Caprio and Falcone
In 1990 Kathleen Caprio Albaum compiled a Genealogy on her two great-grandparents ancestors. Book 1 is from Angelo Michele Caprio's history. Book 2 is from Mary Eckerson Caprio's history. The memories, letters, some pictures taken from the 1990 effort will be presented here. Great effort was taken in typing the letters as they were written. Acknowledgements: Cecelia Caprio Flanigan, Jean Falcone Leith, Anne Marie Falcone Caprio, Paul Caprio Jr, Margaret Caprio Mooney, Claire Caprio Rummer, Vito and Rina Caprio. There are photo links that corrresponds to the books below.
Book 1
Page 4 Mary Eckerson and Angelo Michele Caprio, Wedding Picture 1890
Page 5 Angelo Michele Caprio, Batavia, New York 1880's
For Cecelia (Caprio Flanigan, 8 years old) From brother Fred Caprio Schenevus, NY Dec. 20, 1916
Dear Sis, Received your letter one day last week and was glad to hear from you. I won't be back for Xmas, but maybe I will be New Years. I ride about 30 miles on the train every day. How are you getting along in school. Do you get cold going to school. You want to be a good girl and don't fight with the little boys and girls. Do you go to School with Honey now. How are the Sisco's getting along. Is Santa Claus coming to see you this year. Harry, Lester and Howard is not going to have much for Xmas this year. I will send you a dollar instead of fifty cents. How is that. You can get what you want. If the others would do the same you would have a good time wouldn't you. Ma said you wanted another ferret but guess you forgot to feed it when I went away. Now be good or Santa Claus won't come to see you. Write me soon for I am glad to hear from you.
From your brother, Fred XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX(kisses) (Ed. note, James and Perry Miller got Fred a job on the railroad, he stayed at the James Miller's house in Schenevus. Fred died the next summer in a fishing accident near Livonia.)
Page 6 Mary, Fred and Judson Caprio Fred and Judson Caprio, Sara, Anna McNally Anne Falcone, Claire and Louise Caprio, Jean Falcone, ?, Joe, Tom and Jack Caprio, Jack Leith, Tony Falcone
Page 8 Memories of Margaret Caprio Mooney and Claire Caprio Rummer
...In 1920 Jusdon Caprio and his wife Mary moved from Conesus, New York to Binhampton, New York with their four children; Margaret, Louise, Joseph and Thomas. They lived in a four room apartment for a short time and then moved to Endicott, New York on a farm which they rented.
...Judson worked for Endicott Johnson Shoe Corp., which was the biggest industry in this area. The founder, George A. Johnson, who came from a poor family, tried to do everything for his workers. He provided free medical, hospital and doctors care for his workers and families. He built homes and sold them for around $3,500 to his workers which was paid out over 20 to 30 years, based on their income. Jusdon bought one of these houses in 1928 and moved in with their new additions, Claire and Jack. Judson lived in the house until 1980, one month short of his 90th birthday.
...Judson had a "very green thumb". No matter what he planted it grew! He always had an abundance of vegetables and what his family couldn't use he gave to the neighbors. He also had one of the most beautiful flower gardens in town. In fact he did extra work, as a groundskeeper, for the president of the Endicott-Johnson Corp. at his home, to provide his family with extra money.
...Judson never owned a car until his son Tom went into military service during World War II and Tom gave him the old one he had. Up until then he used a bicycle which he built a box on the back , to get back and forth to work. The box held his tools and any vegetables from the garden plot that was about four miles away. During the war they had contests for the best gardens and he won first prize for his "Victory Garden".
...Judson also loved to fish. Hew went on many fishing trips in his free time. When his sons were old enough he took them, too. They all looked forward to their annual Canada fishing trip. Hew was about eighty-four when he finally had to give up those trips, because of failing health. He always had a good "fishing" story to tell.
