By 1920, almost nine million Italians had migrated from Italy to other countries, including the United States.[i] As these migrants began to establish themselves in their new countries, family networks became even more imperative for Italians. Dominic Capraletti, a member of Italy’s proletarian diaspora, migrated to New York City in April 1905.
Dominic Capraletti was born on November 7, 1883 in Montepagono, Italy. This young 22 year old came to the U.S. in search of economic opportunities. Capraletti began his search soon after he arrived in the country, and by 1910 he lived at 822 N Columbus Street in Alexandria Virginia.[ii] Here he lived with his wife, Sophia, who was also an Italian immigrant. Based on the 1920 U.S. Census, Dominic and Sophia had three children: Lucio, Anthony, and Marie. At that time, Dominic was employed by Fruit Grower Express as a car repairman.[iii]
Capraletti’s success in America drew other Italian immigrants. In 1930, Capraletti’s cousin Ernest migrated from Italy.[iv] The Capraletti’s had built a network of support for their extended family to come and join them in America. Ernest moved in with Dominic and his family and followed in his cousin’s footsteps. While living with Dominic, Ernest could search for a job, family, and household to discover similar opportunities as his cousin.
By 1940, Ernest has moved out of the Capraletti’s and into his own house. By 1942, Dominic was drafted to fight for the United States, although it is unclear where he actually did.[v] Dominic passed away at the age of 85 in 1966.[vi] He was survived by his wife Sophia and four children.
[i] Donna R. Gabaccia, Italy’s Many Diasporas (Routledge: 2003), 117.
[ii] 1910 U.S. Census (Population Schedule), Alexandria, Viriginia, Enumerated District (ED) 5, Sheet no. 12 B, Dominic Capraletti in household of Dominic Capraletti, lines 33-37, digital image, accessed October 11, 2016, http://www.ancestry.com/.
[iii] 1920 U.S. Census (Population Schedule), Alexandria, Viriginia, Enumerated District (ED) 819-839, Sheet no. 23B, Dominic Capraletti in household of Dominic Capraletti, lines 60-75, digital image, accessed October 11, 2016, http://www.ancestry.com/.
[iv] 1930 U.S. Census (Population Schedule), Alexandria, Viriginia, Enumerated District (ED) 0007, Sheet no. 9A, Dominic Capraletti in household of Dominic Capraletti, lines 22-27, digital image, accessed October 11, 2016, http://www.ancestry.com/.
[v] U.S. Military Draft Registration Card, 1942, “Dominic Capraletti,” accessed October 11, 2016, http://www.ancestry.com/.
[vi] Virginia, Death Records, 1912-2014 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015.
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