Genealogists who know only that their ancestor came from somewhere on Pico (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.)

Tracy Clark, 477 Pollard Way, Windsor, Ca 95492, USA
Email: WndsrQueen@aol.com
Date submitted: before 1998
Village: Unknown
Surnames: Martins/Martinez, Vieira, Santos.
Comments:

Rubens R. Câmara, Rua Bambui, no. 808/704, Anchieta, Belo Horizonte, MG, CEP 30.310-320, Brasil
Tel.: (55) 031-4841595
Email: rrcamara@task.com.br
Website: http://www.geocities.com/heartland/1074
Date submitted: before 1998
Village: Unknown
Surname: Goulart (Gularte).
Comments: Ancestors settled in Brasil. Have done extensive research. See my website for details.

Ken Carvalho, 14 Leonard Court, Alameda, California 94502-7941, USA
Tel.: (510)522-5891
Email: (none)
Date submitted: before 1998
Village: Unknown
Surname: da Rosa.
Comments: Used "de Rose" in the U.S.A.

No name submitted
Email: MCASW37334@aol.com
Date submitted: Thu, 3 Sep 1998
Comments: My grandfather was born Manuel Francisco Ferreira de Melo on April 8, 1894 and came from San Miguel to the United States at the age of 12 (1916). He lived in Fall River, MA (USA) and then went to Newport, RI where he died on February 22, 1973. He married his wife, Christina (Cristina on birth certificate) Silveria (born April 13, 1898) on April 12, 1915. She died on March 13, 1985 in Waldorf, Maryland. She came from the island of Pico.

Mary-Jane Walker, 57 Ocean View Drive, Pittsburg, CA 94565-1356, USA
Tel.: 925-458-3164
Email: n6nva@arrl.net
Date updated: Tue, 13 Jun 2006
Village: Unknown
Surnames: Alves, Belfine(?), Jacinto, Jorge/George.
Comments: Uncertain about the origin of BELFINE (Delfina?). My great grandmother was Mary George born 24 May 1849 Pico, Azores.

Kathryn Brown, (no address submitted), San Diego, CA, 92106, USA
Email: ktbmas@aol.com
Date submitted: before 1998
Village: Unknown
Surnames: Brum, Cardozo.
Comments:

David da Silva Cornell, 2014 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC, USA, 20009
Email: cornelld@hayboo.com
Date submitted: before 1998
Village: Unknown
Surnames: Cardoso, Macedo, Silveira, Silveira Cardoso.
Comments: Cardoso also spelled as Cardojo and Cardozo.

Kathy Moulthrop, 7778 N. Meridian Ave., Fresno, Ca 93720
Tel.: 209-298-5440
Email: kbcmoulthrop@juno.com
Date updated: Fri, 23 Dec 2005
Surnames: Vierra Lopes, Gularte, Silva, Kelly (Caldeira or Correra/Correira), Forester and Foster
Comments: My great grandmother, Evaresta Lopes, was born on Faial in Angustias, and grew up in Feteira. She had at least one brother and two sisters and was the daughter of Jose Vierra Lopes and Catharina Felicianna Gularte. She married my great grandfather, Joseph Silva Kelly, before 1873, probably in Alameda or Santa Clara county, California. Joseph Silva Kelly and his brother, Joaquin Silva Kelly were the sons of Joaquin A. Kelly, either of Faial or Pico. Joseph (born July 1, 1844) was a carpenter on a whaling ship and apparently entered the U.S. at San Francisco in the 1860s. His eldest child was born in Hayward, California, in July 1873. He became a naturalized citizen in 1888.

Rhys Eddy, 60 Hornbrook St Nth, Temuka, New Zealand
Email: eddy@xtra.co.nz
Date submitted: before 1998
Village: Unknown.
Surname: Sousa.
Comments: I am trying to find information on an ancestor. His name was Manuel de Sousa who, I believe, was born on Pico in 1840. His father was Joseph de Sousa and his mother was Mary Francis. Apparently, Joseph was an ambassador to England. Any information at all on either would be greatly appreciated.

Julie Marsh (silveira), (no address submitted)
Email: julzzy66@sbcglobal.net
Date submitted: Fri, 15 Oct 2004
Village: Unknown
Surnames: Avila, D'Avila, De Silva, Madruga, Silveria, Neves
Comments: GrandMother/Father: Amelia Virginia Avila (D'Avila), B:August 28, 1911, married Manuel Silveira. GreatGrandfather/Mother: Jose (Joseph) Silveria Avila (Madruga) B:March 2, 1866, married: Maria Isabel De Silva, B:October 18, 1880. When they moved to Scott Valley, CA they changed their name from Madruga to Avila. Children: Amelia Virginia, Mary Adline, Joseph Edward, Rita Elizabeth, Margaret Lucille, Arlene, Irma Delores, all born: Fort Jones, CA.(Scott Valley). Great-Grandfather/Mother: Manuel De Silva, married: Maria J. Neves. Children: Maria Isabel, Manuel, Joseph, George, Antonia, Frank (all the children used Silva instead of De Silva). I would appreciate any information about these family members.

Scott Oliver, (no address submitted)
Tel.: 209-722-1705
Email: saoliver@inreach.com
Date submitted: before 1998
Surnames: Manuel De Oliveira or De Oliveria
Comments: Captain of a passenger boat/Whaler that sunk off the coast of Madalena on the island of Pico, (1890 - 1912). Captain De Oliveira was my Great Great Grand-father. He and 12 passengers are buried in the floor of the Catholic Church in Madalena. His wifes name was Maria or Mary Tomas. I only know of three boys that came to the states. Anthony De Oliveira/Oliveira/Oliver, owned a cannery in Mass. Joseph Oliver lived and died in San Jose, Ca. My Great Grandfather Manuel Oliveria, owned a farm on Evergreen in San Jose, CA. He died digging for clams in Moss Landing, CA in 1951. Looking for anybody that knows any information on this boat that sunk, any relatives, (brothers, sisters, parents, and any more sons or daughters than what I have listed).

Robin de Sousa, (no address submitted)
Email: robins@fcgnetworks.net
Date submitted: before 1998
Comments: My great great grand mother was Maria Vierra. Her parents were Joseph Vierra and Mary R. Ferri. They were all born in Pico. Maria later came to the US, I'm not sure when. Her daughter Caroline was born somewhere in the Azores. This is all the information I have. Family lore is that Maria had Caroline out of wedlock and that her father was a man named Manuel Davis. Maria supposedly ran some kind of a store. Maria later married someone with the last name of Souci.

Dee Mattz, (no address submitted)
Email: d_mattz@charter.net
Date updated: Sat 7 May 2005
Village: Unknown
Surnames: Mattz(aka Matos, Mattos), Crescent City, CA
Comments: looking for parents of Manuel Mattz from Pico born c1846. Died 1941 at age 95, Death Certificate did not list parents.

Roy Carauta, Newark, California USA
Email: RCarauta@msn.com
Date submitted: before 1998
Surnames: Carauta, Leal, Neves, Serpa
Comments: Grandparents Luis Avila Carauta, Francisco Leal, Ana De Jesus Serpa, Ana Jesus Serpa

Barbara Vanderveen, Galt, CA, USA
Email: vanderveenb@softcom.net
Date submitted: before 1998
Village: Unknown
Surnames: Pereira, Gularte
Comments: My paternal grandmother, Angelica either Gularte or Pereira married Manuel Maciel from Faial. Immigrated to California prior to 1915. One sister who lived in Yuba City area. Born: 1880 or so.

Joseph Rogers, 80 Adams Street, New Bedford, MA 02746
Email: (none)
Date submitted: before 1998
Villages: Unknown
Comments: My grandfather, Manuel Cardozo, was born on the island of Pico in 1901, when he immigrated to Providence RI in 1916, his last name changed to Cardoza. He married Alexandrina Bothelo of Providence in 1930, they had two children Ernest in 1933 and Dorothea in 1935. Mr. Cardoza died in 1950 in Taunton, MA . His wife died in 1981 and his daughter died in 1996. As far as I know he has many living relatives in the Providence area also in The Azores and Brazil.

Todd Silva, 485 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA 02657
Email: YukonGold7@aol.com
Date submitted: before 1998
Surname : Goulart, Gularte
Comment: I am searching for my family history on Pico. My Grandfather, Joaquin Goulart (born 1860) and his brother Francisco (Frank) Meneze Goulart (born 1864), immigrated from Pico to the USA ( changing their name to Silva) and settled in Massachusetts around the turn of the century- probably before. We do not know of any siblings and are unsure of their village. Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Jack Perry Matthews, 325 Turnpike Road, Somers, CT 06071
Email: JPerryM@aol.com
Date submitted: before 1998
Surnames: Ramos, Constance
Comments: Interested in any information concerning Maria Frances Ramos, born 8 aug 1873 in Pico. Her husband was Joao Caetano Pereira of Terceira, born 24 June 1873. They were married in New Bedford, MA on 2 May 1895. Maria died on 23 Dec 1943 in Fairhaven, MA. Maria's father was Francisco Ramos and her mother Francisca Constance, both born in Pico. I'd appreciate any information anyone might offer.

Russ Perry, 810 Oak Ridge Road, Papillion, NE 68046
Tel.: 402-593-8148
Email: russperry@home.com
Date submitted: Mon, 10 May 1999
Comments: My grandfather, Albert Joseph Perry, was born in Provincetown, Massachusetts on July 11, 1891. His birth record lists his parents as Joseph F. Perry of Faial and Louisa S. Silva (married March 8, 1886). Louisa was born in Provincetown. My grandfather's cousin has given Louisa'a birth date as June 13, 1864. His cousin also told me that Louisa was married to Joseph's older brother and when her first husband died she married Joseph. My grandfather told me, before he died in 1986, that his grandfather was employed at the American Consulate in Horta and when each of his sons reached the age of 12, he got them US Visas and sent them to the United States. My grandmother, Elizabeth Silva (Perry) was also born in Provincetown on February 2, 1898. Her parents are listed in the official record as Antoine Silva of Santa Maria and Maria Veira of Pico. Other relatives have told me that the names Craves, Cardozo, and Brun are associated with my family, but they gave me no further information. I have been told that Antoine had his own fishing boat in Provincetown. My father and his brothers and sister grew up in a family that tried their best to be Americans. They succeeded quite well. I was chosen by the United States Department of Defense to be an Air Attache at the Embassy in Lisbon. I had the blessing of being able to learn the language, history, culture, and people of Portugal. Now I'm interested in connecting with my relatives in the Islands and learning more. Sincerely, Russ Perry.

Frank Marques, 400 Elmwood ct, Tulock, Ca 95380, USA
Email: ftblndux@aol
Date submitted: Sun, 27 Jun 1999
Surnames; Marques, Quaresma, Simas
Comments: My dad was born in pico. His brother Jose Marques left Pico for Brazil. He has not been heard from for over 35 years. We would like to know what happened to him.

Tami Clem, 3505 Bridgeford Ln # 134, Modesto, California 95356, USA
Tel.: (209) 572-4104
Email: FmlyRoots@aol.com
Date submitted: Wed, 07 Jul 1999
Pico Island: villiage unknown
Surnames: Barreto, Feliciano, Moniz, Soares
Comments: My great grandfather Manuel Moniz Barreto came to america (san francisco. His father was Joseph Moniz Barreto. Joseph didnt like the name Barreto and dropped it. My great grandmother Maria Feliciano came to america On the day of the great earthquake in San Fran. Her fathers name is Manuel Feliciano and mother is Inez Soares. All the death cert of these two grandparents say is that they were born in the Azore Islands but I remember gma talking about Pico..alot.

Ron De Silva, 1320 Robbers Ravine, Colfax, Ca 95713
Email: rad4@pge.com
Date submitted: Thu, 8 Jul 1999
Village: Santa Cruz
Comments: In trying to trace back my Dads lineage, I have only gotten as far back as my Dads Grandparents: Jose V. Da Silva (born 1859) and his wife Philamena Dejesus Salvador (born 1863), both of Flores. I dont know eithers parents, but Dad believes that Jose V. Da Silva's dad was from Pico. I wonder if anyone else has run across a lead for me.
My Grandfather Antonio V De Silva (name change in 1907 from Da Silva) came to the US abt 1902 along with his brother Herculano. They were both young men who had a "falling out" with their dad (Jose V. Da Silva) after they joined the crew of a whaling vessel against their dad's wishes. After they both got to Mendocino and had a worked a few years in the Mendocinio lumber mill. My grandfather married Emelia Vierra of Flores. His brother Herculano married Laura Pimentel of Mendocino. My grandparents had 3 daughters and 2 sons. My dad, Anthony is the only surviving child. They both stayed in the Mendocino area, and continued working at the local lumber mill. My grandfather lost a leg in a lumbermill accident and moved down to Berkeley in the early 1930's to start a small farm, on which I was born in 1949. Both my grandparents lived with us until they passed away in 1958 and 1960. Herculano died in 1959. I have a lot of info on grandpa and grandma, including ship manifests and passenger lists etc, marriage certificates and lots of old portraits "tin-types" and photos from Flores that my dad can identify half of. My dads health is failing and I would sure like to get some more info for him on the family. Thanks for any help.

Ron Churchill, P.O. Box 762, Buffalo, NY 14207, USA
Email: ronchurch@yahoo.com
Date submitted: Sun, 29 Aug 1999
Village: Unknown
Surname: Simoes, Simmons
Comments: My mother's paternal grandfather was Manuel Simoes: born in the 1870s somewhere on Pico. He immmigrated to Massachusettes at the age of 12, changed his name to Simmons and married Francis Emilia also formerly of Pico.

Tamara Petrucci, 5535 Via Ontiveros, Yorba Linda, CA
Tel.: 714 693 0540
Email: boswellgr@aol.com
Date submitted: Wed, 06 Oct 1999
Surnames: Alves, Freitas
Island: Flores (from social security application)
Village: Vila de Sta. Cruz (from social security application)
Comments: Marie (Maria?) Alves b April 23, 1894 in Villa de Sta. Cruz, Flores, Azores came to the U.S. in 1913. She was in California by 1915. She appears in the 1920 census in Los Angeles, CA with husband Richard Diaz from Spain and children Louis b 1915 and Joseph b 1916. Marie died in Hawthorne, CA in 1983. On her social security application she lists her parents as Joseph Henriques Alves and Marie Freitas. The names of family members that I have are Marie Alves b 1893/94, and her siblings Olive, Martha, Joseph, Julia. I find it interesting that they all have northern european spellings to their names.

Reed F. Curry, R.R. #2 Box 468, Temple, N.H. 03084, USA
Email: rcurry@ttlc.net
Date submitted: Wed, 08 Dec 1999
Lugar: Pico
Surnames: Bettencourt, de Silveira
Comments: Joseph Bettencourt m. Leonore de Silveira in New Bedford, approx. 1922. Leonore born Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, died Pico, Azores, 1955; Joseph born Pico, Azores.

John C. Silva Jr., P.O.Box 15, Cutten, Ca 95534
Tel.: 707-443-2896
Email: joaosil@northcoast.com (invalid email)
Date submitted: Wed, 23 Feb 2000
Island: Pico
Parish: unknown
Surnames: Silveira Machado, Silveira, Machado, de Fraga, da Roza, Monteiro
Surnames: de Avila

Wm S Frazier, 5021 Pawnee Rd, Toledo Oh, USA
Tel.: 419 475 2117
Email: wsemfraz@buckeyeineet.net
Date submitted: Thu, 2 Mar 2000
Comments: I am searching to find a source to help me find the origins of my G Grandfather who was of Portugese descent born on the Island of Pico in the Azores. His birth name was Antonio Azevedo the year about 1822. His family were stonecutters. Rather than follow that trade he went to sea and was a sailor on North Atlantic whaling ships. At some point in time he married and lived in New Bedford, Mass. After 32 yrs of sailing he brought his family to Toledo, Ohio, bought a farm. His name was now Anton Frazier. He farmed and sailed on Lake Erie for 16 yrs. He died in 1887 at 64 yrs. His wifes name was Hary Goodwin an Irish immigrant. Date and year of marriage unknown.

Renee Gifford, 2374 Alberta Ct., Santa Clara, CA 95050, USA
Email: RArcuri832@aol.com
Date submitted: Sun, 5 Mar 2000
Surnames: George/Jorge, Martin, de Gloria, Ferreira
Comments: My great great grandfather, Manuel Gaspar George/Jorge, came to the Santa Clara Co. and Alameda Co., Ca. around 1870. He was a whaler and abandoned ship. He married Maria de Gloria Ferreira, he sometimes went by Maria de Gloria. They had two girl, Maria de Gloria George and Mariana Gaspar George. His wife died giving birth and his mother inlaw helped raise his children. He returned to Pico around 1900's, remarried and had two more girls. He named another one Marie George. They came back to the US for a short time and then returned to Pico. They had cousins in Santa Clara Co. by the name of Martin. There were other George relatives in the area. I would be interested in sharing information with anyone who is connected with this family.

Sunni Rose, Salt Lake City, UT
Email: sunni@modaliti.com (invalid email address)
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.

Jay J. Johnson (Castro), P.O. Box 421002, Del Rio, TX 78842
Tel.: (830) 768-1100
Email: Jay@villadelrio.com
Web: http://www.villadelrio.com
Date submitted: Thu, 28 Dec 2000
Surnames: Castro, Cardosa(Cardoza)
Comments: Tomas Castro came, at age 14, stowed-away aboard a ship from Fial Is. in the early 1900s, jumped ship in Boston and swam ashore. Ended up in the Bay area. Married an Anna Cardosa(Cardoza) of Pico Is. They had 13 children, many grand children. I'm looking for any families on the two islands, Pico and Fial. I want to visit. Please help.

Cordeiro, (no address submitted)
Email: Ajcopwdp@aol.com
Date submitted: Thu, 15 Mar 2001
Comments: My father Anthony Alexander Cordeiro was born in Gintes Sao Miguel Azores. He married my mother Olga Golart Jacinto from Pico, Azores. They came to Calif in their teens and settled in San Leandro.

Sarah White, P.o. Box 1537, Yreka California 96097, USA
Email: Sarahbear77ca@aol.com
Date submitted: Sun, 2 Dec 2001
Surnames: Borba, Lemos, Machado de Lemos
Comments:I'm a decendent of the Lemos family!!!! Flecionno Machado de Lemos. His daughter Emelia Rose Lemos was Married to Joseph Borba which is my Great Great Grandfather and Emelia would be my Great Great Grandmother!!! I'm looking for the Joseph Borba side of my family!!!

Liz Lemieux, 2017 Oakridge Lane, Pittsburg, CA. 94565
Email: llemu@aol.com
Date submitted: Fri, 28 Dec 2001
Comments: Searching for Joao Paschoal married to Catarina Pinheiro, had daughter Rosa who married Manuel Garcia son of Manuel Garcia and Barbara Alvarnaz. Manuel and Rosa had daughter Alexandrina Ignacia Garcia. Don't know where on the island of faial. Alexandrina was born approx 1884. She married a Frank Martin from Pico.

Ed Miller and Luis Garcia, 19110 Dagmar Dr, Saratoga, CA. 95070-5157 USA
Email: ozarkemiller@earthlink.net
Date submitted: Sat, 5 Jan 2002
Island: Unknown, but probably PICO
Surname: GARCIA, THOME, PERPETUA, RODRIGUES
Comments: I am researching for my friend, Louis. The 1920 US Census for Gustine Twp, Merced Co., CA lists a family, hoh Manuel T. GARCIA w/wife named Olinda, both born in Portugal (Azores) and immigrated in 1912. Five children, first two born in 1912 in Santa Clara, Santa Clara Co., CA. Manuel's death certificate and cemetery headstone reads "Manuel Garcia THOME, born 1890 and died 1962." His mother's maiden surname listed as "PERPETUA" and father's surname as "THOME." He and his sons were employed as dairymen in the California Central Valley, Gustine and Los Banos. His wife, Olinda A. Garcia Thome, nee RODRIGUES was born in 1891 in Azores and died 1978 in Los Banos, Merced Co., CA. Uncertain as to whether or not they became naturalized. If anyone recognizes these names, would like to contact/collaborate. Would like to find village and island where they originated and thus, more documents and family history.

