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| Cunevo |
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| The Iob (Yob) Families |
| My Ancestors |
| Trentino History |
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Emigrants from Cunevo to the US
and South America
Villagers who left for a new life
Cunevo
A Village in Val di Non
Photo courtesy of Franz Job
The villages of Cunevo, Flavon, and Terres comprise the area within Trentino's Val
di Non known as "il Conta". This name is derived from the ancient area
controlled by the Counts of Flavon. Located 35 kilometers north of the
city of Trento, it was historically an agricultural community and well know for
apple growing. From an estimated population of 110 people in the year
1596, it is still a small village of 566 residents (as of the year 2005).
Common surnames in Cunevo
The most common surname in the village is IOB.
The spelling is split almost evenly between IOB and JOB. Distinctions
between various branches of the families are made through the use of "second"
names ("sopranomi") such as Iob-sicher, Iob-Bottes, Iob-perotel,
Iob-brun, and Iob-remus (in use since at least 1783), Iob-bertol (in use since
at least 1691). Family nicknames were also used, such as mavador,
smit, and pastor. Due to intermarriage between the branches,
it is very common for a current villager to be descended from two, three, or
four of the branches.
Other names common to the village are:
-
Dalpiaz (origination likely from the nearby village of Terres, and
present in Cunevo since at least 1691),
-
Dolzani -- Lucchini -- Martini
-- Tame
-
Micheli -- although there were very few people with
this name in Cunevo, it is somewhat common in the nearby village of Terres.
A Micheli, originally from Terres, was mentioned as living in Cunevo in a
document from the Spaur archives dating to 1373.
-
Zanon (Zanin) -- an early form of this name (de
Zanonis) has been found in written records of Cunevo dating to at least the
year 1541.
Leaving Cunevo for the Americas
During the late 1800s and the
early 1900s, many villagers decided to explore opportunities
available in the US. They were tired of the economic and social problems
encountered in Trentino. Most emigrated as a result of recruitment by
mine operators or from letters sent by family and friends who were already in
the US. I have provided listings of emigrants to the
US and South America . These
listings include the person's name,
year of emigration, and in most cases where they settled. The data is only a portion of the information available about
these pioneers. If you have any other information about their life in the
new land, please share it.
Cunevo's early history
Name Origin: One
theory is that the Cunevo name is derived from a Celtic mythological figure named
"Cuaser" , which evolved into the early form "Cuneu". The village name
has been documented to writings of the 13th century: "Cunedo" in 1214 and
"Cunevo" in 1251.
First Inhabitants: Based
upon archeological findings, there is evidence that the Gauls, Venetians, and Longobards
settled in the Cunevo area. It is thought that the first inhabitants of the area lived in
the caves of Cunevo's Mt. Corno, which afforded protection against man and beast. An
additional theory presumes that Cunevo developed during the residency of the Gauls (circa
3rd century B.C. to the beginnings of the Roman invasion). The Gauls brought use of
the two-wheeled wooden plow to cultivate the fields.
One of the most spectacular archeological findings was made in the area known as
"Plagi" in 1890, on lands belonging to Luigi Iob (son of Giuseppe
Iob-sicher). Two graves were unearthed containing pieces of skull, vases, cups,
plates, and buckles. Archeologists have determined that the graves were Roman, dating from
the end of the 3rd to the beginning of the 4th centuries. Additional relics
traceable to the Longobard have been found dating from the 6th to the 8th centuries.
The Rustic War
of 1525 -- the farmers and villagers of Val di Non, as did other areas of Trentino, bore
the burden of taxes and tribute imposed by the nobles. Although termed a "war",
it was actually an uprising of the common people against the wealthy landowners and noble
classes. Residents of Cunevo participated in this conflict, together with the villages of
Flavon and Terres under the name "i sudditi di Flavon". The "sudditi"
armed themselves, and helped assault local castles. In September, the uprising was
surpressed by force.
Regola -- Cunevo, as most communities in Val
di Non, had its own local laws called "Carta di Regola", although the original
document has not been found. A"regolani" (or administrator) was elected to
oversee town affairs. Over time, the title of this official was
changed to "sindaco", "capocomune" or "podesta".
