Mary Jackson
Mary Jackson, 103, was born May 5, 1904 in New York City and passed away on July 18, 2007 in Keller, TX. Mary
Christ Jackson spent her first months of life in a Catholic Orphanage Home in NYC before traveling to Texas on
an orphan train in 1905. She was adopted by Henry and Carolina Christ and was raised in High Hill, TX.
After growing up at High Hill, Mary Christ went to work as a housekeeper for a wealthy family in San Antonio while
in her early 20s. The couple thought she deserved better and helped her get a job in the cafeteria at Incarnate
Word College where she would be the salad master for some 25 years.
She was 66 years old when she met and married Arron Jackson, a widower six years younger who died in
December 1993. During their years together, they were known for riding everywhere on motorcycles, both within
and out of the state, giving her a title among family and friends as the "Harley Queen."
Later, when in a nursing home and using a wheelchair, she was "Aunt Mary on Wheels."
While she never had children of her own, according to Maggie Christ of Goliad, Aunt Mary considered everybody
in the family as being her children.
Mary Jackson, 103, was born May 5, 1904 in New York City and passed away on July 18, 2007 in Keller, TX. Mary
Christ Jackson spent her first months of life in a Catholic Orphanage Home in NYC before traveling to Texas on
an orphan train in 1905. She was adopted by Henry and Carolina Christ and was raised in High Hill, TX.
After growing up at High Hill, Mary Christ went to work as a housekeeper for a wealthy family in San Antonio while
in her early 20s. The couple thought she deserved better and helped her get a job in the cafeteria at Incarnate
Word College where she would be the salad master for some 25 years.
She was 66 years old when she met and married Arron Jackson, a widower six years younger who died in
December 1993. During their years together, they were known for riding everywhere on motorcycles, both within
and out of the state, giving her a title among family and friends as the "Harley Queen."
Later, when in a nursing home and using a wheelchair, she was "Aunt Mary on Wheels."
While she never had children of her own, according to Maggie Christ of Goliad, Aunt Mary considered everybody
in the family as being her children.
Merle Lebsock
Merle E. Lebsock (born Muriel Bennett Pemberton) passed away on July 11, 2007 at the age of 86. She was
born November 13, 1920 in Suffolk County, New York. In 1923, she and two of her sisters boarded an Orphan
Train in New York City bound for an orphanage in Omaha, Nebraska. The sisters were placed in separate
homes and Merle was adopted by William and Fannie Jane Beard in Blair, Nebraska. The Beard’s ensured the
sisters remained in contact even after the family relocated to Wiggins, Colorado in 1926.
She married Conrad Lebsock in 1941 in Benkelman, Nebraska. He died in 1954. Merle took in laundry and
cleaned at the Otis Rooms in Fort Morgan to support herself and her three children. She began working in a
friend’s drapery shop in 1968 and subsequently became owner and operator of The Home Drapery Shop. She
provided the community with custom window coverings and professional design services for over 35 years.
She was an avid reader and often read into the wee hours of the morning to finish a favorite book. She was a
fan of the Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies as well as local high school sports. Merle was a devoted
mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Merle E. Lebsock (born Muriel Bennett Pemberton) passed away on July 11, 2007 at the age of 86. She was
born November 13, 1920 in Suffolk County, New York. In 1923, she and two of her sisters boarded an Orphan
Train in New York City bound for an orphanage in Omaha, Nebraska. The sisters were placed in separate
homes and Merle was adopted by William and Fannie Jane Beard in Blair, Nebraska. The Beard’s ensured the
sisters remained in contact even after the family relocated to Wiggins, Colorado in 1926.
She married Conrad Lebsock in 1941 in Benkelman, Nebraska. He died in 1954. Merle took in laundry and
cleaned at the Otis Rooms in Fort Morgan to support herself and her three children. She began working in a
friend’s drapery shop in 1968 and subsequently became owner and operator of The Home Drapery Shop. She
provided the community with custom window coverings and professional design services for over 35 years.
