Italy/Sicily census records

[MattH]

Steve,
The thought hit me earlier today that one resource that could potentially help are military records. I read online that this resource could be especially helpful with finding out Felice Santangelo's birth date, parent's names, etc. Being that I am not very knowledgeable about this particular area, what is your experience? Is it just a matter of writing to the archives in Palermo?
Just as a reminder, we think he was born around 1855 +/- 5 years. We know for sure that he was born in Bagheria.
Let me know your thoughts about this.

[steve62]

Hi Matt,
I am still waiting for Palermo Archives on the last the questions.  Military Records - you've got me on that one and I will need to look into that, but there again they will want a date I think.  As far as I know the archives checked several years -/+ for Felice.  Will try again to see what they can find.
Its going to be a couple of weeks before you hear from me as I am off to the UK on Friday, unless I hear something before hand.


Steve

[steve62]

Matt,
Just back to Italy after two weeks in the UK.
Palermo Archives have said to write to Palermo BMD for info on Felice Santangelo b. 1892.
 section Santa Ninfa.  Also told me in Trapani there is a Santa Ninfa.
Also said write ti Palermo BMD for birth info on Anna Vecchia b. 1892 Palermo and any adoption records they may have.
Done it and waiting for a reply.

Steve

[MattH]

Steve,
Great to hear back from you! I hope something comes up that might be helpful. Did you ever figure out how to go about finding about military records? These might be helpful when it comes to people like Felice Santangelo.
Here's hoping these mysteries will be solved!

[steve62]

Matt,
Just got a reply from Palermo and there is no records of Felice Santangelo 1892, nor taking a few years either side.  The same applies to Anna Vecchia.   Zilch in regard to adoption and the College.  Tried Trapani,  but the same answer.
So I am lost on these two, unless ypu have other info or ideas.

Steve

[MattH]

Steve,
Thanks for the update. The birth year for Felice should have been around 1853-1860, not 1892. Maybe I gave you the wrong date for him.
The only other thing I think might be good to look for would be the military record for Felice. My guess is that he would have to have completed his military service, since it was required for all Italians to serve military time at the age of 18 since 1865. That means that he would have served some time between 1870 and 1880, give or take a couple of years.
According to Italian military websites (see below my message for the sites), it says that you should look for the following records: Foglio Matricolare (I think also called Registro dei Foglie Matricolari), Registro di Leva, and Folglio di Congedo Illmitato.
One site says that the military records are housed at the provincial archives. Since he was from Bagheria, I guess that would be Palermo, correct? Would it be possible for you to maybe write and see what they say? I think even he if he was exempt from serving in the military, it may still provide some answers.
I'm really especially hopeful that this will answer the parentage questions, since they seem to be very biographical records. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

Sites: http://www.progenealogists.com/italy/italianmilitary.htm
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~itawgw/contents/records/military_records.html

[steve62]

Matt,
Thanks for info.  Already have the info, but did not write because of dates.  There is no e-mail address, so I will be writing a letter.  That means it will take a few weeks.
Hopefuly this will settle the outstanding questions and lead to more info from then onwards.

Steve

[MattH]

Steve,
I'm okay with the wait period. I look forward to hearing what you have found soon. Take care!

[MattH]

Steve!
Hopefully this message will reach you before you send that letter for military records. My contact here in the US is wanting you to add a few more names to the list. I guess this only seems logical since it takes so long to hear back from the archives. The names are:
1. Pietro Martorana (or Martorano): born around 1856 (+/- 5 years) in Palermo. This is the same one you worked on earlier. He would have served in the military from sometime between 1874-1885.
2. Alfred Martorana (or Martorano): son of Pietro. I don't have a birth year for him, but it is probably 1885 (+/- 5 years) in Palermo. He actually stayed in Italy while the rest of his siblings came to the US around 1913. My guess is that he served in the military from sometime between 1900-1910.
Hopefully I caught you just in time!