Re: Pre Ellis island
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In reply to:
Re: Pre Ellis island
Alexander Zaboronak 12/26/06
A problem many of us face Alexander. The earlier the worse it is. Of all immigration manifests relatively few were archived and even those that are online are only a lot fewer than that. Your ancestors could have come in thru Philadelphia or even Canada. Cargo ships returning to North America, rather than travel empty, hauled passengers. Since most people were coming to the states, fares to Canada were usually cheaper and all one had to do was walk across the border and continue their journey. Some folks caught the next ship out regardless of where it was going. You might try to find the publication "Immigration and Naturalization Records" authored by P. William Philby. It is a huge tome with several supplements. Most larger genealogy facilities may have the publications. Very hard to read tho, small print and there is a code number after each name which refers you to where the record is archived. Might search for a library or NARA facility in your area that might have the book(s). Dick