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Birth and Growing up in Canberra, Australia
I grew up in a nice home with a strict, but loving family. They gave me everything I wanted and always had enough food for us. I have two older siblings, a brother and a sister, who I did not get along with. My parents gave me a good education, but were very strict about it. They wanted to find me a husband at 16 but I already had a secret one, Sebastian White, 17. My parents did not approve and kicked me out of the house when they found out. Now, we are leaving for America to start a new life. -
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The Life of Australian Immigrant Isabella Jones
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Gold is Discovered in America
More About Angel Island Immigration StationMy husband and I are getting ready to leave Australia for good. We decided to head to America because James Marshall had just discovered gold in CA, and there are lots of job opportunities. The trip took a few weeks but we are about to get off in San Francisco Bay and go into Angel Island. The check in did not take long. We were checked by a doctor and exchanged money. Now we are U.S. Citizens and need to find somewhere to live. I am ready for a fresh start with my husband and new son on the way -
Starting a New Life In California
My husband and I earned a lot of money during the CA Gold Rush. I was able to find a job as a waitress in a local bar and Sebastian mined a lot of gold. We had enough money after living here for a year to buy a decent house with wooden furniture and comfortable beds. We always have enough food on the table. Our new son Christopher is growing up fast and loves to play outside in the dirt. Our neighbors are also very kind and helpful. We enjoy it here and plan on staying for a while. -
The American Civil War Begins
We have been living in CA for almost a decade now and I still enjoy it here. The South though has just seceded from the rest of the U.S. and want to start a war. After the Battle of Fort Sumter, the Union started drafting soldiers and Sebastian had to go. At first I was scared for him but I have trust that he will make it out safe. I do everything I can to support the Union. Chris still only a boy and doesn’t understand the war yet but he helps me a lot around the house when he is not at school -
The War Comes to a Close
More About the Surrendeer of Robert E. LeeFinally, after several years of hard fighting, General Robert E. Lee surrendered. I was happy it was over. We struggled at first with money after inflation but were able to get back on track when Chris got a job with the local blacksmith. Chris and I missed Sebastian so much. When he got home, the first thing we did was go out to eat and listen to him tell war stories. I am just relieved he made it out alive with only an injured left arm when so many others didn’t. -
Transcontinental Railroad Construction Ends
More About the Transcontinental RailroadA year after Sebastian got back from the war, Chris decided he wanted to help build the Transcontinental Railroad. I was not excited about him leaving but I let him go because I knew he would do it anyway. For several years I did not see him. One day when I was out getting the paper, I saw that the railroad had finally finished and the workers would arrive home by train in a few days. I was excited to finally see my little boy all grown up and live with both of my men for the rest of my life.
