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Birth
My name is Cheng Kwok. This is the day I was born. I lived with my mother in Beijing, China for 23 years of my life. When we heard about Angel Island we decided right away to move. Both my mother and I needed jobs desperately. We were living very poorly and were in great need of money. So we decided to take the boat to Angel Island in San Francisco. -
Arrival at Angel Island
ArrivalWe finally arrive at Angel Island! After the long voyage we finally arrive. We have heard word of gold and I hope to try my luck. First we must make it through medical examinations. I separate from my mother and make it through. She does not. She is sick and has to return home, leaving me all alone. I will have to send money home to hopefully bring her back to me. Until then I will be all alone. -
Chinese Exclusion Act
Chinese Exclusion ActI was finally able to start sending money back to my mother. It was nice to know that I wouldn't have to be alone anymore. That was until the Chinese Exclusion Act was started. This new law that any Asian that is not registered as an American Citizen had to return to their home village. They did this because the Americans feared that Chinese would take all their jobs and then they would lose their money. So they decided to get rid of us. -
First Job
I was and I now have able to stay in America after the Exclusion Act and finally got a job. I am now working on building the Transcontinental Railroad. I was enjoying my work and all was going well. That was until the explosion. I was working outside the mountain when the explosion went off. I wasn't able to get away fast enough. I have an injury on my right leg that now enables me from working on the railroad. -
New job
After the accident I had to quit. I had difficulty finding a decent job. But I now work as a fisherman. It is dangerous work but it pays my bills. I can continue to send home money and will hopefully be able to bring my mother back. I live in a small, shared apartment with my ship mates. -
California Gold Rush
My job as a fisherman was not pleasurable. So I decided to change it. I decided to follow the California Gold Rush. I figured that I would have a better chance mining gold by myself then trying to catch fish on a crowded boat with many other men. So I pack up my belongings and headed East. I would finally be able to see my mother again as I had finally saved up enough money. Life was turning out well for me.
