Orphanages in Illinois - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Re: FOUND: St. Joseph's Home of the Friendless-Illinois

yenisser46 — 2013-05-14 22:17:31Z

You might want to call the Archdiocese of Chicago which now owns the property located at 3525 S Lake Park Ave. Chicago, IL

You can contact the archives department:
Archdiocese of Chicago's Joseph Cardinal Bernardin

Archives & Records Center

711 West Monroe St.
Chicago, Illinois 60661

Tel. (312) 534-4400
Fax: (312) 831- 0610

General Inquiries: info@archchicago.org

Re: St. Joseph's Home of the Friendless-Illinois

yenisser46 — 2013-05-14 22:15:49Z

You can get infomation at:
Archdiocese of Chicago's Joseph Cardinal Bernardin

Archives & Records Center

711 West Monroe St.
Chicago, Illinois 60661

Tel. (312) 534-4400
Fax: (312) 831- 0610

General Inquiries: info@archchicago.org

Re: St. Joseph's Home of the Friendless-Illinois

yenisser46 — 2013-05-14 22:14:55Z

St. Joseph's home used to be on 35th and Lake park ave in chicago. Now the Archdiocese of Chicago owns it. You may see it at 3525 S Lake Park Ave. Chicago, IL 60653

Re: Lutheran Children's Receiving Home in Maywood

TimminsD — 2013-05-04 18:54:41Z

You would probably get more results if you titled the subject line Children's Receiving Home of Maywood, Illinois. I and my 3 siblings were there from Sep 46 to Sep 49. Yes it was Lutheran but the religion appeared nowhere in the title.

downs in danville

edward1982 — 2013-05-04 14:34:39Z

My great grandfather Russell Lee Downs was born 6/26/1913 in danville. I found a russ downs in a 1920 in a orphanage. I am trying to find his real parents any help would be appreciated

Re: Illinois Protestant Children's Home Chicago

smaplesowell — 2013-04-28 13:00:44Z

Nicholas Mallick: Someone who was in IPCH at same time as Henry (your father or grandfather?) recently contacted me. For contact info etc, please contact me directly at s-sowell@earthlink.net.
Thanks. s.sowell

Re: Lutheran Home for Children in Joliet, IL

camckennabarda — 2013-04-28 02:05:12Z

I was at the at the Joliet Lutheran Children's Home on Rowell Ave. I attended Thompson school, did you? Did you go by the name of Mickey?

Re: St. John's Orphanage in Belleville, ILL

tobycoymote — 2013-04-23 20:47:55Z

I see that your inquiry about St. John's hasn't brought in much information. My Mother and her 3 siblings lived there probably after the 1920s to 1930 range. It was quite a hard life as they recalled. The children had work duties before school, such as scrubbing floors, cleaning the stoves etc. The boys worked in the field...they may have had milk cows. They would harvest corn, climb ladders to the metal roof tops and lay the corn out to dry in the sun, to be used during the winter for food. They had Lentil soup everyday and only had a meat if the benefactors were paying a visit. It was a stict environment. Once a month the priest came for "whipping day", all the offenses during the month were listed and names were called to come forward for the punishment. My Uncle kept running away and hopping freight trains until he was found and returned. He was a regular for whipping day! They finally tied him to a tree outside for recess. My grandfather died and my grandmother couldn't feed them so she had to send them there. She did pay a small monthly fee for their keep.

Peoria St Vincent's born April 3 1957 adopted one month later looking for Alice Marie Johnson

UPSALDAY — 2013-04-02 17:26:34Z

Alice my birth mother has two other children when she had me she was 27 father was legally omitted on my birth certificate ....my adopted mother always said I was Of Norwegian decent. Please anybody that can help please !

Re: Guardian Angel Orphanage, Peoria, IL

UPSALDAY — 2013-04-02 17:10:45Z

I need help toooo any luck my sister n law is looking for her birth mother Alice Marie Johnson she was born in 1957 any advice!?!? Thanks!!! Tracy

Orphanage on the south side of Chicago,IL in the early 1900's

tootsie4jets — 2013-03-31 19:58:46Z

I am looking for information on Milo Loomis, Walter Earl Loomis, or OK Loomis, which were placed in an orphanage on the south side of Chicago, IL, around 1906-1910. Anyone have any idea how I could find a list of the Orphanages in that time period?

