Children of "unknown mothers" and a known father - explanations?

[sunfish9]

I've read this interesting article: https://www.italiangenealogy.com/articl ... e-marriage

but I've run across a case from Naro, Sicily circa 1880-1895 that seems a little unusual.

I've found a man, whose death record says he died a bachelor (celebe), who is listed as the father of record for at least three children (two boys, one girl) I've found so far. In each case, the child was born in his home, to an "unknown mother" who was not married to him, not related, etc. He was in his 30s/early 40s at the time of the births, and worked as a plasterer. He died when the younger boy was age 3; the girl was age 13.

The "unknown mother" status followed the girl on to her two civil marriage records in Sicily (she was widowed quite young and remarried, over the objection of the groom's mother the second time around).

The girl and one of the boys emigrated (separately) to the US eventually. The girl also went home several times for visits. The passenger lists mention that each of them had been staying at the home of a woman (same name each time) referred to as their mother. I haven't found a civil record yet that links the name of this woman to the children.

It seems odd that a single working man would adopt multiple children, unless he had a female relative who could help as a mother figure (the woman on the passenger lists, maybe?). Alternatively, I suppose he might have had only a church marriage that wasn't acknowledged in the civil records, but the linked article suggests that that wasn't the norm in Sicily.

Am I missing other possibilities? I'd appreciate any insights folks may have.

[PippoM]

In my opinion, there are two possibilities:

1) they had only a church marriage that wasn't acknowledged in the civil records; though the linked article suggests that that wasn't the norm in Sicily, it was possible, however

2) mother had a previous marriage, but was not a widow; so, they could not officially get married, though they lived together

[Italysearcher]

There is an article on my website that might help you understand the situation better.