 
ASPECTS OF THE SOCIAL HISTORY OF MOSTA (1630-1650)
Carmel Calleja
Dissertation submitted to the Department of History at the Royal University of Malta, Malta 1973
The digital version of this unpublished dissertation may have some differences from original introduced during the scanning process which due to the limited resources didn't have time to completely verify and is another reason why one has to seek the original version (located at UOM) when needs to quote references from it.
CHAPTER TWO
THE GROWTH OF POPULATION
(p.9) In 1575, according to Duzina’s report there were 116 households in Mosta. It is interesting to compare this figure with that given by Mgr. Duzina for some of the other villages in Malta.16 These figures tend to show that the average Maltese household at that time consisted of five persons.17 Thus the population of Mosta amounted to about 580 persons. The total population would probably have been greater had not Mosta suffered from a severe setback in 1526. Following a surprise attack by Barbary corsairs, led by Rajjes Sinen, Mosta was almost depleted of its flourishing population. It is said that besides the killed, four hundred Mostin were taken prisoners.18 The inhabitants had to sell their lands in order to pay for their ransom and thus many Mostin were reduced to poverty.19 Moreover, in 1592 plague broke out in Malta, and 3,000 persons were (p.11) said to have died during this calamity.20 This figure included 27 victims from Mosta and 283 from Naxxar and Gharghur, who were all buried in the small cemetery situated in front of the church of St. Margaret at Mosta.21
TABLE I
(p.10)
| POPULATION AND HOUSEHOLDS FIGURES DURING DUSINA’S VISIT1 | ||
| Village | Population | Number of Houses | 
|---|---|---|
| Attard (including Balzan) | 665 | 165 | 
| Balzan | 300 | 60 | 
| Lija | 400 | 80 | 
| Zebbug (including Hal Dwil and Hal Muxi) | 1,200 | 260 | 
| Hal Bordi | 60 | 17 | 
| Hal Man | 50 | 12 | 
| Bormla | 1,200 | - | 
| Rabat and Mdina | 800 | - | 
| Mosta | - | 116 | 
| Tarxien | - | 100 | 
| Zabbar | - | 60 | 
| Zurrieq | - | 203 | 
| Hal Millieri | - | 15 | 
| Luqa | - | 130 | 
| Qrendi | - | 54 | 
| Gharghur | - | 80 | 
| Gudja | - | 80 | 
1. See J. Cassar-Pullicino, op. cit., p. 24.
(p.11) However, these setbacks were only temporary, and the demographic figures for Mosta later showed an upward trend. An important contributing factor to this increase in population throughout the Island was the tremendous impulse given by the Knights to local industries, especially boat-building, weaving and sail-making, the various openings offered to adventurous men, and above all the greater sense of security which existed as a result of the gradual decline of the Turkish menace and by the protection afforded by the Knights. Moreover, the Knights brought about an all-round improvement in the existing state of hospital and medical services, which culminated in the building of the Holy Infirmary.22
(p.12) As can be seen from Table II23 the population of Mosta had almost trebled within a period of seventy years (1575 - c.1647), and, in fact by c.1780 it exceeded that of the matrice of Naxxar.24 In the period 1630-1650, there was a yearly average of 38 baptisms (compared with 34 baptisms for 1612-1629) and 12 deaths (compared with 8 deaths for 1613-1629).25 Unfortunately, these baptism figures are very misleading as the Death Registers of Mosta at this period did not record the deaths of children, and thus it is almost impossible to reach any definite conclusion regarding the infant mortality rate. However, it is safe to presume that infant mortality tended to be very high. Some indications may be obtained from the duplication of names in the same family26 and from the fact that in 1851 the death rate among the general population was 21 per thousand a year in the towns and 28 per thousand in the countryside; almost 57 per cent of this mortality was among infants and children (p.16) under five years of age. The principal causes for this high mortality rate were such diseases as enteritis, measles and diphtheria.27
TABLE II
(p.13)
| ESTIMATES OF THE POPULATION OF MOSTA | ||
| Year | Number of Houses | Population | 
|---|---|---|
| 1575i | 1165 | c. 580 | 
| 1608ii | 180 | 900 | 
| c. 1647iii | 344 | 1,579 | 
| c. 1780iv | 535 | 2,126 | 
- J.Cassar-Pullicino, op. cit., p. 24.
- E.B.Vella, op. cit., pp. 70-71.
- G.F. Abela, op. cit., p. 83.
- Abela-Ciantar, op. cit., p. 272.
(In R.M.L. MS. 162, f.127r, we do not find the population figures for Mosta; but we are informed that in 1632 Naxxar had a population of 4923 anime made up of 333 males under five years; 2023 males above five years; 397 females under five years; and 2172 females above five years. These figures undoubtedly included the populations of the neighbouring villages of Mosta and Gharghur.)
TABLE III
(p.14)
| NUMBER OF BAPTISMS1 | |||||
| 1612-1629 | 1630-1650 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Total | Year | Male | Female | Total | 
| 1612 | 47 | 1630 | 25 | 24 | 49 | 
| 1613 | 31 | 1631 | 23 | 11 | 34 | 
| 1614 | 21 | 1632 | 22 | 14 | 36 | 
| 1615 | 29 | 1633 | 14 | 21 | 35 | 
| 1616 | 34 | 1634 | 25 | 19 | 44 | 
| 1617 | 36 | 1635 | 20 | 20 | 40 | 
| 1618 | 40 | 1636 | 28 | 18 | 46 | 
| 1619 | 29 | 1637 | 27 | 17 | 44 | 
| 1620 | 58 | 1638 | 18 | 13 | 31 | 
| 1621 | 27 | 1639 | 19 | 18 | 37 | 
| 1622 | 30 | 1640 | 18 | 13 | 31 | 
| 1623 | 22 | 1641 | 15 | 18 | 33 | 
| 1624 | 34 | 1642 | 24 | 17 | 41 | 
| 1625 | 36 | 1643 | 23 | 16 | 39 | 
| 1626 | 33 | 1644 | 14 | 22 | 36 | 
| 1627 | 30 | 1645 | 16 | 17 | 33 | 
| 1628 | 42 | 1646 | 20 | 20 | 40 | 
| 1629 | 37 | 1647 | 24 | 22 | 46 | 
| 1648 | 14 | 20 | 34 | ||
| 1649 | 22 | 10 | 32 | ||
| 1650 | 24 | 23 | 47 | ||
1. See A.P.M., D.L. I (1612-1640) and B.L. II (1630-1697).
TABLE IV
(p.15)
| NUMBER OF DEATHS1 | |||||
| 1613-1629 | 1630-1650 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Total | Year | Male | Female | Total | 
| 1613 | 10 | 1630 | 6 | 14 | 20 | 
| 1614 | 6 | 1631 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 
| 1615 | 3 | 1632 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 
| 1616 | 12 | 1633 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 
| 1617 | 4 | 1634 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 
| 1618 | 1 | 1635 | 11 | 4 | 15 | 
| 1619 | 7 | 1636 | 7 | 8 | 15 | 
| 1620 | 10 | 1637 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 
| 1621 | 1 | 1638 | 2 | 10 | 12 | 
| 1622 | 8 | 1639 | 5 | 13 | 18 | 
| 1623 | 8 | 1640 | 6 | 3 | 9 | 
| 1624 | 11 | 1641 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 
| 1625 | 15 | 1642 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 
| 1626 | 16 | 1643 | 8 | 3 | 11 | 
| 1627 | 13 | 1644 | 5 | 9 | 14 | 
| 1628 | 8 | 1645 | 9 | 3 | 12 | 
| 1629 | 8 | 1646 | 3 | 8 | 11 | 
| 1647 | 4 | 7 | 11 | ||
| 1648 | 7 | 10 | 17 | ||
| 1649 | 4 | 5 | 9 | ||
| 1650 | 6 | 8 | 14 | ||
| Total | 141 | Total | 109 | 141 | 250 | 
1. See A.P.M., D.L. I (1612-1640) and B.L. II (1630-1697)
(p.16) Table V ( from (i) to (xxxvi) )28 may give the impression that the rapid increase in the population of Mosta in the first half of the seventeenth century was the result of natural causes - the data seems to indicate families with an average of six children. But this view will have to be modified by the fact that there appears to have been at Mosta in the period 1630-50 a considerably large number of families who were childless29 or had only one child.30 Moreover, Table V does not give us enough information in that it does not tell us how many of the children died in infancy.
