Accursio Sabella's Ancestors

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Calogero Sabella was born and baptized as Calogerus Joseph on September 8, 1799, in the mother church parish of Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italy, the eldest of two known surviving sons born to Antonio Sabella and Aurelia Maniscalco. (Mouse over and click on his Latin church baptism record upper left to enlarge in a new window or tab.) On March 19, 1830, at the St. Vito church in Sciacca, Calogero, a 30 year-old sailor married 21 year-old Caterina Saladino. A month before they married church banns were read on February 1^st, 14^th and 22^nd. Caterina was baptized in the St. Vito's church parish of Sciacca on October 5, 1808, one of three known daughters born to Antonino Saladino and Francesca di Matteo. (Mouse over and click on her Latin church baptism record upper right to enlarge in a new window or tab.) According to the Italian naming convention, Caterina was named after her maternal grandmother, making her the second daughter born.

Their church marriage document is correct (mouse over and click on their Latin church marriage record middle left to enlarge in a new window or tab), but their civil documents contain some errors. The civil marriage record lists his mother as Aurelia La Rocca, which happens to be his grandmother’s surname. Another error is in their marriage processetti where it states Calogero was baptized in 1797, which is the baptism date of his deceased older brother who had the same name. (Mouse over and click on the incorrect processetti baptism statement image middle right to enlarge in a new window or tab.) In that same processetti, there is a two page consent document written by Calogero’s father Antonio that is called a brevetto (read more about this in Antonio’s bio). The first page gives Calogero permission to marry Caterina. The second page begins with the words, “of the said Caterina Saladino bride.” Both pages are hard to read, but it may deal with the fact that she was very pregnant at the time of the marriage.

Calogero and Caterina’s birth years are recorded differently on the birth and marriage records of their children and their marriage record. The family lived in the Quartiero Madrice section of Sciacca on #5 Cortile (courtyard) what looks like Cluidie. On all the early records, Calogero is listed as a Marinaio, a sailor. Then in 1849 he’s listed as an Industrioso, a manufacturer or trader, but in 1854, he’s listed as a Servitore, a servant.

Calogero and Caterina had at least eight children, all born in Sciacca, the first two were baptized in the St. Vito parish and all the others in the mother church parish. The children of Calogeri and Catherina Saladino are as follows — the first born only a few months after the marriage, was a daughter Aurelia Phila, named after her paternal grandmother, who was born on May 28, 1830, baptized the next day, at 20 years old, married Antonino Guardino on February 23, 1850, and died at age 37 on July 15, 1867; Antonino, named after his maternal grandfather, was born and baptized as Antoninius Vitus Michael on April 28, 1833, married Anna Sclafani on September 20, 1859, was a sailor and died at 80 years old on April 14, 1914; Francesca was born and baptized as Francisca Josepha Maria on the morning of October 18, 1835, at 19 years old married Accursio Sclafani on June 11, 1854, and died at 78 years old on April 5, 1913; another Antonino born and baptized as Antonius Joseph on November 23, 1838, but died at 11 months old and was buried on October 31, 1839; ancestor Accursio; Fara was born on June 25, 1845, and baptized as Phara Accursia Philomena the next day, but died at 8 months old on March 13, 1846; another Fara was born and baptized as Phara Jacoba Josepha on the evening of February 1, 1847, but died at two years old on December 28, 1849; and Vincenzo who was born on the morning of April 1, 1850, and was baptized as Vincenzo Pasquale Joseph that same day.

Calogero Sabella died on April 8, 1872, at home. His civil death record, in the Sciacca Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1861-1929, Vol 186, Registro Degli Atti Di Morte states he was 75 years old and his occupation is listed as Industrioso. It also lists his parents as Antonio and Aurelia Maniscalco, both deceased, and his wife’s name as Caterina Saladino. (Mouse over and click on his civil death record right to enlarge in a new window or tab.)  On his mother church burial record, he is also listed as being 75 years old, when in reality, he was only 72 years old. It also states his parents names, and lists his wife as Chaterina Saladino. (Mouse over and click on his Latin church burial record left to enlarge in a new window or tab.)

Caterina died on November 27, 1888, in Sciacca at the age of 80. Her civil death record is from the same collection as her husband’s record, but in a later volume, number 202. Her occupation is listed as Casalinsa, which translate to housewife. Both parent’s names are listed and that she was the widow of Calogero Sabella. (Mouse over and click on her civil death record lowest left to enlarge in a new window or tab.) Her mother church burial record states she was buried on November 28, 1888, one day after she died at 80 years old, which was her correct age. It also lists her parents names correctly but her husband is listed as Calogeri Sabella. (Mouse over and click on her Latin church burial record lowest right to enlarge in a new window or tab.) This is all that is currently known about them.

Antonio Sabella was born on September 22, 1769, and baptized the next day as Antonius Joseph Joannes in the mother church parish of Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicily, Italy, the son of Calogero Sabella and Vincenza Soldano. (Mouse over and click on his Latin church baptism record upper right to enlarge in a new window or tab.) 

In 1795, on October 11^th, 18^th and 25^th church banns were read for Antonio to marry Aurelia Maniscalco. She was born and baptized as Aurelia Lauria, also in the Sciacca mother church parish on the evening of October 22, 1779, the eldest of six known children born to Vincenzo Maniscalco and Filippa La Rocca. (Mouse over and click on her Latin church baptism record second down on right to enlarge in a new window or tab.) Antonio and Aurelia were married on November 10, 1795, at the mother church in Sciacca. Their handwritten Latin church marriage record doesn’t give their ages, but this was the first marriage for both of them. The record states that their parents were still alive and named them, but Filippa is spelled Philippa. Also in the record is the the fact that “they both were from the parish of the mother church” in Sciacca. (Mouse over and click on their Latin church marriage record upper left to enlarge in a new window or tab.)

