Hello:
I am trying to do some family research on surnames Solon, Sollon + Kerasiotes
From the area of Kalamata, Greece. I have very little to go on except the fact
That most of them migrated to US in early 1900's, settling in Baltimore and Pittsburgh.
Apparently the original family name of Kerasiotes was changed for some of them
To Solon or Sollon. I know that there were still family members living in Greece
As late as 1960's. One of them was a decorated military man in Greece who actually
Went back to Greece from the US to fight in the Turkish conflicts. Any help would be
Really appreciated.
Thanks

OUr family lived in Sparta (Gounari, Village of) for the last 150 years. Prior to that they were from the Village of Vlacho Kerassia - in Arcadia - hence the name Kerasiotes. The origianal name, when they lived in Vlacho Kerassia , before fleeing for fear of being killed by the Turks, as they had taken it upon themselves to punish a Turk who had been raping the women of the village, was something like Goutoulionis. Another nickname they were known by in Gounari was Roussos. There are a number of Kerasiotes' in Balitmore. Not sure from the same family - could be however as it is not a common name. Grandfather Demetrios George Kerasiotes came to US, NYC in the late 1890's or 1900 only to return after being ruffed up - he had a push cart. His brother, Nicholas came to US around that same time and lost all contact with the family.