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Atkinson Family History
The purpose of this book is to help trace the history of my family. At the time of this writing, I have been able to trace my family back to my great grandfather from my father’s side of the family. I have also traced back to my grand father on my mother’s
side of the family.
First let me provide a little personal history, as I know it. I was born in East Orange, New Jersey on September 12, 1946. As a very young child, probably 2-3 years old, I remember playing outside at the top of a steep driveway, when some people I did not know picked me up and took me for a drive in a car. I remember standing on the back seat looking out the rear window, I was crying.
I then remember being at a place out in the country were there were a lot of other children. Some time later I was sent to a big home in the city. This was an orphanage.
Over a period of time, various people visited me. Then one couple came back again, maybe a couple more times. On the final visit I was sent home with them. Also coming was my brother. I believe that he is my brother by birth, but I am not totally sure. I do not remember him in the car ride, or at the country home I first stayed at.
This couple, Donald and Elsa Atkinson had adopted us. This was probably about 1950, I was 4 years old. Although we knew we were adopted, it was a subject we did not ever discuss in the home. Donald died in 1970, and Elsa died in 1980.
Over the years, I have often asked questions of my parents, but never really pursued it. They would never speak about the adoption or answer any questions. It was after I became aware that Elsa was in fact my aunt, that I decided to trace my family tree.
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