General - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Re: Emigration to U.S. from Tunisia

jpgianca — 2013-03-12 09:26:20Z

Hi,

You will see other posts in this forum pointing to this site
http://www.geneanum.com/tunisie/bases.html

The site is in French, but easy enough to work through. I see that there are "Zacco" "Zago" and various other names that look close to your "Zaso".

Just a recommendation, probably the best thing if you have nnot already done it is to get the offical death record of your grandfater. The US records that I have used (also from NY) list birthplace, parents names etc. You may be able to do some research on line, but for these records I have always needed to visit the public records offices for Birth/Death/Marriage.

Regarding his immigration, you should be able to find his record at the Ellis Island website. This normally provides the place of origin (town they were living in) before coming to the us. Also the US census records from about 1900 or 1910 list year of immigration....

I hope this helps,

JG

Re: Grandfather born in Tunis - need birth certificate

jpgianca — 2013-03-11 12:50:46Z

Hi,

Apologies, I had thought you had already been using the site run by the Eveche in Tunis. So here is the link:

http://www.geneanum.com/tunisie/bases.html

The site is in French, but even if you are not familiar with French, I think it is easy enough to follow...

So, you can input the name(s) of your family and see what comes up. I would recommend that if you enter the full name and get no info, then just enter the last name and then scroll through the lists that appear. You see, often the spellings may not be correct. For my family (Alessi and Drago) the spelling of first names varied a bit year to year.

The reference no. you need to reference when submitting a request for copies of certificates is the "repertoire" number on the right of the page.

Instructions for ordering are on the site, but I think they only take Euros. So it was the same for me (being Switzerland and currency is the Swiss Franc) had to send Euros.

Best,
John

Emigration to U.S. from Tunisia

NancyLongneff — 2013-03-11 01:07:21Z

My grandfather, Mariano Zaso, was born about 1878. I am searching for his place of birth. He was Sicilian, but I believe he emigrated to the U.S. from Tunisia via Palermo. I was told his father was Joseph Zaso and his mother was Mary Denase. Of course their names are Americanized. He married my grandmother, Filippa De Gregorio, in New York City on May 5, 1904. They then settled in Mount Morris, Livingston County, New York. They had 11 children: Joseph, Mary, Tony (drowned), Mamie (my mother), Jack, Martha (died), another Martha, Josie, Sam, Tom, and Delores. My aunts Josie and Delores are still alive and live in Mount Morris. I would appreciate any information available or leads as to where to continue my search. Thanks.

Re: Grandfather born in Tunis - need birth certificate

danalfandre — 2013-03-10 19:33:16Z

Hi John,

I'm trying to track down the birth certificates of two ancestors in Tunis, Tunisia, born 1855 and 1865. Your last post included this information:

The letter I sent advised them as to the names I was researching, then I included a table listing all the details from the website; name, year, no. of the record and parish.

What web site are you referring to? Also, I don't know the record number or the parish. Do I still have a chance to get the certs? On top of that I live in the United States. Do you know if the institution take dollars?

Thanks,
Dan Alfandre

Re: Grandfather born in Tunis - need birth certificate

jpgianca — 2013-03-04 08:23:41Z

Hi Steve,

I recently obtained some certifications from the Eveche at the following address:

Eveche de Tunis - Chancellerie
4 Rue d’Alger
1000 Tunis R.P.
Tunisie

I requested 7 certificates and enclosed 50 Euros for the service. I recieved the certifications (birth certificates) in about 2 weeks, however I live in Switerland..so not too far from Tunis.

The letter I sent advsied them as to the names I was researching, then I included a table listing all the details from the website; name, year, no. of the record and parish.

I hope this helps!

John

Grandfather born in Tunis - need birth certificate

vivonas — 2013-03-02 18:31:50Z

My grandfather was born in Tunis and I am attempting to get his birth certificate. Can anyone help me? I found his baptism record here:
http://www.geneanum.com/tunisie/bases/baptemes.html

His name is Natalino (Noel) Vivona. His mother is Francesca Mancuso. His father's name listed as Francois.

I know the address I need to mail to but I am not sure what form of payment they accept. It was translated as "International Mandate."

Thank you!
Steve

Re: Tunisian Marriage Records for the 1840s

sammut158 — 2012-05-04 01:31:12Z

Hi Lucie,

Thanks for your advice. I'll try to track them down and see how that goes.

I'm in Florida too.

Best regards,
Frank

Re: Tunisian Marriage Records for the 1840s

luciemyers1 — 2012-05-03 17:52:35Z

Frank, you can obtain the International Coupon Reponse at your post office; usually, small post offices don't have them so you may have to go to your main post office. It's a 3 x 5 (i'm guessing) coupon - cost about $2.10 - You include this coupon with your letter requesting a document.

These coupons are not widely used and are hard to find but they exist.

Regarding my Italians ancestors, I only have 2 plus that 1 in Corsica and some of their descendants are still alive so I can always contact them - someday. We hardly communicate. They live in France and Corsica. I live in Florida.

Thanks again for your help and don't hesitate to contact me if you too need help with your researches.

So long,

Lucie

Re: Tunisian Marriage Records for the 1840s

sammut158 — 2012-05-03 12:00:12Z

Hi Lucie,

Thanks for your suggestion. Where do you live? I've never heard of International Coupon Responses. And, I wouldn't know where to get them. I'd appreciate any insight you might have on that.

I don't read French but I'm pretty resourceful when it comes to things like that. I'd be open to any genealogy site that you'd like to share with me.

Unfortunately, I 'm not familiar with any of the surnames that you are searching for. And, I'm not certain if LDS has any data for Corsica, but maybe you could check with their website if you haven't already done that. If you need their web address, just let me know and I'll send it to you. Good luck!

Best regards,
Frank

Re: Tunisian Marriage Records for the 1840s

luciemyers1 — 2012-05-02 21:06:22Z

Hi Frank:

How about International Coupons Reponses? Sending them at least 3, maybe 4, I beleive it's the equivalent of more than 8 EU - my estimation.

Frank, if you are able to manage with the French language, I can give you some sites to help you with your researches.

As for my italien genealogy, I found nothing. Although one is probably from Corsica. I am looking for NENCIONI, CERVERA and PERRETI (the last one from Corsica).

Cordially,

Lucie

Re: Tunisian Marriage Records for the 1840s

sammut158 — 2012-05-02 00:56:59Z

Hi Lucie,

You are very welcome. I'm just happy that I was able to help you and pay forward one of the many favors others have done for me.

You are correct about the report number. And, I would also include the parish name as well, to help narrow it down for them. The address is also correct. I would use the English word for Tunisia, though, instead of Tunisie. That might confuse one of our U.S postal workers before it even leaves our country.

Also, don't forget to include payment. I think the going rate is about $8 USD per request. As far as acceptable form of payment, though, that's rather in question at the moment. The first time I sent a personal bank check from the USA, and they accepted it; although, it took a very long time for them to process the payment (a few months). But now the last time I requested a document, they never cashed my next check. At the time I had to close my bank account and couldn't do so until they cashed it. So when I wrote to them to inquire, they offered to return my check, and asked for an U.S. postal order. However, when I went to the post office, I was informed that Tunisia can't process them, so they wouldn't give it to me. Now I've been going back and forth trying to figure out how I will be able to pay them. I certainly don't want to send cash (or Euro). So I'm having a bit of a quandary at the moment. I suppose I could always write them another check from my new bank, but not sure if U.S. checks cause them issues or not. Well, if you have any good ideas, I'd love to hear them. Because I owe them $8 now.

Good luck and I hope that you find what you're looking for.

All the best,
Frank

Re: Tunisian Marriage Records for the 1840s

sammut158 — 2012-05-02 00:55:35Z

Hi Lucie,

You are very welcome. I'm just happy that I was able to help you and pay forward one of the many favors others have done for me.

You are correct about the report number. And, I would also include the parish name as well, to help narrow it down for them. The address is also correct. I would use the English word for Tunisa, though, instead of Tunisie. That might confuse one of our U.S postal workers before it even leaves our country.

Also, don't forget to include payment. I think the going rate is about $8 USD per request. As far as acceptable form of payment, though, that's rather in question at the moment. The first time I sent a personal bank check from the USA, and they accepted it; although, it took a very long time for them to process the payment (a few months). But now the last time I requested a document, they never cashed my next check. At the time I had to close my bank account and couldn't do so until they cashed it. So when I wrote to them to inquire, they offered to return my check, and asked for an U.S. postal order. However, when I went to the post office, I was informed that Tunisia can't process them, so they wouldn't give it to me. Now I've been going back and forth trying to figure out how I will be able to pay them. I certainly don't want to send cash (or Euro). So I'm having a bit of a quandary at the moment. I suppose I could always write them another check from my new bank, but not sure if U.S. checks cause them issues or not. Well, if you have any good ideas, I'd love to hear them. Because I owe them $8 now.

Good luck and I hope that you find what you're looking for.

All the best,
Frank

Re: Tunisian Marriage Records for the 1840s

luciemyers1 — 2012-05-02 00:04:12Z

Thank you Frank for your prompt and helpful response.

So the number to use is the one appearing in the column, at right, titled "Repertoire".

Am I right in saying that all requests for copies of documents must be sent to:

M. le Chancelier de la Prélature de Tunis
4 rue d'Alger
1000 Tunis, TUNISIE

Thanks again.

Sincerely,

Lucie

Re: Tunisian Marriage Records for the 1840s

sammut158 — 2012-05-01 18:29:56Z

Hi Lucie,

Once you click on the link, it should open a separate window or navigate your current window to the website. I just tried using the link, and it worked for me. Once you are on the home page, just click on the country of your choice (Malta, Sicily, or Tunisia). For my example here, I'll click on Tunisie (Tunisia). After the page changes, on the right side of the page, you'll have a choice of clicking on Baptisms, marriages, sepultures, or Releves non transcrits (not sure what this one is). So, if you click on marriages (for instance), a database will come up with all of the names, but to narrow it down, just type in the name of your search in the appropriate box of the column of your choice, whether it be for surname, or first name or a combination of a few. I have had better success when I use less information for my search. And, keep in mind that the spelling might not be the same, so you can type just the first few letters of the name and hope that it pops up. Or, try different variations of the name. That should work. Once you find the names that you are looking for, the record number should be to the far right side of the report (for the line that you need), just after the parish name. I wish you luck. Let me know if you have better success.

Best regards,
Frank

Re: Tunisian Marriage Records for the 1840s

luciemyers1 — 2012-05-01 18:14:12Z

Hi Frank:

Can you help me understand how to proceed in this website http://www.geneanum.com/? Eventhough I am fluent in French, I am stuck. I get a small window that says:
Envoi actes --- Browse. What actes? I don't know. How do I obtain a record number?

I am baffled.

Hope you read me and can help me. Thank you.

Cordially,

Lucie

Re: Barbara surname, olive oil business

A_and_T_Taylor — 2012-03-31 18:36:18Z

So true... very kind...

Re: Barbara surname, olive oil business

bjyeoman — 2012-03-31 01:08:36Z

I try to help where I can. I appreciate all the help that has been given to me over the years in finding my family.

As they say, "just pay it forward".

Re: Barbara surname, olive oil business

A_and_T_Taylor — 2012-03-31 00:20:43Z

You are so kind to be so generous to me.

Re: Tunisian Marriage Records for the 1840s

sammut158 — 2012-02-26 12:01:06Z

Hi John,

I also had luck with them responding within a month's time. I've made several requests (all in English), some with the record number and some without, and they still searched for me. I think if you supply the record number and parish name, you'll probably have a better chance at success, but none-the-less, they'll still search without it.

For anyone wondering where you might find the record number and parish name, you can try searching the following database first, to gather basic information, and then write away to Tunis for the actual record. This database is in French: http://www.geneanum.com/

The above link will let you can search for records in Malta, Tunisia, and Sicily.

Best regards,
Frank

Re: Tunisian Marriage Records for the 1840s

jpgianca — 2012-02-26 07:11:25Z

Hi,

You need to include the exact record no for the event, along with the names of the person, persons, place etc.

I made a request recently (in french) and recieved a reply in less than a month.

Ia
Am not sure if they do searches based on names and date only?

Best

John

Re: Tunisian Marriage Records for the 1840s

sammut158 — 2012-02-25 19:09:36Z

Here's the answer to my question:

Follow this link for info: https://www.familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Tunisia:Church_Re... or just see below:

Obtaining copies of records
The actual church records are the property of the CAtholic Church of Tunisia. To obtain copies, follow these steps:

- send a written request to M. le Chancelier de la Prélature de Tunis, 4 rue d'Alger, 1000 Tunis, TUNISIE

- enclose the cost of 6.10 Euros per record requested

- Be patient. It may take several months to receive a reply.

Re: how to get birth record from Tunis?

bjyeoman — 2012-02-23 11:28:28Z

I just did a search on this website

http://www.geneanum.com/tunisie/bases.html

I find no record of your family. You can go there and check for yourself. No births, marriages, deaths.

Where else did they live prior to emmigrating to the U.S.? Could they lived in Algeria or some other North Africa country?

Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

lilbees

how to get birth record from Tunis?

ddonato2 — 2012-02-22 22:52:49Z

My Italian grandfather was born in Tunis on August 17, 1891 (found on his draft registration). Can anyone tell me how to obtain a copy of his birth certificate from Tunisia? His last name was Donato, first name Orestes. His parents were Guiseppe and Nunzia Donato (maiden name Nunzia). I can find no record of parents marriage. I appreciate any suggestions.

Re: Alessi in Tunisia (Tunis)

bjyeoman — 2012-02-14 22:55:09Z

How lucky you are! Congratulations! I wish I could be so lucky. But, they do the best they can in helping us to find our families.

I was very glad to help.

Barb

Re: Alessi in Tunisia (Tunis)

jpgianca — 2012-02-14 20:07:02Z

Hi,

Guess what...I received all the documents today! Record time I think. Anyhow, basically confirms much of the information you had put forward to me. my g.grandfather Antonio was the son of Diego Alessi (of Palma) and Maria Valenza (of Pantelleria).

The marriage record of Diego and Maria takes has now taken me back another generation; Diego's parents were Calogero Alessi and Onofria Alobiso while Maria's parents were Francesco Valenza and Ana Maccotta.

Thanks again for your advice and help!

JOhn

Re: Barbara surname, olive oil business

bjyeoman — 2012-02-02 12:25:43Z

Checked for children born to Oscar and Agnes in Tunisia. They are as follows:

Charles Spiridon b. 1924 Gafsa, record 33
Helene b. 1926 Gafsa, record 20
Lucie b. 1929, Redeyef, record 19
Georgette b. 1931, Metalaoui, record 43

You can write to the Catholic Prelature if Tunis for copies of the birth/baptism.

Re: Barbara surname, olive oil business

A_and_T_Taylor — 2012-02-01 18:04:19Z

Thank you so much for asking. Actually, I am having a little difficulty figuring out how to use the website. My husband is going to help me today. I do have a family tree for my Barbara line - mostly names and marriage dates. I'd like to find birth dates/places, and death dates/places. I know they were all married in Malta, way back to the 1650's. However, I'm learning more and more, and have realized that they lived in Tunisia for at least three generations. They must have gone back to Malta for marriage, which makes sense. Anyway, thank you for your time and help toward me. That's so very kind.

Re: Barbara surname, olive oil business

bjyeoman — 2012-02-01 12:31:54Z

I certainly hope you have been able to find some of your family members on that website.

Re: Barbara surname, olive oil business

A_and_T_Taylor — 2012-02-01 00:20:04Z

Thanks so much!

Re: Barbara surname, olive oil business

bjyeoman — 2012-01-27 19:17:18Z

Give this website a try.

http://www.geneanum.com/tunisie/bases.html

It is not just for Tunisia, but also Malta. When I entered the surname Barbara a ton of them came up.

lilbees

Re: Alessi in Tunisia (Tunis)

bjyeoman — 2012-01-25 13:40:24Z

Good luck with that. Just remember, they are slow.

lilbees

Re: Alessi in Tunisia (Tunis)

jpgianca — 2012-01-25 13:18:31Z

Hi Again,

I am finally getting around to putting together my request to the Parish in Tunis!

I did notice when completing my list that in fact there is a Death record for a "Diego Alessi" in 1909 record 160. My guess is that this is the same Diego...so I will request a copy of this as well.

I will let you know when eventually I hear back from them.

Best,

John

Barbara surname, olive oil business

A_and_T_Taylor — 2012-01-24 17:34:02Z

My great-grandfather (Oscar Barbara) was born in Sfax Tunisia, although he was Maltese. His family owned an olive oil business in Sfax. Does anyone know anything about this family?
Thank you!

Tunisian Marriage Records for the 1840s

sammut158 — 2011-11-16 01:25:42Z

My 3rd great grandparents were married in Tunis, Tunisia about 1840. I would like to request a copy of their marriage record, from the government, but I'm not sure where to inquire. I have read that the Bureau de l'Etat Civil in Tunis might be able to supply what I'm looking for, but I can't locate an address or website for them. If there is an alternate source or an easier way, please let me know. Can anyone point me in the right direction, or make a better suggestion? Any help would be very appreciated. Thank you.

Re: Alessi in Tunisia (Tunis)

bjyeoman — 2011-10-24 21:25:31Z

You can write in English or French. They will send the request to the appropriate office.

I do have an email but they don't seem to reply to emails, primarily the written letter.

lilbees

Re: Alessi in Tunisia (Tunis)

jpgianca — 2011-10-24 21:18:57Z

Hi again,

Yes you are correct, this is evident in my family where so many people have the same name..often nick names or second names are used!

I remember you sent me the address for the offices in Tunis, so now that I have all this information, I will send them a request for copies of the documents....I understand patience is needed...we can see there is quite a bit going on in Tunisia at the moment!

I will send you an invite to my tree on ancestry.

Thanks again and nice to meet you.

John

Re: Alessi in Tunisia (Tunis)

bjyeoman — 2011-10-24 21:14:40Z

Don't forget, many were given double names to differentiate from others in the family using the same naming sequence. In this case, you may find when you send for his record that this may be the case. But also, I have learned, as French is the main language followed by Arabic, many times they insert the French spelling of the name, i.e. in this case Pierre for Pietro. (thus, Pietro Diego) In fact, his name may have been Diego Pietro.

I have spent some time trying to get all the family records from there for my family. In some cases it took them 3 years to get around to sending anything. I understand though, it is a 1-woman office and the job is huge.

Let me know if there is anything else I can help you with. My email is lilbees@msn.com. Do you have your tree on Ancestry? If so, I will look around.

lilbees

Re: Alessi in Tunisia (Tunis)

jpgianca — 2011-10-24 20:56:50Z

Thanks again for this. I do not know why I never noticed this before.

I take it that due to the same name for the mother, Maria Valenza, you are recommending that "Pierre Alessi" and "Diego Alessi" are the same person?

Certainly, as Diego was the name of Antonio's first son, his father should be Diego/Domenic.

Thanks again and should you wish, you can write to me at my personal mail john.giancarlo@gmail.com

Best,
John

Re: Alessi in Tunisia (Tunis)

bjyeoman — 2011-10-24 19:28:10Z

Quite a few family members.

Pietro Diego Alessi and Maria Valenza

Francesco b. 1866, record 65
Giusepe b. 1870, record 16
Francesco b. 1872, record 34
Onofrio b. 1873, record 152
Carmelo b. 1876, record 351
Antonio b. 1879, record 332
Salvatore b. 1882, record 182
Maria b. 1886, record 259

I believe the father was born abt. 1845. Nothing shows his birth in Tunisia. Probably born elsewhere. Nothing on his death either. May have come to the U.S.

lilbees

Re: Alessi in Tunisia (Tunis)

jpgianca — 2011-10-24 19:03:58Z

Thank you again for this. Very interesting!

Yes, I have the arrival manifest for Antonio and Grazia Marie Alessi, with one son "Diego". No other children listed.

It seems then that they had 2 daughters who died before they imigrated to the US. Also, after they arrived they had a son Salvatore, who also died. Another son born later was then named Salvatore and survived to a nice old age :)

Do you know if there is any way to find out if Antonio Alessi was born in Tunis? His birth date would have been around 1879.

Best,

John

Re: Alessi in Tunisia (Tunis)

bjyeoman — 2011-10-24 15:39:40Z

I found the deaths of the two Marie's.

Marie, b. 1900, death 1900, record 126
Marie, b. 1902, death 1903, record 140

lilbees

I have not found any other children born in Tunisia.

Re: Alessi in Tunisia (Tunis)

bjyeoman — 2011-10-24 15:29:13Z

Do you have their arrival manifest? If they came with children it will list all of them.

lilbees

Re: Alessi in Tunisia (Tunis)

jpgianca — 2011-10-24 15:19:56Z

Hi again,

I have in my records the first daughter to Antonio and Grazia Marie, as Mary born 1908, after the family imigrated to the US. It is possible then that both the Maries born in Tunisia dies at childbirth or not long after...at least before the family left Tunis for NY. in 1906. The 1910 US census shows that Grazia was the mother of 6, but with 3 Children living. So, it seems they lost a few children before 1910.

Thanks again,
John

Re: Alessi in Tunisia (Tunis)

jpgianca — 2011-10-24 15:11:53Z

Thank you! I will have a look then.

Best,

John

Re: Alessi in Tunisia (Tunis)

jpgianca — 2011-10-24 15:10:32Z

Hi Paul,

Thanks for your note. My g.grandfathers first son was "Diego/Domenic" born in Tunis. From what I know, Domenic died in 1949, in Buffalo, NY.

Is your family from the Buffalo, NY area?

I have a pretty good amount of information on my Alessi family on my Ancestry tree, which you should be able to see.

If you wish to exchange further information, you can write to me on john.giancarlo@gmail.com

Best,

John

Re: Alessi in Tunisia (Tunis)

bjyeoman — 2011-10-24 14:08:44Z

Hi, just checked the baptism records and found a "Dirgo Alessi" born to Antonione, Drago, Grazia, 1904, record number 424. If you use that information you can send for the record.
Also born to this couple:
Marie born 1900, number 329
Marie 1902, number 207

If a child dies it is common for the next child to take the same name.

lilbees

Re: Alessi in Tunisia (Tunis)

bjyeoman — 2011-10-24 13:54:47Z

There is now another site that carries the records from Tunisia including baptisims

http://www.geneanum.com/tunisie/bases.html

This might help.

lilbees

Re: Alessi in Tunisia (Tunis)

paulinealessi — 2011-10-24 06:42:35Z

My grandfather was born in Tunis and he came to america his name was Dominic Alessi. I will try to get the dates but I think he was naturalized in NY around 1930.

Bokobza family, Mahdia; Scemama family in Tunis

mjm2233 — 2011-09-27 05:15:47Z

Anyone knows anything about the lineage of the Bokobza family in Mahdia? Francois Samuel Bokobza, his mother Julie- Both born in the later half of the 1800s.

Anyone know anything about the Scemama family in Tunis? Suzanne Camouna Scemama? Married to Francois Samuel Bokobza.

Both born and died with Tunisian nationality. Francois Samuel died in Paris, France in the mid-20th century.

Re: Tunisia

410400 — 2011-08-06 20:35:19Z

Bonsoir,
Je viens de lire votre message. Moi aussi je recherche des RUBINO de Sicile qui ont émigrés en Tunisie.
Je serais heureuse d'échanger avec vous si vous le souhaitez.
J'habite en France dans le département des Landes. Je sais par mon père qu'un membre de la famille a émigré à New-York ou il exerçait la profession de Jude de Paix.
Je vous souhaite une bonne soirée.
Amicalement,
Pascale RUBINO épouse PAINCHAUT