Heraldo M. Hernandez 1862-1884

Heraldo M. Hernandez was born in Pensacola on October 21st, 1862, to Heraldo Hernandez, a shoemaker, and Elonise Caro. They and his sister, Celesteni, lived near the intersection of Intendencia St. and Barcelona St. Although the younger Heraldo began an apprenticeship under his father, he eventually left the family business and opened a liquor store near Main St. and Palafox St. He was nearly 22 years old when he died on June 13th, 1884.

Although no records name a love interest, his gravestone indicates that he was greatly missed. A carving of clasped hands, a symbol indicating an inseparable relationship during life, adorns the top of the stone. Underneath the mundane details of his life, a poem of loss and longing is carved. The poem is signed “M.”

Fare thee well my darling Buddie,

In thy grave my heart rests with thee,

Wait for me on the other shore

where we will meet to part no more.

Researched and written by Richard Adams, University of West Florida Public History program.

Credits and Sources:

Richard Adams, University of West Florida Public History Program