Tag Archives: Christakos

Christakos Family of Koumousta/Xirokambi, Laconia. Part Two

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Greeks embrace an expanded definition of the term “family” to include those who marry into one’s direct ancestral line, including koumbara (godparents). I take it one step further to include anyone whose origins are from the same clan. This second post (part one here) relates stories about the relatives of my great-great grandfather, Nikolaos Christakos, as written by Mr. Katsoulakos and Mr. Stoumbos in their book, Koumousta of Lacedaimonos.

One recurring theme is the importance of the local monastery of Gola.

Monastery of Gola

Monasteries were “rich” and were sources of life for the villagers. They provided steady employment for some and assistance to others. On March 1, 1828 the abbot of the monastery of Gola enumerated its holdings: vineyards and cultivated fields of berries, figs, and olive trees; cows, sheep and goats; and precious objects. People named in the Code of Gola were involved with the monastery. They may have worked as gardeners, keepers, or in the olive oil refineries, and they were paid for their labor. Monasteries often rented their land and sheep to villagers who did not have property or means to provide for themselves. The monastery also supported the local school in Koumousta; in fact, for a time during 1830, the school was located within the monastery. In the Code are these donations:  October 1829-33: 81, 150 and 114  grosia (Greek for qirsh, Ottoman currency). Vyssarion Tekosis (1827-1844), an abbot in the monastery, studied in this school.

Christakos Residents of Koumousta

Panagis is the oldest Christakos named in the book. He is not mentioned further, but we can estimate that, as the father of Kyriakos who was born about 1776, he was born in the early to mid-1700’s[1].

Kyriakos, the son of Panagis, was named in the first census taken in 1830. He was referenced in the Code of Gola in the year 1806, and additional documents indicate that his involvement with the monastery of Gola was ongoing:

  • On January 1, 1785, he signed a document as a witness that Christina Komni and her children sold a vineyard to the monastery for 38 grosia.
  • On April 25, 1796, he signed a letter requesting assistance from the Grigorakis family of Mani after Turks destroyed the monastery of Gola.
  • In 1806, he donated a field to the monastery in memory of his son, Panagis [this indicates that his son had died prior to 1806]

Thanasis is named in the Code of Gola as a laborer in the monastery, 1827-29.

Dimitris and other men from Koumousta fought in the Balkan Wars (1912-13). In the village of Koritsa (Albania) during a battle between Greeks and Turks, Dimitris was injured along with Vasilis Stoumbos, Mitsakis Mandrapilias and Christos Stoumbos. Dimitris, an artillery gun operator, totally lost his hearing and returned home, deaf. The state did not grant him a pension. His wife died, leaving him with six sons. He raised his sons and assumed the household chores of baking, cleaning, mending clothing. As the sons married and left the home, Dimitris remained alone until the end of his life.

St. B. (nickname: Kapodakis; St.B. most likely are initials for Stylianos Vasilios) died in an accident on July 21, 1943. At the end of the river Rasina is a small lake, Sgournitsa, where young men swam during hot summer days. The small cave of Komini, with green stalactites and impressive fossils, lured the bravest of them. It was there that St. B. lost his life.

Georgios is not mentioned by name but his three sons are listed in the Male Register (Mitroon Arrenon) of the Dimos (prefecture) Faridos. As such, we can estimate the birth year of Georgios as about 1845:

  • Aristomenis Georgios, born 1870
  • Dimitrios Georgios, born 1872
  • Grigorios Georgios, born 1876

The family of Dimitrios Georgios born 1872 is enumerated in the Town Register (Dimotologion):
Christakos, Dimitris G., born 1872
Christakos, Konstantinos Dimitriou, born 1915
Christakos, Antonios Dimitriou, born 1918
Christakos, Pantelis Dimitriou, born 1920
Christakos, Panagiotis Dimitriou, born 1923

These four sons of Dimitrios were among 28 young men from Koumousta who fought during World War II. The authors wrote:  The village at once became joyless [because the youth were gone.] The weather this morning was as if it was going to snow. The teacher left in the night. In the fields, no one went to work. A 10-year-old child, shocked by the events around him, listened to his mother’s voice, “Your sister is going to your uncle’s goats and you to ours” (children must now do the work since the men are off to war). From this time, the child was doomed to become a shepherd. He took bread and ran quickly to the point between the mountains. He wanted to see the men who had left to fight. He saw them when they reached Γλυστρωπές Πέτρες (slippery rocks). He shouted to tell them something he had heard early in his life, “come back victorious.” But they were far away and could not hear him.

