As for the title, what I mean to say is, there could not have been a more confusing person to ever exist. I will start by saying what information I know, and then follow through with what I learned.
Information passed down to me: My great great grandfather Herman David originally comes from Lucca, Italy. We were told he came with his younger brother to come to the United States permanently. We were told countless times that Herman David's father is Luigi Davini and his mother is Maria. Herman David and his family were quite secretive, and were causing trouble. I was told he changed his name to Herman David to hide from the police (That, or he changed it to be more Americanized). I was also always told his original name was Orlando Davini. We were also told he and his brother came by themselves to the United States.
Information I learned through proper documentation: It turns out, everything was correct. His true name was Orlando Davini, he did change his name to Herman David. His fathers name is indeed Luigi Davini (according to Italian records); and surprisingly, his mother had two names (her actual name and the name she goes by) Maria (first name) Olimpia (Preferred name) D'Arrigo. Apparently, they all lived in Balbano, Lucca, Italy. As expected, he lied on census records. The first census record, he indicated being born in Lucca, Italy (This is correct). The second one indicating being born in California, and the third one indicating being born in Florida.
Information I learned through false documentation: Today, I have finally received his death certificate in the mail today. I am furious to say that his false information made it to his death certificate. For starters, he indicated his father as Orlando Davini and his mother as Olympia. There are no records I believe at the time of their marriage showing any Orlando Davini's marrying an Olympia. His birth place was stated to be California, again. The only thing accurate is his birthday and dod.
I am at a loss for words. I have no idea how to continue on. All I know is that I want to find the truth, and correct the wrongs. I was hoping to get Italian citizenship through him, but he makes it so exceedingly difficult.
How should I proceed? How can I prove that Orlando Davini and Herman David are the same person? Where do I find the true records explaining it all? How can I correct these records?