Help for Melanie for Kate in Illinois.
Kate Balsey played at Ma Lester's home and at one point Kate's parents could no longer care for her. Kate showed up at Ma's door with her few clothes and asked if she could be Ma's little girl. Ma took her in. James F Lester, adoptive father's obituary states that Kate, "although not legally adopted, received a father's care until her death." This obit is in James Franklin Lester's Memories.
If someone has information on Kate's parents, I would love to see it! Please have someone enter it in familysearch, or I'd be happy to communicate directly. Just this week I have been searching unsuccessfully for the Balseys, and more successfully on Kate and her children. Edna Hutchinson, granddaughter of Kate was living in Boone, Iowa when I was born there, although we never knew her family.
Melanie near Houston, Texas
Answers
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The link on the query posted goes not to Kate KGDW-8WC, but to a very confusing linking page.Kate Balsey is not one of the Woodworth bunch. The Griswolds and
Woodworths were neighbors and friends of my great and 2g grandparents and and the families were intact. I don't believe they gave up any of their children for adoption to anyone. Sylvia Woodworth and her daughter Mary lived with the Lesters after Mr Woodworth died in 1861. the 1880 Census shows James and Margaret Lester at the top of the household. Last it has Sylvia and Mary and lists them as mother and daughter. It is not James Lester's mother.0
