"Libro d'Oro di Melita"

"Title of Barone della Culeja (Qlejjgha) granted to Ignazio Bonnici in 1737"

All Corrections/Additions are Welcome 

* Francesco Bonici of Fiorentino, Italy. with issue

1. Giacomo Bonnici of Firenze, Italy, moved to Gozo in 1356., with issue.
1.1. Judge Giovanni Bonnici, Judge in Gozo 1401-07. with issue.
1.1.1. Giacomo Bonnici, Jurat of Gozo, Moved to Malta 1449., with issue.
1.1.1.1. Giovanni Bonnici, married to Caterina.., with issue.
1.1.1.1.1. Simone Bonnici, married Lucia Fava, with issue.
1.1.1.1.1.1. Giuliano Bonnici, married Agnese ..., with issue.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Cornelia Bonnici.
1.1.1.1.1.1.2. Imperia Bonnici, married 1541 to Dr. Agostino Cumbo JUD.
1.1.1.1.1.1.3. Bernardina Bonnici, married 1533 to Don. Giam Piero dei Principe Sayd.
1.1.1.1.1.2. Bartolomeo Bonnici.
1.1.1.1.1.3. Dianora Bonnici, married Bernardino Baglio.
1.1.1.1.1.4. Ilagio Bonnici, married Tomaso Falsone (or Tabone!)
1.1.1.1.1.5. Isabella Bonnici, married (1) Lorenzo Barbara, Married (2) Pietro de Brancato, married (3) Matteo dello Re.
1.1.1.1.1.6. Ugolino "Sives Gregorio" Bonnici, married Imperia Abela, with issue
1.1.1.1.1.6.1. Benedetta Bonnici, married 1564 to Vincenzo Vassallo.
1.1.1.1.1.6.2. Daniele Bonnici, married 1568 to Giovanella Vella Bordino, with issue.
1.1.1.1.1.6.2.1. Isabella Bonnici, married (1) 1588 to Dr Niccolo Muscat JUD, married (2) Aurelio Vassallo.
1.1.1.1.1.6.2.2. Marietta Bonnici, married 1594 to Dr. Gio Angelo d'Anastasio JUD.
1.1.1.1.1.6.2.3. Gio Maria Bonnici, married 1608 to Margherita Camenzuli, with issue.
1.1.1.1.1.6.2.3.1. Daniele Bonnici, dunm.
1.1.1.1.1.6.2.3.2. Gregorio Bonnici, married 1646 to Elena Barbaro, with issue.
1.1.1.1.1.6.2.3.3. Teodora Bonnici, married 1627 to Dr. Giacomo Testaferrata de Robertis.
1.1.1.1.1.6.2.3.4. Fra. Vincenzo Bonnici, dunm.
1.1.1.1.1.6.2.4. Imperia Bonnici, married 1583 to Gio Maria Xerri.
1.1.1.1.1.6.2.5. Chiara Bonnici, married 1611 to Matteo Delia.
1.1.1.1.1.6.2.6. Fra. Vincenzo Bonnici, priest in Rome., dunm.
1.1.1.1.1.6.3. Margerita Bonnici, married Dr. Cola. Pietro Xuereb JUD.
1.1.1.1.1.6.4. Clement "sive Francesco" Bonnici, married Agata Vella., with issue.
1.1.1.1.1.6.4.1. Salvo Bonnici, married Leonora Xuereb, with issue.
1.1.1.1.1.6.4.1.1. Ludovico Bonnici, married Agnese Barbara, with issue.
1.1.1.1.1.6.4.1.1.1. Petronilla Bonnici, married 1642 to Michele Mifsud., married 1645 to Fabio Ricci.
1.1.1.1.1.6.4.1.1.2. Dr. Pietro Paolo Bonnici, married (1) Bonaventura Xeberras, married (2) 1694 to Giroloma Madiona, with issue.
1.1.1.1.1.6.4.1.1.2.1. (First Marriage) Fra. Benigno Bonnici, dunm.
1.1.1.1.1.6.4.1.1.2.2. Dr. Gio Luigi Bonnici JUD, married 1681 to Flaminea Falsone, with issue.
1.1.1.1.1.6.4.1.1.2.2.1. Ventura Bonnici, married (1) Gius Ginevel, married (2) 1723 to Marcello Felici.
1.1.1.1.1.6.4.1.1.2.3. (Second Marriage) Fra. Franco Bonnici-Madiona, dunm.
1.1.1.1.1.6.4.1.1.2.4. Carlo Bonnici Madona.

1.1.1.1.1.6.4.1.2. Marietta 'sives Maddalena' Bonici, married 1613 Matrice Gozo to Salvatore Attardo.
1.1.1.1.1.7. Salvatore Bonnici, "Went to Sicily". issues in Sicily.
1.1.1.1.1.8. Tomaso Bonnici, married 1517 to Margherita Zammit, with issue.
1.1.1.1.1.8.1. Costanza Bonnici, married 1591 to Antonio Abela.
1.1.1.1.1.8.2. Cosmo Bonnici, married (1) 1543 to Caterina Mamo, Married (2) 1575 to Ventura Abela, with issue.
1.1.1.1.1.8.2.1. Pietro Bonnici, married Imperia...
1.1.1.1.1.8.2.2. Alfonso Bonnici, married with issue.
1.1.1.1.1.8.2.2.1. Caterina Bonnici, married Gio Pietro Apap.
1.1.1.1.1.8.2.3. Simone Bonnici, married 1590 to Marietta Pace, with issue.
1.1.1.1.1.8.2.3.1. Giovannella Bonnici, married Benedetto Hellul.
1.1.1.1.1.8.2.3.2. Vincenzo Bonnici, married Margherita Pace.
1.1.1.1.1.8.2.3.3. Angelo Bonnici, married 1627 to Leonora Testaferrata, with issue.
1.1.1.1.1.8.2.3.3.1. Alessia Bonnici, married 1669 to Giulio Busuttil.
1.1.1.1.1.8.2.3.3.2. Lucrezia Bonnici, married Cristoforo Baldacchino.
1.1.1.1.1.8.2.3.3.3. Don. Melchiorre Bonnici, dunm.
1.1.1.1.1.8.2.3.3.4. Dr. Marcheso Antonio Bonnici JUD, married 1657 to Cusmania Camenzuli, with issue.
1.1.1.1.1.8.2.3.3.4.1. Tomaso Bonnici.
1.1.1.1.1.8.2.3.3.4.2. Gio Domenico Bonnici, married 1695 to Margherita Portughes, with issue.
1.1.1.1.1.8.2.3.3.4.2.1. Cosmania Bonnici, married Franco Pace., with issue.
1.1.1.1.1.8.2.3.3.4.2.2. Fra. Dr. Angelo Bonnici JUD, dunm.
1.1.1.1.1.8.2.3.3.4.3. Chco. Clemente Bonnici., married Pulcia Sciriha., with issue.

