Orphanages in North Carolina - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Re: NC Orphanage 1940's

myapp1 — 2013-05-18 12:39:00Z

I too am looking for the orphanage that my father lived in but he can't remember the state where it was. If you could look to see if there was a boy born around 1937 last name Walford or a similar spelling I would greatly appreciate it.

Re: Falcon Childrens Home Falcon/Godwin NC

mydisney02 — 2013-02-21 04:16:00Z

I did but the records were not complete. They have a reunion every year for all who have stayed there. The employee I talked to said that looking at some of the old photos that they have and talking to some of the older people at the reunion was my best chance at finding information. It was during a hard time in America and I was told that so many kids were taken there it was impossible to keep records on all of them. I later found that my grandmother was transferred to an orphanage in the mountains of North Carolina. Hope this helps a little in your search, good luck.

Re: Falcon Childrens Home Falcon/Godwin NC

Taylormadename — 2013-02-20 19:00:46Z

I was wondering if you ever found any information. I am also looking for information.

I have a descendant who was there in the 1920 and 1930 census, but aged out soon after.

Re: NC Orphanage 1920

Dowless — 2013-02-13 00:15:31Z

I would like to talk with someone - may have to just do a general search for the NC history of this period. My great grandparents may have also died from the flu, and this would have been in about 1914-16 during WWI and times were tough. Most people had to grow their own food in the south, unlike the industrial north, and they couldn't take on another person. If I ever come across information I'll let you know, good luck hunting. Beth

Re: NC Orphanage 1920

jloyprice — 2013-02-12 17:52:23Z

Sorry I don't have any information for you but I too am wondering why my grandmother and her brother were put in an orphanage. They were from Johnston County, North Carolina and lost both parents to influenza in 1917. They were both put in a home despite the fact that half of the farms in the township and neighboring townships had both their father's surname and their mother's maiden name. I can't imagine why they weren't taken in. It was difficult for me to track them at first because my grandmother's maiden name was Maiden (at birth) but the orphanage for some reason changed it to Maydon!

Re: Nazareth Orphans' Home 1906-1956

drcollinge — 2013-02-03 22:23:13Z

My birth name was Joyce Johnson. I was adopted in 1956 from an orphanage in Richmond. My birthdate is 1/30/56. My mother was 17 but I don't know her name. If you could try to find any information I would greatly appreciate it!

Orphanages Near Salisbury, NC between 1915 and 1960

beachlvr0810 — 2012-12-27 18:37:10Z

Hi...I'm searching for my husband's Neely relatives. We were told two of his great grandfather's baby sisters were sent to an orphanage near Salisbury after his great grandmother Bessie died and left his great grandfather with 5 children. The youngest baby girl was born in 1915 and I'm pretty sure Bessie died around 1916. Any help you can give me will be greatly appreciated before we drive down to NC in search of the Neely family.

Thanks so very much!
Cindy Orange Neely

Helen M Hood

meldav03 — 2012-11-19 21:14:31Z

I'm looking for information on Helen M Hood (b 1898 in NC) or her sister Mildred Hood (b 1894 in NC). They're listed in the 1900 Federal Census as living with their parents, Florance (Florence) M & William Hood. William was remarried in 1908 and their daughters (Helen and Mildred) are shown to be living in the Methodist Children's Orphanage in the 1910 census. I cannot find any information on Florance after 1900 so I don't know if she died or they divorced, maiden name may be Griffis.

Re: Nazareth Orphans' Home 1906-1956

Billy_bythesea — 2012-09-06 05:31:28Z

The Gainey children were from Johnston/Sampson counties. They lived in the Banner-Bensonville area with their mother until she died. The other set of grandparents living were the Weavers in that area.

Thanks again for any replies.
Pamela

Re: Nazareth Orphans' Home 1906-1956

Billy_bythesea — 2012-09-06 05:15:41Z

I am looking for Gainey children who were put in an orphanage in 1920. There were 7 children. My grandfather was Joe F Gainey age 6. Their mother died in late 1920 and their father didn't want to raise them. They found each other when they were in their 40s, but no one discussed what orphanage they were in. The younger children must have been adopted and names changed. As a family we need to know what happened. My grandfather is deceased and there is no one left to ask. Please contact me at:
artist-bythesea@hotmail.com

