Lebanon was not a country when Grandpa was born in 1893. It was only after World War I that the League of Nations awarded the territory that is now Lebanon to France in 1920. He was born near the Lebanon coastal area that was territory within the Ottoman Empire. The area that is now Lebanon became the most literate and best educated country in the Arab world during the late 1800’ s. During the period of 1912 through 1916 Lebanon experienced a severe drought and famine. Their crops died during successive seasons and many people died of starvation. It was during this time that many people fled what is now Lebanon in search of a better way of life. During this time many Lebanese people emigrated to either the United States or to Australia

Departure-

We believe my Great Grandfather left Lebanon in 1914.

Lebanon is a coastal country situated along the shore of the Mediterranean Ocean. Beirut, what is now the capital of Lebanon, was his port of departure.

My Great grandfathers’ town is located about 25 miles north west of Beirut. He most probably traveled on foot to the docks in Beirut. He probably carried most of his belongings.

Most family members have said he traveled alone leaving all family members behind.

The Trip-

There were almost always boats departing for two locations; America or Australia. There is a famous story of a young man who wanted to go to America but got on the wrong boat. He did not realize his mistake until he arrived in Australia. He grew up to become a very well successful businessman. Today his descendants continue to be responsible for one of Lebanon’s largest import/export businesses.

Fortunately for me, my Great Grandfather got on the right boat and sailed off to America. During this period there were so many Lebanese people emigrating the boats were usually full when they departed. They usually went across the Mediterranean Ocean through the Strait of Gibraltar and then continued directly across the Atlantic Ocean to New York City.

If the boats were not full they would stop in England and add more passengers and then finish the journey to New York City.

The journey by steamboat usually took 2-3 weeks.

The Arrival at Ellis Island-

Once my Great Grandfather arrived in the New York port his boat went directly to Ellis Island. It was there that he had to go through the long entry process. The process included waiting in many lines to review paperwork, medical history and current health status.