The Orphan Train Ruffian

By J.B. Patel

During the era of the orphan trains, up to a quarter of a million orphaned, neglected or abandoned children were removed mostly from larger populations in the East and dispersed throughout the country. The lucky ones were adopted into well intentioned families, some were indentured, of those, some were enslaved and terribly abused. What is it about the human spirit that allows some of those subjected to such treatment to rise above and succeed in spite their condition?

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Jan 15, 2018
• ISBN: 9781543923681

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ISBN: 9781543923681

The Orphan Train Ruffian

A book of four novellas.

By; J.B. Patel

Introduction;

The Orphan Train was originated in New York, it took orphans from the East and ran from 1854 until 1929. According to information at the Monroe County Historical Society in Sparta, Wisconsin, "The State School for Dependent, Orphaned and Neglected Children sent children out on the Orphan Train until 1933. In about 1878 the State School was built at Sparta Wisconsin near the railroad station to take advantage of the practice of shipping orphans to western states. On Tuesdays, children from the Sparta orphanage were added to others already on the train and sent west. New York had about 30,000 street orphans in 1854. It is estimated between 150,000 to 250,000 children were sent on trains all over the nation and Canada during the years the orphan train was in existence

In the late 1800’s a parent or a guardian could merely drop an unwanted child off at the Sparta, Wisconsin center. Also, a judge could divide a family if he determined the family too large or ‘indigent.’ The center would attempt to find a local home, if adoption or indenture of those over twelve years old, did not occur locally, the child was put on the orphan train. The train made stops from town to town, at each town children would change into their ‘good’ or ‘show’ clothes and would be put on display. People wanting a child would have them sing or say a poem, they would push, pull, turn, check their teeth, squeeze their arms to check for muscle and otherwise jostle the orphans about to inspect and make selections. One orphan compared the inspection to that of someone looking over a chicken carcass in a butcher shop prior to purchasing. At the end of the train run, if nobody chose the child, the child was put back on the train and shipped back to New York.

Some children over thirteen, sometimes twelve, were old enough to be indentured, in that case the family receiving the indentured child was supposed to educate them, provide food, clothing and a place to sleep. At the conclusion of the indenture, at eighteen years old, the child could be brought back to Sparta in which case the family would be charged a fifty-dollar fee There are stories of orphans adopted into good families and stories of children literally used like slaves. The following four short stories are fictional, they are set late in the 1870s. Unlike the lives of many of the orphans, in these stories and all the stories I write, everything turns out well in the end.

Lest you think that I escalate the bad conditions in the stories I write, consider the following. In a US Children’s Bureau assessment; circa 1923, they described indentured homes to be deplorable-filthy, with little attention to medical, social, or educational needs, children were shifted from one home to another, they had no training outside of house or farm-work, as a result drifted from one job to another after they completed their indenture.

One of the most difficult things to do while trying to write about one of the orphans is to relate their feelings. Although I have a bit of insight having spent six years at the Sparta Child Center, it is still a difficult challenge to attempt to communicate their condition. In many instances it is heartbreaking just to attempt to, ‘go there.’ In the final analysis, you the reader will have to ‘put yourself in their shoes’ for I’ll probably fail miserably in that regard.

Table of Contents

Book One: The Orphan Train Ruffian

Book Two: The Pariah

Book Three: The Painted Bowl

Book Four: The Wagon Train

The Orphan Train Ruffian

It was a little past seven in the morning, fourteen-year-old CJ Winslow completed three hours of work, later in the afternoon he would be working a second job. Seven days a week at four in the morning he started fires for the ovens and swept out the bakery on Fourth Street. For payment, hidden under his jacket he had a small bag with a couple of day old donuts.

Hey, CJ!

Craig James Winslow, runaway from the Fifth Street orphanage recognized a fellow street rat. CJ became wary, his eyes darted about looking for trouble. He looked around to see if anyone was lurking about to consider whether or not he was being drawn into a trap. His bag of donuts was all he had of value and those he would consume within the hour.

As CJ’s eyes darted about looking for hidden places and avenues of escape, CJ thought, Bryce had always been a friend… as far street friends went. But, CJ knew that on the street, it was every kid for himself. No friendship could stand the test of threats, intimidation, exclusion and pain that any of a dozen gangs could inflict.

CJ stepped cautiously into the alley, it was only Bryce, no trap. CJ merely lifted his chin to signify he would listen. Bryce smiled and asked, Got something going, I thought maybe you may want in. Were you able to kype anything from the bakery today?

