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My Birthdate
German Farm FoodI was born in a little rundown shack on July 4, 1843. I grew up on this farm. We grew many different foods such as wheat, potatos, and a variety of herbs. Every day I would go outside and help farm our crops.We barely made enough money to live in our shack. Our families and relatives looked up for each other if someone was in need of something. We feard snowstorms or any other storms that would come because it would make living conditions harder and that would mean we are not making any money. -
Leaving Germany
Germany ConditionsI was living on this farm all my life. I never expirience something different and lived as I always have. One day we had German officer come in our house because they got a report that we were a different religion than what was allowed. They didn't find our Bible but my grandfather's Bible was found the next day and was whipped to death. They came to burn our house because we were related to him. People came and fed off our crops and stomped them flat. Then we decided to flee to America. -
Arriving to Ellis Island
Ellis IslandWe got on a slow boat and got to America in 2 weeks flat. We did not have much money so we went as third class. We tried to learn some english but it was hard. When we got to Ellis island we shouted with joy. Doctors examined our health but my whole family past. We go to a desk where we are asked a series of questions before we may move on. My money was exchanged for a bit of American money. We were one of the few families that made it through Ellis Island in just a few days. It took us 3 days. -
City Conditions
City HomesWe find a place to live in New York City. It is at the bottom of a huge apartment. Our family lives with another fmily in the apartment. Apartment had kitchen, living space, and bedroom, which all were very small. When I went into the streets, I would be walking through filth and dead animals about every step. People were afraid that I would take their jobs and threatened me and spat at me. I decided to move west with my family for a job in St. Louis. -
Transcontinental Railroad
Transcontinental RailroadIt was my 19th birthday when I go to St. Louis to work on the railroad. I was one of the first to work on this railroad with so many Irish men. My job is to be one of the men to blast mountains for tunnels. I have to carry the gunpowder into the tunnels. Then I leave before it is lit. I have seen many people get blasted themselves which is not a pretty sight. One day a blast blew on December 20 and a rock hits my leg. My leg is broken and I have to quit. I went to meet my family in St. Louis. -
American Farm Life
Homestead ActWe move into the country to farm outside of St. Louis. We paid a low price for the quality of the land. The farm is 15 miles outside of St. Louis so it is hard to get to town especially during winter. We plant many crops like corn, wheat, and we have a family garden. This year we had one tornado come through our fields and damaged some crops. Overall we had a good harvest in the fall of 1863. We now live a happy life as an American farmer.
