; sworn to and subscribed Edgar Burnham before D. T. McKay, Jr., Prothonotary, 15 Sept. 1908, and sworn to and subscribed Fannie Burnham before D. T. McKay, Jr., Prothonotary, 14 Sept. 1908.
    Granted 28 Sept. 1908; name assumed is Anna Lucretia Burnham; filed 21 Dec. 1908.

#41 May Term 1909
Appearance Docket 192:41     “The [typed] petition of ARTHUR ROSWELL and SADIE ROSWELL, residents of the County aforesaid [of Crawford], respectfully represent: [¶] That they are desirous of adopting GEORGE O’NEIL, “a minor child of CHARLES and ALTA O’NEIL, now of the age of five years, as one of their heirs; that they will perform all the duties of a parent to the said minor; that the said Alta O’Neil is dead; that the said Charles O’Neil is a person very much addicted to the use of intoxicating drink, and since the death of said Alta O’Neil, which occurred about one year ago, has made no effort to care for the said minor and has abandoned the same; that the said minor has been cared for by petitioners for several months last past. [¶] Wherefore your petitioners pray your Honorable Court to order and decree that the said George O’Neil shall assume the name of your petitioners and have all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioners, and be subject to the duties of such child.”  Signed Arthur Roswell, Mrs Sadie Roswell; sworn to and again subscribed (by both) before D. T. McKay, Jr., Prothonotary, 16 Dec. 1908.
    [Father’s consent, handwritten on reverse side:]  “And now March 11, 1909 Chas ONeal [sic] the parent of George ONeal hereby consents to the adoption of the said George ONeal as prayed for in the foregoing petition, and believes, that such adoption will be for his welfare.”  Signed Chas. Oneal, Witness C[urtis]. L. Webb [petitoners’s counsel].
    Granted 22 March 1909; name assumed is George Roswell; filed same day.

#56 May Term 1909
Appearance Docket 192:56     “The [typed] petition of ELIZABETH SCHANK of Meadville in said County [of Crawford] respectfully represents:– [¶] That she desires to adopt as an heir DONIVAN STRATTON SCHANK a minor child of GEORGE SCHANK and JESSIE SCHANK; that said minor was born February 7th, 1900; that his mother Jessie Schank died on or about March 16, 1900 and that your petitioner has since become the wife of George Schank the father and surviving parent of the said child; she further represents that she will perform all the duties of a parent to said child and that the consent of his father to said adoption is evidenced by his joining in this petition. [¶] Your petitioner therefore prays the Court to decree that the said Donovan Stratton Schank may have and enjoy all the rights of child and heir of this petitioner and be subject to the duties of a child.  And she will ever pray etc.”  Signed Elizabeth Schank; sworn to and again subscribed Elizabeth Schank before D. T. McKay, Jr., Prothonotary, 5 April 1909.
    [Father’s consent, below:]  “I, George Schank father of Donovan Stratton Schank and husband of Elizabeth schank the above petitioner for the adoption of my son Donovan Stratton Schank hereby consent to said adoption.”  Signed Geo. Schank, Witness: D. T. McKay, Jr., Prothonotary.
    Granted 5 April 1909, name presumably unchanged, i.e., Donivan Stratton Schank; filed same day.

#42 September Term 1909
Appearance Docket 193:42     “The [typed] petition of ELIZABETH C. WHITING, a resident of said county [of Crawford], respectfully represents: [¶] That she is desirous of adopting EDWARD LAWRENCE, aged 36 years, of said county, and that she will perform all the duties of a parent towards said Edward Lawrence. [¶] Your petitioner [sic] further represents that his parents are dead, and that he and his wife, BLANCHE SWENGEL LAWRENCE, consent to the adoption by your petitioner, as will appear by their written consent hereto annexed. [¶] Your petitioner therefore prays your Honorable Court to order and decree the adoption by your petitioner of the said Edward Lawrence, and that he shall assume the name of Edward Whiting Lawrence, and shall have all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioner and be subject to the duties of such child and heir. [¶] And she will ever pray, etc.”  Signed Elizabeth C Whitng; sworn to and subscribed Elizabeth C. Whiting before Effie M. Peffers, Notary Public, Meadville, 9 June 1909.
    [Attached consent:]  “And now, June 9th, 1909, Edward Lawrence and Blanche Swengel Lawrence, his wife, hereby admit the truth of the statements contained in the above petition and give their consent to the granting by the Court of the prayer of said petition.”  Signed Edward Lawrence, Blanche Swengel Lawrence.
    Granted 10 June 1909, name assumed is Edward Whiting Lawrence; filed same day.

#68 November Term 1909
Appearance Docket 194:68     “The [typed] petition of THOMAS PATTON and E LIZABETH PATTON, his wife, of the Township of West Fallowfield, County of Crawford and State of Pennsylvania, respectfully represent: [¶] That they are desirous of adopting LETITIA IRENE SPRINGBORN, aged twenty-four years, of said county, and that they will perform all the duties of parents towards the said Letitia Irene Sprinborn. [¶] Your Petitioners further represent that they do not know whether the parents of the said Letitia Irene Sprinborn are living or dead; and that the said Letitia Irene Springborn consents to the adoption of her by your petitioners, as will appear by her consent hereto annexed. [¶] Your petitioners therefore pray your Honorable Court to order and decree the adoption by your petitioners of the said Letitia Irene Springborn and that she shall assume the name of Letitia Irene Patton, and shall have all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioners and be subject to he duties of such child and heir, and they will ever pray etc.”  Signed Thomas Patton, Elizabeth Patton; sworn to and again subscribed (by both) before D. T. McKay, Jr., Prothonotary, 21 Oct. 1909.
    [Attached consent:]  “And now October 21st, 1909, Letitia Irene Springborn hereby admits the truth of the statements contained in the foregoing petition and gives her consent to the granting by the Court of the prayer of the petitioners.”  Signed Letitia Irene Springborn.
    Granted 25 Oct. 1909, name assumed is Letitia Irene Patton; filed same day.

#112 February Term 1910
Appearance Docket 195:112     “The [typed] petition of ALTAMONT JACKSON, and LENORA JACKSON, his wife, of Sadsbury Township Crawford County, Pa. respectfully represent, That they are desirous of adopting DONALD DEXTER DAWSON, “ a son of CHARLES A. DAWSON, as one of their heirs; and for that purpose they herein declare, their desire, and also that they will perform all the duties of parents to the said Donald Dexter Dawson,. The petitioners further state that the mother of the said Donald Dexter Aawson [sic], is deceased, and that he the said Donald Dexter Dawson, was by the said Charles A. Dawson, placed in the ‘[next word carreted] Erie Home of the Friendless’ at Erie Penna. and that the said Home of the Friendless, and the said Charles A. Dawson have have [sic] by papers, in writing, consented to such adoption, which said papers are hereto annexed and made a part hereof. The petitioners therefore pray the Court if satisfied that the welfare of the said Donald Dexter Dawson, will be promoted by such adoption, to decree that [next word carreted] he the said Donald Dexter Dawson, may assume the name of the petitioners, viz. Donald Dexter Jackson, and have all of the rights of child and heir of the petitioners, and be subject to the duties of a child.”  Signed Altamont. Jackson, LeNora Jackson; sworn to and again subscribed (by both) before A. M. Fenner, Notary Public, Linesville, 13 Jan. 1910.
    [Attached (typed) parental consent:]  “Know All Men By These Presents, That I, Charles A Dawson [middle initial handwritten], of the City of Erie, County of Erie and State of Pennsylvania, father of Donald Dexter Dawson, who was born September 26, 1906, and who is now an inmate of the Erie Home for the Friendless of the City of Erie, Pennsylvania, do hereby authorize and empower the managers of the said Erie Home for the Friendless to consent to the adoption of the said Donald Dexter Dawson by such person or persons as the said Managers may select, the same as I might lawfully do if personally present. [¶] Witness my hand and seal, at Erie, Pa., this 9th day of April, 1909.”  Sworn to at Erie, Erie County, Pa., and subscribed Charles A. Dawson before Edward L. Whittelsey, Notary Public, Erie, Pa., 9 April 1909.
    [Attached fill-in-the-blanks consent form, titled on reverse “Article of Agreement between Home of the Friendless and Mr. & Mrs. Alta Jackson  December Eight 1909”:]  “Whereas, A child named Donald Dexter Dawson aged three years or thereabouts, has been given by its father to the ‘Home for the Friendless,’ at Erie, Pa., for the purpose of being taken care of, and disposed of, according to the power and authority vested in the ‘Home’ for that purpose, and whereas Mr. & Mrs. Alta Jackson of Linesville 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. Alta Jackson hereby declares such to be their desire, and that they will perform all the duties of a parent to said child, and the said Mr. & Mrs. Alta Jackson hereby promises and agrees with said ‘Home for the Friendless’ so to do. [¶] Now, therefore, the undersigned officers of said ‘Home,’ on behalf of said ‘Home for the Friendless,’ hereby agree and consent that the said Mr. & Mrs. Alta Jackson shall receive said child in the manner above indicated, that he shall be subject to the control of the said Mr. & Mrs. Alta Jackson 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, 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. Alta Jackson 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 Alta Jackson in duplicate, this Eighth day of December A. D. 1909[.]”  Signed Sarah A. Reed, President, Alta Jackson, Mary V[?]. Shundhem[?], Sarah C. Seldon, Committee of Admission and Dismission; attested by Louise W. Shirk[?], Secretary.
    Granted 24 Jan. 1910, name assumed is Donald Dexter Jackson; filed same day.

#86 May Term 1910
Appearance Docket 196:86     “The [typed] petition of MARY M. SCHWAB, a resident and citizen of Vernon Township, County of Crawford and State of Pennsylvania, respectfully represents; [¶] That she is desirous of adopting EVA M. BENDER, an adult person of the age of thirty-five years, wife of FREDERICK BENDER, JR. and daughter of A. ELIZABETH YOCUM and the late HENRY C. YOCUM, her husband, of Vernon Township, siad [sic] County and State. [¶] That the said Eva M. Bender and Frederick Bender Jr. her husband, and A. Elizabeth Yocum, her said mother, have consented to such adoption, and certify the same under their hands at the end of this petition. [¶] Wherefore your petitioner prays your honorable court to order and decree that the said Eva M. Bender shall have all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioner and be subject to the duties of such child.”  Signed Mary M Schwab; sworn to and again subscribed before Manda Harper, Notary Public, Meadville, 21 March 1910.
    [Attached consents:]  “We, Eva M. Bender, Frederick Bender Jr., the husband of said Eva M. Bender and A. Elizabeth Yocum, her mother, hereby consent to the adoption of the said Eva M. Bender as prayed for in the foregoing petition.”  Signed Eva M. Bender, Frederick Bender Jr, A Elizabeth Yocum [undated].
    Granted 28 March 1910 [name presumably unchanged, i.e., Eva M. Bender]; filed same day.

#87 May Term 1910
Appearance Docket 196:87     “The [typed] petition of ALTON REAGLES and LYDIA REAGLES, his wife, of Cambridge Township, Crawford County, Pa., respectfully represent. [¶] That on the 17th day of August, 1909, they secured from the Western New York Society For The Protection Of Homeless And Dependent Children at Randolph, New York, a female child, known by the name of HARRIETT, her family name being unknown of petitioners, she having been born on or about 11th day of August, 1907. [¶] That said child has been in the home of the petitioners since the 17th day of August, 1909, and is now with them and your petitioners are now desirious [sic] of legally adopting said child. [¶] That said child has been and is now under the care and supervision of said Society, and under an article of agreement entered into between said Society and your petitioners on the 17th day of August, 1909, said child was placed in the home of petitioners, and that said Society is now willing that said child be adopted by your petitioners as is shown by the certificate hereto attached, giving the consent of said Society for said adoption. [¶] Wherefore, your petitioners pray your honorable Court to order and decree that the said child, ‘Harriett’ assume the name of your petitioners, to wit; ‘Harriett Reagles’, and have all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioners, and be subject to the duties of such child.”  Signed Alton Reagles, Lydia Reagles; sworn to and again subscribed (by both) before J. A. Bolard, Notary Public, Cambridge Spring, 3 March 1910.
    [(Typed) “Certificate of Consent,” below:]  “This is to certify that a female child born on or about the 11th day of August, 1907, and known by the name of ‘Harriett’, came under the custody of this Society, and was, on or about the 17th day of Aug. I909, placed by this Society, in the temporary custody of Alton Reagles and Lydia Reagles, the within named petitioners. [¶] That this Society has the legal control and custody over said child, and hereby grants its consent and approval to the proposed adoption of said child by said petitioners. [¶] Dated at Randolph, N.Y. this 4" [day handwritten] day of March, I9I0.”  Signed and sealed by —[?] Merrill[?], Secretary and Juvia[?] Catharine Frisbeee, Treasurer of the Western New York Society For The Protection Of Homeless And Dependent Children.
    Granted 28 March 1910; name assumed is Harriett Reagles; filed same day [file includes copy of decree certified same day].

#93 May Term 1910
Appearance Docket 198:93     “The [typed] petition of ANNA C. SCHREINER, single woman, a citizen and resident of Troy Township, in said county [of Crawford], respectfully represents – [¶] That she is desirous of adopting ELIZABETH JOHNSON, a minor child of HARRY JOHNSON and ANGANIVE JOHNSON, now of the age of eight years, as one of her heirs, and that she will perform all the duties of a parent toward said minor; [¶] That the father of said minor deserted his family at the City of Philadelphia in 1904, the mother of said minor, Anganive Johnson, died in October, 1907, and said minor child was on November 21, 1907, placed in the care of the Children’s Aid Society of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia; [¶] That by resolution of the Board of Directors of said Children’s Aid Society of Pennsylvania, held at the office of said Society on March 2, 1910, consent was given to the adoption of said minor by your petitioner, as will more fully appear by a certified copy of the resolution, certified under the hand of the General Secretary, and the seal of said Society hereto attached and made a part hereof; [¶] Wherefore, Your petitioner prays your Honorable Court to order and decree that the said Elizabeth Johnson shall assume the name of your petitioner, and have all the rights of a child and heir of said petitioner, and be subject to the duties of such child. [¶] And she will ever pray.”  Signed Anna C. Schreiner; affirmed and again signed before Bernice McGinnett, Notary Public, Titusville, Pa., 28 March 1910.
    [Attached (typed) consent on stationery of Children’s Aid Society of Pennsylvania, dated at Philadelphia “3-26-10”:]  “I hereby certify that at the meeting of the Board of Directors of the Children’s Aid Society of Pennsylvania duly convened on the 2nd day of March 2910 at the office of the said Society, 1506 Arch Street, in the City of Philadelphia, it was [¶] Resolved that the consent of the Board of Directors be given to the adoption by Miss Anna C. Schreiner of Elizabeth Johnson, whose father, Harry Johnson, deserted said child in 1904, and whose mother, Aganive Johnson, died October 1907, the said Elizabeth Johnson having been in the care of the said Society since November 21, 1907, and the Board of Directors of said Society being satisfied upon inquiry that the said Miss Anna C. Schreiner is a person of good moral character and able to provide for said minor and that the welfare of said minor will be promoted by said adoption.”  Signed Edwin D. Solenberger, General Secretary of Children’s Aid Society of Pennsylvania [seal].
    Granted 29 March 1910, name assumed is Elizabeth Schreiner; filed same day.

