I have been working on finding my grandfather's history for about a year now. I have pretty much found everything I can since he arrived in this country. I have located and talked to many cousins who I didn't even know existed. When I started this journey, I was not even sure of my grandmother's maiden name.
Now, I come to where I would like to learn more of my heritage. I lack the funds to pursue any professional genealogy help, and I neither speak nor read Portuguese. I am hoping that some here can help me find some connection to the old country. I realize that my grandfather's name, Manuel Silva, is like looking for John Smith in the States. Here is what I know: Manuel Correia Silva, born 16 Nov 1867 at Covas, Graciosa His immigration date was 22 Apr 1882 at the age of 15. I cannot find arrival information. Family lore says he arrived in Boston. A passport application says he arrived on an unnamed schooner. His mother was Anna Joaquina, his father either Manuel or Frank, depending on which document I look at. He married Anna M Mendonca, also of Covas, Graciosa in 1886 in New Bedford. She was born May 1864. Her mother is unknown, her father was Joseph Mendonca. Anna arrived in 1881, I have no records except census. Anna Mendonca had a brother Joao da C. Mendonca. He married Maria Victorino b. 1849. They had three natural children; Laurentina b. 1887, Philip b. 1890, and Mary M. b. 1899. Maria Victorino was widowed sometime before 1908. My grandfather went to Graciosa and returned with Maria and her children that year. The first record I have of Manuel is a New Bedford City Directory from 1883. He was single, living in a boarding house and was a hair dresser (barber). He was a barber in New Bedford all his life. Some family stories say he learned the trade in Graciosa. I don't know if Manuel had any siblings. Does any of this connect with anyone here? Thank you in advance for any help. Leonard C. Silva -- -- To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. Follow the confirmation directions when they arrive. For more options, such as changing to List, Digest, Abridged, or No Mail (vacation) mode, log into your Google account and visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Azores. Click in the blue area on the right that says "Join this group" and it will take you to "Edit my membership."
