[jcs3762]

Hi,

I am searching for my birth family. I was born in Pratt, Kansas on 10-3-62. Adopted at birth. Have 1 older half brother that I know of. My grandfather owned a pharmacy in Pratt and the attorney or doctor's last name was Black. My biological mother's husband was killed in an auto accident prior to my conception. I have black hair, tall, blue eyes, thin build, caucassion. Carroll Cole, a friend of my adoptive mother, Peggy Skinn helped with the adoption. My adoptive father name is John Skinn. My adoptive parents lived in Minnesota at the time and picked me up from the hospital the day I was born.

[sjbradley]

There is/was a lawyer by the name Jack Black and a Dr. C.V. Black. The Dr. did a lot of births in Pratt around the same time of yours. Maybe you can contact the Pratt court house and see if they have any info for you.

[jcs3762]

Hi sjbradley,

Thanks for your reply. I have done some research, and this is what I have found out so far.

I have ordered my before adoption and after adoption birth certificate from vital statistics in topeka, ks and should get it soon. I have talked to the Pratt Count Courthouse and they have found my adoption papers, which I am sending for tomorrow, they only cost $2.75 so that is great for anyone out there looking for their records. They have told me that my birth Mother's name is Kay Wilson, her address was 410 N. Main Street, Pratt, Kansas at the time of my birth, but she moved shortly after that for awhile with her parents in Stafford. There is no record in it, as to who my birth father is.

I have spoke to Atty. Jack Black in Pratt (he is still practicing) also and he did not start his practice till 1968. I was born on 10-3-62, the courthouse has told me that the Judge was Gladys Scott and the Attorney was Richard Barrett of Barrett and Barrett.

Carroll Cole (died in 12/70) and his wife Agnes Cole (died 02-13-97) helped somehow with my adoption and I got my middle name from him, they are both deceased, so no way of getting help there. Some how my adopted mother, Peggy Skinn knew them. The Cole's they may have known my birth mother.

My doctor was Dr. Black, which is Atty. Jack Blacks father. He is now deceased, and all his records have been destroyed. I was born at Pratt County Hospital. They are checking microfilms to see if they still have any records of my birth.

I found a note my adoptive father wrote before his death with a few names on it, one is Clarence Renner, whom is deceased, not sure why he is on the note, maybe he helped with the legalities or new my birth mother, but I was told he was an attorney back then. Also says to check other towns, St. John and Stafford, but not sure why.

I was told my grandparents owned a pharmacy either in Pratt, St. John's or Stafford, I have done some checking and all I have found out is:

Smart's Drug Store in Stafford - owner Shorty Smart and his wife, never had any children, they are both deceased.

And another owned by Ronnie Taylor, not sure of the Pharmacy name or the town, no way to locate him.

Milne's Drug Store, in Pratt owned by John Schrepel, I have heard he is deceased.

PK Pharmacy, in Pratt, owned by Milford Carlisle, not sure how to locate his family.

Plus there may of been some more pharmacies in these towns and St. John's also.

Here is a recap on my information:

John Carroll Skinn (adoptive name)
born Oct. 3, 1962
adoptive parents: John (Jack) and Peggy Skinn (from Minnesota)
adopted at birth
birth location: Pratty County Hospital, Pratt, KS
birth mother's name: Kay Wilson, she lived at 410 N. Main St, Pratt, KS, moved with her parents after my birth in Stafford.
I have a half brother that is a couple years older than me.
birth father is unknown

I was told my birth mother had me from an affair, a couple years after her husband was killed in a car accident (she was in the car also but survived), I am assuming that her married name was Wilson at the time.

I have spent hours on the phone and the internet trying to find my family with no luck. I have called every Wilson in the directory in St. John, Stafford and Pratt. I would like to find out my health/genetic information. I would also like to know where I come from. But understand if my birth family is not interested.

If anyone has any information to help in my search I would sure appreciate it.

Thanks.

John

[jcs3762]

Hi Again,

I wanted to give you an update. The address I posted earlier was incorrect. My birth mother lived at 402 N. Main St., Pratt, KS during my birth (10-3-62). Birth mother - Kay Wilson - not sure if that was her married name or not.

I have contacted the deeds office and Mrs Ruby E. Foster and her husband Joe Foster bought that house in 1951 and then in 1971 Joe O. Foster sold it to Clara Belle Christianson (ex daughter-in-law) in 1971.

I was told by Jack Black that it was a boarding house at that time.

I checked with the historical society and the city directory is missing for 1962, but in 1961 & 1963, Mrs. Vera W. Miller and Mrs. Virgie Rice both lived there.

I have ordered my before and after adoption birth certificates from Topeka, KS and also my court records from the Pratt District Court. Hopefully they will arrive soon, not sure how long that will take.

If anyone knows anyone that may have known the people above or who might of managed the boarding house, that would be great.

Thanks,

John.

[jcs3762]

Hi,

just wanted to let everyone know I found my birth mom. I got my original birth certificate (which showed her maiden name) from Kansas and then looked her up on classmates and found her that way. Luckily her phone number was listed. I have spoke with her briefly, she was in the middle of something, and she said she would call back.

Thanks to everyone for their help.

[Kay12462]

John,
I too was adopted in Pratt in 1962. Dr. C V Black also handled my birth. Actually, I think that he did every adoption in Pratt during the 60's. He had a reputation statewide for doing that.
I'm glad that you found your birth mom I also found my birth mom the same way that you did. Thank God that Kansas has open records for those of us who want to know.
How did things go with the Pratt Hospital? Did they find the records about your birth? If you had any luck, I may try to secure mine also.
I am currently seeking a brother that was adopted. My mother passed away recently and my sister and I did not know about this brother until after her death.
Please remember that no matter what happens between you and your mother, at least you had the chance to talk to her. I do hope that things work out and you recieve what you're looking for.

[stilsearching4U]

Hi I am from Pratt Kansas and I was just on here looking for my brothers bio father and came accross your posting . I moved to Pratt when I was 6 and grew up there but the one pharmacy that I remember in Pratt was owned by a family whose last name was Eppler. and reading your description of you being tall the Epplers were a tall family. But anyway I hope this helps you .