The Abbate Family off to America

Formicola, Italy...

The year was 1848. In Italy a revolution was growing for national unity and independence. That year revolution had initiated uprisings from Vienna which moved through several other regions. Finally, in 1861 the Kingdom of Italy was established. During this Italian unification, the territories of Emilia and Romagna combined into the new nation.

This war and the building of a new nation had prompted many to emigrate to the United States. A large number of Italians sailed off to the New World which held a promise for a new start, cheap land and endless opportunities.


This takes us to a young couple from the city of Formicola, which is 55 km northeast of Naples. Formicola means "Ant Hill", which may be another reason why they left for the new world.
Vincenzo Abbate and Filomena Caputo married and decided to leave the old country for a new start.

Here they stand a few years later.

In 1901 the Abbate family invaded the New World, arriving at Ellis Island in two waves. Vincenzo James Abbate then 32 arrived in May of 1901 establishing a residence and job to provide for his family. While his wife Filomena Caputo Abbate then 24 arrived in September with their children.



The journey eventually took them to a new area in western Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh. They lived out their lives in Pittsburgh with the family flourishing around them.

Filomena died Sept 3rd, 1945 at age 68. Vincenzo died June 10th, 1952 at age 83.

Although their journey has ended, the Abbott family
legacy continues to grow in the country where a young italian couple braved the ocean and raised a family in love.

I say to them .... noi ti amiamo, GRAZIE
(we love you, and thanks)



My Greatgrandfather and Grandfather