This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: DianeCulhane46 Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.britisles.ireland.may.general/8460.1.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: It's early here so I'm not thinking quickly, but to be sure I understand, did your grandmother know she was adopted and her parents not married? Is it possible they were married but couldn't afford to raise her? Do you also have the civil birth record? I don't know when your grandmother was born, but the 1911 census shows a William and Elizbeth Finn in Howth with son William, age 2, married 1906-07. You might get their marriage record or the birth record for William Jr. to learn Elizbeth's maiden name. It's a long shot, but the family might have later fallen on hard times (this William a laborer in 1911) and been unable to raise your grandmother. A few single William Finns in Dublin in 1911, and lots of single Elizabeth Morans, unfortunately. Diane 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.