Antonio and Aurelia had at least six children all born and baptized in the Sciacca mother church parish as follows — a son named Calogero, named after his paternal grandfather was born and baptized on September 10, 1796, but died and was buried 3 days later on the 13^th; another Calogero who’s born and baptized on August 21, 1797, and died a month later on September 24, 1797; ancestor Calogero; Vincenzo, named after his maternal grandfather, who was born and baptized on April 21, 1802, but died only 4 months later on September 2, 1802; another Vincenzo was born and baptized on September 12, 1803, but died at ten months old on July 20, 1804; and another Vincenzo who was born on September 5, 1805, and baptized the next day at the mother church. This Vincenzo survived and was married twice in Sciacca — first he married Maria Anna Liguori on September 8, 1834, and after her death, he married Filippa Craparo on April 14, 1847.

With lots of help from the Italian Genealogical Records Facebook group, we know that on March 4, 1830, Antonio went to a local notary (a legal official) to draw up a consent document titled a Brevetto. This hand written, two page document gave his son ancestor Calogero permission to marriage and can be found in Calogero’s marriage processetti.

Antonio Sabella died a year and 5 months later on August 13, 1831, at the listed age of 70, but he was actually 61 years old. His text death record was found in the Italia, Morti e Sepolture, 1809-1900 collection and it lists his occupation as a sailor and both his parents and wife’s names. (Mouse over and click on his death record middle right to enlarge in a new window or tab.) His mother church burial record is somewhat harder to read, but it also says he was 70 years old. (Mouse over and click on his Latin church burial record lower right to enlarge in a new window or tab.)

After her husband died, Aurelia did not remarry. She supported herself and her children on her own and died just over 30 years later on October 9, 1862, at about 82 years old. Her death record was found in the Sciacca Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1861-1929 collection in Volume 176. It gives her age at 85 years old, her occupation as Industrioso, and lists her husband’s and parent’s names. It must be pointed out that her father’s name is very difficult to read, but can be read as Vincenzo. (Mouse over and click on her death record middle left to enlarge in a new window or tab.) Her mother church burial record is in her maiden name and states she was the the widow of Antonio Sabella. It seems to say she was buried in the St. Francesco cemetery. (Mouse over and click on her Latin church burial record lower left to enlarge in a new window or tab.) Unfortunately, this is all that is known about them.

Calogero Sabella was born on the morning of February 4, 1733, and baptized as Calogero Francesco, that same day in the mother church parish of Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italy, the son of Caterina Friscia and her husband Antonino Sabella. (Mouse over and click on his baptism record upper right to enlarge in a new window or tab.) Calogero is listed as the 15 year-old eldest son of Antonino and Caterina Sabella on his father’s 1747 Sciaccia Rivelo (tax record). See more about this Rivelo in his parents bios.

On October 8^th, 15^th and 22^nd, church marriage banns were read for Calogero to marry Vincenza Soldano. She was born on April 21, 1732, and baptized as Vincenzia Anna the next day also in the mother church parish of Sciacca, the daughter of Caterina Scarpinato and her husband Antonino Soldano. (Mouse over and click on her baptism record bottom right to enlarge in a new window or tab.) There is a 1747 Sciacca Rivelo for a widow named Caterina Soldano, who has a daughter named Vincenza that is discussed more in her parents bio below. Based on the ages of her brothers, this could be this Vincenza as a young girl. Nineteen year-old Calogero and twenty year-old Vincenza were married on November 5, 1752, in the Sciacca mother church. (Mouse over and click on their Latin church marriage record upper left to enlarge in a new window or tab.)

Six Sciacca mother church baptism records have been found for the children of Calogero and Vincenzia Sabella as follows — Antonino, named after both of his grandfathers, was born on October 30, 1753, and baptized as Antoninus Santus the next day, but may have died young; Catharina Maria, named after both of her grandmothers, was born on the morning of October 21, 1757, baptized that same day, but died a week before her 4^th birthday and was buried on October 12, 1761; another Antonino was born on the morning of January 25, 1761, was baptized as Antonius Paulis that same day, but died a month before his 2^nd birthday and was buried on December 30, 1762; a third Antonino was born and baptized as Antonino Joseph on September 6, 1765, but died at 3 years old and was buried on March 28, 1769; ancestor Antonino was the fourth with that name; and Catherina Margarita, who was born and baptized on September 2, 1772.

It is documented that both Calogero and Vincenza were alive when son ancestor Antonio was married on November 10, 1795. There is a Sciacca Olivella parish June 5, 1813, burial record that could be for Vincenza. (Mouse over and click on the Latin church burial record lower left to enlarge in a new window or tab.) It states that Vincentia Sabella about 85 years old died at home and was buried in church of St. Fran’ci outside the city. Although it doesn’t state her husband’s name, ancestor Vincenza would have been 81 at this time, so this very well may be her record. Unfortunately, a Sciacca burial record could not be found for Calogero, so at this time, nothing else is known about them.

Vincenzo Maniscalco was born in Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italy, on August 27, 1752, and baptized the next day as Vincenzio Giovanni Antonino, in the mother church parish there, the son of  Pietro Maniscalco and Aurelia SanFilippo. (Mouse over and click on his Latin church baptism record upper right to enlarge in a new window or tab.) 

In 1777 on January 11^th, 19^th and 26^th, church banns weren’t read for Vincenzo to marry Filippa La Rocca. She was born in Sciacca on October 30, 1756, and baptized in the St. Vito's church parish there the next day as Philippa Sancta, the daughter of Antonino La Rocca and Fara Santangelo. (Mouse over and click on her Latin church baptism record second down on right to enlarge in a new window or tab.) Twenty-four year-old Vincenzo and twenty year-old Filippa were married on January 27, 1777, the same day as Filippa’s brother Michelangelo married Vincenzo’s sister Luciana, probably in a double wedding. (Mouse over and click on their Latin church marriage record upper left to enlarge in a new window or tab.) 

