The Genealogy of Don Bartolome Brau y Marti and His Descendants by John J. Browne y Ayes
The book is a genealogical work by John J. Browne y Ayes, focusing on the descendants of Don Bartolome Brau y Marti and incorporating historical context about Puerto Rico's society and economy in the 19th century.
Genealogy of Don Bartolome Brau y Marti
The author, John J. Browne y Ayes, expresses gratitude to family members and highlights the importance of documenting genealogy. This book aims to memorialize the genealogical work of Sandra Lamoli and share the autobiography of Don Salvador Brau y Asencio, a renowned Puerto Rican historian.
Early 19th Century Economy in Puerto Rico
The early 1800s saw significant population growth in Puerto Rico due to Spanish immigration and the 1812 Cedula de Gracias. The economy shifted towards an export-based model, primarily focusing on sugarcane, coffee, and tobacco.
Population grew from 183,000 in 1812 to approximately 500,000 by mid-1800s.
The economy became export-oriented, focusing on sugarcane, coffee, rum, and tobacco.
Trade was controlled by the Spanish government, benefiting the elite while neglecting infrastructure.
Political Climate and Rebellion in Puerto Rico
The 19th century was marked by political unrest and calls for independence, particularly influenced by the Autonomist movement. Key events included the Grito de Lares rebellion and the Cuban War of Independence.
The Leyes Speciales allowed local governance but led to increased military presence and repression.
The Grito de Lares rebellion occurred on September 23, 1868, aiming for Puerto Rican independence.
The rebellion was suppressed, resulting in the imprisonment and execution of many rebels.
Salvador Brau's Education and Political Involvement
Salvador Brau pursued higher education in Spain, where he became involved in the Autonomist movement. Upon returning to Puerto Rico, he became a journalist and advocated for greater autonomy from Spain.
Brau attended the University of Barcelona, earning a bachelor's degree and later a Doctorate in Letters.
He returned to Puerto Rico in 1870 and became politically active in the Autonomist Party.
Brau expressed his political beliefs through his literary works, including the play "La Vuelta al Hogar."
Birth and Family History of Salvador Brau
The text details the birth and family lineage of Salvador Brau, highlighting significant events in his family's life. It provides a chronological account of births, marriages, and deaths within the Brau family, emphasizing their connections and the socio-economic context of the time.
Salvador Brau was born on June 1, 1797, in Mataró, Catalonia.
His parents were Salvador Brau and Teresa Martí; he was baptized Bartolomé Clemente Jacinto.
He married Magdalena Alzina on August 7, 1819, and had several children, including Teresa Sebastiana Manuela and Salvador Bartolomé Manuel.
The family faced hardships, including the death of children and the loss of his grandfather in 1828.
Salvador Brau emigrated to America in 1830, seeking a better life for his family.
Emigration and Life in America
This section discusses Salvador Brau's emigration to the Antilles and the challenges he faced upon arrival. It reflects on his motivations for leaving Spain and the support he received from family members in the new land.
Salvador Brau left Spain due to political pressures and a desire for tranquility.
He arrived in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, on July 29, 1830, recommended by the Riera family.
His fatherly duties included supporting his family and managing a business after the death of his father.
Salvador's character was marked by a disinterest in wealth, focusing instead on family and principles.
Personal Struggles and Family Dynamics
The narrative reveals the personal struggles Salvador faced, including family tensions and the responsibilities he took on after the death of his mother. It highlights the dynamics within the family and the impact of loss on their relationships.
Salvador's mother died on June 5, 1852, after a long illness, leaving him responsible for his siblings.
He ensured his brothers received an education and maintained a good relationship with his step-sister.
The family faced financial difficulties, leading to the sale of properties and adjustments in living arrangements.
Salvador took on various roles, including Postmaster, to support his family.
Education and Career Development
This section outlines Salvador Brau's educational journey and career progression, emphasizing his commitment to learning and the influence of his mentors. It illustrates how his early experiences shaped his future endeavors.
Salvador began his education at a young age, showing a strong desire to learn.
He attended various schools, including those led by Don Santiago Sanz and Don José Joaquín Gavarain.
His dedication to study earned him a position as a clerk and later as a Postmaster.
He married Encarnación Presentación Magdalena de Zuzuarregui in 1865, further establishing his family ties.
Genealogical Research and Historical Context
The text concludes with reflections on genealogical research and the historical context of Salvador Brau's life. It connects his personal history to broader historical events, such as the Peninsular War.
The author conducted genealogical research to trace family origins and connections.
