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United States of America / Re: Oakwood Cemetery Troy N.Y
« on: Monday 04 September 23 12:02 BST (UK) »Hi I’m really glad this has given you food for thought!…Cohoes had quite a few Irish immigrants, particularly spinning mill workers who had come to work in the newly opened Harmony Mills. My ancestor was a weaver, so she found employment there. The 1880 census shows that many of her co workers were also Irish…
I originally popped into your posting to see if I could be of any help. Reading about jmagarac’s experiences was very interesting. But, I found the above to be a possible “aha moment”. Hubby’s ancestors were born in Ireland, most likely met in Scotland (where they married), immigrated 1869 or early 1870, and lived in Lansingburgh, NY until the mid-1870s. (Female ancestor worked in a Scottish jute mill; they were living in her relatives’ home in 1870.) Perhaps her relatives wrote to them and encouraged them to immigrate and work in a local mill. It’s something for me to think about.
I believe the newer mill at harmony opened in 1872, that is the year my ggg grandmother emigrated.
She had friends already out there, so like your ancestor, I believe she’d got a letter telling her about the opportunities!
Belfast in 1870 was in the midst of a smallpox epidemic. Family members died of it. It was really a no brainier to leave and seek a better life elsewhere.