by Karen Yvonne Hamilton, May 2026

Actively Researching. Additions and Corrections WELCOME!

Birth

Cayetano Florencio Lariz was born on February 23, 1878, in Key West, Florida, to Manuel Andre LARIZ (1841-1914) and Coleta JIMENEZ (1846-1922). 

Manuel Lariz, Sr.
Coleta JIMINEZ Lariz

Siblings

  • Isabel was born in July 1873.
  • Philomena was born on July 5, 1874, in Key West.
  • Manuel Andres was born on November 30, 1875, in Key West.
  • Lenora was born in 1876 in Cuba.
  • Mercedes was born in July 1879 in Key West.
  • Teresa L. was born in January 1880 in Key West.
  • Bernaldo Domingo was born on January 16, 1895, in Key West.
  • half-sister Leonora was born in 1904 in Key West, Florida 

Occupation

Cigar Maker

Marriage

Cayetano Florencio Lariz married Dolores Mercedes Alvarez in 1898 when he was 20 years old. Dolores passed away on December 17, 1943, in Tampa, Florida, at the age of 62. They had been married 45 years. 

Children

  • Cayetano was born in September 1898 in Key West, Florida. Cayetano Jr. passed away on December 14, 1903, in Key West, Florida, at the age of 5. 
  • Rosa Maria was born on January 22, 1901, in Key West, Florida. 
  • Leon Berardo was born on June 13, 1906, in Key West, Florida 
  • Henrietta Teresa was born in 1908 in Key West, Florida. 
  • Jose Manuel was born on June 28, 1910, in Key West, Florida. 
  • Gloria Filomena was born on November 8, 1912, in Hillsborough, Florida 
  • Armando Bruno was born on October 6, 1914, in Key West, Florida. 
  • A daughter was born on May 25, 1920, and passed away that same day. 

Residences

In 1880, Cayetano lived with his parents and siblings at 82 Whitehead St Key West, Monroe, Florida.

1880 United States Federal Census

In 1900, Cayetano was 22 and lived with his parents and siblings at 516 Carolina St. Key West, Monroe, Florida. His wife, Delores and four of the children also lived there. Cayetano, his father and brother are listed as Cigar Makers. His daughter, Teresa is listed as a Tobacco Stripper.

1900 United States Federal Census

In 1910, Cayetano and Delores lived at 407 Fleming St Key West, Monroe, Florida with three of their children. Caytano is listed as a Cigarmaker.

1910 United States Federal Census

World War I

Cayetano registered for the draft in 1918. Notice that he and his wife both used Cayetano’s mother’s name, Jimenez. This is not uncommon in Spanish culture. Cayetano is described as medium height and build with black hair and eyes.

His occupation is listed as Cigar Maker for Principe de Galez in Ybor, Florida. El Principe de Gales cigars were made at the Ybor Cigar Factory, built in 1886 by Vincente Martinez Ybor.

Ybor Cigar Factory 1916

Spelling of names

In the census records, the spelling of names was often left up to the census taker. Oftentimes middle names become first names. See the difference in the 1920 and 1930 census for Gloria Philomena. In 1920 she is listed as Filomena. In 1930 she is listed as Gloria. Henrietta Teresa is written as Euriqueta in the 1920 census. Leon Berarado is spelled Beraldo on alternate documents.

In 1920, Cayetano and Delores lived at 2211 15th, Tampa, Florida with four of their children. Notice the alternate spelling of his name here – Galletano.

1920 United States Federal Census

In 1930, Cayetano and Delores lived in Tampa, Hillsborough, Florida with five of their children. Cayetano and Berardo worked as a cigarmakers. Henrietta worked as a clerk in a store. Jose was a messenger for the telegraph service.

1930 United States Federal Census

In 1940, Cayetano and Delores lived at 1414 14th Avenue, Tampa, Hillsborough, Florida with their son, Jose. Jose worked as a taxi cab driver.

1940 United States Federal Census

2nd Marriage

Cayetano Florencio Lariz married Dora Jarrell in Hillsborough, Florida, on November 10, 1944, when he was 66 years old. 

Photo credit: personal collection of their daughter, Mermaida Bello
Tampa Morning Tribune Tampa, Florida November 10, 1944 Marriage License Dora Jarrell Martinez

Children

  • Mermaida Sandra was born on September 16, 1945. 

In 1950, Cayetano (spelled Gaetano here) lives with his 2nd wife, Dora and their daughter in the household of Dora’s family (Felipe and Pieda Jarell).

NOTE: Not clear on the relationship of Joe and Marta Martinez to Cayetano and Dora.

1950 United States Federal Census

Death

Cayetano Florencio Lariz died on August 25, 1967, in Tampa, Florida, when he was 89 years old. 

Burial

He was laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida

Sources

FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY FACEBOOK GROUP: Consider joining our group for more on Florida Keys History.

FLORIDA EVERGLADES HISTORY FACEBOOK GROUP: Consider joining our group for more on Florida Everglades History.