CJ was even more wary, the donuts remained hidden. CJ shook his head, Naw. Someone got there before me and walked away with all the day old stuff. Whenever they see one of us street kids they watch the fresh stuff like a hawk.

Bryce mentioned the bakery, CJ thought the bakery was his secret. CJ wondered how Bryce knew about his connection with the bakery. CJ continued to look about for a trap. CJ asked, What do you have going?

Bryce explained, I heard there’s going to be a mob heist two blocks from here; that big clothing store. The heist will come off soon before the store opens for the day. Do you want to go down there and see if we can pick up any pieces?

Bryce was thinking they would hide out close by, and after the robbery grab something of value. It was something many of the street rats would do anytime an opportunity permitted. Anything of value could be swapped or sold for a meal or a place to sleep. CJ worried that something would go wrong, he’d get caught and sent back to the orphanage or worse yet to a boy’s school. CJ shook his head, Naw. I got something going this morning. Thanks though.

As CJ continued to scan the area he had an afterthought. CJ asked, Bryce…, that’s the fifth street gang’s territory.

Bryce nodded, Yeah. I don’t think they know about this deal. I just heard about it this morning.

CJ wondered how Bryce learned of the heist. CJ asked, Who from?

Danny Grimes.

CJ shook his head, Don’t go. Danny has been hanging around with the fifth Street gang, he wants to be a member. If you get caught you will be recruited or used as a scapegoat.

Bryce’s brow wrinkled, What do you mean? What’s a scapegoat?

CJ explained, A scapegoat is the one that gets the blame. They choose you as the one to run in and grab something. They wait and waylay you and take it away. Meanwhile, you are the one in danger of getting caught.

Where did you get to be so streetwise?

CJ smiled, My dad gave me some pretty good lessons, and, after getting knocked down so many times, you learn to stay hidden and to run fast.

Bryce nodded, I haven’t seen anybody that can run as fast as you. How long have you been on the streets?

CJ shrugged, Ran away from the orphanage over two years ago.

Bryce asked, Why did you run? You said you had food to eat and a warm place to sleep at night.

CJ nodded, I thought I could do better. I didn’t like the fighting. I should say I didn’t like choosing which gang to belong to. What little I remember of my father, he told me to stand on my own two feet.

Bryce recalled, Your dad never came back from the war.

With emotions hidden, CJ nodded, he was unwilling to talk about the past, Yeah.

Bryce asked the obvious question, What about your mom?

Again, without emotion CJ answered, Things got worse right after dad was killed. Mom died of diphtheria along with a brother and sister. I don’t know why I didn’t die. After that I spent five years in that orphanage before I decided to leave.

Bryce asked the question was on the mind of most street kids, Do you think you are better off?

CJ shook his head, No. But if I dodge the gangs and run real fast, I can keep getting from getting my things stolen or being beat up every day.

Bryce nervously nodded, I’ll take a chance but I’ll be ready to run, but I can’t run as fast as you. I’m going to go down and see if I can get anything from that heist. I need a better winter coat.

CJ started to walk away, he gave one final bit of advice, Either take a gunnysack into the store with you to stuff the jacket into or put it on when the commotion starts. If you steal a nice warm jacket, get it dirty enough so none of the other kids will take it away from you.

As Bryce went down the alley toward the shopping district, CJ turned the opposite way toward a more affluent part of the city. For the past several days he had been meeting at a ballpark and playing ball with a group of boys from the opposite side of the tracks. If the ball players knew he was a street rat they would call for the cops to take him away. CJ’s hand slipped inside his coat and withdrew the last of the donuts as he approached the park.

CJ made his way to the outfield, they were playing work up, pitcher’s hands out. The third baseman yelled to him, How are you doing CJ?

CJ smiled as he yelled back, Life is good Allen.

CJ smiled, to CJ, life had been treating him well for a few months now. The weather was warmer and he was eating well and sleeping comfortably. Alan caught a ground ball and tossed the ball to the pitcher, the ball got to the pitcher before the runner got to first base, the runner was out and everyone moved up one position. CJ was now the third baseman; the retired batter went out into the field. In a half an hour Allen and CJ had worked themselves up to bat. Alan got on base, CJ hit a triple and Allen scored. The game went on for another two hours before most left for lunch.

Usually at this time CJ would go his own way, today Alan stopped him, CJ. Here comes my dad. Come on. We will give you a ride home.

CJ started to protest as the Montfort carriage pulled up. Alan said. You live on the way to our place. C’mon. We’ll drop you off.

