Surname Portello

[Wren]

I am at stand still. My grandparents emigrated from Calabria Italy in 1907 according to the 1930 census. I am looking for their marriage record and a birth record for their son James who was born in Italy around 1906. My grandparents name were Eduardo and Rosillia Portello. I cannot even find them in the ship manifests. Any help would be greatly appreciated

[Biff83]

Hello Wren and Welcome!

Can you verify the following records?

Possible SSDI record
Social Security Death Index
Name: James Portello
SSN: 151-03-xxxx
Last Residence: 89102 Las Vegas, Clark, Nevada, United States of America
Born: 15 Oct 1905
Died: 9 Aug 1995
State (Year) SSN issued: New Jersey (Before 1951)

Possible 1930 census for reference
Name: James Portello
Home in 1930: West Paterson, Passaic, New Jersey
Age: 24
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1906
Birthplace: Italy
Relation to Head of House: Stepson
Mother's Name: Rosillia

Household Members: Name Age
Janermo Matteo 52
Rosillia Matteo 44
James Portello 24
William Portello 21
Theresa Portello 18
Thomas Portello 17
Joseph Portello 14

Biff

[Wren]

Yes that is the 1930 Census Record that I found. Edward Portello died in 1917. I guess my great grandmother remarried Janermo Matteo. I have verified that is my grandfathers family. His name was Thomas Portello.
Some of my grandfathers brother moved to Las Vegas so that may well be his SSDI record.

This is amazing that I got a response to quickly. Thank you

[Biff83]

Wren,

I believe this is the manifest for your grandmother (actual name Ersilia not Rosillia) and son James nee Vincenzo.

1906 manifest for Ersilia Fiorellino and son Vincenzo Portella
Lines 6 and 7
Last residence and place of birth for both: Fagnano Castello, province of Cosenza, region of Calabria
Destination: Paterson NJ to join husband/father Eduardo Portella
Above Image from EllisIsland.org.

Same 1906 manifest as above--image from Ancestry

Biff

[Biff83]

1910 census
Name: Eduardo Portella
Age in 1910: 25
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1885
Birthplace: Italy
Relation to Head of House: Head
Father's Birth Place: Italy
Mother's Birth Place: Italy
Spouse's Name: Ersilia
Home in 1910: Paterson Ward 6, Passaic, New Jersey
Eduardo Portella 25
Ersilia Portella 23
Vincenzo Portella 4
Maria Portella 2
Guerrino Portella 1

Biff

[Wren]

I agree with you that that is my family. I looked at the 1930's census and the ages work out. I wonder why the name changes between 1910 census and 1930 census. Thank you so much for your quick response.

[Biff83]

Address to write for birth and marriage records for Ersilia Fiorellino and son Vincenzo Portella, and for Eduardo Portella.

Ufficio dello Stato Civile
Comune di Fagnano Castello
Via Garibaldi
87013 Fagnano Castello (CS)
ITALY

Interactive Form Letter
http://www.circolocalabrese.org/resourc ... civile.asp

Biff

[Biff83]

1905 manifest for Eduardo Portella line 19
Last residence: Fagnano Castello
Destination: Paterson NJ, 38-40-42 Cross Street (same address as destination on Ersilia and Vincenzo's 1906 manifest)

Biff

[Biff83]

Wren,

Records for Fagnano Castello are available for order at the Family History Centers for the period 1809-1910. These records are in Italian.
List of records available for Fagnano Castello

How to find a local Family History Center

Italian Record Research Guide

A few books which will help you read and interpret the records:
Italian Genealogical Records: How to Use Italian Civil, Ecclesiastical, &
Other Records in Family History Research by Trafford R Cole

A Genealogist’s Guide to Discovering Your Italian Ancestors by Lynn Nelson

Finding Italian Roots by John Philip Colletta, PhD

Essay by Forum member Trish on locating/ordering film from the Family History Centers

Biff

[Biff83]

A couple of sites (both in Italian) with information, photos, etc. on Fagnano Castello:

Official website for the comune of Fagnano Castello

Voce Libera Fagnano

Biff