Shoemaker Appeal

Opinion by

Mr. Justice Bell,

Erica Lewis, a minor, now seven years of age, was born on March 31, 1952, in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, the child of Helen Lewis. Helen Lewis had never been married, and the identity of the child’s father is unknown. On August 7, 1953, Helen Lewis purchased a home in Upper Mount Bethel Township in Northampton County. On December 8, 1958, Helen Lewis was hospitalized, and Erica was placed with Helen’s consent in the custody of Mr. and Mrs. James Shoemaker, who lived on the neighboring farm. Plelen Lewis died on December 21, 1958. On January 19, 1959, Mrs. Vivian…