Seven mother church baptism records have been found for the children of Vincenzo and Philippa Maniscalco as follows — Pietro Gaetano, named after his paternal grandfather, was born on the evening of August 7, 1778, baptized the next day, but may have died young; ancestor Aurelia, who was named after her paternal grandmother; another Pietro was born and baptized as Petrus Joseph Domenicus on the morning of October 16, 1782; Fara named after her maternal grandmother, was born and baptized as Phara Accursia Joanna on the morning of September 26, 1783, married twice and died at 62 years old on January 27, 1846; Giorgious Sebastianus Petus was born and baptized in the evening of January 20, 1786; Sebastianus Carmelus Petri was born and baptized on January 20, 1789, and died before his third birthday on October 9, 1791; and Salvator Petrus Joseph was born on May 2, 1792, and baptized the next day.

Vincenzo Maniscalco died at home in Sciacca on January 16, 1829, at 76 years old, although his civil death record states he was 71. This death record was found in the Italia, Morti e Sepolture, 1809-1900 collection and lists his occupation as Marinaro, which means he was a sailor. His wife and parents names are listed on this record. (Mouse over and click on Vincenzo’s civil death record middle left to enlarge in a new window or tab.) His mother church burial record lists him as the husband of Philippa La Rocca and states he was buried in the St. Augustino Church covent cemetery. (Mouse over and click on his Latin church burial record lower left to enlarge in a new window or tab.)

Filippa La Rocca lived another eight years after her husband’s death. She died at home in Quartiero Madrice, (mother church parish) in Sciacca on January 18, 1837, as recorded in the Italia, Morti e Sepolture, 1809-1900 civil records collection. (Mouse over and click on Filippa’s civil death record lower middle right to enlarge in a new window or tab.) Her age is listed as 70, which is somewhat impossible, as it makes her birth year 1767, too young to have given birth to ancestor Aurela. She was actually 80 years old when she died. Both her husband and parents names are listed on this civil record. Her mother church burial record lists her as Philippa La Rocca widow of the deceased Vincenzio Maniscalco about 70, died at home, buried in St. Francisco outside the city, which is probably the St. Francesco convent cemetery. (Mouse over and click on his Latin church burial record lower right to enlarge in a new window or tab.) For now, this is all that is known about them.

Pietro Maniscalco was born on the evening of February 21, 1710, and baptized as Pietro Calogero Vincenzo the next day in the mother church parish of Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italy, the son of Luciana Trapani and her husband Lorenzo Maniscalco. (Mouse over and click on his Latin church baptism record upper right to enlarge in a new window or tab.)

On December 26^th, 27^th and 28^th of 1735, church banns were read for Pietro to marry Aurelia SanFilippo.She was born and baptized as Aurelia Domenina on the evening of September 5, 1717, also in the mother church parish of Sciacca, the daughter of Giovanni Antonio and Giovanna SanFilippo. (Mouse over and click on her Latin church baptism record second down on right to enlarge in a new window or tab.) Twenty-five year-old Pietro and eighteen year-old Aurelia were married at the mother church in on January 8, 1736, but their Latin church document is extremely difficult to read. The Admin from the Italian Genealogical Records Facebook group says that it reads “Pietro’s father is the late Lorenzo” and “his mother the living Luciana Trapani?” I believe the question mark is because it’s so hard to read the mother’s surname. Aurelia’s parents names can be read and translated to Giovanni and Giovanna, but her surname is extremely hard to read. (Mouse over and click on their church marriage record upper left to enlarge in a new window or tab.)

There is a 1747 Sciacca Rivelo(tax return) record found for a Pietro and Aurelia Maniscalco, with two young sons, 10 year-old Lorenzo and 6 year-old Michele. This Rivelo record lists Pietro’s parents incorrectly as Dom[eni]co and Anna Maniscalco, which is probably an error made by the recorder. (Mouse over and click on their 1747 Rivelo record lower left to enlarge in a new window or tab.) It should be noted that Luciana’s middle name was Anna.

What is documented is that they had at least two other sons born in Sciacca, besides ancestor Vincenzo, whose birthdates are unknown at this time. The first is Michele, whose hand-written death record states he died at 81 years old on April 19, 1821, putting his birth at about 1740, which almost matches the Michele mentioned below. His father is listed as the deceased Pietro, who was also a sailor, but where the mother’s name is usually written, Michele’s wife’s name is listed. Secondly, Giovanni Antonio Maniscalco, whose death record in the Italia, Morti e Sepolture, 1809-1900 collection states that he was a Marinaro, a sailor who died at home in Quartiero Madrice.on January 1, 1832, gives both his  deceased mother and father’s names but neither his age nor a spouse is listed on this record, so he may have never married. These two sons are also listed in the twelve mentioned below.

Pietro and Aurelia had at least ten documented children, but only nine have documented mother church baptism records. Their oldest son Lorenzo, was named after his paternal grandfather and is documented in his parents 1747 tax record mentioned above and in his own marriage record. Lorenzo probably born about 1737, may have been baptized in another Sciacca church, but those records are not available for research. On his May 31, 1767, Sciacca marriage record to Giuseppa Rizzuto, his parents are clearly listed as Petri Maniscalco and Aurelia SanFilippo. The other nine children baptized at the mother church are as follows — Lucia Vincenzia, born on April 16, 1739, and baptized the next day, was named after Pietro’s mother and died almost 3 months later on July 12, 1739; Giovanni, named after his maternal grandfather was born and baptized as Joannus on August 20, 1740; Michele, mentioned on the tax record, was born and baptized as Michael Vincenius on the evening of September 29, 1741, married Giuseppa Farina and died at 79 years old on April 19, 1821; Luciana Maria was born on August 3, 1746, baptized the next day and married Michelangelo La Rocca, the brother of ancestor Filippa La Rocca on January 27, 1777, the same day her brother ancestor Vincenzo Maniscalco married Filippa; Giovanni Antonio was born and baptized as Joannes Antonius Albertus on the evening of October 13, 1749, and died at 23 months old on September 16, 1751; ancestor Vincenzo; another Giovanni Antonino was born and baptized as Joannes Antonius on March 7, 1756, married Anna Maria Corrao on January 12, 1783, and died at 75 years old on January 1, 1832; Aloisius Joseph was born on July 14, 1758, and baptized the next day; and Lucia Maria, who was born on August 5, 1761, and baptized the next day.

