Domenico Colombo
Father of Christopher Columbus (1418–1496)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Domenico Colombo (English: Dominic Columbus; Genoese: Domenego Corombo; 1 March 1418 – 1496) was a weaver, the father of Italian explorer and navigator Christopher Columbus and Bartholomew Columbus.
Domenego Corombo (Ligurian)
Domenico Colombo | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1 March 1418 |
| Died | 1496 (aged 77–78) |
| Other names | Dominic Columbus (English) Domenego Corombo (Ligurian) |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 5, including Christopher and Bartholomew Columbus |
| Parents |
|
| Relatives | Diego Columbus (grandson) Ferdinand Columbus (grandson) |
Biography
Domenico was born in 1418. He was the son of Giovanni Colombo and Angela Fontana. He had three brothers, who were called Franceschino, Giacomo and Bertino.[1][2]
His father had apprenticed him to the loom at age 11. Domenico, a third-generation master of his craft in Genoa, was also a shopkeeper. His position was secure and respectable in the lower middle class, but he did not have a firm work ethic. He was a poor provider but was generally liked in his community.
In the boisterous, enterprising spirit of Genoa, he worked as a cheese maker, tavern keeper and dealer in wool and wine. He married Susanna Fontanarossa.[3] Their firstborn was Cristoforo,[4] in 1451; sons Giovanni Pellegrino, Bartolomeo,[5] Giacomo (also called Diego),[6] and daughter Bianchinetta were born after.
When he was found in financial difficulty, he was helped economically by Christopher. Forsaking the loom, two of his sons – Bartholomew and Christopher – went to the sea.
Domenico's daughter-in-law was Filipa Moniz Perestrelo[7] and his grandsons were Diego Columbus and Ferdinand Columbus.[8] He also had one natural granddaughter, Maria.