Iowa - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Adoption northwest Iowa

ilovepoodles — 2013-05-07 00:14:30Z

Born 2/12/1980 in Sioux City, Iowa at St Luke's Hospital. A Father Thomas Munn arranged the adoption, a baby boy. Sisters named Megan and Amy, I'm pretty sure. Please email Linda. LSK42@aol.com

Council Bluffs, Iowa, Christian Home, (Brothers Adoption)

familynowandthen — 2013-03-03 03:35:47Z

Fourty plus years searching for brother. Adoption : Council Bluffs, Iowa. Born Danny Dean Jones, 3 Nov. 1959. Council Bluffs, Iowa. Birth father: Frank Jones and birth mother: Shirley Cross both deceased. Adoption sometime during the 1960's timeframe. Sibblings continue to search.
Please contact with any information.

Looking 4 Father of Baby Girl Born to Blanche Cullen Oct 1917

marten1974 — 2013-02-27 19:41:22Z

My mother was born out of wedlock to Blanche Cullen October 1917 in Dubuque Ia. She was left at what was then St. Mary's home for unwed mothers (I believe) and put up for adoption. Later adopted by the Kane family of Rockford Illinois and then eventually married Bernard Marten (Decatur Illinois.
I am trying to find out who the biological father (my grandfather) was. I'm "told" he was Italian and lived in Rockford in 1917.
Blanche Cullen later married a man with the last name of Reese I believe.Blanche and family were originally from the Hazel Green Wisconsin area.

Re: Looking for birth parents in Mason City, Iowa in 1947

lbanks8928 — 2013-02-26 23:40:21Z

I was wondering how you came about the info on how many were born at mercy on a certain day. I am looking for how many girls were born at Mercy in Mason City on May 22, 1947
HOpe you can help! If you could email me privately that would be great!!

Thank you!
Lynne
lbanks8928@sio.midco.net

1870's SEEKING BIRTH PARENTS of JESSIE DYER, Adoption by William & Betsy Lawton

lucysinkular1 — 2013-02-23 17:18:29Z

I am looking for the names of my great-grandmother's birth parents.

JESSIE (MAE, possibly) DYER, born 2 April 1870. Jessie DIED on 28 January 1953. Her father's name may have been John Dyer (or Dwyer) and he died between 1872-1875. Jessie married Martin Cavanagh.

The family of William H & Betsy Lawton adopted her when she was small, after her parents died. My family story is that the Dyers and the Lawtons were on a wagon train in Iowa when Jessie's parents died and the Lawton's adopted her.

help with adoptive birth cert info--1944

sbjol1 — 2012-09-28 11:52:02Z

I have a Certificate of Live Birth issued to the adoptive parents in 1944. In the top right corner of the certificate it lists "usual residence of mother". Is that the residence of the birth mother, or the adoptive mother? Why does it not say, "residence of parents"? In this case, the adoptive mother supplied the information on the birth cert. Could that be the reason?

Thanks,
Sandy Lipsey

Re: adopted Doris May

shaverviolet051 — 2012-09-01 00:40:26Z

Violet Bliss and Albert Myers divorced in 1939 the child was lost before then She may have died at an early age. I have no pictures of her but a lot of Geraldine and Arletta as far back as 14 mo no sign of Doris Mae. My grandmother covered it up very well. I think there may have been another man and he may have taken her I am still searching for info. She may have been born in Kansas City Kansas There is a mention of Shawnee kansas and riverside cemetary I have pictures of relatives at a riverside cemetery but not sure who is buried there

Re: adopted Doris May

shaverviolet051 — 2012-09-01 00:40:24Z

adoption records in 1959

CHRISTIANASHHURST — 2012-08-29 07:43:24Z

My mother was born to a Mary Margaret Frazen who not married to the bological father. His last name is Fischer. Brother to Juanita Fischer. Mary Margaret Franzen had my mother on the border states of Missouri and Kansas. Please help. I would like to know more about my biological family. Thank you

female born 1957 Cedar Rapids, IA adopted to Thiher family

angeedwards1 — 2012-08-27 18:36:49Z

My mother seeks birth parents or any information regarding her birth family (siblings). Please send ANY information to: sharonthiher@gmail.com OR edwards.ange@yahoo.com

Mother's birth father

cakintz — 2012-08-11 20:01:35Z

I am trying to help my mom out in order to find her birth father. My mother was adopted three days after she was born in april of 1968 and her birth parents were never married. her birth mother was mary jane nees who has since passed away and would not say who my mom's birth father was....All we know is that my mom was born in des moines, ia and that her birth father is of french descent.