She was an avid reader and often read into the wee hours of the morning to finish a favorite book. She was a
fan of the Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies as well as local high school sports. Merle was a devoted
mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Laura Norden
Laura Nelson, age 98, died at Country Manor Health Care Center in Sartell, Minnesota on August 31, 2007.
Laura was born May 6, 1909 in New York, NY to Lizzie Martin. Laura came to Minnesota on the Orphan Train in
1912 and lived with her foster family Thomas and Mary Carlin near Clear Lake. She married Ole Norden on April
13, 1926 at St. Paul’s Cathedral in St. Paul. The couple moved around and worked various jobs. After moving
back to Minnesota, they managed an apartment building for 13 years. Laura worked in the Dietary Department
at the VA Hospital for 11 years, then in the Obstetrics Department at the St. Cloud Hospital for 20 years. She
was involved with the Central MN Foster Grandparent Program, working at the St. Cloud Children’s Home for 19
years, retiring in 1996.
Laura Nelson, age 98, died at Country Manor Health Care Center in Sartell, Minnesota on August 31, 2007.
Laura was born May 6, 1909 in New York, NY to Lizzie Martin. Laura came to Minnesota on the Orphan Train in
1912 and lived with her foster family Thomas and Mary Carlin near Clear Lake. She married Ole Norden on April
13, 1926 at St. Paul’s Cathedral in St. Paul. The couple moved around and worked various jobs. After moving
back to Minnesota, they managed an apartment building for 13 years. Laura worked in the Dietary Department
at the VA Hospital for 11 years, then in the Obstetrics Department at the St. Cloud Hospital for 20 years. She
was involved with the Central MN Foster Grandparent Program, working at the St. Cloud Children’s Home for 19
years, retiring in 1996.
Everett Thomas Topping
Everett Topping passed away on June 26, 2007 in Seal Beach, California. Everett was an orphan train rider in
1926 when he was six years old. He was sent from New York City to Shelbina, Missouri to live with a couple
there.
Everett Topping passed away on June 26, 2007 in Seal Beach, California. Everett was an orphan train rider in
1926 when he was six years old. He was sent from New York City to Shelbina, Missouri to live with a couple
there.
William O. Sagers
William Owen Sagers (born William Irving Nelson) was born on March 23, 1911 to Charles and Ingeborg (Nilsen)
Nelson in New York City. His parents were both from Norway. Due to his mother’s death at age 3, his father had
to place him in a Catholic Orphanage. At age 8, he was put on the Orphan Train to Maquoketa, Iowa, along with
eleven other children. Mrs. Jesse Sagers took William, as her children were all grown adults. He stayed with her
until during the depression when he had to quit school as a sophomore and go to work as a farmhand. Later in
adult life he worked for the Chicago Railroad building bridges and buildings. He also farmed south of Iron Hill for
26 years and was a custodian at Briggs School for 10 years, retiring in 1974. He then worked part-time as a
radio dispatcher at the Maquoketa Police Department. He married F. Marie Ripple on July 2, 1936 in
Maquoketa, Iowa. They were married for 61 years when she passed away on June 19, 1998. He was a long time
member of the KP Lodge and was a volunteer at the Jackson County Senior Center. He loved his family, fishing,
the Cubs, and the Iowa Hawkeyes. William died Friday, April 6, 2007, at the Jackson County Regional Health
Center, Maquoketa, following a brief illness, at the age of 96 years.
William Owen Sagers (born William Irving Nelson) was born on March 23, 1911 to Charles and Ingeborg (Nilsen)
Nelson in New York City. His parents were both from Norway. Due to his mother’s death at age 3, his father had
to place him in a Catholic Orphanage. At age 8, he was put on the Orphan Train to Maquoketa, Iowa, along with
eleven other children. Mrs. Jesse Sagers took William, as her children were all grown adults. He stayed with her
until during the depression when he had to quit school as a sophomore and go to work as a farmhand. Later in
adult life he worked for the Chicago Railroad building bridges and buildings. He also farmed south of Iron Hill for
26 years and was a custodian at Briggs School for 10 years, retiring in 1974. He then worked part-time as a
radio dispatcher at the Maquoketa Police Department. He married F. Marie Ripple on July 2, 1936 in
Maquoketa, Iowa. They were married for 61 years when she passed away on June 19, 1998. He was a long time
member of the KP Lodge and was a volunteer at the Jackson County Senior Center. He loved his family, fishing,
the Cubs, and the Iowa Hawkeyes. William died Friday, April 6, 2007, at the Jackson County Regional Health
Center, Maquoketa, following a brief illness, at the age of 96 years.
