Contains webpage links to various Fayette Co. surnames and history projects.
Iowaz Index Page
The photo hosting site contains material regarding history, maps, genealogy of Fayette, Co, Iowa
Iowaz Photo Hosting Site

Use Microsoft Research Maps for a topo and aerial view of farms, villages, along with Google Earth.
http://msrmaps.com/default.aspx

Page Chronology: 2010, Orphan Train Project was started with some material collected while working on several Fay.Co.IA surnames; 2014Mar-Apr: Attempted to track numerous children reported coming on the Orphan Train with data and trees added; 2014Jun, I have forgotten where I left off in April so the page has been initially uploaded in partially completed form due to losing concentration/motivation in May because of warm weather activities, as the page represents a huge time outlay tracking and building trees for the orphans/families that someone else may be able to expand upon.

...Web page objectives: share data, jump start others, make contacts, use a simple web page format.
...Do not trust any tree/report data as totally valid. Use the data to jump start your own research....the information will the best guess at the time of working on a specific project. Often World Connect or Ancestry trees/data were utilized as a foundation upon which to add material gleamed from obits, articles, histories, biographies, stories, burials, censuses and other data collected.

The Orphan Train concept, an overview:
(Do a Google search. There is a large amount of info regarding the CAS & Orphan Trains)

Descendants of James Brace

1 BRACE, James b: 01 Nov 1767 in Hartford, Hartford.Co.CT d: 07 Apr 1833 in Litchfield, Litchfield.Co.CT

.. +PIERCE, Susan b: 1762 d: 03 Jun 1830 in Litchfield, Litchfield.Co.CT

2 [1] BRACE, John Pierce b: 10 Feb 1793 in Hartford, Hartford.Co.CT d: 18 Oct 1872 in Litchfield, Litchfield.Co.CT Note 12: 1850 Census: John P. Brace 54 editor, alone in boarding house, Hartford, Hartford.Co.CT. Note 14: 1860 Census: Hartford, Hartford.Co.CT. Brace: JohnP67CT editor $4500, 2nd wf Louisa42MA $1k.

.... +UNKNOWN, Louisa b: 1818 in MA

*2nd Wife of [1] BRACE, John Pierce:

.... +PORTER, Lucy Elizabeth b: 1791 in Hartford, Hartford.Co.CT d: 1841 m: Nov 1819

... 3 BRACE, Mary E. b: 11 Oct 1820 in Hartford, Hartford.Co.CT

... 3 BRACE, Charles Loring b: 19 Jun 1826 in Litchfield, Litchfield.Co.CT d: 11 Aug 1890 in Switzerland Note 4: Raised in a 'Calvinist' in CT. Note 5: 1846 Graduated from Yale, then studed divinity & theology at Yale, left Yale to study at Union Theological Seminary. Note 6: 1849 Graduated from Union Theological Seminary (Bet. Claremont Ave & Broadway, 120th to 122nd St's, Manhattan, NY.NY. Note 7: Viewed/drawn to NY as center of American Protestantism (beliefs of Protestant movement); also best freind landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead was living in NY City. Note 8: Considered father of modern foster care, founding 'the Children's Aid Society' (CAS) of New.York City, starting Orphan Train movement. Note 10: 1852 Serving, minister to poor, Blackwell's (Roosevelt) Island & Five Points Mission in Manhattan, started concentration on impoverished children. Note 11: 1853 Started Children's Aid Society (CAS), leading to the Orphan Train concept, remained executive secretary until his death. Note 14: 1860 Censu: Tarrytown P.O., Greenburgh, Westchester.Co.NY. Brace: Charles35NY CAS sec. & agent, Loutta28Ire, CharlesJr5NY, Emma1NY, M.Haggerty21Ire servant, Ellen Hogan22Ire servant. Note 16: 24 Apr 1865 Passport: b. 1826Jun19, Litchfield.CT, 38y, 5'8.5", high forehead, prominant nose, blue eyes, lt.br hair, light complextion, oval face. Note 19: 1870 Census: Ward15, Dist.4, NY/NY. Brace: Charles45 CAS secretary, Mary45NY, John15, James13, Mary12, Sarah10 (all b.NY). Note 21: 14 Jun 1872 Passport: b. 1826Jun19, Hartford.CT, 38y, 5'8.5", broad forehead, bl. eyes, average mouth, br. hair, fair complexion, long face. Note 24: 1880 Census: Greenbough, Westchester.Co.NY. Brace: Chas.L53NY, Aline49Ire, C.Loring25NY surveyiing, Emma20, RobertN18, Leta15. Note 30: Cause of death: Bright's Disease, i.e. acute and/or chronic nephritis (kidney disease).

....... +NEILL, Letitia Waring b: 1831 in Belfast, Antrim.Co.Ireland m: 21 Aug 1854 in Belfast, Anriom.Co, Ireland Father: Robert NEILL

..... 4 BRACE, Charles Loring Jr. b: 02 Jun 1855 in Dobbs Ferry, Westchester.Co.NY d: 24 May 1938 in Santa Barbara, Santa.Barbara.Co.CA Burial: Santa Barbara Cem, Santa.Barbara.Co.CA Note 8: 1874 Graduated from Phillips Academy, Andover.MA. Note 9: 1876 Graduated from Yale, Civil Engineering. Note 11: Aft. 1876 Emoployed Supt/Engineer with Minneapolis & St.L RR in Minneapolis.MN. Note 13: 1885 Census: Minneapolis, Hennipen.Co.MN. Bracek. ChasL29, LouiseW20 Note 15: 1890 Dau Eleanor is b. in MN. Note 16: 1890 Father died, CAS trustees invited CharlesJr to take over as secretary of CAS, so moved back to NY. Note 22: 1920 Census: Manhattan, NY/NY. Brace: CharlesLJr64NY CAS secretary, Louise55NY, Eleanor30MN artist, Eliz22NY college, Margaret McCool30Ire maid. Note 25: 1930 Census: Santa.Barbara.CA. Brace: CharlesLJr75, LouiseW64.

......... +WARNER, Louise Tilman b: 27 Aug 1864 in Manhattan, NY/NY d: 30 May 1947 in Manhattan, NY/NY Burial: Santa Barbara Cem, Santa.Barbara.Co.CA m: Bef. 1885 Father: Lewis Tilman WARNER Mother: Elizabeth GRAY

........ 5 BRACE, Dorothy b: Abt. 1886 in Minneapolis, Hennepin.Co.NY

........ 5 BRACE, Clarence Wilfred b: 01 Aug 1888 in Minneapolis, Hennepin.Co.NY

........ 5 BRACE, Eleanor b: Abt. 1889 in Minneapolis, Hennepin.Co.NY

........ 5 BRACE, Elizabeth b: Abt. 1898 in NY

........ 5 BRACE, Gerald Warner b: 24 Sep 1901 in Suffolk.Co.NY d: 20 Jul 1978 in Blue Hill, Hancock.Co.ME Burial: Santa Barbara Cem (ashes scattered), Santa.Barbara.Co.CA

