This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Testa Classification: Biography Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/wg.2ADE/1491 Message Board Post: Testa, Joseph – It is a notable fact that Italians are very clannish, preferring to deal with one of their own nationality to going to stores conducted by those who do not speak their language and understand their tastes. Because of this every community in which Italians form a considerable portion of the population there are to be found establishments conducted by prosperous sons of that country, and these men not only win and retain a large patronage from Italians, but from others who appreciate the excellence of their goods and the fairness of their methods. One of the men who belong to this class is Joseph Testa, the leading baker of South Wilmington, Ill. He is a native of Northern Italy, born there in 1855, a son of Anton and Theressa (Talette) Testa. Anton Testa was a baker in his native land, where he died twenty years ago, his wife having died three years before. Joseph Testa attended school in his native land until he was twelve years old, when he began learning to be a baker, with his father. In 1882 he came to the United States with his wife, proceeding direct to Braidwood, Ill., where he entered the mines. In 1883, however, he came to Coal City, and continued work in the mines for twenty years. Seeing then an opportunity, he opened a bakery at Coal City, and operated it until 1911, when he removed to South Wilmington, and opened up what is the leading establishment of its kind in the place. Joseph Testa married Louise Isabell Antonia and they have the following children: Tony; William, who is working with his father, married Mary Greean; Defendant, who is at home; Catherine and Charles, both of whom are deceased; and Charles (II), who is with his father in business. Mr. Testa is a Catholic. He votes with the Republican party and he belongs to an Italian lodge of Coal City. Earnest, hard working and honest, Mr. Testa has won resp! ect and confidence and deserves the prosperity which has come to him. Source: History of Grundy County, Illinois, 1914, page 907-908