Thank you, Pamela

Re: Methodist Orphanage in Raleigh, NC

gunter39 — 2012-04-28 19:00:32Z

I AM SEARCHING FOR BIRTH HE WAS BORN IN LEE COUNTY NC IN 1913 NAME CHARLIE RICHARD GUNTER WIFE DOVIE MOLENE DURHAM BORN 1914 MY NAME CHARLES WALKER GUNTER

Re: Orphanage near Lenoir Co., NC-1912?

gibson102 — 2012-03-06 22:20:06Z

North Carolina Orphanages

Prior to the Civil War, North Carolina law dealt with destitute orphans by placing them in the county poorhouse or "indenture" to learn a trade. Orphan Asylum Societies were established in North Carolina in early 1800's. The Female Orphan Asylum of Fayetteville was established in 1813. They are believed to be "short Lived"
Following the Civil War many children were orphaned and destitute. In 1868, The Constitution of North Carolina provided for the establishment of orphan houses to care for, educate, and teach a business or trade to destitute orphans. The Indenture system "apprenticeship" continued until the early twentieth century.
The First Orphanage: The Oxford Masonic Orphanage in Oxford, was established in 1873 by John Mills and occupied the abandoned Masonic, St. John’s College. It was the sole orphanage in North Carolina until 1885.
The Second Orphanage: Mills resigned from the Oxford Masonic Orphanage and Established the first North Carolina Baptist orphanage in 1885 on an eighty-acre parcel (later 100 acres) near Thomasville, Davidson County. At some point it became "The Mills Home". By 1912 "Mills Home" housed over four hundred (400) orphans.
The Third Orphanage: The Colored Oxford Orphan Asylum in Oxford opened in 1883. Currently Central Children’s Home of North Carolina
By 1899 There were ten fraternal, denominational, and county-maintained orphanages operated in the state;
In 1929 there were thirty (30) in operation. Among the largest in 1929 were:
1. The Children’s Home of Winston-Salem, founded in 1909 on the 212-acre site of the Davis military academy
2. The Catholic Orphanage of North Carolina (Nazareth House), established on a farm near Raleigh in 1902
3. Elon Home for Children, Elon, established in 1909 on 111 acres
4. Falcon Children’s Home, Falcon, established in 1909
5. Junior Order of the United American Mechanics (UAM) Orphan’s Home, Lexington, established in 1924
6. Methodist Home for Children, Raleigh, established in 1900 on forty-five acres
7. The Thompson Children’s Home, Charlotte, established in 1886.
8. The Kennedy House, Kinston, Lenoir County established 1912-1920 on 1,240 acres
While referrals to the orphanages often came through churches, children in need were accepted with no restrictions.
Orphanage staffs were led by a superintendent, generally a minister for religious institutions. His wife often served as the chief matron. Most staff lived on campus, Houseparents in the cottages with the children and the Superintendent in his own house. Houseparents ate with the students either in the cottages or in a central dining room. In 1920s earlier restrictions that children be full orphans "lost both parents" gives way to acceptance of half orphans or children from broken homes. In the 1930s admission of babies came under criticism. In response, children of less than school age were generally no longer admitted. By 1950 the Mills Home in Thomasville and the Kennedy Home, Kinston cared for 522 children of whom, only 84 were full orphans.
North Carolina Historic Orphanages: some have closed, others have moved to new locations. Nazareth Orphanage and the Methodist Home in Raleigh have closed. The Elon Home for Children has become Elon University. The Kennedy Memorial Home, the Mills Home, Oxford Orphanage, the Central Children’s Home of North Carolina in Oxford and the Junior Order UAM Home (now American Children’s Home) remain open on their original campuses. The Thompson Children’s Home in Charlotte has moved to a rural campus.

Re: Nazareth Orphans' Home 1906-1956

clgregg8 — 2011-10-17 02:00:37Z

...Davidson and Mecklenburg Counties

Nazareth Orphans' Home 1906-1956

clgregg8 — 2011-10-17 01:58:53Z

I have a book about this orphanage. It contains a history including names of children who lived there, "received" and "dismissed" dates, whether father, mother, both or neither parent is deceased. According to the text, the list is likely incomplete. There are also names and photos of people who worked there and several group photos of children. Admissions were from: Rowan, Cabarrus, Catawba, Guilford, Alamance, Richmond, Forsyth, Stanly, Davie, Gaston, Cleveland, Caldwell, Randolph, Martin, Madison, Iredell and Pitt Counties as well as and 6 from Virginia and 2 from Florida. There are too many names listed to mention here, but I would be glad to look up a name if requested.

