Pursuing Immigrant Research

The spelling of your immigrant's surname may be found with any number of phonetic or shortened variations.  In fact, this is the case more often than not.  Even a surname as seemingly simple as "Smith" can be found as "Smyth" or "Smythe;" "Kostelecky" might be changed to "Kostell;" "Fedorski" changed to "Fedor."

Carefully examine your family papers and heirlooms for any clues concerning your ancestor's country of origin.  Old handiwork and clothing, old family letters, bible records, inscriptions in ancient family books, and photographs (what landmarks, if any, are in the background?) can provide vital data about your ancestor's homeland.

Also, keep in mind that family stories and histories do have merit and value, but over several generations, these stories may inherit an aura of mystique and mythology. Consider the possibility that several decades ago, your family historian could not find your ancestor in the available passenger lists, and so mentioned that perhaps he or she traveled to "America" as a stowaway. Over time, this hypothesis can become so firmly entrenched in the family oral history, that it becomes difficult to separate fact from fiction. So, review family stories with the notion that portions of the family history may or may not be correct.

From 1607-1790 the Colonies and subsequently, the United States, attracted about 900,000 immigrants. The time period spanning 1881 to 1920 witnessed the arrival of 23,400,000 immigrants.

Most immigrants arrived in the United States at Ellis Island or the Port of New York. However, your ancestor, may have taken an alternative route, perhaps having arrived through the ports of Baltimore, Philadelphia, Boston, New Orleans, San Francisco, etc.

From 1890 to 1930 over 25% of the United State's foreign born population were NOT naturalized or had only filed their intention to naturalize.