This
is the history of an extraordinary family which begins in the early 1800s
and continues through six generations to the present time.
Part One begins with the first generation in 1814 when we meet Domenico
Miniscarchi, Attorney General of Southern Italy. A generation later a Sicilian
Don joins the family and plays a vital role in the immigration of numerous
southern Italian families to America, including the Espositos (the original
name of the Sposeto family), and the Iaquintas.
Prohibition was fast approaching and it was at this time the family, while
living in Des Moines, Iowa, became involved in bootlegging, which erupted
into warring factions in the Italian underworld at the turn of the century.
Murder and retaliation left a trail of tears and devastation.
Part Two takes us to the 1940s where, with the assistance of influential
Sicilian connections and the generosity of the matriarch of the family,
the fourth generation left the Midwest and found a better way of life in
California.
Part Three brings us to the fifth generation where we meet young Dominic
who became blind in his early twenties and struggled with his orientation
and blindness. Through much mentoring and nurturing, he became a highly
distinguished and respected attorney, extending his practice across America.
Dom’s ancestors’ passion for returning the family to an honorable
position was at last realized.