I’ve come across a dead end in my tree, a man born in Grotte, about 1823, named Salvadore Esposto Tascarella. Upon further research, it appears Esposto means “abandoned,” and was often used as a last name for abandoned children.
I’m not sure how to find records on abandoned children from that era, if there are any. What I’m trying to find out is if the Tascarella name came from a foster family, or was made up at the time he was baptized, or (slim chance) from his real family. Has anyone come across this before? Any advice?
Foundling Records - Sicily
Re: Foundling Records - Sicily
http://dl.antenati.san.beniculturali.it ... ewsIndex=0
Here's an 1823 birth record in the town of Grotte for a Salvadore Esposto found on the wheel for abandoned children. It just states he was of unknown parents. The 70 year old woman who presented him at the town hall was the custodian of the wheel. Her name was Stefana Ingrao. There is no reference to the surname Tascarella in this record.
Here's the 1843 marriage record
http://dl.antenati.san.beniculturali.it ... ewsIndex=0
The name Tascarella is lightly written in after Esposto on the first page (left column), but he is still said to be of unknown father and unknown mother. Also consent for him to marry was given by a priest of some commission, as Salvadore was a minor. No explanation in the record that I see as to why Tascarella was added, and even the consent was only given to Salvadore Esposto. The Tascarella is not added in that part of the record.
Here's an 1823 birth record in the town of Grotte for a Salvadore Esposto found on the wheel for abandoned children. It just states he was of unknown parents. The 70 year old woman who presented him at the town hall was the custodian of the wheel. Her name was Stefana Ingrao. There is no reference to the surname Tascarella in this record.
Here's the 1843 marriage record
http://dl.antenati.san.beniculturali.it ... ewsIndex=0
The name Tascarella is lightly written in after Esposto on the first page (left column), but he is still said to be of unknown father and unknown mother. Also consent for him to marry was given by a priest of some commission, as Salvadore was a minor. No explanation in the record that I see as to why Tascarella was added, and even the consent was only given to Salvadore Esposto. The Tascarella is not added in that part of the record.