1.1.1.1.1.8.2.3.3.4.3.1. Olimpia Bonnici, married 1732 Zejtun to Giuseppe Mifsud, with issue.
1.1.1.1.1.8.2.3.3.4.4. Chco. Pietro Paolo Bonnici.
1.1.1.1.1.8.2.3.3.4.5. Barbara Bonnici, married 1687 to Alessio Ralli.
1.1.1.1.1.8.2.3.3.5. Vincenzo Bonnici, married 1669 to Maria Testaferrata., with issue.
1.1.1.1.1.8.2.3.3.5.1. Rosalea Bonnici, married Giuseppe Fenech. (See Counts Fenech-Bonnici).
1.1.1.1.1.8.2.3.3.5.2. Taddeo Bonnici.
1.1.1.1.1.8.2.3.4. Dr. Emilio Bonnici JUD.
1.1.1.1.1.8.2.4. Don. Alberto Bonnici, dunm.
1.1.1.1.1.8.2.5. Tomaso Bonnici, married Isabella di Lorenzo. (Note: Not sure if it was noted as the daughter of Lorenzo or surname).
1.1.1.1.1.8.3. Bartolomea Bonnici, married Mariano Pace.
1.1.1.1.1.9. Entiona Bonnici, married Matteo Abela.
1.1.1.1.1.10. Giovanni Bonnici, married 1541 to Imperia Cumbo.
1.1.1.1.2. Marco Bonnici, married Caterina Zammit, with issue.
1.1.1.1.2.1. Mariano Bonnici, married Leonara Formosa, with issue.
1.1.1.1.2.1.1. Caterina Bonnici, married Paolo d'Avola.
1.1.1.1.2.1.2. Graziano Bonnici, married 1553 to Mariezza Buhagiar, with issue.
1.1.1.1.2.1.2.1. Paolo Bonnici.
1.1.1.1.2.1.2.2. Pietro Bonnici, married 1583 to Vincenza Allegritto.
1.1.1.1.2.1.2.3. Graziola Bonnici, married Alfonso Azzopardi.
1.1.1.1.2.1.3. Margherita Bonnici, married 1529 to Paolo Burlo.
1.1.1.1.2.1.4. Salvo Bonnici, married Francesca dei Baroni Stuniga, with issue.
1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1. Antonio sive Andrea Bonnici, of Zeitun, with issue
1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.1. Giulio Bonnici of Casal Lucia, with issue.
1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.1.1. Mro Cosimo Bonnici., married Marietta Magro.
1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.1.2. Matteo Bonnici, Merchant of Valletta, married Maria Borg., with issue.
1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.1.2.1. Don. Fabrizio Bonnici, Auditor of the Pope 1686, Can and Treasurer of the Cathedral of Malta, dunm.
1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.1.2.2. Dr. Carlo Bonnici JUD, married 1680 to Clerica Testaferrata, with issue.
1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.1.2.2.1. Dr. Ugolino Bonnici JUD, married Augustina Parnis, with issue.
1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.1.2.2.1.1. Dr. Daniele Bonnici JUD, married Teresa Azzopardi (See Maltese titles under Buleben), with issue.
1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.1.2.2.1.1.1. Vincenza Bonnici, married 1789 to Franco Azopardi dei Baroni di Buleben.
1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.1.2.2.1.1.2. Serafina Bonnici, 'Nun', dunm.
1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.1.2.2.1.1.3. Ugolino Bonnici, married 1786 to Eugenia Mamo-Mampalao (See Extinct titles under Mompalao), with issue.(Maltese Titles under Bonici-Mompalao for descendants).
1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.1.2.2.1.1.4. Albina Bonnici, married Conte Felice Manduca.
1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.1.2.2.1.1.5. Dr. Carlo Bonnici JUD, Canon of the Cathedral of Malta, dunm.
1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.1.2.2.1.1.6. Pietro Paolo Bonnici (d. 1847)., migrated to Imperia Russia and Created DUKE BONICIOV and to his descendants by Tsar Paul I 1799 and Knight of St George of Russia and St John of Malta, married 1799 to Princess Olga Doulov., with issue.

1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.1.2.2.1.1.6.1. Duke Daniele Bonicov, (1803-53), married 1820 to Princess Marie Victoria Xuerebsky, with issue.

1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.1.2.2.1.1.6.1.1. Duke Peter Bonicov, (1823-95), married 1852 to Princess Antonia Xuerebsky., with issue.

1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.1.2.2.1.1.6.1.1.1. Duke Andre Bonicov, (1855-), married 1882 to Princess Marie Zialov, with issue.

1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.1.2.2.1.1.6.1.1.2. Duke Pietro Bonicov, Knight of St John of Malta in Russia, dunm.

1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.1.2.2.1.1.6.1.1.3. Duke Michael Bonicov, (1859-) married 1889 to Princess Olga Yourievrky, with issue.

