The natte family's story
While most immigrant family stories include sacrifice and hardship, few compare with the journey endured by the Natte family of Ermelo, province of Gelderland, Holland. Evert Jan Natte and his wife Cato had arrived at Ellis Island in March 1907, but would become temporary residents of the island for the entire month of April 1907, finally departing for Minnesota on Friday, May 3rd.
The Natte family journey to America began on February 23, 1907 as their ship, the S.S. Potsdam, departed Rotterdam for America. Parents Evert Jan Natte and Cato, both in their 30s, were traveling with their eight surviving children – one infant son had died the previous year. The two boys and six girls traveling with their parents ranged in age from 12 to 3. Sons Willem and Barend were the eldest and youngest, respectively.
After just a few days at sea, 8 year old daughter Marie fell ill and died of diphtheria two days later. To prevent risk to the more than 2,000 passengers on board, the parents were forced to bury their daughter at sea. Sadly, a second daughter, 6 year old Klazina, was also infected, died, and buried at sea within days of her sister...
Click the button below to read more about the family's journey to America.
The Natte family journey to America began on February 23, 1907 as their ship, the S.S. Potsdam, departed Rotterdam for America. Parents Evert Jan Natte and Cato, both in their 30s, were traveling with their eight surviving children – one infant son had died the previous year. The two boys and six girls traveling with their parents ranged in age from 12 to 3. Sons Willem and Barend were the eldest and youngest, respectively.
After just a few days at sea, 8 year old daughter Marie fell ill and died of diphtheria two days later. To prevent risk to the more than 2,000 passengers on board, the parents were forced to bury their daughter at sea. Sadly, a second daughter, 6 year old Klazina, was also infected, died, and buried at sea within days of her sister...
Click the button below to read more about the family's journey to America.
Annie moore's story
For many Irish Americans, the month of March is an opportunity to celebrate their Irish family heritage.
From 1820 to 1920, more than 4 million people left their native shores of Ireland bound for the Port of New York and a new life in America. When Ellis Island officially opened on January 1, 1892, the first passenger registered through the now world-famous immigration station was a young Irish girl named Annie Moore. Just 14-years old and traveling with her two younger brothers, Anthony (11) and Phillip (7), Annie departed from Queenstown (County Cork, Ireland) on December 20, 1891 aboard the S.S. Nevada, one of 148 steerage passengers. The trio would spend 12 days at sea (including Christmas Day), arriving in New York on Thursday evening, December 31. They were processed through Ellis Island the following morning, New Year's Day and also Annie's 15th birthday. All three children were soon reunited with their parents who were already living in New York.
Today Annie is honored by two statues — one at her port of departure (Cobh, formerly Queenstown) and the other at Ellis Island, her port of arrival. Her image will forever represent the millions who passed through Ellis Island in pursuit of the American dream.
Click the button below to read more about Annie Moore.
From 1820 to 1920, more than 4 million people left their native shores of Ireland bound for the Port of New York and a new life in America. When Ellis Island officially opened on January 1, 1892, the first passenger registered through the now world-famous immigration station was a young Irish girl named Annie Moore. Just 14-years old and traveling with her two younger brothers, Anthony (11) and Phillip (7), Annie departed from Queenstown (County Cork, Ireland) on December 20, 1891 aboard the S.S. Nevada, one of 148 steerage passengers. The trio would spend 12 days at sea (including Christmas Day), arriving in New York on Thursday evening, December 31. They were processed through Ellis Island the following morning, New Year's Day and also Annie's 15th birthday. All three children were soon reunited with their parents who were already living in New York.
Today Annie is honored by two statues — one at her port of departure (Cobh, formerly Queenstown) and the other at Ellis Island, her port of arrival. Her image will forever represent the millions who passed through Ellis Island in pursuit of the American dream.
Click the button below to read more about Annie Moore.