(p.17) According to Blouet, the rapid increase in the population was mainly stimulated by the Order's making a large number of land grants to people wishing to build houses in the village.31 Unfortunately, I was unable to ascertain at what date were these grants given. It is certain, however, that two out of every five girls of Mosta, who married in the period 1630-1650, took as their husbands outsiders. Many of these were from the neighbouring villages of Naxxar, Lija, Attard, Rabat, Birkirkara and Gharghur, but others came from as far as Siggiewi, Qrendi, Senglea, Dingli, Qormi and even from Gozo.32 Gozitans usually came to Malta to export fruit, vegetables, and large quantities of sheep, goats, pigs, cattle and poultry. However, this does not necessarily mean that all these outsiders settled at Mosta for there are strong indications that a considerable number returned to their native villages where they owned some property.33 This phenomenon may also be explained by the fact that the Council of Trent forbade a person to marry uncles, aunts, or cousins out to the fourth degree, although dispensations have occasionally been given by the Church. Moreover, as Mosta was relatively small the choice within the village itself was somewhat restricted.
TABLE V
(p.18)
Some examples of family units to which children were born and who appear in the birth records
(i) Jacobum HAIUS = Franciscam GALIA on 24.4.1634 (M.L. I (1611-1701), p.28) daughter of Petri and Bartolemae
| Dominicus | (b. 16.11.1637) | (B.L. II (1630-1697), f. 26v) | 
| Theramus | (b. 20.10.1640) | (Ibid., f. 34v) | 
| Gratia | (b. 19. 6.1642) | (Ibid., f. 38v) | 
| Domenica | (b. 12.11.1646) | (Ibid., f. 54r) | 
The following priests  acted as godparents1: 
  Reverendus D. Theramus  Galia of Man for Theramus
  D. Jo:Maria Galia for  Domenica.
The village of Man (or Laman or Hal Man) has now ceased to exist as it had been incorporated into the parish of Attard. According to G.F. Abela,2 Hal Man had a population of sixty-six persons in c.1647.
As a rule, only one godparent for each child is recorded in the Birth Register, but in the case of Gratia and a few others (about six) two godparents are mentioned. In his report, Duzina condemned the custom of having more than two godparents3.
Notes
- For the purpose of the study at Table V (i-xxxvi), only godparents, who were notaries, priests or clerics or who came from outside Mosta, are recorded.
- Op. cit., p. 85
- See p. 65.
(p.19)
(ii) Rafaelis HAIUS = Gratia XERRI on 25.7.1627 from Lia daughter of Pauli (M.L. I (1611-1701), p.20)
| Maria | (b. 6.9.1628) | (D.L. I (1612-1640)1 | 
| Petrus | (b. 13.11.1633) | (B.L. II (1630-1697), f. 13v) | 
| Jo:Paulus | (b. 14.2.1637) | (Ibid., f. 24r) | 
| Dominica | (b. 29.3.1638) | (Ibid., f. 27v) | 
| Margarita | (b. 1.6.1641) | (Ibid., f. 36r) | 
| Clemencia | (b. 30.1.1645) | (Ibid., f. 46r) | 
1. Note: There is no pagination in D.L. I (1612-1640).
The following ecclesiastics acted  as godparents.
  Clericus coniugatus Joannes:Paulus  Fenec of Musta for Jo:Paulus
  Reverendus D. Bernardus Galia for  Clemencia.
(iii) Josephum AQUILINA = Dominicam SAMUT on 31.7.1632 (M.L. I (1611-1701), p. 25)
| Maria | (b. 27.9.1636) | (B.L. II (1630-1697), f. 23v) | 
| Dominicus | (b. 24.1.1638) | (Ibid.,f.27v) | 
| Thomas | (b. 1.5.1642) | (Ibid.,f.38v) | 
(p.20)
(iv) Petri ACIOPARDI = Geronima BARTOLO on 21.1.1623 (M.L. I (1611-1701), p.16) daughter of Antonii
| Maria | (b. 4.5.1631) | (B.L. II (1630-1697), f.5v) | 
| Clemencius | (b. 27.8.1634) | (Ibid., f.17r) | 
| Innocencia | (b. 28.12.1637) | (Ibid., f. 27r) | 
| Gratius | (b. 7.2.1642) | (Ibid., f. 37v) | 
| Dominica | (b.10.3.1643) | (Ibid., f. 41r) | 
There may be three possible explanations why this couple had their first child after eight years of married life, when the tendency was to have a child within the first year of marriage:
- they might have been childless in this period; or
- their offsprings were still-born, in which case they are not recorded in the Death Register; or
- they might have temporarily left the village.
Notary Joannes:Paulus Fenec of Mosta acted as Dominica's godparent.
(p.21)
(v) Geronimum BARTOLO = Catarinam FENEC on 19.2.1634 (M.L. I (1612-1701) p.28) from Attard daughter of Dominici and Margaritae
| Joannes | (b. 1.4.1635) | (B.L. II (1630-1697), f. 19r) | 
| Jo:Dominicus | (b. 3.2.1636) | (Ibid., f. 21v) | 
| Julianus | (b.11.4.1638) | (Ibid., f. 28r) | 
Clericus coniugatus Jo:Paulus Fenec acted as Jo:Dominicus’ godparent.
(vi) Dominicum BEZINA = Joannellam BUSUTTIL on 5.9.1636 (M.L. I (1611-1701) p. 32) daughter of Augusti(n) and Isabellae
| Joannes | (b. 1.11.1639) | (B.L. II (1630-1697), f. 32r) | 
| Catherina | (b.20.10.1642) | (Ibid., f. 39v) | 
(p.22)
(vii) Julium BORG = Gratiam CAUCHI on 7.8.1633 (M.L. I (1611-1701), p. 26) from Naxaro daughter of Mariani and Imperiae
| Ignatius | (b. 25.3.1634) | (B.L. II (1630-I697), f. 16r) | 
| Jo:Maria | (b.28.2.1643) | (Ibid., f. 41r) | 
| Dominica | (b. 15.11.1649) | (Ibid., f. 67r) | 
| Andreas | (b. 2.12.1651) | (Ibid., f. 74r) | 
| Maria | (b. 20.10.1652) | (Ibid., f. 77v) | 
| Caterina | (b. 25.4.1655) | (Ibid., f. 86r) | 
Their first child was born after seven and a half months. This may be explained either that their child was prematurely born or that Julium and Gratiam indulged in premarital sexual relationships.
