My great grandfather came to America through Ellis Island and came here because he needed work. His name was John McKenna. As a farmer he was not making enough to support his family. He came here from Ireland in 1896. He arrived at Ellis Island. Back in Ireland he lived in a small cottage and gave it up before coming to America

He came to America by boat. The boat conditions were poor and he stayed in steerage which is the worst part of the boat. It was crowded and extremely dirty. It took about a week and a half before he arrived at Ellis island.

He described Ellis island as a melting pot. There were a lot of people. Many Europeans, lots of Irish immigrants. They did the usual eye, dental, and physical checkups. He didn't see anyone sent home but said the process was tedious and strict.

When he got into the city he found a small apartment to stay at. Many other family's lived there and the conditions were pretty bad. There was barley any room, it was extremely hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. There was barley any light and the bathrooms were horrid.

When he got to America he worked on bridges and did some of the most dangerous jobs. He described himself as disposable. If he were to die on the job he would be replaced almost instantly.

Raising a family was difficult in the apartments. Children were prone to getting sick and the city was generally a dirty and dangerous place. He said that a neighbors child passed away from some sickness early on in their life but he got lucky and none of his family members got ill and died.

The city streets were dirty. Dead animals and trash lined the streets. On hot days the trash smelled horrid. If it was dry day dust blew in the streets. If it was wet the streets became muddy.

He described the city as a beautiful place. He said the skyscrapers were amazing and the huge steel bridges were awe inspiring. It was like nothing he had seen in Ireland.