Re: NC Orphanage 1940's

clgregg8 — 2011-10-17 01:03:21Z

I have a book entitled Nazareth Orphan's Home Golden Anniversary 1906-1956. It indicates that the home had a farm where the orphans worked. Contains a list of orphans names, the period of time they lived there and if parents were deceased. The list of names is too long to scribe, but I will look up a name for you.

Garst family members

JonathanHansen71 — 2011-08-05 03:55:52Z

My mother's maiden name was Garst, born Johnson City, TN
Her father, Sanford Garst and his brother Lawrence were placed in Grandfather orphanage as young children, by their father. Possibly Albert or Alfred was his name. They were probably born in Johnson City, TN. I believe they were related to Charlie and Laura Cash. Can supply additional details if anyone responds

Re: Trying to find relatives for Robert/Bobby Loomis or Robert/Bobby Aldrich, NC Orphanage

rennhinton — 2011-06-30 01:16:24Z

I may have a lead....Hilda Jean Johnson Loomis Aldrich is the daughter of Tempie Esker Bailey, granddaughter of Delia Hill, great-granddaughter of Tempy Ann Stancil...I have been trying to locate Hilda Jean. You may contact me.

rennhinton@bellsouth.net

looking for Betsy

morrissylvia61 — 2011-04-02 04:16:55Z

my sister is looking for an old friend of hers who was once a residence of the Oxford Orphanage in Oxford. Her name was Betsy Bryant and believed to be 62-64 years. Any information will be appreciated. She lived in Windsor, N.C. for a short time and attended W.S.Etheridge School.

NC Orphanage 1920

Dowless — 2011-03-16 03:04:30Z

Looking for info on Orphanages in the Greensboro NC area. My grandfather Bynum Hargis Phillips b. 1906 and his brother Palmer T. Phillips were put in the orphanage about 1910 until 1924 - 1928. There parents were Palmer Thomas Phillips b. 1878 and wife Corrina Hargis Phillips were originally from Chatham County. Later their grandfather Bryan Phillips died Feb 11, 1922 and was buried in Greensboro, NC on Feb 12, 1922. So the boys had family in the area. Trying to find out why they were put in orphanage. Thanks for any leads. Beth

Re: Trying to find relatives for Robert/Bobby Loomis or Robert/Bobby Aldrich, NC Orphanage

dsparish — 2010-08-19 23:50:08Z

Trying to find Hilda Jean Johnson Loomis born between 1936 and 1938.

Re: Elhanan Orphanage, McDowell Co., NC 1900

nbr2daughter — 2010-08-19 01:43:57Z

Hey Fran,
Thanks for the response, if I find anything regarding the orphanage records, I wil let you know. Take care, Robin Brooks

nbr2daughter@yahoo.com

Re: Elhanan Orphanage, McDowell Co., NC 1900

fransatterfield — 2010-08-19 00:44:32Z

Unfortunately, I was unable to find any orphan records. I believe they were lost in the fire that destroyed Elhanan. The library in Marion, McDowell County, NC might have a small amount on info on Elhanan. My email address is satts123@sc.rr.com. Send me your email address and I'll keep it on file in case I come across anything else.
Good luck to you, too.
Fran

Re: Elhanan Orphanage, McDowell Co., NC 1900

nbr2daughter — 2010-08-18 21:45:16Z

My grandfather Stanley Thomas Brooks was placed in this orphanage as a young boy. He was born in McDowell N.C. in 3 March 1897. He later moved to Pickens, South Carolina. His father's name may have been Jason with brothers James and John, not sure if Brooks was his correct last name as we think his father placed him there because he was running from the law. Do you have any records from this orphanage or information on how to get the records? Thank you and good luck to you in your search. Robin Brooks

