Hello everyone,

I am trying to find more information on my great-grandmother/great-grandfather. Their names are Robert B. WATSON and Caridad ESCOBAR.

Robert B. WATSON was born in New York City around 1862 and died in Cuba, as to Caridad, she was born and died in Cuba.

The Story:

Robert was born in Harlem New York c. 1862 to parents John WATSON and Sarah Vance. Both John and Sarah were born in Scotland. Robert has two brother, John and Harry, that I know of.

Robert took up an apprentice plumber job when he was around 17 years old. In 1883 he joined the US Army in Fort Lowell, Arizona. He signed up for the minimum 5 years. He was assigned to the 4th regiment of the US cavalry. I believe this was the regiment that chased down Geronimo. He served all five years, being discharged in 1888.

He met Helen, I'm not sure of Helen's family name at the moment, while he was at Fort Lowell (not 100% sure). They married c. 1882 and had a few children(at least 2 in Arizona and another 2 in New York). They eventually moved back the New York.

The story above was unknown to my family in Cuba, BECAUSE:

Robert told Helen that he was going to go to Cuba to start a plumbing business. As soon as he is established, he would send for Helen and the kids. He corresponds with Helen by letter. One day Helen receives a letter where Robert says he is sick. I think he claims yellow fever. One day letters from Robert ceased to arrive and Helen believes her husband has died. Not quite.

Mr. Robert B. WATSON married Miss. Caridad ESCOBAR and failed to mention he had a wife and kids back in New York waiting for him. Robert and Caridad had 9 children. My ancestors are through this line.

The whole story about Robert and Helen is known to us due to Helen applying for Robert's military pension.

If anyone has more information, ESPECIALLY that of Caridad (who was born and died in Cuba [Havana?] please let me know. Also if you know how I can go about learning more about my Cuban ancestors, also let me know.

I have attached the GEDCOM file of the research I have done relating to this query. It includes more details.