Pietro died in his home at the age of 61 and was buried on July 16, 1771, in the Sciacca mother church cemetery. His mother church burial record states he was about 66 years old. (Mouse over and click on his Latin church burial record lower left to enlarge in a new window or tab.) Aurelia died thirteen years later and was buried outside the city in the Convent of St. Francisco church cemetery on August 13, 1784, at the age of 66. Her mother church burial record lists her as, Aurelia Maniscalco, about 70 years old. (Mouse over and click on her Latin church burial record lower right to enlarge in a new window or tab.) Unfortunately, nothing more is known about them.

Antonino La Rocca was born on September 5, 1719, in Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italy, and baptized the next day in the mother church parish there, as Pellegrinius Antonius, the son of Giuseppe La Rocca and his wife Filippa Catania. (Mouse over and click on his Latin church baptism upper record right to enlarge in a new window or tab.)

On September 10^th, 17^th and 21^st, church banns were read for Antonino to marry Fara Santangelo. She was born on February 12, 1724, and baptized as Phara Anna two days later in the mother church parish of Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italy, the only known daughter of Rosa Montalbano and her first husband Calogero Santangelo. (Mouse over and click on her Latin church baptism record on lower right to enlarge in a new window or tab.) Because she was named after her paternal grandmother, she was most likely the eldest daughter. Twenty-two year-old Antonino and 17 year-old Fara were married on October 8, 1741, at the Sciacca mother church. (Mouse over and click on their Latin church marriage record upper left to enlarge in a new window or tab.) Her name on this document reads Pharam, but she was called Fara or Phara on most records. On this same date, his younger sister Grazia married his bride’s brother Pietro, probably in a double wedding.

Ten Sciacca baptism records have been found for the children of Antonino and Fara La Rocca. The first three are found in the mother church records and the rest in St. Vito’s records, which might mean that they moved to the St. Vito parish sometime between 1746 and 1751. Their ten children were as follows — Giuseppe, born and baptized as Joseph Maria on the morning of October 20, 1742, but probably died shortly after birth; another Giuseppe, listed on the Rivelo, was born on November 15, 1743, baptized the next day as Joseph Vincenzo Gregorius, and died on February 1, 1822, a Marinaro; Calgero, listed on the Rivelo, was born on the evening of July 13, 1746, and baptized the next day as Calogerus Antoninus; Michelangelo, the first to be baptized at St. Vito’s was born on the morning of September 22, 1751, baptized the next day as Michaelangelus Francesco, married twice, first Luciana Maniscalco and then Anna Barone, he was also a Marinaro who lived in Quartiero San Michele, and died on March 20, 1831; Francesco, a twin, was born late on April 5, 1754, and baptized the next day as Francisus Paulus and probably died before his tenth birthday; the other twin, Ignazio Savenius was born and baptized early on April 6, 1754; ancestor Filippa; Pietro was born and baptized as Petrus Aloysius on June 29, 1759; another Francisus Paulus was born and baptized on January 24, 1764, married Angela Soldano Alias Imperiale, had several children, and died a Marinaro in a Sciacca hospital on January 24, 1825; and the La Rocca’s last known son Carmelo, was born and baptized as Carmalius Calogerius, on the morning of June 19, 1771, married Vincenza Bivona, had children, lived in Quartiero Santo Vito and died a Marinaro on June 25, 1832, twenty years before his wife’s death. The death information about these sons comes from the Italia, Morti e Sepolture, 1809-1900 collection.

There is a 1747 Sciacca Rivelo (tax record) for them, but it has different names for Antonino’s parents - Francesco and Anna La Rocca. Antonino’s age, his wife’s given name and the names and ages of their two surviving sons that they had at the time all fit with these ancestors. The two sons listed are – Giuseppe, named after his paternal grandfather, listed as age 5; and Calgero, named after his maternal grandfather was listed as 2 years old. (Mouse over and click on their 1747 Rivelo record left to enlarge in a new window or tab.) This Rivelo is not dated, but it was taken in 1747 and 1748, so ages may be off by a year.

It is not known when Antonino and Fara died, but it was sometime between January 27, 1777, the date their daughter ancestor Filippa was married and February 9, 1782, the date their son Pietro was married. Burial records for them have not been found in the mother church records, but they probably died and were buried in the St. Vito cemetery, but that churches burial records for this time period are not available for research. Unfortunately, at this time, nothing more is known about them.

Lorenzo Maniscalco was probably born in Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italy, to Pasquale Maniscalco and his wife, whose name is uncertain, but is most likely Filippa Migliore. His parent's names come from his marriage document, which may have an incorrect mother’s name, Antonina, as there are no Sciacca records for a couple named Pasquale and Antonia Maniscalco. But there is an August 10, 1658, Sciacca mother church baptism record for a Michael Laurenzo Joannes with parents Pasquale and Filippa Maniscalco. (Mouse over and click on his Latin church baptism record upper right to enlarge in a new window or tab.) This researcher believes they are Lorenzo's parents, as Lorenzo named his first daughter Filippa. Another possibility is he may have been from another town, but usually that is noted on marriage documents.

On October 27^th, 28^th and November 1^st of 1680, church banns were read for Lorenzo to marry Luciana Trapani. She was born in Sciacca and baptized as Luciana Anna Antonia in the mother church parish there on September 11, 1666, the daughter of Vito Trapani and his wife Margherita Sutera. (Mouse over and click on her Latin church baptism record lower right to enlarge in a new window or tab.) She is also the older sister to ancestor Calogero. Twenty-two year-old Lorenzo and 14 year-old Luciana were married on November 4, 1680, at the mother church in Sciacca. (Mouse over and click on their Latin church marriage record upper left to enlarge in a new window or tab.)

Ten Sciacca mother church baptism records have been found for the children of Lorenzo and Luciana Maniscalco as follows — Calogero Pasquale, named after the patron saint of Sciacca and his paternal grandfather, was born and baptized on December 22, 1682; Pasquale, named after both of his grandfathers was born on August 31, 1685, baptized as Paschalis Lorentius Vitus the next day, and married Giovanna, the daughter of ancestors Didaci and Caterina Guardino on February 26, 1713; Filippa was born on the evening of August 20, 1691, baptized the next day as Philippa Cath’a Anna, after her maternal grandmother, and on November 10, 1709, married Vincenzo Bonanno, the son of ancestor Caterina Cusumano and her first husband Vito; Antonina Anna was born on the morning of September 6, 1694, and baptized that same day; Anna Maria was born on the morning of February 1, 1697, and baptized that same day; Giovanni was born and baptized as Joannis Fran’co on December 18, 1699; Giuseppe was born on the evening of September 24, 1702, baptized as Joseph Vitus the next day, and in 1726 married Rosa Verde in Sciacca, the daughter of ancestors Francesca Vela and Carlo Verde; Margarita Angelica, named after her maternal grandmother, was born and baptized on July 20, 1705; ancestor Pietro; and lastly a daughter named Anna Margarita who was born on October 1, 1712, and baptized the next day.

It is not known when Lorenzo died, but he was deceased prior to his son Giuseppe’s June 10, 1726, marriage, but Luciana lived much longer. There is a 1747 Sciacca Rivelo (tax record) for a Luciana Maniscalco, who is the widow of Pietro. Because it is common in Sciacca for a widow to be listed with her husband’s surname, this may very well be ancestor Luciana Trapani, as they did have a son named Pietro, and an error may have been made by the recorder. There is no other information on this Rivelo, as she is living alone. Luciana died at home a year later and on September 5, 1748, she was buried in the mother church cemetery. Her mother church burial record lists her as Luciana wife of the deceased Laurentius Maniscalco, age about 95, but she was only 81 when she died. (Mouse over and click on her Latin church burial record lower left to enlarge in a new window or tab.) At this time, nothing else is known about them.

Giovanni Antonio SanFilippo was born on the morning of October 15, 1688, and baptized as Jo: Antonius Albertus Joseph that same day, in the mother church parish of Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italy, the son of Domenica Amato and her second husband Antonino Sanfilippo. (Mouse over and click on his baptism record upper right to enlarge in a new window or tab.) On all his records he is called Giovanni Antonio.

On April 23^rd, 30^th and May 1^st of 1713, church banns were read for Giovanni Antonio to marry Giovanna Gisino. She was born and baptized as Joanna Frn’ca Calogera Brigitta on October 11, 1677, also in the mother church parish of Sciacca, the daughter of Leonarda Leo and her husband Gaspare Gisino. (Mouse over and click on her baptism record middle right to enlarge in a new window or tab.) Twenty-four year-old Giovanni Antonio and thirty-five year-old Giovanna were married at the Sciacca mother church on May 7, 1713, just six days after the last banns were read.(Mouse over and click on their Latin church marriage record upper left to enlarge in a new window or tab.)

Only two Sciacca mother church baptism records have been found for the children of Joanne Antonio and Joanna Sanfilippo as follows — Antonino, named after his paternal grandfather, was born and baptized as Ant’nus Ignazius Calogerus on the evening of April 30, 1714; and ancestor Aurelia, who was given a middle name after her paternal grandmother. Given Domenica’s age at marriage, it makes sense that they didn’t have more children.

It is documented that both Giovanni Antonio and Giovanna were alive when their daughter Aurelia was married on January 8, 1736. Giovanna died at home and was buried in the mother church cemetery on March 4, 1750. (Mouse over and click on her Latin church burial record middle left to enlarge in a new window or tab.) Her mother church burial record lists her as, Joanna wife of Joannius Antonius Sanfilippo 85 years old, but she was only 72 when she died. It is not known if Giovanni Antonio remarried, but he lived another 14 years. He died at home and was buried in the mother church cemetery on March 8, 1764. (Mouse over and click on her Latin church burial record lower left to enlarge in a new window or tab.) His mother church burial record lists him as, Joannes Antonius Sanfilippo about 80, but he was only 75 when he died.

For now this is all that is known about them.

Giuseppe La Rocca was the son of Antonino La Rocca and his wife Grazia, whose surname is unknown. It is not known when and where he was born, but he married and raised a family in Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italy. A Sciacca baptism record could not be found for him.

On April 23^rd, 24^th and 25^th church banns were read for Giuseppe to marry Filippa Catania. She was born in Sciacca on the evening of July 25, 1689, and baptized in St. Michele’s church parish the next day as Filippa Jacoba, the daughter of Antonina Barsalona and her husband Giuseppe Catania. (Mouse over and click on her baptism record upper right to enlarge in a new window or tab.) Giuseppe and 17 year-old Filippa were married at St. Michele’s church on May 15, 1707.  (Mouse over and click on their Latin church marriage record upper left to enlarge in a new window or tab.)

Six mother church baptism records have been found for the children of Joseph and Philippa La Rocca as follows — Salvatore Antonino who was named after his paternal grandfather, was born and baptized on May 4, 1715, but died only 3 months later on August 15, 1715; Grazia Brigita, named after her paternal grandmother, was born on November 23, 1716, and baptized the next day, but probably died before her 6^th birthday; ancestor Antonino; another Grazia was born and baptized as Grazia Innoccentia Caterina on the morning of December 28, 1722 and on October 8, 1741, married Pietro Santangelo, the son of ancestors Calogero and Rosa Santangelo listed just below; Antonia Anna Maria, named after her maternal grandmother, was born and baptized on the morning of July 15, 1728; and Vincenzia Margarita, who was born and baptized on the morning of March 12, 1730. Ancestor Antonino and his surviving sister Grazia were married on the same day, probably in a double wedding.