CJ could not discover a way to politely refuse. Alan yelled to his dad, Dad. This is CJ. I told you he could hit the ball a mile. First-time up today CJ had a triple and drove me in from first base. He stayed up to bat for a long time. Finally, Joe Lambright got him out when he caught a ball that was nearly a home run.

Allen’s dad seemed equally excited, You have quick hands CJ. Sometime I’ll have to come down and watch you play.

Alan asked, Can we drop CJ off at his house?

Sure. It’s right on the way.

CJ followed Alan into the surrey, he ended up facing a girl that was the most beautiful thing CJ had ever seen. Alan said, CJ. This is my sister Abigail. I told her what a good ballplayer you are, she said she’s going to come and watch us play one day soon.

CJ mumbled, Hi Abigail. You like baseball?

Abigail was honest, she shrugged and replied, Allen talks a lot about you. I wanted to meet you. Alan said you are very polite. He also said you’re just an all-around good kid. Do you have any brothers and sisters CJ?

CJ needed to be careful but he could answer some of her questions truthfully without telling her he was a street rat. CJ quietly responded, I had a brother and a sister, they died of diphtheria a few years ago.

The reverence in CJ’s voice was quieting to Abigail. She responded, I’m so sorry to hear that. Alan is my only brother.

Abigail smiled and added, Most of the time I’m glad he’s my brother.

CJ smiled at her joke and added, Allen was easy to get to know. Abigail, you have a very nice brother.

The carriage pulled up to the front gate of the estate CJ had been passing off as his home for the past three weeks. Before getting out CJ thanked Alan for the ride and then said to Abigail, Abigail. I think Alan has a very nice sister. I’m glad I met you.

CJ thanked Alan’s father for the ride then he jogged to the house. He stood on the porch and watched as the carriage pulled away. He then went around the house to the garden shed where he changed clothes so he could tend the garden at the mansion he said was his home.

CJ liked his job as gardener at the Williamson mansion. They fed him and provided clothes. In the loft of the garden house he made a place to sleep. He smiled again at his daily remark to Alan; life is good. To CJ’s estimation, his life now was much better than getting beat up every other day at the orphanage and worrying about whether or not you could steal enough food while living on the streets.

In the following weeks the bond between CJ, Alan and Abigail was strengthened. Abigail became a constant spectator, they talked after the ball games, CJ managed to keep the fact that he was homeless out of the conversation. One-day CJ and Allen spent an hour after the ballgame talking, they were all alone when three street rats, members of the feared Fifth Street gang, approached. They were members of the same gang that CJ had warned Bryce about, the same gang CJ had avoided for the past two years.

CJ recognize the tallest of the threesome, he was called Slash. CJ figured that there was something wrong in Slash’s head. Slash got his name because he liked to inflict knife wounds in the cheeks of people he robbed. Slash was about 15 to 17 years old, he was a head taller than CJ. CJ realized the twosome with Slash were just as bad. They would gladly maim or kill if they thought there was a nickel’s worth of change in the victim’s pocket. CJ knew that Slash intended to inflict a cut in Alan’s cheek whether he was successful in his robbery attempt or not.

CJ quickly informed Allen about Slash, I have seen those three before. The tallest one is called Slash.

Allen was visibly scared, he quietly said, I’ve heard of him. Should we run?

CJ knew they would overtake Allen in a hurry, Not yet. If we run they’ll do more than cut one of us. We’ll see what happens. Be ready. Slash won’t need an excuse to cut us. Be ready to duck and run.

Slash wasted no time, he ignored CJ and spoke to Alan, Your money or you bleed.

Allen shrugged, I’m not carrying any money.

Slash smiled and lifted his knife, Bad answer.

As an orphan living closely with others outside of a family one becomes good at reading people. CJ anticipated what was coming, he swung the baseball bat hard toward Slash’s knife hand as the blade swung toward Allen’s cheek. The blow with the bat caught Slash in the wrist, Slash dropped to his knees with a broken and badly misshaped forearm.

Slash’s knife dropped to the ground, quickly the gang member called Will dove for the knife. CJ brought the bat down to the shin of Will as he was about to pick up the knife. CJ missed his shin and hit his kneecap. Meanwhile the third gang member ran to get his hands on CJ. In defense CJ lifted the bat upward as fast as he could. The bat handle caught the attacker, Rusty, in the chin, the handle slid up to his mouth and nose. He too was suddenly on the ground holding his face together while spitting teeth and blood. CJ quickly picked up Slash’s knife and led Alan away.

