Immigration and name change?

Question

My G grandfather immigrated from Italy in the early 1900s. His name was changed-both first and last. I know what they were before and after, but how do I prove they are one in the same person? Is there some form I need to be searching for?

Answer 1

Genealogy works from the present, to the past.  Your grandfather (or grandmother) will have certain documents that 'tie' her to her parents and siblings, ie birth/death certificate, other documents, but census will be very important. For instance, if you locate the family in the 1920 census, AND the 1910 census.. you should be able to compare the two items to know they are the same family.  You also will have documents regarding great grandpa himself.

1910 or 1920 includes the year of migration, and if he became a citizen.  Those will be of great value.. you have a good chance to find him on a ship's manifest, AND if he naturalized, you can find that too.

It won't be one form, but a collection of records that clearly are the same family group.

If you come in and edit your question with what you know of the family (name, date, location) someone here can probably find the census documents for you.