Sioux City Maternity Home Stay, 1915-1920

HemingsenElfering — 2012-07-26 20:02:55Z

We believe that my great-grandmother had a child and placed it for adoption at the Crittenton Home or its earlier incarnation in Sioux City, Iowa. We know that she spent many months away from home at a "hospital" and that her sister accompanied her and stayed with her in Sioux City during this time. We have a couple of pictures of her in what looks to be a uniform or hospital-gown type dress. The year is unknown, but she was born in 1897 and is documented at her parents' home in 1918, 1920, and married in 1925... So we're guessing on a span of 1915-1920.

A few historical questions: Did women in Crittenton homes wear hospital-issued dress? Would her sister have been allowed to stay with her all those months? What other explanation might fit? She easily gave birth to 4 children after marriage, so we don't believe any medical condition or treatment was the cause of this hospitalization. Is there any way to trace a stay in such a home or subsequent adoption 100 years later? She spoke of a secret she'd never tell, and she did a remarkably good job of keeping it!

Robert Heidbreder

swoolvy54 — 2012-07-03 01:56:18Z

I am trying to find out any information on my grand father being in the home.I found a 1910 census stating that Charles H. Crosley was head of house and Nellie was his wife. Then it had Robert Heidbreder as their son.We had heard bits and peicesabout grandpa being here.

Re: Born 6-6-1964 looking for birth dad

61850214lkb — 2012-06-11 23:33:46Z

I have known your mother for a long time.
Sadly,she has passed.I don't know the year.She has at least 10 children alive yet.
I can give you more info.

Re: looking for sister born 1979 mason city ia

kandaceshirley — 2012-05-13 08:58:43Z

I believe the birth mothers name was Mary Johnson.

Re: adopted Doris May

shaverviolet051 — 2012-04-26 19:29:05Z

I am Geraldine Myers daughter and the family have been searching for Doris May for many years. Her sisters are gone now and always wondered where she was. I would like to know who Connie is from the google information.

Re: Lutheran Home Finding Society of Iowa

marvmattfeld — 2012-03-10 06:19:58Z

The Lutheran Home in Ft. Dodge, Iowa, at 234 9th Ave. North, is the second facility built by the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church and replaced an earlier facility. The Lutheran Home served two or three basic purposes in the eleven years I lived there. It adopted out the babies of unwed mothers. It adopted out or placed into foster homes the children of broken families when the children could no longer be cared for. It also boarded children who were not available for adoption.

The person you are referencing would have been at the earlier facility, as the second one was not built until the late 19920's. I have no idea whether records exist in the Lutheran Home files from the 1920's, but I was able to secure anecdotal records from my time there. It might be worth the effort to contact them. You may also want to try to contact the County Recorder's Office in your search for information.

Mabel O Buckley

searchermary — 2012-02-06 05:55:20Z

Looking for info on a child that Mabel had in abt 1917 that was given away.Her husband was Frank Albert Pike and he died in WWI France 1918

My grandmother was adopted - looking for biological family

angierios95 — 2012-02-01 03:31:15Z

My grandmother Marjorie was adopted. My father thinks the last name might be Foxx. The first census record was her with her adopted parents in Victoria, Cass, Iowa. Her birth date is June 27, 1923. The Bernhardt's were adoptive parents. Any help is appreciated. See census below for her at one year of age. She married Huebert Spitsen.

