Hi Carole, The folks at Commune di Pieve di Cadore have come through with a response. It looks awfully interesting (wish I could read Italian). I originally sent two requests and included four of the stamps you sent me (two in each request). They combined the requests and returned their response with three of my stamps unused and enclosed. Very nice people those Italians. Bottom line however, I think your stamp service expedited the entire process. I feel that making an effort to help out in even the most minor way paid off when the requests were prioritized. Yes, THE STAMPS DID IT!

Now however I am faced with the usual problem. Would you kindly translate the attached document (two pages)? I will fill you in on the England situation (James Blackwell) in another topic. Thanks for your interest.

File was too large...

Four glasses of Vino...

OK Joe,
I'm doing it now for you... Iìm really pleased that our 'stamp service' helped out with a rapid answer.

I look forward to hearing about the search in England... that is intriguing!

Translation:

Subject: Request for information on Luigi DE MASO
With reference to your requests of the 11th and 18th of February 2009 regarding the above subject. The information that was requested has been sent to Mr. Joseph Blackwell at the same address as this has been sent.
To supplement the above mentioned letter of the 11.11.2008. I can add the following information.

DE MASO Luigi (nickname Pitus) born 13.08.1828 at Pieve di Cadore (Nebbiu quarter) son of DE MASO Giovanni Battista and of Girardis Mari??? died on 07.02.1882.

DE LORENZO Irene (above mentioned Million) born 02.10.1829 Pieve di Cadore (Nebbiu quarter) daughter of De Lorenzo Antonio and De Lorenzo Maria. died on 23.12.1906. They married on 03 May 1852.
It results that from this marriage there were six children

1. DE MASO Maria Antonia Regina (nickname Pitus) born 15.08.1853 at Pieve di Cadore (Nebbiu quarter) married 14.02.1872 to DA VIA Enrico

2. DE MASO Giovanni Battista (nickname Pitus) born 17.02.1858 at Pieve di Cadore (Nebbiu quarter) died on 3.08.1881.

3. DE MASO Francesca Oderica (nickname Pitus) born 07.01.1859. at Pieve di Cadore (Nebbiu quarter) married 4.09.1882 to GIGLIOTTA Giovanni Antonio - emigrated to Vale di Cadore 4.09.1882

4. DE MASO Angela (nickname Pitus) born 03. 07.1861. at Pieve di Cadore (Nebbiu quarter) married 7.02.1893 to DEL FAVERO Riccardo - emigrated to Vale di Cadore 7.02.1893.

5. DE MASO Achille Federico (nickname Pitus) born 18.10.1864. at Pieve di Cadore (Nebbiu quarter) married 6.02.1894 to DE MASO Caterina Elisabetta died on 03.02 1898.

6. DE MASO Francesco Romano (nickname Pitus) born 29.12.1866. at Pieve di Cadore (Nebbiu quarter) married 21.01.1898 to DEL FAVERO Giuseppina.

I would remind you that any certificate prior to 1872 should be requested from the Priest of Pieve di Cadore:
Mons. Renzo Marinello,
Piazza Tiziano n. 41,
32044 Pieve di Cadore (BL)


Best Regards



I've added the last paragraph here for you...

Carole, This should be more readable. If not I will type it. Thanks again...Joe

Thanks Joe - that's much better. I've added the last paragraph to the translation - that way it's all togehter for you - much easier to deal with and print.

'C'

Carole...Looks like I received a scolding I'll contact the Padre next time.

Regarding the James Blackwell birth certificate request, I used skype and called them directly. I received the attached email response a while back. Really don't know where to go from here. Any ideas? Joe

Joe do you know the parents names of James?

I can't believe how wonderful Pieve is! My great-grandfather was born in Pieve in 1882 and all I have on him is his parents names. I wonder if I write to them if perhaps they may send information much like you received.


(By the way his name was Massimo Da Via, I wonder if he is related to your uncle Enrico listed on that document!)

BillieDeKid wrote:

Joe do you know the parents names of James?

James Blackwell's father was Samuel George Blackwell but according to some old records he went by the name of George. B: abt 1805 England.

Mother's name was Ann Swindells (I think).

Don't have much on either of them really... Joe

JamesBianco wrote:

I can't believe how wonderful Pieve is! My great-grandfather was born in Pieve in 1882 and all I have on him is his parents names. I wonder if I write to them if perhaps they may send information much like you received. (By the way his name was Massimo Da Via, I wonder if he is related to your uncle Enrico listed on that document!)

This is all pretty interesting stuff James. I would definitely send a request to Commune di Pieve di Cadore. They have been very helpful. Not sure about Enrico. I'm sort of buried in all this new data. I do send my De Maso ancestry documents along to Piccioli's Family Tree, since he researched mostly at Valle di Cadore. He does add my data to his tree, so that might be another research possibility. Somehow I'm sure that my wife and your family are related. Joe

JoeB wrote:

BillieDeKid wrote: Joe do you know the parents names of James? James Blackwell's father was Samuel George Blackwell but according to some old records he went by the name of George. B: abt 1805 England. Mother's name was Ann Swindells (I think). Don't have much on either of them really... Joe

That's too bad. I found James born 1827 father William and mother Alice and maternal grandfather John Heston.

I did see differnt wives named Ann.......I'm going to take another look.

I found a one with the right approximate birth year but he was married to Sarah and not Ann.

BillieDeKid wrote:

I found a one with the right approximate birth year but he was married to Sarah and not Ann.

Yes, and there a thousand or so James Blackwell's scattered around the UK.

Maybe a vacation to Cheshire would solve a few things... Lets see, a one pound note these days would cost about $35.00 American...

I guess we'll skype em...