Does anyone know of a website where i could look up my fathers birth name?

Question

he was born in the early 20s, and was orphaned in the bronx ny, and changed his name to the one i have. he is since deceased

Answer 1

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ote/or...

HEBREW ORPHAN ASYLUM (HOA), Amsterdam Avenue, NEW YORK, NEW YORK, 1910--has A to Z list of children orphaned here.

Orphans Home Website Transcriptions of orphan, adoptee, and foster children listings in orphanages, homes, and poorhouses from U.S.-Canadian censuses and other records.

Roman Catholic Orphan Asylum Manhattan New York 1900 [An Olive Tree Genealogy free database]

(There are MANY more listings on this site, and though some say like 1900, they may still have been in operation in the 1920's). Otherwise, you may have to check with the Department of Vital Records in Albany (that far back any records would be on microfilm, etc.)

Am not sure if Troy, NY is in that area of the state, but saw this listing:

I found the Troy Orphan Asylum on Ancestry.com for 1920. Here is the

location:<A HREF="http://ancestry.com/search/io/choo...

1920 U.S. Census</A> • <A HREF="http://ancestry.com/search/io/choo... York</A> • <A HREF="http://ancestry.com/search/io/choo... • <A HREF="http://ancestry.com/search/io/choo...  at the site  http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th...

Answer 2

you'll need to go to the hall of records.

Answer 3

One.. you need to determine or estimate WHEN he was orphaned.  If it occurred AFTER 1930, he should be findable in the 1930 census records with his parents.

Second.. since he is dead, you can look him up in the social security death index, and using his number, SEND FOR HIS APPLICATION.  This will show the name he was using when he applied (you can change a name and keep the same #.. we women do it all the time, when getting married or divorced). It may give other info such as the name of a relative or the parents.

Even if he was in an orphanage (you don't say that in your message)... if he was there, using the original name.. you may see him listed and not know it.

I would suggest gathering what you can, before trying to look in orphanage records. It might give the info you need.