Name: Marjorie Bernhardt
Birth Year: abt 1924
Birth Place: Iowa
Gender: Female
Race: White
Marital Status: Single
Census Date: 1 Jan 1925
Residence state: Iowa
Residence County: Cass
Locality: Victoria
Relation to Head: Daughter
Mother: Wilhelmina Kerkman
[Minnie Bernhardt]
Mother's Birth Year: abt 1884
Mother's Birthplace: Iowa
Father: George Bernhardt
Father's Birth Year: abt 1883
Father's Birthplace: Iowa
Marriage Place: Iowa
Roll: IA1925_1641
Line: 30
Neighbors: View others on page
Household Members: Name Age
George Bernhardt 42
Minnie Bernhardt 41
Paul Bernhardt 4
Marjorie Bernhardt 1

Re: Looking for Grandmother Vera Hower Jors Corello

vanessaj728851 — 2012-01-26 11:40:56Z

what were they like? Ive never met Elmer he died when I was 2 years old. did u know about his kids?

Re: Looking for Grandmother Vera Hower Jors Corello

SteveDeVivo22 — 2012-01-25 14:49:00Z

My dad is Harold. He was given up for adoption and renamed Frank Harold DeVivo. I knew Uncles Harvey and Elmer. They came to my parents house many times when I was growing up.

Re: Looking for Grandmother Vera Hower Jors Corello

vanessaj728851 — 2012-01-25 12:38:07Z

Hi. my grandfather was Elmer Jors his mother was Vera Hower Jors. how are you related to her? Vera & Henry had 2 sons Harvey & Elmer & Vera had 2 sons Harold & Gail Carrillo

Re: Looking for Grandmother Vera Hower Jors Corello

vanessaj728851 — 2012-01-25 12:34:53Z

Hi. my grandfather was Elmer Jors his mother was Vera Hower Jors. how are you related to her? Vera & Henry had 2 sons Harvey & Elmer & Vera had 2 sons Harold & Gail Carrillo

boy 1940 -

DiannaMahoney782 — 2012-01-17 00:59:20Z

Man 72 born in 1940.email dianna Noethe mahoneydn clearwire.net. contacted half brother today we did not know you and dad did not know of you. dianna

man looking for relatives of John a Noethe

DiannaMahoney782 — 2012-01-17 00:35:36Z

You had some one call my brother 1/15/2012. You were looking for family of John A Noethe-Iowa, you were born 1940
you are 72 now. email mahoneydn@clearwire.net. I could be your 1/2 sister. My father never knew about you. Look forward to email then I give my number.

DNMahoney

man looking for relatives of John a Noethe

DiannaMahoney782 — 2012-01-17 00:35:32Z

Re: Harry Owen Birth Name Born Camanche IA 5/30/1894

milissa86 — 2011-12-22 07:30:15Z

Hello my name is milissa whitney and I am earl whitney great grand daughter my grandfather is royal whitney. Im pretty much doing the same as you. If you like to email me I can get you in contact with more of my grandpas brothers and sister and I can write up our family history for you. I just have one question, is it true mickey owen is related to earl whitney? milissa86@yahoo.com

Re: Looking for Grandmother Vera Hower Jors Corello

matthewekelly — 2011-11-16 21:46:14Z

I have a Vera JORS (1903-1943) in my wife's family line who married Henry Jors (1886-1959). Both are buried at Morgan Cemetery in Schleswig, Crawford County IA. Henry JORS was my wife's grandma's father. He was married 1st to Adilia "Daily" Seahusen (1884-1922)and they had 7 children, many of which were given up for adoption. He later married Vera at least by 1930. Reply to mkelly@ci.omaha.ne.us

Closed Adoptions

hollijennings — 2011-11-14 23:46:09Z

My sister-in-law was adopted from the Hillcrest Family Services in Dubuque, Iowa back in December of 1967 (birth in November) and we do know that it was a closed adoption and she has since received a few tidbits of information like height of parents, nationality and ages.

Is there any way to find ANY information about her parents or any references that I could search for? It is something that it would be of great help for her to know more of where she came from.

Thank you for any help you can provide.
Heather

Re: Looking for biological family

jcb2banks — 2011-11-04 02:23:42Z

Thanks for the info sunnydays. Will act on your suggestions.

