Denmark to New York City

Arrival

Theodor Andersen disembarked the Rugia in New York May 4th, 1891, along with his wife, Martha, and children Marie and Ritlew. The place of waiting listed is Holstebro, Denmark. Holstebro is about 374 kilometers north of Hamburg.

By 1900, Theodore and Martha had established their family on East 148th Street in the Bronx. Their home was one of many multi-family structures that existed throughout New York City. Theodore worked as an electrician. Many of his neighbors had similar employment according to their occupations listed in the census: a plumber, a plasterer, a bricklayer.

1900 Census

Theodore, age 37

Martha, age 38

Maria, age 11

Ritlew, age 10

Agnes, age 5

Christian, age 3

When the census was taken, the census taker simply knocked on the door and asked his questions. So whomever he spoke to gave whatever information they could, to the best of their knowledge, leaving some question as to the absolute accuracy of the information ultimately listed in the census.

The census taker arrived at the Anderson home on the 9th day of June 1900. He was told that Theodore was 37 years old and born in April of 18963 in Denmark to parents who were also born in Denmark. He also recorded that Theodore had immigrated to the U.S. in 1891 and that he'd been married for 12 years, rented his home and could speak, read and write in English. Martha also immigrated in 1891 from Denmark, she took care of the home and children and could also speak, read and write in English. Their children Marie and Ritlew, also born in Denmark, attended school in New York City. Their youngest children, Agnes and Christian, were born in New York, but were not yet old enough to attend school.

By 1910, Theodore had moved to Manhattan where they lived on West 153rd Street. Theodore still worked as an electrician. Marie is not listed with the family, so one might assume she has married and living elsewhere.

1910 Census

Theodore, age 48

Martha, age 48

Ritlew, age 20

Agnes, age 15

Christian, age 13

By 1920, the Anderson Family had moved again and lived on Bradhurst Avenue in Manhattan. Theodore continued his work as an electrician, but by 1920, his two sons had jobs themselves. Ritleu worked as a bookkeeper for an insurance office while Christian worked as a printer. Agnes is no longer listed with the Anderson family as she had married Charles Dorrie and is listed elsewhere in the census with him.

Anderson Family Tree updated live from WikiTree