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Shaunns Life
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Shaunn's Birth
I was born to two Irish Potato farmers in our little cottage in Kerry, Ireland. My parents weren't particularly wealthy, so they could not afford a doctor, but a midwife assisted in my delivery. I'm the second and last child to be born to my parents, but unfortunately the other child died during childbirth. -
Father Leaves for America
This is a very bitter-sweet day for my family. My father has decided to leave for the United states to find a job to support our failing potato farm. The blight came two years ago, and since mostly all of the potatoes this year have succumbed to the disease we will not need Father for this year's harvest. He hopes to acquire a job in New York, using the new steel to create buildings that can touch the sky. -
Getting through inspection
After geting off the ship we were herded onto the island, leaving our belongings in a room to get when our inspections are over. We went upstairs to get another health inspection, this one more in depth. There was also a lot of legal stuff going on, but I let Mother deal with that. Once they were convinced we were healthy they asked us a whole bunch of probing questions, and finally we were able to get our stuff and leave. -
We Follow Father's Footsteps
Now after five years of waiting me and Mother get to join Father in New York City. Ever since Father left we have been saving up money to take the long journey to the Land of Opportunity. The famine ended a few years ago, but since Father is making more money in New York then we are in Ireland, we decided to go to him instead. Yesterday we took only what we needed and boarded the first boat to Ellis Island; scared but excited in the same moment. We cannot wait to begin our new lives. -
Our Arrival to the Land of Opportunity
Ellis island tourAfter Almost two months of travel, we finally made it to Ellis Island. As soon as we docked, a doctor came onto the ship and evaluated the first and second class passengers, and the ones who passed the health inspection made it off the ship. While we third class passengers waited, we all huddled together in cabins and told each other the plans we had for our new lives. After a few hours, we were called onto the deck and examined by the weary doctors and then let onto shore. We are 1 step closer! -
War Bound
Now more than 10 years from our arrival, the Civil War has brewed and I've decided to join up in the ranks. I've been working on contruction since I turned 17, and all my money had gone toward supporting my parents after my Father crippled his leg in a contruction accident. I've decided I can earn more by serving the Union and fighting the Southern Rebels. My Mother probably won't want me to go, but I've made my decision and they cant't stop me. -
My Death
I've fought for a year, and think of myself as a veteran. I've killed people, and I've seen my comrades die as well. Now its my turn. I At least it was a quick death, a cannonball to the chest isn't a bad way to go, definitely better than bleeding out or contracting dysentery. Yes, my family will miss me, but I have completed my duties.
