Orphanages in Indiana - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Looking for information about an Orphanage in Gas City, IN

rerhymer — 15 Mar 2008 8:50:33 GMT

I misspelled the city name in my previous inquiry.

Looking for information about an Orphanage in City, IN

rerhymer — 15 Mar 2008 8:49:31 GMT

My grandmother was placed in this orphanage around 1910 after both of her parents passed away. Her name was LoDema Harris. One other brother was also placed there but I don't recall his name. I have no idea what the name of the orphanage wasl

wetzel,whitsel,wood

mday64 — 15 Jan 2008 7:04:58 GMT

Can anyone searching the Wetzel,Whitsel line please let me know if any of this falls into your history...My grandfather Jake Wetzel (Jacob Whitsel as listed in 1880 census)was born to Pete or Peter and Mary (Sargeant)? in Hamilton,In. in 1877. He was raised by William & Josephine Brocker(they are burried in Cortland,In. Cemetery). Jake passed away at 99 years of age in Medora, In. in 1976 and is burried in Seymour,In. I have came up against a brick wall researching his line as he was adopted by the Brockers. I have been told his mother Mary died shorty after giving birth to him and is burried in a field nearby. He has siblings,but unfortunately I do not know their names. Jake was married to Mary Carr in Jackson Co.,In. and had children: Donald,(married Delcie Isaacs)Anna, & Harold. He later married my grandmother Anna E. Wood on Oct 11, 1943 in Tipton Co,In.,having another living son. Anna was also adopted by a family in Mitchel, In. after her father was brutally murdered after work on the RR in Tipton,In.If anyone can help me get passed this block, please email me at margiday@yahoo.com with subject line Wetzel help. It will be greatly appreciated! Thank You!

John, Frank, William, Clara HURST in Rockport, IN. orphanage

Anita Hurst — 16 Jan 2006 8:20:02 GMT

Am seeking info on orphanage from Spencer County that burned down around 1950 then relocated as the Veatsch Home in Rockport. Grandfather and 3 siblings were at home from 1902 to about 1914, when came of age. Was this a "work farm"? How large was it? Have written to Archives, State Library & State Welfare looking for records with no result. Does anyone have a photo? Any info would help and be appreciated.

Orphanage in Terre Haute, IN

Stephen — 22 Jul 2004 1:57:07 GMT

My grandmother was in an orphanage in Terre Haute in the 1940's. Recently I started to write a book on orphanages. She passed away a few years ago and I was left with alot of questions. Does anyone know about this orphange, girls home? It might have been torn down as well. I believe it was called the Chauncey Rose Home for Girls or Orphanage. If any one has ideas, let me know. Thanks for all your time.

Indiana Guardian's Home

ladyames1 — 6 Jun 2006 6:40:01 GMT

I am searching for information regarding the Indiana Guardian's Home, back in the 1930s and possibly into the 1940s. My husband's grandmother and several aunts and uncles (5 total, I think) all were put their by their father after their mother died because he couldn't care for them.

I have specific names if there is a list of children who went there can be found. What I do know is that 4 of the 5 children were sterilized (standard procedure at that time, I'm told). The fifth child (my husband's grandmother) was not put though this procedure due to a bad case of diptheria. I guess they just assumed she'd been sterilized by the disease or something.

Anyway, I would like to know the location of the Home, and any historical information available. Also, if there is a website, that would be great too.

Thank you ahead of time for any information ... it is greatly appreciated!

Marianne Spencer
Indianapolis, Indiana

Glenn Home Memorial Project - Terre Haute Indiana

JennKrock — 21 May 2007 2:41:23 GMT

A memorial stone is in the planning stages for Glenn Home, aka 'Vigo County Home for Dependent Children' in east Terre Haute, Indiana. This newsletter will outline progress and plans for this memorial, as well as welcome input from former residents, staff, and other individuals
formerly associated with the Home. This project has been in the idea stage since approximately 2005 and is finally seeing light this year (2007).

http://glennhome.bravejournal.com/ is the location of the newsletter where I will be posting updates on this project as it progresses. Subscribing to this newsletter will send you automatically an email whenever an update is posted.

We are hoping that decendent family of these children may still be found and be able to attend ceremonies surrounding the placement of the memorial in late summer / early fall 2007. There were (3) children buried elsewhere, including Roselawn Cemetery in northern Vigo County. These children as will be paid respects to.

