The Michelin family that founded the tire empire originally emigrated from the Veneto area of Italy to France. At the time, the Veneto was one of the poorest parts of Italy and France was comparatively much more wealthy. It was very common for Italians from the Veneto to leave for a better life elsewhere. Most European names that end in 'IN' come from the Veneto. Another famous 'French' businessman is Piero Cardin, better known by his French name Pierre Cardin.
As far as the Michelin family of the bicycle business, you pronounce the name Mee-kell-een. I have been to visit them a number of times and from what I was told, they started just after WWI, so the 1919 date seems more accurate. Their location is about one mile away from the Piave river, which was the effective front line between the Austrians and the Italians during the war. The company was family owned and operated, but there was a fight between two members of the second generation around the time of WWII, so the company was divided. One branch of the company developed into today's FAC Michelin, whereas the other branch became Ciclo Piave. Ciclo Piave still exists today and are still making lugged bicycles.
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Steven Maasland
Moorestown, NJ