In 1881 Mary emigrates to the United States.

She takes her mother, now 77 years old, the three Buckley children and Tom, the youngest England child.

Trips from London to New York take between seven and eighteen days. Steerage is the lowest part of the ship, often near the cargo hold and the rudder. Travelers are housed in dormitory-like conditions with bunk beds. Hygiene and safety are ongoing concerns.

In 1881 steerage cost about 25 dollars, which at that time was about two weeks salary. The usual situation was to have a relative in the states “sponsor” the trip. This was likely true for Mary but since we can’t be certain of a sponsor, it might just be best to paraphrase Townes Van Zandt from his song Pancho and Lefty, “Where she got the bread to go, ain’t nobody knows.”

One thing is certain though. Conspicuous by his absence is Jeremiah Buckley. With no indication of him passing away, the most logical explanation is that he was “left behind”.

Once again, Mary is alone with four young children. This time with an aging parent as well. But a lot is about to happen in very short order.