#123 May Term 1910
Appearance Docket 196:123     “The [typed] petition of WILLIAM H. TRACY, of Titusville, Pennsylvania, respectfully represents: [¶] That he is desirous of adopting JOHN WILLARD, a minor child of GUY L. WILLARD and BESSIE B. WILLARD, [next word carreted and handwritten:] TRACY now of the age of seven years, as one of his heirs. [¶]; That he will perform all of the duties of a parent towards the said minor, and that the said Bessie B. Willard, [next word carreted] Tracy the mother of the said minor, and now the wife of Your petitioner, has consented to the said adoption. [¶] That the said child was born on February 2, 1903. [¶] That your petitioner has maintained and supported the said child for the last two years and upwards. [¶] Wherefore Your petitioner prays Your Honorable Court to order and decree that the said John Willard shall assume the name of your petitioner, and to have all the rights of a child and heir of Your petitioner, and be subject to the duties of such child.”  Signed with the mark of William H. Tracy; sworn to and (again) subscribed with the mark of William H. Tracy before Charles F. Leibrich, J.P., 21 April 1910.
    [Attached parental consent:]  “I, the undersigned, Bessie B. Willard Tracy, the mother of the said minor, John Willard, hereby signify my consents [changed from ‘consent’] to the adoption of the said John Willard as prayed for in the foregoing petition, and believe that such adoption will be for the minor’s welfare.   That I have had in my custody and have cared for and maintained the said minor from his birth to the present time, together with my present husband, the petitioner, who has assisted in the care and maintenance of the said minor for the last two years, and upwards.  That the father of the said minor, Guy L. Willard, from profligacy has deserted and utterly refused and neglected to provide for his said child in any way from the time of his birth to the present time.”  Signed Bessie B. Willard Tracy; sworn to and again subscribed before Charlse F. Leibrich, J.P., 21 April 1910.
    Granted 25 April 1910, name assumed is John Tracy; filed same day.

#102 September Term 1910
Appearance Docket 197:102     “The [typed] petition of IRA A. HANKS, and his wife, ANNA HANKS, residents of Hayfield Township, Crawford County, Pennsylvania, respectfully represents, that they are desirous of adopting DOROTHY P. MAYO, a minor child of RICHARD H. MAYO and DOROTHY A. MAYO, now of the age of nearly five months, said child having been born on the Twenty-sixth day of December, 1909, as one of their heirs. [¶] That they will perform all the duties of a parent towards the said minor and that the said Richard H. Mayo and Dorothy A. Mayo, parents of the said Dorothy P. Mayo, have consented to such adoption. [¶] Wherefore the Petitioners pray your Honorable Court to order and decree that the said Dorothy P. Mayo shall assume the name of Your Petitioners and henceforth to be called by the name of Ruth Dorothy Hanks, and have all the rights of a child and heir of Your Petitioners, and to be subject to the duties of such child.”  Signed Ira A. Hanks, Anna Hanks; sworn to and again subscribed (by both) before Isaac Mondereau, Notary Public, Meadville, 12 May 1910.
    [Attached parental consent:]  “We, Dorothy A. Mayo and Richard H. Mayo, parents of Dorothy P. Mayo, hereby signify our consent to the adoption of the said child as prayed for in the foregoing petition and believe that such adoption will be for her welfare.”  Signed Dorothy A. Mayo, Richard H. Mayo; acknowledged by Dorothy A. Mayo before Isaac Mondereau, Notary Public, Meadville, 12 May 1910; also acknowledged at Erie County, New York, and subscribed Richard H Mayo before George R. Rix, Notary Public, Erie County, 15 July 1910 [and with a handwritten copy of the acknowledgment, minus the signature of Richard H. Mayo, added below the acknowledgment of Dorothy A. Mayo].
    Granted 1 Aug. 1910, name assumed is Ruth Dorothy Hanks; filed same day.

[Enclosed handwritten letter addressed to the Register & Recorder of Crawford County, Meadville, Penna., with envelope postmarked Jamestown, N.Y., 13 Dec. 1927, and bearing a return address of 377 So Main, Jamestown N.Y.:]  “Dear Sir,– Please send me a copy of the adoption papers taken out by Ira A. and Anne E. Hanks, at that time residing in Hayfield Twp., on May 12, 1910. The child adopted was the child of Mr and Mrs. R. H. Mayo. [¶] The late Isaac Mondereau was the attorney who acted in the case. [¶] The name of the child was Dorothy Pauline  but on adoption the name was changed to Ruth Dorothy. [¶] Enclosed please find self addressed envelope. [¶] Enclose bill with the papers and I will return the amount. [¶] Thanking you I am, Yours truly, Mrs. Anna E. Hanks.

#111 September Term 1910
Appearance Docket 197:111     “[(Typed) petition of (per cover) “P. M. STEINHOFF and wife, HATTIE STEINHOFF of Venango Twp. Crawford Co. Pa.”:]  “Your petitioners represent that they are desirous of adopting HARRY PINKERTON, a minor son of CHARLES PINKERTON, said child being now in the custody of ‘The Erie Home For The Friendless’, Erie, Pennsylvania, of which institution, Mrs. Samuel F. Selden is Secretary of Admission and Committee [sic]. [¶] That the address and whereabouts of the parents of said child are both unknown to your petitioners as also to the officers of the institution having the child in custody; that they desire to adopt said child as an heir, to have all the rights and be subject to the duties of a child, of your said petitioners. ¶] They therefore pray that a decree may be granted permitting your petitioners to adopt said Harry Pinkerton, as their child and heir, to have the name of Harry Steinhoff and be subject to all the rights and duties of a child, and they will ever pray, as in duty bound.”  Sworn to and subscribed P. M. Steinhoff, Mrs. Hattie Steinhoff before C. F. Chamberlain, J.P., Cambridge, Springs, 6 Aug. 1910; atty. Harry Faber White, Cambridge Springs.
    [Attached “Supporting Affidavit Certificate”:]  “I, Mrs. Samuel F. Selden, Secretary of Admission and Committee of ‘The Erie Home For The Friendless,’ Erie, Pa., do hereby concur in the foregoing petition and consent to the adoption prayed for. [¶] The books of record of the Erie Home For The Friendless show that the said child, Harry Pinkerton was born at Conneautville, Pa., on November 9th., 1900. Parents are American; protestants, and the mother deserted the family and the said child, Harry Pinkerton, was placed in the Erie Home For The Friendless by the father, Charles Pinkerton, on February 7th., 1908. Charles Pinkerton’s address is recorded on the books of the home as ‘Charles Pinkerton, Conneautville, Pa.’ The said Charles Pinkerton never made inquiry about his child and has not been to the Home for more than six months. I know nothing as to the whereabouts of either the mother or father of the said child, Harry Pinkerton.”  Signed (Mrs. Samuel F.) Sarah C. Selden, Secretary, Witness[es] Mary V[?]. Stranahan Chairman, Annie L. Gensheimer.
    Granted 8 Aug. 1910, name assumed is Harry Steinhoff; filed same day.

#121 September Term 1910
Appearance Docket 197:121     “The [typed] petition of PEARL M. BROOKS and DELLA M. BROOKS, his wife, respectfully represents:–   That they are residents of the Township of Summerhill, Crawford County, Pennsylvania, and are desirous of adopting RHEA ELIZABETH — — a minor child of a deceased sister of Pearl M. Brooks;  that they have performed all the duties of parents to the said child since August 30, 1900 when she was only ten days old, and will continue to perform such duties, the petitioners having provided for and brought her up as their own child.  That the residence of the father of child is unknown, and he has contributed nothing towards its support during the past nine years. [¶] [next word handwritten in blank space] Oscar H. Fish has been nominated to act as next [next word handwritten and carreted] friend to the said Rhea Elizabeth, and as such next friend consents to the said adoption as prayed for by your petitioners. [¶] Wherefore the petitioners pray your Honorable Court to order and decree that child [sic] shall assume the name of Rhea Elizabeth Brooks, and that she shall have all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioners, and shall be subject to the duties of such child.  And your petitioners will ever pray, etc.”  Signed Perl M Brooks, Della M Brooks; sworn to (as Pearl M. Brooks and Della M. Brooks) and again subscribed before E. C. McKay, Jr., J.P., 30 June 1910.
    [Attached consent:]  “Oscar H. Fish being duly sworn according to [blank] deposes and says that he is acquainted with the above named petitioners and Rhea Elizabeth Brooks who has been a member of their family since she was a baby.  Believing the petitioners to be persons of respectability and that the welfare of this child will be promoted by said adoption, I, as next friend, hereby consent to the same as prayed for in the foregoing petition.”  Sworn to and subscribed Oscar H. Fish before E. C. McKay, J.P., 14 July 1910.
    [Consent, below:]  “I have lived with my Uncle and Aunt Pearl [sic] M. and Della M. Brooks and have been supported and cared for by them as their own child as far back as I can remember.  I would like very much to be legally adopted by them and take the name of Rhea Elizabeth Brooks. [¶] I request you to permit Oscar H. Fish a person well acquainted with us to act as my next friend in this matter.”  Signed Rhea Elizabeth Brooks.
    Granted 17 Aug. 1910, name assumed is Rhea Elizabeth Brooks; filed same day.

#55 February Term 1911
Appearance Docket 199:55     “The [typed] petition of F. A. FRANKLIN and LUCY FRANKLIN his wife respectfully represents:– [¶] That they are desirous of adopting as an heir HOMER O’NEIL aged ten years having been born in May, 1900, a son of CHAS. O’NEIL and ALTA O’NEIL; that they will perform all the duties of a parent to said child if the adoption be decreed; that the mother of said child is deceased and the father Chas. O’Neil had neglected his family for some years and Robert P. Marshall Esq. is the legally appointed guardian of the said Homer O’Neil; your petitioners represent further that the said guardian has consented to the aoption [sic] as is evidenced by certificate hereto appended.  They therefore pray the Court to decree that the said Homer O’Neil may assume the name of these petitioners, to-wit, Homer Franklin and have and enjoy all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioners, and be subject to the duties of a child.  And they will ever pray as in duty bound.”  Signed F A. Franklin, Lucy Franklin; sworn to and (again) subscribed before D. T. McKay, Jr., Prothonotary, 27 Dec. 1910; filed 2 Jan. 1911.
    [Consent, below:]  “I Robert P. Marshall guardian of Homer O’Neil do hereby certify that I have read the foregoing petition of F.A. and Lucy Franklin praying for the adoption of Homer O’Neil and consent to said adoption.  Dec. 27th, 1910.”  Signed Robert P Marshall.
    Granted 2 Jan. 1911 [separate decree], name assumed is Homer Franklin; filed 9 Jan. 1911.

#7 September Term 1911
Appearance Docket 199:213     “The [typed] petition of WILLIAM P. BROOKMAN and CLARA BROOKMAN his wife, residents of the County of Crawford respectfully represent. [¶] That they are desirous of adopting MARIA HOOBLER a minor child of EVA HOOBLER and CHARLES HOOBLER now of the age of three years, as one of their heirs, that they will perform all the duties of parents toward the said minor and that the said Eva Hoobler the mother of said child has consented to said adoption as appears by her written consent hereto attached. [¶] Wherefore your petitioners pray your honorable Court to order and decree that the said Marie shall assume the name of your petitioners, and have all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioners and be subject to the duties of such child.”  Signed William P. Brookman, Mrs. Clara Brookman; sworn to by William P. Brookman (only) and subscribed by him before James D. Roberts, Alderman, Meadville, 9 May 1911; James D. Roberts, Attorney.
    [Attached parental consent:]  “I, Eva Hoobler, the mother of Marie Hoobler hereby signify my consent to the adoption of the said Marie Hoobler by William P. Brookman and Clara Brookman his wife as prayed for in the foregoing petition and further states that the father Charles Hoobler desrerted me before said child was born, necessitating my going to the County infirmary where said child was born and where I still remain an inmate. [next line] May 9, 1911[.]”  Signed with the mark of Eva Hoobler, witness W. D. Thompson.
    [Consent, below:]  “The undersigned Directors of the Poor of Crawford County hereby certify that the said Marie Hoobler has been under their Control since her birth which occurred at the County Infirmary in May 1908 and they hereby give their consent to the adoption of said child by William P. Brookman and his wife Clara Brookman, believing that they are suitable persons to have said child. [next line] Meadville Pa. May 9, 1911.”  Signed Geo. C. Reitze, W. P. Benner, W. H. Swartz[?].
    Granted 11 May 1911, name assumed is Marie Brookman; filed same day.

#39 November Term 1911
Appearance Docket 199:390     “The [typed] petition of MARGAET L. LAWRENCE, of Conneaut Lake, Pa. respectfully represents: [¶] That she is desirous of adopting HOWARD THOMAS PENNELL, aged six years, and son of Charles [sic] of CHARLES PENNELL and EMMA PENNELL, as her heir, and that she will perform all the duties of a parent to such child.  That said child has been in the possession of your petitioner for one year last past; that Charles Pennell, the father of said child, has deserted his family, and his where-a-bouts is unknown, and has been for five years last past; that Emma Pennell, the mother of said child, consents to this adoption and joins in this petition. [¶] Therefore your petitioner prays your Honorable Court to order and decree that the said Howard Thomas Pennsll 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 M. L. Lawrence; sworn to and again subscribed before Leona M. Richmond, Notary Public, Meadville, 28 Sept. 1911.
    [Attached parental consent:]  “I, Emma Pennell, mother of the said Howard Thomas Pennell, hereby signify my consent to the adoption of the said Howard Thomas, as prayed for in the foregoing petition, and believe that such adoption will be for his welfare.”  Signed Emma Pennell, witness J. W. Smith [undated].
    [Supporting affidavit, belwo:]  “E W M^cArthur and J. Park Jackson being duly sworn according to law, say that they are well acquainted with Margaret L. Lawrence, as above named petitioner; that she is a person of good moral character, and that they believe that the welfare of the said Howard Thomas Pennell will be promoted by the adoption as prayed for.”  Sworn to and subscribed E W McArthur, J Park Jackson before [unsigned; seal of Leona M. Richmond, Notary Public, Meadville], 28 Sept. 1911.
    Granted 2 Oct. 1911, name assumed is Howard Thomas Lawrence; [filing date not given].

#3 February Term 1912
Appearance Docket 200:3     [Typed petition:]  “ALBERT CROMES and ESTHER CROMES, his wife, aver that they are desirous of adopting FLORENCE CHRONABERRY [sic; Chronabery?], infant child of JAMES CHRONABERRY and LULU CHRONABERRY, and aver that they will perform all the duties of parents to such child.  Petitioners further aver that the said Florence Chronaberry was three years old August 26, 1911 and has been in the home of your petitioners and cared for by them for fifteen months last past; that the mother of said Florence Chronaberry died in September 1910 and was a sister to your petitioner, Albert Cromes; that the father of the said Florence Chronaberry now resides, as petitioners are informed and believe, at Troy, Ohio.  The said father, James Chronaberry, has failed, refused and neglected to care for, provide or support the said Florence Chronaberry, or to even visit her during the time she has been in the possession of your petitioners and the said James Chronaberry because of drunkenness, shiftless and profligacy has failed to provide for or care for said Florence Chronaberry, but also has another child, Edna Chronaberry, of the age of ten years which is now in the Knoop Chldren’s Home at Troy, Ohio, where, as your petitioners are informed and believe, the said James Chronaberry has failed, neglected and refused to pay anything whatever towards the care and support of the said Edna. [¶] Your petitioners therefore pray your Honorable Court to enter a decree whereby the said petitioners shall adopt the said Florence Chronaberry, [next word carreted] who shall assume the name of your petitioners and have all the rights of a child and heir at law and be subject to the duties of a child of said petitioners.  And they will ever pray, etc.”  Signed Albert Cromes, Esther Cromes; sworn to and again subscribed (by both) before D. T. McKay, Jr., Prothonotary, 10 Nov. 1911.
    [Consent, below:]  “Now., Nov. 13, 1911, we, the undersigned, directors of the poor of Crawford County, do hereby consent to the adoption of the child as above prayed for.”  Signed W. P. Penner, W H Smith, Directors of the Poor of Crawford County.
    Granted 13 Nov. 1911, “and that the said Chronaberry shall assume the name of said petitioners,” presumably Florence Cromes; filing date not given.