The family of Konstandinos Dimitrios born 1915 (named above) is also in the Town Register:
Christakou, Antonia wife of Konstantinou 1922
Christakou, Pitsa (Panagiota) Konstantinou 1943
Christakos, Dimitrios Konstantinou 1946
Christakou, Stratigoula Konstantinou 1948
Christakou, Dimitra Konstantinou 1951
(Note: –ou ending denotes the feminine)

Konstandinos Dimitrios and Perikles D. are named in the School Register of 1921-22. The school archive was destroyed during the German occupation of WWII and the ensuing Civil War. Only two student lists were saved. The older list is from the school year 1921/22, indicating that there were 31 students in four classes, with the teacher Peter Dimitrakeas.

  • Konstandinos Dimitrios is referenced in an incident which occurred in Koumousta during the Greek Civil War (1946-49). A skirmish arose between rebels and paramilitary forces (Xites). The Xites accused Kosta of being a communist and threatened to execute him, but the situation dissipated and he was spared.
  • Konstandinos’ wife, Antonia Stavrogiannis Christakos, found the decapitated body of her brother, Dinakis, in the town square of Xirokambi (late 1940’s). There authors tell the story as follows: Dinakis Stavrogiannis lived in Paleochori. He was small in body but strong and quick. After some military operations of the army, a small stronghold of military police with help of local army men settled in the area. One night in Paliochori, Dinakis killed a military policeman who was guarding Sotiri Kakiousi and he fled. From this point, the future of Dinakis Stavrogiannis was written in black. The guards increased, and the control was extremely oppressive. In the middle of September below the Koumousta River , Dinakis fell into an ambush. Heavily injured, he tried to release a grenade but blew himself up. The next day the police cut off his head and took it into  Xirokambi where they put it on public view. Among the people of Koumousta who went there to collect nuts was his sister, Antonia Christakos who in front of this disgusting view screamed, “My brother.” However, she found the courage to go to and weep at the headless body of her brother. 
  • Konstandinos Dimitrios and his family left Koumousta after World War II, but there is no additional information regarding their final destination. The authors explained: The war and misery that followed, along with many other social reasons, forced people from Koumousta to abandon their village and take the road abroad. 

Xirokambi, river bed, July 2016

The men of Koumousta were tough. As they left their village to defend their country, their eyes were as brutal as slayers. They gathered in Megali Vrysi and departed, singing an old klepht song:  How many mountains I passed, I will tell them. Mountains, don’t get snow–fields, don’t get dusty. The meaning is deep and poignant: as mean leave their village, they send a message to the mountains and the fields–may the winter not be harsh, may the fields be well watered and produce a good harvest. My family will be alone and I will not be there to take care of them.

 

___________

[1]  Kyriakos was an adult, probably in his 30’s, when he is mentioned in the Code in 1806. Doing the math, his approximate birth year would be around 1776; if we use the estimation of 25 years to separate generations, then an approximate birth year for Panagis would be 1751 at the earliest.

 

Christakos Family of Koumousta/Xirokambi, Laconia. Part One

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Is it possible that I have discovered the family of my great-great grandfather, Nikolaos Christakos, born about 1810 in Xirokambi? I think so!

My hunt into learning more about my Christakos family took a giant leap forward last summer when a “coincidental” series of events led me to the book, Koumousta of Lacedaimonos,  written by Theodore S. Katsoulakos and Panagiotis X. Stoumbos (“Koumousta book”).

I am grateful to my friend, Giannis Michalakakos, who has been translating sections of this book with me. Without his help, I would not have the information that is so vital in piecing together this family.

