Thread: adoption records

Lynnette

Hello

I am still trying to track down details of my grandad, I think he was adopted, although this had never been verified.

I was wondering if anyone can tell me how I would go about getting adoptee's birth certificates for the year 1902, I have tried looking online however I have no idea where to start so could use your help again please.

Thank you to anyone who helps
lynnette

Starlight

Hi Lynette,

There was no official system of Adoption before 1927. It was an informal affair and often the children were placed into families that needed extra labour and had more financial resources to care for them. The child usually retained his/her original surname but not always.
Adoption has only been legally recognized since 1927.

tabr0wn

Have you tried the census records from every 10 years after he was born? They would most likely show the family he was living with and if he doesn't show up in one, he may show up in another year. If he shows up as an adult in his own household later on, there may be someone living with him with a different last name.

Teri

gillian

In these circumstances he may or may not have changed his surname - you have probably tried already but if you post his details someone will double check if there is a birth record in the name he used. Have you got his marriage certificate? Who does that give as his father? Otherwise it might need to wait for the 1911 census to become available!
Gillian

Lynnette

Gillian, I have his marriage certificate yes and unfortunately there is no fathers name, I've contact MOD in Glasgow as he servedfor w while so i am waiting to hear from them, I have also contacted the homes near where he was born in the hpe they have some records of him, I think he was adopted so was hoping that I would be able to get a copy of his birth certificate but it looks like i am coming to a dead end, it's a shame I would really like to know more about him and if I had the money I would hire someone to find out more about him but unless my numbers come up on the lottery thats a no go ;o)

His name is George Henry Todd dob 29th june 1902, shotley bridge, if anyone is able to check I would be eternally grateful

Thank you
lynnette

gillian

Don't give up yet!
With that date of birth I would expected it to have been registered in the 3rd quarter of 1902 - there is however a George Henry Todd born 4th quarter 1902 Gateshead 10a 947 which might be worth investigating.
Even if he changed his surname there is a strong possibility that he was born George Henry. I looked at all the George Henrys born 3rd quarter 1902 in Durham and the most likely (right area) is birth George Henry Dodds - Lanchester 10a 370.
I may be quite wrong about both in which case I apologise in advance - but if I was in your place I would send for both certificates - you have a date of birth so you will know if you are lucky and find the right one.
Gillian

Lynnette

Thank you I really would like to find out more about him, i'm hooked on finding out about him and getting wound up because I can't he he he.

I'll have a look at what you suggest though, your right though, you never know, I may get lucky.

Thank you again
Lynnette