1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.1.2.2.1.1.6.1.1.4. Duke Alexandri Bonicov, (1862-1959), fled to Poland, married 1890 to Princess Olga Poutiatine, with issue.

1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.1.2.2.1.1.6.1.2. Duchess Olga Bonicov, (1826-), married 1851 to Baron Simon Assenzov.

1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.1.2.2.1.1.6.2. Duke Carlo Bonicov, (1805-68), married 1826 to Countess Elizabetta Potocki, dsp.

1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.1.2.2.1.1.6.3. Duke Paul Bonicov, (1806-39), married 1831 to Countess Eleanore Stewen-Steinheil, with issue.

1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.1.2.2.1.1.6.3.1. Duchess Marianna Bonicov, (1833-), married Baron Giovanni Balbisky.

1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.1.2.2.1.1.6.3.2. Duchess Victoria Bonicov, (1836-), married Baron Teodoro Mieliov.

1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.1.2.2.1.1.6.3.3. Duchess Catherine Bonicov, (1839-), married 1859 to Baron Nicolas Mielov.

1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.1.2.2.1.1.6.4. Duchess Teresa Bonicov, (1809-), married 1834 to Count Joseph Isourardov.

1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.1.2.2.1.1.6.5. Duke Peter Bonicov, (1804-87), Knight of St John of Malta in Russia, dunm.
1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.1.2.2.1.1.7. Dorothea Bonnici.
1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.1.2.2.1.1.8. Saverina Bonnici.
1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.1.3. Giuseppe Bonnici, Merchant of Valletta, married Marietta Hellul, with issue.
1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.1.3.1. Antonia Bonnici, married 1680 to Dr. Pietro Paolo Debono JUD.
1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.1.3.2. Chco. Arcangelo Bonnici, married 1697 to Margarita Haxisa, with issue.
1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.1.3.2.1. Don. Filippo Bonnici, priest, dunm.
1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.2. Giovanni Bonnici, married 1618 at St Pauls Bay to Paula Teuma, with issue.
1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.2.1. Simone Bonnici of Zebbug, married 1636 to Domenica Mizzi, with issue.
1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.2.1.1. Cornelius 'Sives Angelo' Bonnici, married 1669 to Teresa Attard, with issue.
1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.2.1.1.1. Simone Bonnici of Mosta, married 1711 to Elena Sammut, with issue.
1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.2.1.1.1.1. Teresa Bonnici, married 1738 to Giovanni Sammut.

1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.2.1.1.1.2. Domenica Bonnici., married 1740 to Pietro Mifsud.

1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.2.1.1.1.3. Cornelio Bonnici. of Attard, married 1735 to Giacobina Fenech.

1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.2.2. Luca Bonnici, married with issue.

1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.2.2.1. Gio Domenico Bonici, married 1667 Luca to Maria Briffa, with issue.

1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.2.2.1.1. Alessandra Bonnici, married 1728 Luca to Giovanni Zammit.

1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.2.2.1.2. Pietro Bonnici, married to Caterina Tabone, with issue.

1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.2.2.1.2.1. Maria Bonnici, married to Lorenzo Pace.

1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.2.2.1.3. Giuseppe Bonnici, married (1) Bartolomea N, married (2)  1737 Micabiba to Rosa Zammit, with issue.

1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.2.2.1.3.1. Margherita Bonnici, married 1766 Valletta to Michele Abdilla.

1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.2.2.1.4. Angelo Bonnici, married 1723 Luca to Rosa Bonnici, with issue.

1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.2.2.1.5. Simone Bonnici, maried 1722 Luca to Clara Busuttil, with issue.

1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.2.2.1.5.1. Teresa Bonnici, married 1764 Luca to Angelo Saliba.

1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.2.2.1.6. Giovanni Bonnici, married 1720 Valletta to Anna Mallia, with issue.

1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.2.2.1.6.1. Maria Bonnici, married 1745 Borgo to Filippo Barbara.

1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.2.2.2. Mario Bonnici, married 1648 Luca to Maria Bonavia, with issue.

1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.2.2.2.1. Giuseppe Bonnici, married to Maria N, with issue.

1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.2.2.2.1.1. Lorenzo Bonnici, married 1723 to Teresa Saliba, with issue.

1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.2.2.2.1.1.1. M'Angelo Bonnici, married 1770 Zeitun to Maria Seichel, with issue.

1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.2.2.2.1.1.1.1. Angela Bonnici, married 1809 Zeitun to Lorenzo Ciantar.

1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.2.2.2.1.1.1.1.1. Caterina Ciantar, married 1853 to Don Giuseppe Testaferrata.

1.1.1.1.2.1.4.1.2.2.2.1.1.1.1.2. Carmela Ciantar.
1.1.1.1.2.1.4.2. Agata Bonnici.
1.1.1.1.2.2. Fra. Gregorio Bonnici, dunm.
1.1.1.1.2.3. Paolo Bonnici, married Grazia ..., with issue.
1.1.1.1.2.3.1. Don Gio Luca Bonnici, dunm.
1.1.1.1.2.3.2. Don Simone Bonnici, dunm.
1.1.1.1.2.3.3. Ferdinand Bonnici, married with issue.
1.1.1.1.2.3.3.1. Gio Domenico Bonnici, with issue.

1.1.1.1.2.3.3.1.1. Margherita Bonnici, married to Giuseppe Camenzuli.
1.1.1.1.2.4. Antonello Bonnici, married Agata Tonna, with issue.
1.1.1.1.2.4.1. Giacomo Bonnici, married 1572 to Paola Muscat, with issue.
1.1.1.1.2.4.1.1. Maria Bonnici, married N.N. Xeberras.
1.1.1.1.2.4.1.2. Dr. Gio Batta Bonnici JUD, married 1610 to Angelica Xara Cassia dei Baroni di Ghariexem e Tabia, with issue
1.1.1.1.2.4.1.2.1. Ignazio Bonnici, -See Below.