Please see the list on the website (too long to post here) at http://glennhome.homestead.com/GlennHomeCemetery.html. If you have (or think you may have) an ancestor on the list please contat me as we are in the process of obtaining further information on these children.

Thank you!!

Jenn Krockenberger
webmaster - Glenn Home Historical Tribute website
http://glennhome.homestead.com
Email: JKE97@yahoo.com

Wabash Valley Orphan Homes - new website

JennKrock — 28 Mar 2007 3:36:48 GMT

I am working on a collective website covering the former children's homes of the Wabash Valley.

I am currently searching for information on:
Collett Home in Vermillion County
I have the 1910 census, however on the 1920 it seems to have disappeared. Where might I find the history on it, dates and names, ect.

Was it only in existance for a mere few years? (under 20)

The website address will be http://wabashvalleyorphanhomes.homestead.com/index.html

Glenn Home Query- Aunt - adopted name Wanda Burgan

JennKrock — 26 Feb 2007 7:09:12 GMT

Have a request that was emailed to me:
Relative searching for Wanda.
Uncle adopted her around 1952. Her name was Wanda, and she was probably 13 or 14 yrs. old. Uncles name was Arthur Burgan, and he was from New Castle, In. His wifes name was Leatha.

If anyone knows of Wanda Burgan or the family, please email me so that she may meet some of her family.

ORPHANAGES IN SAINT JOSEPH COUNTY,INDIANA

drmnc — 16 Jan 2007 12:16:19 GMT

NEED LISTING OF ALL ORPHANGES IN SAINT JOSEPH COUNTY OR A LOOK UP,AM LOOKING FOR RECORDS ON MY FATHER.PLEASE HELP!!
EMAIL---donnam 141@wmconnect.com THANK YOU!
DONNA RUSH MOORE

Orphanages in Indiana

Diane — 4 Nov 2006 9:58:42 GMT

My grandmother, Florence was in an Orphanage in Indiana along with her twin Laurence, Older sis Elizabeth and her older brother Albert. Their last name was Stephens. I was told that her mother was
Cherokee Indian, so I am presuming that maybe her mother died and they had no where to go. Her father's name was Samuel stephens. If any of this sounds familiar, I would like to hear from you. Thanks.

State run orphanages from the 1930s

ladyames_1 — 28 Jun 2006 2:00:03 GMT

I am looking for information on Indiana state run orphanages from back around the 1930s-1940s. The only information I have is the following:

My husband's grandmother and her siblings were placed in the Children's Guardian's Home about 1930 (not listed there in the census for that year, though). I did manage to find limited information on that institution already.

Then, after they were all there for a couple of years, the four other children were sent to the "State orphanage in or near Fort Wayne". His grandmother was ill at the time, and she never was sent there. Later in life, these four siblings married and all stayed in the area, but I am having a heck of a time trying to locate information on them.

What I need to find out first is the actual name of the orphanage ... any suggestions? The kids were named Anna, Pauline/Paulina, Rose and Boris/Bud Vasil (and it's many variations).

I would appreciate any suggestions anyone has - I've been trying to locate information online, but not having much luck!

Thanks in advance -

Marianne Spencer
Indianapolis, Indiana

sister boogie

cgniloff — 9 Jul 2006 6:14:18 GMT

does anyone remember sister bogie

Adopton, Orphaned, Romney, Tippecanoe, IN

elainetillery — 27 Jun 2006 11:48:14 GMT

Any information regarding Mary Esther Hutton b. 13 Jan 1897, I would like to hear from you. I am her grandaughter. Thank you.

Indianapolis Orphan's Asylum

erin_hamlet — 1 Jun 2006 5:40:23 GMT

Looking for family that knows of an adoption of a baby girl in early 1900's from Indianapolis Orphan's Asylum. She was placed there by her mother, Rose Klina, along with her older siblings, William and Marie. She was born after 1901. Her given name at birth was possibly "Catherine" Klina.

Marian Co. Welfare Home for Children

VirginiaJecksWright15 — 28 Sep 2005 12:20:02 GMT

Looking for info on records at Marian Co. Welfare Home for Children, Indianapolis, Ind.

