Her first crossing of the Atlantic was in 1905. At that time, the RMS (Royal Mail Ship) Caronia was the largest ship in the Cunard Line fleet.

Caronia’s maiden voyage departed Liverpool on February 25th of that year, destined for New York.

On April 14th seven years later, Caronia transmitted the first ice warning to the Titanic, reporting “bergs, growlers and field ice.”

It was more than a decade later that Irishman William John Kelly stepped onboard Caronia. Willie was 22 years old. Both of his parents were gone. It was time for him to check out what America could offer him.

Years later, Willie and my Grandma Cassidy, who were first cousins, were pen pals. Now, I’m email pals with Willie’s grandson Adrian, my third cousin. ‘Tis a blessing.

When I found this document, I sent it to Adrian:

Adrian responded that his family was aware Granda Willie had spent some time working in America, but he hadn’t seen any documentation. We agreed this paperwork was probably something all immigrants signed, knowing they had seven years to decide whether to stay or head back home.

Since the name of the ship – Caronia – is listed on the above Declaration of Intention, I held my breath there would be a ship manifest just waiting to be found. I poked around online over the weekend, to no avail.

But I did find a photo:

Excuse the lame pun, but I decided to manifest finding that passenger list.

This morning, there it was:

Don’t strain those Irish eyes! William J. Kelly is number 12.

The ship departed Liverpool on March 31, 1928. It took ten days to cross the Atlantic, with Commanding Officer W.H. Hossack at the helm. Caronia docked in New York City on April 9.

There was also an official Surgeon on board, who signed legal documents that he’d inspected each of the passengers to ensure everyone was healthy. J.A. Corbitt declared he had 30 years experience and had studied at The Royal Irish University.

For me, the most important information on line 12 is that he was planning to meet up with his cousin P. Diamond (Patrick, perhaps?) in New Preston, Connecticut. Another mystery cousin to add to the list …

Here’s the rest of Granda Willie’s information, line 12:

The information Ancestry attached to these documents included the answer to the question: How much cash are you traveling with on your person? Young Willie, 22, a farmer, carried $100 cash with him. That’s $1,870 in today’s money.

We know from Willie’s letter to Grandma in 1967 that he returned to Ireland after six years in America. He then married, had children, farmed, and hosted American cousins who came to visit over the years.

Once again, I’m listening to Irish music. The song that just came on? I Miss My Home by Gaelic Storm.

I miss my home
The chimney stacks and the cobbled streets I roam
Wherever I go, when I find myself alone
I just close my eyes and the memories take me home

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