[Typed letter from Thomas & Thomas, Attorneys for Petitioners, dated at Meadville, Pa., 3 Nov. 1911, addressed to James Chronaberry, Troy, Ohio, with return receipt showing delivery on 4 Nov. 1911, signed James Chronabery, as sworn to and subscribed Albert Cromes before D. T. McKay, Jr., Prothonotary, 10 Nov. 1911:]  “This is to notify you that the undersigned will present a petition to the Court of Common Pleas of Crawford County at Meadville, Pennsylvania, on Monday, November 13, 1911, at ten o’clock, a.m. for the adoption of your daughter, Florence Chronaberry, by Albert Cromes and Esther Cromes, at which time and place you may be present and heard if you so desire.”

[Typed letter on stationery of Miami County Probate and Juvenile Courts, Troy, Ohio, addressed to Thomas & Thomas, Attys. at Law, Meadville, Pa., dated at Troy, Ohio, 4 Nov. 1911:]  “Gentlemen:– [¶] I am in receipt of your esteemed favor of the 3rd inst. In reference to the adoption of Florence Chronaberry, the three year old daughter of James Chronaberry. [¶] You wish to know what character of man the father is.  I would state that he does not bear a very good reputation in this community.  On May 13, 1911, there was an application filed in this Court, declaring Edna Chronaberry, a daughter of the said James Chronaberry, a dependent and neglected child.  I found the allegation in the affidavit true, and sent the girl to the Knoop’s Children’s Home in this county.  The evidence at that time showed that the father was running with vicious persons, and neglected to supply the proper means of support for his children.  Later he called at this office and made an application to act as Administrator for the estate of his wife. This application I positively refuse, thinking he was not a fit person for that trust. [¶] I would say that if Florence Chronaberry can be adopted by Albert Cromes, who I understand is a respectable person, she will be fortunate. [¶] Any further information that I may be able to give you, will be gladly furnished. / Very truly yours,” signed Eberhart W. Maier. [Judge]

#9 February Term 1912
Appearance Docket 200:9     “The [typed] petition of AMBROSE C. PETTIT and MARGARET PETTIT his wife residents of Beaver Township Crawford County Pa., respectfully represent:– [¶] That they are desirous of adopting ELLEN ANDERSON, an adult person of the age of twenty two years, unmarried, and daughter of Mr and Mrs. SVANTE ANDERSON both of whom are dead and have been for several years and the said Ellen Anderson agrees and consents to the adoption as witnessed by her certificate hereto attached. [¶] Your petitioners further set forth that the said Ellen Anderson has been an inmate of their home since she was thirteen years old past and they have always treated her as their daughter and they therefore pray your Honorable Court to order and decree that the said Ellen Anderson shall have all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioners and be subject to the duties of such child and that the said Ellen Anderson may assume and bear the name of your said petitioners. And they will ever pray.”  Signed Ambrose C. Pettit, Margaret Pettit; sworn to by A. C. Pettit (only) and subscribed Ambrose C. Pettit before James D. Roberts, Alderman, Meadville, 15 Nov. 1911.
    [Adoptee’s (typed) consent, below:]  “I, Ellen Anderson, hereby consent and join in asking the Court to make a decree for the adoption of myself by A. C. Pettit and Margaret Pettit, as prayed for in the above petition.’  Signed Ellen Anderson.
    Granted 20 Nov. 1911, “and that the Ellen Anderson shall bear the name of Ellen Anderson Pettit”; filed same day.

#20 February Term 1912
Appearance Docket 200:20     “The [typed] petition of ISAAC B. ARMSTRONG and LURA M. ARMSTRONG, his wife, of Guys Mills, Crawford County, Pa., respectfully represents:– [¶] That they are desirous of adopting ALICE L. HAIGHT, aged twenty years, daughter of P. T. HAIGHT, as their heir, and that they will perform all duties of a parent to such child; [¶] That such child has been in the possession of your petitioners for eighteen years past; [¶] That mother of said child is dead and the father consents to this adoption and joins in this petition. [¶] Therefore your petitioner prays this Honorable Court to order and decree that the said Alice L. Haight shall assume the name of your petitioners and have all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioners and be subject to the duties of such child.”  Signed Isaac B Armstrong, Lura M Armstrong; sworn to and again subscribed (by both) before Isaac Mondereau, Notary Public, Meadville, 6 Nov. 1911.
    [Father’s (typed) consent, below:]  “I, P. T. Haight, father of said Alice L. Haight, hereby signify my consent to the adoption of the said Alice L. Haight as prayed for in the foregoing petition.”  Signed P. T. Haight, Ernest Paterson[,] Witness.
    Granted 27 Nov. 1911, “and that the said Alice L. Haight shall assume the name of Armstrong,” presumably Alice L. Armstrong; filed same day.

#40 February Term 1912
Appearance Docket 200:40     “The [typed] petition of GEORGE W. HUESTIS, and MINNIE M. HUESTIS, his wife, of Conneaut Township, in said county [of Crawford], respectfully represent; That they the petitioners are desirous of adopting one HAROLD BARTLET, a child without known parents, nine years of age, as their child and one of their heirs, and for that purpose they herein and hereby declare their desire, and also that they will perform all the duties of parents to the said Harold Bartlet,. [¶] The petitioners further state that the said Harold Bartlet, has resided with them for upwards of four years last past, and that they received and took him from The Cleveland Protistant [sic] Orphan Asylum, of Cleveland Ohio, a Charitable Institution; with which said Institution the said Harold Bartlet, had resided for upwards of one year before he came to reside with the petitioners, as aforesaid.  And that The Cleveland Protistant Orphan Asylum, above named, has given its consent to such adoption, by Instrument in writing, which is hereto annexed and made a part hereof. [¶] The petitioners therefore pray the Court if satisfied that the welfare of the said Harold Bartlet, will be promoted by such adoption to decree that said Harold Bartlet, may assume the name of the petitioners and have confered [sic] upon him the name of Harry William Huestis, and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioners, and be subject to the duties of such child.  And they the petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray.”  Signed George. W. Huestis, Minnie M. Huestis; sworn to and again subscribed (by both) before A. M. Fenner, Notary Public, Linesville, Pa., 7 Dec. 1911; Atty. A. M. Fenner, Linesville.
    [Attached consent:]  “Douglas Perkins, being duly sworn according to law, deposes and says, that he is the President of The Cleveland Protestant Orphan Asylum; that the said Asylum is a charitable institution and as such has supported Harold Bartlett, the minor child mentioned in the foregoing instrument, for more than one year; that the proper officers of said Asylum have given the consent of The Cleveland Protestant Orphan Asylum unto George William Huestis and Minnie M. Huestis, his wife, parties to the foregoing instrument for the adoption of the aforesaid Harold Bartlett; that said officers believe the said George W. Huestis and Minnie M. Huestis to be proper parties to care for the welfare of and to adopt the said minor child.”  Sworn to at Cuyahoga County, Ohio, and subscribed Douglas Perkins before F. M. LePage, Notary Public, Cuyahoga Co., 19 Sept. 1910.
    [Attached contract:]  “[centered] Know all men by these presents: [¶] That we, George W. Huestis and Minnie M. Huestis, his wife, residents of Center Road Station, County of Crawford, and State of Pennsylvania, by and with the consent of The Cleveland Protestant Orphan Asylum of Cleveland Ohio, a charitable institution which has supported the hereinafter mentioned child for more than a year, said consent being hereby shown and hereto attached, do, by these presents adopt, as our heir and child, Harold Bartlett, a male minor child of the age of eightnine years, hereby conferring on said child the name of Harry William Huestis, and conferring upon him all the rights of a child and heir, and we do hereby jointly and severally covenant and agree to protect, maintain, educate and care for the said child in such relation, and in all respects and in every manner perform towards him the duties of parents. [¶] Witness our hands and seals this 7th day of December A.D. One thousand nine hundred and Eleven.”  Signed Georg W Huestis, Minnie M. Huestis; attest Gladys L. Kile, A. M. Fenner; sworn to (but not again subscribed) before A. M. Fenner, Notary Public, Linesville, 7 Dec. 1911.
    Granted 11 Dec. 1911 [decree typed “on back of this cover”], name assumed is Harry William Huestis; filed same day.

#71 February Term 1912
Appearance Docket 200:71     “The [typed] Petition of HIRAM D. SMITH and VERNIE SMITH, his wife, respectfully represents:–– [¶] That they are residents of West Mead Township, Crawford County and State of Pennsylvania. [¶] That they are desirous of adopting ARNOLD EDWARD BELL, a minor child of ELWOOD L. BELL and DOROTHY Woods BELL, now intermarried with Frank Woods; and that the said minor will be three years of age in March 1912, as one of their heirs. [¶] That they will perform the duties of parent to the said Arnold Edward Bell. [¶] That the said Edward A. Bell and Dorothy Woods Bell, parents of the said Arnold Edward Bell, have consented to the adoption of the said named minor child prayed for by your petitioners. [¶]; Wherefore your petitioners pray this Honorable Court to order and decree that the said Arnold Edward Bell shall have all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioners, and be subject to the duties of such child.  And your petitioners will ever pray &c.”  Signed Hyram D. Smith, Vernie Smith; sworn to (as “Hiram D. Smith and Vernie Smith”) and again subscribed before D. T. McKay, Jr., Prothonotary, 30 Dec. 1911.
    [Attached parental consent:]  “We, Elwood L. Bell and Dorothy Woods, the parents of the said Arnold Edward Bell, hereby consent to the adoption of the said Arnold Edward Bell, as prayed for in the foregoing petition, and believe that such adoption will be for the best interests and welfare of the said Arnold Edward Bell.”  Signed Elwood L Bell, Dorothy Bell Woods [undated].
    Granted 1 Jan. 1912, name assumed is Arnold Edward Smith; [filing dated not given].

#11 May Term Term 1912
Appearance Docket 200:145     “The [typed, except for the child’s middle name ‘Best,’ which has been everywhere (including the consent and affidavit) handwritten, and carreted] petition of LIZZIE V. GRAHAM respectfully represents: [¶] 1st. That she is a resident of the said County of Crawford. [¶] 2nd. That she is desirous of adopting her Grand child VIRGINIA BEST GRAHAM, a minor child of D. ROY GRAHAM, as one of her heirs. [¶] That she will perform all the duties of a parent to said Virginia Best Graham. [¶] 4th. That the said D. Roy Graham, the only surviving parent of the said Virginia Best Graham, 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 Virginia Best Graham 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, etc.”  Signed Lizzie V. Graham; sworn to [place not stated] and (again) subscribed before Lewis H. Lauderbaugh, Notary Public, Meadville, 9 Jan. 1912.
    [Parental consent, below:]  “D. Roy Graham the only surviving parent of the said Virginia Best Graham herby [sic] consent to the adoption of the said Virginia Best Graham, as prayed for in the foregoing petition, and believe such adoption will be for the welfare of the said Virginia Graham.”  Signed D. Roy Graham.
    [Supporting affidavit, below:]  “S. J. Logan and Isaac Mondereau, being duly sworn according to law, depose and say that they are well acquainted with Lizzie V. Graham, the within named petitioner, that she is a person of respectability and property, and that deponents believe that the welfare of the said Virginia Best Graham will be promoted by the adoption prayed for in the said petition.”  Sworn to and subscribed Isaac Mondereau, S. J. Logan, before Fred C. Beil, Notary Public, Pittsburgh, Pa. [date not stated], and before Wm. A. Thompson, Recorder of Deeds, 14 Feb. 1912
    Granted 15 Feb. 1912, [name apparently unchanged, i.e., Virginia Best Graham; filed same day.

#42 May Term 1912
Appearance Docket 200:176     “The [typed] petition of DANIEL HOUCK and MINNIE HOUCK respectfully represents:– [¶] 1.  That they are husband and wife, and are citizens of the United States and of the State of Pennsylvania. [¶] 2.  That they reside at No. 305 Willow Street, Meadville, Pa., and have been residents of Crawford County for a long period of years. [¶] 3.  That they desire to adopt ELLEN WALTERS, an adult person, as their, and each of their, heir. [Ž] 4.  That the said Ellen Walters is of the age of twenty one years and upwards, and is unmarried. [¶] 5.  That the said Ellen Walters has resided with your petitioners since about September, 1898, and that, during said time, your petitioners have cared for and supported her, being the only means of support she has had. [¶] 6.  That they desire to have the said Ellen Walters take and be known by the surname of your petitioners, to-wit, by the name of Ellen Houck. [¶] 7.  That they agree, if this adoption be approved, to perform all the duties of a parent toward such adult person. ¶] Therefore your petitioners pray your Honor to approve of such adoption, and to make an appropriate decree according to the Act of Assembly in such cases made and provided.”  Signed Daniel Houck, Minnie Houck; sworn to and again subscribed (by both) before V. L. Greeley, Prothonotary, 9 March 1912.
    [Attached consent:]  “Ellen Walters, being duly sworn according to law, deposes and says, That she consents to the adoption set forth in the foregoing petition; that she agrees, if the adoption be approved, to perform all the duties of a child toward the petitioners; and that she desires to take and be known by the surname of the petitioners; and that she desires to take and be known by the surname of the petitioners, to-wit, by the name of Ellen Houck.”  Sworn to and subscribed Ellen Walters before V. L. Greeley, Prothonotary, 9 March 1912.
    Granted 11 March 1912, and “that the said Ellen Walters shall take and be known by the name of Ellen Houck”; filed same day.

#54 May Term 1912
Appearance Docket 200:188     [Slip in file shows that Isaac Mondereau received the “Papers,” apparently from this case, on 12 Nov. 1912; for decree, see below]
#54 May Term 1912 [changed from #80 February Term 1913]
Appearance Docket ____     “The [typed] petition of AUGUSTUS GERARD respectfully represents: [¶] That he is the surviving parent of Mabel Irene Shearer.  That at No. 54 May Term, 1912, in the court of Common Pleas of Crawford County, Pa., he gave his consent that his said child, who is now in her eighth year, be adopted by J. T. Shearer and his wife, M. Shearer.  That the said Mrs. M. Shearer is a sister of your petitioner, and an aunt of his said child aforesaid.  That on March 14, 1912, your Honorable court decreed as follows, viz: [#182;] ‘It is hereby ordered and decreed that the within petition be granted, and that the said Mabel Irene Gerard assume the name of Mabel Irene Shearer, the surname of said J. T. Shearer and M. Shearer, and shall enjoy all the rights of a child and [next word carreted] an heir of theirs, being subject to all the duties of a child.’ [¶] That at the time the said petition was presented to your Honorable Court, and the decree was entered, your petitioner had no housekeeper or proper home for his said child. [¶] That since said time conditions have changed; that he how has a housekeeper and a home in Meadville, Pa., and that he has employment and is in proper shape to care for and raise, clothe and school his said child, and desires to re-adopt his said child and have said child in his home, and that said child shall henceforth be called Mabel Irene Gerard, and that the former decree may be annulled, revoked and set aside.  Your petitioner showing these facts and the consent and assent of both the said J. T. Shearer, and his wife, M. Shearer, to the said re-adoption, and prays Your Honor to annul, revoke and set aside the former decree made at No. 54 May Term, 1912, so that he can have the custody and companionship of his said child in his own home and family; and that said child may be renamed Mabel Irene Gerard, and he will ever pray.”  Signed Augustus Gerard; sworn to and again subscribed before Isaac Mondereau, Notary Public, Meadville, Pa., 16 Nov. 1912.
    [Attached consent:]  “We, the undersigned, J. T. Shearer and Mrs. M. Shearer, wife of said J. T. Shearer, who adopted Mabel Irene Gerard at No. 54 May Term, 1912, while said child has been in our home since said adoption, and for some time before, and while we have become attached to said child, having children of our own, and the said Augustus Gerard having no other said child or children, do hereby consent and agree to the re-adoption of said Mabel Irene Shearer by her surviving parent, her father, Augustus Gerard, as he has now a good home in which to properly raise and care of his said child.”  Sworn to and subscribed Mrs M. Shearer, J. T. Shearer before M. H. Luse, J.P., Cambridge Springs, 2 Dec. 1912.
    [Supporting affidavit:]  “Homer Consla and George Stevens both being duly sworn, say that they are well acquainted with Augustus Gerard; that he resides in Meadville, Pa., and has a comfortable home and steady employment in this city.  That they believe he is in proper shape to care for his only child, Mabel Irene, and that it would be to the welfare of the said child, and to the comfort and happiness of the surviving parent if the said child would be restored to the home of said Augustus Gerard.”  Signed Homer Consla, George Stevens; sworn to and again subscribed before Isaac Mondereau, Notary Public, Meadville, 24 Dec. [year not given].
    Rule to show cause granted 6 Jan. 1913, returnable at next term; filed 6 Jan. 1913; [proposed decree remains unsigned].

#56 May Term 1912
Appearance Docket 200:190     “The [typed] petition of HERMAN F. MERKER and MARIE J. MERKER, his wife, citizens and residents of the City of Titusville, in the County of Crawford, Pennsylvania, respectfully represent: [¶] That they are desirous of adopting WILLIAM GARFIELD SMITH, a minor child of the age of two years, whose parents are unknown to the petitioners, and which minor child has been an inmate from the time of its birth on February 9, A.D. 1910, to the best of the petitioners knowledge and belief, of the ‘The Washington Hospital for Foundlings’, of Washington D. C., and in the lawful custody and control and supported by the said ‘The Washington Hospital for Foundlings’ until the twenty-second day of April A. D. 1911, on which date by indenture duly executed by and between the said ‘The Washington Hospital for Foundings’ and your petitioners, the said William Garfield Smith was delivered to your petitioners under a covenant in the said indenture that your petitioners would adopt the said William Garfield Smith as and for their own child, which said indenture is attached hereto as evidencing the consent of the said ‘The Washington Hospital for Foundlings’ to said adoption. [¶] Your petitioners therefore pray your honorable court to order and decree that the said William Garfield Smith shall become the adopted child of your petitioners and shall assume the name John Albert Merker, and have all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioners, and be subject to the duties of such child.;  Signed Herman F. Merker, Marie J Merker; sworn to and again subscribed (by both) before Robert A. Kerr, J.P., Titusville, 12 March 1912; by Attorney C. W. Benedict, Titusville.
    [Supporting affidavit, below:]  “Frank Reid and Fred Dentler being duly sworn according to law, say that they are well acquainted with Herman F. Merker and Marie J. Merker, the above named petitioners that they are persons of good moral character, and that they believe that the welfare of the said William Garfield Smith will be promoted by the adoption prayed for.”  Sworn to and subscribed Frank Reid, Fred W Dentler before Robert A. Kerr, J.P., Titusville, 12 March 1912.
    [Attached consent:]  “This Indenture, made this Twenty second day of April, A. D. 1911, by and between ‘ The Washington Hospital for Foundlings,’ a body corporate under the laws of the United States, having its habitat in the District of Columbia, of the first part, and Mr & Mrs Herman F. Merker of Titusville State of Penn of the second part, witnesseth: [¶] That said party of the first part under and by virtue of the powers conferred upon it by its charter from the Congress of the United States, which said party of the second part is advised of and has read, and in consideration of the execution of these presents by said party of the second part, does hereby surrender unto said party of the second part and place in their custody and under their care and control, the child W^m Garfield Smith born February 9" 1910. now and heretofore in the lawful possession and control of said party of the first part under the terms of its said charter, until said child shall attain the age of eighteen years, unless sooner determined by the provisions of these Presents. [¶] That they will adopt said child as and for their own child [¶] That they will provide said child with good and proper food and clothing ; [¶] That said child shall receive a good common school education; [¶] That said child shall enjoy the comforts of a home, and be so raised, educated, and trained as will tend to make him a good and useful citizen. [¶] And that said party of the second part shall and will, in the month of October of each year during the continuance of these Presents, and when and as requested by said party of the first part, make, through the Secretary, reports in writing of the condition and progress of said child, and give such further information of him as may be desired. [¶] It is hereby distinctly understood and agreed by and between the parties hereto, that should said party of the second part die before said child shall attain the age of eighteen years, without having made an adequate and suitable provision for his maintenance, education, and support, or should said party of the second part commit a breach of any of the covenants herein on their part to be observed and performed, then said party of the first part shall have the right to resume the custody, care, and control of said child, and shall be entitled to the same. [¶] In testimony whereof said parties of the first and second part have hereunto set their hands and affixed their seals on the day and in the year first hereinbefore mentioned.”  Signed Z. T. Sowers, President, “Test:” Louise M. Smithe, Secretary [seal affixed]; also signed Marie J. Merker, Herman F. Merker.
    [No decree shown]; filed 18 March 1912.

[Letter on stationery of Charles W. Benedict, Attorney at Law, dated at Titusville, Pa., 18 March 1912, addressed to the Prothonotary:  “Last week I sent over the petition of Herman Merker and Marie Merker for the adoption of William Garrison Smith, to take the name of John Albert Merker.  I did not think at the time to write to you and if the Court has entered any decree, please see that it is properly recorded in your office and send me the certified copy for Mr. Merker together with your costs for the whole proceeding and oblige, Yours very truly, [signed] C. W Benedict [initialed] J. O. [with handwritten note below,] Mch. 1912  Having sent Benedict a bill this letter not replied to.

#72 May Term 1912
Appearance Docket 200:206     “The [typed] petition of CLIFFORD H. GHERING and BERTHA GHERING, his wife, respectfully represents:– [¶] I. That they are residents of the said County of Venango, State of Pennsylvania. [¶] II. That they are desirous of adopting DONALD KROWSKY, a minor child of JOSEPH KROWSKY, as one of their heirs. That the said Donald Krowsky was born on the [date handwritten] 23d day of March, 1911, and that his mother is deceased. [¶] III. That they will perform all the duties of parents to the said Donald Krowsky. [¶] IV. That the said Joseph Krowsky, surviving parent of said Donald Krowsky, has consented to the said adoption prayed for by your petitioners. [¶] Wherefore your petitioners pray your honorable court to order and decree that the said Donald Krowsky shall assume the name of your petitioners, and that the said Donald Krowsky shall have all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioners and be subject to the duties of such child. And your petitioners will ever pray, etc.”  Signed Clifford H. Ghering, Bertha Ghering; sworn to [place not stated, presumably Titusville] and again subscribed (by both) before C. F. Leibrich, J.P., 26 March 1912; by Attorney Jules A C Dubor.
    [Attached (typed) parental consent:]  “The undersigned, Joseph Krowsky, father of the said HaroldDonald Krowsky, hereby certifies that he has read the foregoing petition, and is satisfied as to the truth of the facts herein set forth, and hereby consents and agrees that the said Court may make a decree whereby the said HaroldDonald Krowsky shall be adopted by the said Clifford H. Ghering and Bertha Ghering, his wife, and he hereby certifies that he has been told and understands that the said Clifford H. Ghering and Bertha Ghering, his wife, are reputable citizens of the Township of Plum, County of PlumVenango, and State of Pennsylvania, and that it would be to the advantage of his said son that he should be by them adopted,”  Sworn to at Titusville and subscribed with the mark of Joseph Krowsky 26 March 1912 before C. F. Leibrich, J.P., with P. C. Buckley and W. J. Fews[?] as witnesses.
    [Attached (typed) supporting affidavit:]  “S. K. Bailey and C. W. Sager, being duly sworn according to law, depose and say that they are well acquainted with Clifford H. Ghering and Martha Ghering, his wife, the within named petitioners, and that they are persons of respectability and property, and that deponents believe that the welfare of the said Donald Krowsky will be promoted by the adoption prayed for in the said petition.”  Sworn to and subscribed S. K. Bailey, C. W. Sager [place not stated] before C. F. Leibrich, J.P., 28 March 1912.
    Granted 30 March 1912, “and that the said Donald Krowsky shall assume the name of said Clifford H. Ghering and Bertha Ghering, his wife,” presumably Donald Ghering; filed same day.

#117 May Term 1912
Appearance Docket 200:251     “The [typed] petition of WILLIAM UHR and GRACE UHR [presumably, husband and wife] citizens and residents of the City of Meadville, Crawford County Pa., respectfully represents [¶] That theay are desirous of adopting JOSEPHINE MARY HENRY a minor child of DELOS HENRY, now of the age of one month past as one of their heirs; that they will perform all the duties of parents towards the said minor and that the said Delos Henry the father (the mother being dead) has consented to such adoption. [¶] Wherefore your petitioners you’re your honorable Court to order and decree that the said Josephine Mary shall assume the name of your petitioners, and have all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioners, and be subject to the duties of such child.;”  Signed W^m Uhr, Grace Uhr; sworn to and again subscribed (by both) before James D. Roberts, Alderman, Meadville, 18 April 1912; by James D. Roberts, Attorney.
    [Father’s (typed) consent, below:]  “I, Delos Henry the father of the said Josephine Mary [next word carreted] Henry, hereby signify my consent to the adoption of the said Josephine Mary Henry as prayed for in the foregoing petition and believe that such adoption will be for her welfare.”  Signed Delos M Henry [undated].
    Granted 22 April 1912, name assumed is Josephine Mary Uhr; filed same day.

#26 September Term 1912
Appearance Docket 200:310     “The [typed] petition of ALBERT ADSIT and SYLVANIA R. ADSIT his wife of the Township of Greenwood, said county [of Crawford], respectfully represents: [¶] That they are desirous of adopting MARY HELEN ADSIT and ALBERT H. ADSIT now of the ages of [next word handwritten] seven and four years respectively, as their heirs, the said children are minor children of G. R. ADSIT now deceased and ETHEL ADSIT, and grand children of petitioners; that they will perform the duties of parents toward said minor children and that the said Ethel Adsit [next two words carreted and handwritten] now Walp the only living parent has consented to such adoption.…”  Signed Albert Adsit, Sylvania Adsit; sworn to by Albert Adsit (only) and subscribed by him before James A. Roberts, Alderman, Meadville, 25 May 1912.
    [Mother’s consent, below:]  “I, Ethel Adsit [next two words carreted, handwritten], now Walp the mother of Mary Helen Adsit and Albert RH.[initial handwritten]. Adsit hereby signify my consent to the adoption of the said children as prayed for in the foregoing petition, and believe that such adoption will be for their welfare.”  Signed Ethel Adsit Walp [undated].
    Granted 27 May 1912 [names presumably unchanged, i.e., Mary Helen Adsit and Albert H. Adsit]; filed same day; uncertified copy of decree included in file.

#39 September Term 1912
Appearance Docket 200:323     “The [typed] petition of H. J. SHARAH and RUTH SHARAH, his wife, respectfully represent, that Petitioners are residents of Randolph township, Crawford County, Pa., and that the said petitioners are desirous of adopting BESSIE BURNS of Huntington, West Va., an adult daughter of LIDA BURNS of said Huntington, West Va., as their heir and for that purpose, the petitioners declare their said desire and also declare that they will perform all the duties of a parent to the said Bessie Burns. [¶] The petitioners, therefore, pray the court, if satisfied that the welfare of said Bessie Burns will be promoted by such adoption, to decree that the said Bessie Burns may have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioners and be subject to the duties of a child and they will ever pray.;”  Signed H. J. Sharah, Ruth Sharah; sworn to and again subscribed (by both) before V. R. Greeley, Prothonotary, 11 June 1912.
    [Attached (typed) consent:]  “I, Bessie Burns, the person proposed to be adopted by H. J. Sharah and Ruth Sharah, do hereby certify that I am upwards of twenty one years of age, to-wit 28 of years of age, and I hereby signify my approval and consent to said adoption and join in requesting the court to make the decree as prayed for.”  Signed Miss Bessie Burns.
    Granted 17 June 1912, with no indication of name change, i.e., name presumably to remain Bessie Burns; filed same day.

#101 September Term 1912
Appearance Docket 200:385       [papers missing; the following is from the Appearance Docket:]  [Attorney] Clinton M. Dickey
Petition of V. G. HARSHAW and LULU HARSHAW, his wife, for the adoption of DOROTHY BURNS, daughter of EMMET BURNS and LOTTIE, his wife [next line] Entered Aug. 19. 1912
Aug. 19, 1912 Petition with affidavit and consent of mother of child attached, presented in open Court, and filed. [¶ (centered)] Decree. [¶] And now, August 19, 1912 Upon consideration of the foregoing petition and statement, and it appearing to the Court thereby that the father has abandoned the said Dorothy Burns, and that the mother has consented to the adoption prayed for, the prayer of the father is granted; and it is ordered and decreed that the said Dorothy Burns shall have all the rights of a child and heir of the said V. C. Harshaw and Lula B. Harshaw, and be subject to the duties of such child; and it is further ordered and decreed that the said Dorothy Burns shall assume the name of Dorothy Harshaw. [next line] (signed) Thos. J. Prather, P[resident]. J[udge]. [¶] Aug. 19, 1912 Certified copy of decree issued.

#58 November Term 1912
Appearance Docket 200:385     “The [typed] petition of ALONZO D. MURDOCK and JENNIE MURDOCK his wife residents of said County [of Crawford], respectfully represents:– That they are desirous of adopting LYRICK LYMAN MURDOCK, a minor child of WILLIAM MURDOCK, now of the age of twenty years past, as one of their [‘their’ handwritten; changed from ‘his’(?)] heirs; that they will perform all the duties of parents toward the said minor, and that the said William Murdock the father (the mother being dead) of the said Lyrick Lyman Murdock has consented to such adoption. [¶] Wherefore your petitioners you’re your Honorable Court to order and decree that the said Lyrick Lyman Murdock shall assume the name of your petitioners and have all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioners and be subject to the duties of such child.”  Signed Alonzo. D. Murdock, Jennie Murdock; sworn to by Alonzo D Murdock (only) and subscribed Alonzo D. Murdock before James W. Roberts, Alderman, Meadville, 19 Sept. 1912.
    [Father’s (typed) consent, below:]  “I, William Murdock the father of said Lyrick Lyman Murdock hereby signify my consent to the adoption of the said Lyrick Lyman Murdock as prayed for in the foregoing petition and believe that such adoption will be for his welfare.”  Signed W. E Murdock; [handwritten:]“On this 3^d day of Oct 1912 before me appeared W. E. Murdock and to me know to be the person whose signature is signed above[, signed] Fred Green Notary Public [State of New York, per seal]”.
    Granted 12 Oct. 1912, name assumed is Lyrick Lyman Murdock; filed same day.

