Cynthia, Singer Sewing Machines were the biggest employer in Elizabethport which is an area of Elizabeth.. When you say turn of the century for a ship, Elizabeth had a port then, not too far from the factory, but there were many ports in the immediate area. Sometimes it takes a lot of your time looking for an unknown ship.. Do you know the years> You could go to www.nara.gov/ and read about the years into Ellis and Castle Garden, but don't rule out any port in Elizabeth or surrounding areas. I was born and raised there, and know some folks who had family as far into the late 30s and early 40s who got off near Elizabeth.. Staten Island also was used as a port. It just depends on when. Also, you may wish to search for the intent for citizenship first..after you search the census..that will give you a hint where they lived. If it was Elizabeth, before 1906, records were kept right there.. afterwards, they went to NARA.. www.nara.com/ You can get a form at that site to look for their papers. Good luck, Grace O'Kane