Orphanages in New Hampshire - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Orphan boy from Milton, NH born 1837

annebrewer1 — 2013-04-23 20:42:37Z

I have traced my GG maternal grandfather to his birth in 12 Dec 1837 in Milton, Strafford, New Hampshire, United States. He was adopted by the Peter and Adah Elder Family of Windham, Cumberland, Maine, United States at about 5 years of age. He was born J Edwin Smith, from what I can tell (other published info) although I've found no birth certificate to date.

The Elder family adopted a number of children from various locations during their lifetime as Mrs. Elder could bear no children.

My question is does anyone have any recommendations on how to pursue discovering his parentage and/or origins prior to his adoption?

Thank you.

Re: manchester childrens home

susandianehassen187 — 2013-03-17 04:51:53Z

Hi Carol,

i am aware that orphanges weren't great

my name is Pam....an adopted child.

I also am not up this late....

do you still talk with your aunt in Michigan?

could you ask her if she knew anyone named arlene,david,ray,fred ,or Judy hassen,they are all deceased brothers and sisters...

enjoying correspondance also,but looking to see if any one knew the hassen family . you enjoy the weekend also.

Re: manchester childrens home

melssugarplum — 2013-03-17 03:53:03Z

My mom was there in 1940, and they were not aware they were classified as inmates, as a matter of fact, when I showed that to my mom last year she got quite upset.

Re: manchester childrens home

melssugarplum — 2013-03-17 03:50:42Z

Hi, My name is Carol, and I was born in Mass. There is only 1 sibling alive, my aunt in Michigan. I'm not sure why the kids were split up, according to my mom, the orphange wasn't exactly a great place back then. enjoying our correspondance , have a good weekend

Re: manchester childrens home

susandianehassen187 — 2013-03-16 18:58:42Z

thank you, are your mothers siblings still alive?

why were the children separated?

were you born in NH

Re: manchester childrens home

susandianehassen187 — 2013-03-16 18:12:54Z

your name is Judith right?,i thought it was you who lived in the orphanage.....sad that your mom is gone,mine is also,now trying to see who may have known her and her siblings.

are any of your moms siblings alive?...and why were brothers and sisters separated?

were you born in New Hampshire?
thanks for replying.
thanks for answering.

Re: manchester childrens home

melssugarplum — 2013-03-16 17:48:53Z

My mom was Annie and she lived at the Machester Childrens Home from around 1933 to about 1947 I believe, unfortunately my mom passed away this last June, so her major info went with her. I do know her sister Madeline and brothers Robert and Jimmie were there too, but they were mostly kept apart. I live in Tucson ,Az. Their last name was Johnson.

Re: manchester childrens home

susandianehassen187 — 2013-03-15 23:57:50Z

hi.....
i am from dover,nh i did not live at the orphanage,i beleive my mother and her siblings may have. it would be from 1945-to 1955 they may have been there. thanks so much if you would let me know if you knew the Hassens: Arlene,Harry,David,Fred,Ray ,and Judy. My mother was arlene and she put me up for adoption in 1951.

Re: manchester childrens home

wdhazel — 2013-03-15 14:01:30Z

Hi Judith,

This is very interesting.
My Dad is David.
As far as we know he had a niece Susan, she was given up for adoption. He did have a sister name Judith.

Which Orphanage did you know my Dad from?
Dover NH?
We thought he lived in Tilton NH.

If you prefer to email me directly,
my address is wdhazel@yahoo.com

Thank you!
Dee

the hassen family

susandianehassen187 — 2013-03-10 19:08:17Z

looking for anyone who may have known the hassen family,they lived on mill st. dover,nh in 1940.

david,fred,ray,arlene, and judy were also in the orphanage.

thank you very much if any one can remember them...

arlene hassen is my birth mother.

Re: manchester childrens home

susandianehassen187 — 2013-03-10 19:05:24Z

what state do you live in? i am 61 and live in ct....looking for people that live in dover,NH and may
have known the hassen family

Re: manchester childrens home

susandianehassen187 — 2013-03-10 19:03:25Z

what state do you live in? i am 61 and live in ct....looking for people that live in dover,NH and may
have known the hassen family

Re: manchester childrens home

susandianehassen187 — 2013-03-10 11:47:08Z

Judith ,what years were you living at the orphanage?

I beleive my birth mother and brothers were in an orphanage.

all hassens...arlene,david,ray and fred and maybe judith.

ty

Re: manchester childrens home

melssugarplum — 2013-03-10 07:09:37Z

unfortunately, my mom passed away this past June, so I don't know anyone she may have known, sorry

Re: manchester childrens home

susandianehassen187 — 2013-03-10 01:32:36Z

really? please tell me more.

i don't even remember how i got to this message board!
and thank you!