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Mary Beckwith
Mary Beckwith, a long time resident of Winslow and recently, of Scottsdale, Arizona
passed away on July 18. at Villa Ocotillo.
Mary was born November 8. 1909 in New York City and left as an orphan at the New
York Foundling Home, she was brought to Nebraska by the historical "Orphan
Train" in 1911. At one and a half years old on the "orphan train." Mary headed for
the middle west along with nurses, doctors and social workers tending to the
hundreds of other small children. Each child wore a tag around his or her neck and
were destined for certain places along the way. Mary, along with her adoptive
brother John were of the many headed for Lincoln, Nebraska where she and four
others were adopted. She and her brother were fortunate to be adopted by a
middle aged couple, William and Katherine Riley in Dawson. Nebraska.
Mary grew up on a big farm in south-eastern Nebraska. She attended grade
schools there and high school at Mount Saint Scholastica Academy in Atchison,
Kansas; later attending college in Omaha, Nebraska where she met and married
her husband, the late Dr. Harry Beckwith with whom she spent 51 years building a
rich and beautiful life. They moved to Los Angeles, California when they were first
married, as her husband, Harry was interning at Santa Fe Coastlines Hospital. Later
they moved to Winslow where Dr. Beckwith practiced medicine for 40 years.
All who knew Mary can attest to her life long devotion to her family and her church.
Her life was filled with many friends. She had a generous spirit and was a marvelous
mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
Mary Beckwith, a long time resident of Winslow and recently, of Scottsdale, Arizona
passed away on July 18. at Villa Ocotillo.
Mary was born November 8. 1909 in New York City and left as an orphan at the New
York Foundling Home, she was brought to Nebraska by the historical "Orphan
Train" in 1911. At one and a half years old on the "orphan train." Mary headed for
the middle west along with nurses, doctors and social workers tending to the
hundreds of other small children. Each child wore a tag around his or her neck and
were destined for certain places along the way. Mary, along with her adoptive
brother John were of the many headed for Lincoln, Nebraska where she and four
others were adopted. She and her brother were fortunate to be adopted by a
middle aged couple, William and Katherine Riley in Dawson. Nebraska.
Mary grew up on a big farm in south-eastern Nebraska. She attended grade
schools there and high school at Mount Saint Scholastica Academy in Atchison,
Kansas; later attending college in Omaha, Nebraska where she met and married
her husband, the late Dr. Harry Beckwith with whom she spent 51 years building a
rich and beautiful life. They moved to Los Angeles, California when they were first
married, as her husband, Harry was interning at Santa Fe Coastlines Hospital. Later
they moved to Winslow where Dr. Beckwith practiced medicine for 40 years.
All who knew Mary can attest to her life long devotion to her family and her church.
Her life was filled with many friends. She had a generous spirit and was a marvelous
mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
2007
2008
Helen Hahn Davis
Helen Davis, 99, born Feb. 9, 1909 in Albany, NY to John and Bridgett Hahn, passed away March 29, 2008.
Orphaned at a young age, she rode the Orphan Train to Sulphur Springs, TX were she lived with several
foster families. She met the love of her life Henry Davis and they married in 1937. She is survived by her
loving daughters Sandra (Charles) Curtis, Louann (Wayne) Richardson; 5 grandchildren; 5
great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
Helen Davis, 99, born Feb. 9, 1909 in Albany, NY to John and Bridgett Hahn, passed away March 29, 2008.
