Santo Calamia (1875 - 1922)

Born 31 Aug 1875 in Gibellina, Trapani, Sicilia, Italia

Husband of Teresa (Saltaformaggio) Calamia — married 30 Jan 1901 (to 5 Apr 1922) in Pointe-a-la-Hache, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, United States

Died 5 Apr 1922 at age 46 in Gibellina, Trapani, Sicilia, Italia

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Biography

Santo Calamia is born in Gibellina, Italy, on 31 August 1875.^[1] He is the son of Giuseppe Calamia and Antonina Fontana.^[2] Gibellina is in Trapani province, in Sicily.

Santo is also known as "Joseph,"^[3] the name under which he becomes naturalized in 1904. According to this record, Santo emigrated in 1889.^[4]

Santo marries Teresina Saltaformaggio, age 18 (b. 1883), daughter of Serafino Saltaformaggio and Catherine Loracano, on 30 January 1901 in Orleans, LA.^[2] Another record of Santo and Teresina's marriage tells us that Santo was born in Gibellina and his wife in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana.^[5]

Teresa and Santo have eight known children: Joseph Thomas (1901), Anna Teresa (1902), Catherine A. (1904), Camille Veronica (1905), Mary S. (1907), Serafino John/Albert (1910), and Ignatius Roy (1912).

Santo is a known associate of Giuseppe Morello, the half-brother of Teresa's sister-in-law, Lucia Terranova. Lucia and Teresa's brother, Antonio, married in 1894^[3][6], at the beginning of the Morello-Terranova family's year in Louisiana sugar cane country.

Joseph Thomas is born in New Orleans^[7] on 28 November 1901.^[8]

On 11 June 1902 Joseph, and four others in league with Mafia boss Francesco Genova, invade the grocery/bar of the Luciano brothers at 1125 Poydras in New Orleans, killing Salvadore Luciano.^[9][10][11]

Anna Teresa is born 27 November 1902.^[8]

On 7 April 1903, Joseph's brother-in-law, Antonio Saltaformaggio, who is also a brother-in-law of Giuseppe Morello, is found, murdered, near White Castle, Louisiana. The killing may be in retribution for Joseph's part in the shooting, the previous year.

Catherine is born 3 February 1904.^[8]

Joseph Calamia becomes a naturalized citizen on 3 October 1904 in the Civil District Court in New Orleans, LA. His date of birth is a match for his passport application, and a match for his age at marriage.^[4]

Camille Veronica is born in 1905.^[8]

Mary is born 2 January 1907.^[8]

In the 1910 federal census of New Orleans, Ward 5, taken 16 April, Giuseppe Calamia, age 35 (b. 1875), heads a household at 925 Decatur St. with his wife of 9 years (m. 1901), Teresina, 24 (b. 1886). She has had 5 children, all living. This is their first marriage. Giuseppe was born in Italy, emigrated in 1889, and is a naturalized citizen. He is an employer, the keeper of a bar room. His wife and children were born in Louisiana. Their children at home are Giuseppe, 8 (b. 1902), Amee (Anna), 7 (b. 1903), Carrie (Catherine), 6 (b. 1904), Carmila (Camille), 5 (b. 1905), and Mamie (Mary), 3 (b. 1907). Also living with them are Giuseppe’s father, also named Giuseppe Calamia, 65 (b. 1845), a widower, born in Italy, who emigrated in 1907; his sister Carmela Calamia, 28 (b. 1882), single, born in Italy, emigrated in 1907; aunt Francesca Fontana, 47 (b. 1863), single, born in Italy, emigrated in 1906; and cousin Antonio Calamia, 20 (b. 1890), single, born in Louisiana of Italian parents. All three of his Italian relations are alien residents. Antonio is a helper in a bar room. Close neighbors, John Radetich, an Austrian, and his boarder Mitchel Perovich, are bartenders in a bar room. Another neighbor, Giuseppe Manzella is also a bar keeper; two of his family members are helpers in a bar room.^[12]

On 26 February 1910, Santo's father is arrested in New Orleans, in connection with the murder of New York police lieutenant Petrosino in Palermo. Sources in the Italian community in NOLA say Calamia was one of the instigators of the plot against Petrosino. It is reported that Giuseppe, with a companion, fled Italy after an investigation into Petrosino's death began. Before coming back to the US, Calamia went to Paris, then New York where he hid for several months.^[13]

In coverage of Giuseppe's arrest, it's noted that he is the father of Santo, who was arrested some time ago in connection with another murder.^[13][14] Giuseppe is found at 927 Decatur St in New Orleans.^[14] The address is very close to the French Market. (Maps: Google Maps, a 1924 map overlaid upon a contemporary one)

Serafino John is born 8 September 1910.^[8] He appears in the 1920 census as "Serafino," and is a match for "Albert" in the 1930 census.

