Researching an Adoption

Locating Natural Birth Record For An Adopted Person
The first step in locating a person who was adopted is to know their birth date, county and state. If the researcher does not have a birth certificate number, they must search the index for delayed birth certificates. The delayed birth index will provide the maiden name of the mother of the adopted child as well as a birth certificate number. The researcher can then pull up the county birth records for that year and note each person born on the specified birth date. After recording the births for the specific date, the researcher can then search the statewide index to see if any of the listed names and certificate numbers match the those listed in the delayed birth certificates index.

Locating An Adopted Person
To locate an adopted person, the researcher must know the birth date, county and state. The first step would be to search county birth records for persons born on the same date as the adopted person. The county birth record will provide information on the natural mother of the adopted child. It is also possible that the adopted mother and father may appear in the county birth records. The researcher may then check the statewide birth index to determine if the birth was recorded. If it was recorded, the statewide index may provide the natural mother's maiden name and a certificate number. The researcher should then check the delayed birth index to find the adopted mother's maiden name, date of birth, and certificate number.

Support Groups

Legacies
826 Honaker Lane
Charleston, WV 25312

Links

United States Vital Records Information
West Virginia Bureau for Public Health

The Archives staff does not research adoptions. Persons seeking assistance are referred to Loretta Hopson; 826 Honaker Lane; Charleston, WV 25312; Phone: (304) 984-0305. For further information on researching an adoption, contact Harold Newman.

Genealogy Corner

West Virginia History Center