............ +LAIRD, Huldah Potter b: 1902 d: 1986

........... 6 BRACE, Barbara b: 1934 d: 2004

............... +SEELEY, Unknown

..... 4 BRACE, Emma b: 1859 in NY

..... 4 BRACE, Robert N. b: 1861 in NY

..... 4 BRACE, Leta b: 1864 in NY

... 3 BRACE, Emma b: 21 Apr 1828 in Hartford, Hartford.Co.CT d: 13 Feb 1850

"Trains carried a cargo of unwanted children"
A short article in the Des.Moines.Register, 1993Oct10, summarizes the start of the CAS & Orphan Trains.
Numerous longer article appeared in the Cedar.Rapids & Des.Moines papers late 1990, early 2000.
...From 1854 to 1929 trains brought thousands of orphaned and abandoned children from overpopulated areas on the East Coast to rural areas in Iowa and other states.
...When the so-called Orphan Trains stopped at a location, the children were paraded past the townspeople. With few exceptions, anybody who wanted a new son or daughter could have one. It was as easy as finding a pet at the pound.
...At least 150,000 and as many as 250,000 children rode the rails to new homes, some separated forever from brothers and sisters, some taken more for their ability to work a plow or clean a dish than for philanthropy.
...Records show families in Iowa accepted at least 7,000 children.
...There was great poverty in New York City when Charles Loring Brace opened the Children's Aid Society in 1853. Malnourished and barefoot orphans and other abandoned youngsters slept in doorways, begged and stole food. Many died from disease.
...Brace opened the society to give children food, but he was swamped with requests. Some reports say as many as 10,000 abandoned children lived on New York City streets in the mid 1800's. He could not possibly dare for them all.
...so in 1854, a train carrying 46 boys and a minister to chaperon them left for Michigan, where they were taken in by families.
...No money changed hands. The families agreed to care for the children until they turned 18, but the arrangement could be called off at any time. Families could adopt, but they did not have too.
...When the society learned a town was interested, somebody would be dispatched to form a committee of community leaders to screen applicants. Then a trainload of children would arrive, the town would gawk, and several children would be chosen. Those who were rejected then headed to the next destination.

Overview from Ancestry:

...From 1853-1929 a mass migration of approximately 300,000 orphan children was in progress all across America. It is estimated that 8-10,000 babies, young children and young adults were brought to Iowa from many orphanages in Boston, New York and other northeastern coastal cities.

...This event is referred to as the 'placing out' system. It was not a new concept as it had been used in Europe for many years prior to its use in America. This method of providing homes for orphans /children was the forerunner of foster care as we know it today.

...Our developing history of America deals with the rapid influx of immigrants to our country that over-whelmed our ports. We were not prepared with homes, schools, food, medical care and the needs of people who were arriving by boatloads.

...Eventually children of all ages were left to roam the streets, turning to any source for food, shelter and clothing. They obtained the basic needs of life by any means they could find such as singing on street corners or in bars, shinning shoes selling newspapers or flowers. While some ventured into the life of crime and were taken to jail.

...Not all children were full orphans. Some had one or both parents living but they could not supply the needs of the child. Therefore, the parent turned them over to the various orphanages that were being supplied by the city.

...Numerous orphanages, both public and private, were established. While most of them were 'Christian' by nature, some were opened for specific ethnic or religious groups.

...1. The five major facilities that brought babies, small children and young adults to Iowa:

...2. For Wayward Children opened in Boston, MA. In 1849.

...3. The Baldwin Home for Little Wanderers opened in Boston, MA. In 1850.

...4. The New York Juvenile Asylum (opened 1851) merged with the Children's Village in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.

...5. Rev Charles Loring Brace began the New York Children's Aid Society and the society is still in business today. Rev. Brace initiated the "Placing out" system because he felt that to confine a child would undermine their development. And so, he established trade schools to provide working skills to be useful in a chosen occupation or at their new home.

...Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul opened the New York Foundling Hospital (Home) with $5.00 and an empty building in 1869. Their main concern was the infant, the mother, and a Catholic up bringing. However, they also welcomed children of every race, color and creed and still take care of numerous children every year. Children from this facility were pre-arranged for through the local Catholic priest in the city where they were taken and they were most likely to be the ones that were adopted.

...Police and ministers did their best to attend to the needs of the most sick, hungry or abused child they found and they did their best to find the parent(s). When this was not successful they took them to shelters, alms-houses or orphanages.

...Upon arrival at the orphanages they were fed, bathed, checked for medical needs and, if known, information was recorded in ledgers such as age, date of birth, parents names, place of birth, etc. Some records were well kept while others are scant or missing. They were assigned places to sleep and chairs in the dining room. Those with apparent diseases were placed in an infirmary or away from the others until they were well.

...Life went on from there with Agents and assistants caring for the well being of the residents. The personality, intelligence and other factors were closely monitored because eventually the child would become a member of a new family where these attributes would have a great bearing on stability in their new home.

...Railroads to Iowa began in the early 1850's to and through Dubuque and Davenport, Iowa. The trips were planned for groups of 10-50 children along with their Agent(s) to arrive on Friday from New York. The Boston groups left on Sunday noon and the New York group left at noon on Tuesdays.

...Children of all ages were chosen for the trip with the older ones helping the Agents take care of the younger ones. They came first in boxcars and later in Pullman cars. They were usually loaded first due to the large amount of luggage and food supplies needed for the long journey. When they were safely loaded on the train with their coats and lunches stored away, the Agents set aside dress clothes to be worn upon arrival at their destination.

...In 1852, at the age of 26, Charles Loring Brace, who had been raised as a Calvinist, was serving as a minister to the poor of Blackwell's Island (now known as Roosevelt Island) and to the poor of the Five Points Mission, when he decided he wanted to fulfill his humanitarian efforts in the streets rather than in church.
...Brace was aware of the impoverished lives of the children in New York City and for this reason he concentrated on improving children’s situations and their future. A year later, in 1853, Brace established the Children's Aid Society.

...Brace witnessed many children in New York City who lived in poverty with parents who abused alcohol, engaged in criminal activity, and were unfit parents. These children were sent to beg for money and sell newspapers and matches in the streets. They became known as “street Arabs” or “the dangerous classes” due to the street violence and gangs they inevitably became a part of. In some cases, children as young as five years old would be sent to jails where adults were imprisoned as well. The police referred to these children as “street rats”.

...One crime and poverty ridden area around Tenth Avenue was referred to as “Misery Row”. Misery Row was considered to be a main breeding ground of crime and poverty, and an inevitable "fever nest” where disease spread easily. Other children who were orphans or runaways found themselves drifting into this destitute area, as well as the old sheds of Eighteenth and Nineteenth Streets. Such was the severity of child poverty in 1854 that the number of homeless children in New York City was estimated as high as 34,000.

...Although orphanages existed, Brace did not believe they were worthwhile institutions because they merely served the purpose of feeding the poor and providing handouts. He felt that such institutions only deepened the dependence of the poor on charity.
... Brace was also influenced by the writings of Edward Livingstone, a pioneer in prison reform who believed that the best way to deal with crime and poverty was to prevent it. Brace focused on finding jobs and training for poor and destitute children so they could help themselves. His initial efforts in social reform included free kindergartens, free dental clinics, job placement, training programs, reading rooms, and lodging houses for boys.

...Brace endeavored to place children into farm families of northern New York State, the Midwest and, after the American Civil War, some southern and a few western states. From 1853-1864, abt. 384 children were sent each year to families in New England states, the North Atlantic states and East North Central states. Nearly 1,000 children per year were sent from 1865-1874 to Michigan, Kansas, Iowa, and Missouri through Brace's "Emigration Plan”, now known as "The Orphan Trains". "In every American community, especially in a western one, there are many spare places at the table of life," Brace wrote. "They have enough for themselves and the stranger too."