Re: Annie Whitmeyer home in Davenport Iowa

jedler47 — 2011-10-06 01:11:07Z

Hi My name is Roberta and i am a search angel for people that were adopted. i have a man looking for his bio- mother. He was born April 2 1953 with the birth name of Thomas Wayne Bingham born in des moines.He was came from the ann witmeyer home the paper work says.If you can help us please write me at yummi320@aol.com
If you know anything about the home please contact me.
Roberta

Re: Looking for birth parents in Mason City, Iowa in 1947

emlaangels — 2011-09-28 00:57:23Z

3 girls born 9/3/1947 at Mercy Hospital in Mason City
1 girl born at Park Hospital
newspaperarchive.com

Were you given up at birth or adopted out later?

Looking for birth parents in Mason City, Iowa in 1947

joydf192 — 2011-09-07 23:21:07Z

I was born September 3, 1947 in Mason City, Iowa. I was adopted at age 2 1/2 but the records are sealed.

I have no way of finding out who my birth parents were.

Can someone please help me!

Thanks

Re: Lutheran Home Finding Society of Iowa

emlaangels — 2011-06-29 03:31:39Z

I found a Mable Louise (Kimsey) Kroll born 8/21/1909 in Kansas; Her mother's maiden name was Armstrong
She passed away 22 Aug 1988 San Bernardino County California

Could this be her?

Re: Lutheran Home Finding Society of Iowa

SherryJipp17 — 2011-06-28 05:06:30Z

It is called the Luthern Child and Family Services,in Fort Dodge as of a couple of years ago. The last phone # I have is 515-573-3138. Good Luck.

Sherry

Re: searching for my son Brent S. Johnson DOB 7/31/68 IA

linda75761 — 2011-05-22 19:19:36Z

Thank you so much for the information you sent. I was beginning to think no one ever saw my posting. I will definitely take your advice and see if I can find a helpful pastor in Fort Dodge.

Linda McKinzie

Re: Born 6-6-1964 looking for birth dad

CherylRiley55 — 2011-05-18 02:33:42Z

I don't know if you found any information on Alice Germundson in Charles City, but I typed in her name for Charles City, Iowa and three listings came up for an Alice J Germundson living in Mason City, Iowa. No phone number or address. Maybe that will help you get closer. Good luck!

Re: Searching for Birth Father John J. Iverson/Iversen of Iowa

CherylRiley55 — 2011-05-18 01:40:44Z

I know it's been a long time since you made this post. Did you ever find out any information? If not, I would talk to a Marine Recruiter near you and ask who you would need to contact to find out about John J. Iversen or Iverson who was stationed at Camp Pendleton around 1953 and at the New Mexico site. I would tell them your cousin is trying to find the dad she never knew. I was able to get military records on my grandmother's brother through the freedom of information act. I would have to try and find where I sent for them. You need to find out more about this man before you can request his military records. Good luck!

Re: IOWA ADOPTION RECORDS

CherylRiley55 — 2011-05-18 00:54:31Z

Hello. Did you ever request your adoption records to be unsealed? You can look on the internet for Polk County Iowa Clerk of District Court's phone number and address. I would call and ask for the names of the District Court judges and the address(s) to contact them by mail. I would write one of the judges and tell him/her that you would like to have your adoption records to be unsealed and you wish to have them. Tell the judge what you think you know about your biological parents such as what you believe their names are and where they were from and so forth. I know Iowa has sealed records, but my grandmother was able to get her unsealed from Woodbury County, Iowa years ago when she was in her late fifties/early sixties. It's worth a try. Good luck!

