GIOVANNI CABOT (1435-1498): Born in Genova; Died in Labrador.

This chapter profiles Giovanni Cabot, the first European to set foot on North American soil, and can rightly be considered the true discoverer of that continent. In 1497 he embarked upon a sailing expedition in behalf of Henry VII of England, and was finally to plant the British flag in the soil of what is now, Labrador, Canada. Of the many Italian navigators and explorers to work for foreign countries, Cabot was one of the few to have received some recognition. It is certain that the Cabot family of today, and the Lodges as well, are descended from none other than John Cabot of Genoa, and his son, Sebastian, of Venice. Regardless of claims and disclaims with respect to descendency, however, one cannot deny that this Italian devoted his life and services to benefit the people of another nation.