Juan de la Cruz y Bernardotte facts for kids

Juan de la Cruz y Bernardotte (born in Genoa in 1693, died in San Agustín de Talca on January 27, 1768) was a brave ship captain and explorer from Genoa. He became a very important person in the history of San Agustín de Talca, Chile. His family became one of the most important in the area, helping the city grow a lot.

Early Life and Adventures

Juan de la Cruz started his life as a sailor. He joined the army of King Felipe V of Spain. He was even at the crowning ceremony of Carlos III in Naples.

Later, he sailed to the Americas on a ship called San Esteban. During a battle in Colonia del Sacramento, the Portuguese army captured him. But Juan de la Cruz managed to escape! He then went back to Spain. There, he joined Admiral José Pizarro's fleet, which sailed to America to fight another admiral's ships.

Journey to Chile

After arriving in Concepción, Juan de la Cruz decided to stay in Chile. He joined the team of the Count of Superunda, who was the governor. Together, they planned to build new cities in the central part of the kingdom.

Juan de la Cruz gathered people from Admiral Pizarro's fleet who knew about building. He helped lead the local people, called Creoles, in their construction projects. He worked with the governor to help found the city of Talca. In Talca, he received one of the best plots of land. He also helped the Creoles build their homes.

He even designed and built his own large house. It was very impressive, with many rooms and special features.

Family and Contributions

Juan de la Cruz married Silveria Álvarez de Bahamonde y Herrera. Her family were some of the very first settlers and conquerors of the Maule area. Together, Juan and Silveria had 15 children! Their children were Faustino, Jacinto, Juan Esteban, Vicente, Juan Manuel, Ignacio, María de los Ángeles, Anselmo, Juan, María Mercedes, Bartolina, Micaela, María Rita, Manuela, and Nicolás.

Even though he was from another country, the important people in Talca thought Juan de la Cruz was a good and helpful gentleman. He always put his efforts into helping the community. He was also a great supporter of the Jesuits, a religious group, and gave them many valuable gifts.

In 1763, an order was given for all foreigners to leave Chile. Juan de la Cruz was 70 years old at the time. He asked to stay because of his age, his services to the country, and because he was one of the first people to settle in Talca. The local leader, called the corregidor, talked to the governor. They decided that Juan de la Cruz could stay in Talca.

Juan de la Cruz y Bernardotte became the founder of many important families in San Agustín de Talca. He made sure all his children received a good education from the Jesuits. He was also good friends with the famous teacher Juan Ignacio Molina, who taught his children.

See also

• Founding of Talca
• Condado de Maule
• History of Chile
• Cruz Family

In Spanish: Juan de la Cruz y Bernardotte para niños