Why would the father not be known on this birth record?

[turkeytrot]

This birth record for Venera Puglia from the comune of Mongiuffi Melia from April 1844 lists the father as being unknown ("Padre Ignoto"). Likewise, Venera's marriage record from 1888 says her father is unknown too. I'm curious as to why the father would be unknown when the mother is clearly known and listed.

Because the father is still unknown at the time of her civil marriage some 44 years later and because she took on her mother's last name at birth, I assume the father was never in the picture. Venera does likely have a younger (half?) brother named Silvestro Puglia, but I can't find any official records for him yet.

Theories:

1. The mother was raped by an unknown assailant
2. The mother knew who the father was but was ashamed/forced not to say

Birth Record: http://dl.antenati.san.beniculturali.it ... d=28814694

Marriage Record: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903 ... cc=1887904

Thoughts? Additional theories?

[adelfio]

Father could have been a public offical or a priest that why was not recognized

Marty

[Italysearcher]

The law stated that if the couple were not married only one could 'recognise' the child even if the couple were living together and even if they were married in the church only. This continues in all official documents until the couple marries civilly and formally recognises the child.
It could also have been for the reasons you stated BUT I believe in those cases the child would have been abandoned.

[turkeytrot]

Father could have been a public offical or a priest that why was not recognized

Interesting...was there a thing against public officials having children?

[adelfio]

Already married ??

Marty

[turkeytrot]

Oh, as in a public official had an affair?