....Judson worked in the shoe factory until he was seventy-five when he retired. He kept up his garden and flowers until he couldn't get out any longer. He was loved by many and is greatly missed. (Today, we are sure he is in heaven enjoying taking care of a little garden plot.)
Page 9 Mary and Judson Caprio Mike and Mary Caprio Children: 1908-09 Fred, Paul (standing), Leo, Judson (sitting) and little girl is Cecelia
Page 10 Leo Caprio as a little boy Leo, Paul Caprio pulling cart, 1901-02
Page 11 and 12 Gladys and Leo Caprio1917-18 Leo Caprio 1917-18
To: Privt Paul M. Caprio American Exped Via New York
From : Corp. L.W. Caprio 1st Co. R.A.P Raritan Arsenal, Metuchan, NJ Tues. 199 February
Dear brother Paul:
Received your letter some time ago. Was going to answer. it a number of times but never got around to do it. I have no reason Paul for not writing to you as I should. I know I have not did right by you and have neglected my duty to you. I understand Paul what a letter from me means to you and I sure owe you an apology for not writing. I cannot give you any reason whatsoever for neglecting my duty to you. I will say though I have expected to go over-seas many a time and thought to see you and talk with you. That was my only wish Paul. I wanted to see you and be with you if possible, but here I am on this side yet and I guess by the looks I will be here for some-time yet. We may get out in March but cannot say for sure yet. I only hope Paul you will be home soon. I long to see you. And I think of you many times. I have prayed to God that you would come back soon and come back as good as you went away. I know and realize that you have had it hard over there and no doubt have been through hell, but Paul you have one dear baby boy to hold in your arms when you do get back. And God knows Alma has made many a sacrifice since you have been away. She has been a good girl and believe me you sure can be proud of her. I have been to see her and baby when I was home and I know she has done a lot for you. She has felt good and the baby has been well and strong. It shows Paul that she sure has done all that a girl could do to bring up the baby well and strong. She has looked after herself the very best and got along very nicely with what little money she has got from the government and you. She has never complained one bit to any-one and Dad and Mother have looked after he also. She went home a short time ago with Gladys and had the baby Baptized. No-one asked her to do it I don't think. She wanted to do it her-self so you need not worry about her. She has felt good and has had no sickness to contend with. God surely has protected her and baby for you. Now if you can only get home you will be one happy boy I am sure. I was home Thanksgiving for five days and had a furlough of six days Christmas and both times me and Gladys went up to see her and baby. I was always glad to go up and see her and baby and I am sure Gladys was. She likes Alma and Lord knows she is crazy over the baby. She can do anything with it and it won't cry and it is getting so it knows her now. She goes up to see Alma often as it is the only place she cares to go. She does not go out much. She has been up at home a few times. I would not worry over Alma and the baby as they are al-right and will be I am sure. It won't be long now and you will be home and surely will be happy then. I will be glad to see you Paul and I am sure they all will. Mother and Father and Cecelia, also Judson and Mary and the children will be happy when you get home. I hear from home regular and they are all well, of course they worry considerable over us both, but they try to keep up until we get home. I only hope we never have to leave them again. Dad is commencing to look old and it was hard for them to see me leave every time I was home. I only hope we both get home soon so they won't be worrying over us. You must know by this time about Judson's bad luck with Joseph. They sure have had an awful time with him and the rest of the children have been sick also. It has lost hem a bunch of money but thank the good Lord he has Joseph all well again. And just as good as he was before the operation. He had him under the best of care at the hospital and that was what took the money. Never-the-less he has him alive and once more is happy.
Well I will have to tell you what happened to Kenneth Trescott last week. You know he was in the service and was at his camp with me all summer. He got a discharge and was home only a short time working at Wingate's Farm. You know he was married last December also. His wife was with him there. She was taken sick with pneumonia and died last week Thurs. That was Jan.30. It Sure was bad for him. He was only home a short time. I have not heard from him yet, but mother told me about it. I suppose you also know Harrison Clark died of wounds somewhere in France last Sept. It sure hit the family pretty hard. There has been quite a few people died up home lately. Carl Homes that worked in the Meat Market. Bill Marshall's wife, Lee Thidd(sp?) also died at the Great Lakes naval training school. And I see where Elizabeth McCauley's brother at Genesco was killed in action.
