Concordia in Cloud County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Robert Frances (Miles) Summers
1891-1927
— Rider to Lexington, Missouri —
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 4, 2021
1. Robert Frances (Miles) Summers Marker
Born on the 9th of March in 1891, Robert was placed with the New York Foundling Hospital during that same month. His parents were John Miles (age 35) and Rosanna (Smith) Miles (age 43).
Upon Robert's arrival in Lexington, he was taken by Luke B. Summers and his wife Mary Ellen (Harrison) Summers. In March 1900, the family moved to Chickasha, Oklahoma (Indian Territory).
Robert married Effie Mae Dillard. Their son, Robert Francis Summers II was 9 months old when father Robert died from blood poisoning on October 15, 1927. Robert II remembers his mother cherishing a leather glove that belonged to his father, who must have loved to play baseball.
Robert II served in the Navy and along with his wife of 44 years, raised two sons. In honor of the father he never knew, Robert Francis Summers II dedicates this statue.
Erected by National Orphan Train Complex; and Robert Francis (Miles) Summers II.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Sports. A significant historical date for this entry is March 9, 1891.
Location. 39° 34.464′ N, 97° 39.682′ W. Marker is in Concordia, Kansas, in Cloud County. Marker can be reached from Washington Street south of West 3rd Street, on the right when traveling
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Robert Francis Summers Memorial Clock (a few steps from this marker); Clara Reed Duckett Morgan (a few steps from this marker); Howard Reed Dowell (within shouting distance of this marker); Union Pacific Railroad Passenger Depot (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to the National Orphan Train Complex (within shouting distance of this marker); James Reed Elliot (within shouting distance of this marker); William Sidney Emay (within shouting distance of this marker); To All Our Fallen Heroes, Thank You. (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Concordia.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Orphan Train Movement
Also see . . .
1. Robert Frances Miles Summers.
In Lexington, Missouri, Luke B. Summers and Mary Ellen (Harrison) Summers had been informed of the placing out program run by the Sisters of Charity through their parish priest. They had filled out their application, made their requests for the child’s features and patiently waited to hear of their future son’s arrival.(Submitted on November 15, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)Little Robert arrived as a toddler and was quickly welcomed as the couple’s only child.
2. Marker detail: Robert Frances (Miles) Summers
2. Robert Francis “Bob” Summers (Find a Grave). (Submitted on November 15, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
3. 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. 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 15, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 4, 2021
3. Robert Frances (Miles) Summers Sculpture & Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 24, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 15, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 136 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 15, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