The Christakos family profile is slowly coming together. Politimi Christakos married my great-grandfather, Andreas Kostakos in 1860. Years of research into various records are pointing to this:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My previous post described how the Christakos family of Koumousta originated from one of the region’s earliest settlers, Christos Rizos, who is mentioned in 1761 in the Code of Gola (Gola is a monastery). When a son of Christos took his father’s name as a patronymic, he became Christakos (-akos = son of).

This first post about the Christakos family of Koumousta will explore what I have learned about the possible father of Nikolaos — Dimitrios Christakos — and some of the stories that illustrate the environment of Koumousta in the 1800’s. The next post will explore other members of the Christakos family.

Immediately after the conclusion of the Greek War of Independence of 1821, the first “census” was held in Greece in 1830. After 400 years of Turkish rule, the new central government was becoming established and formal local government organizations were not yet functional. Thus, this census was not complete. In the Koumousta book we read, “From the document written in 1830, which is ‘the families living in huts and bungalows in Nauplion and other villages in 1830’… we find the names of Dimitrios Christakos (1826) and Dimitrios Christakos (1830). [The number in parenthesis indicates a date that is written in the sources; the specifics of the dates are not given]

As indicated in this census, there are two men named Dimitrios. To ease the confusion, I will name one “Dimitrios” and the other “Dimitris.”

Some passages in the book make it difficult to distinguish which Dimitrios is being referenced. On February 26, 1826, a Dimitrios Christakos signs an interesting document which reads in part:
“With this document we report that our ex-captain of the village, Antonis (Koumoustiotis) was disbanded because he did damages daily in our village and this is already known to everyone and we cannot write down how many bad things he did to us. It was not enough that he kept 20,000 grosia, the spoils from the seige of Tripoli, but gave us only the outside of an egg” [this is the exact translation]. Among other scandalous behavior, Antonis is accused of making an alliance with a Maniot family that was causing much fear among the villagers.

Dimitrios
Born 1805, the name Dimitrios Christakos is found in a catalog of 450 fighters of Laconia (men who fought in the 1821 Revolution) that was signed by P. Giatrakos on September 26, 1845 and the minister of defense, K. Rodio, on October 16, 1845. Among those named who are “the people who have the right to take certification”  is Dimitrios Christakos, age 40 years. Dimitrios was honored for his participation in the Revolution by receiving an Aristeia award, bronze level. There are three levels of Aristeia:  highest: silver medal — αργυρό μετάλιο; 2nd: bronze medal — χάλκινο μετάλιο; 3rd: iron medal — σιδήρου μετάλλιο.

Dimitris
We can estimate that Dimitris was born about 1794, as he is referenced in the election list of 1844 (known as the first official elections in Greece) as Dimitrios Christakos, age 50 years. At this time, the election process was still unorganized. Voting occurred in the capital of every province, but some areas did not receive enough voting boxes for its population. The election dates varied in different areas, which was further complicated because the duration of voting was over two months. The voting procedure in the municipality of Faridos took place in the church of Agia Triada in Xirokambi on April 12, 1844. This election list, signed by the Mayor N. T. Liakakos, survived. The Koumousta book lists the men who voted in Koumousta; some may have lived in Xirokambi and Arkasa but they are included in the Koumousta record. Among those listed are Dimitrios Christakos, age 50.

The 1830 census list (discussed above) reveals a pattern which may help us determine the children of Dimitris (the older of the two Dimitrios’). As census takers in the U.S. went door-to-door, that procedure may have been followed in 1830 as the census taker walked the geographical area of Koumousta, going from one household to the next. If so, then the list becomes even more interesting as it references:
1: Dimitrios Christakos (for our purposes, Dimitris)
2:  Thanasis and Nikolaos Christakia
1: Michalakis Christakos (listed as the fourth name below Thanasis and Nikolaos)

Note the suffix, -akia after the names of Thanasis and Nikolaos. –akia is a diminutive term, indicating children or minors. We may assume then, that Thanasis and Nikolaos, listed immediately after Dimitris, are his sons. They may be living with their father. Michalakis may also be the son of Dimitris, but he is living in his own household.