Re: searching for my son Brent S. Johnson DOB 7/31/68 IA

CherylRiley55 — 2011-05-18 00:23:43Z

Hello. Have you ever heard of Adoption Reunion? Great website! You can find it at http://registry.adoption.com Many, many people have found family through there. I would also suggest looking up on the internet for a Lutheran Church in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Find the phone number and try to get in touch with the pastor. He/she may be able to tell you if this Lutheran organization still exists in Fort Dodge and may be able to give you the phone number. I would explain to the pastor why you wish to locate your son. Sometimes organizations will be a mediary and will contact the biological child and ask whether he/she wants to meet thier biological parent(s). It's surely worth a try. Good luck!

adoption baby h boy iowa city iowa 9/25/67

sunnydays140 — 2011-05-12 04:26:51Z

still seeking mother of baby h born 9/25/67 in iowa city iowa. closed adoption through hillcrest adoption agency

Looking for Grandfathers Bio-Dad? Birth name Charles Emerson DeFord

ceburrell — 2011-05-07 00:57:49Z

My Grandfather past away a few years ago and after his death we found his adoption papers we he had NO IDEA about this! His name as we have known it was Charles Emerson Backstrom. On the birth certificate it says Charles Emerson DeFord (which is his Mothers Maiden name) he was adopted in 1949 at the age of 18 to Leonard Backstrom who was as we would have known/thought was his Father. I believe he was born in Kansas City but now I am not sure? He lived pretty much all of his life In Des Moines, IA. His birthday is January 13th 1931.
If anyone knows ANYTHING or could give me any help I would REALLY appreciate it. I feel like I have no idea now who we are???

Thanks so much,
Courtney

Re: SEARCHING FOR HUGGINS BIRTH PARENT

sunnydays140 — 2011-05-01 04:09:32Z

Accessing Adoption Records

Looking for help locating family members, or getting information about them?

According to Chapter 600, Adoption, in the Code of Iowa, adult adoptees may receive medical and developmental family history provided the names of birth parents are not released. They may also petition the court to open their sealed record and reveal information for "good cause".

The Legislature amended the Code of Iowa to make access to sealed adoption records easier for adult adoptees that were adopted prior to the July 1, 1941 sealing of adoption records. When you complete the Affidavit Requesting Opening of Sealed Adoption Records, indicate the date of adoption. If you were adopted prior to July 1, 1941, indicate on the affidavit that Iowa Law does not require you to provide "good cause". This amendment of Chapter 600, Termination of Parental Rights and Adoption, should expedite the process for you.

Records compiled prior to the 1960?s were not as complete as they are now. The information you receive may not answer all the questions you have about your biological history. The records may include opinions, values, moral beliefs, racial comments and other insensitive comments dictated by the child or family?s worker. Current practice does not allow social workers to inflict their values, morals, or beliefs into a narrative regarding a child or a family. Only factual information should be included. Also, past testing mechanisms were not as accurate as they are currently. An IQ test may have concluded that a child had an IQ of 75-80 (border line). Children have proven the tests inaccurate. Some children who have tested "low" have been very successful in life?s endeavors. I warn adoptees whose adoption was finalized many years ago to try not to be upset by information that may be in the record, especially if the information borders on, or is opinion, beliefs, etc. of the person writing it and not fact.

Effective July 1, 1999, Iowa law enables adoptees, their "birth parents," and their blood-related brothers and sisters to find each other if the birth is registered with the State of Iowa. The "Mutual Consent Voluntary Adoption Registry" was established in order to match those persons requesting that their identity be revealed to registrants "matching" information concerning an adult adoptee. All information provided to the registry is confidential and revealed only in the event that an appropriate match is made and the parties have been notified of the match. A $25 fee in U.S. funds and a certified copy of the applicant?s birth certificate must be submitted with each consent application.

Application forms are available at the address listed below or at the County Registrars of Vital Records. Locally, county registrars are located in the county recorder?s office, either in the county courthouse or county administration office building.

Adult adoptees, birth parents and relatives can receive more detailed information about the process by contacting the Department at 515-281-4174.

If you do not know the county where the child?s adoption was finalized, you may complete an "Application For Revelation of County of Adoption" which can be found at the address listed below:

Bureau of Vital Records
Iowa Department of Public Health
Lucas Office Building, 1st Floor
Des Moines, IA 50319
515-281-4944

Re: 1967 Adoptions Iowa

sunnydays140 — 2011-05-01 04:08:53Z

Re: Looking for Birth Mom

sunnydays140 — 2011-05-01 04:07:43Z

Re: Annie Whitmeyer home in Davenport Iowa

sunnydays140 — 2011-05-01 04:01:39Z

Re: Looking for biological family

sunnydays140 — 2011-05-01 03:59:55Z

there is a huge debate currently as only a few states have open records. please write to congress.org and tell congress and your state representatives to get the law changed!Accessing Adoption Records

Looking for help locating family members, or getting information about them?

