Seattle Advertisement for Florence Crittenton Home
Usually we find out by accident that Grandma was born in a home for unwed mothers. Sometimes, we figure it out, by the surname throughout her historical records, where a father is not listed, or the maternal family surname is the only one used. Sometime, we just deduce it correctly, when the family lived in rural America, yet, Grandma was born in a woman friendly town like Kansas City. Who was Grandma’s father will always be a family secret, or, the gossip of the hometown, but perhaps more information can be found in the records of the place of birth, especially if it was a home for unwed mothers.
History of Homes for Unwed Mothers
 |
| Florence Crittenton Home, Kansas City |
Homes for unwed mothers and “troubled” women were becoming a common place by the early 1890’s. As early as 1869 the sisters of St. Vincent opened The House of Providence, a program for unwed mothers and their children, as did many other cities.
 |
| Charles Nelson Crittenton |
By 1893 Charles Nelson Crittenton, grieving the death of his four year old daughter Florence who suffered from scarlet fever in 1882, founded Florence Night Mission. This Mission was designed to assist the prostitutes, troubled “lost and fallen women and wayward girls” of New York City.
By 1895 Dr. Kate Waller Barrett, an Episcopalian minister’s wife and mother of six, joined forces with Dr. Crittenton. Dr. Barrett’s primary interest was to assist unwed mothers. After completing her nursing course in 1894 at the Florence Nightingale Training School in London and her medical degree at the Women’s College of Georgia, in Atlanta, she and Crittenton partnered to establish up to 73 homes for unwed expectant mothers across America.[1] The National Florence Crittenton Mission became a well known safe-haven for unwed, troubled girls. Most of the homes served between 8-15 girls, but then there were the larger Florence Crittenton homes, like that in Kansas City.
By 1895 Dr. Kate Waller Barrett, an Episcopalian minister’s wife and mother of six, joined forces with Dr. Crittenton. Dr. Barrett’s primary interest was to assist unwed mothers. After completing her nursing course in 1894 at the Florence Nightingale Training School in London and her medical degree at the Women’s College of Georgia, in Atlanta, she and Crittenton partnered to establish up to 73 homes for unwed expectant mothers across America.[1] The National Florence Crittenton Mission became a well known safe-haven for unwed, troubled girls. Most of the homes served between 8-15 girls, but then there were the larger Florence Crittenton homes, like that in Kansas City.
 |
| Willows Maternity Home, KCMO |
Other private homes for unwed mothers, or troubled women like “The House of Another Chance” in Seattle which opened in 1926, assisted up to 150 women. And the The Willows Maternity Home, founded in 1905, in Kansas City was noted for its significant influence in adoptions.
Homes for Colored Girls
Based on the times, the colored girls had their own homes for unwed mothers. In 1925 in Kansas City, there was the Florence Home for Colored Girls. Although named after the Critenton’s daughter, it was funded by the philanthropist William Volker.
Kansas City – The Baby Hub of the US
According to statistics, Kansas City was the baby hub and a safe-place for unwed mothers. It was located in the middle of the US with convenient access to the railroad. A railroad map into Kansas City was featured on the “Interesting Willows’ Statistics” pamphlet printed in 1921 by Willows Maternity Home.
At that time, Kansas City also was the home of the Florence Crittenton Home, The St. Vincent’s Hospital, Eastside Maternity Hospital (often called the Kansas City Cradle due to its close association and history, but this relationship is a bit misleading) and the Florence Home for Colored Girls.
At that time, Kansas City also was the home of the Florence Crittenton Home, The St. Vincent’s Hospital, Eastside Maternity Hospital (often called the Kansas City Cradle due to its close association and history, but this relationship is a bit misleading) and the Florence Home for Colored Girls.
Where are the Records?
Some of the workers kept diaries that have been preserved for these homes as the chronicles of the Florence Crittenton Home in Montana. The records for the Florence Crittenton Mission in Kansas City are held at the Missorui Valley Special Collections. The Florence Crittenton Home of Norfolk records are held in the Old Dominion University Libraries, Special Collections: Manuscripts. However, some records were destroyed, as those at the Willows Maternity Home, in Kansas City. These records were supposedly “piled in the backyard and burned.”
Be sure to check with State Historical Societies and manuscripts for these records.
Note on Adoptions: Although the homes mentioned in this post historically encouraged the women to keep their child, the same homes were used as adoption agencies.
[1] The New York Times, 17 Nov. 1909, Page 9; http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9F06E3DA1630E733A25754C1A9679D946897D6CF, online access 19 May 2010
Reprint of 19 May 2010, title of same name.
Be sure to check with State Historical Societies and manuscripts for these records.
Note on Adoptions: Although the homes mentioned in this post historically encouraged the women to keep their child, the same homes were used as adoption agencies.
[1] The New York Times, 17 Nov. 1909, Page 9; http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9F06E3DA1630E733A25754C1A9679D946897D6CF, online access 19 May 2010
Reprint of 19 May 2010, title of same name.
a3Genealogy
Accurate, Accessible Answers
a3genealogy@gmail.com
Some homes for unwed mothers will respond to a request for information. I recently asked the St. Andre Home in Biddeford, Maine for information regarding my birth in 1955. They were able to give me all the information they had including my father's name and statis. They shared letters between the home and my mother with me. A huge potential resource.
ReplyDeleteHello, did they have more information than you were able to find on your pre-adoptive birth certificate? My mother was born there. Who do you contact to get information?
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteYou can write to the court the did the adoption and ask for all non- identifying information. You can learn alot and locate someone from this info alone. I was able to locate my husbands birth mother 63 years later.
DeletePierre,
DeleteHave you found out any thing?
Interesting story. I have really gotten into internet genealogy lately. It is fascinating to learn more about the people who lived before us. My mom mentioned that we had a long lost relative who stayed at this home. I would love to find records or talk to someone from this generation.
ReplyDeleteMy father was adopted from one of these homes, back in 1954. I have aided him in trying to find his biological parents if for nothing else but give him closure and more importantly to me know some medical background. Any help out there would be much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteWhat star and birth date?
DeleteWhat state and birth date?
DeleteJosalynmendee31@gmail.com
My mother placed a baby I think it was a girl for adoption prior to marrying my father I think she may have given birth in Kansas City only because I remembered a comment she made when I was little that "that was a city where "bad" girls went did any of the homes keep records?
ReplyDeleteThere are records for some KC homes. But we usually have to search for them. We have also found announcements in the papers. You may also wish to review the article written 27 Sept 2014 : Researching Orphanages and Children's Homes.
Deletehttp://blog.a3genealogy.com/2014/09/researching-orphanages-and-childrens.html
There are records for some KC homes. But we usually have to search for them. We have also found announcements in the papers. You may also wish to review the article written 27 Sept 2014 : Researching Orphanages and Children's Homes.
Deletehttp://blog.a3genealogy.com/2014/09/researching-orphanages-and-childrens.html
Not sure where to start but I am thinking I was born in Kansas and to an unwed mother and not sure if any of the information but I do have her name but I don't have the father's name and she is not Williams to give me any information or speak to me so I was really trying to find my father and I am sure that in 1966 she was a resident of the colored girl home
ReplyDeleteDid you ever find any information regarding your biological mother or father? Were you born in Kansas City, MO or KS? I was a resident of Florence Home for Colored Girls located on Campbell. I was there in 1969.
DeleteRebekah,
DeleteI would love to interview you for a blog post. Please contact Kathleen Brandt @a3genealogy@gmail.com or drop me a line.
Is her first name Sally and last intial R? Were you born in the cold weather like late fall, winter or early spring?
DeleteSince you have little information and documentation, I suggest you begin with a DNA test. Send an email or contact me at a3Genealogy@gmail.com; tele:816-729-5995 Kathleen Brandt
ReplyDeleteI am having trouble tracing my grandmother's history. She was raised on an English settlement on the Isle of Pines Cuba. She said she was sent to a girls home. She was born in 1914 and left around 1932. I think her "problem" would have occurred before 1925. Any chance you would know the name of the local girls home? I know her father was run off the island for being a bad man. His name was Edwin Gray Ashworth.