Cunevo's later history
In September 1796, Napolean
Bonaparte and his French army began an occupation of Trento and parts of
Trentino, putting an end to the 800-year rule of the prince-bishops. The
Austrian military ordered the formation of companies of volunteers for the purpose
of defending Trentino. The "Conta" (Flavon, Terres, and Cunevo)
were asked to form a 34 man company. However, even with the offer of
compensation, no one volunteered.
Schools -- Prior to the establishment of formal schools, only the noble and well-to-do families
were able to provide their children with instruction. In 1774, during the reign of Maria
Teresa of Austria, school attendence was required for children aged 6 to 12 years. A
school began to function on a regular basis in Cunevo about1786, with don Giuseppe Antonio
IOB serving as the first priest-teacher. The original school was located on
church premises, and much later in private homes or village offices. In 1869,
schooling was a requirement until a child reached the age of 14. The classwork
included two hours a week for catechism, and at least one hour a week for religious
history. Circa 1885, boys and girls were segregated in the classrooms. The
boys' classes were not well attended, since during the winter months many of the boys
travelled as helpers to the "spazzacamini" (chimney sweeps), and did
not return until the spring.
L'an de la fam -- or the year of the famine, is often
mentioned in tales of Cunevo. The year 1816 was an exceptionally cold,
rainy year, and did not allow full maturing of the crops. Combined with
a long winter and prolonged presence of snow on the ground, it was a year of
hardship and hunger. NEW
Cholera
-- The cholera epidemic that first struck Flavon, spread to Cunevo, with the first death
occurring on 9 October 1855. A total of thirty victims were buried outside the town
limits, in an area known as "Casazze".
World War I
-- In mid-1914, the Austrian government issued a general mobilization order, requiring all
able-bodied men between the ages of 21 and 42 to report for military duty. The
following spring, the order was extended to men aged 18-20. Leaving their families,
many of the conscriptees were sent to Serbia and Russia. Not all returned.
Cunevo lost 8 of its residents as a result of the war's activities:
Candido Bernardino FRASNELLI (1894 - 1916)
Emmanuelle IOB (1890-1915), missing in Galizia
Luigi IOB-sicher (1893 - 1916) and his brother Carlo IOB (1896 - 1918
in Russia)
Serafino Emmanuele IOB (1896 - 1918)
Angelo ZANON (1893 - 1916) and his brother Gregorio Pio ZANON (1895-1919)
Candido ZANON (1892 - 1916)
Eugenio ZANON (1881 - -1914)
Giuseppe ZANON (1895-1916)
Church and Religion
S. Lorenzo Church
-- . The church grounds contains one of the first cemeteries located
within the town limits. The cemetery was expanded in 1824 through land acquired from
Barolomeo Iob. Although still in existence, the cemetery is no longer active. The
church contains frescoes dating to the late 15th century, and a tomb with the name "...
Gaspar Job ..." and the date 1574. Abandoned for decades, the
structure was used as a warehouse, and served as a field kitchen during World
War I. It was restored and repaired in 1924, and again during 1993-94.
During the last restoration, a foundation for an ancient altar was discovered.
Historically, the church at Cunevo was under the jurisdiction of the parish and church
at the nearby village of Flavon. Although in 1537 it was declared suitable, most religious activities, including
Sunday masses, were still conducted in Flavon. In Feb 1647, Antonio de IOB
provided a "benefit" for use in providing three weekly masses at S. Lorenzo.
This benefit, followed by a series of letters in 1708 between Cunevo and don
Riccardo IOB, a priest at Flavon, led to an agreement allowing Sunday masses to
be celebrated at S. Lorenzo. Cunevo officials cited the problems their elderly, women, and
children were having getting to Flavon during bad weather and through snow-clogged
dirt roads.
S. Redentore --
In the mid-19th century, the people of Cunevo realized that the small church of S. Lorenzo
was insufficient to serve the needs of the growing village, and thus began to plan for a
new church. Construction started in 1858, and the church was completed in 1861, with a
formal dedication in 1876. The church and town square sits on land formerly owned by
Pietro IOB-perotel.
