Obituary Record

Yesterday morning there died at No. 122 Fourth Street, the last of Lafitte's celebrated band of Buccaneers-Jacinto Lobrano, whose life extended over nearly one hundred years, and embraced out of which, were fully detailed, a narrative of exciting interest might be woven.

As the writer stood yesterday in the room where lay the body of this ancient of days, he thought: here lies a man who has looked on the great Napoleon: who sailed with Lafitte in the Gulf of Mexico; who fought the British at Chalmette, and received a sword from the hands of the hero of that battle. The span of this aged veteran's life joined the present with the distant past-a past that reached back into the last century.

Lobrano was born in the city of Naples, between the years 1783 and 1786. It is said that on account of being concerned in a plot against the government, he and his father left Italy in 1799. He then became a sailor, and made several voyages between Gibraltar and Havana. During 1814, he saw the excited Napoleon at Elba. Lobrano's first visit to New Orleans was made in 1809. He subsequently became connected with Lafitte, over whom he exercised considerable influence, being largely instrumental in persuading the privateer to side with the Americans against the British. The old veteran having been presented by General Jackson with a handsome sword, which he ever afterwards retained and cherished as one of his most valuable possessions. Once, in relating this event, he said Jackson had conferred upon him the title of General when presenting the sword. Be this as it may, it is certain that Lobrano in his old age believed himself to be a general in rank. The writer examined the ancient weapon yesterday. Its blade is of the finest temper, and of such rare steel that it will bend without breaking.

The subject of this sketch settled down in New Orleans and at the age of 45 married a lady of one of the most noted Creole families in the state. It is stated that he participated in the Texas War for Independence and among the trophies of his exploits is a lance, which he captured from one of the followers of Santa Anna.

Mr. Lobrano was at one time engaged in the slave trade and other commercial enterprises. He finally settled down in New Orleans and retired on a moderate fortune from all business pursuits about twenty years ago. Since then, he has led a quiet and retired life.

The above is mere outline of his eventful life and career. He was singularly reticent in regard to his life, and although repeated newspaper reporters and others to extract information concerning his past have made attempts, the facts obtained have been meager. A narration of his adventures by sea and land would fill a volume.

The writer well remembers a visit paid to the old veteran about a year ago. When informed that a visitor wished to see him, he came in from the garden where he had been working, bearing a long garden knife in his hand. His form was still erect, his eyes bright, and his hair long and thick.

At first he seemed adverse to conversation, but being plied with questions, began to tell of his boyhood. He spoke of being of in some stand, which was invaded by the British. When he came to tell of the war, his eyes gleamed, he brandished the knife, and exclaiming he would get his sword, strode out of the room. Further conversation was then prohibited for fear the excitement might effect his health.

It is related of him that during Butler's reign in New Orleans, Lobrano heard that the dictator would seize his beloved sword, and whereupon he swore if Butler made the attempt, he would cut off his head.

The ponogenarian was taken sick about a week ago. Up to that time, he enjoyed excellent health. His sight was excellent, and he preserved his teeth and hair to the last. He was a man of medium height, and in his youth was of a handsome appearance, as shown by a portrait, which hangs in the parlor of his residence. He comes of a long-lived family, it being said that his sister attained the age of one hundred years.

The funeral, which takes place this morning, will be attended by a large concourse of people, as there were few more men more widely known in this city than Jacinto Lobrano. The deceased leaves several sons and daughters and other relations.

Source: Daily Picayune 11/13/1880