#63 November Term 1912
Appearance Docket 200:469     “The [typed] petition of L. W. RHODES and ETHEL RHODES, his wife, citizens and residents of the county aforesaid [Crawford], respectfully represents: [¶] That they are desirous of adopting EVALINE SMOCK, a minor child of WILLIAM SMOCK and EMMA SMOCK, now of the age three years, as one of their heirs; that the mother of said child, Emma Smock, is now dead; that they will perform all the duties of parents toward the said minor child and that William Smock, the surviving parent of said Evaline Smock, has consented to such adoption. [¶] Wherefore your petitioners pray your Honorable Court to order and decree that the said Evaline Smock shall assume the name of your petitioners and have all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioners and be subject to the duties of such child.”  Signed L W Rhodes, Ethel Rhodes; sworn to at Mercer County, Pa., but not again subscribed, before N. W. Dumars, J.P., 6 Aug. 1912.
    [Attached (typed) parental consent:]  “I, William Smock, the surviving parent of said Evaline Smock, do hereby signify my consent to the adoption of said Evaline Smock as prayed for in the foregoing petition and believe that such adoption will be for her welfare.”  Signed William Smock; Witnesses: C W McQuiston, T. C. Gelvin.
    [Attached (typed) supporting affidavit:]  “C E Callahan & J. C. Freeland being duly sworn, according to law, say that they are well acquainted with L. W. Rhodes and Ethel Rhodes, his wife, of East Fallowfield Township, Crawford County, Pennsylvania, the above named petitioners; that said petitioners are persons of good moral character and that they believe that the welfare of said Evaline Smock will be promoted by the adoption as prayed for.”  Sworn to [place not stated] and subscribed C. E. Callahan, J C Freeland before N. W. Dumars, J.P., Mercer Co., 6 Aug. 1912.
    Granted 14 Oct. 1912, name assumed is Evaline Rhodes; filed same day.

#8 February Term 1913
Appearance Docket 201:8     “The [typed] petition of SARAH EDNA MARSH of said County [of Crawford] respectfully represents:– That she is desirous of adopting as heirs MARIAN EDNA MARSH aged 35 yrs; JARED [changed from ‘Jerred’] MYRON MARSH aged 31 yrs; JOHN WALLACE MARSH aged 24 yrs and SUSANNAH [changed from ‘Susanna’] ALMIRA MARSH aged 22 yrs, whose father JOHN Q. MARSH is now the husband of your petitioner and whose mother MARY LOUISE MARSH, who died Jan. 4, 1894, was a sister of this petitioner. [¶] Your petitioner represents further that she will perform all the duties of a parent to her said nieces and nephews; that they are now of mature age and that this application is made with the desire, consent and approval both of her said nieces and nephews and their father John Q. Marsh. [¶] Your petitioner therefore prays the Court to decree that Marian Edna Marsh, Jared Myron Marsh, John Wallace Marsh and Susannah [changed from ‘Susanna’] Almira Marsh may and shall have and enjoy all the rights of children and heirs of this petitioner and be subject to the duties as such.  And she will ever pray as in duty bound.”  Signed Sarah Edna Marsh; sworn to, but not again subscribed, before Cyrus Carman, J.P., Geneva[?], 19 Oct. 1912; by Attorney Otto Kohler, Meadville.
    [Attached consent:]  “Whereas, Sarah Edna Marsh, wife of John Q. Marsh of the Township of Greenwood, Crawford County, Pennsylvania is presenting a petition to the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Crawford, praying that she may adopt as heirs Marian Edna Marsh, Jared Myron Marsh, John Wallace Marsh and Susannah Marsh of whom the said Marian Edna Marsh is intermarried with Frank A. McKelvy [sic; McKelvey] and Jared Myron Marsh is intermarried with Grace Marsh and John Wallace Marsh and Susannah Almira Marsh being unmarried, and all of said persons are above the age of 21 years, and [¶] Whereas, under Act of Assembly in such cases made and provided a decree for that purpose cannot be made without the consent and approval of the persons named together with their wives and husbands, [¶] Now, we the above named after knowledge of said proposed adoption do hereby declare our assent thereto and agree that a decree may be made upon the petition of said Sarah Edna Marsh permitting her to adopt the undersigned as heirs at law.  This consent being given as of November 5th, 1912.”  Signed Jared Myron Marsh, Grace C. Marsh, Marian Edna McKelvey, Fred A. McKelvey, John Wallace Marsh, Susannah Almira Marsh.
    Granted 14 Nov. 1912 [names unchanged, i.e., Marian Edna Marsh now McKelvey, Jared Myron Marsh, John Wallace Marsh, and Susannah Almira Marsh]; filed same day.

#16 February Term 1913
Appearance Docket 201:16     “The [typed] petition of JOSEPH H. MADIGAN, a citizen and resident of the County aforesaid [of Crawford] respectfully represents:– [¶] That he is desirous of adopting EDWARD MCGRATH, a minor child of MICHAEL MCGRATH (now deceased) and GRACE MCGRATH (now GRACE MADIGAN the wife of your petitioner,) now of the age of 18 years as one of his heirs; that he will perform all the duties of a parent toward the said minor, and that the said mother has consented to such adoption. [¶] Wherefore your petitioner prays your honorable Court to order and decree that the said Edward McGrath 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 Joseph. H. Madigan; sworn to and again subscribed before James D. Roberts, Alderman, Meadville, 13 Nov. 1912; by Attorney James P. Roberts.
    [Mother’s (typed) consent, below:]  “I, Grace Madigan, mother of the said Edward McGrath, hereby signify my consent to the adoption of the said Edward McGrath by my present husband Joseph H. Madigan, as prayed for in the foregoing petition and believe that the welfare of the said Edward McGrath will be promoted by such adoption.”  Signed Grace Madigan.
    Granted 18 Nov. 1912, name assumed is Edward Madigan; filed same day (with handwritten, underlined note, “do not publish.”

#88 February Term 1913
Appearance Docket 201:88     “The [typed] petition of FRED N. HUCKELBERY [sic; Huckelberry] and LUCY F. HUCKELBERY, his wife, respectfully represents: [¶] That they are citizens of the County aforesaid, and residents of the Borough of Cambridge Springs. [¶] That they are desirous of adopting GERALDINE ELOUISE HELMBRECHT, a minor child of CHARLES HELMBRECHT, now of the age of one year, as one of their heirs;  that they will perform all the duties of parents toward the said minor, and that Charles Helmbrecht, the surviving parent, has consented to such adoption, HATTIE HELMBRECHT, the mother of said minor child, having died on or about January 5th, 1912. [¶] Wherefore your petitioners pray your Honorable Court to order and decree that the said Geraldine Elouise Helmbrecht shall assume the name of Geraldine Elouise Huckelbery, and have all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioners, and be subject to the duties of such child.”  Signed Fred N. Huckelberry, Lucy F. Huckelberry; sworn to (as “Fred N. Huckelbery” [only]) and subscribed Fred N. Huckelberry before Leona M. Richmond, Notary Public, Meadville, 2 Jan. 1913; by Attorney Curtis L. Webb.
    [Attached (typed) parental consent:]  “I, Charles Helmbrecht, the father of said Geraldine Elouise Helmbrecht hereby consent to the adoption of the said Geraldine Elouise Helmbrecht, as prayed for in the foregoing petition, and believe that such adoption will be for her welfare.”  Signed Charles Helmbrecht [undated].
    Granted 13 Jan. 1913 [decree written on cover], name assumed is Geraldine Elouise Huckelbery; [filing date not stated].

#89 February Term 1913
Appearance Docket 201:89     “The [typed] petition of GUY S. WYGANT and GRACE F. WYGANT, his wife, respectfully represents that petitioners are residents of Crawford County, Pennsylvania, and that petitioners are desirous of adopting SCOTT DALE HENDRICKSON, a son of SUSANNA HENDRICKSON, of Weirton, West Virginia, and ISAAC HENDERSON, her husband, whose residence and address are unknown.  Petitioners desire to adopt said Scott Dale Hendrickson as their heir; and, for that purpose, they herein declare their said desire and also declare that they, the petitioners, will perform all the duties of a parent to said Scott Dale Hendrickson.  Petitioners further set forth that the said Scott Dale Hendrickson is of the age of three [age handwritten] years, that the father of said child, Isaac Hendrickson, has abandoned said child and has for a period of [handwritten] three years done nothing to support and maintain said child and has also abandoned his wife, Susanna Hendrickson.  The said Susanna Hendrickson has evidenced her consent to petitioners’ adoption of her said child as will be seen by the paper attached hereto and petitioners therefore pray that the court, if satisfied that the welfare of said Scott Dale Hendrickson will be promoted by said adoption, should decree that the said Scott Dale Hendrickson may be adopted by petitioner and may assume the name of Scott Dale Wygant and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioners and be subject to the duties of a child and heir of the petitioners and be subject to the duties of a child and they will ever pray.”  Signed Guy S. Wygant, Grace F Wygant; sworn to and again subscribed (by both) before W^m A Hoyt, J.P., Guy’s Mills, Pa., 8 Jan. 1913; by Attorney Manley O. Brown, Meadville.
    [Attached (typed) parental consent:]  “I, Susanna Hendrickson, of Weirton, West Virginia, do hereby certify that I am the mother of Scott Dale Hendrickson, who is now being supported and maintained in the home of Guy S. Wygant and Grace F. Wygant in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, that the father of said Scott Dale Hendrickson has abandoned said child and does not provide for his support and maintainance [sic].  I further state that I am satisfied the welfare of said child will be promoted by his adoption by the said Guy S. Wygant and Grace F. Wygant, who have expressed their wish to adopt him as their child and heir and I hereby signify my consent to said adoption. [¶] Witness my hand and seal this 4th day of January, nineteen hundred thirteen.”  Sworn to [place not stated] and subscribed Susana Hendrickson before Jay B Levy, Notary Public, Hancock County, West Virginia, 4 Jan. 1913.
    [Attached supporting affidavit:]  “We, the undersigned, [names left blank] being duly sworn, state that we are residents of Guys Mills, Crawford County, Pennsylvania, that we are well acquainted with Guy S. Wygant and Grace F. Wygant and we believe that they are able to furnish a suitable home and proper surroundings for the care and maintainance [sic] of Scott Dale Hendrickson and that they are proper persons to care for and provide a home for hom [sic].  We believe that the child proposed to be adopted will be surrounded by suitable influences and that it will promote the welfare of said child to be so adopted.”  Sworn to and subscribed F. J. Radle, J. S. Johnson before W^m. A Hoyt, J.P., Guy’s Mills, 8 Jan. 1913.
    Granted 13 Jan. 1913, name assumed is Scott Dale Wygant; [filing date not stated].

#111 February Term 1913
Appearance Docket 201:111     “The [typed] petition of FRED A. MCKELVEY and MARION E. MCKELVEY his wife, residents of said county [of Crawford], respectfully represents:– [¶] That they are desirous of adopting ALICE FAHEY, a minor child of MICHAEL J. FAHEY and FRANCES E. FAHEY, now of the age of three years, as one of their heirs; that they will perform all the duties of parents toward the said minor. The father of said child, Michael J. Fahey died on the 15th day of Dec. 1910 and the mother Frances E. Fahey neglected said child by leaving her with a neighbor for several months until on the 29th day of November 1912 she was placed on the county and was by the poor directors placed in the Children’s Home. That your petitioners do not know the whereabouts of the mother and the Poor Directors have given their consent to this adoption. [¶] Wherfore [sic] your petitioners pray your honorable court to order and decree that the said Alice Fahey shall assume the name of Mildred Elizabeth McKelvey, and have all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioners, and be subject to the duties of such child.”  Signed Fred A. M^cKelvey, Marion E. M^cKelvey; sworn to by Fred A. McKelvey (only) and subscribed Fred A. M^cKelvey before A. M. Fenner, Notary Public, Linesville, Pa., 30 Jan. 1913; by Attorney J. V. Roberts.
    [Consent (typed), below:]  “Jan.31,1913 The Directors of the Poor of Crawford County consents to the above adoption.”  Signed F. G. Altenburg, Clerk [only].
    Granted 31 Jan. 1913, name assumed is Mildred Elizabeth McKelvey; filed same day.

#10 May Term 1913
Appearance Docket 201:132     “The [typed] petition of ANDREW KOTODRIEJ of said County of Crawford respectfully represents:– [¶] That he desires to adopt as one of his heirs HELEN SEVICK a minor child of MARY SEVICK the surviving parent of said child, and that he will perform all the duties of a parent to the said child.  He further represents that on the 21st day of January, 1913 he was lawfully married to Mary Sevick the mother of said child who has consented to such adoption by this deponent which adoption [sic; consent?] is evidenced by her joining in this petition. [¶] Your petitioner therefore prays the Court to decree that the said Helen Sevick may assume the name of this petitioner, [next word carreted] to-wit Helen Kotodriej, 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 etc.”  Signed Andriej Kotodriej; sworn to (as Andrew Kotodriej) and again subscribed Andriej Kolodriej before V L Greeley, Prothonotary, 15 Feb. 1913; Attorney Otto Kohler, Meadville.
    [Attached (typed) parental consent:]  “Personally appeared before me the Prothonotary in and for the County of Crawford, Mary Sevick who being duly sworn says she is the mother of Helen Sevick; that she has become the wife of Andrew Kotodriej having been married to him on the 21st day of January, A. D. 1913; that deponent’s said husband desires to adopt her minor child; that she is the only legal parent of said child and hereby consents to the adoption as prayed for by the petition of her said husband.”  Sworn to and subscribed with the mark of Mary Sevick, Witness Edith Gross, David T McKay, before V. L. Greeley [Prothonotary] 15 Feb. 1913.
    Granted 17 Feb. 1913, name assumed is Helen Kotodriej; filed same day.

#120 May Term 1913
Appearance Docket 201:242     “The [typed] petition of WILLIAM G. SNYDER and JANIE SNYDER, his wife, of Meadville, Penn’a respectfully represents:– [¶] That they desire to adopt as one of their heirs DOROTHY LESLIE a minor child of FLORENCE LESLIE; that said Dorothy Leslie was born Dec. 22nd, 1912 at the City Hospital Meadville, Pa. and has been in the possession and care of your petitioners about three weeks; that if said adoption be decreed they will perform all the duties of a parent to said child; that the consent of Florence Leslie mother of said child to such adoption is evidenced by her joining in the prayer of this petition; that the overseers of the Poor of the County of Crawford have likewise consented to said adoption. [¶] Your petitioners therefore pray the Court to decree that the said Dorothy Leslie may assume the name of these petitioners to wit Dorothy Elizabeth Snyder [with ‘Elizabeth’ carreted in pencil] and that she may have and enjoy all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioners and be subject to the duties of a child.  And they will ever pray.”  Signed W^m G Snyder, Janie Snyder.; sworn to and subscribed W^m. G. Snyder, Janie Snyder. before V. L. Greeley, Prothonotary, 17 March 1913; Attorney Otto Kohler, Meadville.
    [Attached (typed) parental consent:]  “The undersigned Florence Leslie mother of Dorothy Leslie a minor child now in the possession of William G. Snyder and Janie Snyder hereby joins in the petition of said William G. Snyder and wife praying for the adoption of her child Dorothy Leslie and consents that said adoption may be decreed and the said Dorothy assume the name of Dorothy Snyder and have and enjoy all the rights of a child and heir of said adopting parents and be subject to the duties of a child.”  Sworn to and subscribed Florence Leslie before John F. Carmichael, J.P., Washington Co., Pa., 15 April 1913, Witnesses:– J. E. Paul[?], C -[?] H–land [illegible].
    [Attached (typed) consent:]  “We the undersigned Overseers of the Poor of the County of Crawford hereby consent to the adoption of Dorothy Leslie a minor child of Florence Leslie by W. G. Snyder and Janie Snyder according to the prayer of said petitioners. [¶] Meadville, Pa., March 22, 1913.”  Signed H C Wasson, A E Lilley, Geo. C. Reitze.
    Granted 28 April 1913, name assumed is Dorothy Leslie Snyder [sic]; filed same day.

