Descendants of Louis Betta Peters are seeking extended Albanian family members and genealogical information. He was born "Ilia Petro Betta" on August 18, 1898 in Voskopojë (Moscopole), Korce, Albania. He immigrated to the U.S. on November 18, 1913 as "Ilia Petro Kotsi" and is listed on the passenger list of the SS Chicago. He immediately Anglicized his name and had several variations: "Louie Peters" (1920 census); "Lewis Betta Peters" (various documents); and finally "Louis Betta Peters" (naturalization papers, etc.). He died Sept. 7, 1981 and is buried in Canton, Stark County, Ohio, USA.
We know he had relatives in US and Albania Brother Jovan Betta and nephew Pandi Betta in Korce, Albania. He had cousin Naum Betta (wife Sophie), who immigrated to the US and lived in S. Louis, but we've lost touch with that branch of the family. At one time he had cousins in Massachusetts, but again have lost touch. In the 1920 census "Louie Betta" was living in Mass. with "James Spiro" and "Joseph P. Nickolla." We are unsure if either were his cousins.
Supposedly, his father's name was "Petro Betta," but that is unconfirmed. We also don't know why the surname "Kotsi" was used for immigration. Any assistance or guidance anyone can provide to connect to our Albanian relatives in the U.S. or Albania would be appreciated. We would also appreciate guidance in Albanian genealogy, seeking vital records (pre- and post-independence).
The attached photo is of Louis Betta Peters, second (standing) row on right with bow tie. The others are young Albanians (names unknown), who also supposedly immigrated to the U.S. Does anyone recognize them?
Any help?