Prospero Bernardi, (1794–ca. 1837) This week of January 1836, Prospero Bernardi, a Texas Revolution Veteran and Italian Notary, arrived in Texas aboard the schooner Pennsylvania as a member of Capt. Amasa Turner's volunteer company, raised in New Orleans. (The New Orleans Grays) He enlisted in the Texas army on February 13, 1836, and distinguished himself in the battle of San Jacinto. He remained in the army until January or February 1837, when he was medically discharged at Galveston because of a spinal injury sustained during combat.
Bernardi received a bounty grant and a first-class headright grant for his military service, but both were assigned to other parties. Bernardi's whereabouts by 1838 were unclear. In February of that year, two former fellow soldiers testified that they understood he was deceased, and they were given the grant, W. W. Summers and W. E. Miller. His burial place has never been found.
A bust of the Italian soldier stands in front of the Hall of State, Fair Park, Dallas, to commemorate his participation in the Battle of San Jacinto. It was in 1936, for the Texas Centennial Exposition, when the Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini of Italy sent dignitaries from Italy to take part in the dedication ceremonies. The statue bust is five feet in height and stands on an 18-ft base of Texas Red granite with Gold Leaf. Governor James V. Allred unveiled it.
Bernardi’s Bust wears a fringed buckskin jacket with knotted tie strings that serve as button-substitutes. His neckerchief (indispensable on the frontier to protect from dust, bind wounds, keep off flies, carry food, etc) is knotted around his neck and held in place with a deer-antler-bone ring. Bernardi stares straight ahead, with a calm look but ready for battle. His right hand grasps the butt of his pistol. His left hand grasps his knife.
Prospero Bernardi was one of many unsung heroes who fought and gave their blood for Texas 190 years ago. Some of them are known, like Bernardi and Sion R. Bostick. Others are unknown but all live in the hearts of true Texians.
Another very notable date: January 17, 1821, Mexico Grants Austin Settlement.
Mexico permits Moses Austin and 300 US families to settle in Texas. After his death, his son, Stephen F. Austin, takes over and leads a colony to Texas.
In my personal opinion, I believe this to be the true beginning of Texas. So this Saturday, join me by flying your Texas Flag High and Proud, I will be.