...The trains transported children from lodging houses, orphanages, private homes or the street, bringing them to towns where local organizers had created interest in the program. Notices were posted around town and in newspapers, informing locals when the children would arrive and of the viewing location.
...The Children's Aid Society (CAS) made arrangements with train companies for the children (in groups ranging in size from three to 35, along with at least two adult agents) to travel in regular passenger coaches, not in wooden box cars as is sometimes depicted in novels. At towns along the route, the children assembled at the train station or were brought to opera houses, schools, or town halls for the community to meet and interview.

...Brace's Emigration Plan was also an anti-eugenic movement because Brace believed that one's "gemmules" (genes) did not predetermine one's future. Brace was deeply moved by Charles Darwin's Origin of Species, having read it thirteen times. Brace was also an outspoken abolitionist.
...In a bold move (and perhaps inspired by his abolitionist and Darwinian mindset), Brace did away with the centuries-old custom of indenture so that the "placed" children were allowed to leave a home if they were uncomfortable with the placement.
...Brace’s vision of migrating children to live with the western Christian farming families was widely supported by wealthy New York families.

...The Children's Aid Society (CAS), the best-known organization finding homes for children, made efforts to screen the host families and follow up on the welfare of placed children. By 1909, at the first White House Conference on Dependent Children, the country's top social reformers praised the CAS' emigration movement, but argued that children should either be kept with their natal families or, if they were removed as a result of parental neglect or abuse, every effort should be made to place the child in a foster home nearby.
...In a 1920 report, the CAD estimated that 87 percent of children placed by the Orphan Train program had done well. While there was occasional abuse, most people agreed that over all, the children were generally better off than on the streets of big cities without proper food, clothing and shelter.

...By 1920, the CAS and approximately 1500 other agencies and institutions had placed approximately 150,000 children in the largest migration or resettlement of children in American history.
...The CAS' Orphan Train movement ended after 75yrs, in 1929/ Brace is credited with helping 400,000 children with the orphan train. Brace served as an executive secretary of Children's Aid Society for 37 years, overseeing the program.

CAS Agents that operated in Iowa:
Mr. H.D. Clark
Robert Curran
Ms. Clara B. Comstock
Charles Frye
Ms. Anna Laura Hill
Mr. E.E. Trott
J.W. Shields

Clara B. Comstock and Anna Laura Hill were close friends as well as CAS agents.

1912May09, Arlington.IA Paper: Fayette News;
...Friday afternoon, the town (Fayette.IA) was full of people (at the Opera House) from the surrounding country even from Elkader, all to see those New York children that arrived that forenoon, there 5 boys and 4 girls from 3-12 yrs old. Ms. Clara Comstock, the lady who had the care of the children had a young lady who helped her with the children. From Fayette, she goes to her brother's in Nebraska.

Fayette Paper:
...There were three sisters, a brother & sister, and two brothers all finding different homes, but the brother and sister, they going to the same home, that of Mr/Mrs Forest Johnson near Randalia.
...The three sisters we understand all finding homes within six miles of each other down east of Lima in the homes of Mr/Mrs Boland, Mr/Mrs Hutchinson & Mr/Mrs Holtsman/Holtzman.
...The brothers went near Hawkeye to farms about 3mi apart, Mr/Mrs. Wesley W. Alley & Mr/Mrs Smock.
...One boy went to the home of Mr/Mrs John Langerman, east of town (Fayette).
...One boy to the home of Mr/Mrs Frank Patterson.
...All were placed in the homes of well-to-do farmers.
...We understand that the demand was greater than the supply (of children) as there were over 50 applicants and that Ms. Clara Comstock has promised to make us another visit and bring more homeless children. Ms. Comstock will remain here (in Fayette) until she has visited all the homes where the children were placed and we hear that there may be a change of homes for one or two children.

List of Orphan Train children, mainly those coming to Fayette.IA, 1912May
...Most children on this list came on a May 1912 Train to the Fayette Opera House.
...It should be noted that many of the children took the surnames of their hosting families, with 'adoption' often used/listed by 'word of mouth.'
...Use the drop down link & browser return arrow to navigate down to any data extra data for the child.
...Please send additions; data/corrections for those listed and names/notes for others not listed.
Bailey, George to Sebastian Conklin of Bethel.Twp. Could not find; Conklin tree available.
Boy to Frank Patterson (Pattison), farming in sec 11, Smithfield.Twp Could not find. Pattison tree available.
Bright, William A. Listed as boy Wm.A Bright, but likely boy taken in by Wm.A. Bright of sec 12&1, Center.Twp. Could not find. Bright tree available.
Clark, Arthur, taken in by O.W. Stevenson, lawyer in Fayette village. Could not find. Stevenson tree available.
Eberhardt sisters (The sisters married & had families so have been joined to an 'unknown' father, with host families shown.)
   Alice Eberhardt Holtzman was raised by Jesse Holtzman, farming just south of the Albany bridge.
   Pearl Eberhardt Hutchinson, was raised by James Green Hutchinson of the Frog Hollow area 1+mi north of Albany.
   Josephine Eberhardt was taken in by J.C. Boleyn of Wadena, Illyria.Twp
Thorp, Bessie, at times listed Orphan Train, but was orphaned dau of Cecil Thorp of the Frog Hollow/Lima area, raised by neighbor James Green Hutchinson.
Fisher, Jospeh (adopted Joe Langerman), taken in by John Langerman farming 3mi SE of Fayette.
Unknown, Orpha Mabel (would marry Joe Langerman), taken in by Edward H. Page & 2nd wf. Florence Mabel Chase Lockard Page, farming in Fairfield.Twp.
Grimes, Lillian, taken in 1897, by Mrs. (William) Vincent Angell/Angel (of the Randalia area, Center.Twp), at Fayette.IA.
Hynges brothers,
   William Hynges, was taken in by Wesley W. Alley, of the Randalia, Center.Twp area.
   Jospeh Hynges, was taken in by Claude D. Smock, of the Hawkeye.IA area.
Klossman, Frieda, b.1890/NY, 7th education so came to IA by 1902, in 1911 married Joe.Weepie b.1872, farming Littleton area of Buchanan.Co.IA,
McDowell siblings, came May1912, adopted/took Johnson surname, remained in Fayette.Co.IA, remainder of life.
   John Ralph McDowell, b.1899/NY, taken in by Forrest Johnson, sec 27, Center.Twp,
   Estella McDowell, b.1905/NY, taken in by Forrest Johnson, sec 27, Center.Twp.
Palmer, siblings
   Howard Palmer (b.abt1898/NY), was taken in at Fayette.IA (date uncertain), by F.A. Eckstein, of the Fayette.IA area. In the 1920Census, there is a Howard Palmer b.1898/NY, farmhand with Jess C. Binnie 37/IA family in the Chester village area, Howard.Co.IA.
   Marian/Marion Palmer (female, b.abt. 1895), was taken in at Fayette.IA (date uncertain), 1st by C.B. Phillips of Wadena area, Fayette.Co.IA, 2nd moved to Clarence McPeck in Hayfield, Dodge.Co.MN.
   Note: There is real confusion in the census data for Howard & Marian not figured out, yet (view data in the trees).

