Emigrating from Norway to America was a fairly involved process. The Norwegian emigrant would sign a contract with an agent. That agent would, for a price, arrange the trip every step of the way, from Norway to England to the U.S. and to the final destination. They would meet the emigrant at the takeoff point giving them instructions and tickets for each step of the journey. An additional agent would meet the emigrant at each stop along the way insuring a safe and correct journey to the final destination.
This is the contract signed by my cousins grandfather, Johannes Johannesen, 22 years old. He was known in Chicago as John Johnson. As kids I remember him as "Old Man Johnson".
between
and passengers listed below regarding Carriage
to Chicago (Cook) Illinois for Kr. 199.00
and Johannes Johannesen age 22
I, Ivar Grotte, Chief Agent for Cunard Linien, hereby undertake to convey the persons mentioned herein to the Determining Office for the above-mentioned Sum, which I acknowledge to have received as full payment.
The journey must take place as follows:
1. From Bergen on 6/3 1907 on or about with Midship Steamer in Mellemdæk to Hull.
2. By rail from there to Liverpool.
3. By Midship Steamer from Liverpool to New York.
4. By Rail from New York to Place of Destination.
Bergen on 5/3 1907
signed Ivar Grotte
Official stamp and signature of the Police Chamber
