Any info out there on \'Pallotti\' or \'Palotti\'?

by **Gepetto** » 27 Feb 2003, 03:17

Hello! <BR>I\'m new to geneology but am striving in earnest to trace my family\'s lineage. My great-grandfather\'s name was Raphaello Palotti and his family was from Naples/Amalfi area. However, it is believed by many family members that he changed his name--or his name was unintentionally changed at Ellis Island--from a Pallotti with two \'ll\'s to its present-day Palotti (one \'l\' ) spelling. I know this is a common occurence, yet it still makes for a difficult search. How do I begin? <BR>Any thoughts and suggestions are greatly appreciated.

by **ptimber** » 27 Feb 2003, 04:02

go to ellisisland,org website and locate his entry and locate the town of origin and then go to www.paginebianche.it for correct spelling use both spellings. Insert surname(s) in first line and town in third line and click CERCA. If there are others in the town with same last name then they will show up with either spelling and you will know which is correct. Peter.

by **ptimber** » 27 Feb 2003, 07:16

I took the liberty to check out the ellis island website and there is no Raffaele Palotti but there is a Raffaele Pallotti froim Melfi which is in a town in the province of Potenza in the Basilicata region which adjoins the campania region where amalfi is located. There are several Palotti persons but none are named Raffaele and consequently are not related to you. It would be a safe assumption that the name at time of entry was spelled correctly but that after entry into the USA the name was inadvertently changed so immigration authoirities are spared this time! There are no Pallotti in Melfi but you can request documents kfrom there if you wish. Peter

by **Gepetto** » 27 Feb 2003, 23:51

Peter-- <BR>Sorry I did not get back to you sooner, but after I posted my message I all but blindly stumbled onto the Ellis Island site you mentioned in your reply. You were right, Raffaele Pallotti, two ll\'s, on the ship Luisiana December 8th, 1911. I can\'t thank you enough for the information you\'ve sent. I\'ve read a few other posts; your valuable knowledge is indispensible. Do I now go ahead and write to the Ufficio di Stato Civile Comune de Melfi for his records? <BR>Kevin

by **ptimber** » 28 Feb 2003, 00:56

Yes and I assume since you did not ask that you have all the pertinent information. Peter