#126 May Term 1913
Appearance Docket 201:249     “The [typed] petition of NEWTON L. LEONHART [sic] and JUIE H. LEONHART, of Summerhill Township, in County of Crawford and State of Pennsylvania, respectfully represents that petitioners are desirous of adopting, as one of their heirs, EDWARD ANDERSON, a son of ROSETTA ANDERSON, and who has been placed by his mother in the custody of the Childrens Aid Society of Greene County, Pennsylvania, with full release by the said mother and consent that the said Childrens Aid Society may place said child in a suitable home and consent to the adoption of said child therein. [¶] Petitioners further declare that they will perform all the duties of a parent to the said Edward Anderson.  Petitioners represent that the name of the father of said child is unknown to these petitioners, that the said father deserted and abandoned his wife, Rosetta Anderson, before said child was born and petitioners do not know the whereabouts of said father; that the mother of said child was unable to support said child and placed the child in the custody of the Childrens Aid Society of Green County and filed with said Society her consent that said child might be adopted in any home of which said Society approved for adoption; that the said Edward Anderson is now of the age of twenty-seven months and has been supported by the said Childrens Aid Society and by these petitioners since very soon after his birth and has lived in the home of petitioners for one year and seven months last past; that on the eighth day of December, nineteen hundred eleven, the said Childrens Aid Society delivered to petitioners their written consent to their adoption of the said Edward Anderson, signed by the President and Secretary, which said consent is attached hereto. [¶] The petitioners therefore pray the court, if satisfied that the welfare of said Edward Anderson will be promoted by such adoption and with the consent of the aforesaid Childrens Aid Society signified by the written consent annexed hereto, to decree that said Edward Anderson may assume the name of George Edward Leonhart and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioners and be subject to the duties of such child.”  Signed N. L. Leonheart, Juie Leonheart; sworn to (as Newton L. Leonhart and Juie H. Leonhart) and subscribed N. L. Leonheart, Juie Leonheart before V. L. Greeley, Prothonotary, 11 April 1913; Attorney Manley O. Brown, Meadville.
    [Attached (typed) supporting affidavit:]  “G. L. Johnson and Della Johnson being duly sworn, say that they are acquainted with Newton L. Leonhart and Juie H. Leonhart, that the said persons are residents of Summerhill Township, Crawford County, Pennsylvania, that they, the said Newton L. Leonhart and Juie H. Leonhart, are in such circumstances as to provide a comfortable home for the said Edward Anderson, who has been supported in their home for upwards of a year last past, that they are persons who are able to provide proper mental and moral training for said child and affiants verily believe that the welfare of said child will be promoted by his adoption by the said Newton L. Leonhart and Juie H. Leonhart.”  Sworn to and subscribed G L Johnson, Della Johnson before V. L. Greeley, Prothonotary, 11 April 1913.
    [Attached handwritten letter on stationery of Children’s Aid Society of Green County, dated at Waynesburg, Pa., 8 Dec. 1911, with seal, addressed to the Court, and with penciled notation at the bottom, “ Forgot to return this. G.F.D. 2/16/12”:]  “To the Honorable Judges of Courts of Common Pleas of Crawford County, State of Pennsylvania, [¶] The Green County auxiliary of the Children’s Aid Society of Western Pennsylvania, being legally authorized by his mother, Rosetta Anderson, to place Edward Anderson aged one year, in any home of which said Society approves, for adoption, does hereby agree to, and authorize, the adoption, of said Edward Anderson, by Newton Lenhart [sic] and Juie Lenhart his wife, of Dixonburgh Crawford County, Pennsylvania.”  Sworn to and subscribed at Green County, Pa., Jane Teagarden, President, Mary C. House, Secretary, before Kate Hays McCall, Notary Public, 8 Dec. 1911.
    [Attached handwritten letter written dated at Waynesburg, Pa., 13 March 1913, beneath typed, uncompleted form dated “March   1913” and stating “This is to certify that I have placed my son, Edward Anderson, in the care of the Childrens Aid Society of Green County, Pennsylvania, and that I have consented to release all claim upon the custody of said child and have given full permission to the said Childrens Aid Society to place my said son for adoption in any home of which said Childrens Aid Society may approve. (blank signature and witness lines)”:]  “The papers with the mother’s signature were forwarded to Attorney Davenport of Crawford Co. more than a year ago.  The Society has no other paper, the one sent was signed by the mother and acknowledged before Notary Public  The Society does not know where the mother is.  She left Green Co taking her little girl with her.  Her whereabouts are unknown to us.  W, officers of the Childrens Aid Society of Greene Co., pray the court of Crawford Co to grant the adoption, being fully satisfied that it is the childs best interest.”  Sworn to and subscribed Jane Teagarden, President, Theodoria W. Knox, Cor. Sec., [with] wit.: H. H. Hughes, J. J. Knox, before John L. Wood, Notary Public, Greene Co.
    Granted 3 May 1913, name assumed is George Edward Leonheart; filed same day.

#169 September Term 1913
Appearance Docket 201:427     “The [typed] petition of WILLIAM BROMLEY, a citizen and resident of the county aforesaid [of Crawford], [next five word carreted, handwritten] and MAY BROMLEY, his wife, respectfully represents: [¶] That they are [changed from ‘he is’] desirous of adopting BESSIE DELL ALLEN, a minor child of JESSIE LILEYON MURDOCK by a former husband, ALVA HARTWELL ALLEN, now of the age 11 years, as one of their [changed from ‘his’] heirs; that they [changed from ‘he’] will perform all the duties of a parent toward the said minor, and that the said Jessie Lileyon Murdock, parent of the said Bessie Dell Allen, has consented to such adoption. [¶] Wherefore your petitioners [changed from ‘petitioner’] prays your honorable court to order and decree that the said Bessie Dell Allen shall assume the name of your petitioners [changed from ‘petitioner’], and have all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioners [changed from ‘petitioner’], and be subject to the duties of such child.”  Signed Wilem[?] Bromley, May Bromley; sworn to (as William Bromley [handwritten] and May Bromley) and again subscribed before C. F. Leibrich, J.P., by William Bromley on 22 Aug. 1913 and by May Bromley 27 Aug. 1913; Attorney Jules A. C. Dubar.
    [Parental consent (typed), below:]  “I, Jessie Lileyon Murdock, the parent of the said Bessie Dell Allen, hereby signify my consent to the adoption of the said Bessie Dell Allen as prayed for in the foregoing petition, and believe that such adoption will be for her welfare.”  Signed Jessie Lileyon Murdock [undated].
    [Attached supporting affidavit:]  “J. F. Prather and Joseph F. Geser, being duly sworn according to law, say that they are well acquainted with William Bromley, the above named petitioner; that he is a per son [sic] of good moral character, and that they believe that the welfare of the said Bessie Dell Allen will be promoted by the adoption as prayed for.”  Sworn to and subscribed J. F. Prather, Joseph F. Geser before C. F. Leibrich, J.P., 22 Aug. 1913.
    Granted 1 Sept. 1913 [decree typed on cover], name assumed is Bessie Dell Bromley; filed same day.

#20 February Term 1914
Appearance Docket 202:20     “The [typed] petition of CLARENCE E. WOOD and his wife, STELLA WOOD, residents of Meadville, Crawford County, Pennsylvania, respectfully represent, [¶] That they are desirous of adopting RUTH EVELYN SHEA, a minor child of JOSEPH SHEA and his wife, BLANCHE SHEA, of the city of Meadville, Crawford County, Pa., now of about the age of five months, or will be five months old on the 22nd day of November, 1913, as one of their heirs. [¶] That they will perform the part of parents towards the said minor, and that the said Joseph Shea and his wife, Blanche Shea, parents of the said Ruth Evelyn Shea, have consented to said adoption.  Wherefore Your Petitioner prays Your Honorable Court to order a [sic] decree that the said Ruth Evelyn Shea shall assume the name of Your Petitioner and be known as Ruth Evelyn Wood, and have all the rights of a child and heirs [sic] of Your Petitioners, and be subject to the duties of such child.”  Signed Clarence E. Wood, Mrs. Stella Wood; sworn to and again subscribed (by both) before Isaac Mondereau, Notary Public, Meadville, 17 Nov. 1912; Attorney Isaac Monderau, Meadville.
    [Attached (typed) parental consent:]  “We, Joseph Shea and Blanche Shea, parents of the said Ruth Evelyn Shea, hereby signify our consent to the adoption of the said Ruth Evelyn Shea as prayed for in the foregoing petition, and believe that such adoption will be for her wellfare [sic].”  Signed Joseph Shea, Mrs. Blanche Shea; sworn to and again subscribed before Isaac Mondereau, Notary Public, Meadville, 17 Nov. 1913.
    Granted 24 Nov. 1913, name assumed is Ruth Evelyn Wood; filed same day.

#38 February Term 1914
Appearance Docket 202:38     “The [typed] petition of AUGUSTUS M. FENNER, and EVA M. FENNER, his wife, of Linesville Borough, in said County, respectfully represent; That they are desirous of adopting GLADYS L. KILE, who is nineteen years of age, having been born on the twenty-nineth [sic] day of March, 1894, and who has resided with the petitioners for many years last past, 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 Gladys L. Kile.  She the said Gladys L. Kile, being a child of FRED E. KILE, of Ashtabula County, Ohio. [¶] The petitioners therefore pray the Court, if satisfied that the welfare of the said Gladys L. Kile, will be promoted by such adoption, with the consent of the said Fred E. Kile, evidenced by his consent in writing annexed to this petition, to decree that the said Gladys L. Kile, may assume the name of the petitioners, viz. Gladys L. Fenner, and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioners, and be subject to the duties of such child. And they the petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray &c.”  Signed Augustus M. Fenner, Eva M. Fenner; sworn to and again subscribed (by both) before F. J. Shattuck, J.P., 13 Dec. 1913; by Attorney A. M. Fenner, Linesville.
    [Attached (typed) parental consent:]  “I hereby consent to, and approve of the adoption of my daughter Gladys Ledora Kile, who was born on the twenty-nineth day of March, A.D. 1894, by Augustus M. Fenner, and Eva M. Fenner, his wife, as prayed for in the foregoing petition. [¶] In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name at Linesville, Pa. this first day of December, A.D. 1913.”  Signed Fred E Kile.
    [(Typed) consent, below:]  “I hereby consent to, and approve of the adoption of my ward Gladys L. Kile, by Augustus M. Fenner, and Eva M. Fenner, his wife, as prayed for in the foregoing petition. [¶] In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name at Linesville, Pa. the 13th day of December, A.D. 1913.”  Signed P. M. Akens[?], Guardian of Gladys L. Kile.
    [(Typed) consent, below:]  “I hereby request the Honorable Court, to decree the adoption of myself by Augustus M. Fenner, and Eva M. Fenner, his wife, according to the prayer of the foregoing petition. [¶] In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name at Linesville, Pa. the 13th day of December, A.D. 1913.”  Signed Gladys L. Kile.
    Granted 15 Dec. 1913, “and that the said Gladys L. Kile, shall assume the names of the petitioners,” [presumably Gladys L. Fenner]; [date of filing not given].

#51 February Term 1914
Appearance Docket 202:51     “The [typed] petition of WALTER F. LAW and [first name handwritten] BESSIE LAW, his wife, respectfully represents: [¶] That they are desirous of adopting GEORGE HERSHELMAN, a minor child, four years old November 25, 1913, of GEORGE HERSHELMAN, now deceased, and MAGGIE HERSHELMAN, as one of their heirs.  That they will perform all the duties of a parent toward said minor child and that the surviving parent, Maggie Hershelman, has consented to such adoption. [¶] Wherefore your petitioners pray your honorable Court to order and decree that the said George Hershelman shall assume the name of George Law and have all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioners and be subject to the duties of such child.”  Signed Walter Law, Bessie Law; sworn to and again subscribed (by both) before Luther Gates, J.P., Shadeland, Beaver Twp., 18 Dec. 1913; by Attorney Curtis L. Webb [of Meadville].
    [Attached (typed) parental consent:]  “I, Maggie Hershelman, the mother of George Hershelman, hereby signify my consent to the adoption of the said George Hershelman, my four year old son, as prayed for in the foregoing petition, and believe that such adoption will be for his welfare.”  Signed Maggie Hershelman.
    Granted 22 Dec. 1913 [decree written on cover], name assumed is George Law; filed same day.

#52 May Term 1914
Appearance Docket 202:170     “The [typed] petition of J. SANFORD SMOCK and his wife EFFIE SMOCK, citizens and residents of Greenwood Township, Crawford County, Pennsylvania, respectfully represents: [¶] That they are desirous of adopting JAMES LEASURE a minor child of HARRY LEASURE and LILLIAN LEASURE WILKINSON, now of the age of Four years, who is now and for some time last past has been living with your petitioners and who for some time prior to becoming a member of your petitioners home was an inmate of the Trumbull County Children’s Home, located at the city of Warren, County of Trumbull and State of Ohio, and that he was supported by said Institution: And that the said James Leasure was surrendered to the said Trumbull County Children’s Home by his mother, who at that time was an inmate of the Trumbull County, Ohio, Infirmary, in accordance with the Laws of the State of Ohio and the Rules and Regulations of the State and County Boards of said State.  And your petitioners further represent that they will perform all the duties of parents toward the said minor.  Your petitioners append to this, their petition, the written consent of the Board of Trustees of the Childrens Home of Trumbull County, Ohio, to their adoption of the said James Leasure and a letter from the Superintendent of said Home [missing from file] stating that the childs welfare would be promoted by said adoption[.] They therefore pray your Honorable Court to order and decree that the said James Leasure shall assume the name of your petitioner [sic] and that the name of the said Child may be changed to Robert William Smock, and have all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioners, and be subject to the duties of such child.”  Signed J Sanford Smock, Effie Smock; sworn to and again subscribed (by both) before T G Cathcart, J.P., 7 March 1914.
    [Attached (typed) supporting affidavit:]  “W. J. Cathcart and J. E. Hutton being duly sworn according to law, say that they are well acquainted with J. Sanford Smock and Effie Smock, the above named petitioners; that they are persons of good moral character and that they believe that the welfare of the said James Leasure will be promoted by the adoption as prayed for.”  Sworn to and subscribed W. J Cathcarat, J E Hutton., before T G Cathcart, J. P., 7 March 1914.
    [Attached “Adoption Answer and Consent” of the Probate Court, Trumbull County, Ohio, In the Matter of the adoption of James Leasure, on preprinted form:]  “And now comes The Board of Trustees of the Childrens Home of Trumbull County, Ohio, and in answer to the petition of J. Sanford Smock and Effie Smock in this case say  that they are the legal custodians of James Leasure named in the petition, and that they have examined said petition and believe that the facts and allegations set forth therein are true, and freely give their consent that the said James Leasure be by said petitioners adopted, and that the name of said child be changed from James Leasure to Robert William Smock as prayed for in said petition. [stricken portion is handwritten] , and that the welfare of the said child will be promoted thereby. Dated this 3 day of December A. D., 19013.”  Signed The Board of Trustees of the Childrens Home of Trumbull County Ohio, By Charles Fellins[?], President of the Board [“Witness” lines left blank, and jurat on reverse side not completed].
    Granted 9 March 1914 [decree handwritten on cover], name assumed is Robert William Smock; filed same day.