Salvador Brau's life is intertwined with significant historical events, including the Battle of La Coruña in 1809.
The narrative emphasizes the importance of understanding personal history within the context of larger historical movements.
The author expresses a sense of fulfillment in uncovering family history and its implications for identity.
Genealogy of Salvador Bartolome Brau y Asencio
The text provides a detailed genealogy of Salvador Bartolome Brau y Asencio and his family, including his marriage, children, and notable descendants. It highlights the historical context and significant life events of each family member.
Salvador Bartolome Brau y Asencio was born on January 11, 1842, in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, and died on November 5, 1912, in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
He married Maria de la Encarnacion Presentacion Zuzuarregui on January 11, 1865.
Their children include Salvador Bartolome Luis, Luis Agustin Salvador, Mario Salvador Antonio, Maria Teresa Victoria, Maria Magdalena Graciela, Maria Antonia Rosales, and Rosalina Brau y Zuzuarregui.
Notable Children and Their Contributions
The children of Salvador and Maria Encarnacion made significant contributions in various fields, with some achieving notable fame. The text emphasizes their life events and accomplishments.
Salvador Bartolome Luis Brau y Zuzuarregui was a pharmacist who died at age 32 from tuberculosis.
Mario Salvador Antonio Brau married Encarnacion Ubarri Casals and had several children, including Salvador Mario Antonio Brau Ubarri, who lived until 1988.
Maria Teresa Victoria Brau married Enrique Ramirez de Arellano and had children, including Enrique Salvador Ramirez Brau, who lived until 1970.
Maria Magdalena Graciela Brau married Félix de la Torriente y Garrido and had a famous son, Pablo de la Torriente, a prominent Cuban writer and journalist.
Grandchildren of Bartolome Brau
The genealogy extends to the grandchildren of Bartolome Brau, detailing their births, marriages, and notable achievements. This section aims to clarify the family lineage and avoid confusion.
Salvador Mario Antonio Brau Ubarri had multiple children, including Maria del Carmen Brau y Ubarri and Mario Brau y Ubarri.
Maria Teresa Victoria Brau's children include Enrique Salvador Ramirez Brau and Luis Mario Dionisio Ramirez de Arellano Brau.
Maria Magdalena Graciela's children include Pablo Félix Alejandro Salvador de la Torriente Brau, who died in 1936 during the Spanish Civil War.
Corrections in Family Records
The text addresses discrepancies in the historical records of Bartolome Brau and his wife, Luisa Antonia Asencio Velázquez, particularly regarding their death dates and family lineage. It emphasizes the importance of accurate historical documentation.
Luisa Antonia Asencio Velázquez's death was incorrectly recorded as 1866; she actually died on June 6, 1852.
Bartolome Brau's death is confirmed as January 14, 1860, with accurate burial records available.
The text highlights the need for careful transcription and research in genealogical records to prevent errors.
Ancestry of Ramon Asencio Becera and Maria Isabel Velásquez
Ramon Asencio Becera and Maria Isabel Velásquez were prominent figures in Puerto Rican history, with their lineage tracing back to the late 18th century. Their descendants include notable individuals and families in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico.
Ramon Asencio Becera was born in 1770 in Jerez de la Frontera and died in 1834 in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico.
Maria Isabel Velásquez was born in 1774 in Guarica, Venezuela, and died in 1855 in Cabo Rojo.
Their son, José Estanislao Asencio y Velázquez, was born in 1792 in Cumana, Venezuela, and died in 1882 in Cabo Rojo.
José Estanislao married Maria Bernarda Cofresi, daughter of the infamous pirate Roberto Cofresi.
Descendants of José Estanislao Asencio
The lineage of José Estanislao Asencio includes several children who contributed to the family legacy in Puerto Rico. Their lives reflect the socio-economic conditions of the time.
José Estanislao had multiple children, including Rosalía, Cano, Rafael, José Maria, Vicente, Juan, and Maria Dolores.
Rosalía Asencio was born in 1837 and died in 1907, married to Pablo Rodriguez.
Cano Asencio was born in 1845 and died in 1885, remaining single.
Rafael Asencio y López was born in 1849 and died in 1899, married to Maria Casiano.
Maria Dolores del Carmen Asencio married Pascual Lamoya, an Italian immigrant.
Notable Marriages and Relationships
The marriages and relationships within the Asencio family highlight the intertwining of various lineages and the socio-cultural dynamics of the time.
José Rafael Asencio y Velázquez married Maria Francisca López de Victoria Seda in 1835.
Their children include Rosalía, Cano, Rafael, and Maria Dolores, each contributing to the family tree.