Nancy Anderson, (no address submitted)
Email: NSA2318@aol.com
Date submitted: Tue, 5 Feb 2002
Comments: My grandfather was a Manuel Cunha from Santo Antonio, Pico. He was born in 1887. He changed his name to Manuel Perry in the US. His fathers name was Jose Pereira Da Cunha, and his mother was Maria Perpetus, he had siblings named Jose(Joseph), Pedro, Maria, Josephine (Married a Silvera, Lived in Lodi, Ca), Celstina Cunha (went to Canada) Da Gloria, Armandina, Some family says the names Cohelo and Pereira was also the name of one of his parents.
I am also looking for information on my Grandmothers family. She was born Beatrice Ribeiro, in 1915, In Faial. Her Mother was Margareta De Gloria Leal, her Father Antonio Francisco Ribeiro. Her Mother's sister was Emila Maria Leal Furtado, Her son was a Catholic Priest Agustas Furtado. My grandmother's village was Castelo Brancho (I was told it means White Castle) in case the spelling is wrong. My Grandparents lived in Maxwell, Willows, Dixon and then settled into Gridley Calif. But still seemed to have connections in the Woodland/Yolo area. I would love to find any information on this family. All of the old folks have passed on. I do have a very old address book with names and addresses from the Azores but, I am not sure how to check on the names there. Thank you.

Ed Duarte, Brandon, WI
Email: azorean@centurytel.net
Date submitted: Thu, 28 Mar 2002
Surnames: Da Silveira, Duarte, Candida, Silveira, Pereira
Comments: Looking for Parents of Boeventura Silveira, Maria Candida born around 1820's. They should have been born around Topo, Sao Jorge. Looking for info on Maria Jose Da Silveira A.K. A. Mary Jordon. She was bourn in 1860 in Pico.

Donna M. Shoults, 12308 NE 68TH PL, Kirkland, WA. 98033, USA
Tel: 425-828-7516
Email: ADONNA3@c.s.com
Date submitted: Sun, 4 May 2003
Surnames: Bettencourt (Sao Jorge), Maciel (Sao Joao, Pico), Perry (Pico), Soares, Silveria, Vierra (Faial)
Comments: All my great grandparents came from Portugal. I have some information but it is not complete. My grandmother on my mother's side lived Rua da Ladeira no 16 Augustias Horta Faial. She left Portugal at the age of 16 and came to America with her two brothers leaving her Mom and sisters. She stayed in Boston, Mass. for a time and finally settling in Centerville, Ca. which is now Fremont. Up until 5 years ago a member of her family still lived at that address. Her Husband Manuel Joseph Silveria came from Pico. He to came to Centerville as a teenager and Lived with the Judge. He met and later married my grandmother. They had two daughters, Laura and Anna. They also raised their nephew John Maciel. I have almost no information on Manuel J. Silveria's side. His father was Antonio Jose de Silveria, a farmer and his mother's name was Maria Isabel. On my father's side (Bettencourt) the family came from SaoJorge, Portugal John Cabral Bettencourt my great-grandfather and Thomasia Rose Perry my great-grandmother. My great-grandparents on my father's mother side was Manuel Joseph Souza and Marie Luna. That's all I know about them other than their siblings ended up in Stockton, Calif. The Bettencourts also ended up in Centerville and became farmers and land owners. I have many pictures and some stories on their lives but on my father's mother's side I have little and on my mothers father's side I have little also. This is becoming an exciting journey I would enjoy more information and meeting other relatives. My mother's parents belonged to a Portuguese Lodge and attended many custome dances. I have the sheet music to the Chamarita numerous Portuguese dishes and a book on the Portuguese settlement in Washington Township Fremont, Calif. I'm sorry to say I don't speak Portuguese, my grandparents were trying to learn English so that's what was spoken. My Mom could speak and read it but didn't teach my brother or I. Looking forward to hearing from someone!