#43 September Term 1914
Appearance Docket 202:271     “The [typed] petition of OSCAR E. ANDERSON and AUGUSTA C. ANDERSON respectfully represents: [¶] That they are husband and wife residing in the City of Titusville, said County and are desirous of adopting ROBERT FRICK, minor child of ERNEST R. FRICK of Chicago, Illinois and of ELLEN FRICK late of the same place deceased, as one of their heirs.  That the said Robert Frick is now three and one half years of age; that they will perform all the duties of parents toward the said minor and that the said Ernest R. Frick, the surviving parent of the said minor has consented to said adoption. [¶] Wherefore your petitioners pray your Honorable Court to order and decree that said Robert Frick shall assume the name of your petitioners, to wit Robert Frick Anderson, and have all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioners and be subject to the duties of such child.”  Signed Oscar. E. Anderson, Augusta C. Anderson; sworn to and again subscribed (by both) before Lulu M. Moran, Notary Public, Titusville, Pa., 10 June 1914; by [Attorney?] Axtell J. Byles, Titusville.
    [Attached (typed) parental consent:]  “I, Ernest R. Frick of Chicago, Illinois, surviving parent of the said Robert Frick hereby signify my consent to the adoption of the said Robert Frick as prayed for in the foregoing petition and believe that said adoption will be for his welfare.”  Signed Ernest R Frick, Witness: Lulu M. Moran [undated].
    [(Typed) supporting affidavit, below:]  “Be It Remembered that on this tenth day of June, A.D. 1914, before me the subscriber a Notary Public, and for said County [of Crawford], personally came John B. Benson and Andrew Benson, who being each duly sworn according to law say that they are well acquainted with Oscar E. Anderson and Augusta C. Anderson, the above named petitioners; that they are persons of good moral character and that in the opinion of deponents the welfare of the said Minor, Robert Frick will be promoted by the adoption as prayed for.”  Sworn to and subscribed John B Benson, Andrew Benson before Lulu M. Moran, Notary Public, Titusville, “the day and year last above written.”
    Granted 13 June 1914, name assumed is Robert Frick Anderson; filed same day.

#60 September Term 1914
Appearance Docket 202:288     “The [typed] petition of EMERY M. M. BISBEY and his wife MAY BISBEY, citizens and residents of Cussewago Township, Crawford County, Pennsylvania, respectfully represents:– [¶] That they are desirous of adopting RICHARD SMITH, “a minor child of LEONARD SMITH and ROGENE SMITH, now of the age of five years, who is now and for some time last past has been living with your petitioners, and who for some time prior to becoming a member of your petitioners home was an inmate of the Cleveland Protestant Orphans’ Asylum, located at the City of Cleveland, County of Cuyahoga and State of Ohio, and that he was supported by said institution; And that the said Richard Smith was surrendered to the said The Cleveland Protestant Orphans’ Asylum by his mother, who at that time was residing at Cleveland, Ohio, in accordance with the Laws of the State of Ohio and the Rules and Regulations of the State and County Boards of that State.  And your petitioners further represent that they will perform all, the duties of parents toward the said minor.  Your petitioners append to this, their petition, the written consent of the Board of Trustees of The Cleveland Protestant Orphans’ Asylum of Cleveland, Ohio, to their adoption of the said Richard Smith and an affidavit showing the fitness of the said petitioners to be such adopting parents. [¶] They therefore pray your Honorable Court to order and decree that the said Richard Smith shall assume the name of your petitioners and that the name of said child may be changed to Richard Smith Bisbey, and have all the rights of a child and heir of your petitioners, and be subject to the duties of such child.  Signed Emery M. M. Bisbey, May Bisbey; sworn to and subscribed Emery M M Bisbey, May Bisbey. before V L Greeley, Prothonotary, 6 July 1914; by Attorney Donald C. Thompson; penciled on cover at petitioners’ names is “Saegertown R 15.”
    [(Typed) supporting affidavit, below:]  “Chas. S. Roberts and Mrs. Katherine E. Bain being duly sworn according to law, say that they are well acquainted with Emery M. M. Bisbey and May Bisbey, the above named petitioners; that they are persons of good moral character and that they believe that the welfare of the said Richard Smith will be promoted by the adoption prayed for,”  Sworn to and subscribed Chas S. Roberts, Katherine E. Bain before V. L. Greeley, Prothonotary, 6 July 1914.
    [Attached, preprinted form “Consent of President of Board of Trustees of The Cleveland Protestant Orphan Asylum” “In Probate Court,” Cuyahoga County, Ohio, “In the Matter of the Adoption of Richard Smith”:]  “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 twenty-fifth day of May, 1914, the said Richard Smith was voluntarily surrendered by its parent guardian to the trustees of said Asylum, has been abandoned by its parents 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 Richard Smith by the said Emery M. M. Bisbey and May Bisbey and for the change of his name as prayed for in said petition.  Cleveland, Ohio May 25, 1914”  Signed Douglas Perkins, President of Board of Trustees of the Cleveland Protestant Orphan Asylum; sworn to and again subscribed before E. H. Henry, Notary Public, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, 25 May 1914.
    Granted 6 July 1914, name assumed is Richard Smith Bisbey; filed same day.

#88 September Term 1914
Appearance Docket 202:316     “The [typed] petition of EMMA ANDERSON and GEORGE ANDERSON her husband respectfully represents:– [¶] That by a decree of this Court entered October 22nd, 1911 as entered to No. 39, November Term, 1911 the son of your petitioner Emma Anderson, to-wit, HOWARD THOMAS PENNELL, was legally adopted by MARGUARETTE L. LAWRENCE [middle initial carreted] of Conneaut Lake, Pa. and since said date has been in the custody of the said adopted parent; that the said Emma Anderson since said decree has become the wife and intermarried with George Anderson, and desires now to adopt her son in which she is joined by her said husband George Anderson; that the said adopted parent Marguarette L. Lawrence has consented to surrender the said child to his mother as is evidenced by her joining in this petition. [¶] Your petitioners therefore pray this Honorable Court to order and decree that the said Howard Thomas Pennell shall have all the rights of a child and heir of them, these petitioners, and be subject to the duties of a child, and further that he the said Howard Thomas Pennell may retain and be known by said name.  And they will ever pray as in duty bound.”  Signed Emma Anderson, George Anderson; sworn to and (again) subscribed before V. L. Greeley, Prothonotary, 27 July 1914; by Attorney Otto Kohler, Meadville.
    [(Typed) parental consent, below:]  “I, Marguarette L. Lawrence of Conneaut Lake Pa. adoptive parent of Howard Thomas Pennell do hereby certify that I have read the foregoing petition of Emma Anderson and George Anderson her husband and do hereby consent to the adoption of the said Howard Thomas Pennell by his said mother Emma Anderson and her husband George Anderson according to the prayer of the foregoing petition, believing that said readoption by the mother of said child will be for his best interest and welfare.”  Signed Marguarette. L. Lawrence; Witnesses:– August Delp, Otto Kohler.
    Granted 3 Aug. 1914, “and further that he shall retain his former name, to-wit, Howard Thomas Pennell; [penciled note at bottom of decree:] “Chas Butterfield  Conneautville / Mrs Butterfield  Louisville / are sisters of Mrs. Anderson”; filed same day.

#30 November Term 1914
Appearance Docket 202:390     “The [typed] petition of JAY MATTHEWS and AMANDA MATTHEWS, his wife, residents of the City of Titusville, County of Crawford, and State of Pennsylvania respectfully represents: [¶] That they are desirous of adopting MABEL SPENCER, a minor child, being ten (10) years of age August 12th. 1914, and whose Mother, ELIZABETH SPENCER, died about eight years ago, and her father, WILLIAM BRUCE SPENCER, has neglected, and failed to provide for her since that time, and your petitioners have within the last six months made diligent serch [sic] for the said William Bruce Spencer, and are unable to locate him, and know not, whether he is living or dead, and the said Mabel Spencer, has since May 30th. 1911 been an inmate of the home of your petitioners, and has been supported by your petitioners and they will perform all the duties of a parent or parents toward the said minor. [¶] We, therefore pray your Honorable Court to order a decree that the said Mabel Spencer shall assume the name of your petitioners, and be known as Mabel Mathews, and have all the rights of a child, and heir of your petitioners, and be subject to the duties of such child.”  Signed Jay Matthews, Amanda Matthews [no jurat]; by Robert A. Kerr, Alderman, Titusville.
    [(Typed) supporting affidavit, below:]  “WE, M. V. Hazen, M.D., and William S. Strong, being duly sworn according to law, say that we are well acquainted with Jay Matthews and Amanda Mathews, his wife, the above named petitioners; that they are persons of good moral character, and that we believe that the welfare of the said Mabel Spencer will be promoted by the adoption, as prayed for, and are of the same religious belief as that of the parents of the said Mabel Spencer.”  Sworn to and subscribed M. V. Hazen M.D., William S Strong., before Robert A. Kerr, J.P., Titusville, Pa., 28 [month blank] 1914.
    Granted 12 Oct. 1914, name assumed is Mabel Matthews; filed same day.

#44 November Term 1914
Appearance Docket 202:404     “The [typed] petition of EDWARD W. PHELPS, and IVA GLEE PHELPS, his wife, of the Township of North Shenango, in said County [of Crawford], respectfully represents:  That they are desirous of adopting as one of their heirs EDITH ISABEL BENNETT, who is ten years of age, a child of BERTON J. BENNETT, of Ashtabula, Ohio, and whose mother died several years since, and for the purpose of such adoption they hereby declare their said desire, and also that they will perform all the duties of parents to said Edith Isabel Bennett,. [¶] The petitioners therefore pray the court, if satisfied that the welfare of the said Edith Isabel Bennett, will be promoted by such adoption, with the consent of the said Berton J. Bennett, evidenced by him signing this petition, to decree that the said Edith Isabel Bennett, may assume the name of the petitioners, viz. Edith Isabel Phelps, and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioners, and be subject to the duties of such child.  And they the petitioners will ever pray.”  Signed Edward W Phelps, Iva Glee Phelps; sworn to and again subscribed (by both) before A. M. Fenner, Notary Public, Linesville, Pa., 27 Oct. 1914; by Attorney A. M. Fenner, Linesville.
    [Attached (typed) parental consent:]  “I hereby consent to the adoption of my daughter Edith Isabel Bennett by Edward W. Phelps, and Iva Glee Phelps, his wife as prayed for in the foregoing petition. [¶] Ashtabula, Ohio October 26 1914.”  Signed Burton J Bennett
    Granted 29 Oct. 1914, name assumed is Edith Isabel Phelps; filed same day.

#34 February Term 1915
Appearance Docket 203:34     “The [typed] petition of JOHN A. YOCUM and GERTRUDE E. YOCUM, his wife respectfully represents; [¶] That your petitioners are husband and wife; citizens of the State of Pennsylvania, County of Crawford and reside in the Third Ward of the City of Meadville [¶] That they are desirous of adopting GERTRUDE LEONA PATTERSON [with ‘Leona’ changed everywhere except in the caption and cover from ‘Leone’], a Minor born on the 10 day of July 1911 and now aged 3 years now residing with your petitioners, being the child of O. F. PATTERSON and LEONA PATTERSON the latter being now deceased. [¶] That the said Gertrude Leona Patterson has made it home with your petitioners since the death of her mother and the said O. F. Patterson id [sic] willing and desirous that she be adopted by the said John A. Yocum and Gertrude E Yocum, his wife, his assent thereto being set forth and hereto annexed and made a part of this petition. [¶] That your petitioners are able to provide a proper home for said minor and able to care for, support and maintain her in a manner conducive to her welfare and will perform all the duties of parents towards her. [¶] Your petitioners therefore pray your Honorable Court for leave to adopt said minor under the provision of the Act of Assembly in such case made and provided, said minor to have all the rights of an actual child with any other children of your petitioners. [¶] And they will ever pray, etc[.]”  Signed John A. Yocum, Gertrude E. Yocum; sworn to and again subscribed (by both) before Maude Harper, Notary Public, Meadville, 19 Nov. 1914; by Attorney Laucey.
    [Attached (typed) parental consent:]  “I, the undersigned, O. F. Patterson, being the parent of Gertrude Leona Patterson do hereby certify that I have read the foregoing petition; that the facts set forth therein are true; and I do join in the prayer thereof and do consent to the adoption of the said Gertrude Leona Patterson by the said John A. Yocum and Gertrude A Yocum[.]”  Sworn to and subscribed O. F. Patterson at Butler County, Pa., before G. W. Hazlett, Notary Pubic, 21 Nov. 1914.
    Granted 14 Dec. 1914, name assumed is Gertrude Leona Yocum; filed same day.

#7 May Term 1915
Appearance Docket 203:139     “The [typed] petition of SLATER M. MERCHANT and MARY A. MERCHANT respectfully represents:– [¶] That they are residents of Riceville, Crawford County, Pennsylvania; that they are desirous of adopting a child known as HENRY IRVIN as their child and heir; that the said Henry Irvin was born April 18, 1908, and has been living with your petitioners since April 18, 1910; that his mother died shortly after he was born; that the president [sic] residence of the father is not known; that the father, by reason of ill-health, has never been able to care for said child, and has not contributed anything for his support for more than five years last past; that, after the death of the mother, the said child was placed in the care and custody of the Children’s Aid Society of Western Penn’a., and was transferred [sic] by it to the Children’s Aid Society of Crawford County, its auxiliary, at the time he came to live with your petitioners, and has been under its charge and supervision ever since; that the consent of the said Society to the adoption has been duly granted, and is hereto attached and made a part of this petition; that, if this adoption is approved, your petitioners will perform all the duties of a parent to said child. [¶] Therefore your petitioners pray your Honor to order, adjudge and decree the adoption of the said Henry Irvin as their child and heir, and that he shall be known by the name of Burdette Merchant.  And they will ever pray, etc.”  Signed S. M. Merchant., Mary A. Merchant.; sworn to (but not again subscribed) before John Hammond, J.P., 6 Feb. 1913; by Attorneys Humes & Peters.
    [Attached (typed) “Consent to adoption”:]  “Personally appeared before me, a Notary Public in and for said County [of Crawford], Aileen Ford M^cKinney and Alice L. Bayless, who being duly sworn according to law, depose and say, That they are President and Secretary, respectively, of the Children’s Aid Society of Crawford County, an auxiliary to the Children’s Aid Society of Western Penn’a; that a child known as Henry Irwin [changed from ‘Irvin’] has been under its charge, and [next two words carreted and handwritten] custody control supervision for more than five years last past, and has been living during said time with Slater M. Merchant and Mary A. Merchant, of Riceville, Pa.; that the consent of the said Society to the adoption of the said child by the said Slater M. Merchant and Mary A. Merchant as their child and heir is hereby granted; and that they believe the best interests and welfare of said child will be served by said adoption.”  Sworn to and subscribed Aileen Ford M^cKinney, President, and Alice L. Bayless, Secretary, before R. E. Dickinson, Notary Public, Titusville, 4 Feb. 1915.
    Granted 15 Feb. 1915, name assumed is Burdette Merchant; filed same day.

