My paternal grandparents had both of their paternal grandfather come over from England in the 1850s to settle in Kansas. I am certain they were crammed in 3rd class steerage as shown in many Titanic movies. Plus going thru Ellis island inspection stations. They were very brave to make the voyage.

Oh WOW, just put in my last name, nothing else and got a whole list of people!! http://www.libertyellisfoundation.org/passenger-result

Immigration - I am my family's genealogist since the 1970's. I have ancestors from Norway, Germany and my husband's are from Poland. I could send you at least two stories of their experiences thru letters they wrote back to relatives or that someone in the family wrote in local history books. If you have a source to send that info to you I would gladly share. Internet would be a great resource. Karen Joseph, Williamsburg, Iowa

Lynnie, what interesting questions. I just imagine the scenes from Titanic and wonder how bad the conditions were for the "regular, non-rich folks". I love to read for pleasure. You've inspired me to start reading some books about that subject........I'm sure I will discover many stories of heroic, brave and selfless people. Thanks for the question. Nora

I am researching a quilt history book and I find that reading old diaries tells you alot. I go to university libraries that are old, such as state land grant universities for most of my materials. They also have special collections within the larger collection of rare books. There is no problem getting access to them as they are public schools. Each one I have gone to has specific rules and you just need to ask them how to access the books. It really is an eye opener to what people whet through and what they considered "normal".

You might want to try Ancestry.com. They have people who will answer any questions you may have. good luck to you!

My husband uses Ancestry.com and others for his research. There is a lot of good info out there.

My great-aunt wrote it all down. She told how bad the trip was for herself, her parents, her 7 year old brother (my grandfather) and their little brother, age 1 1/2. Most of them were sick most of the time but they did get fed. They brought along the cage with the passenger pigeon. After they landed they had to take a train to Milwaukee Wisconsin. She said the ship was like a hotel compared to that train ride. Dirty, cold steel seats with no food or water.
When they got to Wisconsin, they found some land, but did not have the clothes necessary for the cold weather here. And the cabin was cold and drafty. These were hearty people. Most of their family lived to be more than ninety years old.

Seems all sites lead back to ancestry.com and to really find info it will cost you.

You have to be a member of Ancestry to access their information.