So…the big question:  is my great-great grandfather, Nikolaos Christakos, the son of Dimitris? The answer: most possibly, but not conclusively. Additional information is needed. I realize that the following analysis is based on many assumptions; but, we can only work with what we have:

  1.  Looking at the Family Group chart at the beginning of this post, I had estimated the birth of Nikolaos as 1815 as follows: Ilias was born about 1835 (source: 1872 Election List). If we estimate that a father was about 25 years old at the time of the birth of his eldest child (a standard estimating measurement for Greek records) that gives us an approximate birthdate for Nikolaos of 1810.
  2. Looking at the 1830 census, Nikolaos and his-likely brother, Thanasis, are living either in the household of Dimitris or immediately adjacent. The boys are named, thus they may be older, possibly late teens. With this assumption, their birthdates could range from 1812 (if age 18) to 1809 (if age 21). If this supposition holds, then Nikolaos would be in the correct age range to be the father of Politimi.
  3. There is no other man named Nikolaos Christakos that is mentioned in the Koumousta book.

To prove or disprove this theory, I will ask Mr. Katsoulakos for suggestions as to where I should look for additional documentation about the Christakos family in the 1800’s. When I return to Greece this summer, I will follow up on his recommendations. If the “genealogy gods” are with me, I may have success and be able to determine conclusively that I have (or have not) found my family!

Part Two of this post will describe Mr. Katsoulakos’ and Mr. Stoumbos’ research about additional members of the Christakos family.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In this post, we will explore some of the earliest members of the Christakos family of Koumousta. I have not yet been able to link my Nikolaos to the people mentioned in this book, but I trust that further information will come forth.

 

 

The Rizos Clan of Koumousta, Laconia: Christakos, Koumoustiotis, Kyriakakos

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Part One: History

rizos-clan-chart

July 11, 2016, was a hot but fateful day in Athens. My friend, Giannis Michalakakos, had rearranged his work schedule to take me to the National Library to research my Iliopoulos ancestors who had received Aristeia awards for their valiant service in the 1821 Revolution. To our dismay, the Library was closed for a staff meeting. We deliberated briefly, devised a Plan B, and headed to a university library to find what would become a research bonanza, the book, Koumousta of Lakedaimonos, written by Theodore S. Katsoulakos and Panagiotis X. Stoumbos:

Koumasta of Lakedaimonos, Theodore E. Katsoulakos and Panagiotis X. Stoumbos, published 2012

Koumousta of Lakedaimonos, Theodore S. Katsoulakos and Panagiotis X. Stoumbos, published 2012

The geographical area of Koumousta, 24 km south of Sparta, is comprised of many villages, both large and small. In modern Greece, the biggest village is Xirokambi with a population of about 1,000 people. The region has four monasteries: Gola and Zerbitsa; and slightly north of Koumousta,  Koubari and Katafigiotissa.  Xirokambi is the birthplace of my paternal great-grandmother, Poletimi Christakos, (father, Nikolaos) who married Andreas Kostakos. In this book is found the history of her family!

It all began with Christos Rizos. On page 202, we read:

Koumousta of Lakedaimonos, page 203. Used with permission from Dimitris Katsoulakos.

Koumousta of Lakedaimonos, page 203. Used with permission from Dimitris Katsoulakos.

“The family Christakou is old. The first name was Rizos. Christos Rizos is referenced in the Code of Gola in 1761.  From this emerged the Christakos surname, while the real name as a nickname survived as Rizeas, which name is old.1”

On the following page, 203, we read:  “The families Koumoustiotis and Kyriakakos are branches of the family Christakos2.”

Following the references, we are led to articles in the journal, Faris, Issue 9 (1994), page 9, and the following excerpt from Issue 39 (2005), page 10.

Faris, Issue 39, July 2005, page 10.

Faris, Issue 39, July 2005, page 10.

Origin of the families (I),  by D. V. Christakos

“My family originally comes from Koumousta. My oldest ancestor was Christos Rizos who is referenced in the Code of Gola in 1761. ‘He donated two fields, one in Kofinidou and the other in Itia in order that Giorgakis, Panagiotis, Christos and Margarita will be remembered.’ From the first name Christos comes the surname Christakos and the name Rizos remains as a nickname. It is sure that chieftain Antonios Koumoustiotis comes from the same family [Rizos] like the family Kyriakakos.”

