Italian Birth Certificate

[lcolella]

Ciao a tutti!

I have searched extensively, and have not been able to find what I'm looking for, so turning to you to help.

My ancestor, Antonio Menichiello (Diminickell/Manichello/Minigell), was born in Grottaminarda, Italy in 1869. I have all of the documentation for him including birth record, marriage record, naturalization records, death record, etc.

His wife, Domenica (Dimenica/Marke/Margie/Margaret/Margaret) Colarusso (Coloruss/Coldruser/Ross), was born somewhere around Jan 1870 or March 1871. Parents on marriage certificate are listed as Mickello and Giovanetta. According to Antonio's naturalization certificate, she was born in Grottaminarda (though he seemed to be confused with other details he wrote like writing his birthday in place of hers on intent) or Campobasso, Italy (as listed on her death certificate). I've contacted both of these communes, and neither have her birth certificate.

She may have immigrated on ship Cachemire (as Antonio also did) or sometime in or before the year of 1894.

Ideally, I'd find Domenica's birth certificate, but would also be happy to have her immigration record as perhaps that will point me in the right direction.

Appreciate any help you can provide! Grazie mille!

[PippoM]

Hello, just one question...Were they married in Italy, or somewhere else?

[lcolella]

They were married in Haverhill, MA in US. Grazie!

[Tessa78]

Here is a possible arrival in 1901 of Domenica's parents (with some siblings) - leaving Frosolone, and going to Haverhill MA
They state that they have 2 sons and 4 daughters in US - going to son Antonio in Haverhill.
https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/74 ... PUBJs=true

Michele Colarusso in the New York, Passenger Lists, 1820-1957

Name: Michele Colarusso
Arrival date: 13 Mar 1901
Birth Date: abt 1845
Age: 56
Gender: Male
Ethnicity/ Nationality: Italian
Port of Departure: Naples, Italy
Port of Arrival: New York, New York
Ship Name: Hesperia

T.

[lcolella]

Tessa78 - you are amazing. Truly I cannot express my thanks. I believe you are right and these are very likely the same people. I am going to contact Frosolone commune today to see if they have Domenica's birth certificate. I live in Florence, Italy and would love to remain in Italy as a dual citizen, so this means the world to me. My birthday was yesterday when you responded, and this is the best gift I could have asked for! If I can do anything at all for you, please let me know. Grazie mille!

[Tessa78]

Tessa78 - you are amazing. Truly I cannot express my thanks. I believe you are right and these are very likely the same people. I am going to contact Frosolone commune today to see if they have Domenica's birth certificate. I live in Florence, Italy and would love to remain in Italy as a dual citizen, so this means the world to me. My birthday was yesterday when you responded, and this is the best gift I could have asked for! If I can do anything at all for you, please let me know. Grazie mille!

Here is a link to an index of Alien Case Files
Domenica Colarusso
United States Index to Alien Case Files, 1940-2003
Name: Domenica Colarusso
Event Type: Immigration
Birth Date: 04 Aug 1871
Affiliate Record Identifier: 5034346
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK8J-YY3F

It MAY be that Domenica was naturalized, or began the process.
You can request a copy of her A-file from NARA at this site.
https://www.archives.gov/research/immig ... -city.html

T.

[lcolella]

Thanks! I had actually found that A-file and contacted NARA Kansas City about it before. Below is the info they had shared. I'm not sure if it's her for a few reasons. She passed in 1939 in Salem, MA and I was told that A-files didn't start until early 1940's, so she shouldn't have an A-file. I'm also not aware of her ever living in Providence, RI. In 1935 when Antonio started naturalization paperwork, he listed Domenica as his wife, so I would expect she was still living in Salem, MA area with him. For the last name DiNunzio, I suppose she could have married in Italy once before, and came in to US as DiNunzio which is why it's been so hard to find her immigration record. Though typically Italian women don't take husband's last name. So more likely she was born DiNunzio and became Colarusso through marriage. What do you think?

Domenica Maria Colarusso
Entered the U.S. under the name Domenica DiNunzio
Born: August 4, 1871 in Frosolone, Compobasso, Italy
First entered the U.S. on December 4, 1891 at New York, N.Y.
Residence: Providence, Providence, Rhode Island

[Tessa78]

I think you just have to keep looking for additional documentation to verify or dismiss the information found so far.

Requesting her birth act from Frosolone should provide some insight.

Happy journey!

T.

[lcolella]

Tessa78 - I wanted to tell you the good news! I e-mailed Frosolone commune yesterday and they e-mailed me her birth certificate today! Born Domenica Colarusso on January 1, 1872 in Frosolone, Italy. This has been a mystery to me for months so THANK YOU again for your help!

[Tessa78]

Fantastic news!

Happy to have helped

T.