"Those New York Children", West.Union.IA Gazette 1898Dec02
"Mr. and Mrs. E.E. Trott, from the Children's Aid Society of New York, arrived (in West.Union.IA) yesterday with a party of 20 little boys and girls to be distributed among the homes in this vicinity. All were readily taken but five boys and two girls, and Mr. Trott will remain two or three days at the Commercial House (Hotel) in anticipation of their being called for by some worthy people. The following is a list of those 'disposed of.' (notes added 2014/bz)

Fahr siblings, Harry13 and William8 Fahr, (also Amanda & Ida Mae11) taken by Albert S. Scovil/Scovel, Elkader.IA restaurant keeper.
Jacobs, Agnes, age 14, taken by J. J. (John Jacob) Tope. Not with the Tope family in the 1900 Census (Census1900: N.Auburn village plat, Auburn.Twp, Fay.Co.IA. Tope: JohnJ69 farming, Margaret65, Sarah Dodge40PA servant.

Johnson, Harry, age 11, taken by Geo. Husk (probably Geo. Huck) (Census1930: Grange, Deuel.Co.SD; Husk/Huck: Geo52IA parent b. Ger. married at age 28 farming, Sophia48IA, Harry22IA farmhand, Charlotte Erdman22Ger servant, Emil Spir50Ger boarder grain farmer).

Meierson brothers:
Meierson, Leon, age 5, taken by Geo. M. Fritz (grew up & farmed around the Union/Windsor.Twp line, plus lived in West.Union village, Leon is with the Frtiz family in 1900Census in West.Union, but not listed after that, so Leon likely was never adopted and possibly moved on to another family or went off on his own. Leon could not be found after 1900, bz/2014)
Meierson, Albert, age 3, taken in by Frank Albert Williams, a tinner in West.Union village at the time. Albert was adopted & raised as Milford Albert Williams. The Williams family left West.Union by 1910; tree available)

Patris, Tony, age 15, taken by Josh Moore (Joshua Moore 1861Jan/WI, farming 1900 in Windsor.Twp)

Rogers, William, age 15, taken by Charles Shermerhorn (1895 Census: Charles Shermerhorn54NY farming in Union.Twp, HelenL42IL, Roy16Fay.Co.IA)

West, Roy, age 11, taken by C. Stirk (STIRK, Cornelius William b: 31 Jul 1842 in Wales d: 29 Dec 1923), but not listed in 1900 Census. (Cornelius Stirk, Union.Twp. Census1900: Stirk: Cornelius57, Hattiette52 (nee Eastman), LenoraA25, CorneliusW20, b/law Geo.W. Eastmen54).

George Bailey (is not listed on Iowa website), was taken in by Sebastian Conklin bef. 1900, and worked for George & Mable Clare (Conklin, dau of Sebastion) Sturch between 1912-1915, on the Brockway farm 2+mi east of Alpha in sec's 34&35 Eden.Twp. George Bailey went back to NY, as an adult.

...George Bailey, came as a teenager from N.Y. streets came to Fayette.IA, on an Orphan Train before 1900 and was taken in by the Sebastian W. Conklin family. He helped Sebastian W. Conklin as a farmhand and family member for many years. From 1912-1915 George Bailey worked for George Struck on the Brockway farm east of Alpha. When old enough to travel he would ride the rails to NY and spend winters with his sister who worked in a ribbon factory. He also worked as a farmhand on other area farms. He started spending more time in NY. On his final trip he bought a ticket and rode coach. George was quiet and pleasant with family members. Source: Veryl Sturch Bell (b.1907/Fayette.IA, dau of Geo. Frances Sturch 1865/PA/1932/IA & Mable Clare Conklin (dau of Sebastian Conklin) 1885/Bethel.Twp-1973/?.

Boy was taken in by Frank Patterson at Fayette.IA, 1912May09.
...This would be Frank Pattison, farming 3mi SE of Fayette, in sec 11, Smithfield.Twp, bz/2014.
...The boy could not be identified nor found, so likely was moved to another home or moved on before the 1920 census, bz/2014.

Frank Pattison was the son of Thomas Henry Patterson/Pattison 1831/Ireland-1894/Fay.Co.IA & Adelaide Baker 1836NY-Bef1900/Fay.Co.IA(?).
More Pattison tree data is available.

Bright, William A. listed as a boy named Wm. A. Bright taken in at Fayette.IA.
...This is more likely Wm.A. Bright b.1861/KY, farming in Sec 12 & 1 of Center.Twp, taking in a boy rather than being Wm.Bright, a boy taken in, bz/2014).
...After building a tree for Wm.A. Bright1861, plus searching for a child Wm.Bright, no child from the Orphan Train could be found that fits.
...Until further data comes along, it can be assumed Wm.A. Bright, that was farming in sec 12 & s, just east of Donnna, in Center.Twp, took a boy from the OrphanTrain, but that the child was not raised or adopted by the Bright, and may have moved to another family or been working somewhere as a farmhand by the 1920 census, bz/2014.

Clark, Arthur, age 5, taken in by Oliver Warren Stevenson, well known, successful Attorney, at Fayette.IA, 1912May09.
...Arthur was not with O.W. Stevenson in the 1920 census, so he may have been taken in by another family.
...Could not locate this Arthur Clark, bz/2014).

...The Eberhardt sisters have been tracked to the point of understanding their life after the Orphan Train arrival.
...Since the sisters had children, in the master FTM file they are being attached together to a Nicholas Eberhardt, a possible father, rather than to their hosting family surname (descendent trees for their hosting surname family follow the Eberhadrt tree). Their offspring are blood related first cousins, therefore first cousin relatives (both blood & by adoption) may want the blood connections since none seem have been made within the trees presently on Ancestry, 2014/bz.

...Nicholas is the only Eberhardt parental possibility found at this time, bz/2014----1900Census: Halfmoon, Saratoga.Co.NY. Eberhart/Eberhardt: Nicholas b.1855Apr/Ger (d.abt1911/NY), came to America in 1881, day laborer; married for 12 yrs (or in abt.1888) to Loratta b.1875Aug (she would have been 12 or 13 when 'married.') Loratta is listed having four children, none living (Which may indicate they were given up or taken away after the father died abt.1911.)

...The Eberhardt girls may have stayed at the Fayette House hotel with the Edger N. & Mannie H. Humiston & five children, operating the Fayette House hotel on the NE corner of Main/State, before moving to separate families, bz/2014. It has been hinted they might have been with a Homiston (Humiston) family, before/after the 1912 Orphan Train. Either way, all three girls were raised by three separate families in the Albany/Lima & Wadena area, but within 5-6 miles from each other.
...Josephine, the oldest Eberhardt sister, listed 12yrs when arriving in Fayette, 1912May, was taken in my the James Greene Boleyn family at Wadena. A census year indicates Josephine went to high school for two years, which which may have been in Fayette village. Josephine married Harry Frank Hamrick about 1922 in Fayette village, so she probably was working in Fayette.IA at the time. Frank & Josephine Hamrick moved to Mason.City.IA, shortely after marriage, thus Josephine was raised in Wadena during her teen years, and perhaps spent some time working around Fayette village before marriage.

Josephine Eberhardt, b. abt.1900, the oldest sister,
...Eberhardt, Josephine, age 12, has been listed as taken in by J.C. Boleyn, Wadena.IA area, 1912May09.
...This is likely 'taken in by ' James Harvey Boleyn, living in Wadena and operating a steam feed/saw mill, plus with a farm nearby.

.... +DELGER, Harm b: 1887 in Netherlands d: 1976 in Mason City, Cerro.Gordo.Co.IA m: 1950 in Mason City, Cerro.Gordo.Co.IA

...Eberhardt, Alice, age 7, was taken in by Jesse Holtzman, 1912May09, and raised on the farm just south of the Albany bridge (the old Marvin Mill location).