Maria Dolores married Pascual Lamoya, who immigrated from Italy, further diversifying the family heritage.
The Lamoli Family Lineage
The Lamoli family, descended from José Rafael Asencio, showcases a rich history of agricultural and social contributions in Puerto Rico.
José Rafael Lamoya y Asencio had multiple relationships, resulting in twelve children.
His children include Rosa, Neri, Raúl, Alida, and others, each with their own families and contributions.
The family maintained agricultural ties, reflecting the economic landscape of Puerto Rico.
Genealogy of Diego Asencio y Velázquez
Diego Asencio y Velázquez's genealogy connects to various families in Puerto Rico, illustrating the extensive network of relationships formed over generations.
Diego was born in 1803 in Venezuela and died in 1895 in Cabo Rojo.
He had three wives and thirteen children, including Ramon Avelino and Pedro Carlos.
The family continued to thrive in agriculture and maintained connections with other prominent families in the region.
Tribute to Dona Carmen Brau y Alzina
Dona Carmen Brau y Alzina exemplified the strong familial bonds characteristic of Puerto Rican culture, dedicating her life to caring for her family.
Born in 1826 in Spain, she never married and lived a life devoted to her family.
Her legacy includes caring for her stepmother and maintaining close ties with her relatives.
She passed away in 1916, leaving behind a rich family history documented in various records.
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Chapter 3: Getting to Know Him: Excerpted from The Genealogy of Don Bartolome Brau y Marti and His Descendants by John J. Browne y Ayes
We go through life reading and learning from famous historians like Salvador Brau, but we do not really know them or care about their personal lives, their accomplishments, and their failures. Nor do we really know anything about their families. The pain they suffered in the loss of grandparents, parents and children, as well as siblings.
In this next chapter, we discover through the author’s own words what he did for employment before he became the famous author of Puerto Rico’s history.
[NOTE: Chapter by Chapter has removed the Spanish text to make this chapter easier to read for English readers. As the English was translated from Spanish, it may not appear to be grammatically correct, but we have attempted to improve the punctuation and the meanings of a few words.]
“On the 8th day of August 1854, I entered as a meritorious clerk in the mercantile house of the Cabassa Co., of this town. From that moment on, my life had to change completely. The infamous games of childhood, with my brothers, the sweet recreations of the studio, the soils spent in the countryside with my mother and that so many and so diverse wheels had to engrave in my heart, everything, everything had to disappear before the mercantile tasks to which I had to dedicate myself in order to be able to help my father earn the sustenance of my family.
“In December 1856, I had made myself useful in the house and was rewarded with $50.00 by the managing partner, Don Manuel de I. Cuebas, who assigned me a salary of $18.00 a month.
“In December 1857, the company went bankrupt and appointed Cuebas as its liquidator. He tried to keep me on with him, but that employment was prevented by Don Antonio Cabassa, who took over the administration of the hacienda. I remained as Cabassa’s secretary, earning $25.00 a month.
“I was still fond of study, stifled but not dead, because of my duties, it revived, and being able to dispose of a few moments, I devoted them to the reading of useful works, at the same time that they gave me pleasant pleasure and gave some extension to my ideas.”
“On the 14th of January 1860, at one o’clock in the morning, my father died, and was buried in this parish at two o’clock in the afternoon. Summoned by the parish priest Don Vicente Martínez Valdés, two months earlier, to paint the altars of the Church and that of the Hermita San José, he took charge of the work without taking into account his already advanced age.
“The fumes of the lead paint, which was widely used, caused him to have a stroke of the brain like that which he had suffered in 1853, and from January, he fell into bed, never to rise again. Deprived of reason a few days later, he retired a few hours before his death to bless his six children and recommend to them the union between them, which he had tried so hard to inculcate in them as the most beautiful feeling in a family. With him, we lost an excellent father, stern but zealous for the education of his children, leaving us by inheritance a name respected for his honor and the feeling of having lost our only protection.
“Prudently brought up by him in the most ardent fatherly affection as well as mutual respect, his death came to make more lively affections to each of her children, seeing in his last words the expression of a desire that even on the edges of the tomb she forgot, she tried to strengthen the sacred bond of brotherly love by linking our lives with the word Union. God grant that this Lasso may never be untied. May Heaven grant that we may always fulfill the mute oath to love each other, made before that corpse. May God grant that when we descend forever from the night of the tomb, we may meet him in the next life to say to him, “Your vows were fulfilled.
