Part 1 - Aloysius Walter; Chapter 2 - Emigration from Alsace, France

Emigration from Alsace

Sometime in the early 1800's, people began to leave their homes in Alsace and sail to the United States in search of a better life. Historians generally agree that the common reasons for leaving Alsace in the 19th century were poverty, limited opportunities, a high cost of living, lack of employment opportunities and the wish to avoid military service. 5

In 1817, the largest numbers of emigrants were from the Haut-Rhin area of Alsace. It was most certainly due to food shortages. The French government put a halt to it. Once again in 1826, people began to leave and the number of emigrants grew enormously in the next 10 years. This time from the Bas-Rhin area. More than 11,000 emigrants had left from the Haut-Rhin, and 10,000 from the Bas-Rhin. 6

Anyone wanting to sail to the United States, first had to obtain a passport for the cost of 10 francs. At the time, the average wage earned was around 1 to 2 francs per day. In addition, they needed a "certificate of morality and good behavior" from the mayor of their village. It was not easy to obtain a passport with all of the red tape and paperwork. In order to Local officials would demoralize a family when they asked for a certificate of good morality. Because of this many Alsatians left without a passport. 5

"At this time, the Germans and Swiss along the Rhine River were leaving via the port in Le Havre, France. As they passed through Alsace, the Alsatians had a good opportunity to join these emigrants who shared the same language with them. As they were far fewer in number than the Germans, they tended to disappear on arrival in the United States inside the "German stock" of the American population. Like the Germans they adapted quickly to their new country and very rapidly became true citizens." 6

The closest port of departure from Alsace was 300 miles away in Le Havre, France. That was quite a distance for Alois to travel to reach the port. He must have been quite determined to undertake the journey to America.  Upon arriving in Le Havre he, along with all the others,  may have had to wait as long as several weeks for passage on a ship, due to weather, ocean currents and availability. 5

The exact cost of a passenger ticket to the United States, at that time, is unknown. Historians estimate it to be around 150 francs for an adult. Passengers were expected to bring along their own food, bedding and cooking utensils. In addition, when they arrived in the U.S., they would need travel money to reach their final destination. 5

The Port of Le Havre, France

Joseph Morlent, Album du voyage au Havre et aux environs (1841)

In 1838, at the age of 23, Alois sailed from Le Havre, France to New York harbor on the Ship 'Charles Carroll.' The original passenger ship record shown below indicates that he sailed without any other family members. However, it's possible that he may have traveled with a friend(s) or cousin(s) with a different surname, but to this date that has not been substantiated. 

Below is the transcribed version of the original passenger list shown above

In those days, the voyage across the Atlantic Ocean took around 7 to 8 weeks. The brave sojourners faced the danger of bad weather, disease and possible death on their journey.  Fortunately, Alois arrived safely in New York City on September 17, 1838. 

"Emigration from Alsace, which was at times comparable in size to Scottish emigration, was far more discreet. The Alsatians were easily assimilated and mixed without prejudice with other settlers. Above all they wanted land so many of them became farmers." 6

Click here to read Chapter 3

5  Marianne Doyle of Beavercreek, Ohio. Her bimonthly newsletter French Ancestors. 

6 Alsation Emigration to the United States 1815-1870 

Additional reading: 19th Century Immigration to America