Eberhardt, Pearl, age 3, was taken in by James Greene Hutchinson, farming 1.5mi NxNW of Albany, in Frog Hollow, sec 10, Westfield.Twp. 1912May09.
...Pearl was raised on the Frog Hollow farm, attended grades at the Lima school, and graduated from Fayette.IA H.S. in 1927, as Pearl Hutchinson.
...About May 1928, Pearl married John Peterson (from Rockford, Winnebago.Co.IL) at the time) in Fayette.Co.IA, as Pearl Eberhardt.
...Pearl & John Peterson moved back to Rockford.IL and had two children John1936, Ruth1938.

...Thorp/Thorpe, Bessie was not on an Orphan Train as shown on some lists
...Bessie's mother Bertha nee Fox died about 1907 in Frog Hollow. Bessie was taken in by James G. Hutchinson, a neighbor. Her father went back west and would die in 1915.
...Bessie was raised by the James Greene Hutchinson family (Thorp tree below; Hutchinson tree above).

Four Fahr siblings, Amanda, Ida Mae, Harry, William came 1898Dec to West.Union.IA and taken in by Albert S. Scovil/Scovel, restaurant keeper in Elkader, Clayton.Co.IA.

...1898Dec, the West.Union.IA paper lists children coming on an Orphan Train, including Fahr brothers Harry & William. Apparently four Fahr children were taken in at West.Union, by Albert A. Scovil/Scovel 1850/IA-1928/MT & wife Mary Jane Buck 1860/IN-bef1910/IA, restaurant keepers in Elkader, Clayton.Co.IA.
...1900Census: Elkader, Boardman.Twp, Clayton.Co.IA. Scovil/Scovel: Albert49 restaurant keeper, Mary39; Fahr foster children listed Scovel, Harry12NY, IdaM11NY, Wm9NY, (sister Amanda is not enumerated, so apparently has been moved to another family.
...By1910, Albert's wife dies, all have taken the Scovil/Scovil name. The boys Harry & William are on their own.
...Before 1910, the sisters Amanda & Ida Mae have been listed as taken in by Uria Kerr of Wadena, Illyria.Twp, Fayette.Co.IA, and later moved to Rev. H.D. Clark in Dodge Center, Dodge.Co.MN.
...1910Census: Hotel, Main.St, McGregor, Clatyon.Co.IA. Albert S. Scovil 59/IA widowed, night watchman.
...Harry Arthur Fahr Scovel & William Walter Fahr Scovel have been tracked, bz/2014.
...Amanda Fahr & Ida May Fahr have not been tracked, bz/2014.

Jacobs, Agnes, age 14, in 1898 taken by J. J. (John Jacob) Tope at West.Union.IA. Not with the Tope family in the 1900 Census (Census1900: N.Auburn village plat, Auburn.Twp, Fay.Co.IA. Tope: JohnJ69 farming, Margaret65, Sarah Dodge40PA servant.

...Joseph Fisher (adopted as Joseph 'Joe' Langerman), age 5, taken in by John Langerman, 2mi SE of Fayette, 1912May09. (Joe grew up and raised a large family in the Fayette.IA area, tree info available)

...Orpha Mabel Unknown, age 1 (b.Oct1911/Omaha.NE), was taken in by Edward H. Page and 2nd wf. Florence Mabel Chase Lockard Page, who were farming near Taylorville, Fairfield.Twp, Fayette.Co.IA. Orpha was brought on a different Orphan Train from future husband Joe Fisher Langerman (married 1927/Fay.Co.IA). Apparently Orpha was bought from Omaha.NE area to the west, rather than the east, by likely CAS agent Clara Comstock, bz/2014?
...Page tree follows the Langerman tree.

Lillian Grimes, was taken in 1897, by Mrs. (William) Vincent Angell/Angel (of the Randalia area, Center.Twp), at Fayette.IA.
...Cannot find Lillian Grimes. Nor the first wife of William Vincent Angel, the Mrs. mentioned (bz/2014).
...Tree built for the Angel family is vague on locations for Wm. Vincent Angel.

The Hynges brothers, William1903 and Joseph1906, came from the 'Five Points' area of Manhattan (the 'Gangs of New York' movie area) on the 1912May Orphan Train to Fayette.IA, with the surname of their mother.

...Hynges, Joseph, age 6, was taken in by Claude D. Smock, of the Hawkeye.IA area, 1912May09. On 1913May17, Joseph was officially adopted and name changed to Harrie/Harry Claude Smock. His brother William Hynges, age 8, was taken in by Wesley W. Alley, of the Randalia, Center.Twp area on 1912May09. Wm. would remain with the Alley family until 1919, when he went to work as a farm hand for a Westbrook family nearby in Center.Twp. Wm. would take the name Alley, although never officially adopted, and would be considered a son of Wesley Alley. Wm. would live near Fayette and Hawkeye, the remainder of his life, marry and have two children.

A descent tree for Wm. Hynges was built 2014Mar from Census/Ancestry and FTM data within my master FTM file, and likely the best guess at this time, bz/2014.

...Hynges, William, age 8 (b. 1903/NY), was taken in from the Orphan Train at Fayette.IA, by Wesley W. Alley, of the Randalia, Center.Twp area on 1912May09. Wm. would remain with the Alley family until 1919, when he went to work as a farm hand for a Westbrook family nearby in Center.Twp. Wm. would take the name Alley, although never officially adopted, and would be considered a son of Wesley Alley. Wm. would live near Fayette and Hawkeye, the remainder of his life, marry and have two children.

Freida Klossman is listed on Iowa site as taken at Fayette.IA (host family not located).
...Born 1890/NY, married Joe Weepie of Buchanan.Co.IA, so would have come to Fayette before the 1912 Orphan Train.
...Could not locate any more info, bz/2014.

...John Ralph McDowell b.1899Aug, and sister Estella McDowell b.1905Nov, were taken in by Forest C. Johnson, farmstead in sec 27, 2mi S of Randalia, Center.Twp, 1912May09.
...Their birth parents were Wm.T. McDowell & Charlotte Mason of Brooklyn(?).NY.
...Ralph & Estella were raised/adopted and stayed with Forrest Johnson until near the time he died in 1944.
...Ralph & Estella took the Johnson surname the rest of their lives.
...Both attended Randalia H.S. and lived most of their lives in Center.Twp and Oelwein.IA, where both died.
...They had an orphaned sister Charlotte that came from Brooklyn.NY in 1917 to visit and live with the the Johnson's but was not enumerated in 1920.
...Ralph may have remained single. No marriage was found when searching. Lived in Oelwein.IA until death.
...Estella married Richard Flower in 1944, living in Oelwein.IA until death. They had two children Ralph & Donna.

Meierson, Leon, age 5, taken by Geo. M. Fritz (grew up & farmed around the Union/Windsor.Twp line, plus lived in West.Union village, Leon is with the Frtiz family in 1900Census in West.Union, but not listed after that, so likely was never adopted and moved on to another family or went off on his own. Leon could not be found after 1900, bz/2014)

Meierson, Albert, age 3, taken in by Frank Albert Williams, a tinner in West.Union village at the time. Albert was adopted & raised as Milford Albert Williams. The Williams family left West.Union by 1910.