Resources:
Cunevo e Le Sue Chiese Nella Storia del Contado di Flavon,
by Livio Job, 1999
(a history of Cunevo, old documents, photos, and details of many families - in
Italian)
Il Paese di Cunevo by Ermanno Rossi
(history, culture, and lifestyles of village of Cunevo, prominent
families, - in Italian)
Flavon Nel Conta' Attraverso I Secoli by Vittorio Asson
(history, culture, and lifestyles of village of Flavon, prominent families, - in
Italian)
Il Conta': Note di Storia, Economia, Cultura, e Cronaca su Flavon, Terres e Cunevo
by Vittorio Asson, Pub. Casa Rurale di Flavon
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Common surnames in Cunevo
The most common surname in the village is IOB. The spelling is split almost evenly between IOB and JOB. Distinctions between various branches of the families are made through the use of "second" names ("sopranomi") such as Iob-sicher, Iob-Bottes, Iob-perotel, Iob-brun, and Iob-remus (in use since at least 1783), Iob-bertol (in use since at least 1691). Family nicknames were also used, such as mavador, smit, and pastor. Due to intermarriage between the branches, it is very common for a current villager to be descended from two, three, or four of the branches.
Other names common to the village are:
Dalpiaz (origination likely from the nearby village of Terres, and present in Cunevo since at least 1691),
Dolzani -- Lucchini -- Martini -- Tame
Micheli -- although there were very few people with this name in Cunevo, it is somewhat common in the nearby village of Terres. A Micheli, originally from Terres, was mentioned as living in Cunevo in a document from the Spaur archives dating to 1373.
Zanon (Zanin) -- an early form of this name (de Zanonis) has been found in written records of Cunevo dating to at least the year 1541.
Leaving Cunevo for the Americas
During the late 1800s and the early 1900s, many villagers decided to explore opportunities available in the US. They were tired of the economic and social problems encountered in Trentino. Most emigrated as a result of recruitment by mine operators or from letters sent by family and friends who were already in the US. I have provided listings of emigrants to the US and South America . These listings include the person's name, year of emigration, and in most cases where they settled. The data is only a portion of the information available about these pioneers. If you have any other information about their life in the new land, please share it.
Cunevo's early history
Name Origin: One theory is that the Cunevo name is derived from a Celtic mythological figure named "Cuaser" , which evolved into the early form "Cuneu". The village name has been documented to writings of the 13th century: "Cunedo" in 1214 and "Cunevo" in 1251.
First Inhabitants: Based upon archeological findings, there is evidence that the Gauls, Venetians, and Longobards settled in the Cunevo area. It is thought that the first inhabitants of the area lived in the caves of Cunevo's Mt. Corno, which afforded protection against man and beast. An additional theory presumes that Cunevo developed during the residency of the Gauls (circa 3rd century B.C. to the beginnings of the Roman invasion). The Gauls brought use of the two-wheeled wooden plow to cultivate the fields.
One of the most spectacular archeological findings was made in the area known as "Plagi" in 1890, on lands belonging to Luigi Iob (son of Giuseppe Iob-sicher). Two graves were unearthed containing pieces of skull, vases, cups, plates, and buckles. Archeologists have determined that the graves were Roman, dating from the end of the 3rd to the beginning of the 4th centuries. Additional relics traceable to the Longobard have been found dating from the 6th to the 8th centuries.
The Rustic War of 1525 -- the farmers and villagers of Val di Non, as did other areas of Trentino, bore the burden of taxes and tribute imposed by the nobles. Although termed a "war", it was actually an uprising of the common people against the wealthy landowners and noble classes. Residents of Cunevo participated in this conflict, together with the villages of Flavon and Terres under the name "i sudditi di Flavon". The "sudditi" armed themselves, and helped assault local castles. In September, the uprising was surpressed by force.
Regola -- Cunevo, as most communities in Val di Non, had its own local laws called "Carta di Regola", although the original document has not been found. A"regolani" (or administrator) was elected to oversee town affairs. Over time, the title of this official was changed to "sindaco", "capocomune" or "podesta".
Cunevo's later history
In September 1796, Napolean Bonaparte and his French army began an occupation of Trento and parts of Trentino, putting an end to the 800-year rule of the prince-bishops. The Austrian military ordered the formation of companies of volunteers for the purpose of defending Trentino. The "Conta" (Flavon, Terres, and Cunevo) were asked to form a 34 man company. However, even with the offer of compensation, no one volunteered.