Orphaned at a young age, she rode the Orphan Train to Sulphur Springs, TX were she lived with several
foster families. She met the love of her life Henry Davis and they married in 1937. She is survived by her
loving daughters Sandra (Charles) Curtis, Louann (Wayne) Richardson; 5 grandchildren; 5
great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
Sylvia Wemhoff
OMAHA -- Sylvia K. Wemhoff, 89, of Omaha, formerly of Humphrey, died Friday, April 18, 2008, at Immanuel
Fontenelle Home in Omaha.
Sylvia was born Oct. 10, 1918, in Brooklyn, N.Y., and adopted by John and Marie (Halmich) Miick. She
received her education from St. Bernard Catholic School. Sylvia was united in marriage to George J. Wemhoff
May 4, 1943, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Humphrey. She lived in the Humphrey community until moving
to Omaha in August of 2005. She was a homemaker and farmed with her husband.
Sylvia was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church, the Christian Mothers Society, and Orphan Train
Heritage Society. She also enjoyed crocheting, cooking and flowers.
She is survived by her children, Laura (Richard) Rinschen of Ashland, Glen (Mary) Wemhoff of Ft. Collins,
Colo., William (Kathy) Wemhoff of Herndon, Va., Marvin (Ellen) Wemhoff of Kearney, and Norman (Tammy)
Wemhoff of Roanoke, Texas; step-children, James (Shirley) Wemhoff of Columbus, Viola (Bill) Ethier of Sioux
City, Iowa, and Sister Eileen Wemhoff O.S.F. of Schererville, Ind.; 14 grandchildren; and 10 great-
grandchildren.
Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents; husband, George; brother, Joseph; and adopted brothers, John
and Gabriel.
Memorials may be directed to the National Orphan Train Complex or the family’s choice.
OMAHA -- Sylvia K. Wemhoff, 89, of Omaha, formerly of Humphrey, died Friday, April 18, 2008, at Immanuel
Fontenelle Home in Omaha.
Sylvia was born Oct. 10, 1918, in Brooklyn, N.Y., and adopted by John and Marie (Halmich) Miick. She
received her education from St. Bernard Catholic School. Sylvia was united in marriage to George J. Wemhoff
May 4, 1943, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Humphrey. She lived in the Humphrey community until moving
to Omaha in August of 2005. She was a homemaker and farmed with her husband.
Sylvia was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church, the Christian Mothers Society, and Orphan Train
Heritage Society. She also enjoyed crocheting, cooking and flowers.
She is survived by her children, Laura (Richard) Rinschen of Ashland, Glen (Mary) Wemhoff of Ft. Collins,
Colo., William (Kathy) Wemhoff of Herndon, Va., Marvin (Ellen) Wemhoff of Kearney, and Norman (Tammy)
Wemhoff of Roanoke, Texas; step-children, James (Shirley) Wemhoff of Columbus, Viola (Bill) Ethier of Sioux
City, Iowa, and Sister Eileen Wemhoff O.S.F. of Schererville, Ind.; 14 grandchildren; and 10 great-
grandchildren.
Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents; husband, George; brother, Joseph; and adopted brothers, John
and Gabriel.
Memorials may be directed to the National Orphan Train Complex or the family’s choice.
Helen Macior
Helen Macior (nee Jazwiec), 95, of Palatine, IL passed away Friday, March 28, 2008, at Northwest Community
Hospital, Arlington Heights. Helen was born June 15, 1912, in New York. She was a child of the Orphan Train
in 1915.
She was the founder of Macior & Company Insurance for more than 54 years. She was the wife of the late
Louis Macior and Dominic Kotar; mother of Lois and the late Wil Hutchison, and Karen and Henry Inselberger;
grandmother of Richard Hutchison, Marcia and Mark Beck, Amy Inselberger, and Erin and John James; and
great-grandmother of Alan Hutchison, and Nicholas and Lauren Beck.
One of the last known Orphan Train survivors in Illinois has passed away. Of all of the mementos cherished
by family members of Helen Macior, one holds a special place in national history: her indenture agreement,
signed by her adoptive family. Mrs. Macior was put aboard a train in 1915, which carried her from a foundling
home in New York to an adoptive family in Chicago.
