Mamaw's Page

Relinquishment

          This is a copy of the form which was supposed to be signed by the mother of a child being given to the Mississippi Children's Home Society for placement. As you can see the form was signed by J. F. Edwards as mother of Hazel Louise Edwards, and her signature was witnessed by Willie Brister and M. H. Guyal. It is interesting to note that the mother's signature was in red ink. Was that of any particular significance in 1917?   One person at the Mississippi Children's Home Society suggested that it indicated a problem with the signature. Why was the form not notarized? It appears that this form could have been filled out at any time, and not necessarily when Hazel was surrendered to the Society.