 

* Ignazio Bonnici, married 1636 to Antonia Cassar, with issue

1. Gio Domenico Bonici, married 1659 to Maria Cassar, with issue
1.1. Baldassare Bonici, married 1692 to Chiara Falzon with issue
1.1.1. Teodora Bonici, married 1732 to Ignazio Moscati Falsoni Navarra, 1st Count of Bahria, with issue
1.1.2. Maria Teresa Bonici, married 1733 to Gio Batta Viani, 2nd Baron di Tabria, with issue

1.1.3. Caterina Bonici, married Paolo Moscati.

1.1.4. Clemente Bonici, married 1774 Zeitun to Rosa Falzon, with issue.

1.1.4.1. Geronima Bonnici, married 1794 Zeitun to Chco Vincenzo Vella.

1.1.4.2. Caterina Bonnici, married 1800 Zeitun to Giuseppe Caruana.

1.1.4.3. Giuseppe Bonnici, married 1812 Zeitun to Marianna Mieli, with issue.

1.1.4.3.1. Rosina Bonnici, (1820-1902 Zeitun), married 1841 Zeitun to Marchese Federico Testaferrata de Noto.

1.1.4.4. Marianna Bonnici, married 1823 Zeitun to Giacobo Farrugia, with issue.

1.1.4.4.1. Angelo Farrugia, married 1870 Zeitun to Matilda Caruana.

1.1.4.4.2. Antonio Farrugia, married 1925 Zeitun to Margarita Tabone, with issue.

1.1.4.4.2.1. Giuseppa Farrugia, dunm.

1.1.4.4.3. Carmelo Farrugia, married 1920 Zeitun to Anna Bonnici.

1.1.4.4.4. Matilda Farrugia, d.inf.

1.1.4.5. Graziulla Bonnici, married 1830 Zeitun to Francesco Montesin.
1.2. Rosa Bonici, married 1691 to Diegio Galea Feriol, 1st Baron di San Marciano, with issue
1.3. Giuseppe Bonici, married (1) Paula Lavantiemi, married (2) 1739 to Anna Bruno, with issue
1.3.1. (First Marriage) Dr Salvatore Bonici JUD, married 1750 to Teresa Micallef, with issue
1.3.1.1. Giuseppe Bonici, 'Canon', dunm.
1.3.1.2. Leopoldo Bonici, married Teresa...., with issue
1.3.1.2.1. Giuseppe Bonici, married Angela ...., with issue
1.3.1.2.2. Teresa Bonici, married Giuseppe Bugeja, with issue
1.3.1.3. Paolo Bonici, married 1804 to Regina Scifo, with issue
1.3.1.4. Teresa Bonici
1.3.1.5. Anna Bonici, married Dr Salvatore Scifo, with issue
1.4. Carlo Bonici.
2. Prudenzia Bonici, 'Nun', dunm.
3. Don. Michele Bonici, 'Arch-deacon of Co-Cathedral in Valletta', dunm.
4. Polixema Bonici, married Tomaso Costanzo, with issue, -See Paganica, Dukes of
5. Dr Gio Batta Bonici, -See Below.
6. Pulcheria Bonici, died 1673.

* Dr Gio Batta Bonici, JUD., Married 1661 to Caterina Cassar, with issue.


1. Antonio Bonici, married 1723 to Chiara Platamone, with issue
1.1. Gregorio Bonici Platamone, married Maria Antonia Cassia dei Baroni Ghariexem e Tabia, with issue.
1.1.1. Pietro Paolo Bonici Platamone Cassia, (1755-83), married 1783 to Johanna Perdicomati Bologna, 3rd Countess of Catena, and dsp.
1.1.2. Chiara Bonici Platamone Cassia, 7th Baroness of Ghariexem e Tabia-(See That Title).
1.1.3. Maria Bonici Platamone Cassia, married 1783 to Alessandro D'Amico Inguanez, 17th Baron di Djar-il-Bniet e Buqana, with issue.
2. Ignazio Bonici, 1st Baron of Qlejjgha-See Below.
3. Antonia Bonici., married Barone Pietro Paolo Xara Cassia, (See Maltese titles under Ghariexem e Tabia)
4. Don. Filippo Bonici. dunm
5. Pulicheria Bonici.

* Ignazio Bonici, 1st Baron of Qlejjgha, (Cr:1737),
Married 1718 to Eugenia Filippa Testaferrata dei Baroni di Gomerino, with issue.

1. Gio Francesco Bonici, 2nd Baron-See Below.
2. Pulcheria Bonici.
3. Gio Batta Bonici., married 1757 at Messina Sicily to Contessa Carolina Gualtieri, 4th Countess of Dundee, with issue.
4. Antonia Bonici.

Footnote#1: The title of Barone della Culeja was conferred by patent dated the 2nd June 1737, by Grand Master Fr. Raimondo Despuig, upon Ignazio Bonnici, with succession to one of his issue, male or female, and with power to each of the holders of the title to name as his successor one of the descendents of the grantee. The 1878 Commissioners described the terms of the patent of creation as being identical with that contained in the charter of the Barone della Tabria. (See:- Correspondence and Report of the Commission appointed to enquire into the claims and grievances of the Maltese Nobility, May 1878, presented to both Houses of Parliament by Command of Her Majesty (C.-2033.) Moreover, it is to be added that from a reading of the first paragraphs of the 1878 Commissioners Report (Paras. 24-34), the Commissioners implicitly stated that the first six titles (of which Culeja was one) were broadly similar in reading [even though they have some (significant) differences between them]: The extracts shown by the 1878 Commissioners read as follows:

 