In the period 1630-1650 I came across three similar cases:
- Joannem Galia = Catharinam Samut on 13.1.1642 (M.L. I (1611-1701), p. 43): Dominicus (b.17.8.1642) (B.L. II (1630-1697), f. 39v)
- Dominicum Galia = Paulinam Dingli on 27.8.1644 (M.L. I (1611-1701), p. 47): Jo:Maria (b. 1.4.1645) (B.L. II (1630-1697), f.46v)
- Alexandrum Mallia = Alontiam Samut on 31.10.1649 (M.L. I (1611-1701), p. 57): Mario and Maria (b. 30.6.1650) (B.L. II (1630-1697), f. 70r)
However, it is very difficult to reach any definite conclusion, especially in the first two cases, as both names and surnames were too common at Mosta at this period.
(p.23)
(viii) Matteum BORG = Joannellam XERRI on 1.10.1634 (M.L. I (1611-1701), p. 29) daughter of Antonii and Catarinae
| Baldasar | (b. 29.12.1636) | (B.L. II (1630-1697), f. 24r) | 
| Catharina | (b. 29.11.1642) | (Ibid., f. 40r) | 
(ix) Romanum BORG = Sperantiam CAUCHI on 26.1.1631 (M.L. I (1611-1701), p. 25) son of Joannes daughter of Mattaei and Margaritae and Joanellae
| Romana | (b. 1.1.1632) | (B.L. II (1630-1697), f. 7r) | 
| Joannes | (b. 21.6.1633) | (Ibid., f. 12r) | 
| Margarita | (b. 6.1.1635) | (Ibid., f. l8v) | 
| Gratius | (b. 16.6.1638) | (Ibid., f. 28r) | 
| Matteolus | (b. 30.5.1641) | (Ibid., f. 35v) | 
| Jo: Maria | (b. 6.4.1644) | (Ibid., f. 44r) | 
| Joanella | (b. 16.11.1646) | (Ibid., f. 51r) | 
| Paulina | (b. 2.7.1649) | (Ibid., f. 66r) | 
| Maria | (b. 15.8.1650) | (Ibid., f. 70v) | 
| Natalia | (b. 20.8.1652) | (Ibid., f. 77r) | 
The following acted as  godparents: 
  Reverendus D. Joannes  Galia for Margarita 
  D. Dominicus Xerri for  Jo:Maria 
  Reverendus D. Jo:Maria  Galia for Joanella 
  Mags.  Marius Portughes of Valletta for Natalia.
(p.24)
(x) Dominici BUCAGIAR = Margaritam BORG on 30.1.1627 (M.L. I (1611-1701), p. 20) daughter of Laurenti
| Dominicus | (b. 30.1.1628) | (D.L. I (1612-1640) | 
| Joannes | (b. 29.8.1629) | (Ibid.) | 
| Maria | (b. 23.2.1631) | (B.L. II (1630-1697), f. 4v) | 
| Clemencia | (b. 29.1.1634) | (Ibid., f. 15v) | 
| Gregorius | (b. 22.7.1635) | (Ibid., f. 20r) | 
| N. A.1 | (b. 27.9.1638) | (Ibid., f. 28V) | 
| Jo:Maria | (b. 5.12.1640) | (Ibid., f. 35r) | 
| Cleria | (b. 14.2.1643) | (Ibid., f. 4lr) | 
| Theresia | (b. 21.5.1646) | (Ibid., f. 49v) | 
| Tomas | (b. 19.12.1647) | (Ibid., f. 57r) | 
| Carolus | (b. 14.11.1649)| | (Ibid., f. 67r) | 
| Catarina | (b. 21.4.1654) | (Ibid., f. 83v) | 
- The name of this child (a girl) is not mentioned.
This was for Dominici Bucagiar his second marriage (secondo matrimonio). This is the only case which I have found recorded in the Marriage Register for the period under study.
The following acted as  godparents: 
  Clericus Dominicus Hibeyer for  Dominicus
  … Cuschieri of Man for Clemencia
  Reverendus Joannes Galia for  Jo:Maria
  Reverendus D. Dominicus Xerri for  Theresia.
(p.25)
(xi) Jacobi BUSUTIL son of Mariani - Sperancie GATT on 24.11.1618 (M.L. I (1611-1701), p. 11) daughter of Joannes
| Raymonda | (b.15.1.1620) | (D.L. I (1612-1640) | 
| Gregorius | (b. 23.3.1622) | (Ibid.) | 
| Maria1 | (b. 2.2.1624) | (Ibid.) | 
| Maria | (b. 25.3.1625) | (Ibid.) | 
| Jo:Maria | (b. 6.2.1628) | (Ibid.) | 
| Jo:Lucas | (b. 4.1.1632) | (B.L. II (1630-1697), f. 7r) | 
| Agnes | (b. 14.1.1634) | (Ibid., f. 15r) | 
| Salvator | (b. 9.3.1636) | (Ibid., f. 22r) | 
| Gratius | (b.15.11.1646) | (Ibid., f. 51r) | 
- Beside her name, in the margin, there is the following comment: Vide 25 Martii 1625 / alia filiam n(omen) Maria. This comment strongly indicates that the first child to be named Maria had died.
The following acted as  godparents: 
  Joannes Xara of  Valetta for Gregorius 
  Reverendus D. Jo:Maria  Samut of Naxaro for Agnes 
  Antonius Samut of  Naxaro for Gratius
(p.26)
(xii) Geronimum CAMILLERI = Joannellam GALIA on 6.7.1630 (M.L. I (1611-1701), p. 24) daughter of Francisci and Imperiae
| Aloncius | (b. 30.3.1631) | (B.L. II (1630-1697), f. 5r) | 
| Joannes | (b. 7.7.1632) | (Ibid., f. 9r) | 
| Gratia | (b. 2.9.1635) | (Ibid., f. 20r) | 
(xiii) Jo:Pauli CAMILLERI son of Petrum = Sperancie GALIA on 29.8.1632 (M.L. I (1611-1701), p. 26) daughter of Orlandi and Mattiae
| Maria | (b. 4.9.1635) | (B.L. II (1630-1697), f. 12r) | 
| Dominicus | (b. 27-3.1635) | (Ibid., f. 19r) | 
| Gratia | (b. 8.8.1637) | (Ibid., f. 26r) | 
| Damianus | (b. 27-9-1639) | (Ibid., f. 31v) | 
| Jo:Maria | (b. 27-9-1640) | (Ibid., f. 34v) | 
| Blasius | (b. 3-2-1643) | (Ibid., f. 40v) | 
| Nuncia | (b. 26.3-1645) | (Ibid., f. 46v) | 
| Joannes | (b. 29-6.1647) | (Ibid., f. 53v) | 
The following  ecclesiastics acted as godparents: 
  The parish-priest D.  Salvator Muscat for Gratia.
  Clericus Dominicus  Xerri for Blasius.
  Don. Jo:Maria Galia for  Joannes.
(p.27)
(xiv) Leonardum CATANIA son of Lucae, from Zebbug = Joannellam BARTOLO on 1.8.1630 (M.L. I (1611-1701), p. 24) daughter of Antonii and Mariettae
| Salvator | (b. 7.8.1631) | (B.L. II (1630-1697), f. 6r) | 
| Margarita | (b. 5.6.1642) | (Ibid., f. 38v) | 
| Mattias | (b.21.9.1644) | (Ibid., f. 44v) | 
For a possible explanation of the gap between the births of Salvator and Margarita, see comments at Table V (iv), p. 20.
