An online search of Ellis Island records tells us Gerrit deRidder sailed from Rotterdam, Holland March 13th 1909 aboard the steamer Nieuw Amsterdam arriving at Ellis Island ten days later, March 23rd.
The ship's manifest answers a number of questions required of new immigrants - he was 22 years old, single, no occupation, and able to read and write. He was Dutch, from Amerongen, Holland.
"The name and complete address of nearest relative or friend in country whence alien came" lists "mother: Wid deRidder, Amerongen (Holland)" and his final destination was Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Gerrit had paid his own passage, had $100 more than the $50 apparently required of immigrants. He had not yet purchased his ticket to Minneapolis. There he was expected to join his uncle B Barneveld.
The manifest also tells us he was healthy, stood 5 ft 6 inches, fair complexion, and blond with blue eyes. He was born in Baarn, Holland.