Looking for Luolla Waddell in Raleigh Methodist Orphanage, NC in 1910+years

shirleybum — 2010-05-01 19:23:21Z

This Luolla Waddell may be my great-aunt Luola/Lullu/Luller Waddell. In the 1910 Census, she dropped out of the family. Luola M. Waddell (age 3) was on the 1900 census living with her parents James and Laura Waddell and two siblings. Luolla, as well as Laura Waddell and other children, may have been on two census in 1910 (dated at different times). On 1910 Census, dated Apr 1910, Luola/Lullu/Luller (age 12)is living with her widowed mom, Laura, and now three siblings in Lee County, NC. On 1910 Census, dated Apr 1910, Luolla (age 12)is living in the Raleigh Methodist Orphanage. The 1910 Census, dated in May, shows also where the widowed Laura Waddell and three of the children went to live with Laura's parents, Calvin H. (Hawkin) and Martha Pattishall, also in Lee County, NC. Luola/Lullu/Luller did not move with her family to the grandparents and that is why I think Luolla Waddell in the Raleigh Methodist Orphange may be my great-aunt Luola/Lullu/Luller Waddell. Both 1910 Census show Laura Waddell having four live children. I would like any information on Luolla Waddell in Raleigh Methodist Orphanage in 1910+ years so I can determine if she is my relative. Thank you, Shirley

Re: Orphanage near Lenoir Co., NC-1912?

lindabyington188 — 2010-01-10 14:43:57Z

The Oxford Children's Orphanage annual reports for 1900, 1908 and 1938 are available online, complete with the names of children living there. Good luck! My grandmother and her siblings were also in an orphanage in N.C. There surname was Bass. If you should run into them, please let me know.

Falcon Childrens Home Falcon/Godwin NC

mydisney02 — 2009-06-07 20:42:09Z

I am looking for any information one might could give me on this facility. Specifically anyone who might have known someone who was there in the 1930's or early 1940's. Looking for information on a Joyce Helen West who was there all of her childhood. Thanks

stuffed animals

debbiemoessner — 2008-10-27 09:51:15Z

I work at a local cleaners in Raleigh and acquired several bags of beautiful stuffed animals that are clean and ready for a loving child. Some run on batteries and some are just cuddly. There are all different kinds of animals and they are clean and ready for a child. Can you help me locate some loving children that can take them?
Thanks
Debbie

Black Mountain Presbyterian Children's Home (North Carolina)

hdwc29301 — 2007-12-17 12:53:12Z

My Grandfather James Pless Wallace was born in 1918 and was placed in the cildren's home at 3 days old. He was removed from the home and later returned. He graduated high school still living there. The records were lost in a fire in the 30's I think. I am trying to find anyone who can help me.

Economy Home for Motherless Children

spaulding11 — 2007-10-18 02:24:59Z

Between Years 1918 and 1928 in Shelby, Kings Mountain, NC

Grandfather Orphanage NC

sherrieyow4793 — 2007-07-31 18:51:58Z

Lookinf for information on Billie Taylor.He is listed on the 1930 cencus at age 14.Possible sister Kathleen Taylor age 10.Billie is possibly my grandfather.

Orphanages in or near Hickory, NC?

bradray_1 — 2006-12-17 03:56:00Z

Hello. I'm trying to find an orphanange that is in or near Hickory NC. It would be in Catawba County. My grandmother is from an orphanage and that is about all I know of where she came from. Her name was Catherine Flannigan/Flanagan and she was born in 1903. Any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

Re: Whitaker Chapel Cemetery in Enfield NC

2006-10-08 06:54:01Z

You're correct Reg, I did post to your site in error. Thanks for letting me know. Judy

Re: Whitaker Chapel Cemetery in Enfield NC

RegNMINiles — 2006-10-08 05:08:14Z

Of course, you are welcome on this board, but it is for Orphanages in North Carolina, and you may have posted here by accident.

Reg Niles

Whitaker Chapel Cemetery in Enfield NC

2006-10-03 19:38:04Z

There is supposed to have been an old "drawing" showing location of graves in Whitaker Chapel Cemetery. The online list interments came from an old ledger. Might anyone know anything about this drawing? Cary W., thanks for your input.

Re: Tate Children staying in a Childerns Home in North Carolina

romogree — 2006-09-22 01:01:52Z

Hi, I was in the Children's home in Winston Salem, North Carolina. Helen Tate sounds familiar. They are located on Reynolda Road in Winston Salem, NC, but they have a different name now. You can contact them at the adm building on the main campus. Hope this helps.

Oxford Children's Home

lisabsmith1 — 2006-08-26 22:00:40Z

I'm looking for any info at all I can get on my father who was adopted. He was adopted from what was the Oxford Children's Home. Although he has his birth cert. and is has his mother's name, I am getting nowhere fast. He was born in 1934 and was adopted, I think by the time he was 5 or so. His name after adoption was Robert L. Brooks, Jr. but I have no way of knowing his birth name if any. His mother's name was Mary Lee and I think she was from around Chester SC. Thanks.

