Calogera Chiarello's Ancestors

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Giovanni Chiarello was born on the morning of November 27, 1831, and baptized as Joannus Antoninus Joseph that same day, in the mother church parish of Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italy, the son of Calogera Verde and Salvatore Chiarello. (Mouse over and click on his Latin baptism image upper right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) He was the first of at least eight children born to them.

On June 5^th and 10^th of 1859, civil marriage notices were posted for Giovanni to marry Rosa Turturici. These notices list Rosa as libera, which translates to free, meaning she was free to marry. Rosa was born on the morning of September 9, 1834, and baptized as Rosa Francisca Joanna that same day, also in the mother church parish of Sciacca, the youngest daughter of at least five children born to Antonia di Mino and her husband Gaetano Turturici. (Mouse over and click on her Latin baptism image middle right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) Two weeks after the civil notices were posted, church banns were read on June 24^th, 26^th, and 29^th. Two weeks later on July 15^th a civil marriage was registered for them. Twenty-seven year old Giovanni married the almost 25 year-old Rosa on July 24, 1859, at the mother church in Sciacca.(Mouse over and click on their Latin church marriage record image upper left to enlarge in a new window/tab.)

Only four mother church baptism records have been found for the children of Joannis Chiarello and Rosa Turturici as follows — Salvadore, named after his paternal grandfather was born on January 11, 1861, baptized the next day as Salvator Francisus Accursius, married in Sciacca Paola Dimino, then came to America, and died in New York on September 6, 1932; Gaetano, named after his maternal grandfather, was born and baptized as Gaetanius Joseph Aloysius on February 3, 1864, and died in Sciacca at 11 years old on February 24, 1875; Accursio born on November 7, 1866, was baptized as Accursius Angelus the next day, married in Sciacca Anna Chiarello, and died there at age 42 on October 16, 1909; and ancestor Calogera, who was named after her paternal grandmother. On his children’s birth records and on his death record, Giovanni’s occupation is listed as Marinaio, which means he was a sailor or fisherman.

The family legend is that Giovanni and Rosa died in a fire in Sciacca, and their children were placed in an orphanage. Giovanni’s civil death record dated March 4, 1871, is found in the Sciacca Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1861-1929, Vol 185, Registro Degli Atti Di Morte. This death record lists Giovanni’s parent's names and wife’s name, but there isn’t a cause of death. (Mouse over and click on his civil death record middle left to enlarge in a new window/tab.) His mother church burial record is dated a day before the civil record, March 3^rd, so he probably died and was buried on March 3, 1871, and it was recorded in the civil register the next day. (Mouse over and click on his Latin burial record lower right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) This burial record lists him as Joannus Chiarello spouse of Rosa Turturici, son of Salvatore and Calogera Verde, 38, but he was already 39 when he died.

Rosa lived many more years, over 40, and died on her 78^th birthday, September 9, 1912, in the Ospedale di S. Maria della Misericordia (Hospital of St. Mary of Mercy) in Sciacca. Her civil death record was also found in the Sciacca Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1861-1929 collection, but in a much later volume. (Mouse over and click on civil death record right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) Her record lists her parents names and that she was a widow of Giovanni. She never remarried. It could be that she was badly hurt in the fire and could not take care of her children. There isn’t any more information on either death record, so we may never know what really happened.Whatever happened, it is sad to think that Rosa, not only buried her husband, but also two of her children, and watched as the other two went to America.

For now, this is all that is known about Giovanni and Rosa

Salvatore Chiarello was born and baptized as Salvatore Gaetano Vito on the evening of January 12, 1799, in the mother church parish of of Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italy, the son of Giuseppa Pumilia and her husband Giovanni Chiarello. (Mouse over and click on his Latin baptism image upper right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) His godparents were Vito and Francesca Pumilia, a married couple, who may be related to his mother. Not much is known about his early life except that he had an older brother and a sister who survived to adulthood.

In 1830 on December 12^th and 17^th, civil solemn promise of marriage notices were published, followed by church banns being read on the 19^th and January 1^st and 2^nd of the following year, for Salvatore to marry Calogera Verde. She was born and baptized on October 29, 1804, as Calogera Maria Accursia Virdi, also in the mother church parish of Sciacca, the daughter of Vincenza Carrao and her husband Michelangelo Verde. (Mouse over and click on her Latin baptism record image middle right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) Her godparents were Antonino Montagnino and Vincenza di Mino wife of Vincenzo. Thirty-one year-old Salvatore and 26 year-old Calogera were married in the Sciacca mother church on January 9, 1831. (Mouse over and click on their marriage record image upper left to enlarge in a new window/tab.) At the time of their marriage they both lived in Quartiero Madrice, which is the Sciacca mother church parish.

Salvatore and Calogera had at least eight children, all born and baptized at home in the Sciacca Quartiero Madrice as follows — ancestor Giovanni was named after his paternal grandfather; Giuseppa, named after her paternal grandmother, was born  on January 25, 1834,  baptized as Josepha Alphonsa Accursia the next day, and died at 17 months old on July 9, 1835; another Giuseppa was born on November 20, 1835, baptized as Josepha Maria Alphonsa the next day, but died at age 4 on December 10, 1839; Accursia Calogera was born on the evening of November 18, 1838, baptized the next day, and died at 7 years old on March 5, 1846; a third Giuseppa was born on the morning of August 24, 1841, baptized as Josepha Margarita later that same day, and died at 11 months old on August 10, 1842; another Giuseppa was born and baptized on October 18, 1843, and died at 2 years old on December 29, 1845; a fifth Giuseppa was born and baptized as Josepha Anna on May 26, 1846 who died at age 3 on December 23, 1849; and a son Accursio born on the morning of March 9, 1851, baptized the next day, married Accursia Chiarello on July 31, 1875, and died at age 63 on March 14, 1914. Naming so many daughters Giuseppa follows the Italian naming convention where the first daughter is named after the father's mother. Thus when their first daughter died, the next daughter was given that same name. Unfortunately, none of the Giuseppa's lived past toddler age. Out of their eight children only the two boys, Giovanni and Accursio, made it to adulthood. It is sad to think that this couple buried six of their eight children.

Salvatore Chiarello died in Sciacca on January 11, 1874, one day before his 75^th birthday. His civil death record is found in Volume 188, for the year 1874 of the Provincia di Girgenti, Comune di Sciacca, Registro Degli Atti di Morte. On it, his age is correctly listed as 74 and the names of his parents and wife are included. As with so many of the other ancestors from Sciacca, his occupation is listed as Marinaio. (Mouse over and click on his civil death record image lower right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) On both his mother church burial record and his civil death record, he is listed as a widower, which means his wife Calogera died before him. (Mouse over and click on his church burial image lower left to enlarge in a new window/tab.) Unfortunately, a death record for her can’t be found. It is a good possibility that she died in 1866, where 85 death records are missing or in 1867, where the August to December pages are missing from the civil Morte register.  A death record for her brother Calogero, who died on July 3, 1883, was found and can easily be mistaken for her death record. For now, this is all that is known about them.

Giovanni Chiarello’s date of birth is uncertain. He was probably born in the mother church parish of Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italy, about 1760, the son of Giuseppe Chiarello and his wife Vincenza Bentivegna. The documentation for his ancestry comes from several places. First from Giovanni’s marriage document mentioned below, we get his parents names. From his sister Antonina’s second marriage record, dated November 14, 1824, we get his deceased grandfather’s name-Giovanni Chiarello. This supports that this Giovanni was a first born son, as he is named after his paternal grandfather. Giuseppe’s name is written instatement 5, on page 2 of Giovanni’s son, ancestor Salvatore’s 1831 wedding document, which translates to “ . . . Act of Giuseppe Chiarello death, paternal grandfather of the Bridegroom.” (Mouse over and click on the statement image upper right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) Lastly, his parentage is clearly written on the Kinship Tree record for ancestor Salvatore, which was written by the church prior to his marriage. (Mouse over and click on his Kinship Tree image upper left to enlarge in a new window/tab.) Unfortunately, a Sciacca baptism record could not be found for Giovanni.

On September 7^th, 14^th and 26^th of 1783, church banns were read for Giovanni to marry Giuseppa Pumilia. Less than 2 weeks after the last banns were read Giovanni married 20 year-old Giuseppa Pumilia in the Sciacca mother church. (Mouse over and click on their Latin church marriage record image right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) On their church marriage record, they are both listed as being unmarried and living in the mother church parish.

They had at least six children all born, married, and died in Sciacca — a son Francesco, who was born on December 26, 1784, baptized the next day as Giuseppe Francisco Stephano, was a Marinaro, married Accursia Curreri on April 16, 1815, and died on September 27, 1838; Accursia Vincenza Francesca was born and baptized on December 25, 1786; twins Accursia Maria Vincenza and Vincenza Maria Francesca were born on the evening of February 6, 1792, but died soon after birth, Accursia at 4 days old and Vincenza at 12 days old; Vincenzia Accursia Maria was born on the evening of July 6, 1793, baptized the next day, married Vincenzo Curreri on the same day that her older brother Francisco married Vincenzo’s sister, and Vincenzia died on July 22, 1837, just two days after her mother died; and lastly ancestor Salvatore.

In his son ancestor Salvatore’s marriage processetti, mentioned above, there is a document, written in Latin, which has statements for Giovanni and his father Giuseppe Chiarello’s deaths. (Mouse over and click on the death statement image lower left to enlarge in a new window/tab.) It states Johannes (Giovanni) was 38 years old when he died on July 17, 1803, in Sciacca. This makes his birth in 1765, which makes him only 18 years old when he was married, which doesn’t seem plausible. He was probably in his 40’s when he died. This statement also goes on to say that he was buried in the church of S. Franciscus outside the city. This statement is an exact copy of his mother church burial record, which lists him as Joannius Chiarello. (Mouse over and click on his church burial image lower right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) Until more documents can be found, this is all that is known about Giovanni.

Giuseppa Pumilia was baptized as Jospha Maria on June 17, 1763, in the mother church parish of Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italy, the daughter of Francesco Pumilia and and his wife Elisabetta Trapani. (Mouse over and click on her Latin baptism record index image upper right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) Unfortunately, a register record does not exist for her baptism, as they are missing from the register after mid January to September of 1763. Sadly she was only 3 years old when her mother died. At 20 years old, she married Giovanni Chiarello and had six children (see her marriage and children in her husband’s bio above). Records for her were also found under the name Giuseppa Pumilia In Chiarello - the In Chiarello indicates her married name.

On January 4, 1831, she wrote a consent to marry statement for her son ancestor Salvatore, in the form of a legal Brevetto, where she states she is Giuseppa Pumilia in Chiarello, daughter of deceased Francesco Pumilia and widow of deceased Giovanni Chairello. (Mouse over and click on the consent Brevetto upper image left to enlarge in a new window/tab).

Giuseppa died a widow at home at Quartiero Madrice, in Sciacca, “during a cholera outbreak,” on July 20, 1837, at the age of 74. Her mother church burial record lists her as Josepha Pumilia of age about 85 . . . died at home and was buried in the cemetery of St. Francisci outside the city. (Mouse over and click on her church burial image lower right to enlarge in a new window/tab.)  On  Giuseppa’s civil death record it states she was born in Sciacca and was 85 years-old. (Mouse over and click on her civil death record image left to enlarge in a new window/tab.) This civil death record contains some misinformation-her age and her parent’s names. On this record, her deceased parents names are clearly written, but are different from the names listed on her Latin marriage record, as stated above. The death record states that her parents were Vito Pumilia and Girolama Bivona, which is incorrect, as at least three pieces of supporting documentation exist to disprove this. Her marriage record is correct because she was alive giving the information to be recorded. The Brevetto, mentioned above where she states she is the daughter of Francesco. Her parentage is clearly written on the Kinship Tree record for ancestor Salvatore, which was written by the church prior to his marriage. Another supporting fact is that she named her first born son after her husband’s father and her father- Giuseppe Francesco, which follows the Italian naming convention. Her age listed at death calculates her birth year to 1652. Her civil death record information came from someone other than her husband, as he was deceased by then, and her daughter Vincenza, who died two days after her mother, was gravely ill when Giuseppa died.

Giuseppe Chiarello was born and baptized as Joseph Francisco on August 11, 1734, in the mother church parish of Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italy, the son of Giovanni Chiarello and his wife Dorotea diMino. (Mouse over and click on his Latin baptism image upper right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) He was incorrectly listed as 9 years old on his father’s 1747 Sciacca Rivelo (tax record), as he was almost 13 years old at the time.

On July 9^th, 16^th and 22^nd, banns were read in church for Giuseppe to marry Vincenza Bentivegna. She was baptized as Maria Vincenza on September 20, 1736, in the mother church parish of Sciacca, the daughter of Angela Modica and her husband Filippo Bentivegna. (Mouse over and click on her Latin baptism image middle right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) Giuseppe and Vincenza married at the mother church in Sciacca on August 5, 1758. (Mouse over and click on their Latin church marriage record image upper left to enlarge in a new window/tab.)

Giuseppe and Vincenza had at least three children, all born in Sciacca — ancestor Giovanni; a daughter who was baptized on June 18, 1777, as Antonina Calogera Diana, married first Pasquale Geraldo, then after he died, at the age of 50, she married Francesco Piazza on November 14, 1824, and she died ten years later on March 26, 1834, at 60 years old; and a son named Salvadore, who married Rosaria Vento, had a son who became a Capuchin priest, and died before November 17, 1824, the date of his wife’s death.

It is documented that Giuseppe was deceased and Vincenza was alive when their son ancestor Giovanni was married on October 6, 1783. In their grandson, ancestor Salvatore’s January 7, 1831, marriage processetti, mentioned above in his son Giovanni’s bio, there is a document, written in Latin, that has statements for his son Giovanni and his deaths. (See the image above in Giovanni’s bio.) It states that Joseph Chiarello (Giuseppe) was about 50 years old when he died on July 11, 1781, in Sciacca. This makes his birth year about 1731, but he was actually 46 years old when he died. This statement also goes on to say that he was buried in the convent of S. Franciscus cemetery, which was outside the city at that time. This is an exact copy of his mother church burial record. (Mouse over and click on his Latin burial image lower right to enlarge in a new window/tab.)

In Giuseppe and Vincenza’s daughter Antonina’s 1824 marriage processetti, there is a statement of death, written in Latin, for her mother Vincenza Bentivegna in Chiarello, aged 62, that states she had died on October 11, 1798, in the hospital for the incurable and was buried there. This would make her birth year about 1736. Unfortunately, it doesn’t state her parents names or where she was born. (Mouse over and click on her death statement image lower left to enlarge in a new window/tab.) A Sciacca church burial record could not be found for her. At this time, nothing else is known about Giuseppe or Vincenza.

Francesco Pumilia was born and baptized as Francescus Lucianus Michael, on the evening of December 13, 1734, in the mother church parish of Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italy, the son of Maria Ciulla and her husband Vito Pumilia. (Mouse over and click on his Latin baptism image upper right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) He is listed as 13 years old on his father’s 1747 Sciacca Rivelo, which was his correct age (this tax record is pictured below in Vito's bio).

In 1761, on March 24^th, 25^th, and 29^th, church banns were read for Francesco to marry Elisabetta Trapani. She was born on March 5, 1727, and baptized three days later as Elisabet Isabella, also in the mother church parish of Sciacca, the daughter of Leonora Bonsignore and her husband Calogero Trapani. (Mouse over and click on her Latin baptism image middle right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) Twenty-six year-old Francesco and 34 year-old Elisabetta were married on April 25, 1761, at the mother church in Sciacca. (Mouse over and click on their Latin church marriage record image left to enlarge in a new window/tab.) On this marriage document Elisabetta is called Isabella and her mother is called Elisabetta. Their only known daughter was ancestor Giuseppa, but they also had a son Vito, named after his paternal grandfather, who was baptized as Vitus Aloisyus on March 5, 1765, at the mother church in Sciacca.

Two years later, 12 days after her 40^th birthday, Elisabetta died at home and was buried in the Convent of St Dominico cemetery on March 17, 1767. (Mouse over and click on her Latin burial record lower left to enlarge in a new window/tab.) Her mother church burial record lists her as Elisabeth Trapani wife of Francisci Pumilia about 40 years old. Francesco was left with two small children, the oldest being ancestor Giuseppa, who was not even 4 years old yet, so he remarried.

Four months after Elisabetta died, church banns were read on July 13^th, 19^th and 22^nd for Francesco to marry Hyeronima Bivona (Geronima), whose parents were both deceased. The now 32 year-old Francesco married the unwed Geronima on July 25, 1767, at the Sciacca mother church. On their marriage record he is listed as Francisco Pumilia widower of deceased Isabella Trapani son of Viti and Maria Ciulla.

Francisco and Geronima Pumilia had at least three children together, all baptized in the mother church parish as follows — Vito, named after his paternal grandfather, was born and baptized as Vitus Joseph Joachim Carolus on July 22, 1768; Giovanni, named after his maternal grandfather, was born on the evening of November 22, 1769, and baptized as Joannes Emmanuel Baldassar, the next day; and Giuseppe, who was born on September 14, 1772, and baptized the next day as Joseph Mariancus. Note that they named their first son Vito, but a burial record for the first Vito, the son of Elisabetta, has not been found. It is assumed that Geronima raised Francesco’s children by his first wife, Vito and ancestor Giuseppa, as her own.

It is documented that Francisco was alive when his daughter ancestor Giuseppa was married in 1783. Francesco died at home and was buried in the church of St. Francisci cemetery on September 6, 1787. (Mouse over and click on his Latin burial record lower right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) His mother church burial record lists him as Franciscus Pumilia 50 years old, but he was actually 52 years old when he died. It is not not known if his second wife, Geronima remarried or when she died. Unfortunately, nothing more is known about them.

Giovanni Chiarello was born and baptized as Joannes Leonardus Marcus on the evening of April 24, 1689, in the mother church parish of Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italy, the son of Anna Bivona and her husband Domenico Chiarello. (Mouse over and click on his Latin baptism image upper right to enlarge in a new window/tab.)

On May 17^th and 19^th of 1719, banns were read in the mother church in Sciacca for Giovanni to marry Dorotea diMino. She was born on the evening of August 2, 1702, and baptized as Diana Anna Domenica Mino the next day in the mother church parish of Sciacca, the daughter of Maria Mantia and her husband Antonino diMino. (Mouse over and click on her Latin baptism image upper right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) Thirty year-old Giovanni and 16 year-old Dorotea were married at the mother church in Sciacca on May 28^th nine days after the last banns was read. (Mouse over and click on their Latin marriage record image left to enlarge in a new window/tab.) On this Latin marriage document he is called Joannes Chiarello alias Sciarranca and her given name Dorotea overwrites what could have been Diana.  On her parents 1714 Sciacca tax record, she is listed as Diana, so it’s possible she was called Dorotea and insisted the marriage record be made using that name, not her baptism name. 

Nine mother church baptism records have been found for the children of Joanne and Diana Chiarello, but on some of these records she is called Dorothea or Dorotea. Their children were — Anna Maria Rosa was named after both of her grandmothers, was born and baptized on December 14, 1720; Domenico was born and baptized as Domenicus Hyeronimus Mattheus, after his paternal grandfather, on the morning of September 21, 1722; Maria was born and baptized as Maria Petra Caterina on the eveningof May 21, 1725; Caterina Maria was born on March 26, 1727, and baptized the next day; Antonino was born and baptized as Antonius Marianus, after his maternal grandfather, on the evening of July 2, 1728; Vincenzio was born and baptized on August 18, 1731; ancestor Giuseppe; Pasquale was born and baptized as Paschalis Ignazius Stefanius on the morning of September 1, 1737; and another Anna Maria, who was born and baptized on June 30, 1740.

Ten days after their last child was born Dorotea died and was buried on July 10, 1740. (Mouse over and click on her Latin death and buial image middle left to enlarge in a new window/tab.) Her mother church burial record lists her as Adriana wife of Joannius Chiarello alias Sciarranca, 38 years old, which is very close to her actual age of 37. It also states that she was buried in the convent of St. Francisco cemetery, outside the city. Giovanni was left with several small children including an infant.

Just over a month later on August 21^st, 24^th and 28^th, church banns were read for Giovanni to marry Margarita Trapani. They married at the mother church on September 11, 1740. Only three mother church baptism records have been found for the children of Joanne and Margarita Chiarello as follows — Calogero Salvatore was born and baptized at noon on July 20, 1744, but he probably died young; another Calogero was born and baptized as Calogerius Maria, on the evening of January 5, 1746, but died only 6 days later on January 11^th; and another Anna Maria, who was born on the evening of January 18, 1747, and baptized the next day.

There are three April 9, 1747 Sciacca Riveli, one after the other, with the surname of Chiarello that are of interest. They all may have lived in the same home, on the same property or right next door to each other. The first on page 356 is for ancestor Giovanni and his second wife Margarita. Giovanni is listed as 50 years-old, but he was actually almost 58 years old, the son of Dominic and Anna Chiarello. (Mouse over and click on their Rivelo record image middle right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) His wife Margarita is listed next followed by five children, all most likely from his first marriage — 14 year-old Antonio; 12 year-old Vincenzo; 9 year-old ancestor Guiseppe; 6 year-old Pasquale, and a daughter Diana, who may be the newly born Anna Maria, called Diana to honor his deceased first wife, as was the custom. All of these children’s ages are under estimated by about four years.

The next Rivelo begins on page 358 for a widow named Anna, who was probably a cousin. The third Rivelo begins on page 360 and is for Giovanni and Dorotea’s oldest son Domenico, who married in Sciacca, Margherita Margiotta on January 22, 1742. On Domenico’s Rivelo, he has a daughter named Diana and it states his parents are Giovanni and Diana.

In his grandson Salvatore’s 1831 marriage processetti which is written in Latin, there is a death statement that states that Giovanni died on July 6, 1775, in Sciacca and is listed as Johannes Chiarello aged about 65. (Mouse over and click on his death statement image lower left to enlarge in a new window/tab.) This age is incorrect, as he was 86 years old when he died. It goes on to say that he was buried in the church of San Francesco di Paola. (This church begun construction in 1627 and was completed in 1749, and is no longer in use.) Unfortunately, his parent’s and wife’s names are not listed. This death statement is in line with the fact he was alive when his son ancestor Giuseppe married in 1758, and it is an exact duplicate of his mother church burial record. (Mouse over and click on his Latin burial record lower right to enlarge in a new window/tab.)

Unfortunately, that’s all that’s known about them.

Filippo Bentivegna was the brother of ancestor Paolo and son of Ignazia Bivona and Pietro Bentivegna. Filippo was born on January 29, 1696, and baptized the next day as Philippo Antonino Vincenzio, but it was written in an abbreviated form, Phi Ant Vin, in the mother church parish of Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italy. (Mouse over and click on his Latin baptism image upper right to enlarge in a new window/tab.)

On December 10^th, 17^th, and 24^th of 1722, Sciacca church banns were read for Filippo to marry 26 year-old Angela Modica. She was born at night in Sciacca on October 1, 1696, and baptized in the mother church parish there that same night as Angela Joanna, the daughter of Margarita Quartararo and her husband Giuseppe Modica. (Mouse over and click on her Latin baptism image upper right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) Twenty-seven year-old Filippo and 26 year-old Angela were married at the Sciacca mother church on January 31, 1723. (Mouse over and click on their Latin marriage record image left to enlarge in a new window/tab.)

Six Sciacca mother church baptism records have been found for the children of Philippo and Angela Bentivegna as follows — Pietro, named after his paternal grandfather was born on October 27, 1723, baptized the next day as Petrus Simon, but died on September 15, 1727, about six weeks before his 4^th birthday; Ignazia Margarita, named after both of her grandmothers, was born on December 23, 1725, and baptized the next day, but probably died before her third birthday; Giuseppe, named after his maternal grandfather, was born and baptized as Joseph Petrus, on the evening of November 10, 1726; another Ignazia Margarita was born on October 10, 1729, and baptized the next day; ancestor Vincenza; and another Pierto, who was born on December 21, 1739, and was baptized as Petrus Thomas the next day.

There is a 1747 Sciacca Rivelo (tax record) that seems to be for this family, but it lists an incorrect name of Giuseppe for Filippo’s father. Giuseppe is Angela’s father’s name, so there may have been some confusion between the two father’s names, but the mother’s name is correct. The tax record seems to be dated April 11^th and lists Angela without an age with the following children — oldest son Giuseppe is listed as being 22, but he was only 20 at this time; daughters Ignazia, ancestor Vincenza, and another daughter named Pietra, whose baptism record has not been found, are listed without ages also. This last child may have been entered incorrectly as a daughter and could be the youngest son Pietro, who would have been 7 years old at this time. There is not much on this Rivelo in taxes, so they probably didn’t own much. (Mouse over and click on their 1747 Rivelo record image lower right to enlarge in a new window or tab.)

It is not known when Angela and Filippo died, but they were alive when their daughter ancestor Vincenzo was married on August 5, 1758. Unfortunately, nothing more is known about them a this time.

Vito Pumilia was born on the morning of October 31, 1710, and baptized the next day as Vito Calogero, in the mother church parish of Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italy, the son of Domenica Modica and her husband Francesco Pumilia. (Mouse over and click on his Latin baptism image upper right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) He was listed as 4 years old on his father’s 1714 Rivelo (tax record), pictured in his parents’s bio below.

On December 25^th, 26^th, and 27^th, of 1728, banns were read in church for Vito to marry Maria Ciulla. She was born in Sciacca on October 14, 1712, and baptized that same day also in the mother church parish there as Maria Rosa, the daughter of Angela Tigano and her husband Stefano Ciulla. (Mouse over and click on her Latin baptism image middle right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) Eighteen year-old Vito and 16 year-old Maria were married at the mother church in Sciacca on January 8, 1729. (Mouse over and click on their Latin marriage record image upper left to enlarge in a new window/tab.)

Baptism records have been found seven children of Vito and Maria Pumlia, all born and baptized in the mother church parish of Sciacca as follows — Calogero, named after the healer Black Saint of the region who is much venerated by the people, was born on September 10, 1731, and baptized the next day as Calogerous Francescus; ancestor Francesco was named after his paternal grandfather; Stefano Nicholus, named after his maternal grandfather, was born on July 19, 1738, and baptized the next day; Dominica Paula, named after her paternal grandmother, was born on the morning of May 6, 1742, and baptized later that same day, but may have died young; another Domenica was born and baptized as Dominica Josepha Maria on December 2, 1744; Baldassare Marie Francesco was born and baptized on February 5, 1750; and Giuseppe, who was born on January 15, 1753, and baptized the next day as Joseph Mavianus Antonius. They may have had more children, whose baptism records haven’t been found yet.

There is an undated 1747 Sciacca Rivelo for this family. (Mouse over and click on their 1747 Rivelo record image middle left to enlarge in a new window or tab.) On it, Vito’s mother’s name is listed correctly as Domenica, but his father is listed as Calogero, which is his father’s given baptism name (see his bio). Vito is listed as being 36, which was about his age at this time. Only Maria’s given name is listed as his wife. The children are listed with correct ages in the following order — eldest son Calogero, ancestor Francesco, Stefano and lastly Domenica. There isn’t much written on the document, so it would seem they didn’t own much taxable property.

It is documented that Vito and Maria were alive on July 25, 1767, when their son ancestor Francesco was married for the second time. Maria died at home and was buried on November 14, 1780, in the church cemetery of the convent of St. Francisco outside the city. (Mouse over and click on her Latin burial image lower left to enlarge in a new window/tab.) Her mother church burial record lists her as Maria wife of Viti Pumilia about 60 years old, but she was actually 68 years old when she died. Six years later, Vito died at home and was buried on March 11, 1787, in the church cemetery of St. Francisci. (Mouse over and click on his Latin burial image lower right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) His mother church burial record lists him as Vitus Pumilia 75 years old, but he was actually 76 years old when he died. For now, this is all that is known about Vito and Maria.

Calogero Trapani was born and baptized as Calogerus Ignazius on February 7, 1680, in the mother church parish in Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italy, the son of Margherita Sutera and her husband Vito Trapani. (Mouse over and click on his Latin baptism image upper right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) He is also the younger brother of ancestor Luciana.

On April 25^th, 26^th and May 15^th of 1707, church banns were read for Calogero to marry Leonora Bonsignore. She was born and baptized as Elisabet Leonora on the evening of November 24, 1691, also in the mother church parish in Sciacca, the daughter of Angela Graffeo and her husband Vincenzio Bonsignore. (Mouse over and click on her Latin baptism image middle right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) Twenty-seven year-old Calogero and 15 year-old Leonora were married in the Sciacca mother church on May 15, 1707, the same day as the last banns were read. (Mouse over and click on their Latin marriage record image upper left to enlarge in a new window/tab.)

Nine mother church baptism records have been found for the children of Calogero & Aleonora Trapani as follows —Margarita, named after both of her grandmothers, was born and baptized as Margarita Angela Anna on January 31, 1709; Angela Vincenzia, named after her maternal grandmother, was born and baptized on the evening of April 27, 1712, but died at 22 months old on March 6, 1714; Angela Silvesta was born and baptized on December 31, 1714, but died just 5 days later on January 5, 1715; Angela Catarina was born and baptized on November 13, 1715; Maria Silvestra was born and baptized on December 31, 1718; Brigitta Thomasia was born on December 20, 1725, and baptized the next day; ancestor Elisabetta; Vincenzo, named after his maternal grandfather, was born on April 7, 1730, and baptized as Vincenzius Antoninius the next day; and Salvatore Vitus, given a middle name after his paternal grandfather, was born on February 6, 1735, baptized the next day, and may have died young.

Four and a half years after their last child was born, Calogero died at home and was buried on September 15, 1739, in the church cemetery of the Convent of St. Francisci outside the city. (Mouse over and click on his Latin burial image middle left to enlarge in a new window/tab.)His mother church burial record lists him as Calogerus di Trapani 60 years old, but he was actually only 59 when he died. Leonora did not remarry as there is a 1747 Rivelo (tax record) for her, but it has a few errors on it. (Mouse over and click on her 1747 Rivelo record image lower right to enlarge in a new window or tab.) She is still living in the mother church parish and is listed as Leonarda, widow of Francesco, which is incorrect, it should be Calogero. Then her children are listed — Angela, Maria, ancestor Elisabetta, and 15 year-old Vincenzo Francesco, which is also in error, it should be Vincenzo Antonino. There isn’t much written on this document, so it doesn’t seem that she owned anything of value.

Leonora lived another 24 more years and never remarried. She died at home and was buried on April 11, 1771, in the same cemetery as her husband. (Mouse over and click on his Latin burial image lower left to enlarge in a new window/tab.) Her mother church burial record lists her as Leonora wife of Calogeri Trapani about 80 years old, but she was actually 79 when she died. Both of their burial records are consistent with the fact that on ancestor Elisabetta’s April 25, 1761, marriage document, Leonora was listed as alive and Calogero was listed as deceased. For now, this is all that is known about them.

Giuseppe Modica was born on October 20, 1657, and baptized the next day as Joseph Gaietanus in the St. Michele’s church parish of Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italy, the son of Vito Modica and his wife Maria Friscia. (Mouse over and click on his Latin church baptism image upper right to enlarge in a new window/tab.)

On February 14, 1679, a notarial marriage contract was drawn up for Giuseppe to marry Caterina Maniscalco. Two months later on April 21, 1679 , they married at St. Michele’s church in Sciacca. (Mouse over and click on Giuseppe's first marriage Latin record image upper left to enlarge in a new window/tab.) Two St. Michele baptism records have been found for the children of Joseph and Caterina Modica as follows — Anna Maria Celidonia was born on May 6, 1681, and baptized the next day; and Anna Angela, who was born and baptized on the evening of October 24, 1684. Caterina must have died sometime within the two years after her last child was born and before February of 1686, when Giuseppe married again. Unfortunately, burial records are not available for research in this time period.

On February 10^th, 17^th and 24^th of 1686, church banns were read for Giuseppe to marry Margarita Quartararo. She was born and baptized on May 6, 1663, as Margarita Francisca, in the St. Vito’s church parish of Sciacca, the daughter of Vincenzo Quartararo and his wife Aloysia Chiarello. (Mouse over and click on her Latin baptism image middle left to enlarge in a new window/tab.) Twenty-eight year-old Giuseppe and 22 year-old Margarita were married at the St. Michele church in Sciacca on February 25, 1686, the day after the last banns were read.(Mouse over and click on their Latin marriage record image middle right to enlarge in a new window/tab.)

Seven Sciacca St. Michele baptism records have been found for the children of Joseph and Margarita Modica as follows — Maria who was born on the evening of December 7, 1686, and baptized as Maria Joanna Maria the next day; Antonia Anna was born and baptized on the evening of on April 13, 1689; Anna Ignazia was born on July 30, 1691, and baptized the next day; Michael Antonino was born and baptized on the evening of November 25, 1693; ancestor Angela; Vita Ignazia born on June 15, 1699, and baptized the next day; and Vincenzo Thomas, who was born on the evening of December 28, 1700.

It is documented that Giuseppe was deceased and Margarita was still alive when their daughter ancestor Angela was married on January 31, 1723. Giuseppe died and was buried in the mother church cemetery on November 29, 1707. (Mouse over and click on his Latin burial image lower left to enlarge in a new window/tab.) His mother church burial record lists him as Joseph Modica 45 years old, but he was actually 50 when he died. Margarita lived another 22 years, and never remarried. She died at home one month after her 67^th birthday and was buried in the mother church cemetery on June 18, 1730. (Mouse over and click on her Latin burial image lower right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) Her mother church burial record lists her as Marg’ta wife of deceased Joseph Modica about 60 years old. For now, this is all that is known about them.

Francesco Pumilia was born on June 25, 1673, and baptized as Calogerus Francescus, that same day in the mother church parish of Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italy, the son of Accursia Naro and her husband Vito Pumilia. (Mouse over and click on his Latin baptism image upper right to enlarge in a new window/tab.)

In 1701 on November 6^th, 13^th and 20^th church banns were read for Francesco to marry 17 year-old Calogera Zinna. They were married at the mother church in Sciacca on November 26, 1701. (Mouse over and click on Francesco's Latin first marriage record image upper left to enlarge in a new window/tab.) They had at least one child, a daughter Angela who was born and baptized as Angela Josepha Anna on February 15, 1709. Three and half weeks later, his wife Calogera died at the age of 25, on March 10, 1709, and was buried in the Sciacca mother church cemetery.

Nine months later on December 27^th, 28^th, and 29^th, banns were read in church for Francesco to marry the widow Domenica Modica. She was born on May 28, 1680, and baptized the next day as Francesca Domenica, also in the mother church parish of Sciacca, the daughter of Filippa Maniscalco and her husband Vito Modica. (Mouse over and click on her Latin baptism image upper middle right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) The now 36 year old Francesco and 29 year-old Domenica were married at the mother church in Sciacca on January 12, 1710. (Mouse over and click on Francesco and Domenica's Latin marriage record image middle left to enlarge in a new window/tab.) Their marriage document doesn’t name their parents. It only names their deceased first spouses names. It is interesting that both Francesco and Domenica were known by their middle names and not their given names that they were baptized with.

When Domenica was 17 years-old church banns were read on July 14^th, 21^st and 22^nd of 1697 for her to marry Tommaso Planeta. They married at the mother church in Sciacca on August 4, 1697. (Mouse over and click on Domenica's first marriage Latin record image lower middle right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) On this marriage document, her parents are listed as master Vito and Filippa Modica, alias Piscitello. Domenica and Tommaso had at least one child together, a daughter Filippa, who was named after her paternal grandmother. She was born on the morning of July 17, 1698, and baptized as Philippa Joanna Rosalia later that same day.

Three mother church baptism records have been found for the children of Domenica and Francesco Pumilia as follows — ancestor Vito was named after both of his grandfathers; daughter Accursia Philippa, named after her paternal grandmother, was born on April 30, 1713, and baptized the next day; and son Aurelius, who was born and baptized on August 12, 1715. They may have had other children in another Sciacca parish, but records are not available for research for this time period.

There is a 1714 Sciacca Rivelo (tax record), which is dated July 28, 1714, for Francesco’s new family. (Mouse over and click on their 1714 Rivelo record image lower left to enlarge in a new window or tab.) It lists his father as the deceased Vito, then Francesco is listed as being 40, but he was 41 at this time, and just Domenica’s given name is recorded as his wife. Then their two children are listed — ancestor Vito is listed as 4 years old, but he was only 3 at this time; and Accursia, who is listed without an age. Their last child, Aurelo was not born yet. It is not known why their children from their previous marriages are not listed, as burial records for them have not been found. It could be that they were raised by relatives. This Rivelo doesn’t have much written on it in the way of taxable property, but it does mention an Angelo Ciulla, who may or may not be related to their son Vito’s future bride Maria Ciulla.

It is documented that Francesco was alive and Domenica was deceased when their son ancestor Vito was married on January 8, 1729. Domenica died at home and was buried in the church cemetery of the the Convent of St. Francisci outside the city, on December 2, 1724. (Mouse over and click on her Latin burial image lower right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) Her mother church burial record lists her as Dominica wife of Francisci Pumilia about 40 years old, but she was actually 44 years old at the time of her death. Unfortunately, a burial record for Francesco has not been found yet, so for now, this is all that is known about them.

Stefano Ciulla was born and baptized on August 1, 1662, in the mother church parish of Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italy, the son of Francesco Ciulla and his wife Maria Buscemi and younger brother to ancestor Filippo. His baptism record is very hard to read due to bleed-through, but the index is much clearer. (Mouse over and click on his Latin baptism image upper right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) He was baptized with the Latin given names of Stephanus Iochim Joseph, in Italian, they would be Stefano Gioachino Giuseppe.

Stefano first married Maria Tramuto, at the mother church in Sciacca on November 22, 1682. She must have died within a year or more of their marriage, because two years later on November 29, 1684, at St. Vito's church, in Sciacca, he married Caterina Petrancosta. Sciacca baptism records for the children of either of these wives have not been found. Caterina died and was buried on August 7, 1693. It is unusual that they were married for over 8 years and no children were baptized in Sciacca.

Over a year later on December 29^th and 31^st of 1693 and January 3^rd of 1694, church banns were read for Stefano to take a third wife. On January 10, 1694, Stefano married Angela Tigano at the mother church in Sciacca. (Mouse over and click on their Latin marriage record image upper left to enlarge in a new window/tab.) Angela was born and baptized as Angila Dominica on the evening of January 7, 1669, also in the mother church parish of Sciacca, the daughter of Francesco Tigano and his wife Vita Luvaro. (Mouse over and click on her Latin baptism image middle right to enlarge in a new window/tab.)

Eight mother church baptism records have been found for the children of Stefano and Angela Ciulla as follows — Antonino Domenico Ignazio was born on September 30, 1695, and baptized the next day; Francesca Theresa Birgitta was born and baptized with the female version of her grandfathers given names, on October 15, 1696; Maria Francesca was born and baptized on April 27, 1698; Ignazio was born and baptized as Joseph Francesco Ignazio on the evening of September 23, 1699; Francesco was born on September 8, 1703, and baptized the next day as Francesco Paulus Marius, after both of his grandfathers; Baldassare Joachim Sylvester was born on December 29, 1706, and baptized the next day, was probably named after Stefano’s brother; ancestor Maria; and almost five years later, on the evening of April 28, 1717, Melchiore Damianus Joseph was born and baptized.

There is a July 5, 1714, Sciacca Rivelo (tax record) for this family that names Stefano’s father, his wife and children, but not his mother. (Mouse over and click on their 1714 Rivelo record image middle left to enlarge in a new window or tab.) On it Stefano is listed as 50 years old, which is incorrect, as he was almost 52 years old at the time. Angela’s given name only is listed next as his wife and then their four children are listed as follows — 12 year-old Ignazio, but he was actually 14 years old; 10 year-old Francesco, which was his correct age; 8 year-old Baldassare, who was actually 7 ½ at the time; and lastly ancestor Maria. Not much is written on this document, so they probably didn’t own much taxable property. The children older than Ignazio were probably married and living somewhere else or they may have died young. Three April 9, 1747, Sciacca Riveli have been found for three of their sons — Ignazio, listed as 40 years old, married Ignazia diMino and had two daughters and two sons, one named Calogero who married ancestor Anna Guardino as her first husband; Francesco is listed as 45 years old, married Accusia and had at least two sons, one named Stefano, and three daughters, one named Angela; and 30 year-old Melchiore who married Maria and had a son Stefano. On all of these 1747 documents, Stefano and Angels’s names are listed as their parents.

It is documented that both Angela and Stefano were still alive when their daughter ancestor Maria was married on January 8, 1729, but they were both deceased on April 9, 1747, the date of their three sons’ Riveli. Stefano died at home and was buried in the church cemetery of the Convent of St. Francesco outside the city, on July 19, 1730. (Mouse over and click on his Latin burial image lower left to enlarge in a new window/tab.) His mother church burial record lists him as Stephanius Ciulla about 66 years old, but he was actually 2 weeks short of his 68^th birthday when he died. Angela lived another 13 years and did not remarry. She died at home and was buried in the mother church cemetery on June 22, 1743. (Mouse over and click on her Latin burial image lower right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) Her mother church burial record lists her as Angela wife of the deceased Stefano Ciulla, about 76 years old, but she was only 74 years old when she died. This is all that is known about them at this time.

Vito Modica was born and baptized on September 9, 1629, in the St. Michele church parish of Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italy, the son of Giuseppe Modica and his wife Angela Licatisi. (Mouse over and click on his Latin baptism church record image upper right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) He is also the brother of Giovanni Modica who married Pietra Galluzzo.

On September 17^th, 21^st and 24^th in 1651, church banns were read for Vito to marry Maria Friscia. A Sciacca baptism record could not be found for her. She was the daughter of Michele Friscia and his wife Vincenza, whose surname is unknown. Vito and Maria married at the St. Michele church in Sciacca on October 8, 1651. (Mouse over and click on their Latin marriage record image upper left to enlarge in a new window/tab.)

There is a 1652 Sciacca Rivelo (tax record) for Vito and Maria dated May 9, 1652. It lists Vito’s age as 20 and confirms his parents as Gios^e et Angela. No children are listed with them, but they were taxed for 2 items. (Mouse over and click on their 1652 Rivelo record image lower right to enlarge in a new window or tab.)

Four St. Michele baptism records have been found for the children of Vito and Angela Modica as follows — first born son, ancestor Giuseppe, was named after his paternal grandfather; daughter Paola was born on January 30, 1663, and baptized the next day as Paula Angela, with her paternal grandmother’s given name as her middle name; Antonino Stephanius was born on the evening of July 8, 1664, and baptized the next day; and Caterina Angela, who was born on the morning of May 4, 1667, and baptized the same day, also with the given name of her paternal grandmother as her middle name. They probably had several other children, but these are the ones whose baptism records have been found to date.

Not much is known about Maria’s parents, Michele and Vincenza, except that they both were alive when their daughter was married in 1651.

Vito died at 38 years old on August 21, 1668, leaving his wife with young children. (Mouse over and click on his Latin burial image lower left to enlarge in a new window/tab.) His burial record is in the St. Michele file and it states he was 40 years old and was buried in the S. Marie de Carmelo cemetery. It is not known if Maria remarried or when she died, but she was alive when her son ancestor Giuseppe was married on February 14, 1679. Unfortunately, nothing else is known about them.

Vincenzo Quartararo was born and baptized as Vincenzius Antonius on the morning of January 7, 1625, in the St. Vito parish of Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italy, the son of Epifania Siragusa and her husband Vito Quartararo. (Mouse over and click on his Latin baptism image upper right to enlarge in a new window/tab.)

On April 12^th, 19^th and 26^th of 1654, church banns were read for Vincenzo to marry Aloysia Chiarello. She was born and baptized on November 29, 1623, in the St. Michele parish of Sciacca, the daughter of Epifania Ognibene and her husband Filippo Chiarello. (Mouse over and click on her Latin baptism image lower right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) Twenty-nine year old Vincenzo and 30 year-old Aloysia were married on April 27, 1654, in the St. Michele church in Sciacca. (Mouse over and click on their Latin marriage record image left to enlarge in a new window/tab.)

Five baptism records have been found for the children of Vincenzo and Aloysia Quartararo in all three Sciacca parishes as follows — Vita Calogera, given the female version of her paternal grandfather’s given name, was born on the evening of March 6, 1655, and baptized the next day in the St. Vito parish; Filippo Gaetano, named after his maternal grandfather, was born on January 21, 1657, and baptized the next day in the St. Michele parish; Paolo was born and baptized as Paulus Calogerus on the morning of April 28, 1659, in the St. Michele parish; ancestor Margarita was baptized in the St. Vito parish; and Epifania Laureniara, named after both of her grandmothers, was baptized as an infant on August 8, 1665, in the mother church parish.

It is not known when Vincenzo and Aloysia died, but it is documented that he was deceased and was still alive when their daughter ancestor Margarita was married on February 25, 1686. For now, this is all that is known about them.

Vito Modica was born on July 22, 1654, and baptized the next day as Joseph Vitus in the St. Michele church parish of Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italy, the son of Geronimo Modica and his wife Rosalia Liotta. (Mouse over and click on his Latin baptism image upper right to enlarge in a new window/tab.)

In 1673 on October 15^th, 22^nd and 28^th, church banns were read for Vito to marry Filippa Maniscalco. She was born on October 28, 1654, and baptized the next day as Filippa Accursia, in the St. Michele church parish of in Sciacca, the daughter of Vincenzo Maniscalco and his wife Calogera Abruzzo. (Mouse over and click on her Latin baptism image middle right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) Vito and Filippa, both 19 years old, were married on November 19, 1673, at the St. Michele church in Sciacca. (Mouse over and click on their Latin marriage record image upper left to enlarge in a new window/tab.) The formal name for this church is St. Michael the Archangel, which is today still standing in the main square of Sciacca.

Vito and Filippa had at least eleven children born in Sciacca. Ten infant baptism records for their children were found, nine at the mother church and their first child at St. Michele’s — Giovanna Maria on November 24, 1674; Calogera Anna Antonia, born on February 29, 1676, and baptized the next day; Anna Maria Rosalia on February 17, 1678, who probably died before her 5^th birthday; ancestor Domenica; Anna Maria Epiphania was born on January 6, 1683 and baptized the next day; Ignazio Antonino Francesco on April 10, 1684; Onofrio as Honuphrius Joseph on December 19, 1689; Vincenzo Carlos Antoninous on March 5, 1692; Accusrio Onofrio Joseph born on March 28, 1693,and baptized the next day; and Calogera Pietra Caterina on November 26, 1697. They had another son named Gaspare, whose baptism record has not been found, but an April 9, 1747, Sciacca Rivelo (tax record), has been found. He is listed as the person being assessed and head of family in the 50s, which means he was the one giving the info and he was born before 1697. From the baptism records of his siblings, he was probably born in 1695. Gaspare’s tax record states his parents names with the title of master for Vito, and notes that they are both deceased. This document is four pages long and lists much property including under beni stabili (non-moveable possessions), a house, land and a courtyard. How much of this property was inherited from his father is unknown.

On two of his daughters, ancestor Domenica and Anna Maria’s, marriage documents Vito is listed with a title and an alias of Piscitello. (Mouse over and click on Anna's Latin marriage record image left to enlarge in a new window/tab. Do the same for ancestor Domenica’s marriage document in her bio above). The title master written before Vito’s name on several different documents means he was a well respected master craftsman.

It is documented that Filippa and Vito were alive when their daughter, Anna was married on January 31, 1700, and deceased by the time of  their son Gaspare’s 1747 Rivelo. Filippa died and was buried in the convent of St Francisco outside the city, on February 1, 1731. (Mouse over and click on her Latin burial image lower right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) Her mother church burial record lists her as Philippa wife of Magi Viti Modica about 86 years old, but she was actually only 76 years old when she died. Vito died and was buried in the St Dominici cemetery on December 7, 1737. (Mouse over and click on his Latin burial image lower left to enlarge in a new window/tab.) His mother church burial record lists him as Master Vitus Modica, about 83 years old, which was his correct age. At this time, nothing else is known about them.

Francesco Ciulla was born and baptized as Carlo Francesco on October 3, 1614, in the mother church parish of Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italy, the son of Vincenza Faraone and her husband Pietro Ciulla. (Mouse over and click on his Latin baptism image upper right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) Francesco was the older brother of ancestor Giovanna who married Carlo Verde and the younger brother of ancestor Giuseppe who married Antonina Sanfilippo.

On January 3, 1634, Sciacca notary Raffaele Bentivegna, recorded a contract for Francesco to marry Maria Buscemi, but her surname was spelled Buxemi. (Mouse over and click on their marriage contract entry left to enlarge in a new window/tab.) She was the only known child of Gaspare Buscemi and his unnamed wife. She could have been born in Sciacca, but a baptism record for her has not been found in all three Sciacca church records, so she may have been born in another town. Two weeks after the contract was filed, church banns were read on January 15^th, 22^nd and 29^th for Francesco and Maria to marry. Nineteen year-old Francesco and Maria were married at St. Vito’s church in Sciacca about a month later on February 26, 1634. (Mouse over and click on their Latin marriage record image left to enlarge in a new window/tab.) They are the parents of two ancestors.

Nine Sciacca baptism records have been found for the children of Francesco and Maria Ciulla, the first at St. Vito’s and the rest at the mother church as follows — eldest son Pietro, named after his paternal grandfather was born on March 29, 1636, and baptized the next day as Pietro Crispinus; Gaspare, named after his maternal grandfather was born and baptized as Salvatore Gaspare on August 7, 1639; Melchiore was born and baptized as Silvester Melchiore on December 31, 1642; Baldassare was born on March 23, 1646, baptized the next day as Baldassare Geronimo, and on his own 1714 Rivelo (tax record), he is married to Anna, who was the daughter of ancestors Vita Luvaro and Francesco Tigano; Anna was born and baptized as Anna Francesca Vincenza on February 18, 1650; Vita Margarita was born on October 25, 1652, and baptized the next day; Vincenzo was born on September 3, 1655, and baptized the next day as Vincenzo Didacus Ignazius; ancestor Filippo; and lastly ancestor Stefano. They may have had other children, but these are the ones who are documented to date.

There is a May 9, 1652 Sciacca Rivelo for this family, which lists his father as deceased Pietro, and an incorrect mother’s name, which looks like an abbreviation for Francesca. (Mouse over and click on their 1652 Rivelo record image lower right to enlarge in a new window or tab.) Then his wife Maria and their five children are listed as follows — 16 year-old Pietro; 12 year-old Gaspare; 7 year-old Baldassar; 8 year-old Melchiore; and lastly Anna, whose age is not recorded. Ancestor Stefano is not on this list because he wasn’t born yet.

Not much is known about Maria’s father, Gaspare. His named spelled both ways is recorded several times in Pellegrino Mortillaro’s Sciacca notary transcriptions, but none can be confirmed as him. There is one that may be for his family, a marriage contract between a Gaspare Buscemi and Melchionella Romuglio on January 23, 1553. The date suggests it may be Gaspare’s father, as the brides name is so similar to ancestor Maria’s son Melchiore. What is known is that Maria’s father, Gaspare, was alive when she married Francesco in 1634.

It is not known when Francesco and Maria died, but they both were deceased by the time their son ancestor Stefano was married for the first time on November 22, 1682. Unfortunately, nothing else is known about them.

Francesco Tigano was baptized in the mother church parish of Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italy, on September 24, 1623, the youngest son of Grazia Restivo and her husband Leonardo Tigano. (Mouse over and click on his Latin baptism image upper right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) Francesco is also the brother of ancestors Giuseppe, Geronimo and Giovanna Tigano.

In 1653 on April 13^th, 14^th and 20^th church banns were read for Francesco to marry Vita Luvaro. She was born on the evening of January 4, 1629, and baptized as Vita Antonina also in the mother church parish of Sciacca, the daughter of Francesca Melfa and her husband Raphael Luvaro. (Mouse over and click on her Latin baptism image upper right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) She is also the sister of ancestor Antonino Luvaro who married Cunsula Giambruno and Luciana Luvaro who married Calogero Sutera. Francesco and Vita married on April 21, 1653, at the mother church in Sciacca. (Mouse over and click on their Latin marriage record image upper left to enlarge in a new window/tab.) It should be noted that on the index of there marriage it says February, but the actual marriage register page clearly states April.

Seven Sciacca mother church baptism records have been found for the children of Francesco and Vita Tigano as follows — Leonardo, named after his paternal grandfather was born and baptized as Leonardo Luciencus on January 2, 1654; Accusia was born and baptized as Accusia Joanna on December 8, 1654; Anna Gaetana was born on December 2, 1657, baptized the next day, and married Baldassare Ciulla, son of ancestors Maria Buscemi and Francesco Ciulla; Rosalia Caietana was born and baptized on October 23, 1660; Anna was born and baptized as Anna Rosalea Cosma on September 27, 1663; Raphael, named after his maternal grandfather was born on March 12, 1666, and baptized the next day as Raphael Augustinus Dominacus; and lastly ancestor Angela.

It is not known for certain when Francesco and Vita died, but it is documented that he was deceased and she was alive when their daughter ancestor Angela was married on January 10, 1694. There is a mother church burial record for Francisus Tigano about 45 years old dated November 7, 1671. (Mouse over and click on his possible Latin burial record lower left to enlarge in a new window/tab.) There is no other identifying information on the record, but this is probably for ancestor Francesco, who would have been 48 years old at that time. A Sciacca burial record for Vita has not been found, so for now, this is all that is known about them.

Vito Quartararo was baptized on October 16, 1594, in the St. Vito parish of Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italy, the son of Angela Galluzzo and her husband Vincenzo Quartararo. (Mouse over and click on his Latin baptism image upper right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) He is also the older brother to ancestor Francesca who married Angelo Santangelo.

On June 25^th, 29^th and July 2^nd of 1617, church banns were read for Vito to marry Epifania Siragusa. She was baptized as Epifania Leonarda on January 5, 1601, in the St Michele parish of Sciacca, the daughter of Pietro Siragusa and his wife Autilla, whose surname is unknown. (Mouse over and click on her Latin baptism middle right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) It should be noted that on church records the Siragusa surname is spelled Saragusa. About a week after the last banns were read, Sciacca notary Andreas Gaudio filed a notarial marriage contract on July 8, 1617 for Vito Quartararo and Epifania Siragusa. (Mouse over and click on their marriage contract entry upper left to enlarge in a new window/tab.) Two days later, on July 10, 1617, 22 year-old Vito married 16 year-old Epifania at the Sciacca St. Michele church. (Mouse over and click on their Latin marriage record image middle left to enlarge in a new window/tab.)

Ten Sciacca baptism records have been found for the children of Vito and Epifania Quartararo. Their first, third, fourth and seventh child were baptized in the St. Michele parish and the others in the St. Vito parish as follows — Vincenzo, named after his paternal grandfather was baptized as Vincenzo Joseph on May 5, 1618, but died at 3 years old on August 12, 1621; Petro Francesco, named after his maternal grandfather, was baptized on January 5, 1620, and married Giacoma Scoma in 1662; Angela, named after her paternal grandmother was born on the evening of October 22, 1621, and baptized the next day, but may have died young; Antonino was born and baptized on August 12, 1622; ancestor Vincenzo; Angela Antonina was born and baptized on January 7, 1627, but she probably died young; Angela Rosalea was born and baptized on August 30, 1628; Maria was born on the evening of September 7, 1636, and baptized as Maria Jacoba the next day; Accursio was born and baptized as Accursius Nicolaus onDecember 8, 1639; and Pietra, who was born on the evening of November 30, 1643, and baptized as Petra Benigna the next day.

It is documented that Vito was alive, but Epifania was deceased on April 27, 1654, when their son ancestor Vincenzo was married. Epifania died and was buried in the St. Michele church cemetery on August 8, 1647. (Mouse over and click on her Latin burial record lower left to enlarge in a new window/tab.) Her St. Michele burial record lists her as Epifania wife of Viti Quartararo about 50 years old, but she was only 46 years old when she died.

Over 13 years later, church banns were read on April 17^th, 18^th and 19^th of 1661 for Vito to marry again. Over 2 weeks later, on May 7, 1661, at the Sciacca St. Vito church, 66 year-old Vito Quartararo, relict of the deceased Epifania Siracusa, married Calogera Lombardo, who was the widow of Melchionis Balletto. (Mouse over and click on Vito's second marriage record image lower right to enlarge in a new window/tab.)

It is not known when Vito died, but it is documented that he was still alive on April 20, 1662, when his son Pietro was married. For now this is all that is known about them.

Filippo Chiarello lived and raised a family in the St. Vito parish of Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italy, the son of Biaggio Chiarello and his unnamed wife. A Sciacca baptism record has not been found for Filippo, but it is likely that his mother was named Aloysia, as Flippo had a daughter with this name. On Filippo’s marriage record his father is listed as Blasi of the St. Michele parish. There was a couple named Blasi and Alosy Chiarello who had children in the St. Michele parish, around the time Filippo would have been born. Because St. Michele baptism records begin in November of 1586, there is a good possibility he was their child, born in or prior to 1586.

On September 2^nd, 8^th and 13^th church banns were read for Filippo to marry Epifania Ognibene. She is the daughter of Giovanni Ognibene and his unnamed wife. A Sciacca baptism record has not been found for Epifano, but it is likely that her mother was Leonarda Leo, as Epifania did name two daughters Leonarda. Epifania could have been born sometime after Giovanni and Leonarda were married in 1591 and before their first recorded child was baptized in 1596.

Filippo and Epifania were married at the Sciacca mother church on September 14, 1620, the day after the last banns were read. (Mouse over and click on their Latin marriage record image left to enlarge in a new window/tab.) Eight Sciacca St. Michele baptism records have been found for the children of Pho and Epifania Chiarello as follows — Margarita was born and baptized on August 5, 1621; ancestor Aloysia was probably named after her paternal grandmother; Leonarda Nunzia was born on March 25, 1625, and baptized the next day, probably named after her maternal grandmother; Rosalia Francesca was born and baptized on November 15, 1626; Leonarda Barbara was born and baptized on December 3, 1628; Biaggio was born and baptized as Blasius Joseph on January 26, 1631, married Maria Quartararo in 1654, the same day as his sister ancestor Aloysia married Maria’s brother, who were the children of ancestors Vito Quartararo and Epifania Siragusa; Calogero was born and baptized as Calogero Joanius on July 3, 1633; and Maria Estelia, who was born on April 13, 1636, and baptized the next day.

In Pellegrino Mortillaro’s book, Andrea Randazzo un notaio storico Volume Primo, there is an entry dated August 18, 1625, that translates in part to an “emphyteutic concession of place in Puzo Calcara by Francesco Piramo to Filippo Chiarello of Biaggio.” This seems to mean that Filippo, who was the son of Biaggio, was granted the right by Francesco Piramo to possess a piece of agricultural land in Puzo Calcara, for as long as he liked, with the condition that he kept it in cultivation. Puzo Calcara was probably a farm land area within or on the outskirts of Sciacca.

It is documented that both Filippo and Epifania were deceased on April 27, 1654, the date their daughter ancestor Aloysia was married. There is a St. Michele burial record dated June 24, 1646, for Epifania Chiarello, about 50 years old, who was buried in the St. Maria di Lillo cemetery in Sciacca. (Mouse over and click on the Latin burial record lower right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) Unfortunately, there is nothing to confirm that this is ancestor Epifania, but this is a good possibility. Her listed age would put her birth to about 1596, but burial record ages are usually just an estimate. If she was in her 50’s when she died, she could have been born within the 1591 to 1596 years, mentioned above. A burial record for Filippo has not yet been found, so for now, this is all that is known about them.

Vincenzo Maniscalco was baptized as Vincenzo Leonardo on March 6, 1618, in the mother church parish of Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italy. (Mouse over and click on his Latin baptism image upper right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) He was the son of ancestors Pietro and Filippa Maniscalco and brother to ancestors Francesca and Pasquale Maniscalco.

In 1642 on January 6^th, 12^th and 19^th church banns were read for Vincenzo to marry Calogera Abruzzo, who was a the widow of Vito Munti. She was born about 1622, the daughter of Blasio and Beatrix Abruzzo, but a baptism record could not be found for her. Calogera married her first husband Vito, when she was about 18 years old, on April 12, 1638, at the St. Michele church in Sciacca. No baptism records have been found for their children. Vito died and Calogera, who was about 20 years old, married 23 year-old Vincenzo at St. Michele’s church in Sciacca on January 26, 1642. (Mouse over and click on their Latin marriage record image upper left to enlarge in a new window/tab.)

Eight Sciacca baptism records have been found for the children of Vincenzio and Calogera Maniscalco. The first, fourth and the sixth child were baptized in the mother church parish of Sciacca, and the fifth, seventh and eighth child in the St. Michele parish of Sciacca. They are as follows — Filippo, given the male version of his paternal grandmother was born and baptized as Phius Petrus Martinus on November 11, 1642; Francesco was born on November 6, 1644, and baptized as Francesco Leonardus, the next day; Pietro, named after his paternal grandfather, was born late on November 24, 1648, and baptized as Petrus Gasparo, the next day; Mattheus Blasius was born and baptized on September 21, 1651; ancestor Filippa; Gaetano was born on October 15, 1659, and baptized as Gaetanus Mattheus the next day; Blasio was born late on February 18, 1662, and was baptized as Blasius Francisco the next day; and Michele, who was born late on August 14, 1664, and was baptized as Michael Marius the next day. It should be noted that on their son Pietro’s baptism, both Vincenzo and his son Pietro are listed as Maniscalco alias Mollarella. That is the same alias Vincenzio’s father Pietro has listed on his burial record and on his brother Pasquale’s wife Filippa’s burial record.

It is documented that Vincenzo and Calogera were still alive when their daughter ancestor Filippa was married on November 19, 1673. Vincenzo died and was buried in the Convent of St. Domenico cemetery on January 25, 1693. (Mouse over and click on his Latin burial image lower left to enlarge in a new window/tab.) His mother church burial record lists him as Vincentius Maniscalco alias Mollarella about 80 years old, but he was actually only 74 years old. Calogera lived another eight years and did not remarry. She died and was buried in the same cemetery as her husband on April 17, 1701. (Mouse over and click on her Latin burial image lower right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) Her mother church burial record lists her as Calogera Maniscalco alias Mollarella wife of the deceased Vincentius about 80 years old. This calculates her birth to about 1622. For now, this is all that’s known about them.

Pietro Siragusa was baptized on July 3, 1562, in the mother church parish of Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italy, the son of Cola Saragusa and his unnamed wife. (Mouse over and click on his Latin baptism image upper right to enlarge in a new window/tab.)

Sometime in or before 1590, Pietro married Autilla, whose ancestry is unknown. A Sciacca church marriage record or contract could not be found for them. What has been found are six St. Michele baptism records for the children of Petro and Autila Saragusa as follows — Vitali Calogero on October 6, 1590; Calogero Jo: on August 12, 1592; Giuseppe as Joseppi Calogero on November 13, 1595; Nicolò, named after his paternal grandfather, was baptized as Nicolas on October 24, 1598; ancestor Epifania; and Francisco, who was baptized on February 15, 1604.

It is documented that Pietro was alive on July 10, 1617, when their daughter ancestor Epifania was married. Autilia died first. She was buried in the St. Dominici church cemetery on September 13, 1636. (Mouse over and click on her Latin burial image left to enlarge in a new window/tab.) Her St. Vito burial record lists her as, Autilia wife of Petri Saragusa 68 years old, which puts her birth to about 1568, but death record ages are usually just an estimate. Six months later, Pietro died and was buried in the St. Vito church cemetery on March 27, 1637. (Mouse over and click on his Latin burial image lower right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) His St. Vito burial record lists him simply as, Petrus Saragusa 68 years old, but he was actually 74 years old when he died. At this time, this is all that is known about them.

Biaggio Chiarello is the documented father of ancestor Filippo. He most likely is the Biaggio who was baptized as Blasi Calogero on April 11, 1568, in the mother church parish of Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italy, the son of Filippo Chiarello and his wife Giovanna, whose surname is unknown. (Mouse over and click on his Latin baptism image right to enlarge in a new window/tab.) This also makes him the older brother to ancestor Calogero.

It is a good possibility that Biaggio’s wife and Filippo’s mother was named Aloysia, as a couple by their names lived and raised a family in the Sciacca St. Michele parish. A marriage contract or church marriage record has not been found for them. What is documented are four St. Michele baptism record for the children of Blasie and Aloysa Chiarello. On these baptism records, Aloysia’s name is sometimes listed as Lisa or Alisa. The baptism dates for their four children are as follows — Vito Andrea on October 24, 1588; Leonarda, who was baptized as Narda Maria on February 16, 1590; Pietro on January 26, 1594; and Calogero on September 19, 1597. A baptism record for ancestor Filippo was not found, but he most likely was their first son, who could have been born and baptized prior to November of 1586, the date that Sciacca St. Michele church baptism records are available for research. Unfortunately, there is no documentation that Aloysia was Filippo’s mother.

It is not known when Biaggio or Aloysia died, but it is documented that Biaggio was deceased when his son, ancestor Filippo was married on September 14, 1620. For now, Biaggio’s wife name and their lives will remain uncertain.