Smith and Cassiano families

The Cassiano family of San Antonio, Texas, began with José Cassiano (1791-1862), born Giuseppe Cassini to Geronimo and Catalina Cassini of San Remo, Italy.

He moved to New Orleans around 1812 and began a merchandizing business. By the 1820s, he moved to San Antonio, where he opened a store and purchased extensive property and landholdings in San Antonio and South Texas. He donated supplies to the Texas revolutionary army, served as a scout, provided intelligence on Santa Anna's troop movements, and made significant financial contributions. José was a notable figure in San Antonio, serving as alderman in 1839-194, 1941-42, and1845-46 and donated to the San Fernando de Béxar Cathedral and public charities and school funds. He wed four times, marrying, in succession, Josefa Menchaca; María Gertrudis Pérez de Cordero (1790-1832), widow of Governor Manuel Antonio Cordero y Bustamante; Margarita Valdez in 1833; and Trinidad Soto in 1842. With María Gertrudis, he had a son named José Ignacio Cassiano (1827-1882).

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