Casanova - Chios Greece
We have traced back to our fourth-great-grandfather Stephanos Casanova who lived on the island of Chios as of 1849. Stephanos' birthplace is unknown. He married Theodora <--?-->. He is mentioned in a document in 1849 written by the monks of Agio Oros Monastery (in Greece). The monks sent it to the elders of the island asking the elders to remove Stephanos from some property he was usurping. No mention as to where this property was or what eventually happened.Stephanos had 3 sons, Ioannis Casanova, Stematios Casanova and Demosthenes Casanova born in the 1840s on Chios island.No further information on Demosthenes other than he died beteween 1905-1925 with a wife and children.Ioannis married Katerina Yiambili and adopted children. Stamatis married Marigo (in Dafnonas, Chios) and had Amalia (my 2nd great-grandma), Sofia and Marouka Casanova.The girls married and the surname dies at this point.
The family was in Chios from about the 1200's and was from Liguria originally, although I've also heard Genoa. They were part of the Giustiniani, a group of families that alligned because of common business interests and wealth and shared ties back to Genoa.
I've read Libre D'oro by Philip Argenti where a branch is traced though unfortunately my line is missing.
I've also tried Georgios Zolotas "Istoria tis Hiou" (history of chios)
I don't suppose anyone out there has any idea what I'm talking about? :)
I am getting the feeling I need to brush up on my Italian (which is no nonexistent) to further my research,
does any of this ring a bell with anyone?
thanks much,
Debbie Sideratos Petrides