Discovering more about an abandoned or orphaned ancestor

[teresa_t28]

Hello from Canada! Does anyone have any tips to find out more information about abandoned or orphaned ancestors in Italy? My great-grandfather Raffaele Trovato lived in Albi, Catanzaro, Italy until his death circa 1927. My family recently learned that he was orphaned or abandoned, and would like to learn more about him, but don’t know where to start. We don’t know much about him because he passed away when my grandfather was very young, only 2 years old. He was likely born around 1880-1885, but we don’t know where or when his birthday is. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Farassino]

Hi Teresa,
Could you tell more regarding Raffaele?
Wife, children. Any details you know.
Thanks

[teresa_t28]

His wife was Maria Spagnolo. We don’t know when she was born, but she passed away on March 15, 1943 in Albi, Catanzaro, Calabria. He had three sons Salvatore, Nicola and my grandfather Felice (born March 8, 1925) and I believe two daughters. My grandfather was their youngest child.

[Farassino]

Do you know where and when the first child was born?

I’ve found Nicola in Albi in 1910. Raffaele was 30yo.

[Tessa78]

According to the 10-year index for marriages Raffaele Trovato and Maria Spagnolo were married in 1904 - Record #16.

I searched the marriages, but apparently the 1904 records are not there (unless I missed it)
I will take another look.

https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903 ... 789&i=2001

T.

[teresa_t28]

Thank you so much to you both for your help! The oldest child was Salvatore Trovato, we believe his birthday might be March 14, 1911 and he was born in Albi, Catanzaro, Calabria, Italy. If it helps Salvatore married Carmella Corea born October 11, 1911 and she passed away December 27, 1980 in Albi.

Very exciting about the marriage record! Does it say the month or day in 1904 or have their parents names?

[Tessa78]

Unable to locate the marriage.
No date, just the record #16

Here is a son born in 1910 to Raffaele Trovato, age 30, mason, and to Maria Spangnolo, his wife.
Born on 3 January 1910.
Given the name NICOLA
Record #2
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903 ... cc=2043789

Another son...Felice...born 12 July 1905.
#35
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903 ... cc=2043789

A daughter...Teresa...born 21 October 1907
#31
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903 ... cc=2043789

T.

[teresa_t28]

Thank you so much! I truly appreciate the time you have taken to help me learn more about my great-grandparents.

These records are so interesting. My grandfather Felice Trovato was born on March 8, 1925 in Albi, Catanzaro, Calabria, Italy. I wonder if they had an older son also named Felice that maybe passed away? Do you have a birth record for Maria Spagnolo?

[Tessa78]

Possible birth act for Maria Spagnolo in 1881.
In the birth act I posted for her daughter Teresa Trovato above, Maria is listed as the daughter of Salvatore... This matches.

#18
Dated 5 July...birth on 4 July
Father : Salvatore Spagnolo
Mother: Teresa Parrotta, his wife.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903 ... cc=2043789

Online records are only available through 1910.
It is likely that the first son Felice (b. 1905) died, and the son born in 1925 was given the name.
I did not find a death in the records through 1910.

T.

[teresa_t28]

This is amazing! Thank you so much! Would there be a birth record for Raffaele in 1880 if he was orphaned or abandoned?

[teresa_t28]

Do you know if a birth record might be online for Salvatore Spagnolo from 1847 or Teresa Parotta? Would they have a marriage record online too?

[Tessa78]

I was unable to find a birth act for Rafael Trovato in Albi.

As to Salvatore Spagnolo... Birth acts seem to be unavailable from 1824 through 1866.

Here is the marriage act of Salvatore Spagnolo and Teresa Parrotta in 1876.
#11 - dated 30 December
Groom: Salvatore Spagnolo, 31, laborer, son of deceased Nicola, and [living] Maria Marchio
Bride: Teresa Parrotta, 33, spinner, daughter of deceased Nicola, and of deceased Rocca Scolastica.
Both bride and groom born in Albi.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903 ... cc=2043789

A brother to Maria...Giovanni Spagnolo born 27 April 1880
#24
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903 ... cc=2043789

T.

[teresa_t28]

Thank you so much! I truly appreciate your help. Do you have any idea where to start to try to find out more about Raffaele Trovato’s parents?