Howard Palmer, b.1897, was taken in by F.A. Eckstein, of the Fayette.IA area (this may be Frederick Eckstein b.1875, son of John Eckstine1838 x Sophie Lowden Lauten1841).
...1920Census, there is a Howard Palmer b.1898/NY, farmhand with Jess C. Binnie 37/IA family in the Chester village area, Howard.Co.IA.
...Howard Palmer of Chester.IA, married Neita Knode, 1921Jan12; father CharlesW Palmer, mother Lillian.
...1930Census, Main.St, Chester, Howard.Co.IA, Howard Palmer31/NY building carpenter, wf Neita Knode29IA, Leola8, Wilfred7, Everett5, Rodger2, Dean7m, m/law Cora Knode66, niece Donna Williams2y6m.
...1940Census, Howard Palmer41/NY contractor/carpenter, Neita39, Leola18, Wifred17, Everett15, Roger12, Dean10.
...1947, living in Contra.Costa.Co.CA
...SS.Index, issued in Iowa: Howard I. Palmer, b.1897Nov28, d.1966May, Richmond, Contra Costa Co, CA.

Marian Palmer, b.1895, was taken in, 1st by C.B. Phillips of Wadena, 2nd moved to Clarence McPeck in Hayfield, Dodge.Co.MN.

Note the census data in the trees below. There is conflict of data/dates not figured out, yet.

Other Orphan Train, Palmer children coming to Iowa in 1917:
No link was found when searching for Howard & Marian. They all fall between the 1900-1910 Census so are possibly siblings of Howard & Marian.
...Ruth Palmer 1yr to Charles City, Floyd.Co.IA then moved to Northwood, Worth.Co.IA.
...Gladys Palmer 3yr to Charles City, Floyd.Co.IA.
...Viola Palmer 7yr to Charles City, Floyd.Co.IA.

West, Roy, age 11, in 1898 taken in at West.Union.IA, by Cornelius William Stirk, but not listed in 1900 Census. (Cornelius Stirk, Union.Twp. Census1900: Stirk: Cornelius57, Hattiette52 (nee Eastman), LenoraA25, CorneliusW20, b/law Geo.W. Eastmen54).

1856...Orphan Train movement begun in New York City by Rev. Charles Loring Brace (descendent tree near the top of the page).

1890...Charles Loring Brace died 1890 in Switzerland. The CAS remained fully operational.

1880...Census: Purdy.Creek.Rd, Hartsville village, Steuben.Co.NY. Comstock: Charles26 blacksmith, CharityE25, ClaraB10m. Grew up on farm and began teaching at Hartsville, Steuben.Co.NY, age 1-23.

1893Aug...Clara Comstock gave a recitation at Purdy.Cr. Baptist Ch, Hornellsville/Hornell, Stueben.Co.NY.

1900...Census: Living on Purdy.Cr.Rd, Hartsville (Hornell), Steuben.Co.NY. Comstock: Charles46 farming, CharityE46, ClaraB20 teacher of Purdy.Cr #5, DanielJ19 farmhand.

1902...Anna Laura Hill applies for position with CAS as "placing agent". She became the main agent for placement in Kansas. She was an agent for 30 years before retiring. Anna Luara Hill and Clara B. Comstock would become close friends, escorting numerous Orphan Trains into Iowa and Kansas.

1905...Census: Clara B. Comstock age 25 is a teacher for the Children's Aid Society in New York City.

1910...Census: Clara Comstock 30y, is in New.York City, teaching for the Children's Aid Society of NY.

1911...Clara B. Comstock began escorting Orphan Trains for the CAS into the Midwestern states. She would become one of the most famous agents. She would go around to agencies and orphanages in New York city, selecting only those children she thought she could place successfully. Many of the children felt that Clara considered them as 'family.' Clara would say, "I thought it was the most incredible thing imaginable to expect people to take children they had never seen and give them a home, but we placed them and never failed to accomplish it." Clara Comstock would return/retire back to her native home in Hornell.NY, in 1928.

1911-1928...Clara B. Comstock made 74 Orphan Train trips, averaging about four per year, many taking 1-2 months to complete, with numerous re-visits to placed children.

1911...Ms. Clarabelle (Clara B.) Comstock (CAS): escorted Orphan Trains into KS: 1911, 1915, 1917

1911Apr25, Wellsville Daily Reporter (Allegnay.Co.NY):
...HOMES WANTED FOR CHILDREN; The Children's Aid Society of New York wishes to find good homes throughout the State where poor children, who are homeless, destitute, or exposed to evil influences, may enjoy a happy and wholesome family life; where kind care, good example and moral training will fit them for a life of self-support and usefulness.
...We urge the friends who may read this appeal, to consider in a generous spirit whether their own doors ma not be thrown open to rescue, relieve and protect some unfortunate child, or whether they can tell us of other families with when these children may perhaps find a welcome.
...Families willing to receive or adopt a child of any age under fourteen years, are invited to correspond with the State Agent, Miss Clara B. Comstock of Andover.NY (Allegany.Co.NY).Clara B.
http://iagenweb.org/history/orphans/agents/Comstock_C.htm

1911Jun19, Emporia Kansas Gazette: Miss Clara B. Comstock, representing the Children's Aid Society of New York is in town on business concerned with that institution.
...HOMES FOR CHILDREN----The Children's Aid Society of New York wishes to provide homes in the country for the many poor and homeless children who come under its care. The most of these children come from the best orphanages in and about New York, and have been diligently trained and selected with care to fit the new family life into which they are to enter.
...If a mistake has been made in the choice or for any reason the child be no satisfactory, the society bears the trouble and expense of its return. These children are of both sexes, but are chiefly boys, and range in age from 2 to 15 years.
...If you apply for a child you should be prepared to satisfy the society that you will furnish the comforts of a home; that you will treat the little one as a areal member of your family by taking the place of a father and mother to children as much as possible, that you will give him the education and moral training which will fit him to take a respectable, self-supporting place in the community.
...If you have never had a boy about you, you can hardly imagine how interesting he can be and how he can renew your interest in life, by relieving you of many of the small cares of the farm. Let this society send you a nice, active boy to run errands, hunt the eggs, bring the cows; or possibly, send you a sweet little girl to cheer your household in return for the comfort and protection of an approved home.
...Kindly send your name and address, telling about your home and your desires, and an agent of our society will be pleased to correspond with you. Make your application direct to Miss. Clara B. Comstock, Agent, Emporia, Kan.

1912Apr08, Cedar.Rapids.IA Gazette: BRIGHT, HEALTHY AND GOOD BOYS WANT HOME, Children's Aid Society has a Number of Boys and Girls to be placed in good homes. The Gazette gladly gives space to the following:
...The Children's Aid Society of New York, one of the largest and oldest charitable institutions of North America, has a large number of little boys, ages 5-10, to place in worthy homes. These boys are not street children, but have been carefully trained in the orphan asylums of New York and vicinity. They are bright, obedient, have good manners and will fit nicely in any good home.
...If you apply for a child you should be prepared to satisfy the society that you will treat the little one as a real member of your home and you will give him the educational and moral training which will fit him to take a responsible, self-supporting place in the community.
...If a mistake has been made in the choice or for any reason the child be not satisfactory, the society bears the trouble and expnse of its return. All children are placed an indefinite trial. The privilege of adoption being granted if desired.
...Apply to the Society's agent, Miss. Clara B. Comstock, Box 117, Des Moines, Iowa.

