Lazara,

How is it that you are looking for the Verdugo family in Cuba? This is the very first time I have seen the Verdugo surname mentioned in the Cuban inqueries.

I have been researching my husband's family in Cuba, and my family arrived in Baja California Sur, Mexico from Spain. Their surname is Verdugo. Is it possible that there could have been several brothers and some went to Cuba and some to Mexico?

In any case, have you any first names that I might compare with the ones I have on file?

Thank you for you reply.

Norma

I am looking for Verdugo Family of Matanzas

Hi Norma,

Yes I know about the high school and a little about the area. The name Verdugo is very well known in your parts. There was a conquestador names Francisco Verdugo who came with Cortez. My father tells me that there was also a Verdugo who came with the last trim Columbus made to the Americas. There was also a Verdugo with Pizaro. Did you know that there is a Coat of Arms for our name? The name Verdugo can be traced back to the 13th century in Spain. Anyway I have traced mine back to Spain, I am a third generation Cuban, So I have to do the most surch in Spain, which is ok because they keep very good records.

It has been nice to hear from you.

Lazara

Hi Lazara,
Thank you for your interesting story. None of the names are familiar to me, but I am glad you answer.
Here in California the Verdugo name is very well-known. In fact, Verdugo Canyon in Los Angeles is named in his honor, and there is a high school named Verdugo Hills High School named for the Verdugo Mountains that border the Tujunga Valley south of the school.
My great-grandfather was Soledad Verdugo, and he was in the Mexican Navy as a young man and later retired as an officer. He became an official of the Port of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. Small world, huh? Norma

There are a few Verdugo's in Cuba - My Great Grandfather came from Pontevedra Spain. His name was Manuel Verdugo y De La Secada, he was born in 1839 in the town of Tui Pontevedra Spain, His fathers name was Manuel Verdugo and his mother was Encarnacion De La Secada, she was from Lima Peru. My great Grandfather came to Cuba from Spain and married Cristina Batista y Perera, they had three children Carmen, Manuel and Serafin. Serafin Verdugo y Batista was my grandfather, he married Leonor Hernandez and they had six children, one of which is may father Manuel Verdugo y Hernandez. From what I understand, anyone with the name Verdugo is related somehow. I will pass down to you a story that my father told me which was in tern told to him by his father. During the Cuban Revolution, (not the one in the 1950's but the one that ended with the Spanish American War) a man by the name of Jose Marti (I don’t know if you have heard of him - Cuban revolutionary, poet, writer) defended some Medical students in Havana who were being tried for playing around in a Spanish Cemetery. The students ended up all being executed for this so called crime. One of them was Carlos Verdugo. The execution of these students started a great out cry for justice, a monument in there honor was latter erected in Cuba. My Brother was named after this student. However, I am not sure if there is any relation. I will have to find out, if anyone knows about this story I would like to get more details. So the Answer to your questions is yes, there are Verdugo's in Cuba, Peru, Mexico, Spain, and the United States.

Lazara, for your information, there is a book named "27 de Noviembre de 1871", by William A. Fountain. pg. 411, has a literal copy of the baptism of Carlos Verdugo y Martinez, and all baptisms of the rest of the students that were executed on that date. It is an excellent book. It is available at Libreria Universal in Miami, FL. his cost is $35.00 Phone # (305) 642-3234.

Jorge

Dear Jorge

Thank you I will read the book. You have been very kind to let me know this.

Regards

Lazara

Dear Lazara

"I was never sure if the story of the students was true or not."

The story is very true and book is terrific.

"P.S. Do you know anything about this story, I wonder how much of it I have correctly."

Yes, have it correct. But if you read the book, you are going to love it.

Saludos, Jorge

Dear Jorge

Thank you for this information, I never sure if the story of the students was true or not. I had only heard the story told in my family - As I said before my brother Carlos Verdugo was named after one of the students that was executed. I cant wait to read about this. It may be ture what my Grandfather said and this Carlos Verdugo y Martinez may have been some family member.

P.S. Do you know anything about this story, I wonder how much of it I have correctly.

Lazara

Dear Norma

If you search on the web for the "Geneology of Mexico" you will find the list of conquestadors that came with Cortez there you will find Verdugo, Francisco - From: Segovia. Had been a magistrate in Trinidad, Cuba. Came to Mexico as a Captain in Narvaez' army. Was made a Captain in Cortes' army. Received the community of Teotihuacan to
administer after the conquest. Parents: Francisco Verdugo and Ines de Cuellar. Went with Guzman to Nueva Galicia. He was the nephew of the Govenor of Cuba, Diego Velasquez. Grandson: Juan de Bazan.
Great grandson: don Rodrigo de Castro and don Alonso Bazan.

Now as far as Columbus goes, that is a story my father told me so I dont know for sure, however if you can read spanish go to www.geocites.com/heartland/park/1132/index.htm and you will find more information about the coat of arms and Verdugo name.

Thank you
Lazara