Genealogy Chat

Hi Jess...I have a G aunt born in 1894, Birmingham, she is listed on the 1901 census with her parents. Great nan was born in 1902 and did not know of her sister. I can't find any death record or marriage record and from what I can gather from family gossip the girl was sent/taken from their mum (possibly other sibling too)....could you please give me an idea of other avenues I can investigate to try and find her, your help is greatly appreciated... Louisa

Hi, Please excuse me for butting in. Official adoptions with paperwork did not exist until 1927 so it is very likely this was an informal arrangement, and unfortunately there will be no record. The girl may well have taken on the name of her new family so looking for a marriage will be tricky. Shje may have gone to a family member, or the local clergy or GP may have arranged for an unrelated arrangement. Sorry I cannot be more helpful. Liz

thanks Liz, I thought as much but wasn't sure when official adoptoins started. I guess I will have to wait for the 1911 census and see if she pops up. Fingers crossed Louisa

By the way, From the 1830s, an organisation called The Guardians of the Poor were responsible for the placing of the poor in workhouses, and as these were so overcrowded, children would often be fostered out for a small fee. Very few records have survived, and they are all fragmented so you will have to google the workhouse in the town or village and keep your fingers crossed. Liz

I tryed the workhouse but you guessed it, a fire destroyed all records for that time Louisa