(xv) Mattei CAUCHI son of Andrea and Vincentia(?) = Gratie SAMUT on 17.9.1617 (M.L. I (1611-1701), p. 9) daughter of Leonardo and Paulae from Naxaro
| Dominica | (b. 24.9.1618) | (D.L. I (1612-1640) | 
| Martinus | (b. 10.11.1620) | (Ibid.) | 
| Clemencia | (b. 13.3.1623) | (Ibid.) | 
| Je:Dominions | (b. 12.3.1629) | (Ibid.) | 
| Matteola | (b. 23.9.1631) | (B.L. II (1630-1697), f. 6r) | 
| Maria | (b. 1.11.1634) | (Ibid., f. 18r) | 
| Dominicus | (b. 26.10.1636) | (Ibid., f. 23v) | 
The following acted as  godparents: 
  Joannes Deboni(?) of  Balzan for Martinus 
  The parish-priest  D.Salvator Muscat for Jo:Dominicus
(p.28)
(xvi) Jacobi CHETCUTI = Margeritam DIGOVARA on 13-9-1620 (M.L. I (1611-1701), p. 12) daughter of Berti
| Maria | (b. 8.8.1621) | (D.L. I (1612-1640) | 
| Dominicus | (b. 14.1.1624) | (Ibid.) | 
| Dominicus | (b. 12.7.1625) | (Ibid.) | 
| Dominica | (b. 12.3.1628) | (Ibid.) | 
| Angelica | (b. 7.7.1630) | (B.L. II (1630-1697), f. 2v) | 
| Gratia | (b. 15.8.1632) | (Ibid., f. 9r) | 
| Gratia | (b. 3.10.1633) | (Ibid., f. 13v) | 
| Maria | (b. 8.6.1636) | (Ibid., f. 22v) | 
| Catharina | (b. 24.2.1638) | (Ibid., f. 27v) | 
The duplication of the names Maria, Dominicus and Gratia within the same family probably indicates that the first children to be so called had died. However, it is very difficult to verify this for no records of infant deaths seemed to have been kept at Mosta in the period 1630-1650.
The following acted as  godparents: 
  The parish-priest  D.Salvator Muscat for Dominicus
  Joannes Cusceri de  casali Man for Gratia (b.15.8.1632).
(p.29)
(xvii) Josephum CIOPARO son of Laurenti from Naxaro = Joannellam Fenec on 6.9.1630 (M.L. I (1611-1701), p.24) daughter of Mariani and Antonellae
| Angelus | (b. 22.10.1633) | (B.L. II (1630-1697), f. 13v) | 
| Jo:Maria | (b. 9.10.1638) | (Ibid., f. 28v) | 
(xviii) Georgii CUSCHIEHI from Birchircara = Justine CALLEJA on 13.2.1634 (M.L. I (1611-1701), p. 28) daughter of Dominici and Margaritae
| Laurencius | (b. 26.11.1634) | (B.L. II (1630-1697), f. 18v) | 
| Dominicus | (b. 14.4.1638) | (Ibid., f. 28r) | 
| Marius | (b. 2. 3.1640) | (Ibid., f. 32v) | 
| Dominica | (b. 21.4.1646) | (Ibid. f. 48v) | 
| Gratia | (b. 26.4.1647) | (Ibid., f. 52v) | 
| Gratia | (b. 2. 7.1650) | (Ibid., f. 70r) | 
| Catarina | (b. 26.11.1653) | (Ibid., f.81v) | 
The name Gratia appears twice in this family. See comments at Table V (xvi), p. 28.
D. Bernardus Galia acted as Marius’ godparent.
(p.30)
(xix) Therasmum HIBEJER son of Marii = Gratiam  XERRI on 6.10.1630 (M.L. I (1611-1701),  p.24) daughter of Antonii and Chatarinae 
| Maria | (b. 24.8.1631) | (B.L. II ( 1630-1697), f. 6r) | 
| Joannes et Maria | (b. 20.1.1633) | (Ibid., f. 10v) | 
| Clemencia | (b. 9.4.1634) | (Ibid., f. 16v) | 
| Gregorius | (b. 13.3.1637) | (Ibid., f. 24v) | 
| Laurencius | (b. 10.8.1641) | (Ibid., f. 36v) | 
Besides Joannes and Maria Hibejer, I came across three other cases of twins, namely Gratia and Agnes Scembri (b. 19.1.1639) (Ibid., f. 29v); Maria and Marcellus Chaber (b. 21.4.1650) (Ibid., f. 69r); and Mario and Maria Mallia (b. 30.6.1650) (Ibid., f.70r).
(p.31)
(xx) Mtvo(?) Leonardi GAT from Zebbug = Dominica BUSOTTIL on 23.11.1614 (M.L. I (1611-1701), p. 5) daughter of Mariano and Caterina
| Joanella | (b. 26.6.1616) | (D.L. I (1612-1640) | 
| Gregorius | (b. 17.11.1618) | (Ibid.) | 
| Chaterina | (b .24. 8.1620) | (Ibid.) | 
| Gratia | (b. 22.12.1622) | (Ibid.) | 
| Publius | (b. 26.1.1625) | (Ibid.) | 
| Clemencia | (b. 2.5.1627) | (Ibid.) | 
| Matteola | (b. 21.9.1629) | (Ibid.) | 
| Barbara | (b. 9. 3.1632) | (B.L. II (1630-1697), f. 8r) | 
| Geronima | (b. 13.2.1638) | (Ibid. f. 27v) | 
| Agustina | (b. 28.8.1641) | (Ibid. f. 36v) | 
The following acted as godparents:
  Clericus(?) Bernardo Galia for Joanella
  D. Joannes Galia for Gregorius
  Marcus … from Birchircara for Chaterina
  J.U.D.(?) Jo(ann)es Luca  Ninisdonia(?) for Publius
  Clericus Dominicus Mallia for Clemencia
	D. Bernardus Galia for Geronima.
(p.32)
(xxi) Paulum GILESTRI from Birchircara = Angelicam BUSUTTIL on 30.6.1630 (M.L.I (1611-1701), p.24) daughter of Mariani and Catharinae
| Jo:Maria | (b. 22.6.1631) | B.L. II (1630-1697), f. 5r) | 
| Dominicus | (b. 14.10.1635) | (Ibid., f. 20v) | 
| Margarita | (b. 9.8.1643) | (Ibid., f. 42r) | 
| Josephus | (b. 9.11.1646) | (Ibid., f. 50v) | 
| Petrus Paulus | (b. 29.6.1648) | (Ibid., f. 59v) | 
It may be assumed from  a study of the godparents that the Gilestri family was quite influential in  those days. Their first child was baptized by D. Mario Greco, cappellano di  Lia, with Signor Dottor Joanni Idoneo medico of Lia as godparent. The other  godparents were the following: 
  Reverendus D. Joannes  Galia for Dominicus 
  Notary Jo:Paulus Fenec  for Margarita
  Reverendus D. Joannes  Maria Galia for Josephus
  Maria Schebri of  Valletta for Petrus Paulus.
Petrus Paulus was probably so named as he was baptized on the Saints’ feast day, traditionally known as L-Imnarja
(p.33) The choice of godparents may also reflect the importance attached to patronage. During the period of the Knights and even until very recently, it was held that all advancement stemmed from the Grand Master via some influential Grand Cross, the Grand Prior or from the British Governor or his immediate entourage. Thus access to influential people was accepted as the normal method of achieving a desired post, appointment or preferment (E. Brockman, Last Bastion (London 1961), pp. 19-20.)
(xxii) Jo:Paulum MANGION = Mariam BORG on 9.10.1633 (M.L. I (1611-1701), p. 27) daughter of Michaelis and Catarinae
| Catarina | (b. 22.3.1636) | (B.L. II (1630-1697), f. 22r) | 
| Joannes | (b. 21.1.1638) | (Ibid., f. 27r) | 
| Jo:Maria | (b. 19.10.l641) | (Ibid., f. 37r) | 
| Salvator | (b. 19.3.1645) | (Ibid., f. 46v) | 
| Clemens | (b. 15.10.1647) | (Ibid.,f. 54v) | 
The following priest acted  as godparents: 
  D. Bernardus Galia for  Joannes
  Reverendus Salvator  Fenec for Salvator.
(p.34)
(xxiii) Michaelem MIFSUD from Birchircara - Joannellam CALLUS on 16.8.1632 (M.L. I (1611-1701), p. 26) daughter of Alonti
| Imperia | (b. 1.8.1633) | (B.L. II (1630-1697), f. 12r) | 
| Clemens | (b. 24.11.1640) | (Ibid., f. 35r) | 
(xxiv) Alberti PORTELLI = Antonine FENEC on 21.11.1629 (M.L. I (1611-1701), p. 23) daughter of Angeli and Margaritae
| Paulina | (b. 26.1.1631) | (B.L. II (1630-1697) f. 4v) | 
| Clemens | (b. 29.10.l633) | (Ibid., f. 13v) | 
| Dominica | (b. 19.4.1635) | (Ibid., f. 19v) | 
| Jo:Maria | (b. 10.10.1638) | (Ibid., f. 28v) | 
| Dominicus | (b. 7.9.1641) | (Ibid., f. 36v) | 
| Gratia | (b. 16.5.16) | (Ibid., f. 44r) | 
The following acted as  godparents: 
  Clericus Dominicus  Xerri for Dominicus 
  Aloysius Corcep of  Singlea for Gratia.
(p.35)
(xxv) Damiani PORTELLI = Angelie FENECH on 14.2.1621 (M.L. I (1611-1701), p. 13) daughter of Angeli
| Jo:Paulus | (b. 16.1.1622)| | (D.L. I (1612-1640) | 
| Gratia | (b. 14.1.1624) | (Ibid.) | 
| Angelus | (b. 17.2.1629) | (Ibid.) | 
| Joannes | (b. 22.11.1631) | (B.L. II (1630-1697), f .6v) | 
| Maria | (b. 19.10.1634) | (Ibid., f. 18r) | 
| Angelus | (b. 21.5.1637) | (Ibid., f. 25r) | 
| Dominicus | (b. 1.4.1640) | (Ibid., f. 34r) | 
| Petrus | (b. 28.2.1643) | (Ibid., f. 4lr) | 
| Gratia | (b. 15.8.1647) | (Ibid., f. 53v) | 
For a possible explanation for the duplicated names of Angelas and Gratia in the same family, see comments at Table V (xvi), p. 28.
Reverendus Theranms Galia de casali Laman acted as Angelus' (b.17.2.1629) godparent.
(p.36)
(xxvi) Joannes PULIS from Naxaro = Catharinam SAMUT on 7,10.1640 (M.L. I (1611-1701), p. 39) daughter of of Jacobi and lmperia
| Dominica | (b.11.8.1641) | (B.L. II (1630-1697), f.36v) | 
| Maria | (b. 4. 1.1643) | (Ibid., f. 40v) | 
| Paulina | (b. 21.6.1648) | (Ibid., f. 60r) | 
Paulina was baptised at the parish church of Naxxar by D. Dominicus Azzopardi vice parocho of Naxxar, Her godparent was Signora Maria wife of Dottor Bartolomeo Mifsud. Clericus Dominicus Xerri acted as Dominica’s godparent.
(xxvii) Benedictum SAPIAN from Dingli = Gratiam HIBEIJER on 26.6.1633 (M.L. I (1611-1701), p.26) daughter of Geronimi and Joannellae
| Clemencia | (b. 12.2.1641) | (B.L. II (1630-1697), f. 35r) | 
| Joanella | (b. 2.3.1644) | (Ibid., f. 43v) | 
| Doainicus | (b. 21.10.1647) | (Ibid., f. 54v) | 
The Illustrissimus Ono. Cornelio Caxar of Notabili served as one of the marriage-witnesses for Benedictum and Gratiam; while D. Bernardus Galia and Maria Schebri of Valletta acted as godparents for Clemencia and Dominicus respectively.
See comments at Table V (iv), p. 20, for a possible explanation of the gap of eight years between the date of marriage of Benedictum and Gratiam and the birth of Clemencia.
(p.37)
(xxviii) Jacobua SCIHICHA = Angelicam FENEC on 2.10.1644 (M.L. I (1611-1701), p. 48) daughter of Jacobi and Mariettae
| Dominica | (b. 13.8.1645) | (B.L. II (1630-1697), f. 47v) | 
| Jo:Luca | (b. 6.4. 1647) | (Ibid., f. 52v) | 
| Dominica | (b. 3.3.1650) | (Ibid., f. 68v) | 
| Dominicus | (b. 25.3.1657) | (Ibid., f. 94r) | 
| Jo:Maria | (b. 17.6.1659) | (Ibid., f. 100r) | 
The name Dominica appears twice in the same family. See comments at Table V (xvi), p. 28.
Luca Muscat of Lia acted as Jo:Luca's godparent.
(xxix) Filippum VASSALL0 = Joannellam VELLA on 20.6.1632 (M.L. I (1611-1701), p. 25) daughter of Alexandri and Franciscae
| Margarita | (b. 30.4.1633) | (B.L. II (1630-1697), f. 11v) | 
| Maria | (b. 27.10.1635) | (Ibid., f. 20v) | 
| Dominicus | (b. 14. 4.1641) | (Ibid., f. 35v) | 
| Michael | (b. 21.6.1642) | (Ibid., f. 39r) | 
| Dominica | (b. 24.4.1644) | (Ibid., f. 44r) | 
| Bartolomeus | (b. 25.8.1649) | (Ibid., f. 66r) | 
The following priests  acted as godparents:
  Reverendus D. Joannes Gaglia  for Dominicus
  Reverendus D. Joannes  Maria Galia for Bartolomeus.
(p.38)
(xxx) Jo:Pauli VASSALO = Agnetam GALEA on 1.7.1629 (M.L. I (1611-1701), p. 22) daughter of Salvi and Linozzi
| Dominicus | (b. 2.6.1630) | (B.L. II (1630-1697), f. 2r) | 
| Blasius | (b. 27.3.1633) | (Ibid., f. 11r) | 
| Linora | (b. 1.3.1634) | (Ibid., f . 16r) | 
| Maria | (b. 23.6.1635) | (Ibid., f. 20r) | 
| Salvator | (b. 7.5.1638) | (Ibid., f. 28r) | 
| Salvator | (b. 14.6.1644) | (Ibid., f. 44r) | 
As for the duplication of the name Salvator, see comments at Table V (xvi), p.28.
The following acted as  godparents: 
  Clericus Jo:Paulus  Fenec for Linora 
  Reverendus D. Bernardus  Galia for Salvator (b. 7.5.1638)
  Reverendus D. Joannes  Galia for Salvator (b. 14.6.1644)
(p.39)
(xxxi) Bartholomeum XEBERRAS from Naxaro = Joannellam AQUILINA on 27.1.1635 (M.L. I (1611-1701), p. 30) daughter of Laurentii and Agatae
| Gratius | (b. 29.2.1636) | (B.L. II (1630-1697), f.21v) | 
| Joannes | (b.19.3.1637) | (Ibid., f. 25r) | 
| Clemencia | (b. 1.5.1638) | (Ibid., f. 28r) | 
| Gratius | (b. 12.5.1641) | (Ibid., f. 35v) | 
| Matteolus | (b. 4.1.1644) | (Ibid., f. 43r) | 
| Clemencia | (b. 6.6.1646) | (Ibid., f. 49v) | 
| Maria | (b. 25.7.1648) | (Ibid., f. 61r) | 
| Theresia | (b. 29.1.1651) | (Ibid., f. 72r) | 
| Catarina | (b. 24.6.1652) | (Ibid., f. 76v) | 
| Jo:Maria | (b. 5.7.1655) | (Ibid., f. 87r) | 
| Salvator | (b. 8.6.1659) | (Ibid., f. 100r) | 
The names of Gratius and Clemencia appear twice in this family. See comments at Table V (xvi), p.28.
The following acted as godparents::
  Clericus Dominicus Xerri for  Clemencia (b.1.5.1638)
  Florius Magro of Naxaro for Gratius  (b.12.5.1641)
  D. Jacobus Chetcuti for Maria
  Maria de bono of Valletta for  Theresia
  Magnificus Marius Portues of  Valletta for Catarina.
(p.40)
(xxxii) Dominicum XIBERRAS son of Antonii and Angela from Naxaro = Valentiam GALIA on 24.7.1633 (M.L. I (1611-1701), p. 26) daughter of Vincentii and Vincentiae
| Clemens | (b. 20.5.1634) | (L.B. II(1630-1697), f.16v) | 
| Maria | (b. 26.4.1636) | (Ibid., f. 22r) | 
| Gratia | (b. 17.11.1638) | (Ibid., f. 29r) | 
| Matteola | (b. 24.2.l640) | (Ibid., f. 32v) | 
| Pasqua | (b. 6.4.1643) | (Ibid., f. 41v) | 
| Vincencius | (b. 16 .4.1646) | (Ibid., f. 48r) | 
The following acted as  godparents: 
  Joseph Tanti of Zebug  for Gratia
  Reverendus Dominicus  Xerri for Vincencius.
(p.41)
(xxxiii) Josephum XEBYRAS son of Jacobi and Dominicae = Paulinam SAMUT on 13.11.1633 (M.L. I (1611-1701), p.27) daughter of Marini and Chatarinae
| Gratia | (b. 1.10.1637) | (B.L. II (1630-1697), f.26v) | 
| Maria | (b. 20.9.1639) | (Ibid., f. 31v) | 
| Dominicus | (b. 14.4.1642) | (Ibid., f. 38v) | 
| Jo:Maria | (b.14.8.1643) | (Ibid., f. 42v) | 
| Dominica | (b. 26.9.1644) | (Ibid., f. 44v) | 
| Michael | (b. 8.10.1647) | (Ibid., f. 54r) | 
| Petrus | (b. 23.12.1650) | (Ibid., f. 71v) | 
| Michael | (b. 11.1.1652) | (Ibid. , f. 74v) | 
| Petrus | (b. 4.3.1654) | (Ibid. , f. 83r) | 
| Jo:Maria | (b. 11.1.1656) | (Ibid., f. 89r) | 
| Joannes | (b. 3.1.1658) | (Ibid., f. 95v) | 
| Maria | (b. 13.8.1659) | (Ibid., f. 100r) | 
The names of Maria, Jo:Maria, Michael and Petrus are each repeated twice in the family. See comments at Table V (xvi), p. 28.
The children's  godparents included: 
  Clericus Dominicus  Xerri for Jo:Maria (b. 14.8.1643) 
  Paulus Mifsud of  Rabato for Dominica 
  Marius Portughes of  Valletta for Petrus (b. 23.12.1650) 
  Reverendus D. Simon  Bartolus for Michael (b. 11.1.1652).
(p.42)
(xxxiv) Stafani XERRI from Naxaro = Agnetis BORG on 3.5.1629 (M.L. I (1611-1701), p.22) daughter of Vincentii
| Jo:Maria | (b. 9.6.1630) | (B.L. II (1630-1697), f. 2r) | 
| Clemens | (b. 30.10.1632) | (Ibid., f. 9v) | 
| Catharine | (b. 6.1.1636) | (Ibid., f. 21r) | 
| Jo:Paulus | (b. 17.1.1639) | (Ibid., f. 29v) | 
| Maria | (b.11.3.1640) | (Ibid., f. 34r) | 
| Jo:Paulus | (b. 8.4.1647) | (Ibid., f. 52v) | 
| Hieronymus | (b. 18.5.1651) | (Ibid., f. 72v) | 
The name of Jo:Paulus appears twice. See comments at Table V (xvi), p.28.
The following acted as  godparents; 
  Reverendus D. Jo:Maria  Bezzina of Naxaro for Jo:Maria 
  Reverendus Jo:Paulus  Fenec for Clemens 
  … of Naxaro for  Catharine 
  Michael and Maria  Cumbo of Notabile for Jo:Paulus (b. 17.1.1639) 
  Filippus Samut of  Naxaro for Maria 
  Three of the  godparents came from Stafani's birthplace i.e. Naxxar.
(p.43)
(xxxv) Francisci ZAMIT from Attardo = C'ncione FENECH on 29.6.1623 (M.L. I (1611-1701), p. 16) daughter of Dominici
| Chaterina | (b. 9.6.1631) | (B.L. II (1630-1697), f. 5v) | 
| Clementia | (b. 3.12.1633) | (Ibid., f. 15r) | 
| Gratius | (b. 25.9.1636) | (Ibid., f. 23r) | 
| Petrus | (b. 19.10.l637) | (Ibid., f. 26v) | 
| Gratia | (b. 21(?).1.1640) | (Ibid., f. 32v) | 
| Dominicus | (b. 24.9.1641) | (Ibid., f. 37r) | 
| Margarita | (b. 30.1.1644) | (Ibid., f. 43r) | 
The same comments at Table V (iv), p. 20, may be applied to explain the gap of eight years between the date of marriage and the birth of the first child.
Clericus coniugatus Jo:Paulus Fenec acted as Clementia's godparent.
(p.44)
(xxxvi) Filippo ZARB son of Thomasio(?) from Nasciaro = Dominica SAMUT on 20.8.1617 (M.L. I (1611-1701), p. 9) daughter of Mario and Joanna
| Maria | (b. 29.7.1618) | (D.L. I (1612-1640) | 
| Joannes | (b. 24.7.l620) | (Ibid.) | 
| Petrus (or Petrus Paulus) | (b. 7.2.1624) | (Ibid.) | 
| Maria | (b. 17.6.1626) | (Ibid.) | 
| Chaterina | (b. 2(?)4.5.1629) | (Ibid.) | 
| Thomas | (b. 7.3.1634) | (B.L. II (1630-1697), f. l6r) | 
| Margarita | (b. 18.1.1639) | (Ibid., f. 29v) | 
| Gratia | (b. 30.1.1642) | (Ibid., f. 37v) | 
| Gregorius | (b. 24.2.1645) | (Ibid., f. 46r) | 
The name Maria appears twice in this family. See comments at Table V (xvi), p. 28.
The following  ecclesiastics acted as godparents: 
  The parish-priest D. Salvator  Muscat for Joannes 
  Reverendus D. Bernardus  Galia for Maria (b.17.6.1626) 
  Reverendus D. Joannes  Galia for Thomas 
  Clericus Dominicus  Xerri(?) for Gratia.
TABLE VI
(pp.45-47)
| NAMES OF COUPLES WHO WERE EITHER CHILDLESS OR LEFT THE VILLAGE IN THE PERIOD 1630-16441 | |
| Date of Marriage | Names | 
|---|---|
| 19.1.1630 | Dominicum Borg from Attard = Mariettoni Mifsud | 
| 30.5.1632 | Petrum Borg from Lia = Victoriam Galia | 
| 10.9.1633 | Florium Borg = Magdalenam Cauchi | 
| 16.10.1633 | Dominicum Bucagiar from Naxaro = Geronimam Busuttil | 
| 30.10.1633 | Dominicum Portelli from Lia = Margaritam Borg | 
| 20.11.1633 | Matteolum Hajus from Balzano = Paulinam Cachia | 
| 21.7.1634 | Angelum Fenec = Mauritiam Portelli | 
| 28.8.1634 | Martium Samut = Margaritam Galia | 
| 14.10.1634 | Marium Cauchi from Naxaro = Joannellam Gat | 
| 16.9.1635 | Alexandrum Fenec = Andreanam Frendo | 
| 23.9.1635 | Dominicum Borg = Margeritam Galia | 
| 27.7.1636 | Josephum Callus from Crendi = Bernardam Bartolo | 
| 15.8.1636 | Thomam Mifsud = Mariam ... | 
| 5.10.1637 | Benedictum Gauci = Margaritam Borg | 
| 26.12.1638 | Dominicum Calleja from Birchircara = Margaritam Butigieg | 
| 30.1.1639 | Marcum Psaila from Curmi = Lauricam Galia | 
| 6.3.1639 | Dominicum Ciantar from Sigievi = Mariam Cauchi | 
| 24.7.1639 | Bartolomeum Galia from Naxaro = Sperantiam Galia | 
| 31.7.1639 | Josehum Samut from Naxaro = Filippam Bucagiar | 
| 11.9.1639 | Jo: Paulum Fenec from Naxaro = Dominicam Mifsud | 
| 29.10.1639 | Josephum Scembri from Naxaro = Catharinam Busottil | 
| 26.4.1640 | Aloisium Vella from Singlea = Bartolomean Frendo | 
| 23.9.1640 | Gregorium Mifsud from Rabato = Catharinam Galia | 
| 11.11.1640 | Leonardum Cuschieri from Rabato = Catharinam Dimech | 
| 1.5.1641 | Dominicum Borg from Balzano = Geronimam Borg | 
| 30.6.1641 | Thomam Cortis = Catharinam Borg | 
| 25.7.1641 | Joannem Zarb - Angelicam ... | 
| 1.9.1641 | Dominicum Calleja from Lia = Margaritam Fenec | 
| 21.9.1641 | Consales Taliana from Rabato = Joannellam Galia | 
| 30.11.1641 | Salvum Samut from Lia = Mariam Borg | 
| 12.1.1642 | Filippum Zirafa from Atardo = Matteolam Galia | 
| 15.8.1642 | Laurenticum Mangion = Mariam Portelli | 
| 15.8.1642 | Ferdinandum Carocia = Flaminiam Camenzuli | 
| 5.10.1642 | Dominicum Galia = Gratiam Portelli | 
| 27.10.1642 | Joannem Attard from Atardo = Agatam Fenec | 
| 18.10.1643 | Natalem Galia = Mariam Galia | 
| 31.10.1643 | Blascum Spiteri from Rabato = Mariam Busottil | 
| 21.9.1644 | Paulum Mifsud from Rabato = Clementiam Busottil | 
1. It is assumed for the purpose of this analysis that couples with no children recorded after 1650 were childless or had left the village. The analysis in Tables VI, VII, VIII was extracted from A.P.M., M.L. I (1611-1701).
TABLE VII
(p.48)
| NAMES OF COUPLES WHO HAD ONLY ONE CHILD OR LEFT THE VILLAGE SOON AFTERWARDS IN THE PERIOD 1630-1644 | |
| Date of Marriage | Names | 
|---|---|
| 26.7.1631 | Antonium Fenec = Chatarinam Sciricha | 
| 3.10.1631 | Lucium Galia = Scolasticam Camilleri | 
| 5.2.1634 | Vincentium Galia = Catarinam Samut | 
| 9.9.1635 | Joannem Darmanin = Bernardam Bartolo | 
| 19.9.1636 | Augustinum Portelli = Andreanam Calleja | 
| 21.9.1636 | Leonardum Xeberras from Gregorio = Gratiam Aquilina | 
| 3.10.1636 | Michalem Vella from Rabato = Gratiam Fenec | 
| 1.8.1637 | Lucam Mifsud from Rabato = Dominicam Fenec | 
| 30.1.1638 | Josephum Mifsud from Naxaro = Mariam Fenec | 
| 26.6.1639 | Marinum Vassallo = Matteolam de Armenia | 
| 27.7.1639 | Josephum Portelli = Veneram Bonnici from Attard | 
| 15.8.1639 | Thomam Bartolo = Angelicam Cauchi | 
| 15.8.1639 | Joannem Cauchi = Mariam Bartolo | 
| 27.8.1639 | Silvestrum Haius = Mariam Cardona | 
| 3(?).9.1639 | Dominicum Calleja = Mariam Fenec | 
| 2.9.1640 | Antonium Galia = Mariam Mifsud | 
| 7.10.1640 | Vincentium Cauchi = Dominicam Camilleri | 
| 26.4.1641 | Gregorium Scicluna from Rabato = Cleriam Portelli | 
| 6.10.1641 | Petrum Micallef from Naxaro = Clementiam Cauchi | 
TABLE VIII
(pp.49-51)
| NAMES OF COUPLES WHO APPARENTLY STAYED AT MOSTA IN THE PERIOD 1630-1644 | |
| Date of Marriage | Names | 
|---|---|
| 30.6.1630 | Paulum Gilestri from Birchircara = Angelicam Busuttil | 
| 6.7.1630 | Geronimum Camilleri = Joannellam Galia | 
| 1.8.1630 | Leonardum Catania from Zebbug = Joannellam Bartolo | 
| 6.9.1630 | Josephum Cioparo from Naxaro = Joannellam Fenec | 
| 6.10.1630 | Therasmum Hibejer = Gratiam Xerri | 
| 19.1.1631 | Gregorium Fenec = Baptistinam Galia | 
| 26.1.1631 | Romanum Borg = Sperantiam Cauchi | 
| 20.6.1632 | Filippum Vassallo = Joannellam Vella | 
| 31.7.1632 | Josephum Aquilina = Dominicam Samut | 
| 16.8.1632 | Michaelem Mifsud from Birchircara = Joannellam Callus | 
| 29.8.1632 | Jo: Paulum Camilleri = Sperantiam Galia | 
| 26.6.1633 | Benedictum Sapian from Dingli = Gratiam Hibeijer | 
