The Magellis

Immigration and the American Dream

Biagio Magelli was born on February 3, 1891, in Castel di Casio, Italy. Like many young men of his generation, he sought a new future across the Atlantic, arriving through Ellis Island as a teenager. Traveling alongside his cousins, Biagio made his way to the booming industrial heart of the Midwest, settling in the coal-mining regions of west-central Illinois.

To make his living, he entered the dark and perilous world of underground coal mining. It was hard, grueling work, but a striking piece of family history suggests a twist of fate saved his life early on: Biagio was working in the area during the infamous Cherry Hill Mine disaster of November 1909. Family lore recalls that Biagio happened to be home sick on the exact day of the catastrophic fire. The substitute who took his shift that day was tragically among the 259 victims. Following this narrow escape, Biagio moved further south into communities like Mt. Olive and Mount Clare, seeking safer mining conditions.

A Boarding House Romance

While living as a young bachelor in a local boarding house run by Italian immigrants Stephane Mareta and Theresa Lenzi, Biagio fell deeply in love with the owners’ daughter, Mary “Mareta”. On February 17, 1912, Biagio married his 17-year-old sweetheart.

Together, they built a bustling life and shared 12 children. Standing strong through the intense heartbreaks of the era, they buried three of their children—Ricardo, Joseph, and Theresa—in infancy. The remaining nine grew up in a strict, loving household, ultimately defying the odds of their humble origins to build highly successful lives, careers, and families across the country.

Old World Traditions & The Illinois Wilderness

Biagio never lost his connection to the Italian countryside. To feed his large family, he routinely relied on Old World foraging and hunting traditions. He knew the local landscapes intimately, gathering wild mushrooms, strawberries, asparagus, and nuts along the woods and railways.

Turtle soup, fried frog legs, brain fritters and eels might also be on the menu. Biagio was a skilled small-game hunter, bringing home wild rabbits and squirrels. These were proudly handed over to Mary, who transformed them into rich, savory stews served over traditional Italian polenta.

While his children integrated into American life, Biagio’s own education came directly from them. He learned to read and write some words in English by quietly sitting at the table, watching his identical twin sons, Peter and Paul, diligently work on their school assignments. Though he never spoke fluent English, his actions spoke volumes.

Humor, Generosity, and Later Years

What Biagio lacked in English fluency, he more than made up for in humor, warmth, and an absolute devotion to his grandchildren. He was instantly recognizable by the signature toothpick perpetually tucked behind his ear, his tweed wool flat cap, and his daily habit of swallowing a raw egg for strength. He also enjoyed his traditional Toscano cigars—the rugged, fire-cured little Italian numbers that filled the air with a familiar, robust aroma.

One of the most enduring family anecdotes centers around his trips to Taylor Springs, a favorite local water hole. Upon returning home, Biagio would delight in gathering his grandchildren in the living room. With a mischievous laugh, he would scatter a handful of candy across the carpet, watching with pure joy as the kids dove and scrambled for the treats.

Biagio passed away in 1972 at the age of 81, leaving behind a remarkable story of survival, a tightly-knit family, and a rich legacy of Italian-American heritage.

Vital Statistics Reference Table

Event	Date	Location / Notes
Birth	February 3, 1891	Italy (Immigrated as a teenager via Ellis Island)
Occupation	Underground Coal Miner	Worked in Mark, Mt. Olive, and Mt. Clare, IL
Marriage	February 17, 1912	To Mary “Mareta” Mareta (1895–1978)
Key Legacy	12 children (9 survived)	Fathered identical twins Peter and Paul
Death	1972	Buried in Illinois; preceded by 3 infant children