Schools -- Prior to the establishment of formal schools, only the noble and well-to-do families were able to provide their children with instruction. In 1774, during the reign of Maria Teresa of Austria, school attendence was required for children aged 6 to 12 years. A school began to function on a regular basis in Cunevo about1786, with don Giuseppe Antonio IOB serving as the first priest-teacher. The original school was located on church premises, and much later in private homes or village offices. In 1869, schooling was a requirement until a child reached the age of 14. The classwork included two hours a week for catechism, and at least one hour a week for religious history. Circa 1885, boys and girls were segregated in the classrooms. The boys' classes were not well attended, since during the winter months many of the boys travelled as helpers to the "spazzacamini" (chimney sweeps), and did not return until the spring.
L'an de la fam -- or the year of the famine, is often mentioned in tales of Cunevo. The year 1816 was an exceptionally cold, rainy year, and did not allow full maturing of the crops. Combined with a long winter and prolonged presence of snow on the ground, it was a year of hardship and hunger. NEW
Cholera -- The cholera epidemic that first struck Flavon, spread to Cunevo, with the first death occurring on 9 October 1855. A total of thirty victims were buried outside the town limits, in an area known as "Casazze".
World War I -- In mid-1914, the Austrian government issued a general mobilization order, requiring all able-bodied men between the ages of 21 and 42 to report for military duty. The following spring, the order was extended to men aged 18-20. Leaving their families, many of the conscriptees were sent to Serbia and Russia. Not all returned. Cunevo lost 8 of its residents as a result of the war's activities:
Candido Bernardino FRASNELLI (1894 - 1916)
Emmanuelle IOB (1890-1915), missing in Galizia
Luigi IOB-sicher (1893 - 1916) and his brother Carlo IOB (1896 - 1918 in Russia)
Serafino Emmanuele IOB (1896 - 1918)
Angelo ZANON (1893 - 1916) and his brother Gregorio Pio ZANON (1895-1919)
Candido ZANON (1892 - 1916)
Eugenio ZANON (1881 - -1914)
Giuseppe ZANON (1895-1916)
Church and Religion
S. Lorenzo Church -- . The church grounds contains one of the first cemeteries located within the town limits. The cemetery was expanded in 1824 through land acquired from Barolomeo Iob. Although still in existence, the cemetery is no longer active. The church contains frescoes dating to the late 15th century, and a tomb with the name "... Gaspar Job ..." and the date 1574. Abandoned for decades, the structure was used as a warehouse, and served as a field kitchen during World War I. It was restored and repaired in 1924, and again during 1993-94. During the last restoration, a foundation for an ancient altar was discovered.
Historically, the church at Cunevo was under the jurisdiction of the parish and church at the nearby village of Flavon. Although in 1537 it was declared suitable, most religious activities, including Sunday masses, were still conducted in Flavon. In Feb 1647, Antonio de IOB provided a "benefit" for use in providing three weekly masses at S. Lorenzo. This benefit, followed by a series of letters in 1708 between Cunevo and don Riccardo IOB, a priest at Flavon, led to an agreement allowing Sunday masses to be celebrated at S. Lorenzo. Cunevo officials cited the problems their elderly, women, and children were having getting to Flavon during bad weather and through snow-clogged dirt roads.
S. Redentore -- In the mid-19th century, the people of Cunevo realized that the small church of S. Lorenzo was insufficient to serve the needs of the growing village, and thus began to plan for a new church. Construction started in 1858, and the church was completed in 1861, with a formal dedication in 1876. The church and town square sits on land formerly owned by Pietro IOB-perotel.
Resources:
Cunevo e Le Sue Chiese Nella Storia del Contado di Flavon, by Livio Job, 1999
(a history of Cunevo, old documents, photos, and details of many families - in Italian)
Il Paese di Cunevo by Ermanno Rossi
(history, culture, and lifestyles of village of Cunevo, prominent families, - in Italian)
Flavon Nel Conta' Attraverso I Secoli by Vittorio Asson
(history, culture, and lifestyles of village of Flavon, prominent families, - in Italian)
Il Conta': Note di Storia, Economia, Cultura, e Cronaca su Flavon, Terres e Cunevo by Vittorio Asson, Pub. Casa Rurale di Flavon
S. Lorenzo church.
It is believed that a chapel or small church existed here since at least the early 14th century (a 1327 document refers to "Sancti Laurenti")