A Made-Up Person (Whose Name was Jermaine) Who Immigrated to the United States of America and then Decided to Move West

Immigration & Westward Movement

Period: Jan 1, 1860 to Dec 31, 1914

Leaving Britain

Oct 31, 1867

My name is Jermaine and I lived in England at this time. Recently, many people have been losing my jobs. In fear of losing my job and becoming unemployed, I have been saving up and can now purchase a ticket to America. In America, there are many oppurtunities. I hope I can find some land and live peacefully.

Arriving in America

Nov 10, 1867

At the end of my journey on Cunard's SS Russia, I saw the Statue of Liberty. This iconic image fills me with hope.

Job and Home

Jan 5, 1870

So far, life in America has not been lving up to my expectations. I live in a slum and work in a sweatshop. I am frugally saving up to get myself out of this place. I have heard that in the West, land is plentiful. So I hope I can move there and live a life full of freedom and opportunity.

A Sausage is Burnt

Apr 19, 1875

I left a sausage on the stove to long and it burned.

Citizenship

Aug 31, 1877

Today, I finally earned my American citizenship. This will enable me to apply for the Homestead Act.

Moving West on a Train

Jul 17, 1878

Finally, I have moved west. I have heard of something called the Homestead Act and I hope to apply for it . Even the I can only have the land for five years, it is cheap and I do not have very much money.

Homestead Act

Nov 1, 1880

I have gotten land from the Homestead Act today. The Homestead Act is an act that gives out land, or homesteads, at little or no cost. You are given the land for five years to make improvements on it.

Difficulties on the Plains

Jul 20, 1882

Today is my brthday! Life has still been difficult lately. Due to the lack of trees, I had to make my house out of sod. In addition, I also had to dig very deep for my water well.

Homestead Act Ends

Nov 1, 1885

Life was very difficult during these years, but it is nice to wake up every morning to the rising sun flashing rays all over the sky. Towards the end of my five years, life has gotten easier. I was also able to plant many vegetables. Unfortunately, my time here is done. I am thinking about becoming a miner, even though I realize the risk is very highj.

Gold Mining

Mar 20, 1892

I have fount a decent sized gold nugget! It should be able to support me for the rest of my retirement.

Buying A House

Sep 9, 1900

I have traded my gold nugget for money and bought a house today. I plan to unwind here with my remaining money until I die.

I Buy a Car

Jun 12, 1909

I buy a Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost.