#46 Poor Man-Poor Man Immigrant

#46 Poor Man. 52 Ancestors in a Week

Poor Man immigrant

As the immigrants came into the United States, they had to declare how much money they had on them.  Can you imagine coming into the United States in 1907, with a wife and 2 children, and have only $10?  

Leroy’s great grandfather, Philip, and his family came into the United States in 1907.  They boarded the ship Aconia, in Libau, Lativa.  Arriving in New York on 10 June 1907, he had $10, and hope.  The family had left Russia for a new life in America.  

The history of the Germans in Russia is tragic and sad; and many began leaving for a better life.  Philip chose America where other relatives had gone.  I wonder how they communicated so he knew where his brother lived.

But when Philip came into the United States, he stated he and his family were going to his brother Henrich Gabel at 925 S. Y Street in Lincoln, Nebraska and a mailing address of P O Box 975.  

Since Phillip only had $10, he had to call his brother and have money sent to New York.  Philip and his family were detained until 17 June 1907.  They were discharged at 10 AM and had to pay for 28 breakfasts, lunches and dinners.  Apparently Heinrich sent enough money for a train ticket to Lincoln..

Imagine that you spoke only German, had no money, and were detained at Ellis Island until money was sent.  Meanwhile you waited and waited  for money to arrive and the payment was made for your train ticket to family.   What were the thoughts of Philip and his family as they were detained?  Did Henrich and his wife, Katherina, think they were poor?  But he had $10, how did he even save enough money in Russia for the trip to America?  Did his brother send money to Russia to pay for the passage?  So many questions.  

The children were Henry, who was 5 years old and Molly, who was 3 years old.  The passenger list has another child listed, Anna who was 11 months old.  A line was drawn through her name and research indicates that she never boarded.  We do not know what happened to Anna.

Phillip and Katharina Margaretha Gabel [Gobel]

Henry and Molly