Ignazio is born 28 March 1912 in New Orleans.^[15] He's later called Ignatius Roy, or Ignatius Cairo.

Santo visits Giuseppe Morello in federal prison in Atlanta, in 1917.^[3] The visitor's log records him as a brother-in-law of Giuseppe. (Santo's wife's brother, Antonio Saltaformaggio, was married to Giuseppe's half-sister, Lucia Terranova. Antonio was killed in 1903.) Santo's business address is reported to be 4435 Laurel St.^[16], some distance from the French Quarter, in the Freret neighborhood. (1924 map of NOLA

In the 1920 federal census of New Orleans, Santo Catania, 44 (b. 1876), heads a household at 4435 Laurel St. He owns his home. Also in his household are his wife, Tresina, 33 (b. 1887), and children: Joseph T, 18 (b. 1902), Anna T, 17 (b. 1903), Catherine A, 15 (b. 1905), Camile V, 14 (b. 1906), Mary S, 13 (b. 1907), Serafino, 9 (b. 1911), and Ignatius, 8 (b. 1912), and Santo’s cousin, Anthony Fiorenza, 25 (b. 1895). Santo, born in Italy, immigrated in 1889 and became naturalized in 1904. His wife and children were born in Louisiana. Tresina’s parents were both born in Italy. Anthony, who is single, immigrated in 1912 (this year is obscured) and was naturalized in 1918. Santo is a drummer in a brewery. Anthony is a barber.^[17]

In June 1921, Santo's father dies in Gibellina.^[18] Santo applies for a passport two months later, on 5 August, to settle the estate. He asks his passport be sent to him at 4435 Laurel St., NOLA. The photo accompanying this Wikitree profile of Santo is from his passport application. Santo is described as 46 years old, standing 5’6”, with a high forehead, brown eyes, straight nose, lare mouth, round chin, iron-grey hair, a ruddy complexion, and oval face. He is identified by Anthony Shiavaco, a native citizen living in NOLA, who has known Santo for 20 years.^[19]

After applying for a passport, Santo sells lots 39 and 40, block 136, in northwest Bogalusa for $1800 to B.F. Blakesee.^[20] ($1800 is worth about $25,251 per this US Inflation Calculator, as of 19 January 2019.)

Death of Santo

Santo dies on 5 April 1922 in Gibellina, at age 47 (b. 1875).^[21]

Anna Teresa marries Paul Bivona on 8 October 1925 in Orleans, LA.^[22]

Catherine's married name is "Bonnevai." She dies 19 May 1927.^[8]

In the 1930 federal census of New Orleans, LA, taken 12 April, Teresa Calamia heads a household at 4435 Laurel. She owns her home, worth $10,000. Teresa is 47 (b. 1883), a widow. Also at home are her children: Camille, reportedly 23 (she is 25), Mary, reportedly 21 (she is 23), Albert, 19 (b. 1911), and Roy, 18 (b. 1912). All members of the household were born in Louisiana. Camille and Mary are both stenographers, Camille for a real estate company and Mary for a law office. Albert is a clerk for a fruit company.^[23] Joseph, who has married Edna Kron by this time, is a checker for a fruit import company.^[24]

Camille marries Edward P. Lamare.^[8]

In the 1940 federal census of New Orleans, LA, taken 15 April, Santo Calamia, female, (this must be Teresa, Santo’s widow) heads a household at 3867 Gentilly Rd. She is 57 (b. 1883), a widow, born in Louisiana, as were her family at home: Serafino, 29 (b. 1911), also a widower, Carol, granddaughter, 5 (b. 1935), son Ignatius, 28 (b. 1912), son in law Edward Lamare, 32 (b. 1908). Serafino is a fruit shipping checker. Ignatius owns a movie theater. Edward is an automobile salesman.^[25] Santo and Teresa's daughter, Camille Lamare, 32 (b. 1908), married, appears on the next page of the census. She is a stenographer in a law firm.^[26]

Ignatius Roy Calamia, of 2545 Lavender St., New Orleans, LA, registers for the draft for WWII on 16 October 1940.^[27]

Camille dies in 1940.^[8]

Ignatius Roy, age 33 (b. 1913), marries Shirley Lorraine Appolonia, age 23 (b. 1923), on 27 March 1946 in Orleans parish, LA.^[28]

Joseph Thomas dies in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, on 17 February 1949 at age 47 (b. 1902).^[7]

Anna dies 13 September 1949.^[8]

Santo's widow, Teresa, dies on 13 June 1963 in New Orleans at age 79. She is buried in Metairie Cemetery in NOLA.^[8]