Re: FRIENDS: ST. Vincents home for children Freeport, IL 57-61

Cyndee22 — 2013-03-28 03:57:31Z

Just found your message, I think I remember you? Do you remember Mary Roit or Barbara Polk? I distinctly remember the play and especially the poems. I can still recite one, lol! Those were fab times, and I am thankful for them. Write again and thanks for the reply.

Re: Fetha children Angel Guardian Orphanage

SHuante — 2013-03-27 04:02:37Z

Hello, can you give me the range of years. We had 2 brothers by the name of Henning in the 1940's. Could this be a connection?

You can check with the Archdiocese of Chicago

We have a website for A.G.O. Alumni: http://www.angelguardianorphanage.com/ Scroll down to where it says "Enter the Halls of A.G.O." There you will find a link "Access your A.G.O. Records". That link will guide you to the proces of accessing the records of your family records. If you have any questions, my name & email address is at the bottom of almost every page.

Hope this helps!

Fetha children Angel Guardian Orphanage

mariecutts1 — 2013-03-25 02:41:17Z

Our grandmother's mother was Anna Fetha. We can find no documents on her, but the entire family lived in the Chicago area and we've found records of other children with the Fetha last name in the Angel Guardian Orphanage. She died when our grandmother was a baby, so we know nothing of her. Anna Fetha left the orphanage and married Christian Henning. They had a child, our grandmother, Ann Henning. Is there anyway to find out about her if she was there as a child? Not much to go on, I'm afraid.

Re: St Vincent Catholic Orphanage in Chicago, IL.

chrish355 — 2013-03-10 00:39:13Z

Try Catholic Charities in Chicago who has a lot of the records.

BURDE: Chicago > Halstead, KS > Mennonite Orphan Home

DeniseWranikMcLoughlin — 2013-03-05 22:14:48Z

I am trying to help a lady find a birth record/parents' names. Here is her letter to me: " I am trying to find the birth certificate of my grandmother. My mom is 91 1/2 yrs old and is curious about her real roots. Do you have anything on Herminna Burde. This is what was translated from her adopted father, David Schmidt, who wrote in the German script, (so it may not be an exact translation, actually it looks like" er" after the 2 n's,in Herminna, and the H looks more like a J with a curly q on the top?):
Herminna Burde born on 3rd of Feb 1898, Quincy, Illinois. On May 4, 1898 she was brought from the American Orphan Home finding Association (by Emma L. Nelson) Chicago, Ill. 167 Dearborn St. Room 712 to the Orphan Home, Halstead Kansas as commissioned by Rev. George Hoover, Supt., on the 20th of May 1898. Went to get the child from the Mennonite Orphan Home.
I would love to find a record of her birth parents."

Does anyone know where any of these records are archived?

Re: Orphanage in Andover, Illinois

m_cooper59 — 2013-03-03 13:44:47Z

you are correct about your infomation about the childrens home. It is a trucking company, but the Brick house where the director and family lived across the road and the big barn to the right of the where the 2 story main building is still standing. there is a memeorial stone on the corner with a plaque saying that this was the site of the Andover home for children.

Re: Orphanage in Andover, Illinois

m_cooper59 — 2013-03-03 13:37:57Z

I was just there yesterday, and took a few pictures. I lived there for 2 years and spent 2nd and 3rd grades there but dont know the specific years. I also took pictures of the school in Andover. I would be happy to share what information and the pictures I have.

Re: Guardian Angel Orphanage, Peoria, IL

dollhousedreams — 2013-03-01 14:35:37Z

My father was in the Guardian Angel Orphanage in Peoria sometime between 1928 and 1932. I would love to have more information. I do know his birth name was Michael Daley but when he was adopted his new parents changed it to Robert Phillip Burke. Any records?

Lincoln, Illinois Home For The Feeble Minded; State Institute

JeannieBrines — 2013-03-01 09:06:59Z

I have two great uncles that were placed in this institute in the 1930. Both were brothers, and both died very young in the home. Their names were Williams & his brother Alvin Williams both born in Troy, Il. Their parents were Italian immigrants. Both boys are buried on the grounds of the institute. Would love any info on them: j-brines@hotmail.com

Re: St. Vincent DePaul, Chicago, Illinois - Orphanage/Infant Home

nancycooney1031 — 2013-02-21 15:03:59Z

I wish you well in your search and hope that you have been able to contact St. Vincent's. I was adopted from St. Vincent's in 1953. It was known as St. Vincent's Hospital and Childrens Asylum. St. Vincent's was also referred to as a Hospital for Unwed Mothers. A woman could go to St. Vincent's and register to give her baby up for adoption some would reside in house and work at the Orphanage and Hospital, others would be placed in homes during their nine months and act as nannies and housekeepers. They would receive medical care each month and when they went into labor would deliver the baby at St. Vincent's., where it was immediately taken to the nursery and placed for adoption. The were unable to hold or see the baby but were allowed to give the baby a name which was usually changed by the adopting family.

