Hi listers As a new member to the group, may I lodge my names in case someone else has an interest in them. My gg grandfather FRANCESCO COMETTI was first listed on the 1831 census of Lewes Sussex, again in 1841 with wife JANE, son ANDREW and daughter MARTINA. While in Sussex he was a Jeweller and Watchmaker. The family moved to Saffron Hill London abt 1844 where they stayed until abt 1855. Had three daughters JOHANNAH, MARIA, ANGELINA and a son FRANCIS born 1853. I am trying to prove that he is my g gfather who ran away to sea as a boy and turned up in NZ abt 1882 after jumping ship as a seaman. Or was he another son born in Italy after 1853? Francesco was a Looking Glass Maker while living in Saffron Hill. Gave his birthplace as Switzerland on the 1851 census, although descendants say they came from Milan. I suspect that Francesco died back in Italy, probably Milan abt 1855 - 1868 as his widow Jane remarried in St Pancras in 1868. Also Martina was born in Italy in 1840, died Sussex 1843. Has anyone tried to research in Milan? or have the name of a good researcher? (its a long way from New Zealand!) Would Jane as a British citizen have had a passport to travel to and from Italy? Have had a search done for Francesco into England pre 1831 but no luck. I have just been on the 1901 census and found a CAROLINE COMETTI age 34 (nee LUCINI) who said she was in receipt of Govt pay as her husband ? Cometti was away as a Reservist. Is there any way I can find him on the 1901? They had 4 daughters, Angelina age 11, Caroline age 9, Jessie age 7 and Jeanette age 2. Have found a marriage for Jessie Cometti to ERNEST SCARLISI in Holborn 1918 December Q. I also have a list of Italians living in the Saffron Hill area taken from the 1841 and 1851 census, names as follows, Lucini, Ortelli, Bertolini, Goinmella,Borelli, Vercellini, Varemmca, Ponzini, Barnaschini, Grammani, Pieroni, Torzano, Ganzeu, Roden, Panzera, Bertilli,Cotta, Mentura, Biercini, Ortelli, de Gaspri,Paganetti, De Nagri,Barnasconi,Piaggio, Delara, Belloti,Natali,Dotti, Navati, Menzoni, Caracia, Manzi, Colla, Brontini, Giacoma. Some spelling may be wrong as hard to read. If anyone wants more information please contact me off list. Carolyn Williams member no 76.