Pietro Ignazio Ursini was a farmer in Calascio. The soil was very poor and life was hard. He like many immigrants came with hopes and dreams of a better life. He first sailed to America in June 1899 at the age of 17. He traveled to Riverton, Illinois as many Calascio residents did because mining jobs were plentiful. At some point he returned to Italy and married Giovanna Bartolomucci in 1906. Their youngest child, Berardino Leonardo was born in 1907. Pietro returned without his family to Riverton. In March 1909, Giovanna, her child and Giovanna's 17 year old brother Guiseppe Bartolomucci sailed on the Regina D'Italia to Ellis Island to join him. Work in the mines was hard and the pay a $1.00 a day. He worked 6 days a week and put in 14-16 hours a day. By 1916, the family had grown to 5 children which now included Bambina, Pasqualina, Guiseppe and Concetta. In 1921, the family moved to Royal, Pennsylvania (Fayette County) which is in the southwest portion of Pennsylvania. Coal mining was flourishing and the pay was better. Many other immigrants from Calascio went to this area. One of his favorite activities was belonging to the Sons of Italy. Pietro worked in the coal mines for 50 years and died in 1953 in Lemont Furnace, Pennsylvania. His wife Giovanna was a great admirer of John L. Lewis. She died in 1973.

Submitted by Sandy Ludwick granddaughter of Pietro I. Ursini dedicated to the memory of mi cara cugina Mary-Jo Thomas

If you would like to share information about this family, contact Sandy Ludwick at eludw@cmc.net