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Immigration Timeline
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Arriving in America
It seems like so long ago that I boarded the boat to start my journey across the Atlantic Ocean. I had finally saw the land and was thrilled to step foot in America. I was immediately made fun of because I was Irish. I found my aunt and uncle who were waiting for me as I left the boat. I was thrilled to be in America with them! We then went back to their house where they lived with my grandma. I was to stay there about three years until I saw settled. -
Job
One day, I was out shopping for produce for my family when I saw a sign that said “Chicken Plucking” and decided to apply. When I arrived at my interview two days later, my boss immediately hired me because he liked my spunk. I started work the next day. At first, I was excited to start supporting myself and eventually move into my own place but I was also hesitant. I had never worked a real job. At home, I was always kept inside because my mother feared my clothing would get dirty. -
Grandma Dies
It was an average day and my uncle and I were at work and my aunt was at a social event with her friends. When we came home, we found my grandma sick in bed with the measles. She felt hot and had no energy. My grandma was 78 and she had lived a long hard life. I was really worried because I loved my grandma and wasn’t ready for her to go. Two days later, we woke up to find her dead in her bed. -
Homestead Act
This is the act that was passed that allowed anyone 21 and over to potentially stake claim to some of 160 acres of land in the west. There were many land races where people could race against each other to stake claim on land. -
Fired
One morning, I couldn’t find my other shoe. They were black shoes that always seemed to disappear in my closet. Finally, my aunt came in and asked if I was missing this shoe as she held it up. I quickly slipped it on, determined to make it to work on time. I ran down the street to work, yelling sorry down the street to anyone I ran into. I was five minutes late. I had been late every day to work that week for different reasons and my boss was so mad he fired me. -
Going West
I was still jobless and knew I had to find something soon. I saw a sign that said the government was offering 160 acres of free land in the west to anyone. I knew that after losing my job, I needed a completely new start. I knew that this was my opportunity and my boyfriend Gary and I bought a wagon from the local shop and a good horse and started our hard trek west. -
Arriving in the West
Over two month after we left our past in Boston, we arrived Oklahoma. I waited patiently as Gary went into the Land Office. He came out with a flag we were to stake into the ground when we found our land in the land race tomorrow. We bought horses and all the supplies we needed to do well in the race. The next day, my heart was beating at the gun fired to start the race. Gary and I rode off and stabbed my flag into the land to claim it. -
Settled
Gary finished our house and we are well settled, I miss my family in Boston but we send letters all the time. My aunt and uncle are scheduled to visit next month. They left as soon as we arrived. I am very happy here and I love being able to grow our own food. My parents know where I am and are planning on moving here next year with my brother.
