Currently, I'm trying to iron out the path the Pagano line took from Ventimiglia, Sicily, to New York City where they settled. There were two Pagano men that originally traveled from Ventimiglia in 1892: Salvatore and Vito Pagano. Their port of arrival was New Orleans, where many Sicilian immigrants traveled. Salvatore and Vito were close in age so I had assumed they were brothers, but I found Sicilian records that indicated they were not brothers...perhaps cousins? That is a fact yet to be discovered. Somehow both men ended up in New York City prior to 1896. I do not know how they got there or what precipitated their move from New Orleans north. More than likely it was work related. Family stories indicate that they worked in the sugar cane fields in New Orleans. Perhaps farming yet again in their new home was just more than they wanted to deal with.
I know that both men were "birds of passage" that returned to Sicily to retrieve their wives and younger children. Where are the records tracing these arrivals by in Sicily? The United States did not begin to record individuals leaving the United States until 1908. How do I track their return trips?
4 comments:
I have definitely been finding "birds of passage" among my husband's Sicilian and Neapolitan ancestors, but I only have the records of the trips to this country to document that fact - I would also be curious to know about return trips if you find anything out.
I have a great great grandfather who came to the U.S. from Germany and then went back to his wife. They had their children once here in the U.S. I have had the darnedest time finding him on passenger lists. Luckily have his photos and living relatives who have written information down. Passenger lists kind of drive me crazy.
I'm enjoying your blog, Heather! My mom was born in Sicily, and came here when she was just four (in 1934). My grandfather had come to the U. S. originally in the '20s, then returned home to marry his wife. He returned to the U. S. and didn't get to see his wife and child until they came a few years later! Talk about tribulation...
Jennifer-
I'm so glad you are enjoying the blog! I love doing Sicilian research...even though it is not my family, but my husband's line instead. The idea that they were part of the massive migration to America and set up lives that eventually brought my husband to me is wonderful to think about...but also daunting. The idea of being away from your family for an extensive time in a foreign country is a disconcerting thought. But I am sure glad they did so! Thanks for reading!
Post a Comment