DeleteMy Grandfather was born in 1899. There was no birth certificate, as they were not required until 1921. There is no mention of him on the 1900 census, however, it mentions his mother as living with her parents. His mother, and who he grew to know as his father were married when he was 5 years old. It is our understanding that she was an unwed mother, living in Como Township in Whiteside County IL. Is there anything I can do, or any place I can search to find out who his actual father is? Thank you
ReplyDeleteI am trying to find information on by biological family. My birth mom was sent from Alaska to the Florence Crittenton Home for unwed mother (Seattle) 1961, her name was Annette. The birth father was named John, and maternal grandparents Edgar & Bernice. I am open to any suggestions..please email alwaysahealthcoach@gmail.com thank you
ReplyDeleteMy birth mom was there in 1961. She had me in June.
DeleteHello, I am finding out about my mom. She was born in the Florence Crittenton Home in Indiana in 1926
ReplyDeleteWas there a home in Chicago in 1895 for unwed mothers?
ReplyDeleteI just found out that my grandmother was staying at the Florence home at 2228 campbell in kansas city. Are there any records that home from 1965-1966?
Delete
DeleteI lived there the summer of 1969. I wonder if I knew your grandmother. I don't know what became of the records.
My grandmother was born in KC (1912), but the family is from Hutchinson. Although my parents are from Western Kansas, I attended schools in kck where both my parents (Strader) taught. My grandmother was an only child, but through DNA I was able to find many of her relatives.
DeleteI just found out my grandmother was staying at the Florence home when she was pregnant with my mother. Is there any records from 1956-1966 from the Florence home at 2228 campbell in kansas city?
ReplyDeleteMy father was born at Talitha Cumi home for unwed mothers in Boston 1943. I cannot locate any records for this place. Any suggestions?
ReplyDeleteBarbara, I believe my aunt was born at Talitha Cumi in Boston 1918. I'm currently, trying to work on my family history and would like to include her still unknown father. Were you successful locating their records?
DeleteNo, I am still trying to locate the records. Have you had any luck with your search?
DeleteMy husband may have been born in a home for unwed mothers in Lynchburg Virginia in Sept of 1940. He only has a birth certificate issued in 1950 when he was adopted and given his current name. We are trying to find out who his birth parents were and how he got to Hampton Virginia with a custodian father in the early 40's. Va.Health Records search have not uncovered any documents with his name prior to the adoption. Any unwed mother homes in Lynchburg Virginia?
ReplyDeleteThanks for your note. a3Genealogy is a for-hire research firm. a3Genealogy has this educational blog to help those who wish to do their own research, but the answers are general. If you are looking for assistance, contact me at a3Genealogy@gmail.com. If you are looking to further your research on your own, I would suggest you begin with the many social media groups, like Adoption Angels on FB or with a local adoption special interest group.Yes there were different types of care facilities in that area of VA. but you may wish to broaden your search to meet your genealogical objectives. Good luck with this endeavor. Let me know if the a3Genealogy research team can assist you.
DeleteI am looking for information and records of a Magdalena Laundry home in Providence Rhode Island. It was on Eaton Street on property later purchased by Providence College. I cannot find any local sources. Thank you gar
ReplyDeleteThanks for your note. a3Genealogy is a for-hire research firm. a3Genealogy has this educational blog to help those who wish to do their own research, but the answers are general. If you are looking for assistance, contact me at a3Genealogy@gmail.com. If you are looking to further your research on your own, I would suggest you begin with the New England Genealogical Historical Society, state historical and state archives, and with the local genealogical society (often found on a county or state basis). Good luck on this endeavor. Let me know if the a3Genealogy research team can assist you.
DeleteMy mother-in-law was born in January 1947 and adopted in February 1947. She has the original adoption record that says her original name was Marcia, and she was adopted from the Eastside Maternity Hospital. No mothers name so obviously, it has been very diffocult to begin this search to find out who her mother was, etc.
ReplyDeleteAny help would be great!