Ignatius Cairo Roy Calamia dies 11 June 1971 at age 59 in Louisiana. He last resided in Orleans parish.^[29] He is buried in the Calamia Tomb in Metairie Cemetery in NOLA.^[30]

Mary's married name is "Rihner." She dies 12 March 1982.^[8]

Serafino John dies 11 October 1984.^[8]

Sources

1. ↑ "United States Passport Applications, 1795-1925," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-9965-N4SN?cc=2185145&wc=3XZM-VZ7%3A1056306501%2C1056487601 : 22 December 2014), (M1490) Passport Applications, January 2, 1906 - March 31, 1925 > Roll 1712, 1921 Aug, certificate no 73500-73875 > image 415 of 764; citing NARA microfilm publications M1490 and M1372 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.)
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1} "Louisiana, Parish Marriages, 1837-1957," database with images, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QKJH-WDNP : 12 March 2018), Sante Calamia and Teresina Saltaformaggio, 30 Jan 1901; citing Orleans, Louisiana, United States, various parish courthouses, Louisiana; FHL microfilm 911,492.
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2} Critchley, David. The Origin of Organized Crime in America: The New York City Mafia, 1891-1931. Routledge: New York, 2009.
4. ↑ ^{4.0 4.1} "Louisiana Naturalization Records, 1831-1906", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q23J-XBGS : 9 March 2018), Joseph Calamia, 1904.
5. ↑ "Louisiana, Parish Marriages, 1837-1957," database with images, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QKJ4-QNT2 : 12 March 2018), Santo Calamia and Teresina Saltaformaggio, 14 Feb 1901; citing Orleans, Louisiana, United States, various parish courthouses, Louisiana; FHL microfilm 907,709.
6. ↑ Mike Dash. The First Family: Terror, Extortion and the Birth of the American Mafia. Accessed https://books.google.com/books?id=zKtZNLbcpGEC&pg=PT381&lpg=PT381&dq=antonio+saltaformaggio+killed&source=bl&ots=-S_YAHDol-&sig=1PD3IZ_0NyGTgxYMbKrkzrhCv-M&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiA-YW-qLLOAhXj5oMKHSyPAhcQ6AEIHDAA#v=onepage&q=antonio%20saltaformaggio%20killed&f=false on 8 August 2016. Dash cites private information from the Saltaformaggio family.
7. ↑ ^{7.0 7.1} "Louisiana Deaths, 1850-1875, 1894-1960," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F3MR-FMD : 10 March 2018), Theresa Saltaformaggio in entry for Joseph Thomas Calamia, 17 Feb 1949; citing St Bernard, St. Bernard, Louisiana, certificate number 195, State Archives, Baton Rouge; FHL microfilm 1,409,448.
8. ↑ ^{8.00 8.01 8.02 8.03 8.04 8.05 8.06 8.07 8.08 8.09 8.10 8.11 8.12} Find A Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com : accessed 18 January 2019), memorial page for Teresa Saltaformaggio Calamia (1883–13 Jun 1963), Find A Grave Memorial no. 162642410, citing Metairie Cemetery, New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana, USA ; Maintained by Erik (contributor 46874878) .
9. ↑ Critchley, D. (2009). The Origin of Organized Crime in America: The New York City Mafia, 1891-1931. New York: Routledge.
10. ↑ (1902, June 12). The Times-Democrat (New Orleans, LA), p. 5.
11. ↑ Kingman, W. A. The Axeman of New Orleans. https://serialkillercalendar.com/THE-AXEMAN-OF-NEW-ORLEANS.php retrieved 1/29/19
12. ↑ "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9RVF-QBZ?cc=1727033&wc=QZZW-NL5%3A133638601%2C134935101%2C138902201%2C1589088854 : 24 June 2017), Louisiana > Orleans > New Orleans Ward 5 > ED 71 > image 6 of 50; citing NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).
13. ↑ ^{13.0 13.1} “Arrest Petrosino Suspect.” The Sun (New York, NY) 27 February 1910. P. 1.
14. ↑ ^{14.0 14.1} “Alleged Assassin Held.” The Sunday Star (Washington DC) 27 February 1910. P. 1.
15. ↑ "Louisiana, Orleans Parish Vital Records, 1900-1964," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QGVC-RL3Y : 19 October 2018), Ignazio Calamia, 28 Mar 1912; citing Birth 28 Mar 1912, New Orleans, Orleans, Louisiana, United States, certificate  ; Louisiana State Archives, Baton Rouge.
16. ↑ Giuseppe Morello visitor log at Atlanta Federal Penitentiary received by NARA request, by Thomas Hunt at an unknown date. He shared the NARA files with me via Dropbox on 31 December 2017. ~~~~
17. ↑ "United States Census, 1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GR6G-VLM?cc=1488411&wc=QZJP-T29%3A1036471301%2C1037714401%2C1037836401%2C1589332979 : 14 December 2015), Louisiana > Orleans > New Orleans Ward 13 > ED 223 > image 2 of 36; citing NARA microfilm publication T625 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).