Hazel Smothers, La Jolla, California
Email: hsmothers@san.rr.com
Date submitted: Sun, 20 Jul 2003
Comments: I am interested in finding out more about my grandfather and grandmother's (Mother's side) forbearers. They are from Faial: Jose Silva Raminha, b 27 October 1881 in Faial (possibly Salao) d 23 Jan 1953 in San Luis Obispo, CA. He married Maria Silva Raminha [b 27 Jan 1889 in Faial (possibly Salao), d 8 Dec 1984 in San Luis Obispo, CA], on 7 July 1911 in Horta, Faial. He migrated to the United States in 1902 followed by Maria in 1910. We believe Maria Silva's maiden name was also Raminha and that her mother was Ana Bettencourt b 1870 in Faial; d1942 in San Luis Obispo, CA and that her father was Antonio da Silva Raminha (no dates known). Antonio's father was Joao De Deus e Silva Raminha, b 21 Nov 1810. Salao, Faial, d 20 Jun 1878 and married Ana Isabel e Silva de Escobar (b 7 Mar 1822 in Salao, Faial, d 1902) on 30 October 1842. My father's name was Gerald da Costa Ramos b 5 Dec 1904 in Sao Rogue Do Pico, Pico, d 26 Dec 2001, Morro Bay, CA.

Sonia Fraga, New Bedford, Massachussetts, USA
Email: sonia197802@yahoo.com
Date submitted: Wed, 23 Jul 2003
Surnames: Goulart, Rodrigues, Vieira
Comments: My mother passed away when i was a couple of months old. And all i know is her name Francisca vieira goulart rodrigues. i do know that she was born there in pico and i know she died sept2 1978.

Marjorie Sylvia, 125 River Ridge Rd., Brunswick, Ga. 31523, USA
Tel.: (912) 265 - 2955
Email: msylvia01@adelphia.net
Date submitted: Fri, 15 Aug 2003
Surname: Sylvia
Comments: My grandfather was Francis Joseph Sylvia, born 15 May 1847 in the Western Islands. He emigrated from Faial Island in the 1800's (1863, 1866 or 1869). I have seen these different dates on different documents. He went by the name Frank. I believe he may have been born on Peco Island, but I am not sure. His father's name was Joseph. He came into New York and settled in Scituate, Massachusetts until the late 1880's. He lived in Massachusetts with his sister Posenia, who married Matthew Marguich (from Austria). He moved to Brunswick, Georgia in 1892 and applied for Naturalization. Naturalization was granted in 1894. He lived out the rest of his life in Brunswick, Georgia. He died 27 Feb. 1918 and was buried in Palmetto Cemetery. His wife was Mary E. Joaquin Gonzales, daughter of John. She was born in 1875 (Maderia Island). She immigrated to the United States in 1889 or 1890. She died 4 Feb. 1926. They had eleven children: (1) John (b. 27 Nov. 1891, d. 10 March 1892), (2) Anthony Benedict (b. 01 Jan. 1893, d. 6 April 1952), (3) Francis Jerome (b. 17 June 1894, d. 08 March 1943), (4) Mary Ethel Cecilia,( b. 05 Aug. 1896, d. 25 Oct. 1976), (5) Leonard Francis (b. 04 Oct. 1898, d. 19 Jan. 1943), (6) Edward Benjamin (b. 14 Aug. 1901, d. 12 Oct. 1961), (7) Anna Maria (b. 10 Oct. 1903, d. 29 June 1911), (8) Monica Therisa (b. 12 Oct. 1906, d. 16 Dec. 1927), (9) Albert Louis (b. 22 Jan. 1909, d. 26 Dec. 1973), (10) Joseph Vincent (b. 22 Oct. 1911, d. 02 Jan. 1950) and John Raphiel (b. 22 Oct. 1913, d. 31 May 1914).

Joan Rose, North Carolina
Email: Aasparagus00@aol.com
Date submitted: Sun, 7 Sep 2003
Comments: I am researching for the names da Simas, Simoes, Paes and Medeiros. They are the great grandparents of my children. They came from Sao Miguel in the late 1890s to New Bedford, MA. This is what I know about about Rosa da Simas: She was born in the village of Achada in 1876 and died in New Bedford, MA in 1966. She is probably buried in St. John the Baptist Cemetery and I am currently making those inquiries. She married Joseph Ferreira Simoes (?in Sao Miguel or MA?). Their first child was born 20 May 1900 in New Bedford, MA. Their children were Joseph Ferreira, Jr., Julio, Mary, John, Angelina and Manuel. Her husband, Jos F. Simoes was also born in Achada in 1871 and he died in New Bedford, MA in 1954. I married the only child of Joseph Ferreira Simoes (Simmons), Jr, Alvin Joseph Simmons. I too remember hearing the island of Pico mentioned by the family. I have a v. poor picture of Rosa da Simas.
Joseph F. Simoes (Simmons), Jr, married Elvira Page who parents were were Antone Paes (Page) and Antonia demao Medeiros. Antonia Medeiros and Antonio Paes were born in Ponte del Gardo (sp), villa de Franco. I believe that I have found an Ellis Island entry for her with her maiden name for 1899 at age 30. I have a v. poor picture of this couple also.
These immigrants and their children are all deceased now so I must look to records for family lineage. I have 5 married children and 9 grandchildren who need and want to find their Portuguese heritage.

Gerri DeCosta, Ormond Beach FL
Email: barryfanfl@aol.com
Date submitted: Thu, 2 Oct 2003
Surnames on Pico: Silva, Theresa b. 1868, d. 25 Jun 1933, Boston MA
Comments: These are the only names I have on either island. Hope somebody recognizes them!