At this time, nothing is known about Giuseppe’s parents Antonino and Grazia, except that they both were deceased when Giuseppe was married in 1707. It is documented that Giuseppe was deceased and Filippa was alive when their children were married on October 8, 1741. So the following mother church burial records are probably for them. Joseph Rocca circa 50 years old, was buried on December 2, 1732, in the mother church cemetery. (Mouse over and click on his Latin church burial record lower right to enlarge in a new window or tab.) This calculates his birth to about 1682, which is reasonable. Philippa wife of Joseph Rocca, circa 70 years old was buried on September 23, 1765, also in the mother church cemetery, but she was actually 76 years old when she died, so ths is also reasonable. (Mouse over and click on her Latin church burial record lower left to enlarge in a new window or tab.) It is unusual that her husband isn't listed as deceased, but this probably is ancestor Filippa. Unfortunately, at this time, nothing else is known about them.

Calogero Santangelo was born and baptized as Calogero Michael on March 15, 1693, in the St. Michele church parish of Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italy the son of Fara Campo and her husband Pietro Santangelo. (Mouse over and click on his Latin church baptism record upper right to enlarge in a new window or tab.) On December 27^th, 28^th and 30^th of 1714, banns were read for Calogero to marry Rosa Montalbano. Twenty-one year-old Calogero and seventeen year-old Rosa were married at the St. Vito church in Sciacca on January 13, 1715. (Mouse over and click on their Latin church marriage record left to enlarge in a new window or tab.) See Rosa’s bio on another page for more about her.

Calogero was Rosa’s first husband, and they had at least three children, all born and baptized at the mother church in Sciacca— Pietro was named after his paternal grandfather, making him the eldest son, was born and baptized as Petrius Joseph Antonino on January 29, 1719, but died at two years old on October 3, 1721; another son named Pietro, who was born on the morning of November 10, 1721, baptized the next day as Pietro Navtinius Joseph, and in 1741 married Grazia La Rocca, the daughter of ancestors Giuseppe and Filippa La Rocca listed just above; and ancestor Fara. Both ancestor Fara and the surviving Pietro were married on the same day to a set of siblings. Pietro married ancestor Antonino La Rocca’s sister Grazia.

It is documented that Calogero was deceased on October 8, 1741, the date his son Pietro was married. Calogero died at 39 years old and was buried on January 1, 1733. (Mouse over and click on his Latin church burial record lower right to enlarge in a new window or tab.) His Latin mother church burial record states he was 40 years old, and gives the cemetery where he was buried, but it is difficult to read. A year later Rosa married ancestor Felice Riportella (see her bio for more on her). Unfortunately, nothing else is known about Calogero.

Pasquale Maniscalco is probably the son of Filippa Majenza and her husband Pietro Maniscalco, but a Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italy baptism record has not been found for him. Both Pietro and Pasquale used the same alias name of Mollarella.

On Pasquale’s son, ancestor Lorenzo’s marriage document, his parents are listed as Pasquale and Antonia but there are no Sciacca records for a couple named Pasquale and Antonia Maniscalco. They could have been from another town, but usually that is indicated on the marriage document. Another possibility is that an incorrect mother’s name is listed on Lorenzo’s marriage document. Their is a couple named Pasquale and Filippa Maniscalco, who had a son with a middle name of Lorenzo, who could be the ancestors. Pasquale is not a common name in Sciacca, and their son would be about the right age, so they probably are ancestor Lorenzo’s parents. Unfortunately, there are no records to confirm any of this, but this researcher believes that is the situation.

In Pellegrino Mortillaro’s book, Andrea Randazzo un notaio storico Volume Primo, There is an entry for a notarial marriage contract filed by Sciacca notary Gaspare Falsone on January 19, 1631, between Paschale Maniscalco and Filippa Migliore. (Mouse over and click on their marriage contract entry upper left to enlarge in a new window or tab.) She was baptized on February 14, 1616, in the Sciacca mother church parish as Pha Calogera, the daughter of ancestors Bartolomeo Migliore and Margarita Cottone and sister to Baldassare Migliore who married Francesca Maniscalco. (Mouse over and click on her Latin church baptism record right to enlarge in a new window or tab.) Although a marriage document to confirm her parents can not be found, Filippa’s children’s names strongly support Bartolomeo and Margarita as her parents.

Seven Sciacca mother church baptism records have been found for the children of Pasquale and Filippa Maniscalco as follows — Petra Antonina was born on September 18, 1634, and baptized the next day; Margarita Vincenza, named after her maternal grandmother, was born on September 23, 1637, and baptized the next day; Giuseppe was born on May 7, 1640, and baptized as Joseph Petrus the next day; Catarina Pascha was born and baptized on May 24, 1643; Bartlomeus Mathew, named after his maternal grandfather. was born and baptized on September 20, 1646; Paolo was baptized as Paulus Francesco on April 2, 1655; and lastly Michael Laurenzius Joannes, who is probably ancestor Lorenzo. On these baptism records, the mother is listed differently - Filippa, Phillippa and Pha.

It is not known when Pasquale died but it is documented that he was deceased prior to his son ancestor Lorenzo’s marriage on November 4, 1680, but Filippa was alive at the time. There is a Sciacca mother church burial record dated November 27, 1692, for Philippa wife of deceased Paschalis Maniscalco alias Mollarella, age about 74. (Mouse over and click on her Latin church burial record lower left to enlarge in a new window or tab.) This recorded age is close to her actual age of 76 years old when she died. This burial record states she was buried in the Convent of St. Maria de Monte Carmelo, and it is in agreement with the information on ancestor Lorenzo's marriage document. Note also that the alias used on Pasquale’s name in his wife’s burial record, is the same alias used on his father Pietro’s burial record. Unfortunately, at this time nothing else is known about them.

Vito Trapani was born on March 13, 1628, and baptized the next day as Hieronymus Calogero Vito, in the mother church parish of Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italy, the son of Bartola Pirruni and her husband Giuseppe Trapani. (Mouse over and click on his Latin church baptism record upper right to enlarge in a new window or tab.) He is incorrectly listed as 15 years old on his mother’s May 9, 1652, Sciacca Rivelo (tax record), as he would have been 24 at the time.

On October 2^nd, 9^th and 16^th church banns were read for Vito to marry Margherita Sutera. She was the daughter of Calogero Sutera and his wife Luciana Luvaro and older sister to ancestor Caterina who married Antonino Graffeo and Rosa who married Filippo Indelicato. She was probably born in Sciacca, but a baptism record could not be found for her name. Because she was named after her paternal grandmother, she was may have been their eldest daughter which would put her birth to about 1634. Thirty-three year-old Vito and Margharita, who was probably in her mid twenties, were married on October 23, 1661, at the mother church in Sciacca. (Mouse over and click on their Latin church marriage record upper left to enlarge in a new window or tab.) They are the parents of two ancestors.

Eight mother church baptism records have been found for the children of Vito and Magherita Trapani as follows — Bathleomea Honophia Maria, named after her paternal grandmother, was born and baptized on August 19, 1662; Giuseppe, named after his paternal grandfather, was born and baptized as Joseph Calogero Honophrius on October 20, 1665, and died 15 days later on November 4^th; ancestor Luicana was named after her maternal grandmother; another Giuseppe was born the evening of October 12, 1669, baptized as Joseph Calogero that same night, and died at age 32 on June 21, 1702; Antonino Francesco Vincenzo was born and baptized on July 17, 1673; Ignazio Francesco Antonino was born on February 11, 1676, and baptized the next day; Anna Antonina Rosalia was born and baptized on September 22, 1677; and ancestor Calogero.

It is documented that Vito was deceased and Margherita was alive when their son ancestor Calogero was married on May 15, 1707. Vito died and was buried in the church cemetery of the convent of St. Francisco outside the city on March 21, 1693. (Mouse over and click on his Latin church burial record lower left to enlarge in a new window or tab.) His mother church burial record lists him as Vitus Trapani 66 years old, but he had just turned 65 a week before he died. Margherita died and was buried in the Convent of St Maria de Monte Carmelo church cemetery, on January 17, 1716. (Mouse over and click on her Latin church burial record lower right to enlarge in a new window or tab.) Her mother church burial record lists her as, Margarita wife of deceased Vito Trapani, circa 75 years old, which calculates her birth to about 1641, but burial record ages are usually just an estimate. At this time, nothing else is known about them.

Gaspare Gisino is most likely the Cosmas Damianio Gaspar who was born on September 26, 1630, and baptized the next day in the mother church parish of Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italy, the son of Margarita Petri and her husband Accursio Gisino (Mouse over and click on his Latin church baptism record right to enlarge in a new window or tab.) Because a Sciacca marriage contract or church record could not be found for them, it is impossible to know for sure who his parents are, but there are reason to believe he is their child — he named his first born son Accursio; had a daughter with a middle name of Margarita; named several of his children after his siblings; and on his baptism index record, he is listed with a given name of Gaspare. This would make him the younger brother of ancestor Giacoma Gisino. It should be noted that the surname Gisino is not common in Sciacca and it is spelled just as often as Gesino. It seems the spelling of it depends on whose writing it.

Sometime, probably in or before 1653, he married Leonarda Leo, but her ancestry is unknown. Ten Sciacca mother church baptism records for the children of Gaspare and Leonarda Gisino have been found as follows — Accursio, named after his paternal grandfather, was born on the evening of May 16, 1654, and baptized as Accursius Cristofalius the next day; Calogero was born and baptized as Calogerius Antonius Gaetanius on the evening of November 28, 1656; Anna Maria was born on the evening of July 1, 1658, and baptized the next day; Calogera Margarita, given a middle name after her paternal grandmother, was born on the evening of June 17, 1662, and baptized the next day; Lucia Francisca was born and baptized on December 13, 1664; Caterina was born on the evening of November 6, 1667, baptized as Catharina Antonia the next day, and in 1700, married Domianuius Sutera, the son of ancestors Dominico and Anna Sutera; Calogera Vinceniza was born on the evening of December 10, 1670, baptized the next day, and on May 6, 1708, married ancestor Francisco Salerno as his second wife; Dominico was born on the morning of September 27, 1673, and was baptized as Domianus Accursius Cosmos that same day; ancestor Giovanna; and Lauria, who was born on the evening of October 27, 1679, and baptized as Lauria Jacoba Simona the next day.

It is documented that Gaspare was deceased on October 31, 1700, when his daughter Caterina was married. Gaspare died and was buried in the mother church cemetery on November 16, 1694. (Mouse over and click on his Latin church burial record left to enlarge in a new window or tab.) His mother church burial record lists him as, Gasper Gesino alias Lusrinersi 65 years old, but he was actually 64 when he died. The alias on this record is extremely hard to read and it is also hard to read on his daughters, Caterina and Calogera’s marriage records. It is not known if Leonarda married again or when she died, but it is documented that she was alive on May 7, 1713, the day her daughter ancestor Giovanna was married. A burial record in her married name could not be found, so for now this is all that is known about them.

Pietro Santangelo may have been born in Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italy, but a Sciacca baptism record can not be found for him. He was the son of Paolo Santangelo and his wife Rosana, whose surname is unknown. Church banns were read on October 25^th, 28^th and November 1^st of 1682 for Pietro to marry Fara Campo. She was born on September 16, 1661, and baptized that same day as Fara Joanna Honofria at the St. Michele church in Sciacca, the daughter of Antonino Campo and his wife Rosolia Puccio. (Mouse over and click on her baptism record right to enlarge in a new window or tab.) Pietro and Fara were married at the St. Michele church in Sciacca on November 15, 1682. (Mouse over and click on their Latin church marriagerecord left to enlarge in a new window or tab.)

Pietro and Fara had at least five children together, all born in Sciacca and baptized at St. Michele’s church on the dates shown — Paolo Francesco Vincenzo on October 17, 1683, who probably died before his 3^rd birthday; Joannes Michael on October 21, 1686; Anna Rosalie on March 12, 1688; Paolo Antonino on July 16, 1696; and ancestor Calogero. They probably had several other children, but these are the ones documented at this time.

Pietro died and Fara married Pellegrino Montalbano sometime prior to January 13, 1715, the day her son Calogero was married. At this time, nothing else is known about them.

Calogero Sutera was baptized in the mother church parish on September 9, 1610, in Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italy, the son of Andreas Sutera and his wife Margarita Mineo. (Mouse over and click on his Latin church baptism record upper right to enlarge in a new window or tab.) He is also the brother to ancestor Vito Sutera who married Angela Ficara.

On September 7^th, 8^th, and 10^th, church banns were read for Calogero to marry Luciana Luvaro. She was baptized in the mother church parish on February 9, 1616, the daughter of Raphael Luvaro and his wife Francesca Melfa, who are also parents of two other ancestors, Vita Antonina and her brother Antonino. (Mouse over and click on her baptism record middle right to enlarge in a new window or tab.) Nineteen year-old Calogero and 15 year-old Luciana were married at the Sciacca mother church on September 28, 1631. (Mouse over and click on their Latin church marriage record upper left to enlarge in a new window or tab.) They are the parents of three female ancestors.

Seven mother church baptism records have been found for the children of Calogero and Luciana Sutera as follows — Andreas, named after his paternal grandfather was born on the evening of November 12, 1633, baptized the next day as Andreas Accursius, and married Caterina Gagliano in 1669; Francesca Epifania, named after her maternal grandmother was born and baptized on January 6, 1636; Caterina, who was called Maria, was born on January 25, 1639, and baptized the next day as Caterina Vincenza Accursia; another Caterina was born and baptized as Caterina Angela on November 25, 1644, and she is also an ancestor; Rosario was born on February 23, 1650, baptized the next day as Rosarius Matia Rafeal, but died a few days later and was buried on Feb 26^th; Anna Agata was born and baptized on January 26, 1653; and Rosalia Lucia who was born and baptized on the evening of December 13, 1656, and is also an ancestor. A baptism record for ancestor Margherita could not be found, but because she was named after her paternal grandmother, she may have been their eldest or second daughter.

There is a May 9, 1652, Rivelo (tax record) for this family. (Mouse over and click on their 1652 Rivelo record lower right to enlarge in a new window or tab.) It lists Caloggiaro as 40, but he was actually 41 years old on this date. His parents are listed as the deceased Andrea and Margarita. Listed next are his wife, Luciana and their five children. Son And'as was listed as 17, but he was 18 ½ at this time. Their daughters Francesca, ancestor Margarita, Maria and ancestor Catarina are listed without ages. There are no non-movable assets listed, but they owned a well stocked fishing boat.

It is documented that both Calogero and Luciana were alive on January 7, 1669, when their son Andreas was married. There is a mother church burial record dated December 1, 1671, for a Calogerus Sutera, who was about 66 years-old and buried in the St. Dominici Convent church cemetery. (Mouse over and click on the Latin church burial record lower left to enlarge in a new window or tab.) Ancestor Calogero would have been only 61 years old at this time, but knowing that death record ages are usually an estimate, there is a good possibility that this is ancestor Calogero’s burial record. This burial record is brief and gives no other identifying information on it. It is also documented that Luciano was alive when her daughter ancestor Rosa was married on February 2, 1676. Unfortunately, burial records are missing from 1674 to 1690, so at this time, nothing else is known about them.

Paolo Santangelo and his wife Rosana’s ancestries are unknown. A marriage document can not be found for them in the three church records in Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italy, but they lived and raised a family there. Her exact given name is uncertain, as on various records she is called Rosane, Rosana and Rosalia. Paolo and Rosana had at least seven children together, all born in Sciacca and baptized as infants at St. Michele’s church as follows — Giacoma baptized as Jacoba Filippa on July 25, 1656; Accursia Nicolina Luciana on April 20, 1658; Antonius Cosmos Damiano on February 29, 1660; Ignazio Antonino on July 31, 1661; Giovanna baptized as Joanna Angela, on May 18, 1664; Cresuntia Angela on September 26, 1667; and ancestor Pietro, whose baptism can not be found in the Sciacca records. This could mean Paolo and Rosana were married in another town and had children baptized there.

It is not known when Paolo and Rosana died, but they were both alive when their son ancestor Pietro was married on November 15, 1682. Unfortunately, at this time, this is all we know about them.

Antonino Campo and his wife Rosolia Puccio’s ancestries are unknown, at this time. A marriage document can not be found for them yet in the three church records in Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italy, but they lived and raised a family there. On August 27, 1645, Sciacca notary Vito Lauro filed a notarial marriage contract for them, so they probably married soon after that date.

Antonino and Rosolia had at least four children together, all born in Sciacca and baptized as infants at St. Michele’s church as follows — Paolo baptized as Paulus Antonius on March 10, 1650; ancestor Fara; Onofria baptized as Honufira Catherina on August 26, 1663; and Giovanni, who was born on January 2, 1665, and baptized the next day as Joannes Homophay Albertus. They probably had several other children, but these are the ones documented at this time.

It is not known when Antonino and Rosolia died, but it was before November 15, 1682, the day their daughter ancestor Fara was married. Unfortunately, at this time, this is all we know about them.