1873 - emigrated to America to join his parents. 1870 - had drawn plans for his first submarine and forwarded them to the US Navy. 1875 - his plans rejected by the US Navy. 1878 - The Fenians in America, through Clan na Gael, decided to finance his first experimental one-man craft which was tested with some success. 1881 - built the Fenian Ram, equipped with ballast tanks, horizontal rudders, and weight compensation. 1883 - during testing in New York, the Fenian Ram dived to a depth of 60 feet. 1893 - set up the J. P. Holland Torpedo Boat Company. 1895 - was awarded a contract for $150,000 to build a submarine for the United States Navy. 1898 - built and tested the Holland. 1900 - the US Navy purchased the Holland. 1904 - invented a respirator for use in escaping from submarines underwater.