“It is pleasing to record that in those days of bitter remembrance, our house was filled with the most visible people of the population who came to console us, our worthy friend the Doctor of Medicine, Don Félix García de la Torre, having made desperate efforts to save him, but in vain.”
“My mother came to live in the village, my two twin brothers were employed in two commercial houses in the same town, and the two small children who already knew how to read, continued in school. Part of the farms in the countryside were sold, and the two Viscovich brothers, who had already married.
“In the month of May of the same year, the old tensions between my mother and her stepdaughter were reawakened, and the latter, fearing that these family quarrels would attract the attention of the people, my mother became determined to go and live alone. I approved of her resolution and accompanied her, for it was not right that she should live alone with her mulatta Alexandra.
“On September 8 of the same year, my sister and I moved into a small house that she had bought with donations made to her annually that her relatives in Saint Thomas sent. My mother continued living with the other children and showed no resentment for me having gone to live with my sister; on the contrary, I continued to deserve her boundless confidence by consulting with me with any doubts, as if I had been an older and more experienced man.
“My brothers followed my example and knew how to reconcile their affection for their sister with respect and consideration for their mother, to the satisfaction of both. On the 5th of June 1852, at nine o’clock in the morning, my mother died after a long and cruel illness, and was buried on the 6th at nine o’clock in the morning in the Cemetery of this Parish.
“At the beginning of the year, feeling that a chronic condition that had been with her for years. It was causing her acute pain, and she complained when she could not stand it anymore. I called Dr. Garcia and tried to soothe her pain. The disease that afflicted her was a cancer that had formed in the womb as a result of some arduous birthing, and having reached a prolonged period of development, the doctor knew he had no remedy. He advised that the illness could be a long and painful one.
“And so it was, the pain was quiet at times, and when the pain awakened again, my mother got desperate. She was unable to consume any more than extraordinarily little food. She tried sequestering herself, but instead received the attention of all her children and friends.
“On April 6, she informed me she wished to make a will and last testament. She felt that she was going to die. She did and left her material goods in order, in which I deserved proof of a special affection, distinguishing myself by a particular donation, I tried to prepare her soul.
“Reconciled with our sister, who also came to assist her, she received her last rites and died in the arms of her children, her brothers Antonio and Diego and many friends, leaving us orphans of her affection. Our relationship was always strange, particular, but extremely kind. The death of my mother, throwing upon me all responsibility for the conduct and well-being of my brothers, put me in the position of caring for them like our father would have done so.
“The twins had made themselves appreciated in their respective placements; Jaime had finished his primary education, and Fermín was beginning to acquire it. On September 1st of the same year, I accompanied Jaime to Mayagüez and embarked him for the Capital, destined to the school of La Concepción as a meritorious assistant and took Fermín to live with my sister, paying for his education out of my salary.
“I tried to set a good example to my family by my conduct, I tried to increase Luis’ education, who showed a desire to learn, I remained in the same position at work, losing opportunities for advancement that had been offered me outside of this town. My brothers were all so well-behaved and so good that they never caused me the slightest displeasure. On the contrary, they were appreciated by everyone, and I was honored by their good conduct.
“On July 16, 1863, I was honored with the appointment of Postmaster of the post office of this town, a position I held until March 1865, free of charge.
“On January 11, 1865, I married Doña Encarnación Presentación Magdalena de Zuzuarregui y Martelo, a native of Guayama on this island, legitimate daughter of Don Agustín and Doña María de la Encarnación, with whom I had had romantic relations since the age of fifteen.
“Don Agustín Zuzuarregui y Delgado, legitimate son of Don Agustín and Doña Magdalena Delgado, natives of the peninsula, was born in the city of Angostura, today Ciudad Bolívar in Venezuela, in 1809. The son of well-to-do parents, he was sent to Spain to be educated, at the university of Oñate, in the province of Guipuzoa, he was studying at the time of the invasion of a hundred thousand French under the command of the Duke of Agulema to the Battalion of the National Militia of San Sebastian and Literia, suffering the vicissitudes of that national war until he became part of the famous defeat of La Coruña, Spain. Don Agustin was forced to emigrate to France; he then returned to America, taking part in the civil war that was ravaging the continent, in whose campaign he obtained the post of Adjutant Major of an Artillery Brigade, a post he abandoned in 1834.”
“Autobiography of Don Salvador Brau y Asencio.
Note: The rest of the narrative was lost a long time ago. It may be in the possession of a family member for its conservation. I received this story from my father. Rafael Silva Brau, in a typewritten original, indicated that it was copied from an original handwritten manuscript.
Rafael E. Silva Morales febrero 1991"
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