The Hackbarth and Alessi Family Home Page

Hi,My name is Michael "Mike" Hackbarth.I started working on my family tree in March of 1998.I'm looking for any information that may provide me with a clearer picture of my ancestry.First, I should mention that I'm only the second generation "Hackbarth".My Grandmother changed my father's name to "Hackbarth" when he was just a child.The family name is actually "Hackbart", without the "h".I do know that my Great, Great, Grandfather, "Gotthilf Friedrich Bernhard Hackbart", came to the United States from the Pomeranian Region of Germany in 1873.He resided in Milwaukee, WI for the remainder of his life.As far as I can tell, he went by the name of "Friedrich" for most of his life.In fact, he was buried with the name " Friedrich Hackbarth" on his head stone.Notice that there was an "h" on the end of his last name when he was buried.Apparently this has been a problem throughout the history of the "Hackbart" family.In some cases it been "Hackbart" and others it's been "Hackbarth".I'm specifically looking for family information that dates back to the time of my Great, Great, Grandfather and further.Back from before he came to the United States.For example, I have no idea what town, village or city he was born in, what his Mother's and Father's names where and whether he had any brothers or sisters.Now, for my Mother's side of the family.They haven't been in this country as long.My Grandmother and Grandfather came to the United States from the Capo D'Orlando area of Sicily.I'm not sure when, except that it was in the early 1900's.They resided in Milwaukee, WI for the remainder of their life.My Grandfather's name was "Antonino Alessi".I have received information that some family members spell the name "Alesci".I'm looking for similar information on my Mother's side of the Family.From before they came to the United States.Any information that can be provided will be greatly appreciated and I would be happy to provided information in return if I can.Thank you