The Vitton(e)'s

    My name is Jim Vitton(e), Decatur, Illinois and I am seeking my Italian heritage. Unfortunately my people told me little of the family they left in Italy, upon migration to the U.S., and also, unfortunately, I did not inquire. I now have 6 sons who would like to find their roots so I am endeavoring to do so. If I have contacted you before, I apologize. I maintain my information in the computer and due to its breakdown I lost all my prior information.

    The history begins with Vangelista Zanni, born in Piandelagotti in 1805. He was married to Caterina (no surname). They had 5 children, Amadio, Carlo, Domenico, Teresina, and Cristina. I have some further information on the children.

    Cristina married Dionigio Giannasi of Civago. He was the son of Luigi and the brother of Domenico. I do not know further of the latter two. 

    Dionigio and Cristina had 5 children, Attilio, Luigi, Antonio, Lucia, and my grandad, Cesare. Luigi was killed in a hunting accident at an early age. Lucia married Adolpho Cecchini of Barga or Lucca. I know nothing of Antonio.  

    Attilio migrated to the U.S. around 1900. Later, his wife Maria Tognarelli from Sant'Anna Pelago and their children joined him. My grandad Cesare (11-13-1878---12-1-1962) migrated with Attilio. He was married to Maria Medici, (11-16-1873---7-18-1937), daughter of Pietro Medici and Teresa Cervetti, of Riccovolto. They were married in Frassinoro in 1897. 

    Later my grandmother Maria, my uncle Luigi, and my mother Angelica (5-3-1897---5-22-1937) joined my grandad. They originally lived in Cedar Point, Illinois but later moved to Kincaid, Illinois. My grandad was a coal miner but later bought a farm. Attilio and his family first settled in Dalzell, Il. but later joined my grandad and his family in Kincaid. 

My father was born Giovanni Battista Matteo Vittone-Corio (4-5-1880)-(6-9-1948). His baptismal record was located in Frassinoro, Italy. It indicates his parents, grandparents, and great grandad all lived in Locana. His parents were Giacomo Domenico Vittone-Corio (2-18-1849)-(4-7-1927) and Maria Maddalena Cattarina Contratto. His grandparents were Giovanni Matteo Vittone-Corio (b:1820) and Maria Marta Vallino-Tavella. His great grandfather was Domenico Giacomo Vittone-Corio (b:1790).

    The additional surname of Corio was given my family by the comune officials. Due to intermarriage of cousins many people in the comune had a similar name. In order to differentiate for postal and legal purposes the additional surname was provided. 

    My dad, his father, and his brother Giovanni (John) migrated to the upper peninsula of Michigan just prior to 1900. They worked in the mines. Later they moved to Ladd, Illinois and worked in the mines in that area.  My dad was a member of the school board for a time. He later began employment in the general merchandise business and ultimately moved to Kincaid, Il. where he owned and operated a store until his death. He met my mother Angelica in Ladd, when they both lived there and they were married, I believe, in Chicago. His brother John was mayor of Ladd for many years. 

    Other family names are Catalani, Finone. Bocchetti, Cazzioli, Frasino, Farioli, Lunardi, Volpioni, and Fiora. I have a little information on each and would be happy to share it. If you or your people can establish a relationship to any of the foregoing information I would be most pleased to hear from you. Thank you for your time.

Jim Vitton, 1412 E. Decatur Street, Decatur, Illinois 62521

EMail - JAMVIT@aol.com