(Barone di Gomerino :-) -1710 GM Perellos) Praefeatos Paulum et Beatricem et post eosdem, omni futuro tempore et in perpetuum, unum ex omnibus et singulis eorumdem successoribus de suis corporibus legitime et naturaliter descendentibus, semper Baronis Gomerini titulo decoarus et insignimus, et barones creamus et constituimus......Tribuentes iisdem Paulo et Beatrice omnibusque ac singulis aliis qui omni futuro tempore ac in perpetuum titulo ac prerogativa Baronis Gomerini fruentur, facoltatem nominandi et eligendi unum ex dictis eorum descendentibus sive marem sive foeminanam, ad ipsorumet libitum et beneplacitum, pro hujusmodi titulo Baronis Gomerini consequendo et adipiscendo, dictaque nominatione et electione minime facta, ex tunc censeatur per eosdem eorumque singulos barones, nominatus et electus ipsorum Primogenitus, nisi eri ad Sacros Ordines promotus et in Religione professus et in defectu marium foemina primogenita

 

(Barone di Budack:-) - 1716 GM Perellos) Tibi Joanni Pio De Piro et post tui obituum uni ex filiis vel filiabus legitimis et naturabilibus, ex te et Nobili Anna Gourgion tua conjuge procreatis vel procreandis quem vel quam omni futuro tempore et in perpetuum. Tu et quilibet seu quaelibet ex tuis successoribus in dicta Baronia constitutus seu respective constituta, malueritis eligendum vel eligendam, tribuimus, concedimus et donamus hujusmodique titulo insignimus ac Baronem dicto Feudi de Budacco constituimus et ita nominari posse et debere....Hoc etiam addito, quod in casu tui vel tuorum in infinitum decessus, absque ulla nominatione vel electione dictui tituli seu Baroniae, ex nunc censeatur nominatus et electus Primogenitus, nisi erit ad sacros Ordines promotus et in Religione professus, et in defectu marium foemina primogenita....

 

(Barone di San Marciano- 1726 GM Vilhena) Tibi Nobili Didaco Antonio Galea Feriol et post tui obitum, uni ex filiis vel filiabus legitimis et naturalibus ex te legitime procreatis vel procreandis, quem vel quam omni futuro tempore et in perpetuum. Tu et quilibet ex tuis legitimis successoribus in dicta Baronia constitutus seu respective constituta, malueritis eligendum vel eligendam. Et in casu tui vel tuorum in infinitum decessus, absque ulla nominatione vel electione successoris in dicto titulo, ex nunc censeatur nominatus et electus primogenitus nisi erit ad sacros ordines promotus, aut in religione professus, et in defectu marium, foemina primogenita...

 

(Barone della Tabria

 - 1728 GM Vilhena) Tibi Nobili Isidoro Viani et post tui obitum uni ex filiis vel filiabus legitimis et naturalibus ex te legitime procreatis vel procreandis, quem vel quam omni futuro constitutus seu respective constituta, malueritis eligendum vel eligendam. Et in casu tui vel tuorum in infinitu decessus absque ulla nominatione vel elctione successoris in dicto titulo, ex nunc censeatur nominatus et electus primogenitus, nisi erit ad sacros ordines promotus et in religione professus, et in defectu marium, foemina primogenita..."

 

Footnote#2: Specifically, the 1878 Commissioners observed that Bonnicis diploma was the fifth of the first six titles considered by them in order of antiquity, namely Gomerino (Testaferrata et Cassia - 1710), Budack (De Piro- 1716), San Marciano (Galea Feriolo - 1726), Tabria (Viani - 1728), Culeja (Bonnici) - 1737 and Benuarrat (Gatto- 1737) . See:- Correspondence and Report of the Commission appointed to enquire into the claims and grievances of the Maltese Nobility, May 1878, presented to both Houses of Parliament by Command of Her Majesty (C.-2033.)

Footnote#3: It should be added however, that Ignazio Bonnici is the only one of the grantees of the recipients of the said six titles not to have been granted the right to Illustrissimo e Nobile. The persons who at different times received this dignity were: (1) Milite Barone Marc' Antonio Inguanez (See Djar il-Bniet) and his wife Baronessa Inguanez (See Gomerino) (30 April 1725); (2) Barone di Cicciano Fabritio Testaferrata (See: Castel Cicciano) and his mother the Baronessa di Gomerino Beatrice Cassia Testaferrata  (See Gomerino), (11 May 1725), (3) Marchese di San Vincenzo Ferreri Mario Testaferrata (See: San Vincenzo Ferreri) (9 July 1725), (4) Carlo Falson (See Falson), and Eleanora Testaferrata (See: Capo di Ferro) (13 June 1726), (5) Barone di San Marciano Diego Galea Feriolo (See: San Marciano), (2 September 1726), (6) Barone Gio Pio De Piro (See De Piro) (19 March 1727), (7) Canon Giuseppe di Costanzo (See Paganica), and Donna Rosa (See De Noto),widow of Gio Battista di Costanzo (24 May 1729), (8) Barone Isidoro Viani (See: Tabria), (27 June 1730), (9) D. Vincenzo Platamone (See Platamone),and Antonio Bonnici (??), (10) Baldassare Bonnici (13 January 1732), (11) Calcerano Mompalao (See: Mompalao)), Giuseppe and Caterina Cuschieri (See: Frigenuini) (6 March 1732), (12) Barone Saverio Gatt (See: Benwarrad) (23 August 1737), (13) Signor Ludovico Bianchi (See: Bianchi) (25 October 1741), (14) Dr. Ugolino Bonnici (5 September 1794), (15) Dr. Saverio Crispo (See: Crispo) (??). (See http://www.maltagenealogy.com/SME/mostillustriousandnoble.html )- It is not clear why the Grand Masters did not accord this right to Ignazio Bonnici.

Footnote#4: The 1878 Commissioners had already remarked in regard to the title of Barone della Tabria that in that grant ‘it is provided that in default of male issue the title is inheritable by female descendents, the said Dr. Giuseppe, although he descends from the grantee through a female line, is entitled to enjoy the present barony’. Consequently it is no surprise that the Commissioners had no problem in accepting a lady’s (Vincenza Galea, nee Bonnici) claim to the barony in 1878.

Footnote#5: In regard to the ‘first six’ titles, primary emphasis is placed on the holder’s faculty to ‘nominate’ and in default, a mechanism whereby the relative title is succeeded by the person determinable as per the following formulae thus: (Barone di Gomerino :-) facoltatem nominandi et eligendi unum ex dictis eorum descendentibus sive marem sive foeminanam, ad ipsorumet libitum et beneplacitum, pro hujusmodi titulo Baronis Gomerini consequendo et adipiscendo, dictaque nominatione et electione minime facta, ex tunc censeatur per eosdem eorumque singulos barones, nominatus et electus ipsorum Primogenitus, nisi eri ad Sacros Ordines promotus et in Religione professus et in defectu marium foemina primogenita; (Barone di Budack:-) Hoc etiam addito, quod in casu tui vel tuorum in infinitum decessus, absque ulla nominatione vel electione dictui tituli seu Baroniae, ex nunc censeatur nominatus et electus Primogenitus, nisi erit ad sacros Ordines promotus et in Religione professus, et in defectu marium foemina primogenita....; (Barone di San Marciano:-) Et in casu tui vel tuorum in infinitum decessus, absque ulla nominatione vel electione successoris in dicto titulo, ex nunc censeatur nominatus et electus primogenitus nisi erit ad sacros ordines promotus, aut in religione professus, et in defectu marium, foemina primogenita... (Barone della Tabria: -) Et in casu tui vel tuorum in infinitu decessus absque ulla nominatione vel elctione successoris in dicto titulo, ex nunc censeatur nominatus et electus primogenitus, nisi erit ad sacros ordines promotus et in religione professus, et in defectu marium, foemina primogenita..." (For Culeja , see Tabria and for Benwarrad see San Marciano).

 

Footnote#6: It should be remembered that to succeed in primogenitures, one must consider, in the first place, the line, in the second place, the degree, in the third place, the sex, and in the fourth place the age. The question which has been debated many times is whether ‘line’ is to be calculated from the original grantee or from the last possessor. It appears that in terms of Sicilian Law, ulterior succession was calculated from the last possessor. However, it should be recalled that all of these six grants did not emanate from a Sicilian Monarch but from an independent and Sovereign ruler of Malta. In fact the 1878 Commissioners emphasized that Grand Masters were not bound to refer to the cognizance and decision of feudal suits (para. 135): The Commissioners considered this aspect with particular attention and concluded that even when Emperor Charles V, as King of Sicily, ceded the Maltese islands on the 24 March 1530 to the Knights, there was no condition reserved in the King’s favour that provided that the privileges granted by him should be recognized and enforced in the territory he had granted to the Grand Masters and the Order of St. John: Moreover the Commissioners also observed that any possible doubt was done away with by Philip II’s ulterior grant of 27 June 1559. The implication that one should computate descent from the original grantee instead of the Sicilian rule may have enormous implications but it seems that this was in fact the preferred interpretation by the Privy Council of the House of Lords in the classic Strickland/Apap case the outcome of which decided not just a mere title but an entire patrimony. According to the decision of  the 10th February 1883 of the Privy Council of the House of Lords in the Strickland/Apap case (Ref: 8 A.C.106), any ‘nomination’ may not operate to displace the order of vocation or preference expressly prescribed by the previous parts of the deed nor may one interpret the remainder against  the principles of primogeniture that line is to be preferred to degree and age. In default of actual nomination, the primogenitus is to be deemed nominated:  censeatur nominatus. The natural meaning of that expression is that this imported or supposed nomination is to be of the same nature as the real nomination might have been. The limit of line must be taken to apply to devolution in the absence of nomination. See also http://www.maltagenealogy.com/SME/catena.html Thus in determining who is to succeed in the default of a nomination, one has to assess the descent from the original grantee unless the instrument specifically provides otherwise (or is amended). In this way, one is precluded from determining succession from the last ‘possessor’ as otherwise it would make a nonsense of the original grant made out in favour of the grantees. The Sicilian argument that one should compute from the last possessor was delivered a final blow by the same Privy Council (Ref: No. 150 1923) in its decision of the 20th January 1926 (Cassar Desain/Testaferrata Moroni Viani) when it dismissed that claim saying It is a satisfaction to the Board to feel that they are justified by authority in doing so, for that conclusion seems to them to be alone consonant with principle and right. The consequences of the view adopted by both Courts in Malta are indeed devastating. Their decision means that any failure by a beneficiary from whatever interested motive to claim primogenial property that property is at the mercy of any person whether within or without the vocations who succeeds in obtaining possession of it. He may hold it as against all comers  even those next in the vocation ‘ freed and discharged from all primogenial obligations precise and serious as in this case they are. A more complete frustration of founders intentions as set forth in such an instrument of foundation as that here in question can hardly be conceived.’ That the 1878 Commissioners would have been in agreement with the principle of computing from the grantee is clearly implied in their remarks about Angiolino Attard (Benwarrad) being the ‘first-born descendent in the primogenial line from the grantee’, as well as their remarks that Pietro Paolo Galea  (San Marciano) had a ‘descent from Barone Diego Antonio Galea Ferriol, and the regular transmission of the title through the first born male descendents, successively down to his person’ (See:- Correspondence and Report of the Commission appointed to enquire into the claims and grievances of the Maltese Nobility, May 1878, presented to both Houses of Parliament by Command of Her Majesty (C.-2033.) (See Report Paras. 19, 30, 34). In addition, all of the six grants (with the exception of Gomerino) are addressed in the first person singular, which again implies the need to interpret the grants and apply the remainder from the original head. In a judgment delivered on the  4 October 1894 regarding one of these titles (Tabria ) the Maltese Civil court went to great lengths to outline the importance of the preciseness of the language used in regard to the grantee and the restrictiveness of the words employed, e.g. Tibi Nobili Isidoro Viani et post tui obitum ex te descendentes ,  Tu et quilibet ex tuis legitimis successoribus and tui vel tuorum in infinitum decessus.