1912May09, Arlington.IA Paper: Fayette News;
...Friday afternoon, the town (Fayette.IA) was full of people from the surrounding country even from Elkader, all to see those New York children that arrived that forenoon, there 5 boys and 4 girls from 3-12 yrs old. Ms. Clara Comstock, the lady who had the care of the children had a young lady who helped her with the children. From Fayette, she goes to her brother's in Nebraska.
...There were three sisters, a brother & sister, and two brothers all finding different homes, but the brother and sister, they going to the same home, that of Mr/Mrs Forest Johnson near Randalia.
...The three sisters we understand all finding homes within six miles of each other down east of Lima in the homes of Mr/Mrs Boland, Mr/Mrs Hutchinson & Mr/Mrs Holtsman/Holtzman.
...The brothers went near Hawkeye to farms about 3mi apart, Mr/Mrs. Wesley W. Alley & Mr/Mrs Smock.
...One boy went to the home of Mr/Mrs John Langerman, east of town (Fayette).
...One boy to the home of Mr/Mrs Frank Patterson.
...All were placed in the homes of well-to-do farmers.
...We understand that the demand was greater than the supply (of children) as there were over 50 applicants and that Ms. Clara Comstock has promised to make us another visit and bring more homeless children. Ms. Comstock will remain here (in Fayette) until she has visited all the homes where the children were placed and we hear that there may be a change of homes for one or two children.

1912May09, Waterloo.IA Paper; La Porte City News.
...The Children's Aid Society of New York, of which Miss Clara B. Comstock is agent, will bring to La Port City, Iowa, on Sept. 20, 1912, a company of orphan children for the purpose of finding homes. A public meeting will be held in the Opera House at 2pm on that day. It is hoped that many parents will feel inclined towards adopting one or more of these homeless children.

1912Sep09, Perry.IA Chief; Homes wanted for Children. Contact Clara Comstock, Box 117, Des.Moines.IA.

1912Sep09, Waterloo.IA Courier; Mrs. Clara B. Comstock CAS agent will be in LaPorte City, Iowa, on Sept 20, with a company of orphan children for the purpose of finding homes.

1912Oct02, Muscatine.IA Journal, from the Marshalltown Times Republican, "Houses Are So Good."
...There is an unconscious pathos in the following letter from Miss Comstock, agent of the Children's Aid Society of New York.
..."you were kind enough last fall to print an appeal for homes for the Society. Will you not aid us again? I am much interested in securing homes in you part of the state, because the homes are so good. Respectfully, Clara B. Comstock, Box 416, Des Moines. IA. "
...' The homes are so good all over Iowa. They are best in Central Iowa. Are none of them lonely? Good homes and prosperity which attends upon them are full reason for thankfulness. Not less are they charged with responsibility. From those to whom much if given much is required.
...To be old and childless is tragedy. Weakness without a strong arm to lean upon is calamity. None are rich enough to buy real tenderness and affection. They are purchasable only in coin of the same mintage. One of the most powerful kings of England lay a corpse and unattended while his household which had feared him and fawned upon him robbed the place. Neither power nor money can control love, and old age craves the tribute of affection more mightily than youth.
...These homeless children wait for the call from central Iowa, where 'the homes are so good." If your house lacks the clump of boots and a boy's boldly whistled note, if there is no sound of a girls voice singing in the dusk, if you have not any one of your very own to love and leave your memory and your money, make one of these your own. Truly you take a chance of grief and trouble, but you grasp your opportunity of happiness and it is a poor soul who cannot win the love of a child.
...The homes are so good. Share them.

1912Oct12, Waterloo.IA Paper: Wanted:
...Wanted, a home for a bright attractive little boy of four. he has light hair, blue eyes and is American born of Scotch descent and good parentage. Both parents are dead. None but those able to furnish a good home where the child will receive an education need apply. Apply to Ms. Clara B. Comstock, Agent N.Y. Children's Aid Society, La Porte City, Ia.

1913Mar28, Cedar.Rapids.IA Gazette: Chaperon of Orphans Tells of Flood Horror. Twelve children brought from New York through inundated district to find homes at Decorah.IA.
...The first persons to come to Cedar Rapids from the flood zone in Ohio are Ms. Anna Laura Hills, agent for the CAS in New York http://iagenweb.org/history/orphans/agents/Hill_AL.htm and twelve children, going to Decorah where they will be adopted. They arrived on a Northwestern train. They were met in CR by Ms. Clara B. Comstock, agent of the CAS, who accompanied them to Decorah.
...They were detoured over three different railroads, through some of the most dangerous places in the flood zone and saw the horrors of the flood. Houses were swept away, piled against a railroad bridge. Panic stricken people could be seen in second floor windows, suffering from the cold, lack of food, fear, the swift currents preventing rescue. In many places bodies could be seen floating in the debris.
...Detoured trains crowded the lines. Ms. Hill stated trainmen and her fellow passengers did their best to keep the orphans in ignorance of the disaster. While in CR the children were not in the least frightened, and seemed happy over the fact that they will become members of Iowa homes. They range from 7-9yrs; 4 girls and 8 boys.

1913Aug21, Nashua.IA Reporter: Homes wanted for children....Contact Ms. Clara B. Comstock, Box 117, Des.Moines.IA.

1914Nov25, Spencer.IA Herald: N.Y. Orphans Win Good Homes. Sweet Charity of the Proper Kind Exercised. Twelve children, ages 2-14, find homes in Spencer.IA and vicinity. They were accompanied by Clara B. Comstock and Anna Laura Hill of the CAS of NY City.
...As many as twenty applications were received for the children. The Fraser (Opera House) was packed to the doors.
...The ladies in charge were quite particular as to the placing of the children and wanted to feel sure that they would go into good homes where they would be kindly treated and given the advantage of an education and a real home.
...Homes have been found for all but three: Alfred Platt 6y, taken by Thos. Mathisop; Laura May Long 7y by C.E. Leach; Ruth Naomi Long 3y by Wm. Casteudykes; Walter Starr 15m by Wm. Tucker; Edward Strum 14y by L.B. Moulton; Edna Kainach 2y by E.B. Squier; Anna Ericson 6y by H.J. Buck; Zada Reading 12y by V.D. Wilson; Pauline Graves 4y by Albert Grucho.
...Not taken were Edward Graves 9y, Torvo Erkkanen 6y, Evelyn Bennett 13y, but no doubt were find a home with some good people in the vicinity.

1915Feb10, Esterville.IA Enterprise: Ms. Clara B. Comstock, one of the ladies who was here with the car load of babies last fall was in the city last week looking after the babies left here. She will return in the near future to complete here work. The weather was so bad she could not visity those left in the homes of families in the country. She had just left two more little girls in homes at Spencer.IA.

1915Mar10, Waterloo.IA Courier: Homes wanted for Children...Contact Ms. Clara B. Comstock, Box 117, Des.Moines.IA.

1915Nov04, Fayette.IA Leader: Who Will Take This Boy? Ms. Clara B. Comstock of the Children's Aid Society of New York City would like a good Christian home of a sturdy German boy of 12. The people he is with feel obliged to give him up on account of property loss and a change in homes, but say he is bright in school, a willing worker and worthy a good home. For particulars, parties interested will pleas call without delay. Mrs. John Graf, Fayette.IA.