I was lucky because my adopting family had the paperwork from my adoption and my mothers name was in the papers. I had contacted Catholic Charities and was told to send them my information and upon receiving my info. and request they would send me a form to fill out. I was told that there was very little information in the files from that time and that if they did find them the names of my parents would be blacked out. I never followed through because the form I received wanted to know about my adopting family and why they adopted me. Nothing to do with my request. Because of the paperwork my parents had was able to search for my mother a few years ago and now have another family to love. Good Luck with you search.

baby boy born Dec,, 1958, or Jan., 1959 to Audrey T. Becker

nancybessey — 2013-02-11 00:04:46Z

Searching for a baby boy possibly left at St. Vincent's Orphanage by Audrey Theresa Becker, living in Champaign, IL. She originally was from Willow City, ND. I am your half-sister, born 1956 and adopted in Kansas City, MO. Please contact me via message board.

Re: Angel Guardian Orphanage/Edwin L Barney

stegman724 — 2013-02-01 03:06:25Z

I hope you are still on Ancestry. My sister-in-law was originally born a Barney with her father listed as Edwin L Barney. He worked for the railroad. Some of his other children were Leola and Viola and Edwin Barney who passed away recently. I am guessing on the Anna Maclavey's last name. I think Edwin Jr lived in Crystal Lake, Ill for a time. I spoke with his wife about the background but that was so long ago. I wonder what dates you have for Edwin L Barney who was a railroad switchman. Who was his employer and did he have others by the time he retired as a rr detective. Do you know where Edwin Sr is buried and his date of death. My brothers children and grandchildren live in the south; one in Florida. I no nothing about AGO. But maybe that was the unpleasantness they eluded to. Hoping to hear from you. Judy

Re: Lutheran Home for Children in Joliet, IL

camckennabarda — 2013-01-26 20:44:42Z

I have information about the orphanage.

Does Anybody Remember This Little Orphan Girl?

amjonesblount54 — 2012-12-31 07:07:28Z

My mother-in-law was born at St. Vincent's Orphanage for unwed mother in Chicago, Il February 8, 1923. Her given name; I believe, after careful research was Katherine Harden. She later changed her name to Kathleen Monica Harding, by the time she was 12 years old. She may have lived at 3329 Giles Street, Chicago,IL If anyone have any information about this person's birth or biological parents or what may have happen to her in the space of her birth at St Vincent's until she was 7 plus years old, and she got to the house on Giles Street in Chicago, Il She also lived in this foster home with about 8 or 9 other children. Whatever information you may have would be greatly appreciated Thank you. Annette M. Blount

Query

maria_monreal31 — 2012-12-30 03:44:25Z

My name is Jeffrey Thomas Joseph Gaull, i was born on 11-11-55
in Meoskegan,MI. I was put up for adoption at St. Vincents Orphanage, in Chicago. I would like to get in contact with my biological parents. If you have any info, i would greatly like to hear from you. Thanks

Re: Orphanages near Aurora, IL in 1918

Squinno45 — 2012-12-29 16:07:37Z

i was surching for norweigan lutheran childrens orphanage it is in cook county chicago area. when i type the name i come up with the name and the counties it was moved to but no address. the first one was burnt to the ground then they had to move. then the last place was norweigan luther church. I hope this helps.

