American name??

[Violam]

My Grandfather's name in Italy was, Angelo (J) or (G) Marchese..in America he was also known as Charles (J. G.) Marchese..how can I find if he changed it leaglly? When and where?

[johnnyonthespot]

The only "legal" name change you are likely to find is on his naturalization papers - if he naturalized.

The name used at the top of both the Declaration of Intent and the Petition for Naturalization can be thought of as his "American name". Further down on both of these documents is a section in which he certifies that he entered the US legally in such-and-such city via such-and-such means (usually the name of a ship) on a particular date and under the name of...

So, in other words, you might see his "American" name at the top of the forms and his "Italian" name further down. I have known consulates to accept this as proof of name and/or spelling change in citizenship cases.

By the way, very early naturalization documents - prior to 1905 or so - may not include all of this information.

[Violam]

This is super, thatnk you! Funny story. When I found out (death. cert.) that our 'Pa's' name was Angelo, I called my Mom (she passed a few months ago) and told her and she was like, "oh no Linda S. he is Charles"..thats how they really knew him..this is all too cool..Im getting more n more papers. Trying to figure the best way to keep them all..have a great day:-)