George Francis Flowers

cwortman61 — 26 May 2006 8:41:40 GMT

Placed in an Orphanage at about 5-8 years old. Ran away and now we find he had half sisters and a brother.
This would be around 1889.
Father: William Jefferson Flowers
Mother: Armilda Michael (Flowers) died
William then married Mary A. Barrett and they placed George in an orphan home. William & Mary had more children.

mcwortman@hughes.net

Children's Home

zelma harrison — 5 Jan 2004 3:25:56 GMT

My father, Robert, was born 11 Aug 1913. He was placed in a Children's Home in White County where he stayed until about 3 years old. My grandmother "took" him and raised him. I am searching for the name of the Children's Home he was placed in, or any information on him. My grandmother changed his name to Robert Minnick. I figure he may have been born without a father and was placed in the home, or possibly the parents couldn't take care of him at the time. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Vincennes, IN at St. Vincent's Catholic Orphanage help needed

elusiveones — 31 Jan 2006 3:46:04 GMT

I am trying to help a friend with there Genealogy and I am wondering if you can help us or send us in the right direction.

This is what I have on the people.

Father
Joseph Bowman
Born:
Alsace Lorainne, [department], [region], France

Mother
Mabel Phillips
Born:
Died: 1910

Children
Hazel Dean Bowman F
James Bowman M
Margaret Evelyn Bowman F
Clara Pearl Bowman F 1 Aug 1899 in Alsace Lorainne, Franklin, IL, USA
Grace Antone Bowman F 28 Nov 1907 in [city], [county], IL, USA

The story goes that their mother died on the ship coming to America James was a small baby.
Somehow they arrived in Vincennes, IN at St. Vincent's Catholic Orphanage.
They were all split up and sent to homes across America and did not find each other until adulthood.

Thank You for any assistance you can give us.

Tammy

Indiana Orphans Research

eric — 19 Oct 2004 1:52:11 GMT

I have an ancestor who was an orphan and living in a boarding house during the 1860s with her sister and brother. This was in Fountain County.
I don't know how to go about researching her parentage. I would like to hear from researchers experienced with orphans who could give me some advice.
Thanks!

Orphanages in North Western Indiana

Mike Rose — 17 Dec 2005 2:47:05 GMT

Looking for a list of orphanages in North West Indiana. My father and his siblings may have been there in the 1920s and 30's. Last name Rose.

Home you are searching for

eunice campbell — 8 Nov 2005 5:55:48 GMT

Have you found the orphanage you were looking for? I was in Allen Co. Children's home, Lima Rd, Ft Wayne, and I know there was a St Vincent's Children's Home as well. Both were there long before I got there in 1953. I hope you have had luck with your search

Eunice

Charles Smith Jr

Karen Smith — 13 May 2001 7:48:26 GMT

Looking for any information about Charles Smith Jr. in Glenn Home Orphanage in Terre Haute, In. between 1927-1935. Parents died in flu epodimic.

The Reformed Orphan Home of Fort Wayne Indiana

Teeparty — 16 Jan 2006 8:15:01 GMT

My Grandmother (Dorothy Helen Gorham) was an inmate of this home from 1916-1931 (ish). It is now Crossroads, a home for troubled children. I talked to their director a few years back and she had no idea where the records had gone to. I am going to try again when I am there in a few weeks. Does anyone have any information in regard to this orphanage?

Thanks!

Searching for a Glenn Home Resident by the name of 'Heidi'...

JennKrock — 28 Oct 2005 3:14:14 GMT

This woman was born in 1962 and was a resident of Glenn Home off & on during the 60's / early 70's. He could not remember her last name as she left his home at around ag 13/14 and went back to Glenn.

I have a former 'foster brother' interested in speaking with her. If anyone knows this name, please email me with your contact information for more details.

Thanks!
Jenn

Mexico, IN orphanage

amycmc — 19 Sep 2005 7:30:32 GMT

My grandfather was adopted in Miami Co. in 1921. He is now deceased and I am trying to discover his birth parents. Were there any orphanges in Miami Co. besides theOrphans and Old Folks Home of the German Baptist Brethren Church? Are these records still available and can I have access to them? Everyone involved is likely deceased. I have hit a brick wall. Can somebody point me in the right direction? Please Help!

