Genealogists who know only that their ancestor came from Somewhere on Graciosa:
(No location is known)
It would be best to include comments about these ancestors
so that others might be able to help determine the original parish.

Wes Boyce, 19 Valley Brook Dr, Fairport, NY 14450
Email: wboyce33@yahoo.com
Date submitted: before 1998 (updated 18 Mar 2009)
Island: Graciosa
Village: Unknown
Surnames: Silva, Silvia
Comments:

Bruce De Selle, 3125 Mission Ave, Carmichael, CA 95608
Tel.: (916)483-2158
Email: BruceDeS@aol.com
Date submitted: before 1998
Village: Unknown
Surname: Mendes.
Comments:

Luis Mendonca, RR#4, Orangeville, Ontario, Canada
Email: luis.mendonca@gbd.com
Date submitted: before 1998
Village: Unknown.
Surnames: Picanço, Mendonça.
Comments: Looking for family members. One of my uncles, from the island of Graciosa, village of Bom Jesus, settled in Bahia de São Salvador.

Debbie Silva, (no address submitted), Connecticut, U.S.A.
Email: dsilva@snet.net
Date submitted: before 1998
Village: Unknown.
Surnames: Caton (Caetano)
Comments: Looking for information on parents of Manuel Caton born abt.1829 possibly on Graciosa. Came to New Bedford, Massachusetts in 1847 aboard a whaling ship. His father's name was also Manuel Caton ,mother unknown. Any info would be appreciated.

Cremilda Costa de Figueiredo (born Cremilda Coelho da Costa), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
Telefax: 55-71-2475898
Email: cremilda@svn.com.br
Date submitted: before 1998
Village: Unknown
Comments: My grandparents, João de Souza Coelho e Ana Emília de Souza, were born in Graciosa (João in 1870, Ana in 1871).He came to Brazil in 1887; Ana, in 1895, to marry him. They moved back to Graciosa in 1914, and, in 1915, they returned definitely to Brazil, where they died a few years later. João's brothers (Mateus, Francisco and Maria) immigrated to Massachusetts, USA, date unknown. Ana's brothers (Maria, Senhorinha e José) rested in Graciosa. My husband and I will be in Graciosa, in mid May/98, looking for relatives. I'd like to know more about my family. Anyone to help me?

Michelle Lamora Shakley, 196 Hunt Rd, Chelmsford, MA 01824
Email: tshakley@sprynet.com (invalid email)
Date submitted: Wed, 24 Jun 1998
Surnames: Cunha, Felippe, deSantos
Village: not known
Comments: I am trying to get beyond my Gr-Grandmother Felecissima Cunha Felippe(married name in US-"Chaves"). She was born in Graciosa on 1 Nov 1879 and had 3 sisters(Marcia, Isabelle, and Marion) and 3 brothers(Manuel, Francis, and Joseph). All but Joseph emmigrated to the US(Massachusetts and Rhode Island area). Felecissima emmigrated in 1896. Her mother (Fransis) emmigrated as well, but her father, (Joseph) did not. I have no dates on her parents at all. The father's name was Joseph; I assume the last name was Cunha Felippe as this is what I have for his daughter, but I am not sure. Also, the mother was Fransis or Francesca but I do not know her maiden name. Any info would be a big help.

Debbie Thomassee, Sugarland, Texas
Email: DGa6851906@aol.com
Date submitted: Thu, 10 Sep 1998
Surnames: BETANCOURTA, GRACIOSE, AZORES
Comments: My Grandmother was a Betancourt, I finally found her Great Grand Father named Francisco Manuel or Francois Michel Betancourt, he left from France on a Spanish Ship named La Beaumont in 1785, he married on the ship I believe, his wife is first listed with her Father Pierre Lavergne then she is listed as Betancourt's wife, when they reached Louisiana Francois Miguel was married in New Orleans, La. His marriage records state his parents names Manuel Betancourt and Maria Iganacia Betancourt, and he is a native of Gracieuse which is probaby Graciosa. If any one has information on this Betancourt family please respond. Thanks, Debbie Thomassee

Ken Waters, Fort Worth TX
Email: satwatcher_gen@yahoo.com
Date updated: Wed, 18 Aug 2004
Surnames: Sylvia and/or Cunha
Comments: Looking for descendants or other info on John Joseph Sylvia (possibly changed from either da Sylva or de Cunha), born 1n 1845 on Graciosa Island; migrated to Yreka, Calif area. He married Caroline Lemos from the Lemos and Machado lines from Sao Jorge. Thanks! Ken

Charles H. Bettencourt, 3826 Peters Rd. Lot 86, Harvey, La
Tel.: 504-361-9145
Email: Myrnabette@cs.com
Date submitted: Sun, 3 Oct 1999
Comments: The information I have on Jras De Souza Bettencourt from the Marriage Record of Jose De Souza Bettencourt and Elvira Emilia Da silva married August 8, 1903 in New Bedford, Mass. Record no. 79059. It says his father was Jras De S. Bettencourt and his mother was Maria Emilia DeS. Antonio Both from Graciosa,Azores. And Elvira's Father was Vital Corria Da Silva and Mother was Filecidade Emilia Da Silva. Jose [ Joseph ] Bettencourt died March 13,1929 in New Bedford, Mass. Elivira died June 4, 1951 in New Bedford, Mass. Oh Jose was 29 years old and Elvira was 19 when they got married. Hope you can help.