Re: manchester childrens home

1Brendan2I — 2013-03-09 22:33:21Z

Hello, I do remember someone named David. and I believe he had a sister named Susan. My name is Judith and I did live there.

Re: manchester childrens home

susandianehassen187 — 2013-03-09 01:00:58Z

did you know any one with the last name hassen?...arlene,david,ray,fred?

Re: manchester childrens home

susandianehassen187 — 2013-03-08 22:52:39Z

did you know any one named hassen ,arlene,david, fred ,ray, and judith?

Re: orphanage in manchester

scwer — 2013-01-31 17:52:26Z

I just received an email from the New Hampshire Catholic Charities and unfortunately, was told they could not locate records on my family members and that orphanage records are very sparse and in many instances non-existent. :(

Re: Looking for St. Peter Orphange Info.....

rlrc801 — 2012-11-24 15:46:15Z

need info on St. Peter's Orphanage.
email: rlrc801@comcast.net

Re: orphanage in manchester

rondor2114 — 2012-08-22 20:38:49Z

Hoping any info you receive on the St. Patrick's Orphanage,
you will let me know. I can't get anything either.
Thanks
Doris

Re: orphanage in manchester

scwer — 2012-08-15 17:19:15Z

My great grandmother and her sisters were also in the St. Patrick's Orphanage in 1910 according to the census. I contacted the Sisters of Mercy to see if they have any records, but I got the following reply

"I looked up what we have on St. Patrick’s we do not have any materials dating to that time period. We have ledgers with lists from the 1870’s and two folders of news clippings and photos from the 1930’s to the sixties with no real information on the orphans that lived there. St. Patrick’s was located in Manchester you may want to check with some of the historical societies and libraries there. Sorry that we could not be of more help."

I received the following brief history from the Manchester Historic Association:

"St. Patrick’s Orphanage for Girls -Run by the Sisters of Mercy. First called St. Mary’s Orphanage for Girls established in 1870 at the corner of Beech and Laurel Streets. In 1874 the Harris estate at the corner of Pine and Hanover was purchased by Father McDonald (First pastor of St. Anne’s Church) and the orphanage was renamed, St. Patrick’s Orphanage. It housed 150 girls who were taught grade school subjects as well as sewing, knitting and homemaking. Officially located 184 Hanover Street. The listing for the orphanage disappears in 1962. The boys’ orphanage which was located right next to St. Patrick’s was the St. Joseph’s Orphanage for Boys that was also run by the Sisters of Mercy."

I've recently been in contact with someone from the New Hampshire Catholic Charities who says they have some orphanage records but they are sparse. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

Has anyone had any luck?

Re: Franklin orphanage

GailSandersLipomi — 2012-07-18 03:27:23Z

Hi I am looking for my aunt who was in the same orphanage in 1930. Her name is Gladys Emma Healey born 11/11/1915. If you do find any information on this orphanage, please let me know. Thank you.

Re: manchester childrens home

1Brendan2I — 2012-06-29 21:47:22Z

Thank you for sharing this document. it makes me sick to think that these children whew considered inmates. I was brought there in 1957. I lived there for 10 years. Wish I could get a hold of a similar document during that time period. Judith

Re: manchester childrens home

melssugarplum — 2012-05-09 05:57:04Z

I thought it was hilarious!! My mom, on the other hand , who was one of the " inmates" was NOT amused!!!

Re: manchester childrens home

dufflebag2 — 2012-05-08 22:39:17Z

While trying to search for my ancestors through the unindexed 1940 census, I came across the enumeration of the Manchester Children's home and it baffled me how they were called 'inmates'. I'm attaching the URL of the list if anyone would like to view the 1940 list.

Re: orphanage in manchester

ddawsonsmith1 — 2012-04-20 11:43:10Z

St Patricks orphanage was on Hanover and Pine St in Manchester. My mother was there and said many children in the orphanage at the time had parents that would come to see them occasionally. Especially during the depression many parents could not afford to care for all their children especially the little ones that did not work or could not keep care of themselves. My mother was their from 1926 until she graduated from high school in 1944.

Re: orphanage in manchester

brendanne292 — 2012-01-30 03:16:27Z

Thanks very much for your reply, I appreciate the response. I'm glad at least to have the census information but I was hoping to find out how long my grandmother was in the orphanage.

Re: orphanage in manchester

rondor2114 — 2012-01-28 16:56:08Z

The orphanage was on 184 Hanover st., but does not exsist any more. I have tried getting records information from the Library, the Historical Society, the Catholic Diocese. No one knows where they are located. My Mother's Mother was not married at the time and also worked at the Mills and could not care for her and so put her in the St. Patrick's Orphanage. When she was 15 or 16 she went back home to live.
They never were close, Mom married and they never spoke again.

