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.

A change of trains and perhaps depots was done in Chicago, ILL. Once loaded and settled the clatter of wheels on the tracks, along with the rocking motion of the train soon lulled the children to sleep and for the most part they all arrived in good condition.

Present records show that there were 8 Agents who brought groups to Iowa. There is currently no list of Catholic nuns but they did accompany their groups as well.

In 1910 Mr. Wright had recorded 119 trips West and this same number, more or less, occurred in the lives of the others as well.

In the early years when they arrived at the depot they were escorted by livery wagons or in good weather they all walked to the hotel or church to get washed up and changed clothes. Then they were ready to be seen by the folks who had gathered to view them and perhaps take one home with them. Sometimes the children sang songs, recited poems or simply visited with the crowd.

When a child was chosen by a family then the Agent and the head of the household signed an agreement that they were willing to take full responsibility for the care of the child until it reached adulthood. It included attending church, school, food, clothing and any needs of the child. There was no cost to the family nor were they paid for the care of the child. This could be reversed at any time should a grievance occur between the child and family occur. Siblings were usually separated at this time as couples wanted only one child or perhaps two. They were sometimes located in the same city or a city nearby.

Catholic orphanages traveled to pre-planned destinations because local citizens had already applied for a specific age and appearance of a child. This was accomplished through the local priest and the local priest sent the applications to orphanage after approval of the home. These requests were followed as closely as possible. A number was assigned to the request and the same number was sewn onto the hem of the dress of a girl and the inside of the jacket of a boy. A notice was sent to the couple about when and where the child would arrive. These children were most usually adopted by the couple because they were so young. Older children were also placed out by Catholic orphanages.

At a later time an Agent went to the home to see a child and the family and determine if everything was going well. If not, then the child was removed to another home. It is said that some orphanages encouraged the children to write letters to the orphanage about their progress and copies of these may be in the child's file at the orphanage.

Research shows that very few adoptions or placements failed which speaks well for the families in Iowa. Farmers and merchants were in great need for assistance in the growing years of Iowa's development. Here at the Research Center are records of children all across Iowa, hardly a county or city has not been touched by the lives of the orphans. They were either brought to or lived in each community across the state.

Much can be said for and against this method of obtaining homes, the up bringing of the child and it's affect upon them. However, if you are ever privileged to be in the presence of an Orphan Train Rider and hear about their journey they are pleased with the outcome. Protestant "Orphan Trains" and Catholic "Mercy Trains" or "Baby Cars" have long since made their final trips to the West but their legacy lives on in the hearts of those they carried to their new homes and lives.