Clara Comstock the Orphan Train Lady

Steve Cotton brings to life through narrative and photographs in his newest publication is Clara Comstock, "The Orphan Train Lady." >This writing explores the hardship of families and journey of children to various new homes in the Midwest. Many of the children are orphans, however, some kids that road the Orphan Train come from dysfunctional homes where one or both parents are intemperate or immoral. This writing looks at more than two hundred of, "Clara's Children" and tell their stories.

The "Orphan Train" movement spanning 74 years (1854- 1928) is, without a doubt, a period in American history where a great migration of underaged children were placed with respectable families throughout the mid-west. Clara Comstock became a CAS agent toward the end, beginning her career in 1911 running for the last 17 years. This writing focuses on Miss Comstock's involvement and explores the history behind some of "her children."

Steve Cotton has been active in multiple historical societies in Steuben County, New York for over 30 years. Serving in multiple capacities at the local level. He currently serves as a Trustee for the Steuben County Historical Society and is the Historian for the town of Canisteo, New York. Steve has presented PowerPoint presentations on local history for multiple organizations over the years, along with publishing six books on his hometown of Canisteo, New York. Brought to life through narrative and photographs in his newest publication is Clara Comstock, "The Orphan Train Lady."