Philip Smith, my grandfather, is the oldest son of two Irish immigrants. His father came to the United States from County Cavan, Ireland in 1917 and his mother came to the United States from County Mayo, Ireland in 1919. Without knowing each other they both moved to Brooklyn. In 1931, my grandfather was born. Along with my grandfather, my great grandparents, had three other children, Patrick, Tommy, and Joe Smith. Throughout their childhood they lived all over Brooklyn, usually in two bedroom apartments.  Being the oldest of four, my grandfather was always trying to rally his brother into a money making scheme.  A story that resonates with me is when my grandfather bought a horse. He was out on the streets and he saw a man selling produce from a horse. My grandfather came up with the idea to rent the horse. From there he and his brother Patty rode the horse selling produce on the streets. When it came time for them to go home my grandfather could not put the bit into the horse's mouth. Not knowing what to do he got his mother who knew how to put the piece in to do it. His mother was mad at him, but he went on and kept selling the produce.  This story is just one example of the will my grandfather had to make money for him and his parents when cash was tight. He never lost this mentality and to this day at 86 years old he works very hard for the money he makes. My grandfather has taught me that even when money is tight, hard work and determination can lead you to success. 

– James Phillips

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant