Hi Kathy, Are you sure it was a legal adoption? Often during this time period families just took in orphaned children and there never were any legal documents. What is your grandmother's date & month of birth in 1889? How long did she remain in Norton County? Did she live in the city of Norton or elsewhere in the county? Have you tried ordering newspapers from the date of her birth to see if there was a birth announcement? Have you tried contacting the Norton County Genealogical Society for assistance? Their researcher is Walta Russ, 322 W. Lincoln, Norton, KS 67654 Hope some of these suggestions/questions have helped, Ardie Arkley & Kathy wrote: > > I am looking for information on how to open adoption papers of my grandmother who has long since passed away. Does anyone have any information on this? My grandmother, Lillie Esther Gamble, was born in Norton, Norton Co. KS.(we think per her SSI application every thing else says Arkansas) in 1889 and was adopted about age 3 we think by Elias and Elizabeth Gamble. We think her birth mother may have been named Jenny Sprung per schoolyard bully's taunt. There are Sprung's in Norton Co. Would appreciate any information. Darn, what I would not give to be able to turn back time and save the 1890 census from destruction, that would have been my saving document. > Kathy Busby > California > > ==== KSNORTON Mailing List ==== > Check out Norton County, Kansas queries at > http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Ks/Norton > > ============================== > Create a FREE family website at MyFamily.com! > http://www.myfamily.com/banner.asp?ID=RWLIST2