WOW!!!!
Never in my dreams did I think I would get any response such as this! The ladies and gentlemen on this board are truly wonderful and I thank you from the bottom of my heart!
More information is needed from me for all of you to determine what it was my Grandfather was doing. Grab a cup of Java and sit back and I will give you all I know.
First off, I will post additional documentation on the Yahoo web site with the rest of the slides. What I have might help
This is to the album... Again feel free to download. These are all scanned at high resolution so they can ne zoomed in.
My Library Pics to View The Baptismal Certificate that I found for my father has one side in English and one side in Greek. The English side has my fathers parents listed as Anna Harris and Harry Giakoumis. The Greek side is listed as the name I have listed on the internet and again my grand mother as Anna Harris. I did not want to list the entire document as the English side does not give justice to the Greek side. But If so needed, I will be glad to list it! Having found this and realizing that the Greek Orthodox Priest would have know how to not only write Greek but would have spoken it fluently with my Grand Father, I assumed that this would be the actual spelling and actual name. This very well could be the closest thing to actual name I have ever seen.
My Grandmother’s Maiden name was Anna Balazsova and she was from Hutki Czechoslovakia. I did find a birth certificate (Rodney List) and I have her Parents names. I talked to a person in the Chez that I might hire to find additional information as well. I think the Greek side will be a bit more interesting for now
I have my Grand Fathers Naturalization papers as well. Even as he came to USA in 1912 he did not file these papers until April 13 1939, after he was married and had 6 children. Still, he could not write English, could not sign his name and the majority of the dates listed are incorrect. The date my Grandmother was born, the date she migrated to the USA etc.. But, all the children listed are correct and the dates of their births are listed correctly.
On this Naturalization document it states, “I Haralambos Giakounis” now residing in Pittsburgh Pa etc
Race - Greek, Nationality - British
Was born in “Lionarisso, Is. Cyprus Greece
His Lawful entry into the United States was at New York, NY under the name of “HAMBIS, GIAKOUNIS” (it is listed just as it is written with the comma)
On the original ship manifest, it is written that his family name is “HAMBIS” and his Given name was “GIAKOUNIS”
It also states that his nearest relative was his father “”GIAKOUNIS”
I will scan the areas of this document and post theses as they are written as well.
Talking to my uncles, the surname we have been given was derived at Ellis Island when no one could pronounce my Grand Fathers name. I don’t know if that story it is true or not but my surname given is HARRIS. My Grand Father's name when he died, listed on his tombstone is "Michael Harris"
As I am attempting to find any historical information about my family as it was in Cyprus, I needed to find the actual name to be looking for. There was so many different spellings and so many alterations I just did not know what would be best researched. As I am a Newbie to this language and seeing how many different ways it can be derived, I can see I am pretty far over my head when it comes to researching hand written information. I know now I am in for a long haul
Is there anyone that does any research in Cyprus that would be able to do some leg work for me? There is a chance that some of the documentation has made it to the states as Micro Film but it is very unlikely. I would really like to know any history of my family, Birth Certificate of my Grand Father, was there brothers and sisters, His Father and Mothers names, Cemetery information etc
I honestly think that after I have something to go on or something to see I will try to bring my Dad and Uncle to Cyprus to see where it is and what it is like. To walk where my Ancestors have been. Perhaps a dream, but something I would love to do.
I am so very thankful for the interest that this thread has been given. It is truly nice to be here and I am very thankful for the help.
I can hope that someone will need something from the states that I might help with. I would truly love to try and assist if I can.
Nickel - The Wav File was FANTASTIC!!!!!!! Again everyone, THANKS!!!!
Sam from Pennsylvania, USA
(Grand Father from Leonarisso, Cyprus born 1896)