The Napa Daily Register
Monday, June 15, 1936

John G. Migliavacca Passes Away in Galveston, Texas

Member Old Napa Family Dies of Pneumonia – Son of G. Migliavacca

James Migliavacca yesterday afternoon received a telegram which conveyed the sad tidings of the death of his brother, John Migliavacca, a former prominent and highly esteemed resident of Napa, at his home in Galveston, Texas.

Death was due to pneumonia. There were no details given but it is presumed that death followed a short illness for at last accounts Mr. Migliavacca had been enjoying his usual good health.

Deceased was the eldest son of the late Mr. and Mrs. G. Migliavacca, pioneer residents of Napa. He was born in Napa on July 1, 1864.

He was educated in the Napa schools but in early young manhood went to Galveston where he engaged in business and where the remainder of his lifetime was spent.

John Migliavacca is survived by his widow and three children: James, Clement and John Migliavacca and Mrs. Rose Backenstoe, all of Galveston.

He is survived by these brothers and sisters: Mrs. Louise Maclay and Mrs. Clara Migliavacca of San Francisco; James A. Migliavacca and Mrs. H. L. Johnson of Napa; L.C. Migliavacca of Yountville and H. B. Migliavacca of San Francisco.

Born Gastano Jon (he may have been born in Hornitos, CA as my records state that the three oldest were born in Hornitos). His dad Giacomo wanted to send him down to Galveston to run the shipping of his wine to Italy. Giacomo Migliavacca met Captain Clement Nicolini on one of his trips to Galveston and they arraigned for Captain Nicolini's niece Rosa to meet Giacomo's son John.

They married and built a house in Galveston in 1895, next door to the Backenstoe and Nicolini families. The storm of 1900 damaged the city and their houses. The city was raised 16' to protect it from future storms which created a canal in front of the houses in which the kids used to swim in.