First Person Immigrant Narrative

Irish Immigrant First to Pass through Ellis Land

http://www.ellisisland.org/genealogy/annie_moore.asp


"A ROSY CHEEKED IRISH GIRL THE FIRST REGISTERED - ROOM ENOUGH FOR ALL ARRIVALS - ONLY RAILROAD PEOPLE FIND FAULT"

This is the headline found within the New York Times on January 2nd 1892 covering the story of the first immigrant to arrive in the USA and the importance and use of the newly-constructed Immigration Bureau built on Ellis Island. I felt this story to be of most significance due to a 15 year old capturing the headline of one of New York's main newspapers, reflecting that the younger generation will surely prosper within such a diverse culture no matter what there background or past difficulties. The young girl depicted in the photo (click on link) is named Annie Moore who spent 12 days at sea with her two younger brothers before reaching the shores of New York. Her story was depicted within the New York times reflecting her excitement along with her brothers.

"The steamship that brought Annie Moore arrived late last Thursday night. Early yesterday morning the passengers of that vessel were placed on board the immigrant transfer boat John. E. Moore. The craft was gayly decorated with bunting and ranged alongside the the wharf of Ellis Island amid a clang of bells and din of shrieking whistles.
As soon as the gangplunk was run ashore, Annie tipped across itand was hurried into the big building that almost covers the entire island. By a pre-arranged plan she was escorted to a registry desk which was temporarily occupied by Mr Charles M. Hendley, the former private secretary of Secretary Windom. He asked as a special favour the privilege of registering the first immigrant and Col. Weber granted the request.
When the littel Voyager had been registered Col. Weber presented her with a 10 dollar gold piece and made a short address of congratulation and welcome. It was the first United States coin she had ever seen and the largest sum of money she had ever possessed. She says she will never part with it, but will always keep it as a pleasent memento of the occassion.