18. ↑ "Italia, Trapani, Stato Civile (Archivio di Stato), 1906-1928," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2HH-QBZL : 16 March 2018), Giuseppe Calamia, 05 Jun 1921; citing Death, Gibellina, Trapani, Italy, certificate number 82, Archivio di Stato di Trapani (Trapani State Archives, Trapani).
19. ↑ "United States Passport Applications, 1795-1925," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-9965-N4SN?cc=2185145&wc=3XZM-VZ7%3A1056306501%2C1056487601 : 22 December 2014), (M1490) Passport Applications, January 2, 1906 - March 31, 1925 > Roll 1712, 1921 Aug, certificate no 73500-73875 > image 415 of 764; citing NARA microfilm publications M1490 and M1372 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.)
20. ↑ “Real Estate Deals.” The Era-Leader (Franklinton, LA). 15 September 1921.
21. ↑ "Italia, Trapani, Stato Civile (Archivio di Stato), 1906-1928," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2HH-7Q84 : 16 March 2018), Santo Calamia, 05 Apr 1922; citing Death, Gibellina, Trapani, Italy, certificate number 1, Archivio di Stato di Trapani (Trapani State Archives, Trapani).
22. ↑ "Louisiana, Parish Marriages, 1837-1957," database with images, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QKJC-GQM2 : 13 March 2018), Theresa Saltaformaggio in entry for Paul Bivona and Anna Calamia, 08 Oct 1925; citing Orleans, Louisiana, United States, various parish courthouses, Louisiana; FHL microfilm 2,297,757.
23. ↑ "United States Census, 1930," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GRH9-9R9?cc=1810731&wc=QZF3-338%3A648806801%2C648806802%2C648806803%2C1589285134 : 10 December 2015), Louisiana > Orleans > New Orleans (Districts 1-250) > ED 227 > image 42 of 42; citing NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002).
24. ↑ "United States Census, 1930," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9RH7-Q7N?cc=1810731&wc=QZF3-XKL%3A648806801%2C648806802%2C648806803%2C1589282722 : 8 December 2015), Louisiana > Orleans > New Orleans (Districts 1-250) > ED 196 > image 35 of 52; citing NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002).
25. ↑ "United States Census, 1940," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9MR-P3FH?cc=2000219&wc=QZXP-WC7%3A790102701%2C791269701%2C792112401%2C792204701 : accessed 2 February 2019), Louisiana > Orleans > New Orleans City, New Orleans, Ward 8 > 36-219 New Orleans City Ward 8 (Tract 25 - part) > image 17 of 48; citing Sixteenth Census of the United States, 1940, NARA digital publication T627. Records of the Bureau of the Census, 1790 - 2007, RG 29. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2012.
26. ↑ "United States Census, 1940," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9MR-PQ4K?cc=2000219&wc=QZXP-WC7%3A790102701%2C791269701%2C792112401%2C792204701 : accessed 2 February 2019), Louisiana > Orleans > New Orleans City, New Orleans, Ward 8 > 36-219 New Orleans City Ward 8 (Tract 25 - part) > image 18 of 48; citing Sixteenth Census of the United States, 1940, NARA digital publication T627. Records of the Bureau of the Census, 1790 - 2007, RG 29. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2012.
27. ↑ "Louisiana First Registration Draft Cards, compiled 1940-1945," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GT7K-9XLT?cc=1916286&wc=MKZG-FM9%3A986762001 : 10 September 2014), Caillouet, Sidney Paul-Calbert, Frank > image 901 of 1012; National Archives and Records Administration, Southwest Region, Fort Worth, Texas.
28. ↑ "Louisiana, Parish Marriages, 1837-1957," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QKJZ-8L1J : 13 March 2018), Ignatius Roy Calamia and Shirley Lorraine Appolonia, 27 Mar 1946; citing Orleans, Louisiana, United States, various parish courthouses, Louisiana; FHL microfilm 2,321,123.
29. ↑ "United States Social Security Death Index," database, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JYPB-KYF : 20 May 2014), Ignatius Calamia, Jun 1971; citing U.S. Social Security Administration, Death Master File, database (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service, ongoing).
30. ↑ Find A Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com : accessed 02 February 2019), memorial page for Ignatius Cairo “Roy” Calamia (28 Mar 1912–11 Jun 1971), Find A Grave Memorial no. 187668415, citing Metairie Cemetery, New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana, USA ; Maintained by WEBump (contributor 48744463) .