Immigration back then....
My gggrandfather was an immigrant from Switzerland. He came over with his parents and sisters around 1851 and settled in PA. He worked as a logger, then a boilermaker for the railroad...probably on the engines. He also worked as a carpenter and built the church in their neighborhood and served as an elder and respected figure in his town. When there was a call to arms, he volunteered with his brother-in-law. They left their large families and traveled from northern PA to MD to enlist in the WV volunteer cavalry where they could serve on horses....likely because they were very familiar with horses back in his homeland. His brother-in-law was in the same regiment and likely fought side by side...both living through the war and returning home together. His pay for his service was $33.33...total. He was offered his horse for $3, but turned it down...probably because it cost too much and/or he had no use for it at home.


The point is, he worked. There was no welfare back then. He did not suck off the government paid for by his neighbors. He contributed, supported his family and served his new country, after living in America for only 13 yrs. That is not how our country has immigration designed today. To those immigrants who work and serve...I salute you. That is what this country is about and I know my gggrandfather would agree. Honor and pride.


Also, thanks for your kind comments. Much Appreciated.