Cabinet-maker Abraham left his home in Gargzdai about 1900, living for several years with an aunt and uncle in Manchester, England. There, he met Anna, a teacher and daughter of an immigrant. They married in 1903 and in April of 1904, while Anna was expecting their first child, Abraham sailed from Liverpool to forge a new life for his family in Montreal. He arrived at Halifax with two dollars in his pocket, at the age of 26, on April 30th.
Abraham and Anna's daughter Rosa was born in Manchester, England on August 15, 1904. Mother and infant daughter sailed to Canada nine months later, arriving in May of 1905. Three more children were born in Montreal, where Abraham worked as a carpenter at the shipyards, then as a carpenter for various building firms, and finally as a freelance cabinetmaker.
Both Abraham and Rose were initially naturalized in Montreal Circuit Court on February 25, 1910. However, when Canadian naturalization laws changed, they reapplied for citizenship, were investigated by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and passed...writing and signing the oath of allegiance on May 8, 1944.
Honoring my immigrant ancestors Abraham and Rose on Canada Day, with affection and appreciation.
What changed in the rules that required them to reapply?
ReplyDeleteLink to history of Canadian naturalization laws just added. Basically, earlier immigration acts were "repealed" and replaced as time went on, and immigrants who were earlier naturalized wanted the newer status of being Canadian, not British, citizens.
DeleteHow interesting that they had to get naturalized twice! I don't know much about Canadian immigration laws or history. Thanks fo sharing! I learn something new every day. :)
ReplyDeleteInteresting story! Happy Canada Day to you as well.
ReplyDeleteGood story! I suppose going through naturalization twice is a testimony to how they felt about being Canadian citizens!
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