Concordia in Cloud County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Anna Katherine Fuchs
December 6, 1913 - November 15, 2006
— Rider to McPherson, Kansas 1924 —
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 4, 2021
1. Anna Katherine Fuchs Marker
Anna Fuchs was placed out by the Children's Aid Society along with her two younger sisters on December 7, 1924, the day after Anna's 11th birthday. Sadly, the sisters lost their parents Stephen and Catherine to tuberculosis just months before their trip to Kansas. Anna believed her age and the physical imperfections of her hand and hip would keep her from being chosen. Fate had wonderful plans for Anna. A local Sunday school teacher and boarding house owner, Jennie Bengston, would take her into her home. There Anna learned to play the piano; a passion that she carried throughout her life. Anna credited Jennie with the opportunity to pursue an education past the eighth grade. Anna graduated from McPherson College in 1937 with degrees in music and education.
The Depression years would change the course of Anna's career; in 1941 she was hired by Farmers Alliance Insurance in McPherson where she worked until retirement. Anna was multi-talented. She is well remembered for singing and playing in the annual Messiah Festival at Bethany College for more than 50 years. She loved playing the organ for her church and hand painting china in her spare time. Anna Fuchs never married or had kids of her own. She chose to passionately share her life story and the history of the Orphan Train Movement with hundreds of students and groups. Anna's
this page online
Erected 2017 by National Orphan Train Complex; and Marian D. Cook Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Charity & Public Work • Education • Women. A significant historical date for this entry is December 7, 1924.
Location. 39° 34.303′ N, 97° 39.758′ W. Marker is in Concordia, Kansas, in Cloud County. Marker is on West 6th Street just east of State Street, on the left when traveling east. Marker and sculpture are located along the sidewalk, on the left side of the Majestic Theater. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 229 West 6th Street, Concordia KS 66901, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Thelma Taylor (within shouting distance of this marker); Mary Mullen Leikam Kraus Jacobs Hardt (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Brown Grand Theatre (about 300 feet away); Stanley & Victor Cornell Deger (about 400 feet away); To All Our Fallen Heroes, Thank You. (about 500 feet away); John Lukes Jacobus (about 500 feet away); Henry Lee Jost (about 700 feet away); Elmer Barney Malone & Ethel Barney Malone Staley (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Concordia.
Related markers.
2. Marker detail: Anna Katherine Fuchs
Also see . . . A History of the Orphan Trains. When the Orphan Train movement began, in the mid-19th century, it was estimated that approximately 30,000 abandoned children were living on the streets of New York. And over the 75 year span of the Orphan Train movement, it is estimated that between 150,000 and 200,000 children were relocated to new homes via the Orphan Trains. (Submitted on November 13, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 4, 2021
3. Anna Katherine Fuchs Marker & Sculpture
Credits. This page was last revised on December 24, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 13, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 595 times since then and 103 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 13, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
