Translation Help

THESPOT1 · Post by **THESPOT1** » 06 May 2003, 23:37

Can someone help with translation of the following: It is written on a prayer card.

Cara fratello si
niev; questa santina
della Madonna della Catena
Se lo deve sentenare
di tutte le fericolis;
In Legno di affetto sua cara sorella...signed by Maira Marietta

If someone can help with this...I have 5 other cards with writings that may help end the search for my Grandfather's Italian(Sicilian)ast name.

Thanks...Dick Meyers

ptimber · Post by **ptimber** » 06 May 2003, 23:53

While there may be some other places connected to the "Madonna Della Catena" there is one place in the town of Laurignano, Postale 87040, Province of Cosenza, Calabria region. If you rpovide me with the name of your grandfather it might be possible to connect the two. Laurignano is just across the straits of Messina and it is more than likely Siciulkian sounding names would also be found in Calabria. Please let me know the name so that we can cross check that with his arrival information into the USA thru www.ellisisland.org website or some other USA port. You may also wish to review the Madonna Della Catena, Italy putting that title in the head of the websitge at www.google.com for all references to the Madonna Della Catena. Peter

THESPOT1 · Post by **THESPOT1** » 07 May 2003, 02:34

Peter....the name of my Grandfather...IS the objective of my search. It has been a challenge to say the least. As my first memo stated...he came to US in 1899 according to his responses to the 1910 US Census. He listed himself as an Alien. His father is listed as Italian. I've searched 1900 Census...and have not found: John Frank Meyers. That is why the interpretation/translation of these "Prayer Cards" is so very important to me. I think/feel that there is a last name connection...be it: Marietta, Mattia or Maira...please interpret this first card as written if you can. My Grandfather had three brothers...Vincent, Frank and Angelo and a sister who I think wrote the prayer cards and signed them Maira...Thank
You...Dick

P.S....does Maira translate to Maria is some parts of Italy??

ptimber · Post by **ptimber** » 07 May 2003, 04:34

what name did he use in the 1900 census so that I understand clearly. Was he adopted and if so, do you have any information, however slight about that possiblity? Was your grandfather a naturalized US citizen? Please give me the story from the beginning so that it makes sense to someone who knows nothing about you or your family so that I can understand. Starting with the person who first came to the USA in your family.

For your information Maira is not in common usage in Italy as a first name and is not associated with Maria. Sorry Peter