Re: FOUND: St. Joseph's Home of the Friendless-Illinois

J3454 — 2012-12-23 23:21:33Z

I had a very good friend who lived at St.Joseph orphanage and was moved to a foster home in about 1966 or 67. His name was Mark Sheehan now deceased but his son is looking for any info about hid dad and just had questions about what it was like at the school since he really never had a chance to discuss it before his father died? Any info please call me Jack 800-443-4112 ext 222.
Thanks

Re: FOUND: St. Joseph's Home of the Friendless-Illinois

J3454 — 2012-12-23 23:21:31Z

Orphange near Rockford

memerobbins — 2012-12-08 18:41:15Z

I am looking for any information on a Peter born 1936/1938 in Illinois who was adopted by the Wegner family in Rockford. He is deceased now, but a child with health problems of his needs to know. If anyone who was in Illinois orphange and remembers a Peter, please help. I found them on the 1940 census. He did not know he was adopted till later in life. Thank you,

Re: FRIENDS: ST. Vincents home for children Freeport, IL 57-61

Cyndee22 — 2012-12-01 23:43:36Z

Thanks for the reply, but I'm sorry I don't recall you. I do however remember the rehearsals for the productions Sister Blanda and Sister Elanor use to have us do. Many times the Bishop would come. The was a lady that was very special being Ethal Grosehaunt who was a politicizing, who helped get the dresses we wore all 40 of us dressed the same. One other big event was going to see Mary Poppins with Sister Elanor and Sister Blanda.

I''m glad you have fond memories too.

As always,

Cyndee

Re: FRIENDS: ST. Vincents home for children Freeport, IL 57-61

debreiling — 2012-12-01 15:44:17Z

my favorite was sister blanda :)

Re: FRIENDS: ST. Vincents home for children Freeport, IL 57-61

debreiling — 2012-12-01 15:29:27Z

hello,i just recieved your message, and yes i do remember marlene,darlene,annette and lynette, small world huh ;)
i live in florida and do tile work,i often think about those st.vincent days and the girls i met and shared a dorm with.do you remember shelly quinby? I am the one that the triplets use to call woody:0 Do you remember the plays we use to do,i am the one that use to have to recite the poems seems like a life time ago...hopefully this gets to you sooner than it did me hope to hear from you soon

Re: FRIENDS: ST. Vincents home for children Freeport, IL 57-61

Cyndee22 — 2012-11-29 23:49:36Z

Dear Debbie,

Although, I don't recall your name my sister Denise (Hank) and I were at St. Vincent's during the time you were. I recently seen that Julie Gratton and Sherry posted something, do you remember them. Some other girls were, Barbara Polk, Tripletts, Marlene, Darlene, Annette and Lynette (two sets of twins in the same family. Mary Roit, Gloria Patton and Debbie.

Re: Illinois Institute for Feeble Minded Children, Lincoln City IL

benobrac1 — 2012-11-21 14:08:36Z

According to my grandmother, her brother (and my great uncle) Inell (or Inel) Bolden, may have been placed in this institution.

Inell was born on or around 1918, and according to my grandmother was placed in this facility when he was 19 or 20 (which would be sometime in the 1930's).

My grandmother tells me that the midwife did not tie his umblical cord until a day after he was born and therefore he lost a tremendous amount of blood. (Sounds weird to me but I am no doctor and who knows how they performed births 100 years or so ago).

Anyway, my grandmother states that because of this loss of blood, Inell was never mentally "right." She stated that he would pound his head against walls and scratch his face and head continiously until he was bloodied. After taking him to numerous doctors, my grandmother stated that her parents were told to take him to this facility were he eventually died a few years after being there. We will never know Inell's true diagnosis as it could have been something simplistic (or maybe not)?

My grandmother is now 98 years old and not in the best health. She has asked me numerous times over the past few years if I could find out were brother Inell is buried (apparently there was no funeral and the insitution simply buried him somewhere and never informed the family).

This is a tough task but if anyone can help me get started on this I would surely appreciate it. My name is Renatto Carr and feel free to email me here or at von244@aol.com.

Re: Marks Nathan Jewish Orphanage

mapple8402 — 2012-11-18 21:48:22Z

My mom and aunt, identical twins BEVERLY and BARBARA DORFMAN, were at Marks Nathan from 1929 to approx. 1945. They are no longer with us but over the years they have shared many stories with their families about their experiences. If anyone remembers them or has stories they can share, please post them. My sisters and cousins would love to hear them. Thanks, Marty Apple

Re: Marks Nathan Jewish Orphanage Home (Chicago, Illinois)

mapple8402 — 2012-11-18 21:45:33Z

Re: Orphanages near Aurora, IL in 1918

brcll — 2012-11-06 00:30:24Z

There is/was an orphanage in Aurora, don't know the name or how it functioned.
Six miles north is Mooseheart, the Child City, which still funtions. It was started as a home for children of deceased Moose members. Bob Zieniger runs the museum. Call the campus to get connected to the museum.

orphanage

carolrichards92 — 2012-11-02 13:33:55Z

Nachusa Lee Illinois Lutheran Orphanage.Both my granmothers brothers 2 boys were there in 1930.Any one know why was it a money thing.

