The first person in my family that I know of to come to the US is my Great Great Grandfather Rhynhart Kochanowski (Cook). When he came to the US it was in the late 1800’s, by himself, and he didn’t come through Ellis Island, instead he came through a port of call- which we do not know which one. He came from what now is Germany and a part of Poland during tough financial times prompting him to immigrate. I do know he married in Illinois. My step Great Grandfather Tepa came from Oldenburg, Germany through Ellis Island, in 1923 with my Grandma. In 1910 the family changed our last name from Kochanowski to its meaning in German- "Cook" to be able to find a job. I also have another Great Uncle that I never knew about that came during WWII that has already passed. My dad’s family moved from Chicago in 1964 to California and shortly after my grandfather passed away, I was never able to meet him as my father was 15 at the time my grandfather passed away. 

– Kimberly Cook

Relationship:  Grandchild of im/migrant Grandchild of im/migrant