Grand-grand-grand-grand-etc.-father

[alfstone]

...following Redler's interesting thread...

...let me introduce to you Enrico De Pietra Leone, my grand-grand-grand-etc. father.

To begin, I'm not one of those families of generation-after generation doctors. Mostly teachers and State employes, in my family.

With just ONE exception: Enrico De Pietra Leone, the man in the foto I've attached, who lived in the half of XIX century, in a little town in the centre of Sicily. It sems he was a very popular doctor; he wrote even several medicine books:

https://books.google.it/books/about/Sulle_Lesioni_Personali_nota_Medico_Giur.html?id=HNUVAAAAYAAJ&redir_esc=y

...not only about medicine. But anyway, you may notice the medals surrounding the photo.

James knows already the story, since I told him when he came home.

Well: in the years from 1820 till 1850 there was a cholera pandemic in all Europe, going like a domino from a Nation to the near one. Cholera arrived in Sicily in 1837, and according to the (proud) narration of my father, and my grand-father before, it seems that this doctor was the only one in his zone who didn't escape from the pandemic, deciding instead to stay to care his patients. He survived, and this fact became popular throughout Europe (even without Internet, Facebook etc...  ), so the medals surrounding the image were the prize, all given to him by kings, queens and princes from allover Europe (France, Spain, Austria, etc.)!!!

Now, my friends, I think that he could NEVER imagine that two centuries after, his grand-grand-grand-etc. nephew would have to do with a pandemic again...

Alfredo

[Pete C]

That's a fantastic story and a great piece of family history to own. In 200 years I hope that your great great great grandchildren are as proud of you as you are of Enrico !

Pete

[chapperz66]

Amazing. It is great to know anything about a forbear from many generations ago. To know that he was a great man and so respected is wonderful.

[Redler]

Great story and what a brave ancestor of yours! It's fine that you are following his trail, I really value that.

[Ferryman_1957]

What a fantastic story, and you can be proud that you are living up to his memory and having a big impact yourself.

[Oldrottenhead]

I remover that photo well, seems like yesterday Alfredo. Say happy birthday to Aldo for me.

[alfstone]

I remover that photo well, seems like yesterday Alfredo. Say happy birthday to Aldo for me.

Yes, James, I really hope to have you all here again soon. Aldo thanks you! 

Alfredo

[Jean Pierre]

Well: in the years from 1820 till 1850 there was a cholera pandemic in all Europe, going like a domino from a Nation to the near one. Cholera arrived in Sicily in 1837, and according to the (proud) narration of my father, and my grand-father before, it seems that this doctor was the only one in his zone who didn't escape from the pandemic, deciding instead to stay to care his patients. He survived, and this fact became popular throughout Europe (even without Internet, Facebook etc...  ), so the medals surrounding the image were the prize, all given to him by kings, queens and princes from allover Europe (France, Spain, Austria, etc.)!!!

...a well respecet man , no boubt

[bruno]

Fabulous Alfredo - thanks for sharing.
Bruno