Beginning in 1854, charitable institutions in New York City began sending orphans on trains to the west to find new families, feeling that the children would fare better out west than on the streets of New York. Orphan trains arrived in Kansas between 1867 and 1930, and some 5000-6000 children were placed in Kansas homes..... ![]() ![]() ![]()
The Columbus Star-Courier, 21 June 1894: Arrival in Columbus: the arrival described. Jefferson County Tribune, 13 January 1911: Arrival at Oskaloosa: brief explanation of how the placements are made and monitored. The Oskaloosa, Kansas Independent, 20 January 1911: Arrival at Oskaloosa: another explanation of how placements are made and monitored. Jefferson County Tribune, 20 January 1911: Arrival at Valley Falls: Rev. Swan comments on careful placement of children. "Want-Ads" Placed in Kansas Newspapers Wilson County Citizen, 2 June 1916: Arrival at Fredonia: the arrival described, and the death of Helen Irene Leschander. Miami Daily News and Metropolis, 12 October 1925: Orphan train rider's grandfather dies in search for the rider The Coffeyville Daily, 7 November 1938: Father is reunited with his children, who were orphan train riders ![]()
William James (Potthoff) Kimmel, orphan train rider Edward Hoyt, orphan train rider The Spences, Edward Hoyt's fosterparents Children's Aid Society placement card Christmas card from Anna Laura Hill (placing agent) Change of Address card from Anna Laura Hill (placing agent) ![]() |
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