#43 May Term 1915
Appearance Docket 203:176     “The [typed] petition of GEORGE HARVEY, a citizen and resident of the County aforesaid [Crawford] respectfully represents: [¶] That he is desirous of adopting FLOYD SWIRES, a minor child of ELMER SWIRES (SARAH SWIRES, Mother of said Floyd Swires, being deceased) now of the age of fourteen years, as one of his heirs; that he will perform all the duties of a parent toward said minor, and that the said Elmer Swires, parent of the said Floyd Swires, has consented to such adoption. [¶] Wherefore, your petitioner prays your Honorable Court to order and decree that the said Floyd Swires 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 George W Harvey [no jurat other than the one beneath father’s consent at the bottom of the page, perhaps applicable to both]; by Attorney Geo. Frank Brown.
    [(Typed) parental consent, below:]  “I, Elmer Swires, hereby certify that Sarah Swires, Mother of the said Floyd Swires, died on the 17 day of Dec A. D. 1911, and hereby signify my consent to the adoption of the said Floyd Swires, as prayed for, in the foregoing petition, and believe that such adoption will be for his welfare.”  Sworn to and subscribed Elmer Swires before George R Bugbee, J.P., Pleasantville, Pa., 22 March 1915.
    [Enclosed handwritten letter on stationery of George Frank Brown, Lawyer, dated at Titusville, Pa. 27 March 1915, addressed to the Prothonotary:]  “Dear Sir:- I enclose a petition for the adoption of Floyd Swires by George W. Harvey.  Will you kindly hand it up to the Court on Monday and when he passes on it let me know your fees so that I can send you a check for same.  If the Court desires to know, both the petitioner and the child are Protestants in religion.  Very truly yours, Geo. Frank Brown.  [Typed at bottom:]  “Sent bill for $1.50, 3/29/15.”
    Granted 29 March 1915, name assumed is Floyd Harvey; filed same day.

#96 September Term 1915
Appearance Docket 203:328     “The [typed] Petition of JOHN MALONEY and MATILDA MALONEY, respectfully represents: [¶] First.  That your petitioners are husband and wife, citizens of Pennsylvania and reside in the city of Titusville, at No. 11 Geale Street. [¶] Second.  That they are desirous of adopting ELSWORTH CARPENTER and MERLE CARPENTER, minors, born on December 12, 1907 and July 28, 1914 and now aged seven and one years and upwards respectively, now residing with the petitioners, being children of CLINTON E. CARPENTER of Titusville, Crawford County, Pennsylvania. [¶] Third.  That ALICE CARPENTER, wife of Clinton E. Carpenter, died recently in Titusville, Pennsylvania, leaving to survive her, her husband, Clinton E. Carpenter and five minor children; that the said Clinton E. Carpenter is unable to care for the said Ellsworth Carpenter and Merle Carpenter and is willing and desirous that they be adopted by the said John Maloney and Matilda Maloney, his wife, his assent thereto, being set forth in an answer hereto annexed. [¶] Fourth.  That your petitioners are able to provide a proper home for the said minors and able to care for, support and maintain them in a manner conducive to their welfare, and will perform all the duties of parents towards them. [¶] Fifth.  That two affidavits by respectable citizens of Pennsylvania are hereto attached, setting forth, that in their opinion it is to the advantage of said minors, that they be adopted as prayed for herein. [¶] That petitioners, therefore, pray your Honorable Court for leave to adopt said minors under the provisions of the Act of Assembly, in such case made and provided, said minors to have all rights of an actual child, equally with any other children of your petitioners. [¶] And they will ever pray, etc.”  Signed John Maloney, Matilda Maloney; sworn to and again subscribed (by both) before Lulu M. Moran, Notary Public, Titusville, 9 July 1915; by Attorney James R. Graham.
    [Attached (typed) parental consent:]  “I the undersigned, being the father of Ellsworth Carpenter and Merle Carpenter, minors hereinbefore referred to, do hereby certify, that I have read the foregoing petition; that the facts therein set forth are true; and I do join in the prayer thereof and do consent to the adoption of Ellsworth Carpenter and Merle Carpenter by the said John Maloney and Mathilda Maloney.”  Signed Clinton E. Carpenter [no jurat other than the one beneath the following affidavit typed on the same page, and thus perhaps applicable to both].
    [(Typed) supporting affidavit, below:]  “John A. Connolly [sic] and Charles Brant being duly sworn according to law, depose and say that they know John Maloney and Mathilda Maloney, his wife, the petitioners above named; that they are persons of respectability and character; that they are able properly to care for, maintain and support the said Ellsworth Carpenter and Merle Carpenter; that they are acquainted with the circumstances of Clinton E. Carpenter and that in their opinion it will be for the best interests of the said Ellsworth Carpenter and Merle Carpenter, that they be adopted as prayed for in the foregoing petition.”  Sworn to and subscribed John A Connelly, Charles Brant before Lulu M. Moran, Notary Public, Titusville, 10 July 1915.
    Granted 12 July 1915, names assumed are Elsworth Maloney and Merle Maloney; filed same day.

#97 September Term 1915
Appearance Docket 203:329     “The [typed] petition of DEXTOR TAYLOR and KATHERINE TAYLOR, respectfully represents: [¶] First.  That your petitioners are husband and wife, citizens of Pennsylvania and reside in the city of Titusville, at No. 7 Geale Street. [¶] Second.  That they are desirous of adopting PAUL CARPENTER and LLOYD CARPENTER [changed nearly everywhere, except in the caption and cover, by writing an ‘L’ before ‘Loyd’], minor children and born on the sixth day of September, Nineteen hundred and twelve and on the fifteenth day of September, Nineteen hundred and nine and now aged three and six years respectively, now residing with the petitioners, being the children of CLINTON E. CARPENTER of Titusville, Crawford County, Pennsylvania. [¶] Third.  That ALICE CARPENTER, wife of Clinton E. Carpenter, died recently in Titusville, Pennsylvania, leaving to survive her, her husband, Clinton E. Carpenter and five minor children; that the said Clinton E. Carpenter is unable to care for the said Paul Carpenter and Loyd Carpenter and is willing and desirous that they be adopted by the said Dexter Taylor and Katherine Taylor, his wife, his assent thereto, being set forth in an answer hereto annexed. [¶] Fourth.  That your petitioners are able to provide a proper home for the said minors and able to care for, support and maintain them in a manner conducive to their welfare, and will perform all the duties of parents towards them. [¶] Fifth.  That two affidavits by respectable citizens of Pennsylvania are hereto attached, setting forth, that in their opinion it is to the advantage of said minors, that they be adopted as prayed for herein. [¶] That petitioners, therefore, pray your Honorable Court for leave to adopt said minors under the provisions of the Act of Assembly, in such case made and provided, said minors to have all rights of an actual child, equally with any other children of your petitioners. [¶] And they will ever pray, etc.”  Signed Dexter Taylor, Katherine Taylor; sworn to and again subscribed (by both) before Lulu M. Moran, Notary Public, Titusville, 9 July 1915; by Attorney James R. Graham.
    [Attached parental consent:]  “I the undersigned, being the father of Paul Carpenter and Lloyd Carpenter, minors hereinbefore referred to, do hereby certify that I have read the foregoing petition; that the facts herein set forth are true; and I do join in the prayer thereof and do consent to the adoption of said Paul Carpenter and Loyd Carpenter by the said Dexter Taylor and Katherine Taylor.”  Signed Clinton E. Carpenter [no jurat other than the one beneath the following affidavit typed on the same page, and thus perhaps applicable to both].
    [(Typed) supporting affidavit, below:]  “John A. Connolly [sic] and Charles Brant being duly sworn according to law, depose and say that they know Dexter Taylor and Katherine Taylor, his wife, the petitioners above named; that they are persons of respectability and character; that they are able properly to care for, maintain and support the said Paul Carpenter and Lloyd Carpenter; that they are acquainted with the circumstances of Clinton E. Carpenter and that in their opinion it will be for the best interests of the said Paul Carpenter and Loyd Carpenter, that they be adopted as prayed for in the foregoing petition.”  Sworn to and subscribed John A Connelly, Charles Brant before Lulu M. Moran, Notary Public, Titusville, 10 July 1915.
    Granted 12 July 1915, names assumed are Paul Taylor and Lloyd Taylor; filed same day.

#8 November Term 1915
Appearance Docket 203:394     “The [typed] Petition of ROY PENFIELD, and NELLIE PENFIELD, his wife, of Conneaut Township, in said county [of Crawford], respectfully represent. That they are desirous of adopting [changed in handwriting from ‘adoption’] as one of their heirs STERLE SWANSON, twenty months [next twelve words carreted] of age having been born on the 8th day of January, 1914. a child that they the petitioners took from the Erie Infants Home and Hospital, of Erie, Penna. on the 7th day of February, 1914 and since that time have kept, supported, cared for and maintained him,. And for the purpose of such adoption they herein declare their said desire, and also that they will perform all of the duties of parents to the said Sterle Swanson,.  The petitioners further state that they have been informed and believe that the said Sterle Swanson, has no parents that should consent to, or be consulted as to said adoption, and that the said Erie Infants Home and Hospital, have full power and authority to consent to, and control such adoption. [¶] The petitioners therefore pray the court, if satisfied that the welfare of the said Sterle Swanson, will be promoted by such adoption, with the consent of the said Erie Infants Home and Hospital, in writing hereto annexed, to decree that the same Sterle Swanson, may assume the name of the petitioners, viz. Sterle Penfield, and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioners and be subject to the duties of such child. And they the petitioners will ever pray &c.”  Signed Roy Penfield, Nellie Penfield; sworn to and again subscribed (by both) before A. M. Fenner, Notary Public, Linesville, Pa., 8 Sept. 1915; by Attorney A. M. Fenner.
    [Attached (typed) affidavit:]  “Before me the undersigned a Notary Public in and for said County [of Erie], personally appeared, Elnora B. Farrar who being duly sworn, says, that she is President of the Erie Infant Home and Hospital, of Erie, Penn., [next three words carreted] a charitable institution and that the said Erie Infant Home and Hospital, placed in the family of Roy Penfield, and Nellie Penfield, his wife, of Conneaut Township, Crawford County, Penna. a child named Sterle Swanson, on or about the 7th day of February A.D. 1914 with the understanding and agreement that the said child should be adopted by the said Roy Penfield, and Nellie Penfield, his wife, as their child and one of their heirs,.  That the said child was unconditionally given and placed in the said Erie Infants Home and Hospital, by his mother MARY SWANSON, an unmarried lady [date carreted] January 8th 1914., when he was about one month of age, and that the said Erie Infants Home and Hospital had full and unconditional control and charge of said child when he was placed in the family of the said Roy Penfield, and Nellie Penfield, his wife, as aforesaid, and full and lawful authority to approve of, consent to and direct and govern his the said childs adoption by any person or persons [next five words carreted] approved of by the said the might be the Erie Infants Home and Hospital, and that the said child has no parents who should consent to, or be consulted as to his adoption. [¶] The consent and approval of the said Erie Infants Home and Hospital, is hereby given for the adoption of the said Sterle Swanson, by the said Roy Penfield, and Nellie Penfield, his wife, as their child and one of their heirs.”  Sworn to in Erie County, Pa., and subscribed Elnora B. Farrar, Prest. Erie Infant Home, before C. A. Masten, Notary Public, Erie, Pa., 10 Sept. 1915.
    Granted 13 Sept. 1915, name assumed is Sterle Penfield; filed same day.

#46 November Term 1915
Appearance Docket 203:432     “The [typed] petition of T. CLARA TAYLOR, [next two words carreted] a widow, a resident of Troy Township, County of Crawford and State of Pennsylvania, respectfully represents: [¶] That she is desirous of adopting RENA SHUGERT, an adult person, of the age of thirty-one years, and unmarried, whose parents have both long since been deceased, and who has been in the home of Your Petitioner from her infancy as a member of Your Petitioner’s family. [¶] That the said adult, Rena Shugert, has consented to such adoption and certifies the same under hand as part of this petition. [¶] Wherefore Your Petitioner prays Your Honorable Court to order and decree that the said Rena Shugert 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 Rena Shugert may assume and bear the name of Rena Taylor.”  Signed T. Clara Taylor [see joint jurat with Rena Shugert, on following page of petition]; by Attorney Isaac Monderau.
    [Consent, below:]  “I, the undersigned, Rena Shugert, of the age of thirty-one years, certify that my father and mother are both deceased; that I am unmarried and have lived with the petitioner, T. Clara Taylor, ever since my infancy, and that it is my desire to be adopted by Your Petitioner and to bear the name of Rena Taylor.”  Signed Rena Shugert; sworn to by T. Clara Taylor and Rena Shugert and subscribed by both before Isaac Mondereau, Notary Public, Meadville, 14 Oct. 1915.
    Granted 14 Oct. 1915, name assumed is Rena Taylor; filed same day.

#75 November Term 1915
Appearance Docket 203:461     “The [typed] petition of LOUIS F. STAHL, a citizen and resident of the County aforesaid [of Crawford], respectfully represents: [¶] That he is desirous of adopting MAY ISABELLE MORRIS, a minor child of PEARL ELLSWORTH MORRIS and JOSEPHINE MORRIS, now of the age of nine years and upwards, to-wit:  nine years of age October 9th last, as one of his heirs; that he will perform all the duties of a parent towards the said minor, and that the said Josephine Morris, has consented to said adoption. [¶] Petitioner further states on information and belief that on the 1st day of April 1912, at No. 62 February Term, 1911, in the Court of Common Pleas of Crawford County, Pennsylvania, a decree of divorce was granted separating and divorcing said Josephine Morris, as libellant, from the bonds of matrimony theretofore entered into between her and her said husband Pearl E. Morris, the respondent; that said minor has since been under the custody and control of its mother. [¶] Wherefore, petitioner prays your Honorable Court to order and decree that the said May Isabelle Morris, 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 Louis F. Stahl, Petitioner; sworn to and subscribed [on the following page] Louis. F. Stahl before George A. Chase, United States Commissioner, Western District of Pennsylvania, 30 Oct. 1915; by Attorney W. J. Sirdevan.
    [Wife’s (typed) consent, below:]  “I, Jessie Stahl, wife of Louis F. Stahl the petitioner above named, hereby consent to his adoption of May Isabelle Morris, the minor above named. [¶; not indented] Oct 30th, 1915.”  Signed Jessie Stahl.
    [(Typed) parental consent, below:]  “I, Josephine Morris, the mother of said May Isabelle Morris, hereby consent to the adoption of the said May Isabelle Morris, as prayed for in the foregoing petition, and believe that such adoption will be for her welfare.”  Signed Josephine Morris [undated].
    [(Typed) supporting affidavit, attached:]  “Dr. C. E. Spicer and J. C. Yanke, being duly sworn according to law, say that they are well acquainted with Louis F. Stahl, the above-named petitioner; that he is a person of good moral character, and that they believe that the welfare of the said May Isabelle Morris will be promoted by the adoption as prayed for.”  Sworn to and subscribed C. E. Spicer, J. C. Yanke before Peter B. Tarr, J.P., Titusville, 30 Oct. 1915.
    Granted 1 Nov. 1915, name assumed is May Isabelle Stahl; filed same day.