Erie Train Boy, The by Horatio Alger - book 
1-931927-92-8

PAPERBACK ILLUSTRATED A young boy supports his family by working on the Erie trains selling cards, newspapers, and novels. Aka: Fred's Railroad Adventure; Straight Ahead; Life on the Iron Road.


Fred Fenton, who is employed on the Erie Railroad, is the main support of his mother and small brother. They also own a small tract of land in Colorado which, according to their uncle, Robert Ferguson, is worthless.
While working, Fred befriends a man traveling on the train. The man proves to be an uncle of a New York broker, Mr. John Wainwright. He convinces his nephew to hire Fred. With his newfound luck, Fred is able to make a better life for himself. Along the way of his growing prosperity, Fred finds out truths denied to him before, and even saves some lives, too.