My mother and I have been trying to find out any history on our family past my grandfather, but, being that he was orphaned at around age 3, we are at a loss for information. Here is what we know, he and at least 6 other siblings were orphaned. (There is one other sibling who they lost track of, either to death or the confusion in the situation) 6 of the known siblings were sent to an orphanage, which he referred to as "a children's home", in what is now known as Wauwatosa, WI. It would have been around 1909. He had remembered that the matron's name was Miss Bankard.

We have no birth records, no death records of his parents. We are also searching Ellis Island records because my grandfather's parents were both Immigrants. But the variations on the family name are so wide it is murkey. Does anyone have any history on the orphanage that I am inquiring about? (some earlier entries look similar)

Also, my grandfather and the 4 siblings were later sent out into Minnesota by train, and adopted as farm hands by the German families who lived there. Thank you to those who have entered info on this website, that has clued me into trend of those times to do that.

Any related info and direction is appreciated.

Shelly