McLemore

JacquelineMickoSims — 2012-10-06 06:04:14Z

I have 2 aunts that were put into the home. There names at birth were Betty and Thelma. Thelma was born in 1928 to Carrie and Robert McLemore. Betty was born in 1925. Both were born in Springfiels, Illinois. Both were adopted. Betty was adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Hall from Athens and Thelma was adopted by a family in Chicago at 3 yrs old.

adoption

pattjc1948 — 2012-10-06 01:57:06Z

I was born on March 17, 1948 to a lady known as Virigina Rosinski at the st. Vincent ophanage, Chicago, Illinois, I was adopted by Mr. & Mrs Henry Jasinski? I would like to find out if my biological is still alive?

Re: Orphanage in Andover, Illinois

maycreekzoo — 2012-10-03 19:02:56Z

I wish I could help you more. The only other thing I can think of is that you contact the local historical society as they may know where the records from the school are located. The local library may know also. I have found librarians to be very helpful. And I highly recommend that you call or email the historical society and the library rather than write a letter.
Carol

Re: Orphanage in Andover, Illinois

hartmant32 — 2012-10-03 09:43:38Z

Carol thank for the additional information. I actually was from Rock Island Illinois and was sent there by my father in the 50's I beleive. I attended the school in Andover but do not remember the name of the school. At the time I was there one did not have to be an orphan. My father moved me around different places such as foster care and the orphanage to not have the responsibility of taking care of his sons. My brother was sent to a military academy of which I do not know where. He was eight years my senior. The house mother's daughter at the orphange when I was there was my teacher for spanish when I was in the Peace Corps many years later. I remember one of the boys that was there in my dorm which was bullied alot as he was smaller then I and had a deformaty which sad to say deverted the attention of me. I have mixed feelings of the orphange and this is coming out as I write my book. Any other assistance would me appreciated. Thanks

Re: Orphanage in Andover, Illinois

maycreekzoo — 2012-10-03 02:53:43Z

Well,
It was my uncle who was in there for a short period of time in the 1940s. He passed away last year. There should be court records that you could access. Since the records are about you personally, there should be no problem in getting your hands on them. You will have to find out which court in the area you lived in has "orphan records". Some places even had Orphan Courts. Have you seen the information about Andover Orphange on the internet. I found quite a bit more than I thought I would.
Carol

Re: Orphanage in Andover, Illinois

hartmant32 — 2012-10-02 22:42:03Z

I attended the orphange in the 50's. I am currently writing a book about my life and am trying to locate the exact time I attended the orphange. Please advise.

Re: Illinois Protestant Children's Home Chicago

nicholasmallick1 — 2012-09-28 19:13:46Z

Hello My name is Nicholas Mallick. i am sry to jump into this conversation late but i was wondering if you knew a Henry Mallick. he was in the home in the 40's. i would really apprecriate any information.

orphanage in danville, il

edward1982 — 2012-09-28 00:37:54Z

I believe that my great grandfather was an oprhan in danville, il. I have found his name in the 1920 census in an orphanage/childerens home. I was wondering if anyone knows how i may be aboe to find out who his birth parents are. His name is Russel Downs it shows in the 1920 census as Russel Down. I know he was born in that area and was orphaned but never adopted.

Re: St. Joseph's Home of the Friendless-Illinois

conniesexauer — 2012-09-25 03:32:22Z

This is a long process. I am still researching. It will be at least a few years down the road until a book is completed. Thanks for your interest.

Connie F. Sexauer

Re: St. Joseph's Home of the Friendless-Illinois

Eileendonn — 2012-09-25 01:28:37Z

Did you write the book? I'd be interested. My mother was adapted from there in 1914 or 1915.

Re: St. Vincent DePaul, Chicago, Illinois - Orphanage/Infant Home

kms6222 — 2012-08-14 20:37:53Z

How do you get a hold of the Catholic Charities Archive Center? I have been calling the Chicago phone numbers for the Archdiocese, but keep getting transferred again and again. i live in Idaho and trying to find out information for my husband who was at the orphange in the early 1950's. Any informatipon would be greatly appreciated