There has been a lot of sickness around home also. Do not worry about father and mother, they are al-right. Cecelia has grown like a weed and talks about you all the time. Thanks God the folks have not been sick to speak of. They seemed to be happy when I was home with them but I could plainly see that us being away makes it hard for them. They sure will be happy when we get back home again.
I was in to see Mr. Giles at Franklin every time I was home and he always asked me if I had heard from you and how you were. He said our jobs were good anytime we wanted them back again. I guess he realized your condition when you left and knew it was not right for them to take you the way they did but it is to late now. All we hope for now is we get you back soon Paul. I guess I will close for this time. Hoping this finds you in the best of health and soon coming home. Keep up the courage Paul and we will pray to God to bring you back to your baby and Alma. Which means the world to you. Will say good-night.
Your loving soldier brother Leo. God will protect you I am sure.
Page 13 St Joseph's Church Livonia, NY, stain glass window in memory of Frederick Caprio Gladys, Marie, June and Joyce Caprio
From the 1926 note pad of Paul Caprio, Sr........a handwritten obit on Leo Winfield Caprio
"Leo Winfield Caprio was born April 13 1892 at Livonia, Livingston County, New York State. He attended the public school until he was sixteen years of age and then went to work as a painter. He came to Rochester in 1916 and became a mechanic. On Dec.13, 1917 enlisted in the army. His enlistment was held up until March 25th 1918 when he was ordered to report at Fort Slocum, N.J. for service in the 4th Recruit Co. Transferred April 4th 1918 to Co. C. Prov.ord.Btla, Raritan Arsenal, New Jersey. Made Corporal Aug.12th 1918 and transferred to 1st Co.R.A.P. Discharged as a corporal of 1st Co. R.A.P. Feb.19,1919 Raritan Arsenal New Jersey. He was married to Gladys E. Howland in July 1918 at Rochester, N.Y. Three Daughters were borne to them, Marie, June and Joyce. On May 16, 1926 occurred his unexpected death. He leaves his wife and three daughters; also his Father and Mother one sister Cecelian and two brothers Judson and Paul. He was 34 years old. Became Member of Rochester Post no. 100, Oct. 27, 1919 and continued to be member until his death. He was given full Military Burial by Robert Shaw Post assisted by Harrison-Lee post of Livonia. Buried in Family Plot, St. Michael's Cemetery, Livonia, N.Y."
Page 14 Elma and baby Paul Caprio, 1918-19 Paul Caprio, Sr. 1916-17
Page 15 to: Paul M. Caprio Diagnostic Center Mt. Alto Hospital Washington DC
From: Son Paul Henrietta, NY April 3, 1929
Dear Dad: It won't be long before you will be back. We miss you around the house. Today Johnny and I took Mr. Woods wheel barrel to put some manure on the garden, and other jobs around the house. Tonight John and i went over after the paper. I suppose you will be walking in the yard some night. I bet you feel lonesome without us around. Ma reads your letters to us and says that you like the place you are in. I bet the flowers are in blossom and others. Ma has just wrote Wm Powers a letter for coal and I thought I would to. Did you get the check Al right or not. We had company last night. Aunt Anna, Aunt Cora, Ray Smith, Robert and Bernard. Aunt Anna gave me a suit and ties. The suit was to small for Robert and almost too big for me. Our Easter Vacation will soon be gone. Yesterday I went up to Jesse R. House and went down to the Lot and was going to the woods for some Pussy Willows but did not get there we got cornered by going into some muck and the only way I could get out was to go right through the water to get out and Jesse did not want his mother to no it. And said lets go down to the cows, and take our shoes off and put them in from of the cows nose to breath on and he said it would take all day to dry them and before we would of got through they would faint. We almost Laughed our heads off and I'll bet you will to. Before you are back L. Mack is going to get something from me yet, if he does not look out. He's going to get a smash that will knock him clear across. There is going to be a play over in Pittsford stage, and I might be in it, and the rest of the school. I guess I will close the letter soon, I will have to go to bed, the rest are except Ma and I. It must be 10 o'clock.