According to Chapter 600, Adoption, in the Code of Iowa, adult adoptees may receive medical and developmental family history provided the names of birth parents are not released. They may also petition the court to open their sealed record and reveal information for "good cause".

The Legislature amended the Code of Iowa to make access to sealed adoption records easier for adult adoptees that were adopted prior to the July 1, 1941 sealing of adoption records. When you complete the Affidavit Requesting Opening of Sealed Adoption Records, indicate the date of adoption. If you were adopted prior to July 1, 1941, indicate on the affidavit that Iowa Law does not require you to provide "good cause". This amendment of Chapter 600, Termination of Parental Rights and Adoption, should expedite the process for you.

Records compiled prior to the 1960?s were not as complete as they are now. The information you receive may not answer all the questions you have about your biological history. The records may include opinions, values, moral beliefs, racial comments and other insensitive comments dictated by the child or family?s worker. Current practice does not allow social workers to inflict their values, morals, or beliefs into a narrative regarding a child or a family. Only factual information should be included. Also, past testing mechanisms were not as accurate as they are currently. An IQ test may have concluded that a child had an IQ of 75-80 (border line). Children have proven the tests inaccurate. Some children who have tested "low" have been very successful in life?s endeavors. I warn adoptees whose adoption was finalized many years ago to try not to be upset by information that may be in the record, especially if the information borders on, or is opinion, beliefs, etc. of the person writing it and not fact.

Effective July 1, 1999, Iowa law enables adoptees, their "birth parents," and their blood-related brothers and sisters to find each other if the birth is registered with the State of Iowa. The "Mutual Consent Voluntary Adoption Registry" was established in order to match those persons requesting that their identity be revealed to registrants "matching" information concerning an adult adoptee. All information provided to the registry is confidential and revealed only in the event that an appropriate match is made and the parties have been notified of the match. A $25 fee in U.S. funds and a certified copy of the applicant?s birth certificate must be submitted with each consent application.

Application forms are available at the address listed below or at the County Registrars of Vital Records. Locally, county registrars are located in the county recorder?s office, either in the county courthouse or county administration office building.

Adult adoptees, birth parents and relatives can receive more detailed information about the process by contacting the Department at 515-281-4174.

If you do not know the county where the child?s adoption was finalized, you may complete an "Application For Revelation of County of Adoption" which can be found at the address listed below:

Bureau of Vital Records
Iowa Department of Public Health
Lucas Office Building, 1st Floor
Des Moines, IA 50319
515-281-4944

Re: Looking for biological family

jcb2banks — 2011-04-05 12:03:16Z

We have found out that we have 3 1/2 siblings and are looking for them. Mom was from Denison Iowa, we know that a baby girl was born May 12, 1950 at home and adopted out through Iowa Luthern Services on May 14, 1950. There are 2 more 1/2 siblings we are also looking for. The first was born in Illinois in 1945 and the second was born between 1945 and 1950. We have registered with Illinois and Iowa Vital Statistics as SURVIVING RELATIVES OF A DECEASED BIRTH PARENT OF AN ADOPTED PERSON. We are anxiously awaiting to see if our 1/2 siblings are looking for us.

Re: Annie Whitmeyer home in Davenport Iowa

forumguy13 — 2011-04-05 10:03:45Z

I found some neat old pictures of Annie Whitmeyer throughout it's history at www.DavenportIowaHistory.com and from what I understand the guy who runs the site has all sorts of old records and information from Davenport that may be able to help you track down your ancestry. Take a look at the site or his other site and he may be able to help you out.

mabel murray

mookie162 — 2011-02-20 00:08:48Z

mabel was born 1909-1915? Lived around Iowa City, Iowa 1931-1932?