Gizzi & Vitagliano families from possibly Lucera, Foggia

hughie · Inscrit le: 02 Jan 2012 Messages: 2

Hi out there
I have hit a road block on our family tree. Looking for any help if you are willing and able.
Tommaso Gizzi immigrated to USA from departing city named Napoli. Listed as born Lucera 1874. His last name on manifest listed as Prizzi but his name is Gizzi. Do not have any name for his father. Family rumors suggest he may of been adopted or involved in shady stuff in Italy?
Who he listed as his Mother on US census was Teresa Vitagliano. She immigrated from Italy to USA c1915 and was listed as married aged 19 and born 1849. However, we have no record of her coming to US with her husband whoever he was. We wonder is she raised Tommaso out of wed lock on her own possibly. Another rumor in the family was she was a maid for someone in Lucera area and became pregnant by the man of the house. But if that is the case, where did she pull the name Gizzi from for Tomaso. As you can see it is very gray and I am at a loss on how to proceed. Any help or input appreciated.
Regards
Hugh
Sorry, I do not read or write Italian.

Tatanna · Inscrit le: 04 Mar 2008 Messages: 123 Localisation: Italy

Babies born out of wedlock in Italy were often registered with no parents names names as if they were abandoned even if they were returned to the natural mother. The Mayor invented a surname not found in the town.
You can read more about this on my blog
angelresearch.wordpress.com
_________________
Ann Tatangelo
angelresearch.net
Civil and parish research in Lazio Region, tours, citizenship certificates.

hughie · Inscrit le: 02 Jan 2012 Messages: 2

Thanks Ann

Tatanna · Inscrit le: 04 Mar 2008 Messages: 123 Localisation: Italy

I just reread your post. Italian women do not change their surname on marriage so she would have travelled under her own birth surname even if she was married and travelling with her husband.
You said that the ship manifest showed Prizzi. Is that your interpretation of the handwriting or the transcribers? If you want a professional opinion try lostquays @ ymail.com. She is amazing at sorting out immigration issues.
_________________
Ann Tatangelo
angelresearch.net
Civil and parish research in Lazio Region, tours, citizenship certificates.