Most McGeevers sailed on the ship 'Baltic' during this period.

Bob Hope sailed from England in 1903 to begin a better life in America.

America

Much emigration took place between the years 1820 and 1957 from the British Isles to America, Canada, Australia and new Zealand to escape famine and poverty and begin a new life. The most popular destination though was America, seen as 'the new world '. Immigrants sailed from various ports, the most popular being Liverpool. The journeys were arduous with overcrowded boats and raging epidemics of diseases such as cholera. Some were buried at sea, others on islands such as McNabs Island in Nova Scotia. The Irish government encouraged Irish Tenant farmers to emigrate after the 'Potato Famine ' of 1845-47. In Great Britain, due to the overcrowding and overpopulation of many urban areas, the government encouraged the poorer parts of British society to emigrate over a 75 year period.

Port of departure of emigrating McGeevers 1820-1957

Source: New york and Boston Passenger lists 1820-1957

Top states of settlement for McGeever Inhabitants in 1920 with British Isles birthplaces

Source: 1920 United States Federal Census

Although not as popular a destination as the USA, in 1834 to 1836, the 'Australian' McGeevers eligible to vote were:

Source: Australian electoral rolls 1834-1836

Contrary to poular belief, only 17% of migrants to Australia were convicts with around 940,000 free immigrants settling in Australia between 1788 and 1868.