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National Orphan Train Complex unveils 32nd statue at Courthouse

The National Orphan Train Complex unveiled its 32nd Orphan Train Rider statue at the Cloud County Courthouse during the Fall Fest celebration on Saturday.
Honoring Orphan Train Rider Paul Clithero, the statue was sponsored by the Cloud County board of commissioners.
Paul Young was born March 10, 1908, in Brooklyn, N.Y. He was a little over three-years-old when he arrived with placement agent Anna Laura Hill in Clyde on October 13, 1911.
Boyd and Louise Clithero, a wealthy couple from Concordia with no children of their own, drove to
Clyde with friends and attended the placing out of the New York children. They were instantly smitten with little Paul, and requested to take him.
Paul was legally adopted, and became Paul Clithero.
Quite a performer when he was young, Paul was a singer and performed in numerous plays. He was active in Boys Scouts. He graduated from Concordia High School in 1927. The yearbook said his nickname was “Slick” and that he had been in most of the class plays and was a member of the Glee Club.
Paul was married several times. They were all short marriages that ended in divorce. He had no children.
While in the United States Navy, Paul served his country in the Pacific Theater during World War II aboard the U.S.S. Indiana.
After his service in the military, Paul worked in sales. He sold insurance and later office supplies.
Paul lived in many cities including Los Angeles, Lincoln, Neb., and Kansas City, Mo., where he passed away on July 10, 1963, from heart disease. He was only 55. He rests at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery.

 

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