Emery and Linda Francis, (no address submitted)
Email: efrancis@flash.net
Date submitted: Fri, 29 Oct 1999
Surnames: Correa de Mello and Rosa de St. Jose

Kenneth Athaide, 42 Cole Ave., Warwick, RI 02886
Email: TheDuck59@aol.com
Date submitted: Tue, 6 Jun 2000
Comments: my great-grandfather came from graciosa azores. his name was manuel souza athaide. his parent's names were joseph s. and joanna athaide. he was born on may 20, 1886 in graciosa. he was married to margaret cunha and she was born faial. he had three children michael athaide, manuel s. athaide jr., and anna athaide. if anyone can locate any information on my family hopefully from my great great-grand-parent it would be very appreciated.

Sunni Rose, Salt Lake City, UT
Email: sunni@modaliti.com (invalid email)
Date submitted: Sun, 03 Dec 2000
Island and Village: Some on Pico, some on Graciosa, elsewhere?
Surnames: Maclena, Silviera, Ramos, Correia, De Mello (de Meio?)
Comments: Here is the information I have: Mary Maclena, b. approx. 1815, had daughter Francis Silviera. Francis Silviera married John C. Ramos, they had Mary Isabel Ramos in 1861 on Flores or Pico. Mary Isabel Ramos married Domingo Correia De Mello (who was born on Graciosa in 1851) in 1876 in Half Moon Bay, California. They had 10 children, one was my great-great grandmother Mary de Mello who was born in 1878 in Half Moon Bay. The family has continued to live in the Bay Area ever since. I would really appreciate meeting relatives or hearing information you may have on any of these families.

Rick, (no address submitted)
Email: wysiwyg@megalink.net
Date submitted: Sat, 17 Jun 2000
Surnames: Baptistor, Bettencourt (Bitcumcurte), Graciosa
Comments: I am seeking info on Manuel S. Bettencourt and Amelia Graciosa who married and had a daughter Maria. Maria married Joseph Baptistor from Santa Maria and moved to America and lived in Tisbury, Massachusetts on Martha's Vineyard Island. I would like to know the names of the villages they lived, churches they attended, or any info for that matter. rick

Christina Cunha Fomai, 5360 Lake Otis Parkway #8, Anchorage, Alaska, 99507
Email: fomaifamily@hotmail.com (invalid email)
Date submitted: Sun, 4 Feb 2001
Island: Graciosa
Village: Unknown
Surnames: da Cunha, Correia, Bettencourt, Silvera
Comments: My great great grandfather's name is Manuel Mendoca da Cunha and he was married to Maria Emily (Mary) Correia-Bettencourt. As far as I know they came from Graciosa, Azores. They moved to the United States sometime in the late 1800's in the Massachusetts?/New England area. Can anyone tell me about them, where they came from, etc..., or can you make a connection to me? Thanks!

Kelly Mendonsa, (no address submitted)
Email: klm@catalinas.net (invalid email)
Date submitted: Thu, 28 Jun 2001
Comments: I am looking for relations who may be still living on Graciosa. My grandfather,Joseph Mendonsa came to Watsonville,Ca in the 1920's from there. I remember getting gifts in the sixties from people who still lived there. Thank you, Kelly Mendonsa

Mary Lou Cunha Orange, (no address submitted)
Tel.: 650/726-7200
Email: mlorange@ix.netcom.com(invalid email)
Website: http://mlorange.com (invalid address)
Date submitted: Sat, 7 Jul 2001
Surname: da Cunha
Comments: My grandfather was Manuel A. da Cunha, born August 24, 1852; immigrated to California sometime in the 1870's with his brother John. Looking for family with connection to Graciosa.

Sylvia Mello, 39 Hobart St. Danvers, MA 01923
Tel.: (315) 229-6541
Email: smello21@stlawu.edu
Date submitted: Fri, 5 Apr 2002
Surnames: Mello, Silva, Nunes
Lugares: Graciosa (I think)
Comments: My great grand grandparents were Joseph Nunes and Laurelina (Silva) Nunes in Portugal (not sure of date, almost positive in Graciosa). They had a daughter Mary (Nunes) Mello (b.July 26, 1899 in Graciosa, Portugal d. Nov 26, 1981 in Peabody, MA) who married Luis C. Mello (b Oct 6, 1891 d.Aug 1974 in Peabody, MA). They had four children: Joseph Mello (not sure of dates, but now lives in FL), George Mello (deceased), Alyce G. (Mello) Silva (d 2000 in Beverly, MA) and Arthur Richard Mello (b Jan 11, 1922 d Dec 1995 in Danvers, MA- he is my grandfather). Arthur was married to Dorothy (Cyr) Mello and they had two children: Patricia (Mello) Lord (b 1947- ) and Richard Arthur Mello (b Jan4, 1952- ), my father. ANY info, please drop me a line. Thanks a bunch! Sylvia :)