Her trip came near the end of a rescue effort organized by Charles Loring Brace to find homes for orphans in
New York.
She passed away Friday. The former longtime Rolling Meadows resident, most recently of Palatine, was 95.
Family members say that while Mrs. Macior had some early memories of her years in the foundling home, and
of the nuns who cared for her, she never successfully obtained the records of her birth. "The records were
sealed for 100 years," says her daughter, Karen Inselberger of Rolling Meadows. "I really thought she'd live
that long."
She did, however, hang onto the three-page "indenture agreement," which outlined the duties she was
expected to perform in her new household. Until she came of age, her life would be less that of a daughter
and more like an unpaid servant. Mrs. Macior had been adopted by Stephen and Caroline Jazwiec, a Polish
immigrant couple on Chicago's Northwest side, who had four sons but no daughters. Named Rose Green by
the orphanage, her adoptive parents renamed her Helen.
In an interview with the Daily Herald five years ago, Mrs. Macior recalled a relatively stark childhood.
"They never beat me, but they constantly made me do things. Get up at 5 in the morning and get the bread
from the bakery," she related. "Take the trash out. Clean up." To punish the child she would be forced to
kneel on beads.
"I actually found court records showing that when children were placed out in Illinois, they had to be
indentured," Holt said. "It was required. The reasoning was that if you took an orphan -- a high risk child --
you could set him on the road to right by teaching him the value of work."
Mrs. Macior's two daughters said their mother's upbringing contributed to her strong-willed personality and
spirit of independence. As an adult she attended night school and earned a license to be a certified
insurance broker.
When the family moved to Rolling Meadows in 1954, she sold life insurance out of her home, before
eventually adding property and casualty insurance. Her daughter, Lois Hutchison of Rolling Meadows, now
runs the business, called Macior & Co., based in Buffalo Grove. "She was a pioneer, selling life insurance at a
time when women didn't do those things," Hutchison says. "When she'd attend meetings at the Union League
Club in Chicago, she'd have to enter through a side door."
Helen Macior (nee Jazwiec), 95, of Palatine, IL passed away Friday, March 28, 2008, at Northwest Community
Hospital, Arlington Heights. Helen was born June 15, 1912, in New York. She was a child of the Orphan Train
in 1915.
She was the founder of Macior & Company Insurance for more than 54 years. She was the wife of the late
Louis Macior and Dominic Kotar; mother of Lois and the late Wil Hutchison, and Karen and Henry Inselberger;
grandmother of Richard Hutchison, Marcia and Mark Beck, Amy Inselberger, and Erin and John James; and
great-grandmother of Alan Hutchison, and Nicholas and Lauren Beck.
One of the last known Orphan Train survivors in Illinois has passed away. Of all of the mementos cherished
by family members of Helen Macior, one holds a special place in national history: her indenture agreement,
signed by her adoptive family. Mrs. Macior was put aboard a train in 1915, which carried her from a foundling
home in New York to an adoptive family in Chicago.
Her trip came near the end of a rescue effort organized by Charles Loring Brace to find homes for orphans in
New York.
She passed away Friday. The former longtime Rolling Meadows resident, most recently of Palatine, was 95.
Family members say that while Mrs. Macior had some early memories of her years in the foundling home, and
of the nuns who cared for her, she never successfully obtained the records of her birth. "The records were
sealed for 100 years," says her daughter, Karen Inselberger of Rolling Meadows. "I really thought she'd live
that long."
She did, however, hang onto the three-page "indenture agreement," which outlined the duties she was
expected to perform in her new household. Until she came of age, her life would be less that of a daughter
and more like an unpaid servant. Mrs. Macior had been adopted by Stephen and Caroline Jazwiec, a Polish
immigrant couple on Chicago's Northwest side, who had four sons but no daughters. Named Rose Green by
the orphanage, her adoptive parents renamed her Helen.
In an interview with the Daily Herald five years ago, Mrs. Macior recalled a relatively stark childhood.
