William McGinnis Naturalization
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William McGinnis arrived in New York from Ireland between 1847 and 1849. He was counted on the census in Lisle, Broome County, New York, in 1850 and in 1855. He was a servant, living in the home of two different families. On the 1855 New York State Census, he indicated he had been in Lisle, New York, for five years. In a previous blog I shared my research on his arrival. You can read it here.
An immigrant arriving during this period would not have gone through Castle Garden or Ellis Island. (Castle Garden didn't open until 1855 and Ellis Island until 1892). Still, there were policies in place. The ship he traveled on would have first stopped at Staten Island, where a health officer would board the vessel and check the passengers for contagious illnesses. If any were found ill, they could be held and treated at quarantine hospitals. The ship's master was required to provide a written report listing each passenger's name, place of birth, age, occupation, and last legal settlement within 24 hours of arrival.
In 1847, many Irish famine migrants arrived malnourished and ill, after escaping the Irish Famine. The hospitals and quarantine facilities were overwhelmed. Healthy immigrants were commonly put ashore at ordinary piers and were vulnerable to boardinghouse keepers, passenger agents, and “runners” who tried to intercept and exploit them. Some met family, found lodging, or moved inland.
William McGinnis was one who moved inland. He applied for citizenship six years later, in 1856. His signature is shown here as "William McGinis".
Sources:
"Broome, New York, United States records," images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9M3-Y6W?view=explore : Apr 4, 2026), image 165 of 1386; New York. County Court (Broome County).
Image Group Number: 005370553
"Cortland, New York, United States records," images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSMP-W9QB-N?view=explore : Apr 4, 2026), image 442 of 1372; .
Image Group Number: 007780903
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