Re: orphanage in manchester

marigold64 — 2012-01-28 06:00:18Z

I read somewhere that it wasn't unusual for a dad to put the kids onto an orphanage if they were small and the mother died. They called them "half-orphans". I guess back in those days dads didn't do the child-care thing like nowadays! It's possible the orphanage if it still exists might have records that far back, but I've never checked into that!

Re: orphanage in manchester

brendanne292 — 2012-01-27 21:34:37Z

Hi, I happened across your old post regarding your father's 3 female cousins at St. Patrick's Orphanage 1910, and have a very similar situation. My grandmother and her two sisters were there in 1920 and one of their brothers was at St. Joseph's. Their father was also living at the time, so I wondered why they were put into an orphanage. Did you ever find any additional information? I'm wondering if records kept by the orphanage are available somewhere?

Re: Franklin orphanage

Shamoca2009 — 2011-12-15 18:27:08Z

George B. Hartford m. Hansa (Damsell)Crumitt 02 Aug 1891 in Deerfield, , New Hampshire.
At this marriage, George is divorced, Hansa is widowed from her 1st marriage.

George B's death: 23 Dec 1900 Haverhill, Massachusetts *burial: Epsom, NH.
* He's married at the time of death.

It appears Hansa died 10 Nov 1901 in Exeter, Rockingham, New Hampshire. She is widowed, spouse given as Burley Hartford (remember 2nd hand info given at death or maybe George's nickname). It lists her parents as what is on the marriage record to George.

By 1900, Hansa has had 6 children, 3 who passed away young.
the children(below) have their father listed as Clarence Hartford .

Birth:
Franklin Hartford
Birth: 26 Sep 1897 ,
Father's Name: Clarenc W Hartford
Mother's Name: Hansa M Damsell

Death
Name: Frank Hartford (18 days old)
14 Oct 1897 ,Candia ,NH
burial: Candia Vill
*
Birth:
Osmer L Hartford (2m 15 days)
d. 10 Sep 1896
Birth/Death place: Deerfield, , New Hampshire
burial Pleasant Hill Cem., Deerfield
*
Name: Effie May Hartford (2y 1m 23 days)
b. 19 Sep 1898,Deerfield,NH
Death Date : 11 Nov 1900
Death Place: Chester,NH
burial in Deerfield

--------
George B's parents:
Hiram Hartford, b. Deerfield, NH
Mary(Prescott) Hartford, b. Deerfield, NH
Note:
It may be Oliver living with Hiram & Mary in the 1900
census (done June 1900), living in Epsom,NH. If so, he's called George(b. May 1892) in this census record.

Did Hansa/George use other names?
Nancy Hartord, married to Clarence, living in Chester,NH with her children ,Earnest Hartford,Effie M Hartford & Willie Crummett(Hansa's son from her 1st marriage).

Ernest L. Hartford m. Ruth Stonham 09 Jul 1914 in Pembroke, , New Hampshire.
parents : Clarence Hartford & Hansa Damsell

Re: Franklin orphanage

LITTLEWILLIE — 2011-11-24 01:42:16Z

Thanks, I have that info How does Oliver fit in your tree.I have been trying to find out where Oliver was living from the time of his birth(1892) till he joined the army in 1909. Just found out that he was placed ine thr orphanage in 1893/1894. That is why I am trying to find the records for that period of time. Any info will be appreciated. You cna contact me at wrh@megagate.com

Re: Franklin orphanage

joytrue55 — 2011-11-21 17:54:46Z

Hi!
I read your post, the Oliver Hartford I have in my tree, was born: 10/29/1892 in Deerfield, and died 8/11/1942, in Manilla, Phillipines, in a Jap. P.O.W. camp. My Oliver was the son of: George B. Hartford and Hansa Damsell.
Does thid help?
Joy
joysgarden@hotmail.com

Franklin orphanage

LITTLEWILLIE — 2011-11-20 21:16:37Z

Looking for the records of the Franklin Orphanage for the years of 1893 to 1942. My Father, Oliver Hartford, was placed in the orphanage in 1893/1894 according to the Deerfield town report for 1894. Any information would be appreciated

Re: manchester childrens home

1Brendan2I — 2011-08-14 17:06:04Z

I was at the children's Home from about 1957(when I was 4 years old)to 1967. My name was Judith Murray. I was called Judy or Pudy at the home. I too have many sad and some lovely memories. Ms. Taylor was my angel also. I have written some short personal memories and have wanted to find others who lived their to gather additional stories. I remember particular children's names but have been unable to locate anyone. I am excited to see the responses on this site. I look forward to hearing from anyone from the children's home past. Now, Judith Fagan in Virginia

Re: manchester childrens home

chickeringimport — 2011-05-22 07:49:26Z

I was there in the early half of the 1950's. It was the worst time of my life. My mother and step father dropped me off one night and I bit my step father in the chest when he said this is your home now. I was taken to a dark room and spanked relentlessly. After 2 or 3 years I was back with my family, but the experience there was traumatic. I could write a short story of my experience there, but I got some inner strenght back home in Concord, N.H. I made a life for myself from that point and it took years to erase the memories there. I'd love to hear more from people that spent time there. I remember laying in bed at night watching the neon lights on the Daniel Webster Highway. It was an empty feeling and I know I shared this with others at the home. God bless Mrs. Taylor. She was the angel of the home at the time. I was deathly ill and she was the only person that would take care of me.