Re: Orphanages, jewish orphans and my great grandmother.....

RegNMINiles — 2006-07-29 20:44:17Z

Info on Orphanages around Thomasville, NC

debgush — 2006-05-26 20:32:59Z

Re: Goldsborough North Carolina Orphanage

sabrinataylor1 — 2006-01-19 19:39:48Z

Re: Orphanage near Lenoir Co., NC-1912?

Joanne_Gaudio — 2005-08-30 21:21:56Z

Re: Orphanage near Lenoir Co., NC-1912?

RegNMINiles — 2005-08-18 03:28:04Z

Orphanages, jewish orphans and my great grandmother.....

2005-08-09 18:10:42Z

Hello, my great grandmother on my mother's side.... was named Lena. Lena B. Swift...... apparently there was a divorce of some sort in the family by her mother....anyway..... there was a long time period between Lena's mother being married and having children.....like 7 or 8 years ..... so I'm suspecting Lena may have been adopted...and that she was Jewish.....so does anyone know about the Jewish population in Guildford County, North Carolina......Im' thinking that she was taken from a children's home or orphan changed and her name changed to something more English...... to fit in with the family..............and I was wondering does anyone know of any children's homes around Guildford County? That's where the register was taken... if you have any information on Lena Belle Swift that would be great :) Thanks so much :)

Re: Methodist Orphanage in Raleigh, NC

2005-08-08 20:17:13Z

replying to request. I lived in the methodist home for children from aug 1966 to Dec 1969.

Re: Trying to find relatives for Robert/Bobby Loomis or Robert/Bobby Aldrich, NC Orphanage

RegNMINiles — 2005-07-20 05:08:18Z

Re: Orphanage near Lenoir Co., NC-1912?

RegNMINiles — 2005-07-20 04:52:34Z

I'm not an expert on North Carolina research, so I can't help answer a question involving "near Lenoir Co." But I was able to check each city and town in the 1982 book titled, "Adoption Agencies, Orphanages and Maternity Homes--An Historical Directory." Each city and town has its county specified.

Only one entry in this state was in (not near) Lenoir County: Kennedy Home, in Kinston, NC. In 1977 it was called The Kennedy Home of the Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina, Inc. The book says it opened in 1914, which is after the year mentioned in your query. The Kennedy Home was a branch of the Mills Home in Thomasville.

Your grandfather should be listed in the federal census of 1920, which was indexed by name under the Soundex system. Perhaps it shows the name of the orphanage.

Reg Niles

Re: looking for brothers

RegNMINiles — 2005-07-20 04:26:14Z

There was a Thompson Orphanage listed in 1977 : on Margaret Wallace Road, Charlotte, NC 28212. It was established by the Protestant Episcopal Church.

The boys' names and ages would be listed in the federal census of 1950, but that will be kept confidential for 72 years.

Names, cities, and sometimes ages---of living persons are to be found at :

http://www.people-finders.ws

Reg Niles

looking for brothers

2005-04-17 04:07:00Z

Looking for two brothers in home in NC late 1940's early 1950,
Would be about age 57-60 now Robert oldest James 2 or 3 years younger . Birth name Brock. One was in Rex hospital for a short time. Home was near there, maybe. Thompson home?

orphanages in mid-1800's

LoisChandler56 — 2005-03-20 21:13:36Z

Can anyone tell me what orphanages were in existence, if any, in the mid-1800's in North Carolina? I'm especially interested in the Eastern half of the state. Thank you. Lois

Tate Children staying in a Childerns Home in North Carolina

2004-11-13 18:47:53Z

I am looking for the childrens home where they may
have stayed . their names are Glenn Tate, Jimmy Tate,
jeannette Tate, Sue Tate, and Helen Tate.. If anyone can
tell me where the Childrens Home might have been in
1940;s and 1950's . It will be appreciated. Thanks for
any information anyone can give me. Please Help.
Their parents were Kelly Matt and Gretrude Lail
Tate . Thanks again, Fran

Methodist Orphanage in Raleigh, NC

lastoften — 2004-09-01 03:44:19Z

I am interested in hearing from anyone who lived in the Methodist Home for Children in Raleigh, NC. My mother and some of her siblings lived there. They were Smith's. My mothers name was Jane Thomas Smith. Thanks for your time. It is much appreciated.