Name/Title
AU Harris, Paul Joseph Jr. - 1991-01-03 letter to The Alma SocietyEntry/Object ID
1991.2.21Context
3923 Seeley Avenue
Downers Grove, IL 60515
January 3, 1991
The Alma Society
P.O. Box 154
Washington Bridge Station
New York, NY 10033
To Whom it May Concern:
In 1965, when I was eighteen years old, I became aware of the fact that I had another brother, actually a half-brother. In a confrontation with my mother concerning this situation she admitted that he existed but she didn't know too much about him. She said, "The last I heard he is going by the name William Lutz and living and working in the New York area in the show business field." our mother passed away in 1982. I have since developed a keen interest in my family history and have been attempting to find our brother. It has recently occurred to me that he may be trying to find his biological family as well. That is why I am registering with your organization. The following background information is offered to assist in a possible match.
Our mother, Margaret Lynn Ward, was born 8 August 1905 in Brooklyn, New York, to Robert Burnside Ward and Mary Ann (Kane) Peters. Her father died in 1912 when she was only six years old. She grew up in Brooklyn and spent some summers with an older half-sister and her husband in Montezuma, New York. In the 1920's she had four illegitimate children: Robert Vernon Ward, born 16 Apr 1924 in Montezuma, NY; Dorothy May Ward, born 28 Sep 1925 in Brooklyn, NY; William (Lutz), probably born 1926-1928; and Helen Marie Ward, born 16 Feb 1929 in Brooklyn, NY. Margaret was married 2 Jul 1924 for a brief period of time to Edgar D. Remsen/Remson, but he is not the father of any of her children. In 1936 she married Paul Joseph Harris and they had two children in 1946 and 1947. All of Margaret's children have known each other and kept in touch except for the mysterious William Lutz.
We believe that William was born between Dorothy (28 Sep 1925) and Helen (16 Feb 1929). It is possible that he was born after Helen, but not believed to be likely. One of my older half-sisters believes she once heard that William was given up for adoption to some friends of Margaret's who lived in New Jersey. This makes sense since Margaret had some knowledge of his current life in 1965, though there was no indication that she had contact with him directly. I have learned that one of Margaret's best friends in Brooklyn during that time was Agnes Olsen. Agnes married Margaret's half-brother, Henry/Harry Martin Peters in 1927. I feel there is a very remote chance that they could have been the adoptive parents of Margaret's son. Both Dorothy and Helen were born in Coney Island Hospital, Brooklyn, NY. On Helen's birth certificate, Margaret listed her "husband's" name
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as Edward Ward and her "maiden" name as that of her mother, Kane, though she was not married at that time. Similar fictitious entries may be expected on William's birth certificate and it is not know if he was born with the name William. The place of his birth may have been Brooklyn or New Jersey.
I understand that the purpose of registering with Alma is to attempt to match up data with someone who has already registered with Alma. However, I have discovered a clue which could be helpful, but I am at a loss as to how to proceed with it. About 1965 there was a news anchorman on one of the local New York television stations named Bill Lutz. His occupation fits the description given by my mother at that time. If you can refer me to anyone who could help check on the whereabouts of this Bill Lutz today it would be greatly appreciated.
Enclosed is my check for the sixty dollars registration fee. I am also enclosing a stamped self-addressed envelope in case anyone in your office can be of any help on the above. Thank you for the fine work of your organization and for any consideration you can give my request.
Sincerely,
Paul J. Harris
