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Arrive at Ellis Island
Hi my name is Jarlath McCarthy and I arrived at Ellis Island on Febuary 2nd in the year 1856. It was a long journey all the way from my home land of Ireland. It was worth it though becasue I had nothing back home in Ireland. I had to wait a long time to get anywhere there and the lines were very long. They decided to keep me there for two weeks for further questioning. I think they may have forgotten about me though! -
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Immigrating
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House
I finally got out of Ellis Island and found a house to live in! There is so much to see in this new land. I saw a lady holding a sign and she siad i t was cheap rent and I went inside and it was a beautiful home. I can't wait to get more settled in. -
Kicked Out and Job
I couldn't find any money for rent because no one wanted to hire me. I don't see what is so wrong with the Irish people? We are so nice! The couple that owned the house kicked me and another man out of their house. They told us never to return again. I walked around for weeks in the rain looking for someone to hire me. I was turned down by numerous people but I kept on going. I found food here and there and I made it along. I wasn't sure how long I could last. -
Bakery
I walked around the town until I found a bakery that was Irish owned. I knew that it was the place for me becasue so many other places discrimiinated against us Irish folk. I walked inside and asked the man working if I may apply for a job. I answered some questions and he hired me there on the spot. He offered me good pay as well. Thomas, the owner also let me stay above the bakery in an apartemnt too since him and his family lived down the road with friends. -
Friend From Ireland
I met someone on the way to the race that I knew from Irelnad. He got married right after I left my homeland so I got to meet his wife as well. I talked to them for a long time and we made it to the race for land. We decided that I woul stick with Daley and his wife and I would claim land with them because we could make an even better farm that way. -
Day of Race
It was finally the day of the race and I was excited for my new start! I started the day off with a jolt of coffee and then Daley, Marie (his wife), and I all got on our horses and were ready to go. I heard the man say this is your chance to get land and then the next thing I remember is my horse going faster then anything I had ever seen. I was following closely behind Daley and Marie was following behind me. -
Moving West
I wasn't enjoying my job at all. It was a hard job with lots of manual labour. Who would have known that bread could be that heavy! I burned my hands on the cooking area when grabbing the bread because there was nothing to protect my hands. It hurt when I had to use my hands for anything else. One day I was walking and there was a man holding signs that said move out west and that I could have land! It was a miracle! I decided to pack up and get a fresh start in s new land. -
Arm
I saw a flag sticking out of the ground and I knew that the land was still up for grabs. I knew that i had to have it. I got Daley to go ahead and check it out. I made my horse go faster but then all of the sudden I heard a crack. I knew that she was giving out. My heart sank. She kicked me off and I thumped to the ground. I heard a crack in my own body. Daley came rushing over. I had definitely broken my arm. I wouldn't be able to help him around the farm for weeks. I felt like a failure. -
Claiming Land
I got up on the back of Daley's horse and we were finally getting closer tan ever to claiming our land. I grabbed the flag we had made from Maries bag and all three of us grabbed it and stuck it into the ground. A smile went across all of our faces and we knew we had something to call ours for once! -
Settling In
We are finally settled in. My arm was all fixed and I was am able to help out around the farm! We made a small area to live and started a life in this new land. There are people from Ireland who live very close to us and sometimes we travel a short distance to have some company! It can get pretty cold here at night but I love the adventure of it everyday! I am so glad that we made this desicion to move because I am free now and can live the life I want for once!
