I am seeking information about Rebecca, daughter of Finley Farster (died 1874) and his wife Elizabeth Schrecengost (died as Kerner in 1928). The 1880 census indicates she was adopted by Samuel and Lavina Hawk. There is a family connection to the Hawks via the Schrecengost and McAfoos lines, but I have been unable to locate any information about Rebecca after 1880. Were adoptions a formal thing back then and is there any place where those records might be available? Elizabeth was left with 6 children under the age of 11 when Finley died, but I am at a loss to understand how Rebecca seems to be the only one who was adopted. She was second youngest. Any assistance is certainly appreciated.