Should children be sealed to both their birth father and their step-father?
I am researching a family in which the husband and wife were married in 1874. In 1879 the husband died and left the widow with three young children, ages 6, 3 and 1. In 1880 the widow re-married and together they had three additional children. Historical records (primarily censuses) show the names of the first three children with their original birth names, and then the surname of their step-father appended. My question is this: should the children from the first marriage be sealed to their step-father as well as their birth father? Since they lost their birth father when they were very young, it is likely they considered their step-father as their “real” father.
Answers
-
In a Knowledge Article from the Help Center regarding policies for sealing deceased children to deceased parents, it says, "A deceased child is usually sealed to birth or adoptive parents. Where justification exists, deceased children may also be sealed to stepparents, foster parents, or grandparents. A deceased child can also be sealed to a couple who intended to adopt the child but could not complete the adoption before the death of the child."
The article also states, "If all persons involved are deceased, no special approval is needed."
Best wishes as you continue to serve your ancestors.
0