Alan was too upset to say much, CJ gave him the bat and said, I think we better keep a watch, they may have friends. I don’t know how safe it will be to come back to the park for a week or two.

Behind him CJ could hear one of the threesome yelling, I’ll remember this. I’ll get you back.

Alan Montfort had never felt in great danger before in his life until the notorious knife wielding gang member referred to as Slash, intended to slice open his face. Alan felt his life meant nothing to this boy called Slash. The blade Slash used was huge, Alan felt he may have been killed if it weren’t for the fast movement of CJ. When CJ swung the bat, it connected with Slashes incoming forearm. Alan could hear and see the bones breaking in Slashes arm. Slash dropped to his knees in pain, his forearm completely disfigured.

Suddenly the second member of the gang they had referred to as Will quickly bent to pick up the knife. CJ’s raised baseball bat descended with a crushing blow to Will’s kneecap causing Will to drop the knife to the ground and roll about in pain. Rusty entered the fray on a dead run. Rusty dashed in to get his hands on CJ, screaming as he came, I’ll kill you for that!

Alan Montfort watched wide eyed as CJ jammed the end of the bat into the face of Rusty. Teeth and blood shot from Rusty’s mouth, lips and nose. Alan watched as Rusty grabbed his face with both hands to catch his teeth and hold his face together. Mesmerized, Alan watched as CJ picked up the knife and spoke to Alan, We have to get home. I don’t know if they have friends around or not.

As they ran Alan asked, What are they doing on this side of town?

CJ shrugged, I think they were looking for a couple of dollars. We looked like we would be easy pickings. We’ll go straight to your home Alan. I’ll go with you just in case they have friends around. As soon as you get home, I’ll run home.

Alan kept looking over his shoulder, Dad isn’t home or he could take you home.

CJ reassured, I’ll be all right. I can run pretty fast, particularly when I’m being chased.

When Alan walked in the door he was met by Abigail. Immediately she asked, What’s wrong?

Alan explained, A gang of street boys jumped us, the leader was the one everyone calls Slash. Slash tried to cut me, CJ broke his forearm with the baseball bat. Then CJ smashed another one’s kneecap, the third one ran right into CJ’s baseball bat. I saw teeth fly, I think CJ might’ve broken the guy’s jaw and his nose. Where’s mom?

Abigail quickly answered, She’s at the neighbors. She said she will be back before we eat. Where is CJ?

Alan was still upset, He came with me, I think to protect me. CJ ran home. He’s got Slash’s knife. You should see that knife. It’s huge. That guy Slash, he might have killed me with that thing.

When Alan’s mom got home, Alan related the scene all over again. Abigail asked, What are we going to do?

Gloria Montfort’s reply wasn’t what Abigail wanted to hear. Gloria ordered, You will both stay in the house or in the yard until your father gets home.

Abigail protested, Mother! What about CJ!?

Gloria asked, What about him?

Abigail pleaded, CJ doesn’t have any brothers or sisters. Can’t we at least check up on him to make sure that he’s all right?

Gloria shook her head, Not until your father gets home.

Again, Abigail protested, Mother! Dad won’t be home for three days! Can you send somebody to check up on CJ?

Gloria shook her head, He will be all right. His family will take good care of him. Now both of you get ready to dine. The Bakers will be here shortly, they will dine with us.

Abigail asked, Maybe we could get Mr. Baker to go over and check up on CJ.

Gloria shook her finger at Abigail, Don’t you dare even mention that fracas at the park. We don’t want our friends worrying needlessly.

Abigail shouted, Needlessly? They could have killed Alan. Are we just going to stick our heads in the sand and pretend it never happened?

Abigail stormed off to her room, her mother wondered, it was the first time she had ever heard Abigail talk back. Abigail spent the night in her room and refused to come out to eat with the family that evening.

CJ knew Will would make inquiries, sooner or later he would be found. It was just two days later that a police officer put handcuffs on him as CJ came out of the bakery. CJ figured that the fifth street gang had somehow got the information about the bakery from Bryce. The cop was an unkindly sort, he challenged, Now sonny. I heard you was mighty tough and mean. You put three of your friends in the hospital. You give me a reason and I’ll see just how tough you are; then I’ll take you to the hospital.

Outside the police station CJ was met by a member of the New York’s Children’s Aid Society. CJ was given two options, "You can stay here in jail, or you can go to a farm in Minnesota as an indenture. We have a farmer that would