A long time ago before any one ever heard of an Orphan Train i was searching. A lady answered my query in the "Genealogical Helper" and told me where they came from and where they went. So found where the boys came from. In about 1871 my G. Grandfather owned a business in New York City. Mother said it had to do with food. And one day two men were fighting outside of the store but near the plate glass window. So Grandfather went out to get them to break it up or move on out from the window. In the process he was stabbed. My G. Uncle remembers they brought him though to the back of the store. They probably lived at the store, in back or upstairs, as many did. He died and their mother was a step-mother and could not take care of the six children. She put the four smallest in the orphanage. Two boys and two girls, G.Uncle George vowed he would stay with Grandfather no matter what. The first orphanage was very good to them but soon they were transferred to 'The Children's Aid Society". They do have a record of the boy's names and approximate birth dates. They have no record of the girls. And i can not find the first orphanage. The boys were taken on the train to Hancock Co, Illinois. Of course like they did, at each station they were put on the platform for anyone to take a child if they wanted. They wanted children for help and many were treated as slaves. My Grandfather's name was Fred Carter b. abt. 1867 My Gr. Uncle was George Carter b. abt. 1865 This is what i know from Mother through Uncle George, and the family traits. There were six children 2 older boys , 2 girls and the two younger ones. One of the older boys was a hunch-back. I believe Grandfather was born in America and the mother died in child birth. (abt.1867) Probably the remainder were born in Ireland. (George knew they were Irish) I know had there been anyone else in the family in America they would not have been put in an orphanage. Both children were musical and Grandfather could repair the smallest watch or the largest piece of equipment. Also remember in those days the parents were not called by their first names. so the boys did not remember their parents names, except Mr. & Mrs Carter, or how ever you would say mother and father in Ireland. I hope now there are enough people interested in their family's history that someone has heard my story from one of their relatives, and will answer this email. Thank you for listening to my story. Can anyone out there help me. June