Hilda Sophie Leaf (Näyhö)

Hilda was born in 1893 in Simo, Finland, on Karsikko farm, her family's steading. Hilda Nayha was the eldest of nine children. When Hilda graduated from sixth grade her mother Jenny Marie made her leave school to help with the children. Jenny was a tailor, and needed to be able to concentrate on her sewing without interruption. Life was demanding of those who lived in the farthest northern reaches of Finland, but there were rewards. Hilda's mother carved wooden skis for her children so they could ski cross country in the snow, which was present much of the year. In the long dark winters, Hilda's father told the family fabulous tales of his journey to America before he was married. Hilda grew up with a passionate desire to go to America. When she was eighteen years old Hilda left her family to come to America. All over Europe, a wonderful great ship was advertising inexpensive 3rd class passage for its maiden voyage. The tickets were sold out before she could purchase one. Disappointed, she bought a ticket on the Lusitania and waited for the date it would sail. Meanwhile, the ship she missed left its port of Southampton, England on April 1, 1912. Five days later Hilda heard the terrible news proclaimed on every street corner: the ship she missed sank after hitting an iceberg, 1,507 passengers lost to a watery grave. What courage and determination it must have taken for her to continue her journey, after nearly sailing on the Titanic. The Lusitania, another brand new and very fast trans-Atlantic steamer, sailed from Liverpool, England with Hilda on board August 17th, 1912. She arrived in the port of New York, sailing past the Statue of Liberty, on August 23rd. Hilda went through the 'Ellis Island Experience' - the health inspection, the questioning by inspectors seated under a huge American flag. She waited with other immigrants on one of the long benches which lined the main room in what became known as "the Hall of Tears". For it was here that the dream ended for some, who were denied entrance to America. It was here that families were torn apart, when one of their members was turned away, to return to their native land, never again to see their loved ones. For Hilda, it was a happy ending, and she walked out of the great hall free to pursue her dreams in America.

• Immigration: 1903
• Immigration: 1912
• Residence: 1920 - Astoria Ward 1, Clatsop, Oregon, United States
• Residence: 1930 - Astoria, Clatsop, Oregon, United States
• Residence: 1940 - Ward 1, Astoria, Astoria Election Precinct 1, Clatsop, Oregon, United States

Simo rippikirja 1890-1900 s. 72 Maksniemi N:o 8 Karsikko (SSHY jäsensivut): https://www.sukuhistoria.fi/sshy/sivut/jasenille/paikat.php?bid=313...

Simo rippikirja 1901-1910 (AP_I I Aa:5) Sivu 23 Maksniemi 8. Karsikko ; SSHY http://www.sukuhistoria.fi/sshy/sivut/jasenille/paikat.php?bid=3131... / Viitattu 10.09.2021

Simo rippikirja 1911-1920 (AP_I I Aa:6) Sivu 47 Maksniemi n:o 8 Karsikko ; SSHY http://www.sukuhistoria.fi/sshy/sivut/jasenille/paikat.php?bid=3131... / Viitattu 10.09.2021, moved to America 1912