GGF - Very complicated, walls everywhere!

[debbiemfitalian]

Hi all,

On his marriage record in New York City in 1905, my GGF Ambrogio Bianchi, claims to be 38 and was born in Bisuschio, Varese, Lombardy, putting his birth at 1867. His parents were Agostino and Maria (no maiden name given). A search of the parish records for 1860-1870, did not result in his baptism record. But a search did uncover a marriage in 1860 of an Agostino Bianchi & Maria Bianchi, who we think are his parents, but can't be certain without his record. After the birth of a daughter in 1861, there are no further records of this Agostino & Maria in Varese, so apparently they relocated. They were stonecutters.

I have every census record for my GGP in NYC, and in each record Ambrogio claims a different age and different immigration date. We believe he was born in 1862-1863, which puts his actual age at 43 when marrying. His death certificate in 1943 states his birthday as December 4, 1862. Information given by his son. So, this date may be accurate. But census records vary from 1862-1870.

I have searched every Ambrogio Bianchi that came through Ellis Island, but with so many conflicting dates and ages that he has given, I can't determine with certainty which is him, as there are a few born between 1860-1870.

I have read that he would have to have filled out paperwork in Italy and get approved to travel to the US. Is this the case? I have not seen any references to papers filed in Italy before immigrating, nor a way to search for them. Would these papers be held at the commune archives or state archives? Any information regarding the filing of papers in Italy, authorizing travel would be greatly appreciated!

Even if I can't find his baptism record, I am trying to verify that Agostino Bianchi & Maria Bianchi are his parents, because then at least we can go back in time.

Thank you for any help you can provide!
Debbie

[Italysearcher]

Most emigrants travelled with some kind of document. Passport, identity card, foglio di via etc. These were issued by the town and it is unlikely you can still find copies of identity cards although passports are to be found for some areas. The ship manifest was made up from these travel documents which is why it is important to locate this. The spelling of the surname, first name etc is accurate. (even if the indexer didn't get it right) the age can be off by one year. The town of birth and residence is usually accurate.

[debbiemfitalian]

Hi Ann,

Thanks for your help. I know its a long shot, but I am trying all of those, at this point! All the manifests of the potential Ambrogio's only state Italy, or the two from Ferentino, as last residence. Unfortunately, they all just state the last residence, and not the birthplace. So, that's why I thought I might try for the travel papers from Italy.

[Italysearcher]

Unfortunately you still have to know the town of birth!

[debbiemfitalian]

Yes, its very unfortunate all the manifests just state Italy, and then last residence. No town of birth ! I can live with not knowing exactly when he came over if I had to, as none of the manifest gave place of birth, so it wouldn't be giving me any additional information, even if I could determine which one was my GGF.

I am just trying to tie them to the families we found, so I can definitively know they are my family. As neither one of my GGP's had a baptism record where they stated they were born!