"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.
1.1.1.1.1.7. 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.
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. Nunciato Bonnici., married Pulcia Sciriha.
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.
1.1.1.1.2.1.4.2. 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. Ferdiando 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, 4th 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.
Footnote#2: It appears that since Maltese Law legislated in 1975 (Act XXIX of 1975)
against recognition of nobiliary titles in any form whatsoever, that it is not
legally possible to make any more ‘nominations’ because such
recognition is contrary to law, and also because it is against Public Policy.
Consequently, and at least since 1975, the succession of a title purportedly
disposable by ‘nomination’ can only follow the terms of the grant
without anybodys intervention. In this regard, it may be worthwhile
recalling what the 1878 Commissioners had stated about a private transaction in
regard to a title which was not recognized by the Government of the Grand
Masters: - ‘This is the
so-termed patto di famiglia (Anglice, family
compact), which after the death of Mario was entered into, and by which also
Asteria, a daughter, and her descendants were admitted to bear all the titles
belonging to the family, that of Marchese De Testaferrata included. But is the
latter title, De Testaferrata, proceeding from the grant made by
Victor-Amadeus, is not to be taken to extend to all the contemporary
descendants of Mario, and if, whatever may be its extension, it was neither
duly registered in these islands nor acknowledged by the local sovereigns, it
is clear that the afore-said agreement is legally null and void’.
See:
http://www.maltagenealogy.com/SME/testaferrata2.html and 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.) Consequently, even if the ‘nomination’ in favour of the
aforesaid Lino Testaferrata Bonici is valid by way of the said practice of
testamentary dispositions, he in turn was precluded from making any further ‘nomination’
after 1975.
Footnote#3: On the basis of the genealogical chart, it appears that the person who is
presently the primogenial descendant of Ignazio Bonnici is Agnes Gera de Petri.