Ethan M. Rogers, P.O. Box 215, Orange CA 92856
Email: butcher1072@hotmail.com
Date submitted: Mon, 19 Aug 2002
Surname: Rodrigues
Island: Terceira
Village: Unknown
Comments: My great great grandfather was Mattheus Rodrigues (sp?). At about age 14, in 1883 0r 1884, he left the home of his godparents (who had kept him due to his mothers poor health and impoverished state) and worked his way to America aboard ship (which ship I'm not sure but would like to). He settled in New Bedford, Mass. and worked in a rope factory and an orchard farm. He met his wife Lucy (last name unknown) in Massachusetts. She was from the island of Graciosa. They moved to the San Joaquin Valley shortly after marrying and had five children. Any information on this subject would be greatly appreciated.

Joan Rose, 238 Keith Memorial Drive, Arden, NC 28704
Email: Aasparagus00@aol.com
Date submitted: Mon, 19 Jan 2004
Island: Graciosa
Village: unknown
Surnames: Pereira, da Guanna, ca Cunha and Paes
Comments: These births would have been circa 1820, + or - 5 years.

Phyllis Fish, South Kingstown, RI USA
Email: Flarry4814@aol.com
Date submitted: Tue, 27 Apr 2004
Surname: Goncalves
Island: Graciosa
Comments: Searching for Filomena Goncalves married to Manoel Roza, who had seven children, Henry, Frank Evelyn, Dorothy, George, John and Maria. Don't know where on the island of Graciosa. Filomena was born on May 20, 1883 and Manoel was born on April 15, 1877 his parents are listed as Manoel Enos Roza and Maria ? Her parents are listed as John Goncalves and Mary Thomas. Manoel immigrated to the US NOvember 19, 1897 and Filomena immigrated to the US on June 22, 1896. They lived in Providence, RI, Newport, RI and East Providence, RI. They were married in Providence, RI on September 17, 1898 and Manoel passed away on September 22, 1947. Filomena (Philomena) passed away on April 19, 1958.

F. M. S. Spinola, (no address submitted)
Email: fms.spinola@clix.pt
Date submitted: Thu, 17 Feb 2005
Comments: Com as melhores saudações de amizade, gostaria de solicitar o especial favor da vossa colaboração na seguinte questão: Os meus ancestrais são originários da GRACIOSA, os que tenho conhecimento e registo, são os meus trisavós, que são: ANTONIO SPINOLA MELLO e MARIANNA ROSA CORAÇÃO JESUS, naturais da freguesia da Ribeirinha, e nascidos por meados 1820. Antes dessa data existe uma lacuna de tempo, entre os anos de 1820 até ao primeiro SPINOLA da GRACIOSA (PEDRO SPINOLA DORIA) ao qual gostaria de saber os seus descendentes. Solicitava assim, que me facultassem algumas orientações, de como poderei concluir esta pesquisa de familiares. Assim como, se poderei obter informações e consultas via NET. Muito grato por toda a atenção.

Mark Doherty, 6 Pleasant Avenue, Chelmsford, Massachusetts 01824
Tel.: 978-458-0602
Email: Mark_W_Doherty@Raytheon.com
Date submitted: Sun, 3 Apr 2005
Island: Graciosa
Surnames: Mello's and daSilva
Comments: Both my Great Grandparents came from Graciosa. I'm trying to find out more info on them. They were Married November 3, 1906 Lowell, Massachusetts. Francisco Espinola Mello. B. 1887 Guadalupe Graciosa. Came to U.S. in 1901. Parents were Emanuel E. Mello and Anna (looks like Gera??) not sure on last name as hand writting is hard to read. Adelaida daSilva from Praia Graciosa, born 1886. Came to U.S. in 1903. Parents were Antonio Silva and Georgina Conceico (again I believe that was her last name as the writing is hard to read). Only other bit of information I have is that the God mother and God father at wedding were Manuel (Joseph) and Maria Medina. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

William Motley, no address submitted
Email: william.m@sbcglobal.net
Date submitted: 26 Mar 2013
Island: Graciosa
Surname: Mello
Comments: I am helping my wife find out information regarding her grandfather Frank Mello and his family. He lived and was probably born on the Island of Graciosa in 1898. We think his mother was Rose Candida and at least one sibling named Joesph Mello.
 

For comments, questions, or to submit your own surnames and locations, send an email to: Make the subject "Masterlist" and include the same kind of information you see in the above entries: Your name & address, telephone no., email address, surnames in one village (in alphabetical order), comments you wish to add. If you have more than one place, submit the same things for each and every place. If you have surnames from various lugares within the same parish, send one submission and group the names into the various lugares.

Religious "surnames" (like "de Jesus, da Conceição, do Espirito Santo, etc.") of women are usually not accepted since they're of no genealogical value, except in cases where these names are used by males. Refer to my series of articles on "Portuguese Naming Traditions" on this website.