Ollie (Olive) Brown m Odell Best

quietlady2 — 16 Jan 2006 8:04:40 GMT

I have only recently discovered that my maternal great grandparents were Ollie (Olive) Brown and Odell Best. The family story goes that they had at least 3 children before they died quite young. Those children were sent to an orphanage. Here is where I get really lost. My maternal grandmother is Mary Ellen Best, one of those daughters (the others are Margaret (deceased) and Lucy (unknown). Mary Ellen is still alive in a nursing home but I have been unable to locate her further. My mother (Mary Ellen’s daughter) was adopted by another family member on Olive Brown’s side of the family and that is all I have ever known. That is until I found these old photos and notes. Does anyone know anything about these people? I know the basic background of the Browns but don’t know the specifics. I can tell you that Olive was probably born in MI and may have married Odell there, although IN seems like a likely choice also. I believe that she was born 1890. The woman that I grew thinking of as my great grandmother is Ollie’s little sister, Daisy Mae Brown. Daisy was born 7 Mar 1893. Daisy always called her Ollie but until know I didn’t know who those memories went with. She also said that Odell’s family (in some way) had come directly from Ireland and that one of them had married a Mohawkin woman. She was an adult at the time of Daisy’s growing up, because she said that “us kids” were always fascinated by the woman’s eyes. I don’t know if any of this rings any bells or not. I am sooooooo hoping it does. I have been on the Internet daily searching for weeks. It is either I don’t know where to look, or they have dropped out of human history. I am sure I just don’t know enough about how to research. I would appreciate any in guidance or information you might have.

Ophans in or near Boone co. Indiana 1908-1918 Presley family

sheree827 — 16 Jan 2006 8:07:35 GMT

Hi,
My husbands grandfather grew up in an orphanage in Indiana with his brother Roy, b. 1997, 1/2 sister Della and Bob (who used Pressler as his last name). My husbands grandfather was named Newton Presley. He was born around 1902, told his children he went into the orphanage at age of 6, ran away at age of 16. He is listed with his brother Roy in 1920 census and married in 1930 census. We have no information about birth family. I would assume that if he had 2 have siblings (younger) that something happened to mother , and then maybe something happened to step-mother given that 1/2 siblings were given presley/pressler name in orphanage. It appears that there was no information available about parents from orphanage including dates of birth, where parents were born although this could be that topic was too painful for Newton to discuss with his children. My monther-in-law did meet the siblings and had a relationship with them. I don't believe she has a relationship with any of her cousins .

thanks for any help. I have been unable to do a search of 1910 census of boone county due to technical problems although someone else had posted an unnamed orphanage with following information from 1900 census for Boone county. Ancestry.com, On-line Census Images.
1900 U.S. Federal Census, Indiana
Boone County, Center Township
SD 9, ED 2, Sheet 6A; Image 11 of 14
Img Ref#: 676/Roll: T623 360

Sheree

The French Home...the story of the Patoka Orphanage

jdwilkin — 6 Feb 2005 8:44:10 GMT

The French Home...the story of the Patoka Orphanage

jdwilkin — 23 Apr 2005 9:08:03 GMT

looking for an orphanage to help

Lizzie Greer — 2 Dec 2004 1:29:55 GMT

Dear Indiana Board Members,

Lizzie Greer and Brittany Gunn are looking to make a donation to an orphanage in Indiana for a Church Christmas Project. We would like to know of an orphanage who is in need of our services. Please respond with a list of orphanages who would like our help by December 10,2004.

Thank you for your help,
Lizzie Greer and Brittany Gunn

INDIANAPOLIS ORPHANAGE

BRUCE SMITH — 16 Sep 2003 4:23:14 GMT

HI,DOES ANYONE OUT THERE KNOW THE NAME OF THE ORPHANAGE IN INDIANAPOLIS AROUND 1922. MY FATHER WAS OFTEN PUT THERE BY HIS MOTHER. HOW WOULD I BEABLE TO GET RECORDS ON HIM. I`M TRYING TO FIND OUT WHO HIS FATHER WAS. THANKS FOR ANY INFORMATION. BRUCE SMITH

indiana babtist home/Zionsville IND/1949-1951

myrtle mathews — 16 Sep 2000 12:20:06 GMT

I am looking to contact anyone that was in the home in those years , me and my brothers and sisters were there at that time,
EULA, ALICE AND ALBERT AND MYRTLE.

half brother

IGramal — 9 Sep 2004 3:20:23 GMT

Dennis Henry Ross born 1/21/1946. Mothers maiden name Bellinger, Virginia J. Fathers name Ross, Marvin married 7/5/1945 in County of Monterey, California

Orphanage/Childrens Homes in NH, Ind, and Mass.

