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The Great Famine
A fungus called Phytophtora infestant infected and devastated our potato farm. My family doesn't have much food to eat, and we are very poor. We might be ale to manage to survive, but we will be hungry. -
Born
I (Thomas Walsh) was born to Irish Catholic parents. They are potato farmers for Protestant landlords. I have a brother who is 11 years old. -
Period: to
Immigration
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Brother Leaves
Our landlord is helping our brother immigrate to the United States. He offered to send our whole family, but my mother is ill and would die during the voyage. I am too young to go alone with my brother. -
End of the Great Famine
The Great Famine has ended and my family has food to grow! -
A Letter
I recieved a letter from my brother saying that he is in Pennsylvania and has found work in a coal mine. He also says that they could use more workers and that I should come join him, but my parents have both grown ill and I must take care of them. -
I Leave
After the death of my parents, my landlord has payed my fair to travel to America because he can no longer keep me as a tennant. I can join my brother in Pennsylvania and work in the coal mines. I also saw in the paper an ad that said, "160 acres of land for free!" -
The Boat Ride
The passage over the Atlantic has been dangerous. Nearly half the people on the ship have died. It is very crowded, and I dont have a bed to sleep on. I don't know if I will live to see America. -
I Arrive
I have just arrived in America! I have come through Ellis Island, there were many sick people that I felt bad for. My brother lives in Boston, so it won't be long until I get there! -
Reunited
I finally made it to Pennsylvania, and my brother! He says that I start working in the coal mines tomorrow. -
My Brother Leaves
My brother has left the coal mines to join the 69th Irish volenteers in the American Civil War. Without my brother here, the work is too difficult and I feel sick most of the time. Many people die when mines collapse, I must find new work. -
Finding Jobs
Jobs are hard to find in Pennsylvania. Everywhere I turn, I see signs that say "No Irish Need Apply". People treat me badly, just yesterday I was badly beaten on the street. -
My New Job
I have gotten a job working on the railway to the Pacific. Many of my fellow workers are Chinese. -
I Get My Own Land
I won the land race and now officially have 160 acres of my own land in the Oklahoma Territory! I like it here because I don't experience any prejudice of being an Irish Catholic. I am going to start my own farm and grow wheat. -
Hired
The farm has become very succesful and I cannot keep up with it on my own. I met a young Irish immigrant and he reminds me of myself. I have hired him to help me harvest the wheat and take care of my farm. His name is Sean Breen. -
Sickness
Breathing has become more and more difficult, and I wonder if it is because of working in the mines. I have decided to leave my farm to Sean since I have never married or had children. Sean has two sons who can help him grow this farm. -
I Pass Away
My days are ending, breathing becomes more and more difficult. I take comfort that I will be reunited with my brother and parents who have passed before me. I know my farm will be in good hands with the Breen family.