1916Mar15, Algona.IA Republican: Orphan Children Reception, will be held at Call Opera House at Algona, 1916Mar31, 2pm. Twelve orphan children will be brought to Algona from NY to find homes.
...Ms. Clara B. Comstock, Iowa state agent for the CAS of NY City, was in Algona last week and arranged a reception. A committee of H.C. Adams, Dr. M.J. Kenefick, E.V. Swetting, O.B. Murtagh, L.J. Dickinson, Frank Henderson and Wm. Shirley were selected and consented to assist the agent in placing these children. Application may be made to any of them.
...The most of these children come from the best orphanages in and about NY City, and everything possible has been done to train and fit them for the new homes they are about to enter. They are both boys and girls, from one to fifteen yrs.
...Those that apply for a child should be prepared to satisfy the society that the comforts of the home will be furnished, and that the child will be treated as a real member of the family, and given the love and care of a parent, so far as is possible. That an education will be available and the moral training such that the will be fitted for a respectable, self supporting citizen of the community.
...The CAS of NY, was established in 1848, and incorporated 1855. Wm. Church Osborn is now president, with trustees and other officers some of the best men of the nation.
...Ms. Clara B. Comstock, who brings these children to Algona is one of the visiting and placing agents, and has Iowa for her territory.
...During 1914, 557 children were placed in homes by the CAS. In 1915, 566 children were placed. The CAS conducts a farm school, with an average daily attendance of 75. They care for and shelter homeless mothers and children. They care for and have a home for crippled and sick children, Plus finding homes for those who are well and strong. They do not confine their work along to NY orphans , but do local work. Thousands of the boys and girls who have been placed in homes by this society have made good, and are not among the leading men and women of the nation.
...This great work is being carried on in every state in the nation. The various states have local institutions of like nature, and the good done is beyond all estimation. A home without children is a cold, cheerless place, and more good will come to those who open their hearts and homes to the fatherless and motherless children who are thrown upon the mercy of the world, giving them the comforts of the home with the love and caresses they so much need, than many people every imagined could exist.
...This is perhaps the first time many Algona people have been given an opportunity to take a part in this work, and it is hoped that these 12 unfortunate little human souls will find places in some of the good homes of the people of Algona and vicinity, as well as a place in their hearts, and where they will be able to live and be reared in a manner that will develop them into good respectable citizens of whom the community may later feel proud.

1917Nov01, Fayette.IA Leader: Ms. Clara B. Comstock of the CAS in New York called on friends here Monday, leaving in the afternoon for Chicago. She expects to return in a few days for a longer stay.

1917Nov22, Fayette.IA Leader: Ms. Clara Comstock of the CAS is here on business this week.

1919Jun05, Sumner.IA Gazette: To Seek Homes For Children. Children will be brought to Sumner.IA, 1919Jun20, by the CAS of NY. Ms. Clara B. Comstock, Iowa District Superintendent of the CAS, was here the first of the week making preparations for them.
...A public reception will be held at the Methodist Church for the orphan children at 2pm, everyone is invited to be present.
...Local gentlemen have consented to act as a local committee and will receive applications and assist in placing the children: John Koederie, H.W. Dickman, Dr. R.H. Strafford, F.J. Whiharm, Henry Granneman, Charles Hurmence, Nelson McCook, J.A. Lease.

1920...Census: Niles.Twp, Floyd.Co.IA. King: William40Eng, Anna30Ger, Lester13IA, Stanley9IA, Marvin1y2mIA; Clara B. Comstock40NY traveling, orphans home agent.

1923Jan03, Estherville.IA Republican: Ms. Mable H. Kenea of Clarinda.IA, tells about the bringing into Page.Co.IA, of 12 waif's from New York, under the auspices of the CAS of New York City. Ms. Kenea says that he response was quite spontaneous and the children received a warm welcome in homes with very little urging on the art of the local committee. Ms. Clara Comstock, the Iowa State manager for the CAS, and also Ms. Laura Hill of Kansas, accompanied the children in an official capacity. Ms. Mary Reynolds a nurse, looked after their physical welfare. The precaution of a physical examination was taken before leaving New York, and after reaching Clarinda, Page.Co.IA (in SE Iowa).

1927...Despite a growing debate against indenture, 12 states -- Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Maryland, Rhode Island, Virginia, West Virginia, Nebraska, and Kansas still allowed indenture of institutional charges and children who had been turned over to county authorities or poor farms.

1930...Census: Collier.St, Hornell, Steuben.Co.NY. Comstock: Clara50NY single, own home $6k, District Sup't of Childrens' Aid Society.

1936May12, Olean.NY Hearld: Andover.NY, Officers of D.A.R. area named. Kanestio Valley, NY, Chapter Holds Annual Business Meeting. Officers for the coming year will include Ms. Clara Comstock, Regent. Ms. Comstock, the Regent, gave a report of the general Assembly of the D.A.R. in Washington and she mentioned some of the outstanding objects of the organization.

1937Sep23, Fayette.IA Leader: Beautiful Scenery on Eastern Trip. Fayette travelers found much to enjoy on a motor trip through the eastern states. On Aug 26, Mrs. Graf, her chauffeur Mr. Short, Mr/Mrs Carpenter & Ms. Mary Jones left Fayette for a two week trip in the East.....
...In western NY State, they had a delightful call on Mrs. Esto Lazell and Miss Julia Crissey, and Mrs. Lazell's dau. and her family, who live near.
...Also an overnight visit at Hornell.NY with Ms. Clara Comstock and Mrs. Lockwood was a real pleasure.

1940...Census: 21 Collier.St, Hornell, Steuben.Co.NY. ClaraM Comstock60, 4y of H.S., hm. value $3500, Childrens' Aid Society, income $2100; Anna Booderick28NY lodger, Insurance Co. Nurse, income $1200.

1957Jul06, Wellsville.NY Reporter: Mr/Mrs Donald Oakes and two children arrived here Sat. morning from Hialeah.FL, to spend the week with his mother Mrs. John Oakes. Mr/Mrs Victor Oakes of Erie.PA, also spend Sat/Sun with his mother. Ms. Clara Comstock of Hornell & New York City, was also a guest of Mrs. Oakes and family Sunday.

1958Jun02, Wellsville.Ny Reporter: Ms. Clara Comstock of Hornell.NY, accompanied Mrs. John Oakes of Pleasant.Ave, Wellsville.NY, on a weeks motor trip where they visited friends at Watertown.NY, toured the New England states and were guests of Mr/Mrs. Rock Comstock at Milford, Hillsborough.Co.NH

1959May29, Wellsville.NY Reporter: Andover News; Mrs. John Oakes and Ms. Clara Comstock of Hornell left Wed. afternoon for a week's visit with Mrs. Oakes dau. and Ms. Comstock's cousin and family, Mr/Mrs. C.A. MacGregor at Pittsburgh.Pa.

1961Jun20, Wellsville.NY Reporter: Andover News; Mrs. John Oakes accompanied by Ms. Clara Comstock of Hornell, visited Mrs. Oakes' son and family in Oswego.NY, and friends at Watertown.NY.

1963Jul27, Wellsville.NY Reporter: Andover News; Mrs. John Oakes, with dau. Mrs. C.A. MadGregor and son John, with Ms. Clara Comstock and Ms Ida Brunter of Hornell, spent four days visiting in Oswego, Watertown, Massena and Saranac Lake.

Do not trust as totally valid any tree/report data. Often World Connect or Ancestry trees/data were utilized as a foundation upon which to add material gleamed from obits, articles, histories, biographies, stories, burials, censuses and other data collected. My primary interest is generally the pioneer history and includes linking village and neighborhood surnames together for several of the early generations. Family connections, locations and other data may have to be speculated in order to continue a complex series of inter-related projects. My web pages are primarily personal study projects for note keeping, but can also jump start others. I have a huge number of projects started and rarely return to edit/update material unless interest is rekindled. Any web pages online are usually linked off the 'Index Page.' Numerous projects are not put on web pages but are in draft form or in the form of photo albums on the 'Photo Hosting Site.' I may have material for research use in storage, plus will/can upload other people's material if appropriate.