Profession of a 2nd GGF

[TerraLavoro]

One of my 2x GGFs was born in Naples (Chiaia) in 1832, then moved with his parents to Ischia as a small child.

In his marriage record (1859 in Forio), his profession is "facendiere".

In the records of birth of his children, the profession is either "commerciante", "negoziante", or "possidente", depending on the child. All of the children's birth records are in Forio.

I know the literal translation of these professions, but is there anything colloquial to know? Especially with respect to "facendiere".... I mean is it pejorative in a way?

Thanks for any ideas.

[suanj]

The "faccendiere" in the current language identifies a person who performs tasks, that is, carries out any task on behalf of the his boss.. or more bosses.
Usually the faccendiere is one who speaks and find contracts, looking for business on behalf of the his boss ... we could say a factotum... it is neither improving nor pejorative, depending on the business it does for its boss... the "faccende" are the various things, various tasks... the faccendiere is a trustworthy person... all depend from who his is boss, if a good person or bad person... hoping helpful,
suanj

[TerraLavoro]

Suanj, thank you for your reply. I note well your spelling (with 2 c) of faccendiere, but in the records I have seen, it is always spelled with only 1 c, perhaps using “napoletano” spelling?

Anyway, I have no reason to suspect this ancestor of any underhanded professional acitivity, but some definitions that I have come across descibed the work as “fixer” or “deal maker” with an implication that seemed not entirely above-board, but I do appreciate your opinion as a native-speaker. Thanks again!

[suanj]

Hi, the right spelling in italian Language is faccendiere, and the word coming from faccenda (task); in latin the same word was "facienda" with 1 "c" and the "i" after.. so facendiere I believe.... old italian Language....
best regards,
suanj

[TerraLavoro]

Thank you again suanj.