Juanita Adams, 130 Whispering Pine Dr., Palm Coast, FL 32164, USA
Email: juanitaa@pcfl.net
Date submitted: Fri, 3 Oct 2003
Comments: I do not have a village but my husband's ancestor came from Pico, Azores at the age of 16 to the USA. He was born 1835 in Pico. He came on a ship with a British Captain (so the story goes) and the Captain told him he needed an American name if he was coming to America. He told him to take his name which was Adams. He used the name Zenas Adams. I am trying to find out if Zenas is a last name common on the island of Pico. Since he could neither read or write (according to the census) I was wondering is it was possible that his name should be spelled Simas?

Carol Sybrant, 1609 Pearl Eye Lane, Medford, OR 97504
Tel.: 541-245-3394
Email: Carolsybrant@charter.net
Date submitted: Fri, 6 Feb 2004
Comments: I am searching for information on my great grandparents who all imigrated from the Azores to Massachusettes, then settled in Centerville (Washington Township) California. I do not have information on their villages. PICO: Antone Oliveira, born August 1851; married Mary D. Lewis
PICO: Mary D. Lewis, born 1855, married Antone Oliveira
SANTA MARIA: Manuel Rezendes, married Rosida Dutra
FAIAL: Rosida Dutra, born 1868, married Manuel Rezendes
No other information known.

Shirley Mello Fabel, (no address submitted)
Email: srfabel@cccomm.net
Date submitted: Sat, 7 Feb 2004
Village: Unknown
Surnames: deBrum, Domingos, Dutra, Martins, deMello, Rodriquez, daSilveira, Sousa, Xavier
Comments: Maria Delfina Domingos, Francisco Vieira Mello, Mateus Ignacio Xavier. I will be happy to share all infomation on descendants of these people that I have.

Rose Fox, (no address submitted)
Email: aroseisaroseisarose@comcast.net
Date submitted: Fri, 26 Mar 2004
Surnames: Gonsalves, de/da Rosa, Rose, Corea, Silva, Raposa, Branco and Brilhante.
Island: Pico, village unknown.
Comments: My great grandmother's name was Mary N. Rosa Silva Gonsalves. I was told that her maiden name was Silva. She was born on Christmas day in 1880. She emigrated to the United States at the age of 14 (1894). She initially lived with a cousin that had immigrated to the U.S. at an earlier date. She worked at Anthony's Farm in Middletown, RI. There she met her husband Manuel Rosa Gonsalves. (B. and date of passing unknown. He remarried after 1929 and moved to Gloucester, MA.). They soon married and eventually had 13 children. Five lived to adulthood. Some of there children were named Rose (married.name Corea), Mary, Lara, Emma, Tony, Georgina, and Manny. The family lived in Middletown, Portsmouth and Bristol RI before moving to Cambridge, MA. My gr. Grandmother was called to God in 1929 while living in Cambridge, MA. My grandmother, Rose Helen Gonsalves married Augustus P. Corea (later changed to Carey) b. April 29, 1907 possibly in the Azores. He passed on Dec. 31, 1973 in Cambridge, MA. They wed in 1929 at Our lady of the Holy Rosary Church in Providence, RI. My gr. Grandfathers name was also Augustus P. Corea b. 1880. Passed on Dec. 3, 1921. He lived in Cambridge, MA and was possibly born in the Azores. His mothers name was Lucy Corea b. 1885 and passed on May 20. 1929. She also lived in Cambridge, MA. She also possibly was born in the Azores.
A note on this family line. One of my gr. Uncles used the last name of Rose. My grandmother told me that they called her "Rose Rose" but she thought that "too much" and always used the name of Gonsalves as her maiden name. I've searched for years for information on my family. I would very much appreciate any information at all on the family line.

Kellie Crnkovich, P.O. Box 693224, Stockton, CA 95269
Tel.: 209-321-5032
Email: markkell95@aol.com
Date submitted: Tue, 6 Apr 2004
Surnames: Pico - SILVA/DA SILVA
Comments: Looking for my family that lived in Washington, CA and immigrated from the Azores. My Great Gradfather Manuel is on the 1880 census and family is there from then on. Here are names of family/descendants I am looking for: Joseph Perry Silva (Pico) b abt 1853 m Mary ?? b. about 1856. Their daughter Mary Silva b 1880 (1month at census). Per census records it looks like Mary Silva wife of Joseph later married Antone Dutra (1920 census) they have children Antone b 1898 and Laura b 1908. Mary and Joseph daughter Mary I believe married Serjo Martin (per 1920 census) and their children are Maria b 1909, Manuel b 1912, Joseph b. 1915, and Mabel b. 1919. Manuel Perry Silva (Pico) b 1847 m Marianna Avila (Sao Jorge) b 1874 (I believe she came around 1889 because I think she was only 15 when they were married per census records) Per story Manuel was married to older sister when she died without children Marianna was sent to be his wife from Sao Jorge. Their children are as follows. Anthony Bernard Silva b 4/13/1895 children Walter, John, Howard, Bobby, Sandra, Patricia. Manuel Perry Silva 9/16/1896 Joseph Silva 1902 Marie Madeline Silva 1907 m Joseph Silveira b 1899 sons are Donald an Richard. Andrew Azevedo b 1862 m Barbara Avila (Sao Jorge) (believe Marianna's sister) son Andrew A Azevedo b 1898. Please contact me if you are part of this family, or if you know this family or the ones listed. Thanks, Kellie