Footnote#7: It appears that the accepted form of exercising the faculty to ‘nominate’ a successor is by means of a will or a public deed. However during the Government of the Order, the Sovereign’s assent was required in order for such nomination to take effect. It will be recalled that elsewhere in the 1878 Report, the Commissioners stated: It is hardly necessary to remark that such cession would be legally void, it being a settled point of feudal law that titles of nobility cannot be alienated and conveyed to other persons by deed of transaction between private parties, and without the sovereign’s sanction. See http://www.maltagenealogy.com/SME/sangiorgio.html  In the context of nominations effected during the Government of the Grandmasters, we have seen that in the case of the title of Barone di Castel Cicciano, Royal assent was required for the 1695 transaction in favour of Fabritio Testaferrata and was in fact given in 1695, that in the case of Barone di Gomerino, Royal assent was required for the 1734 transaction in favour of Ercole Martino Testaferrata and was in fact given in 1737, that in the case of Barone della Tabria, Royal assent was required for the 1784 renunciation in favour of Giuseppe Testaferrata Viani and was in fact given in 1784. Similarly in the case of Conte di Mont' Alto, Royal assent was required for succession of the first count’s nominated successor and was in fact achieved in 1724.  Moreover, according to the British Secretary of State writing to the Governor of Malta in 1878, it appears he himself excluded the possibility of a title being succeeded to outside a regular succession: - in fact he wrote: As each of these titles are either personal to the holder or a particular fief, or descends in the order of primogeniture so as to be tenable only by the eldest male descendant, it will be apparent that the holders of these titles are the persons who alone can be recognized as the heads of their respective families, so as to come within the terms of my predecessors Despatch above referred to. (See:- Correspondence and Report of the Commission appointed to enquire into the claims and grievances of the Maltese Nobility, May 1878, presented to both Houses of Parliament by Command of Her Majesty (C.-2033.) (page 60). By analogy, the disherision by Mario Testaferrata de Robertis of his eldest son made in Palermo on the 16th April 1758 was not regarded as having any effect on the title of Marchese di San Vincenzo Ferreri (but appears to have different effects on the title of Marchese Testaferrata. In this regard, one cannot ignore William Loftie’s barbed comment: One of the claimants asserted that the eldest branch of the family was disinherited by the original grantee, and one might have supposed the Commission quite capable of deciding how far such an act of disinheritance would be valid in the case of an hereditary title. See: -William John Loftie’s A ride in Egypt, from Sioot to Luxor (1879) Chapter I.

On the other hand, however, it appears that ever since after the Government of the Order of St, John, the aforesaid practice of ‘nominating’ has become accepted by a will even though no assent is received from the Sovereign. Indeed, we see how in the case of Barone di Gomerino, that in 1827 the barone Pietro Paolo Testaferrata Abela ‘nominated’ by a will his younger son, in the case of Barone della Tabria, the marchese Giuseppe Testaferrata Viani ‘nominated’ his younger nephew by means of a will made in 1892, in the case of Barone di San Marciano, the barone Calcedonio Galea Feriolo also willed in 1908 a ‘nomination’ in favour of his daughter in lieu of his son. Moreover, the Maltese Courts appear to have had no difficulty in (then) accepting  the principle of a ‘nomination’ without ratification from the Sovereign (In particular see judgments of 1882 (Gomerino), 1885 (Budack,) and 1894 (Tabria,)

In addition it should be remarked that if a will is invalid (or simply not made), then the succession is regulated by the terms of the grant: thus in the case of Barone di Budack, a series of testamentary nominations made between 1874 and 1875 by the Baronessa Francesca Depiro in favour of a junior relative were declared invalid by reason of her incapacity of mind throughout that period and the title was deemed to have been succeeded by a more senior descendant of the grantee. The use of a mere testamentary disposition, that is to say without seeking the Sovereign’s ratification, appears to be founded on the Budack judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal dated 7 January 1885 which said: l’obbligo di chiedere l’investitura e di fare omaggio non era nella Bolla del Gran Maestro imposto sotto pena di decadenza del titolo e sotto il Governo successivo, l’obbligo medesimo ando’ completamente in disuso rispetto a tutti i titoli di nobilta’ conceduti dai Gran Maestri.

Finally, it should be noted that during the period 1880-1975, the British Colonial Administration adopted a practice of issuing ‘warrants of recognition’ under signature of the Governor: These warrants cannot be regarded as supplementing the terms of the original grants. In this regard, it is worth recalling the words of the British Secretary of State: With reference to the question which the Commissioners have very properly raised in their original report, viz. whether acts of presumed recognition under the British Government, such as the issue of a passport from the Foreign Office to a gentleman, in which he is styled baron, or count, or marquis, or the mention of a similar title in a Despatch from a Secretary of State, or in a Government notice or other official document emanating from the Governor of the Colony, may be taken to have revived or perpetuated a title which has become extinct, or was otherwise without legal support, I feel able to give no other answer than that all such acts are altogether valueless for that purpose, and cannot be taken to have conferred, revived, perpetuated or confirmed any dignity which did not already rest upon an independent legal basis. It is only necessary to point out to you that no public officer, not even a Secretary of State, has the power of conferring titles of honour, for which the personal sanction of Her Majesty is each case is necessary; and even assuming such acts to have been done by British officials with full knowledge that the titles were non-existent, their want of power would prevent these acts of supposed recognition from having the slightest effect. (See:- Correspondence and Report of the Commission appointed to enquire into the claims and grievances of the Maltese Nobility, May 1878, presented to both Houses of Parliament by Command of Her Majesty (C.-2033.) (See Letter dated 30 April 1878 from the Secretary of State for the Colonies Hicks-Beach to Governor van Straubanzee (Report page 59-60)).

