Welcome to my humble abode. I know that it’s not much but my aunt owns the place, and she’s very frugal. I like this house, the women sleep on the second floor and the men sleep in the attic. It’s a little cramped, but it’s home.
I’m sorry, and I’m so rude. Hi, I’m John Rider the nephew of Mary Wood Rider, who with her husband John immigrated to America before I was bom. My aunt is a retailer by trade which explains why she is well-to-do. Her husband was a retailer and when he died she took over the business. She is a shrewd businesswoman but people like and respect her.
I began my life in Slapton, England and worked as a sailor, but eventually became tired of being a sailor, I came to America for a better life. My aunt paid for my passage and helped me financially when I arrived here. I first came to Portsmouth, New Hampshire sometime in the 1820s, I was only seventeen years old. My parents were stubborn so they stayed in England. I told you of my Aunt Mary who is very well-to-do, so let me introduce you to the rest of my family. First is my wife Jane. then my four children Anna, John, Richard, Thomas, and finally my brother-in-law James Wood (who lived to be 104). This sums up my Protestant family here in New Hampshire. I own a store down the road (it’s a grocery store). I make a decent living out of it, but my Aunt helps me financially, if I need it.
I’m discouraged by the amount of poverty in America. You hear all of these great things about America and yet it’s not much better than England for working men. In truth, I love my family, my job, and America. In my aunt’s house at night, I can hear the busy streets, and the people moving goods from warehouse to warehouse. Why do I have to live in a major seaport? Because I was a sailor, that’s why. Being a sailor was a great job and I made a decent living, but I prefer to have my feet on solid ground. From dry land, I’ve watched the expansion of the country westward, and watched America become a world power.
I met Jane, my wife, at my aunts house and to this day I call her Ginny. We are cousins-in-law and knew about each other in England but had not met until we immigrated to America and were introduced by our aunt at her house, It was love at first sight and we got married on May 13, 1832, at our aunt’s house.
My shop is small, like the town, which can make for better business since everyone knows each other, I am a very reliable person because I always sell quality goods at a fair price. My family helps me in the store by stocking shelves and by dusting and sweeping the floor. As a business owner the shop provides me with independence and opportunities.
America is a great place, where it is hard to be dissatisfied. The government leaves you alone (for the most part), and you can participate in any religion that you want. All of the, children can get an education. I miss my parents, and the winters are harsh, but nothing can be perfect. If you are coming to America, I would advise you to be prepared to work hard and to bring something valuable. There were several times when I had to rely on my aunt. If she was not there to help me through the tough times, I would be financially ruined. My love for this country will never die.
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