Re: manchester childrens home

melssugarplum — 2011-05-12 21:10:05Z

Thank you for your interest, she was there in the 1930's so I'm sure your paths never crossed. She was out of there by about 1949.

Re: manchester childrens home

susanabbott175 — 2011-05-12 20:10:12Z

I lived in the Manchester Children's Home from 1965-1972. When was your mother there?

Re: manchester childrens home

lcatano_1 — 2011-05-03 12:16:17Z

We are now known as the Webster House. We were originally known as the manchester children's home from 1884 until the 1970's. We are on the web, and facebook, look us up. We are located at 135 Webster St.Manchester NH 03104. You are welcome to come by for a tour. I have been here since 1984. I do know that we have no records that date past 7 years ago so in that regards I am unable to help you. Feel free to call me at 603-622-8013 if you have any questions

Lou

Re: orphanage in manchester

marigold64 — 2011-01-09 06:34:19Z

Thank you for the information. I checked into St. Josephs and found the person I was looking for ! Appreciate your reply!

Re: orphanage in manchester

rondor2114 — 2011-01-07 22:42:51Z

Yes, my Mom was in St. Patrick's school for girls on Hanover St. The boy's orphanage was St. Joseph's. I also cannot get any information.
Doris

orphanage in manchester

marigold64 — 2010-06-01 06:07:05Z

has anyone ever heard of St. Patrick's Girls Home in Manchester? Was there an equivalent boys home also? My father's 3 girl cousins were there in 1910 but I haven't located their younger brother in that census. Their father was still living so i don't know why they'd have been in an orphanage to begin with.

manchester childrens home

melssugarplum — 2007-07-08 22:18:19Z

my mom was in a place called manchester childrens home,i think somewhere in nh,,trying to get any info avilable, she says it was an orphanage.

Re: Shirley Hill, NH-maternity homes in the early 1930's

2006-06-12 00:14:33Z

Yes there is a Shirley Hill in Manchester - however, it falls more in Goffstown. There is still an old section, beautiful too, of old homes on Shirley Hill that look over Manchester, NH. Good luck with your findings!

Re: Looking for St. Peter Orphange Info.....

2005-07-19 04:28:26Z

Thank you for the info. It has been quite a while since I asked this question but was glad to get your reply and to know I was correct when I recalled it being St. Peter's. Again thank you very much for taking the time to answer me! God Bless.
~Pam~ (-:0

Re: Looking for St. Peter Orphange Info.....

RegNMINiles — 2005-07-19 01:25:11Z

I checked page 195 of "Adoption Agencies, Orphanages and Maternity Homes : An Historical Directory." It has entries for the city of Manchester, NH. A combined entry, based on a 1935 source and the 1933 special census lists St. Peter's Orphanage, 300 Kelley St [at Alsace St] : 210 orphaned and abandoned children. An earlier source says it's in West Manchester and is conducted by the Grey Nuns.

To the best of my knowledge, the 1933 census did not collect the names of children, just statistics. However, all Americans are listed in the federal censuses of 1930, 1920, 1910, etc.

Reg Niles

Re: Shirley Hill, NH-maternity homes in the early 1930's

2003-12-22 10:45:26Z

My Aunt and Uncle lived on Shirley Hill Rd in Manchester. It was close to St. Anselms college. I know Shirley Hill Rd. well as I was there a lot. I never heard of a Shirley Hill place though. My Aunt and Uncle have recently passed so I cannot ask them. Sorry that is all I can share with you.

Looking for St. Peter Orphange Info.....

2003-12-22 10:38:27Z

I was rasied in NH. I recently moved to another state and met an elderly man who talked of being in an orphanage in NH on Kelly St. My childhood memory is vaque but was this Orphanage not called St. Peter's? Am I mistaken? If so what was the name of it? The gentleman could not remember but said it was not called St. Peter's. Please send a reply to my email address...Wonders2believe@aol.com

Thank You All In Advance and God Bless.

Manchester Historical Society Website in NH

2003-12-05 08:35:20Z

It might have been the name of a neighborhood in Manchester. But I lived there during the 1960's and never heard of it. Contact the Manchester Historical Society on their website and ask them:
http://www.image4.com/portfolio/historical-society.asp
Good luck