Mary O’Neil
(She/Her)
Optional audio recording of the text in Part A.
Mary Part A.m4aDirections: Read Part A below. After you are done reading, think about the question: “Why did this person leave their home country?
Directions: Read Part A below. After you are done reading, think about the question: “Why did this person leave their home country?
Part A
Part A
Born in Ireland in 1835
Born in Ireland in 1835
Came to US in 1850
Came to US in 1850
Age 15
Age 15
Life in Ireland
Life in Ireland
I lived on a farm where my family grew potatoes to eat and sell. When I was 10 years old, our potato plants began to die, leaving us with nothing to eat or sell. It became hard to find food for our family, so we decided to leave Ireland.
I lived on a farm where my family grew potatoes to eat and sell. When I was 10 years old, our potato plants began to die, leaving us with nothing to eat or sell. It became hard to find food for our family, so we decided to leave Ireland.
Optional audio recording of the text in Part B.
Mary Part B.m4aDirections: Read Part B below. After you are done reading, think about the question: “What was this person getting used to?”
Directions: Read Part B below. After you are done reading, think about the question: “What was this person getting used to?”
Part B
Part B
Life in Transition
Life in Transition
My family sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to Boston looking for a better life. It was a long and unpleasant journey. We arrived in Boston and we tried to find jobs. It was hard because we struggled to pay for our house and food. In 1855, we moved to Lowell because there were jobs there.
My family sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to Boston looking for a better life. It was a long and unpleasant journey. We arrived in Boston and we tried to find jobs. It was hard because we struggled to pay for our house and food. In 1855, we moved to Lowell because there were jobs there.
Life in Lowell
Life in Lowell
I never wanted to work in a mill. I heard the hours were long, the work was difficult, and the pay was low. I was lucky enough to be hired as a dressmaker. I was living in a new place and proud to be able to earn money and help my family.
I never wanted to work in a mill. I heard the hours were long, the work was difficult, and the pay was low. I was lucky enough to be hired as a dressmaker. I was living in a new place and proud to be able to earn money and help my family.