Onorio Razzolini

Onorio Razzolini (1699-1769) was an Italian immigrant to colonial Maryland. He is thought to be the first immigrant of Italian descent to hold public office in the North American colonies. He enjoyed the patronage of Charles Calvert, 5th Baron Baltimore, proprietary governor of the Province of Maryland, serving as tutor to his illegitimate son, Benedict Swingate Calvert. After enjoying a successful career in Maryland, including serving as Armourer and Keeper of the Stores of Maryland, Razzolini returned to his native town of Asolo, where he married and had three daughters.

Biography Razzolini was born in Asolo, a town located north of Venice, in around 1689.

Razzolini came from Italy shortly before 1732, as tutor to Benedict Swingate Calvert,

Public Office From around 1732-1747 This was an important position, which gave Razzolini some considerable responsibility for the defense of the Colony.

In 1649 the Maryland Assembly had passed a law permitting French, Dutch and Italian immigrants to own land and enjoy the same rights as English settlers in the Province.