Long Shot-James Cline, Potter Co. PA.
I am looking for my great grandfather, James Cline.Do not even know if it is spelled correctly.My grandfather was adopted by C.C. Whitney because his father left before he was born and his mother died shortly after.My great-grandmother's mother did the adoption, but she couldn't read, so we have only her word on the name, and it could have been spelled incorrectly.Here is the petition she filed in Potter County:
To the Honorable The Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Potter County.
The petition of C.C. Whitney of the Township of Allegany County of Potter respectfully represents that he is desirous of adopting Arthur Cline (my grandfather) child of James Cline and Alice Cline (deceased) as one of his heirs and for that purpose he herein declares his said desire and also that he will perform all of the duties of a parent to the said Arthur Cline.The petitioner therefore prays the Court if satisfied, if satisfied that the welfare of the said Arthur Cline will be promoted by the said adoption with the counsel of Schyler Purdy, next friend and maternal uncle of said Arthur Cline evidenced by his signing this petition to decree that the said Arthur Cline may assume the name of the petitioner namely Arthur Whitney and have all the rights of a child and heir of the petitioner and be subject in the duties of a child.
And now, March 9th, 1893, upon the petition of C.C. Whitney and it appearing that the next friend of the said Arthur Cline is willing that the said Arthur Cline shall be adopted by the said C.C. Whitney and the court being satisfied an due consideration that the welfare of the said Arthur Cline will be promoted by being adopted as his child and one of his heirs, it is decreed that the said child shall assume the name of Arthur Whitney and have all the rights of a child and heir of the said C.C. Whitney and be subject in the duties of a child.
And now, March 9th, 1893, upon the petition of C.C. Whitney and it appearing that the next friend of the said Arthur Cline is willing that the said Arthur Cline shall be adopted by the said C.C. Whitney and the court being satisfied an due consideration that the welfare of the said Arthur Cline will be promoted by being adopted as his child and one of his heirs, it is decreed that the said child shall assume the name of Arthur Whitney and have all the rights of a child and heir of the said C.C. Whitney and be subject in the duties of a child.As you see, it really is a long shot.Arthur Whitney was born Feb 24th 1892.His mother, Alice, was 7 years old in the 1880 census, Genesee, PA.She was the daughter of James and Harriet Purdy.Her husband left in the fall of 1891.We don't know how old he was, or where he came from or where he went.But it's been great talking to you all.Have a great day!