Answer Soon,
From you loving Son Paul
XXXXXXXXXXXX From us all to you.
Page 17 Evetta Caprio Robinson James Caprio Paul Caprio, Jr. John Caprio
Page 18 From the 1926 note pad of Paul Caprio Sr......
Rent $40.00 -Feb. Insurance 6.50 Milk 14.50 Gas 15.30 -------- $76.30
shoes and Rubbers for Paul and John
(ed.note: below many paint job estimates, also this notepad had the advertisement of Fields "Twenty-two Fifty, Inc." of 83 Main Street E. Rochester on its cover with a 1926 calendar inside): Eckston $165.00 652 Gen Blvd.
Lewis $190.00 237 Hawley St.
W.E.Cherry $220.00 98 Warick Ave.
R.D.Brown $300.00 21 Amherst off Monroe 6 o'clock
Mrs. Weyman $170.00 94 Sylvester St. Paint House
Page 19 Caprio children visiting Kaiser cousins and farm mid 1930's
Page 20 Paul Caprio's children and wife, Elma, after his funeral in 1952
To: Private Paul M. Caprio From: Mrs. Mary Caprio Co. G 309 Infantry, Box 217 American Expeditionary Forces Livonia NY Via New York Aug. 7, 1918(probably Sept. 7, 1918)
Dear Son Paul,
Will rite you a few lines was going to rite you before but was pretty tired when I got back from the city, was down Thursday, your father, Cecilia and myself went, today is Saturday, it rained al day Thursday but went to see Elma and your dear little boy, I tell you he is a fine boy, you will be so proud of him, his name is Paul-Elma said and we like the name, he is so good, the nurse said he was the best baby they had, sleeps al the time and don't cry any but he looks so healthy and fat, he looks like you, I can see a little of Elma look to, Elma is being taken care of at the State Hospital ware she worked, that is the 3 or 4 baby there and another on coming soon of their nurses who have their husband at war they don't charge her anything, I think it is so nice of the Hospital to do it for their nurses, you see God will take care of us and I took Elma 2 dozen of fresh eggs and some jelly, they will use it for her, so Elma said it was al right I left it with Elma, the little nurse named Elizabeth Mahay her husband is across sees to, took us in to see Elma and Elma's mother was there with us to, so Elma is having the best of care, we told her we would do anything for her we could to, but she said she was alright now and did not need anything, your Father gave her 5 dollars for the baby just the same, she said later on when she got well she would come up and stay with us 2 or 3 weeks, we will be glad to have her, she worked until the first of Aug, I tell you she was gritty and as you said in your letter she never complains, she is a proud mother of her baby to, she thinks the world of her baby, I could see that, I rote Leo right away to let him no you got a boy, that us what he was wishing you would have a little soldier boy, Cecilia said we will dress him in a little soldier suit, well I think you will be coming home by Christmas or soon after, by the way the papers read I hope so, well be patient and it will be one happy time with us all, Mrs. Slingerland sends her best wishes for you and your baby the best of luck, I saw her yesterday, she shoed me a card she got from you, every one is well, Judson family he sends congratulations to, will close with lots of kisses from al
Mother Father Cecilia XXXXXX
will rite a few more lines, just got a letter from Leo and he was some tickled boy to here you have a boy, he said he just got a letter from you and you told him you was not in your company anymore, I hope you have something good, it sounds as if it was something good, Leo would tell me what it meant Intelligent Department, he will be home on a furlough in about 3 weeks he said, guess I will have to close for Cecilia is waiting for me to mail the letter, I will to write often after now
Page 21 Cecelia Caprio Flanigan, 1909 at nine months of age "Mike" Caprio, Mickey and Cecelia Flanigan and Mary Eckerson Caprio
