Hi Julie!
I have several immigrant ancestors in my Family Tree, but the most interesting is my GrandFather Ollie Hindy-(Hindy-4). He came from Lebanon, starting his journey at the age of 8, with a goal in mind-to reach the United States. It took him five years to land at Ellis Island, by then 13.
He made his way to Israel, caught a boat to Italy, then to Switzerland, Germany, France, Spain, another boat to England, then finally a boat to America. In his journey he learned 6 other languages, besides the Hebrew and Arabic he already knew as a boy. He had 13 cents when he arrived in NY, which he bought 2 loaves of bread and a gallon of milk with. He run errands for businesses, until he had enough money to invest in a Fuller Brush salesmanship and some lambs. He made his rounds from New York City down through the mid eastern states selling his products and mutten, until he ran across a Farmer's daughter that stole his heart in Ohio. Although she already had two children from another relationship. he married her, and moved first to Chicago, then to southern West Virginia, where he opened up one of the first moving picture theaters in the state, along with a dry good store. Since he knew so many languages, he quickly became a favorite for people from miles around in this multi heritage mining town environment, and very successful. he became friends with Devil Anse Hatfield and his family, as well as the McCoys. There my Father met his daughter and they married. He later sold everything, and moved to Middleport, Ohio, where he opened and ran another movie showhouse. He won the heart of everyone he came in contact with as well as mine, with his kindness. He taught me a lot, what short time I had him in my early years. To have made such a journey,and without any formal schooling, became such a well known and successful businessman, still astounds me. he was one of my alltime Heroes in life.
Have a wonderful New Year and Blessings to all!
Don Hindy Crum (Crum-348)