Journey To America

Birth

Jul 18, 1827

I was born on July 18, 1827 in Hong Kong, China.My family were raised farmers and grew rice for a living. I have no siblings so it would be my job to take on the family farm when the time was right. I did not want to become a farmer, I wanted to create my own life. I decided to leave for america because i heard of talk about gold there. I would be able to send money home for my parents when they get too old to work.

Chen Wang: An Autobiography

Period: Jul 18, 1827 to Jul 8, 1870

Angel Island

Jan 31, 1848

Other immegrants said we would be entering America through Angel Island. I wasnt exactly sure why we were entering through that tiny island. Or why we couldnt just go right to the mainland. I was scared of being sent back home. I was nervous about life here but eager to get started.

Physical Exam

Feb 1, 1848

I finally stepped foot on America for the first time. It almost gave me a feeling of hope. I was still worried, i heard other immegrants would be sent home. All i wanted to do was bust through and start living my own life. This is my time now and i need to get started.

Work in the West

Apr 10, 1855

I have been settled out west for about seven years now. Panning for gold is painstaking work and takes alot of patience. But i knew this is what I came for and I was to make the best of it. Like many others, i settled in California during the California Gold Rush. Its a little nerve racking seeing so many people all after one thing.

Meet Shane

Mar 11, 1860

I met my husband Shane Acres five years after i moved out west. I wasn't surprised when he said he moved from New York. But i was surprised when he said he was an immegrant from Ireland. We got married about two years ago and have two young boys. Its a little hard to raise hem out south.

Move East

Jul 25, 1865

Five years after we got married, Shane and I decided to move back east to where he lived before. Supposedly the living conditions are a little better. ALso there is still lots of job opertunity back east. It will be good for the boys to get a proper education. America has changed my life for the better, It brought me a complete loving family.