Page 22 Cecelia Caprio Flanigan
Memories of Cecelia Caprio Flanigan 1990
...My father Angelo Michele Caprio would be 124 years old now. It must have been terrible for him when his uncle died on the boat, before they reached the U.S.A. He was fourteen years old. Two other men looked after him to Batavia where they found on the railroad. My father was too young and small to do the hard work, so they made him the water boy. He went to Batavia to a night school, so he could read and write the English language. He was educated in Italy but he wanted to read and write English. Later they went to Retsof to work in the salt mine there. My father didn't work in the salt mine, but baked bread for the mining company. He was the first Caprio to come(from Valva, Italy) to the U.S.A. One brother came but went back. His brother's boy, John Caprio, came here after World War I. Three girl cousins came here, Christina ( Anne Marie Falcone Caprio's mother), Julia(Lee Dolan's mother) and Antionette.My grandmother Caprio's first name was Johanna. I don't know my grandfather's first name.
...Mr. Dixon held the mortgage on my father's house. My Father paid it off in a hurry, as that was his way. The Dixon's gave my mother very old ladder back chairs(probably over 150 years old now). Paul and Beverly have one, Gladys's daughter Joyce has another. The old clock now resides at Judson's son Joe's house. My son Tommy has the wash stand. Anne and John have the round table, solid black walnut, and a mirror with a black walnut frame. All the Caprio boys looked into that mirror when they were home, combing their hair, tying their ties, etc. Of course, Cecelia had her face in that mirror, too, putting on her first lip stick, curling her hair with an iron that was heated in a lamp.
...I can remember the day we went to see Elma and the new baby, Paul Jr. He was a darling baby. I think he was six months old when his father came home from the war. It was a wonderful homecoming. We had a party for him at our house in Livonia and that included Leo. We invited many special friends. After supper we cleared the kitchen and danced out there. Someone played the piano, and Helen Spencer sang. Later, the town gave Paul a big party at the Opera House, the whole town (Livonia)was there. Paul gave a speech, and he was so nervous, that his napkin was in shreds, which he was holding in his hand at the time. However, it was a wonderful speech. In Fact, many people were crying. I wish I had a copy of that speech. Every time on of the town boys came home (from the war), they gave a town supper and dance after. Paul was the last to come home, and his speech was the best. He used perfect English. Everyone listened that you could hear a pin drop. It was the talk of the town for days after.
Page 23 "The Castle", Valva, Italy
Page 24 Rosa Ianuzzi Caprio Giovanni Caprio with two Italian army buddies, 1880's
Page 25 Umberto Passeri and Attilio Cuozzo Francesca Caprio Passeri
Page 26 Francesca, wife of Francisco Caprio Giovanni (John) Caprio, a great photographer! Francisco (Frank) Caprio brother of Angelo Michele Caprio
Page 27 Relatives of Angelo Michele Caprio's mother's family the Torsiello's Mike Torsiello and wife Pasqualina Falcone
Page 29 Antonio, Joseph Falcone front: Lawrence Falcone and Joseph Spiotta
Page 30 Valva, Italy, the mailman, Pietro Nicolo Falcone Philadelphia, sitting, Joe Falcone, Elsie, Liccinia, Alex, Antonio
Page 32 Anne Belmonte Falcone with sons Albert and Mike Christina Caprio Falcone, Julia Caprio, Filomena (Negri) Antionette Falcone, Antonio and Jean Falcone
Page 33 Antonio Falcone circa 1910 "Mike", Cecelia, Mary Caprio, John Caprio, Antionette Falcone, Christina Caprio Falcone, 1922
Page 34 Valva, Italy - Marietta D'Arcangelo, wife of Joseph Falcone