Immigrants money?

[MauroMags]

on my great grandfather's ship manifest from 1906 there is a column
(no. #14) asking "whether in possesion of $50, and if less, how much?"

It seems that most of the people on the list were in possesion of $12 but then that number is crossed out and $9 or $11 is written to the left of the original number.

Were immigrants charged a fee while at ellis island? Why did everyone have $12? Were they instructed to claim a certain amount? Were they told to only bring a certain amount?

Anyone who can shed some light on this or suggest further reading please reply

thanks,
Mauro

[mfjp]

Hi Mauro!

Check this out...

http://www.jewishgen.org/InfoFiles/Manifests/

Go to the "Markings in Other Manifest Columns" link and read the "How Much Money?" section...

This is a great website, one worth bookmarking.

Maria

[MauroMags]

Maria,

thanks again for your help

the website was very informative and answered many of my questions

Mauro