-
The birthday of Kathleen Frederickson
When I was born in Ireland, life was hard for my family. We lived in a small house with seven people, and we were barely scraping by. We left Ireland to find my father, who went before us to make a profit off of the California Gold Rush. My family hoped that moving to America and finding my father would help to make a better life for us. In my autobiography (that I wrote to show people how hard life was for an Irish immigrant), you will discover the ups and downs that I have faced in my life! -
Leaving Ireland
When I was 15, my father sent us a letter, telling my family to come to America to find him. My mother was almost instantly ready to leave our home, packing quickly. My aunt on the other hand, was very reluctant. Finally, the decision was made. My mother, brother, and I would be leaving for America. My aunt and two twin cousins, who I had lived with my whole life, would be staying behind. Within a month, after many tears were shed, we were headed to America, to my father, and to a new future. -
The Voyage to Ellis Island
When we arrived at the seaport I missed my aunt and cousins. My mother comforted me with the fact that we would soon see my father. We were finally aboard the ship in the third class passenger area called the steerage which was a space that opened up at the bottom of the ship.The steerage was crowded and dirty and I did not want to spend two weeks down there. During the trip we encountered storm.Because of this we ended up being in the steerage for three weeks and I experienced bad sea sickness. -
Arriving at Ellis Island
Ellis Island When we arrived at Ellis Island the first thing I noticed was the large building we entered into. When we went into the building we were examined by doctors for about four minutes. After that we were able to exchange our money with American money. Then we sent a letter to my aunt and cousins and to my father telling him we arrived. Finally we were assigned a dormitory for our first night in America. -
Life in America
Life in America has been very hard. It has been many months and we still heard nothing form father and I fear the worst. My mother and I have been making money to rent our apartment by doing other peoples laundry. My brother has been doing whatever work people will have him do for a pay. The money isn't very good and we barely have enough money for food. Right now I wish we had never left Ireland. At least in Ireland we had my father, aunt and cousins. -
Life gets better
GoldOne day as my mother and I were getting home from our job, we saw a man in a coat and hat, standing in front of our apartment building. When we drew near he looked over at my mom. That was when my mom burst into tears. The man standing there was my father. He explained how he had hit gold. It wasn't until then I realized we were rich. In that very instant as I hugged my father I realized life was already a thousand times better!
