This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: amydefalco Surnames: Carrier Classification: birth Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.illinois.unknown/12847/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Looking for a needle in haystack. My paternal grandmother was born (according to family records) Feb 1917 and was adopted (supposedly) through Catholic Charities by Fred and Mamie Carrier (nee Mehan). There is no birth certificate on record for her with Illinois Vital Statistics (despite her working for 30 years for Illinois Bell Telephone). Her maiden name was Katherine (sometimes spelled Catherine) Louise Carrier. She passed away in 2001. Surviving children are my father (who isn't in the best of health) and his sister. I'm wondering, since there does not seem to be a delayed or amended birth cert on file for her with IL Vital Records, whether or not it's worth the effort to bug my aunt (who I haven't been in touch with for years) for Grandma's death certificate and/or if she would even sign the form to petition for the birth records. Anyone have any luck with Catholic Charities? I know that my grandmother grew up in the area near where the Univ of IL at Chicago stands today (S. Blue Island Ave). I'm not sure what Parish her family belonged to, or even if it's still standing today. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated (I live out of state, so any request for documentation would have to be done via post) Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.