In 1865, Dr Domingo de Montbrun (our generation's Great Great Grandfather), his wife Emilia Otero de Montbrun and four children; Josefa, Pedro Luis (my Great Grandfather), Domingo Antonio and Carmen Luisa arrived in Trinidad and settled in what was the capital of Trinidad at that time, St Joseph. As far as I can determine from my research, in addition to his father, General Jose Leandro de Montbrun, he also left an elder brother, Jose Maria de Montbrun in Venezuela. I have never seen a reference to Dr Domingo's mother. From St Joseph, Dr Domingo began to build his medical practice in Trinidad. He had one major obstacle however, the local British Medical board of Physicians did not recognise his Venezuelan medical qualifications. He could not be refered to as 'Dr Domingo de Montbrun' or perform surgery at the Colonial Hospital in Port of Spain without recognition. But as his fame and popularity grew, a special ordinance was passed by the Governor of the Colony of Trinidad entitling him to practice. In 1876 he became a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England and the first Venezuelan doctor to also qualify under British Medical certification.

As his medical practice and his recognition grew, his family also grew, two more children arrived, in 1868, a son, Jose Leandro (Gervais' Great Grandfather), and in 1869, a daughter Louisa Antonia. The Venezuelan government in honor of the efforts and popularity of this son of thier soil made him Consul to Venezuela (today's equivalent of Ambassador). The size of his family and his position as Consul to Venezuela facilitated a relocation from St Joseph to 22 Clarence Street (now Frederick Street) opposite to the Holy Ghost fathers St Mary's College where his two eldest sons Pedro Luis and Domingo Antonio would attend in the growing town of Port of Spain. Brazil, Spain and Portugal also in recognition of his burgeoning social status in Trinidad and his medical achievements appointed him as Consul for their interests on the island of Trinidad. The King of Portugal conferred the honor of Knight of Brazil. His title now became Dr Domingo de Montbrun KNT.

Despite the success of his professional life in Trinidad and the status of his appointments, he suffered great losses in the death in 1871 of his youngest daughter Louisa Antonia at the tender age of 2yrs and 2mths of bronchitis. Carmen Luisa, also died in 1883 after an illness of only 16hrs at 18yrs of age. The official cause of death was tetanus. Both, despite his medical prowess, he was powerless to save. It is noted that Dr Domingo never recovered after the death of Carmen Luisa. The Gothic-themed de Montbrun family vault in Lapeyrouse (now owned by the Battoo family in Trinidad) with its lead skin, stained glass windows and memorial chapel was built by Dr Domingo in the memory of Carmen Luisa.

Josepha, his eldest child married a well connected Venezuelan soldier, General Jose Maria Betancourt Sucre and she settled with her husband in Venezuela.   His two eldest sons, Domingo Antonio and his elder brother Pedro Luis (our generation's Great Grandfather) both completed their certificates at St Mary's College and followed their father's lead into the Medical profession. At the ages of 19 & 20, both Domingo Antonio and Pedro Luis were shipped off to Ushaw College, Durham then proceeding to St. Charles College in England and eventually interning at St. Mary’s Hospital, London. Pedro Luis and Domingo Antonio both returned to Trinidad as Medical Doctors in 1884 and began practicing as Government Medical Officers at the Colonial Hospital (now Port of Spain General Hospital).

Jose Leandro (Our generation's Great Grandfather), in 1885, now the baby of the family and the only child at 22 Clarence Street, Port of Spain showed much promise, with a sharp focused memory and a bright disposition, he was doted over by his parents.

Alan de Montbrun
ademontbrun@gmail.com