Connie Lenzen writes in The Columbian about an area of genealogy research that can be difficult – the family history of those who are adopted. Genealogy research concerning adoptions can be difficult because, as Connie points out, records were sometimes modified to protect those involved. This was usually due to the circumstances involved. With genealogy becoming so popular, and with many of those adopted wanting to go back later on in their lives and learn about their families, it’s becoming an issue that is being confronted by more and more people – just how to figure out where to look and what to look for.
Excerpt from the article:
In adoptions, there is almost always secrecy involved. There used to be a stigma attached to adoption, and records were often modified. In the death records, there may be some piece of information that seems a bit strange. It should be noted because it may make sense later.
The death records should provide names of the adopted parents. In the “olden days,” they were often neighbors. The neighborhood should be researched. Looking at the censuses that were taken every 10 years is a good start for this.