It took Mr. Katsoulakos and Mr. Stoumbos twenty years of research to write this book. They accessed documents in the monasteries, archives and local sources. The Stoumbos family was among the first in Koumousta, and because of oral tradition, Mr. Stoumbos knew the long histories of the earliest settlers. Because of their dedicated efforts, I now know this part of my history:  from Christos & Margarita Rizos and their children, Giorgios and Panagiotis evolved three branches: Christakos, Koumoustiotis and Kyriakakos. My great-great grandfather, Nikolaos Christakos, is among those descendants — so am I.

Giannis has been translating sections of this book that pertain to my family, and I am assisting as his scribe. With our work as a basis, I will be writing posts about the stories of this area and its indefatigable people. They faced Turkish occupation, wars, and unimaginable hardships of life. They endured and triumphed over it all. With their blood coursing through my veins, so can I.

I am most grateful to Dimitris Katsoulakos for permission to cite passages from this book, and to Giannis Michalakakos for his tireless work of translation.

Return to Greece, 2016. Part Five: Always have a Plan B!

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This is the fifth post in a series about my trip to Greece, June 30-July 20, 2016 — an amazing journey of history, family and discovery. Previous posts can be found here.

When giving presentations about genealogy research trips, I always counsel people to have a “Plan B”–just in case. Almost anything can happen when you are away on a trip, especially overseas:  an office can close early, a festival in town may shutter all public repositories, a clerk can be uncooperative–or, in a more positive scenario, you could find a new piece of information that sends you in a different direction than anticipated.

All of this happened to me on a Monday morning in Athens. Except, I did not have a Plan B.

My Plan A was to research at the National Library in Athens with my friend, Giannis Michalakakos. We were seeking Aristeia records*  for several men who could possibly be related to me. Giannis had contacted the Library in advance and even changed his work schedule to make this visit.

National Library, Athens. Photo, Creative Commons

National Library, Athens. Photo, Creative Commons

As we ascended the marble steps, I was excited to go inside this impressive building and see what treasures were awaiting our discovery.

The answer was:  none.

We found the front doors locked, yet saw many people within. Confused, we knocked several times; one man came to the door and waved us away. It was then that we noticed a sign:  the library was closed all day for a staff meeting. That was unexpected! We looked at each other, a bit disoriented. What to do now? Giannis gave the classic Greek answer: Let’s go for coffee. Seated outdoors in the brilliant sunlight, we lamented this unfortunate turn of events. Then I looked directly into Giannis’ eyes and said, “We need a Plan B.” He perked up.”I have a Plan B,” he replied. “Let’s go to the University Library and find the book about Xirokambi. I’m sure your ancestors are in it.”

I remembered our previous conversation about this book. Written by Theodore S. Katsoulakos, it is the history of the village of Xirokambi and its families. My maternal great-grandmother, Poletimi Christakos, was born in Xirokambi, so I jumped at this unexpected turn of events. “Let’s go!” We left without ordering drinks and headed for the Athens subway.

Subway station, Athens. July 2016

Subway station, Athens. July 2016

I was impressed with the sleek, modern new station that had been built for the 2004 Olympics. Three transfers later, we arrived at the stop leading to Giannis’ alma mater. As we walked a distance in the mid-summer heat, I began to wilt, both physically and emotionally. What if this turned out to be a wasted morning?

We entered the Library and Giannis immediately headed to the exact shelf where the book resided. Koumasta of Lakedaimonos, Theodore E. Katsoulakos and Panagiotis X. Stoumbos, published 2012Taking it to a table, he flipped to the index, found entries for Χριστάκος (Christakos) and quickly scanned the pages. The history of this family was laid out before us:  Christos Rizos had arrived in Xirokambi (a village within the region of Koumousta) in 1761! From Christos, the name morphed into Christakos (akos – son of; son of Christos).

Excited and astounded at this wealth of information, I began taking photos of pages where the Christakos name was listed. That was an exercise in futility, as the name was scattered throughout the 400+ book. I put my camera on the table and with great emotion said, “I must have a copy of this book to take home with me.”

Kind soul that he is, Giannis offered to call his friend, Dimitris Katsoulakos, son of the author. Arrangements to meet were made; and a few hours later, Dimitris came to my hotel in Athens, book in hand.

Dimitris Katsoulakos and Carol Kostakos Petranek, Athens, July 2016

Dimitris Katsoulakos and Carol Kostakos Petranek, Divani Palace Hotel, Athens, July 2016

To say I was thrilled to hold this volume in my hands is a gross understatement. This was a priceless treasure to me! Dimitris and I talked for almost two hours about his father, the research process, and the history of Koumousta and Xirokambi. We arranged my visit to Xirokambi to meet his father and walk the streets of my Christakos ancestors.

Xirokambi is a charming village, 17 kilometers south of Sparta, lying in the shadows of the Taygetos mountains. Accompanied by my friend, Joanne Dimis-Dimitrakakis, I headed straight for the village square where I met the esteemed professor, Theodore S. Katsoulakos.

Theodore Katsoulakos and Carol Kostakos Petranek, Xirokambi, July 2016

Professor Theodore S. Katsoulakos and Carol Kostakos Petranek, Xirokambi, July 2016

I had so many questions! How long did it take to write the book? Where did he get the materials? Why did he start this project? The answers were as honest and forthright as this wonderful man.

It took 20 years to write the history of Koumousta. This was a joint effort between the professor, Theodore S. Katsoulakos, and the village shepherd, Panagiotis X. Stoumbos. Although both men had long roots in Xirokambi, Panagiotis knew the old stories. The two men would talk, write notes, and collaborate on the details. Theodore was passionate about this project. His desire was to preserve and pass on the rich history of the area for future generations. He researched in Archives, libraries, and the local monasteries of which there are two:  Golas and Zerbitsis. I was stunned to hear that monasteries had records other than those of a religious nature! Monks kept meticulous records of the families, activities and history of the surrounding area. One can only imagine the untold stories and historic events sequestered in the libraries of hundreds of monasteries throughout Greece!

Our visit was enlightening and great fun. I could have spent hours talking with Theodore. He is articulate, kind, gentle, and intelligent. I asked him to sign my book, and to my delight he wrote: “History does not make you smart for once, but wise forever.” Brilliant counsel from a brilliant and esteemed friend.

Just when I thought the day could not get better, Dimitris offered to give us a tour. Joanne and I piled into his car and drove throughout the village. Stone houses and lush gardens make Xirokambi both picturesque and very liveable.

Xirokambi Platea, July 2016

Xirokambi Plateia, July 2016

I was somewhat surprised to see an old lady filling bottles at a fountain in the plateia. When she saw me taking her photo, she actually hissed at me and waved me away!

Fountain in Platea, Xirokambi, July 2016

Fountain in Platea, Xirokambi, July 2016

The local fruit and vegetable vendor makes his rounds.

Fruits and vegetables, Xirokambi, July 2016

Fruits and vegetables, Xirokambi, July 2016

The oldest church was built around 1500 A.D. and there are four cemeteries which I must explore on my next visit.

Church built in the 1500's; one of four cemeteries. Xirokambi, July 2016

Church built in the 1500’s; one of four cemeteries. Xirokambi, July 2016

The town’s amphitheater was recently built and is actively used for festivals and plays. Several youth were rehearsing for an upcoming performance.

Amphitheater at Xirokambi, July 2016

Amphitheater at Xirokambi, July 2016

Among the most historic sites of the village is the Bridge of Xirokambi. Built over the Rasinas River and at the edge of the Anakolo Gorge, this bridge was constructed 2,000 years ago during the Hellenistic period. There is a well-trodden path over the mountains that leads to Kalamata, one of the few routes to the Messinian Gulf over the forbidding Taygetos mountains. I asked Dimitris if my great-great-grandfather, Nikolaos Christakos, might have walked this path, to which he replied, “Most certainly!”