Thanks for your note. a3Genealogy has this educational blog to help those who wish to do their own research, but the answers are general. We are a for-hire adoption firm that helps connect biological family members. If you are looking for assistance, contact me at a3Genealogy@gmail.com. If you are looking to further your research on your own, I would suggest you try the Adoption Angels or other groups on Facebook or other social media sites. Good luck with this! My fingers are crossed that you find exactly what you are looking for.
DeleteFind a search angel, they are awesome, submit DNA, join An entry and search with what you have.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have any info about homes in St Louis Mo in 1953
ReplyDeleteThe address my bm used on my Birth certificate was 5333 Maple Ave St Louis MO
and I was born at Jewish Hospital in April of 1953 A Dr. William Bernes( not sure of spelling) 462 N. Taylor St Louis
I have connected with my birth mothers family and know that the address is not the family home Also in my non identifying info she mentions living at a home
I still have no information on my birth father and am curious to the connection of this home to the Dr. My parents lived in Kansas city and came and picked me up in St Louis when I was just a few days old.
My BM is no longer living and the half siblings that I have met have no knowledge of my existence but they were also all delivered by this same Dr. with no mention of an earlier birth by our mother.
My mother was at a home for unwed mothers in 1949, and she delivered my half brother in November, I believe. She married my father right afterwards. I only found out from my father in 2015. My mother was already deceased. I have been searching for my brother ever since. He was adopted right after birth. I have had my DNA tested with all the major companies, & have checked with state adoptions in Missouri. Not sure which way to turn?
Deletedoes anyone have information on homes in Chicago in 1919? Escanaba area..
ReplyDeleteIam looking for my grandmother's birth family. We just want to know who her parents was . She was looking before she passed. She got her adoption papers but it say she was adopted out by the home finding association. This was in Tulsa. My aunt and I did the dna test we know the dna links to trast family and scott we think her mother was stella trast. My grandmother was born in 1914 adoption was 1915 she was 8 months old. On adoption papers says her name was dorothy James. I did find where stella trast and a Charles v James was arrested for adultery. And trying to get money from a bank . In Kansas Missouri. They was sentenced to 6 months for adultery. Nothing for the bank cause they didn't get any money. I can't find what jail they was in . But i believe that is where the last name came from but dna goes back to a Scott no james . I think my grandmother may have been born while trast was in jail . Can anyone help me with this. Trying to figure out if we are right and who the father was Tulsa Oklahoma had no original birth certificate.
ReplyDeleteMy grandmother was born on April 21, 1914 and adopted by Dorothy Upham Lent who was a nurse at we believe the Florence Crittenton home in either NYC or NJ. My grandmother, Una, could have possible been born in IA as there is a connection. She tried her entire life to find out where she came from and my sisters and I picked it up after her passing. Trying to find out if I can find birth records using the adopted mother's name.
ReplyDeleteI am looking for information about homes for unwed mothers or orphanages in the Aiken SC or Augusta GA areas in 1922. My grandfather was born Arthur Ellis Beard 3/25/22. My DNA results show Beards and Browns in that area as 2nd and 3rd cousins. All we knew was he was brought to Cochran GA by train from an orphanage. All records destroyed in a fire in the 1940s. How might I go about finding such locations?
ReplyDeleteMary Ellen White dob 10/05/1950
ReplyDeleteState of California. Any help would be a blessing.
fenceking9@gmail.com
Looking for my hubands half sister born in about May 1962 in an unwed mothers home to Barbara L Mace possibly in Evansville IN named Billie-Jo? donna.hitz@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteDonna,
DeleteWe have posted your comment, but of course you will want your husband to have DNA tests on 2-4 testing companies. If the half-sister was born in 1962, her children (if applicable) may have been born in the 1980's. This is a possible pool to connect to the half-sister. Let me know if a3Genealogy can assist.
I was born to a women named caretta moment she was in a home for unwed mothers in st louis and she was colored could someone pls help me my life has been a mystery could someone pls help here is my email ruthmadsen8@gmail ty on advance
ReplyDeletea3Genealogy can assist with your search, but we are a For-Hire Research firm. If you wish to have a quote just drop us an email or call.