"They never beat me, but they constantly made me do things. Get up at 5 in the morning and get the bread
from the bakery," she related. "Take the trash out. Clean up." To punish the child she would be forced to
kneel on beads.
"I actually found court records showing that when children were placed out in Illinois, they had to be
indentured," Holt said. "It was required. The reasoning was that if you took an orphan -- a high risk child --
you could set him on the road to right by teaching him the value of work."
Mrs. Macior's two daughters said their mother's upbringing contributed to her strong-willed personality and
spirit of independence. As an adult she attended night school and earned a license to be a certified
insurance broker.
When the family moved to Rolling Meadows in 1954, she sold life insurance out of her home, before
eventually adding property and casualty insurance. Her daughter, Lois Hutchison of Rolling Meadows, now
runs the business, called Macior & Co., based in Buffalo Grove. "She was a pioneer, selling life insurance at a
time when women didn't do those things," Hutchison says. "When she'd attend meetings at the Union League
Club in Chicago, she'd have to enter through a side door."
Keep your loved ones memory alive with a memorial to the Orphan Train Heritage Society of America or
the National Orphan Train Complex. Simply send memorials to: PO Box 322, Concordia, KS 66901 or
visit our Donation Page for the different donation opportunities available.
the National Orphan Train Complex. Simply send memorials to: PO Box 322, Concordia, KS 66901 or
visit our Donation Page for the different donation opportunities available.
Phyllis Jesse
Phyllis Jesse, 86, died on November 12, 2008, at her Mexico, Missouri, home. The Rev. Chris Atkinson
officiated at the November 15 funeral service and burial was in East Lawn Memorial Park.
Mrs. Jesse was born September 2, 1922, in Mooers, New York, to Irvine and Pearl Weir. She was sent to an
orphanage when her mother died. In 1929 she rode the Orphan Train to Trenton, Missouri, where she was
adopted and raised by George Edward and Ruth Cleveland Crews Woodruff. Mrs. Jesse married Raymond
B. Jesse on July 3, 1943.
Mrs. Jesse worked as a nurses’ aide and was a member of Centennial Baptist Church. She was an avid
bowler, enjoyed needlework, and loved to read. Survivors in addition to her husband include five sons:
George and wife Joyce, Columbia, MO; Harley, Mexico, MO; Stanley and wife Sarah, Thompson, MO; Tony
and wife Sherry, St. Martin; and Tim and wife Dolly, Mexico. A daughter, Connie Cole of Atlantic Beach, FL,
one sister, Dorothy Davidson, 11 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, also 2 great-great grandchildren
also survive. She was preceded in death by two brothers and a granddaughter.
Memorial may be made to Centennial Baptist Church, sent in care of the Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N.
Western, Mexico, MO 65265.
Phyllis Jesse, 86, died on November 12, 2008, at her Mexico, Missouri, home. The Rev. Chris Atkinson
officiated at the November 15 funeral service and burial was in East Lawn Memorial Park.
Mrs. Jesse was born September 2, 1922, in Mooers, New York, to Irvine and Pearl Weir. She was sent to an
orphanage when her mother died. In 1929 she rode the Orphan Train to Trenton, Missouri, where she was
adopted and raised by George Edward and Ruth Cleveland Crews Woodruff. Mrs. Jesse married Raymond
B. Jesse on July 3, 1943.
Mrs. Jesse worked as a nurses’ aide and was a member of Centennial Baptist Church. She was an avid
bowler, enjoyed needlework, and loved to read. Survivors in addition to her husband include five sons:
George and wife Joyce, Columbia, MO; Harley, Mexico, MO; Stanley and wife Sarah, Thompson, MO; Tony
and wife Sherry, St. Martin; and Tim and wife Dolly, Mexico. A daughter, Connie Cole of Atlantic Beach, FL,
one sister, Dorothy Davidson, 11 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, also 2 great-great grandchildren
also survive. She was preceded in death by two brothers and a granddaughter.
Memorial may be made to Centennial Baptist Church, sent in care of the Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N.
Western, Mexico, MO 65265.