Hellenistic Bridge and path to the Gulf of Messinia and Kalamata, Xirokambi, July 2016

Hellenistic Bridge and path to the Gulf of Messinia and Kalamata, Xirokambi, July 2016

I have often contemplated the unexpected turn of events that dashed my Plan A. If the Library had been open, I would have been thrilled with whatever documentation we found, whether or not I could trace the men to my ancestral lines. However, I would never have found Koumasta and the history of the Christakos family. I would have missed meeting wonderful new friends and experiencing the thrill of literally walking in my ancestors’ footsteps.

But on my next trip, I will make a Plan B–just in case.

___

*Aristeia is an award given to men who fought valiantly in the Revolution of 1821.

Faris is a quarterly newsletter with information and history about Xirokambi. It has been published for the past 50 years, and issues are available online at: http://micro-kosmos.uoa.gr/faris/teuxi.htm

Marriage: Andreas Kostakos & Politimi Christakos

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Trying to read 1800’s Greek script is both exhilarating and frustrating. Recognizing a name gives me an adrenalin surge; struggling over a name sends me to chocolate.

Two nights ago, I got the surge of a lifetime. I found an entry in the 1860 Marriage Book of the Mitropolis of Sparta for my great-grandparents, Andreas Kostakos and Politimi Christakos. My friend, Giannis Michalakakos, confirmed that I read the record correctly.

Mitropolis of Sparta, Marriage Book, 1860 Page 1: Date: August 20, 1860; Number: 125; 1st column: Andreas ( Andrikos) Kostakos of Agios Ioannis. 2nd column: Poletimi, daughter of Nikolaos Christakos of Xirokambi, Faridos.

Mitropolis of Sparta, Marriage Book, 1860
Page 1: Date: August 20, 1860; Number: 125; 1st column: Andreas ( Andrikos) Kostakos of Agios Ioannis.  2nd column: Politimi, daughter of Nikolaos Christakos of Xirokambi, Faridos.

Page 2, Marriage of Andreas Kostakos and Poletimi Christakos

2nd page, 7th entry: 1st column: Church: Holy Trinity; second column: Priest’s name, Mitros Hlia Papadopoulos Witnesses: Ioannis Giannopoulos, Dimitris Skouriotis

After hours of struggling to read every name, I decided to try the tactic that my friend, Gregory Kontos, used when we were at the Mitropolis of Sparta in 2014. He looked in the column of the male’s name for the first name of someone I was seeking. If his eye caught that name, he then read the entire entry.

Interestingly, the name “Andreas” does not appear often in the villages of Sparta where I am researching:  the most common names are Panagiotis, Nikolaos, Georgios, Konstandinos. So…skimming down the left column of page one, looking for Andreas, made the search much easier and saved my eyes and my sanity.

As soon as I saw the capital “A,” I stopped. When the next name began with a “K,” my hopes soared. When I made out “Kostakos,” I rejoiced!

Enlarged image of Entry 125.

Enlarged image of Entry 125.

I knew that Andreas had two wives:  first, Anastasia; then Poletimi Christakos (my great-grandmother). Honestly, if I did not know Politimi’s name, I would have been stumped as I strained to read the female information in column 2. But, I could make out the letters, and then — a great bonus — I saw Poletimi’s father’s name, Nikolaos! This was a new and very exciting find, as I am now back one more generation!

This exhilarating discovery fostered a new mystery:  Andreas and Poletimi were married in 1860, but their first child, Antonia, was born in 1870. That’s 10 years — a very long time, especially in the pre-birth control era. Some hypothesis that Giannis and I mulled over:

  1. Politimi must have been raising Andreas’ children with Anastasia (my father had been told that they had 6 sons, but we only know of one, and his descendants are my cousins in Agios Ioannis today). Could the stress of raising a large family have affected Poletimi?
  2. There could have been stillborn children
  3. Children could have been born and died as infants
  4. There could have been female children born, who were not registered in any records

I am entering the area of lost information and the “great unknown;” and, speculation will not bring resolution. However, I am grateful beyond expression to have found this record.

I have been collecting information on the surnames in my villages, and from various sources, I now am able to structure the family of my great-great grandfather, Nikolaos and”wife” Christakos. Oh, happy day!

Christakos, Nikolaos FamGrpSheet