The "Red Star Line" was founded in Antwerp Belgium in 1872 with the official title of Societe Anonyme De Navigation Belge-Americaine. A 3,700 ton ship the "Belgenland" was completed in 1879 and ran between Antwerp and New York. The company's New York service progressed rapidly and by 1881 there was virtually a weekly sailing. The Red Star Line landed an average of well over 25,000 passengers at New York during each year between 1881 and 1889.
Anna Maria Bahres and Johann Petri Streit left Antwerp on the ship Belgenland arriving in New York on April 22, 1886. Anna was 49 and Johann age 55. The oldest child accompanying them (Helen) was 23 and the youngest (Theodor) was age 6. The two oldest boys were already in America with friends. Anna, Johann and eight children went by steerage (6 gns each) with 4 pieces of baggage. On the passenger list Johann was listed as a farmer from Idesheim, Germany, destination Winfield, IL.