JSasman — 17 Sep 2002 3:00:33 GMT

Rose Orphan Home- Vigo, Indiana

esping — 12 Oct 2003 2:58:47 GMT

Who were the parents of Hazel Harrison age 12 yrs, Eva Harrison age 10 yrs. and Ken Harrison age 8 years inmates of the Rose Orphan Home, Indiana in 1900? .

Samuel Smith

morganponies1 — 4 Oct 2004 5:25:17 GMT

Looking for any information about the orphans home in Westfield, Indiana. Samuel H. Smith was there prior to 1900. Was then taken out by the michael Orr family and listed as a 'servant' on the 1900 census in Hamilton co. He was 11 years old! Please email me if you have any information.

Knightstown Indiana Orphanges

ChristinaArnett — 19 Jul 2002 3:24:02 GMT

I am looking for any Orphanges in Indiana Area. I was told that my husbands Great-Great Grandfather was in a orphange in Knightstown, Indiana. Could anyone help me. Thanks. I live in Brazil Indiana

Julia E. Work Training School (Orphanage?) Marshall County, Indiana

kymconway1 — 16 Jan 2006 8:12:34 GMT

I think my great-grandfather might have been at the Julia E. Work Training School in Marshall County, Indiana, according to the 1910 census.

Does anyone know how I would obtain information or documents about children that were at this "Training School" or orphanage?

Please e-mail me at kymconway@yahoo.com

percentage

LIL locha — 9 Dec 2003 2:41:59 GMT

what are the percentage of orphanages

Mattingly's from Kentucky Indiana & Ohio

Lorraine — 16 Jan 2006 8:14:23 GMT

I was told that Mary Violett was brought up in an orphanage but they are unclear as to where is really was, they thought Canada. She later married a Carlos Mattingly in westen Kentucky then later moved to the Cincinnati Ohio area. Any info would really help my search for this lady.
Lorraine Mattingly

Searching for Adopted Cousin

jandpjackson — 16 Jan 2006 8:19:01 GMT

Searching for an adopted male. Placed for adoption through Bartholomew County Welfare Department March 30, 1953 in Bartholomew County, Columbus, Indiana and placed in the Frances Comfort Childrens Home in Columbus. Given name was James Thomas Testa, born March 25th, 1953 in Bartholomew County Hospital in Columbus, Indiana. His parents are now deceased and has family searching for him.

Dad's half brother

geo807 — 18 Oct 2002 1:46:47 GMT

I am trying to locate information on my dad's half brother. He was taken to Catholic orphanage in Indiana. He was born to George Washington Hanselman and Mollie May ( Simpson ) Hanselman. Mollie died around the time of his birth. His name may have been Claudy Clay.He was born around 1902. They were from Saline Co. in Illinois. His grandfathers name on his dad's side would have been Simon Hanselman

Searching for Stella's siblings

JoHogle — 7 Nov 2002 3:04:41 GMT

I am trying to help my friend (Barbara) locate her mother's biological siblings/family. The mother's biological parents were Polish and from the South Bend/Mishawaka area. Barb's mother (first name "Stella", last name uncertain but could sound something like "Straletski" or "Stirlinski") was placed in an orphanage/children's home along with her siblings in the early 30's - Stella was 3 or 4 years old at that time. Stella was later placed into foster care with a family from Warsaw, Indiana. Sometime in the 50's or late 60's the orphange had a fire and from what she has been told, all records were destroyed.

Barb has tried everything to locate her mother's birth family, and has had no luck - she has very little info to go on. An article about her mother's search was placed in the South Bend Tribune a few years ago, but even that didn't provide much help. The foster parents died many years ago, and there are no other foster children living that were in the home with Stella at that time. If anyone reading this has any suggestions, please contact Barb directly at dslaby01@sprynet.com (it would be greatly appreciated).

Thank you.

