Orphan Train(Darrell Case) The year was 1875. Orphan children were treated a little better than cattle with the exception that cattle were not whipped as often. Andrew Murray intended to change that. To make orphan children treated as good as natural children.

“Mr. Farnsworth will see you now.” Murray jumped to his feet, his heart pounding. Farnsworth was the fifth wealthy man he had seen in two days. This is the furthest he had gotten. The others had dismissed him, refusing to see him. One portly gentleman he heard through the open door to the man’s office.
“Tell him no, I‘ve had enough beggars for today.”
Andrew hurried out the door before the Stewart returned. He went home, ate a bowl of gruel and prayed for the children he saw on the street and alley ways. Motherless fatherless fodder for the mills. No one to care for them, left on their own to beg or steal. And who could blame them. The orphanages full to overflowing turned them away.

The rain started at midnight. soon would come the winter snow. Many of the children would die of the cold. Andrew’s plan was simple. An orphan train. The children would ride the train out west. Perspective parents would be screened by churches along the way.
Those just looking for slave labor would be disqualified. Children of course would be required to work to be able to do their part. Yet they would be a part of a loving family. If the association found that they had made a mistake the child would be removed and placed with a different family.

Albert Farnsworth looked up and smiled as Andrew Murray entered the room. He extended his hand.
“Mr. Murray it is pleasure to finally meet you sir. “Andrew shook his hand.
“Thank you. “ He said. Albert Farnsworth words and demeanor were like a cold drink on a hot day. “And I you sir I might add”
“Please have a seat. “Andrew sank into a plush guest chair. “How can I help you?”
The night before, setting in front of a mirror, Andrew rehearsed what he would say. To tell of the plight of the children. Of taking them from the streets and alley ways. To give them to loving homes. To grow to be productive men and women of society. Now all of his thoughts departed from him. Maybe his vision was foolish. There were hundreds of orphan children throughout New York.
“I…I have a vision. “ He swallowed hard. He started again. Albert Farnsworth smiled. Tears misted Andrews eyes. “I have a vision of taking street urchins out west.”
Farnsworth frowned. “And no one seems to catch your vision?” He stood to his feet and walked to the window overlooking the street.
Andrew hung his head shaking it. “Even the pastors say it an enormous task. “ He could have said too big for me.
“So why come to me? Are you seeking funding for this venture?” He stopped pacing and glared at Andrew.
“I had hoped to…” Andrew lost his courage.
“How much will it cost?” Albert said harshly.
Andrew took a deep breath. “Initial cost for the first trip is about a thousand dollars.”
“Mr. Murray, I have counting houses that keep track of every half penny I spend.” Albert said setting down behind his desk. “I have no time for such foolishness. Good day to you sir.”

Andrew felt like he had been slapped in the face. He saw his vision fading. He stood to his feet. tears misted his eyes.
His heart failing him Andrew started for the door. He whirled around. What did he have to lose.
“Tonight, sir, you will go to your warm home. One of your servants will put more wood in the fireplace as the temperature drops. You will have a very delicious meal. After which you…you will sleep in a warm bed. If it happens to rain you will be protected by a well-made roof.” Andrew paused. he took a deep breath. Tears moistened his eyes. He would not stop. These rich men needed to learn the condition of the poor. “The poor and destitute will have none of which I just spoke of. Three children died last night while you slept in your warm bed with a full stomach.” His face flamed with anger and passion. “Good day to you sir.”
He stepped to the door.
“There it is.” Albert said smiling. He rose from his seat behind the desk. “Please have a seat.” He waved indicating one of the guest chairs.
“And why should I sir? It is clear you have no interest in the poor.” He stood with his hat in his hands. He would waste no more time with the rich.
“Did you know I came from the streets?” Albert said.
Andrew’s mouth hung open. “You sir?” He returned to the chair Albert indicated.
“Yes, 20 years ago I was living, or should I say dying, on the street. John Farnsworth found me curled up in his carriage. I was freezing to death. He took me home. Sent for the doctor. Then he and his wife nursed me back to health.”
“You sir. I had no idea.” Here at last was one who knew the fate of these children.
“After I was well, he and his dear wife made a decision to adopt me as one of their own. When I came of age, he set me up in business. If not…” He spread his hands to the elaborate office.
“I am very grateful for you sir. The children I represent will not have such opportunities.” Andrew said.
“Unless you and I give it to them.” Albert said. “Now Mr. Murry. Andrew, how may I help?”
“I have been hesitant to book a train unless I had the funding. However.” He brought several letters from his suit coat. ” These are letters from pastors from Ohio, Indiana and further west. Families in their churches are willing to adopt these children and treat them as their own. But…” He spread the letters on Albert desk.
Albert laughed. “You have no funding for the trains to take them there. “He set up straight at his desk. “I have a train car ready at my disposal. How soon do you need it?”