 

* Gio Francesco Bonici, (Died 1793), 2nd Baron of Qlejjgha,
Married 1766 to Vincenza Olivier de Puget Ducoss, with issue.

1. Ignazio Bonici, 3rd Baron-See Below.
2. Anna Bonici, married 1793 to Francesco Saverio dei Baroni Gauci Ducoss, with issue. (See Extinct Titles).

3. Eugenia Bonici, married 1795 to Andrea Apap.

4. Vittoria Bonici, married 1799 to Francesco Pariso.

* Ignazio Bonici, (1779-1809), 3rd Baron of Qlejjgha,
Married 1805 to Anna Marie Testaferrata dei Marchesi di San Vincenzo Ferreri, with issue.
 

1. Gio Francesco Bonici, (1807-09), d.inf. Baroncino di Qlejjgha.

2. Vincenza Bonici, 4th Baroness-See Below.
3. Eugenia Bonici, (Died 1886), married 1840 to Daniele Maria Testaferrata, 5th Marquis of San Vincenzo Ferreri and Testaferrata. (See San Vincenzo Ferreri for all descendants)
3.1. Emmanuele Testaferrata Bonici Ghaxaq, 5th Baron-See Below.

 

* Vincenza Bonici, 4^th Baroness of Qlejjgha, married 1805 to Barone Pietro Paolo Galea, dsp
 

* Marchese Emmanuele Testaferrata Bonici Ghaxaq, (1843-1903), 5th Baron of Qlejjgha, married 1874 to Filomena dei Marchesi De Piro Gourgion, with issue.

1. Daniele Testaferrata Bonici Ghaxaq, 6th Baron-See Below.

Footnote#1: This gentleman, Emmanuele Testaferrata Bonici Ghaxaq is noted as having been ‘nominated’ in the title of Culeja. On the other hand, however and on the basis of the genealogical chart, it appears that Emmanuele was in fact also the then primogenial descendant of Ignazio Bonnici. Consequently, there is no need to enter into the considerations described above.

See Rest of descendants press San Vincenzo Ferreri.

* Marchese Daniele Testaferrata Bonici Ghaxaq, (1880-1945), 6th Baron of Qlejjgha, married 1910 to Agnese Galea Testaferrata dei Baroni di San Marciano, with issue.
(See San Vincenzo Ferreri for complete Testaferrata Bonici descendants)


1. Alfio Testaferrata Bonici Ghaxaq, See below
2. Lino Testaferrata Bonici, (1917-82), ‘Baron of Qlejjgha’ (See below), married 1948 to Maria Testaferrata Moroni Viani (See Tabria), with issue.

2.1. Agnese Testaferrata Bonici Ghaxaq, (See below)  married 1973 to Alfred Gera de Petri, B.Pharm, with issue
2.1.1. Daniele Gera de Petri Testaferrata Bonici Ghaxaq, KM, (1974-., married 2003 to Dr Enyd Pisani BA., LLD.
2.1.2. Dr Andrea Gera de Petri Testaferrata Bonici, LL.D, (1975-, married 2003 to Kate De Cesare., with issue.
2.1.2.1. Georgia Gera de Petri, (2004-.

2.1.2.2. Sophia Gera de Petri, (2006-.
2.1.3. Giulia Gera de Petri Testaferrata Bonici, (1982-,  married 2007 to Dr Mark Attard Montalto (See San Paolino)

2.2 Caren Testaferrata Bonici., (1952-,  married 1978 to Dr Josef John Preziosi MRCS (See Preziosi).

2.3. Anna Maria Testaferrata Bonici., (1961-., married 1984 to John Spiteri-Debono., with issue.

2.3.1. Michela Consiglia Spiteri-Debono., (1985-.

2.3.2 Jean-Paul Spiteri Debono, (1991-.

3. Helen Testaferrata Bonici, (1915-2004), married 1949 to F/Lt. Arthur Malcolm Miles., dsp.
4. Florence Testaferrata Bonici, (1919-1978), married 1949 to Capt. Colin Davidson-Jenson, with issue.
4.1. Nicholas Jenson Testaferrata. B.Sc Hons (RUM), MSc (Soton), L.R.A.M., (1954-.
4.2. Irene Jenson Testaferrata, (1950-, married 1985 to Capt John Hamilton Bache, with issue.

4.2.1. Colin-David John Bache, (1986-.

 

See also: * Marchese Lino Testaferrata Bonici (1917-1982), ‘Baron of Qlejjgha’ (See footnotes below, married 1948 to Maria Testaferrata Moroni Viani (See Tabria), with issue (for issue see above).

 

Footnote#1: This gentleman, Lino Testaferrata Bonici is noted as having been ‘nominated’ by his father in the title of Culeja. On the basis of the genealogical chart, Daniele was Ignazio Bonnici’s primogenial descendant but Lino was only Daniele’s younger son. Consequently, the reservations expressed above about the validity of a ‘nomination’ without the Sovereign’s assent apply in this regard with the proviso that such testamentary ‘nominations’ appear to have gained general acceptance notwithstanding such failure In the hypothesis that the ‘nomination’ by Daniele Testaferrata Bonici Ghaxaq in favour of Lino Testaferrata Bonici was invalid, it follows that it was his elder brother Alfio who succeeded the title of Culeja instead , as Alfio would have been the then primogenial descendant of Ignazio Bonnici. See decision of the Privy Council (Strickland/Apap) and also http://www.maltagenealogy.com/SME/catena.html. As Alfio appears to have outlived his younger brother, it follows that ulterior succession is then reckoned as per the original grant.