DeleteDoes anyone have any info on Homes in New York - possibly around Erie County - I am searching for records of my Great Grandmother that I have been told was adopted in New York and supposed was born in North Evans, Erie County, NY. Thank you
ReplyDeleteMy mother's name is Carolyn Jean Elwell on her birth certificate but she has been celebrating her birthday on July 2 for 71 years. We found out on the birth certificate (which is only a copy on paper with no seal) is is July 11. Carolyn was born in St. Francis Hospital in Wichita. My grandmother is dead and my grandfather second husband has dementia. My Grandmother name is Betty Shirlene Kerby. Sometime she went by her middle name or Sue. I have been doing Ancestry for my mom side of the family. I have running into brick walls. I have talking to my mom niece and she told me that my grandma was wild and bad when she was young. She said her mom told her that my grandma was sent to a home for girls to give birth. I need some help finding my mom's birth certificate. The people at the office need her right birthdate but we don't know which is her right birthdate.
ReplyDeleteOf course Kansas is not so forthcoming as a closed state. Your mother would have had a social security number, issued probably by an social security application. I suggest you pay to obtain her original Application for a Social Security Card (SS-5).
DeleteHere is a link to get you started: https://www.ssa.gov/foia/request.html#:~:text=You%20can%20make%20a%20request,%2Faction%2Fpublic%2Fhome.
My father was born Dec 20, 1948 Kansas City ks at a home for unwed mothers ran by nuns where he lived until 6 months of age when my grandfather adopted him. I am trying to find out a bit more info as to who my biological grandparents are. Mother traveled in a big band orchestra, father was rumored the conductor. His mother whose father was supposedly a judge sent his unwed daughter to a home for unwed mothers on Kansas City ks area to birth the baby.
ReplyDeleteThe most efficient way to learn of your biological grandparents is to have your DNA test results to connect to DNA cousin matches; followed by a DNA analysis. If you wish for the a3Genealogy Team to assist, just drop us a note or call. All work is confidential.
DeleteDelete
I am looking for a woman born in 1947 in Rhode Island. Allison was the name given at birth. Italian and possibly German origin.
ReplyDeleteI guess our first question is why are you looking for her? Was she a biological relative. If so, the most efficient way is to have your DNA test results to connect to DNA cousin matches; followed by a DNA analysis. If not, we would need to know more about your search. If you wish for the a3Genealogy Team to assist, just drop us a note or call. All work is confidential.
DeleteAre records available on residents of the homes? My Grandmother was in either Terre Haute or Indianapolis IN in 1922. Would there be any documentation of this?
ReplyDeleteMost often, the answer is yes there's documentation. However, most were not centralized resulting in each case being individualized as a research project. If you are wishing to do this research: was she sent to a facility by family or court records? The key is to find the money. Who paid for her care? Individual facility records may be found at the county, local or state archives. Many of these facilities changed hands, so that too must be researched while seeking out documents. That can be uncovered, sometimes, through newspaper search. This is typically a 10 hour search for a3Genealogy Research. If you need our assistance, just reach out via email or call.
DeleteHaving to go by very little information, My Mother was at a home for unwed Mothers in Georgia I am guessing in the late 1940’s. She gave birth to a baby girl and was adopted by a Minister and his wife. I have no idea where to start looking without the DOB.
ReplyDeleteI suggest you begin with your DNA results. If you need assistance with a full DNA analysis that will connect you to your maternal grandparents, just email me at a3Genealogy@gmail.com, Kathleen Brandt and we will prepare a quote. Our DNA Team's dedicated work on adoption and non-paternal events (unknown parents of self or ancestors) loves thee challenges.
DeleteI am stuck on research on my great-great grandmother...born in 1899...either in Oklahoma or Utah...are there birth records for those states and where should I begin my search...
ReplyDeleteThank you, in advance...
Thanks for your note. Most states did not begin birth records until the early 1900's. However, we do find early recordings, or birth dates recorded, in other documents. If you are wishing to pursue this, I suggest you search "birth records" on our blog site here; (upper left corner). You will find examples of how we uncover recorded birthdates (primary and secondary sources). Good luck, and drop a3Genealogy a note if you wish to hire our research assistance.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have old photographs or information about the Crittenton Home that used to be on Campbell Street in Kansas City Mo?
ReplyDelete