Andrew breathed a sigh of relief. He felt as if the weight of the world had been lifted from his shoulders.
He leaned forward. “I need to gather the children.”
“How many?” Albert said.
“25.” Andrew said.
“Why not 50?” Albert asks.
“I have no help. It would take at least 5 helpers to take that many.”
“Andrew would you say I am successful?” Albert said spreading his arms at his office.
Andrew smiled. “Very much so sir.”
“And how do you think I became so?”
“I know nothing of business, sir.” Andrew said.
“Andrew, I became successful by seeing the needs of others and fulfilling them.”
“I’m sorry I don’t understand.”
“I saw a vision of what I could become. I saw a need and I fulfilled it at a cheaper cost without compromising the value of the product.” He smiled. “I gave people a better product at a cheaper cost.”
“So you’re saying I should send more orphans out west?” Andrew said his heart leaping. He felt renewed vigor.
“Yes, your vision however great is too small. I will rent two more train cars and hire 5 workers to shepherd these children. “He stood up and looked Andrew in the eye. He smiled. “Andrew you and I are going to do a great work for God.”

Andrew went back to his apartment to formulate his plan. For the next week he met with pastors from around the city. He met with Albert 5 times. First to see the train and then to meet the five young women Albert had hired. Some of the children did not believe him. They had been tricked before. At the end of two weeks, he could only convince 35 to take the train ride to a new life. He had one more meeting at a church in the center of the city.
With the offer of a free meal the church brought in several street children. They ranged in age from 10 to 15.
As he made his presentation one boy stood up.
“So, you’re looking for slave labor.” He said defiantly.
“No” Andrew said firmly. “What I’m looking for are those who want to change their life. To be part of a family.”
“I’ll have no part of it. It’s trickery.” Jamming his hat on his head he walked out the door of the church. Several followed him. One young girl started to follow him. Holding to her hand was a little boy. She turned around and came back up the aisle.
“This is Bobby, my brother. Would you take him?” She said tears misting her eyes.
“No.” Andrew said. “Not without you.”
The girl started to weep. “But…but nobody wants me. Nobody would love me.” She tried to get Andrew to take the little boy’s hand. He refused.
“How long have you taken care of him?” Andrew asked.
“What’s going on Sissie?” Bobby asked.
“Shhh.” The girl said holding her finger to her lips. “I’ll tell you later.”
“Ok. “ He said letting go of her hand he set down on the front pew.
“Our mother died five years ago. We’ve been on the street for four.” The girl said.
“And you’ve taken care of him for four years. He would be lost without you.” Andrew said. “I cannot take him without you.”
The girl nodded her head. In all Andrew added five more children to his list that night.

The next morning Andrew and Albert stood on the platform watching the helpers load the children. Andrew, both elated and disappointed, said to Albert. “I’m sorry I couldn’t convince more.”
Albert smiled. “I believe we will see more as time goes on.“
The conductor came to them. He said looking at his pocket watch. “Gentlemen we will be pulling out in about five minutes.”
“Thank you Ben.” Albert said. “Well, this is it, Andrew. Your dream fulfilled.”
“Yes, thanks be to The Lord and you.”
“All aboard.” The conductor called.

There was a rumbling. The boy who had walked out of the church the night before came running up followed by several children both boys and girls.
Breathing hard he said with a nervous smile. “We figured we’d give you a chance. Are we too late?”
Andrew smiled. “You're just in time. Hurry and get on board.”
The children scrambled onto the train helped by the women.

As the train gathered speed Andrew stood on the platform of the caboose waving at his benefactor. His mission just beginning.

Over the next 23 years Andrew and Albert formed New Life Fellowship. An organization which saw hundreds of children placed with loving families.

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