I am searching for the History of two half sisters who were orphaned

+2 votes
95 views
My mother who was adopted knows nothing about her mother Edith Francis Burns. Her parents were supposedly killed in a car accident when she was two. She claims that she and her half sister Mary who may be about 7 years older grew up in a convent in Texas. Edith claimed she was born Jan 2. 1925 in Seaside, Clatsop County Oregon, Which is what she was told where her parents died. I cannot find any Birth certificates or accident reports for her. My grandmother died in Germany while on American base with my grandfather, James J. Soldow in 1974. We would really like to find out the history behind her mom and her childhood. She lost contact with Mary when my mom was little. She did sign an affidavit so that my grandmother could marry my grandfather. I However, cannot get a hold of anybody at the NY county clerks office. Thank you so much in advance. Has anyone ever heard this story or a similar one?
in Genealogy Help by Jonna Travis G2G Rookie (190 points)

Have you sent in a request for the marriage license?  https://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/assets/cityclerk/downloads/pdf/mail_in_request_form%20final.pdf

The other documents you might want to request would be Edith's Social Security application if she ever worked outside the home, and a copy of her death certificate.  

I have called the Clerks office and found the marriage index, which states her Name as Edith M. Nothing on her death cert. I have obituary and she is buried with my Grandfather at Arlington National Cemetery. She just seems to have come out of thin air up until the time she married my grandfather. I have contacted the historical society in Seaside, Oregon and no records of an accident or birth. I have sent emails to convents in Texas with no response. We are beginning to wonder if her real name is Edith and if her date of birth is correct. Nobody knows anything.
It looks like it would be worth filling out the form and ordering  the full marriage license application.  That should have her date and place of birth, maybe more information.  The application was two pages long.  She may not have told the truth - or may not have known the truth - when she filled it our, but it might have a clue.  Knowing her address when she married might help you find her in a city directory or other record.  

This is a case where DNA might turn up some relatives.
Kathie,

Thank you, I will do that. I really hope this works. Do you know if they send a copy of the affidavit that her half sister had to sign to saying that she is who she is?

1 Answer

0 votes
You should probably specify in your request that you want copies of all documents associated with the record.  I don't know what they will send.
by Kathie Forbes G2G6 Pilot (844k points)

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