Child Left Care While Still a Child, but With New Parents' Blessing

Bach was born in Eisenach, the eighth and last child of Johann Ambrosius and Maria Elisabeth Bach. His mother died in 1694 and his father in 1695. The nine-year-old orphan and his brother J... [more]

Carver, George Washington

Carver was born into slavery, to a "good" owner, Moses Carver; his mother was the only slave he had ever owned, and she was well-treated. His father, from a neighboring plantation... [more]

Cole, George

Cole was placed for adoption at 10 days of age but did not find out until he was eight, when he found his papers while looking for Christmas presents. He was raised in a council house, l... [more]

Dahlberg, Edward

Dahlberg was the son of a married hairdresser who had been kicked out of the house before he was born by her husband for being unfaithful. He and his older brother were sent to a Jewish orp... [more]

Henson, Matthew Alexander

Henson was orphaned as a boy and was mistreated by his uncle. He ran away and lived on the streets for a while, until he was taken in by a Miss Janey, who ran a café where he worked and whe... [more]

Mills, Robert Scourfield

Mills was raised by his grandmother and ran away to sea while still a boy. He was a soldier during the Boer War and became famous for his exploits there; he was awarded the DSO and rose to ... [more]