by Karen Yvonne Hamilton, 2024

Clarie LARIS (Lariz) was born on September 22, 1911, in Key West, Florida to Clara Dena KNOWLES (1879-1961), and Manuel RODRIGUEZ de CANIZARES (1875-1929 Cuba). He was raised by his step-father, Manuel Andres LARIZ (1875-1947).

Clarie’s father, Manual LARIZ
Clarie’s mother, Clara Dena KNOWLES Lariz
Manuel Rodriguez De Canizares

SIBLINGS

  • Manuel Canizares Rodriguez b. 1902 (PARENTS: Manuel RODRIGUEZ de CANIZARES and  Clara Dena KNOWLES)
  • John Andrew Rodriguez b. 1903 (PARENTS: Manuel RODRIGUEZ de CANIZARES and  Clara Dena KNOWLES)
  • Anna Maria b. 1906 (PARENTS: Manuel RODRIGUEZ de CANIZARES and  Clara Dena KNOWLES)

HALF-SIBLINGS

  • Rosina Violet b. December 27, 1896, in Key West, Florida. (PARENTS: Enrique Manuel RODRIGUEZ and  Clara Dena KNOWLES)
  • Clara Bell b. February 23, 1917, in Key West, Florida (PARENTS: Manuel Andres LARIZ and Clara Dena KNOWLES)
  • Andrew Woodrow (Bubby) was born on July 3, 1919, in Key West, Florida (PARENTS: Manuel Andres LARIZ and Clara Dena KNOWLES)

In 1920, Clarie lived with his parents and siblings at 1023 United St in Key West, Florida. His father worked as a cigarmaker.

1920 U.S. Census

Clarie married Amelia PEREZ in Florida on March 31, 1930, when he was 18 years old. Clarie and Amelia were divorced in 1935 in Monroe, Florida, after 5 years of marriage. He was 24 years old.

In 1930, Clarie lived at 722 Angela St in Key West with his wife, Amelia. He worked as a baker in a bake shop.

1930 U.S. Census

He married Mercedes CUERVO in 1937 and they had one child, Anola in 1939. 

In 1940, Clarie lived at 2325 Pine St in Tampa, Florida with his wife, Mercedes and daughter, Anola. Clarie worked as a seaman for a steamer boat line.

1940 U.S. Census

In 1944 he was living at 1111 White Street in Key West and was a merchant marine for S.A.A.

Clarie Lariz in Key West
Clarie Lariz in Key West
Clarie Lariz in Key West
Clarie Lariz in Key West
Clarie Lariz in Key West holding Rosemary BELLO
Clarie as a baby

In 1950, Clarie lived in Tampa, Florida with his wife, Mercedes and daughter, Anola. He worked as a merchant marine for a shipping company and Mercedes worked as a cigar maker at a cigar factory.

1950 U.S. Census

FAMILY MEMORIES

Clarie’s niece, Jane Garcia Rowland recalls, “When he was 15, he ran away from home to get away from his mama. He enlisted and lied about his age, saying he was 19. He didn’t know how to spell his name because he had never been to school. Whoever filled out the paperwork spelled his name Laris. So that is the way he and his descendants spelled it from that point on. He and Uncle John raised collard greens, peppers, tomatoes, chickens, and pigs on Big Coppitt Key. They also had some goats. We kids would name them and love them and get upset when he would kill and eat them. We refused to eat anything except the pigs and chickens. Clarie loved us kids. He took me to a carnival and bought me a toy monkey. He also bought me a little red purse.

Clarie and his brother, Andrew “Bubby” Lariz on Big Pine Key.

Clarie Laris (Lariz) died on July 22, 2000, in Tampa, Florida, when he was 88 years old.

NOTE: Any additional info or photos would be appreciated.

SOURCES: Ancestry.com, United States Federal Census Records, Personal interview with Jane GARCIA Rowland.

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Clarie LARIS (Lariz)Download