Searching for Harrison girls family

maarvin1 — 16 Jan 2006 8:18:25 GMT

Henrietta Harrison, daughter of William Henry & Lettie May Wilson Harrison and 2 of her sisters were placed in an orphanage in the Indianapolis area in the late 20's or early 30's. She was placed in a foster home in Greene Co. to Mrs Florence Miller. She married Alvin Fegan and they lived in Greene Co where I was born, later moving to Daviess Co and raising 4 more children.
I am looking for some info about the Harrison family. Her Grandparents were John Henry and Emma Ella Mae Richardson Harrison from the Indy or surrounding area.
Any info appreciated.

Adoption, Orphaned, Indianapolis Indiana

PAULAMETZLER — 16 Jan 2006 8:22:56 GMT

I am looking for my nephew, I don't know how to find out where childern have been adopted out to from any of the records and etc. So I keep posting messages hoping I will find him.
I was young when my sister had become preganant, she was too. I remember having to sit down in the car w/ my other sister. While she and my parents took her in to the the hospital to have the baby. I know she had a boy. I think this was in 1969. Maybe 1968??? I do know he was born on DEC 4th. ( I know it had to been before 1970) I know he was put up for adoption in a local orphanage. I have often thought of you and always hoped you were ok. Please write if you are him or one of his adopted family members. Or know how I can find out about Indiana records. He would be of age now, would this make any difference?

Carker

carlamack79 — 20 Sep 2002 6:34:50 GMT

My father was placed in the Florence Crittendon home when he was an infant. I have been having a great deal of difficulty tracing his family. If anyone has any information on William D. or Bertha Shefer Carker living or staying in South Bend Indiana around 1920 please send me the information. I don't want anything except to know my family. My father passed away in 1979, and I'm trying to continue what he started.
Thank you.

Re: Old Orphanages

paintedpony1 — 16 Jan 2006 8:26:50 GMT

My GGgrandmother was in a orphanage in Boston, Mass. in the 1800's. I have contacted those that I was told to contact and they said it had burnt to the ground with all the records. How do I go about seeing if there are still something around. I have checked everywhere on a Charles Tucker, married to Della Bartlett. Nothing..I have some information on the sisters, but there was a little brother, dont even know what his name was. Three of the sisters were dropped off in Delaware Co., Indiana, the brother, ??...any help would be appreciated if you could..thanks..Jenny from Indiana, Jay County.

Home for Feeble minded children, Indiana

ChristinaArnett — 9 Dec 2003 3:41:35 GMT

Hello i am looking for information. I found a newspaper clipping that said that the family of Thomas Bart Barnett and Theodoria Belle Barnett, 4 of the children was sent to a Orphanage and the other 2 children was sent to a place called the Home for feeble minded children in Knightstown Indiana in the 1910's, There was a girl, Catherine was around 13 yrs old and there was a boy age of 5 yrs old. If anyone could help me find out where these 2 children went. Any information would be wonderful. thanks so much,
Christina

Indiana Orphanages

bkcurtis962 — 21 May 2002 12:07:35 GMT

Looking for information on an orphanage in West Lafayette, IN where my father and his two siblings were placed after his father's death in 1922.

I seem to recall my father saying the orphanage burned down sometime after he left. I have vague memories of dad taking us to the site where the orphanage stood and describing his life there. It seems the orphanage stood atop a big hill, but this is very vague....

TracKINg Our Ancestors

Ken Curtis

KERTESZ/ASZMONGYA/TOTH/BARRICK/PENTEK

Rockport, Indiana Orphanage

Anita Hurst — 16 Jan 2006 8:25:00 GMT

Indiana Orphanages

Dennis Melton — 16 Jan 2006 8:25:51 GMT

I am trying to locate information on orphanages in Pike County Indiana or in that region. My grandfather was placed in one of these orphanages. The name I have is Bowles or Boles. My mother seems to think it is under the direction of the Church of Christ, and that there are in other areas.

If you have any informatin, please let me know.

Dennis Melton
Alvin, TX

Looking for GG mother and father

John E. Anderson — 19 Mar 2000 7:32:25 GMT

I am looking for name unknown Whitstien/whitstine
who was married to an Anderson in Southern Colorado.
after divorce or death of GGfather she placed
her children, my grandfather, John Edward Anderson and
sibs in an orphanage in Trinidad, Alamosa or Durango areas.
1 known G uncle is Arthur Anderson. Any help would be appreciated.