Frank Hernandez, 4220 Harmon Rd., El Sobrante, CA, 94803
Email: lhernandez7@comcast.net
Date submitted: Mon, 28 Feb 2005
Village: unknown
Surname: Bernardo
Comments: I'm looking for information about my maternal great grandfather, Manuel Bernardo. Manuel and brother, Joseph (Jose) came to California in the period 1875-1885. They settled in the area around Lemoore, California. Joseph returned to Pico soon after, but Manuel stayed and married Utima Castro circa 1890. I would love to learn of Bernardo family on Pico.

Jody Garcia, San Jose CA., USA
Email: Jodgarcia2@aol.com
Date submitted: Wed, 10 Aug 2005
Surnames: GARCIA, GARCIA Da ROSA, ROSA, MACIEL, AND GALLEGO
Comments: My Grandparents immigrated from the Azores to New Bedford Mass. My GF name was George John Garcia. My GM name was Maria Maciel Gallego. My GF came first and then sent for my GM. They lived in New Bedford until approx. 1920, when they moved to Hanford, CA to a Dairy Farm. They also lived in San Gregorio and then later to Santa Clara County. My father's name was Joseph John Garcia. His siblings were Rosaline (Sardinha), Mary (Azevedo), Manuel, Emily (Medeiros) George, John, Anthony, Edward, Eva Jane (Circo), Elvira (Da Vico). All the children were born here in the U.S. I have been that my Grandparents may have immigrated from Pico, but I am not certain. My Aunt Emily's middle name was GRAVANCE, so I believe this may have been a family name also.

Debra DeVerter, Sacramento, CA
Email: ddeverter@sbcglobal.net
Date submitted: Fri, 22 Sep 2006
Village: unknown
Surname: Jacinto
Comments: My great-grandparents came over to the U.S. around 1870 and settled in Cherokee, Butte County, CA. Supposedly they were miners. My great-grandfather's name is Manuel Marion Jacinto and he was born around 1840 on Faial. My great-grandmother's name is Anna Rose, born on Pico around 1858. Not sure if Rose was her last name or her middle name. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Patrick P. Pizzo (no address submitted)
Email: ppizzo@email.sjsu.edu
Date submitted: 24 May 2010
Island: Pico
Surname: Machado
Comments: I am trying to find information about Manual Vierra (Vieira?) from, I believe, the island of Sao Jorge in the Azores who married Gloria Maria Machado from the island of Pico sometime in the 1890's. They
came to the USA in about 1899, to Boston [don't know if they came through Ellis Island]; and then they moved to Pascadero, California in the early 1900's (maybe around 1904 or so). When they got to the USA, their name became Rodriques; and, I understand from my aunt, approaching 100 years, that their surname in the Azores was Rogers. Very confusing, I know. Can anyone help me out here?

Elizabeth (Dutra) Johnson ~ 800 Oxen Street, Paso Robles, CA  93446 ~ 805.226.8723
Email:  grammylu@charter.net
Date Submitted: Saturday, 24 Jul 2010
Village:  Unknown
Surnames:  Dutra, Bettencourt
Comments:  Searching for information on my father’s side of the family, this information is what I know:  My father, Joao Dutra, was born on the island of Pico, Azores, on 29 July 1924.  He, and his brother, was raised by an aunt and uncle on the island of Faial, later to be sent to the orphanage in Lisbon, Portugal.  He left Portugal for Shanghai, China, and worked as a police/military.  He met my mother, Patricia Pereira, and they were married in Shanghai then moved to Macau, China.  His brother, Manual Dutra, who emigrated to Montreal, Canada, in the year unknown, and his wife’s name is Arminda.  I have heard he has returned to Pico or Faial, unsure which island.
This information is what I have heard in this past year:  his mother and father are unknown to us, as they were never married.  My father and his brother were given his mother’s name, Dutra, and his father, Bettencourt, was married.
My recent travel to Horta, Faial, in May 2010 was an unsuccessful trip.  I was trying to find their birth certificates but the book containing the information had been returned to Pico.  My travel was shortened due to weather, and there was not enough time left to make the trip to Pico to try and locate this information.  If there is anyone that knows or has any information, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

Bob Viara, Manchester, CT 06040, USA
Email: rviara@cox.net
Date submitted : 11 May 2011
Island: PICO
Village: Unknown
Surname: Viara, Vieira
Comments: Great-grandfather Manuel Viara, born 27 June 1834 on Pico, worked on whaling ship, jumped ship in New Bedford, MA around 1850, died 1 May 1897 in Hadley, MA as a farmer. Great-great-grandparents Manuel and Nancy Viara of Pico Island

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.

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