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Birthday
I Kathrine McNamara was born today 15 years before the potato famine. My family grows potatoes and raises some sheep. I live with my Ma and Pa with five brothers and one sister. That’s seven children total and I'm the oldest. My sister Britany is second oldest but she was always sickly. My brothers are Will, John, Timothy, Patrick and Nate. They are each a year apart starting at age seven. Britany is 10. -
Potato Famine
A potato famine has started. Tiny black bugs are chewing through the potatoes and rotting them out. It wouldn’t be so bad except for the British. The few potatoes that can be grown are being stolen by the British. Many people are starving. We are living off the wool of our sheep but the money from that won’t last long. -
To America
Ma and Pa have herd that fortunes are better in America if you can only get out of the city slums and into the country. But they have to stay here to tend the sheep and look after my siblings. They can’t send my sister Britany because she is sickly and they boys are out of option because they are too young. I'm the only option. I will be sent to the dangerous America. Most children would resent being sent away to their possible deaths, but not me. I relish the idea of going to America. -
Leaving Ireland
I have said goodbye to my family and have snuck onto a ship headed toward America. I am on my own now. It’s exciting to be in charge of one's self. I'm already starting to feel sick thou. The ship still stinks from its last journey and the combined smell and rocking motion is making me nauseous. -
Still on this Boat
I am still on this stinking boat. I still feel sea sick. If we don't reach land soon I think I will go crazy! -
America at Last
The crew of the ship orders everyone above deck. At last we have arrived at America. Using my bag as a shield, I fight my to the ship's railing to get a good look at New York harbor. I am not impressed. There is so much smoke and smog from factories I can't see more than 100 feet out from the boat. It’s nothing like the fresh Ireland air. Then The Lady Liberty loomed out of the smoke. Her big toe nail was the size of a queen bed. Next stop, Ellis Island. -
Ellis Island
Here I am at Ellis Island. Once we are herded off the ship we are sent into lines to be examined by doctors. They flipped my eyelids inside out. That hurt. Then I was taken into a room where they questioned me. For example: Q: What is your name? A: Kathrine McNamara. Then they sent me out to the kissing gate where I could go into America. Yes!!!! I was in!!!! I had made it to America!!!! ...... Now what? -
Pickpocket
I am a Pickpocket. I have been in America for a while now. I live on the streets and I pickpocket people for a living. To be a pickpocket you have to be these three things: Fast, Smart, and good at it. If you’re not those 3 things, you’re in jail. Fortunately I have not been caught yet. I hope it stays that way. -
I stole a horse
I stole a horse. Yes I stole a horse. A Grey Buckskin to be precise. She is a good horse. Flawless you could say. Very expensive. She will be missed and looked for. If I am seen with her I am doomed. I am currently keeping her in my friend Molly's barn. I stay at Molly's house all the time now. She started out as a pickpocket too and now look where she is. She just never stole a horse.