| 24.7.1633 | Dominicum Xiberras from Naxaro = Valentiam Galia | 
| 7.8.1633 | Julium Borg from Naxaro = Gratiam Cauchi | 
| 9.10.1633 | Jo: Paulum Mangion = Mariam Borg | 
| 26.10.1633 | Valerium Galia = Isabellam Portelli | 
| 13.11.1633 | Josephum Xebyras = Paulinam Samut | 
| 19.2.1634 | Geronimum Bartolo from Attard = Catarinam Fenec | 
| 24.4.1634 | Jacobum Hajus = Franciscam Galia | 
| 21.5.1634 | Joannem Vella from Rabato = Joannellam Vella | 
| 9.7.1634 | Dominicum Samut = Catharinam Ajus | 
| 12.9.1634 | Dominicum Samut = Joannellam Galia | 
| 1.10.1634 | Matteum Borg = Joannellam Xerri | 
| 27.1.1635 | Bartolomeum Xeberras from Naxaro = Joannellam Aquilina | 
| 7.10.1635 | Franciscum Vella from Rabato = Dominicam Ceculi | 
| 5.2.1636 | Lucium Cardona from Gozo = Sperantiam Camenzuli | 
| 2.8.1636 | Marcum Xicluna from Rabato = Dominicam Samut | 
| 5.9.1636 | Dominicum Bezina = Joannellam Busuttil | 
| 7.9.1636 | Gregorium Galia = Paulinam Galia | 
| 14.9.1636 | Josephum Xiberras = Paulinam Cardona | 
| 3.10.1636 | Jacobum Samut = Paulinam Hibeijer | 
| 5.10.1636 | Petrum Galia = Mariam Samut | 
| 7.2.1637 | Dominicum Galia = Dominicam Frendo | 
| 13.9.1637 | Valerium Seichel = Aluntiam Busottil | 
| 5.3.1639 | Vincentium Samut = Catharinam Galia | 
| 23.7.1639 | Jo: Mariam Hajus = Gratiam Borg | 
| 7.8.1639 | Joannem Galia = Catharinam Xerri | 
| 2.10.1639 | Dominicum Xiberras = Catharinam Fenec | 
| 25.1.1640 | Ambrosium Bonello from Rabato = Romanam Cauchi | 
| 28.4.1640 | Simonem Hibeijer from Lia = Mariam Galia | 
| 15.8.1640 | Paulucium Vassallo = Paulinam Camenzuli | 
| 2.9.1640 | Matteolum Camilleri = Evangelistam Frendo | 
| 7.10.1640 | Joannem Pulis from Naxaro = Catharinam Samut | 
| 21.10.1640 | Dominicum Portelli = Veronicam Galia | 
| 12.2.1641 | Jo: Paulum Camilleri = Agatam Galia | 
| 15.8.1641 | Franciscum Psaila from Curmi = Joannellam Agius | 
| 9.11.1641 | Geronimum Galia from Bordi = Geronimam ... | 
| 24.11.1641 | Antonium Grima from Atardo = Gratiam Vella | 
| 26.11.1641 | Casparem Fenec = Angelicam Samut | 
| 13.1.1642 | Joannem Galia = Catharinam Samut | 
| 28.4.1642 | Julium Galia = Margaritam Bezina | 
| 12.10.1642 | Josephum Hajus from Lia = Catharinam Cachia | 
| 14.10.1642 | Lucam Vassallo from Naxaro = Gratiam Caber | 
| 1.11.1642 | Dominicum Tonna = Catharinam Fenec | 
| 19.7.1643 | Jo: Paulum Vella from Lia = Mariam Zarb | 
| 4.10.1643 | Andream Grima = Catharinam Fenec | 
TABLE IX
(p.52)
| NUMBER OF MARRIAGES1 | |||
| 1612-1629 | 1630-1650 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Total | Year | Total | 
| 1612 | 8 | 1630 | 8 | 
| 1613 | 5 | 1631 | 4 | 
| 1614 | 2 | 1632 | 6 | 
| 1615 | 7 | 1633 | 10 | 
| 1616 | 6 | 1634 | 12 | 
| 1617 | 6 | 1635 | 7 | 
| 1618 | 4 | 1636 | 14 | 
| 1619 | 6 | 1637 | 4 | 
| 1620 | 8 | 1638 | 3 | 
| 1621 | 8 | 1639 | 17 | 
| 1622 | 8 | 1640 | 13 | 
| 1623 | 8 | 1641 | 15 | 
| 1624 | 5 | 1642 | 11 | 
| 1625 | 12 | 1643 | 10 | 
| 1626 | 3 | 1644 | 7 | 
| 1627 | 8 | 1645 | 13 | 
| 1628 | 3 | 1646 | 13 | 
| 1629 | 12 | 1647 | 14 | 
| 1648 | 5 | ||
| 1649 | 10 | ||
| 1650 | 8 | ||
- See A.P.M., M.L. I (1611-1701).
TABLE X
(p.53)
| OUTSIDERS MARRYING AT MOSTA (1630-1650)1 | |
| Village/ Hamlet | Number | 
|---|---|
| Naxaro | 24 | 
| Rabato | 20 | 
| Lia | 9 | 
| Attard | 8 | 
| Birchircara | 4 | 
| Gozo | 4 | 
| Gregorio (Gargur) | 3 | 
| Dingli | 2 | 
| Balzano | 2 | 
| Curmi | 2 | 
| Zebbug | 1 | 
| Crendi | 1 | 
| Sigievi | 1 | 
| Singlea | 1 | 
| Bordi | 1 | 
| Total | 83 Males | 
| Total Number of Marriages | 204 | 
- See A.P.M., M.L. I (1611-1701).
REFERENCES
- See Table I, p.10.
- J. Cassar-Pullicino, op. cit., p. 24.
- On 11th May 1526t the Captain of Arms Gerolamo Campo was accused of negligence during the raid and dismissed. The Viceroy of Sicily appointed Giovanni Ribes in his stead (See G.A. Vassallo, Storja ta’ Malta (Malta 1948), p. 74.
- G.F. Abela, op. cit., p. 83.
- P. Cassar, Medical History of Malta (London 1964), p. 170.
- E.B. Vella et al, Storja tal-Mosta bil-Knisja Taghha (Malta, 1972 / 1986), Taqsima VII, p. 77.
- J. Cassar-Pullicino, op. cit., pp.28-29.
- See p. 13.
- According to Abela-Ciantar, ‘Malta  Illustrata’ (Malta 1780), Lib. I., Not. VIII, pp. 272-273, the population  figures of Naxxar and Mosta in c.1780 were the following:
 Naxxar: 1,947 persons living in 518 households,
 Mosta: 2,126 persons living in 535 households.
- See Tables III and IV, pp. 14, 15.
- See Table V (xvi), (xviii), (xxv), (xxviii), (xxx), (xxxi), (xxxiii), (xxxiv), (xxxvi), pp. 28, 29, 35, 37, 38, 39, 41, 42, 44.
- P. Cassar, op. cit., pp. 358-359.
- See below, pp. 18-44.
- See Tables VI, pp.45-47.
- See Table VII, p. 48.
- B.Blouet, op. cit., p. 96.
- See Tables IX and X, pp. 52, 53.
- See Tables VI and VII, pp. 45-47, 48.
Other Chapters from this Dissertation
- Chapter 1 - Background
- Chapter 2 - Population Growth
- Chapter 3 - Economy
- Chapter 4 - Socio-Religious Life
- Chapter 5 - Names / Surnames Analysis
- Chapter 6 - Conclusion
- Bibliography