The Balli Family

The Ballí lineage actually was first known as Vailly and originates in the provinces of Verona and Paudua, Italy. The family name signifies “dweller in a valley”. They also became members of the Order of Santiago who fought against the Moors as mercenaries. The family’s Coat of Arms dates back to 1326. Ballí was a rich and influential family that extended throughout Italy, Spain and Mexico. They became the first settlers of Nuevo Santander. They were also grantees of large porciones on both sides of the Rio Grande by 1767. Later most of the family’s properties were annexed into the United States.

The first Ballí we have record of in Mexico, is Pierre Vailly who settled in Mexico City in 1569. Pierre was born in Paudua, Italy and was the son of Juan Bautista Vailly, and Catalina Rodriguez. His father was French and his mother was Italian. In 1574, Pierre was named fourth printer of the New World by royal decree of King Phillip II. His printing house was located on the corner of Moneda Street and Lic. Verdad in Mexico City. His heirs operated the printing press till 1632. He produced over 60 books, including some in native language and others for the University of Mexico. He later changed his name to the castilian spelling, Pedro Ballí and married Catalina de Valle. Together they had four sons, Juan Bautista, Jeronimo, Alonzo, and Pedro II. Pedro II married and one of his children was Nicolas Ballí. Nicolas married and had a son by the name of NICOLAS BALLÍ PEREZ II. (See Herminia Ballí de Chavana’s book for more information) This Nicolas cannot be considered as Nicolas III as he took his mother’s maiden name of Guerra. The Guerra family was very prominent at the time. (See Dr. Cleotilde Garcia’s book for more information)

NICOLAS BALLÍ PEREZ II (married 01-04-1706) Josefa Guerra y Garza
HAD

Juan Antonio Ballí Guerra
Nicolás José Ballí Guerra
Manuel Ballí Guerra
Bartolomé Ballí Guerra
JOSE MARIA BALLÍ GUERRA
JUAN ANTONIO BALLÍ GUERRA (married) Francisca Rosalia Villarreal Rodriguez
HAD
Maria Gregoria Ballí Villarreal
Maria Guadalupe Ballí Villarreal
Jose Cipriano Ballí Villarreal
Ana Catariano Ballí Villarreal
Maria Josefa Ballí Villarreal
Jose Enrique Ballí Villarreal
Jose Francisco Ballí Villarreal (Barreta original grantee 1801)
Jose Antonio Ballí Villarreal
Jose Ygnacio Ballí Villarreal
Jose Manuel Ballí Villarreal (1804 bought Barreta from Francisco)
Juan Antonio Ballí Villarreal
JOSE MANUEL BALLÍ VILLARREAL (married) Maria Antonia Cavazos de Hinojosa
HAD
Manuela Ballí Cavasos
Victoria Ballí Cavazos
Ygnacio Ballí Cavazos
Ysidro Ballí Cavazos
Antonio Ballí Cavazos
Refugia Ballí Cavazos
Francisco Ballí Cavazos

The lineage above shows that Francisco and Manuel are brothers. Francisco was granted “La Barreta”. However, Francisco sold this land on March 23, 1804 to his brother Manuel. In the late 17th century the honorable, Francisco Ballí Villarreal was the chief justice of the Nuevo Santander Province. The region is now the northern states of Mexico (Tamaulipas & Nuevo Leon) bordering Texas along the Rio Grande. Francisco petitioned the King of Spain, Carlos IV for new lands to move the township of Reynosa to higher ground because it was prone to devastating floods every time the Rio Grande overflowed. Before the King could comply, the Rio Grande overflowed again, inundating and destroying Reynosa. Don Francisco donated land of his own to establish a new township (present day Reynosa) on dry and higher ground. In appreciation for this the King bestowed on him a land grant to the north, which was later named “La Barreta”. Due to his many obligations as chief justice of the area and the management of a vast amount of land and stock Francisco could not dedicate the time or resources necessary to properly administrate La Barreta. On March 23, 1804 he sold it to his brother, Manuel Ballí Villarreal for the sum of 200 pesos. Shortly thereafter in or about 1817 (date not confirmed) Manuel died intestate. During that period Texas cattle barons such as Richard King and Miflin Kenedy were amassing their vast empires recognizing the value of possessing large tracts of land like La Barreta. In 1898 began a series of leases of La Barreta between the Ballí and Kenedy family that continued to October 1999. Today the Ballí Family and the Kenedy Foundation are currently engaged in a dispute as to ownership of La Barreta. We are the heirs of JOSE MANUEL BALLÍ VILLARREAL and we are saying the land belongs to us……. What we want is the truth in history.

The John G. and Marie Stella Kenedy Memorial Foundation

Sylvia Menchaca Balli Aguilera, et al; In the 105th District Court of Kenedy county, Texas.

PETITION FOR REVIEW – In Acrobat PDF Fromat – posted 07/22/2005

MOTION FOR REHEARING – In Acrobat PDF Fromat – posted 04/25/2005

MOTION FOR NEW TRIAL – posted 02/22/03

MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT – posted 11/21/02

MOTION TO CHANGE VENUE GRANTED – posted 5/16/02

MOTION TO CHANGE VENUE – posted 4/13/02

JANUARY 22ND 2002, HEARING ORDERS – posted 01/26/02

MOTION TO REQUIRE – posted 01/10/02

MOTION TO COMPEL – recorded 12/6/01

MOTION TO CHANGE VENUE – filed 8/16/01

MOTION FOR PROTECTIVE ORDER – filed 8/16/01

TRIAL SCHEDULING ORDER – signed 6/26/01

OTHER ORDERS

April L. Balli – United States – Navy Iraq War

Candelario Balli Nieto United States Army World War II

Christopher Michael Mendiola Champion U.S. Marines Irag War

Edward Balli United States Army Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan

Eric Mendiola Champion United States Air Force Iraq War

Ernesto Balli Tijerina Mexican Army Ernesto Balli Tijerina Teniente Coronel Del Ejercito de Mexico – 1923 Lieutenant Colonel in the Mexican Army – 1923

Fidel A. Balli United States Army Vietnam War

Gerardo L. Guerra Army National Guard Operation Desert Storm, Persian Gulf Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan

Isaac Munoz United States Navy Vietnam War Served in the United States Navy fomr 1966-1970. One tour Vietnam, from Dananq to Mekong Delta. Achieved rank of E5.

Jorge Munoz United States Army Vietnam War

Mark A. Balli United States Army United States Navy United States Air Force Army: 1984- 1988 Basic Training Fort Jackson, South Carolina Navy: served onboard the U.S.S. Ranger (CV-61) 1989 -1993 U.S. Air Force 2001 – Present

Mark A. Balli – Pre-Military – Ice Cream Whites

Nicolas J. Balli United States Army Iraq War Nicolas J. Balli joined the Army in 2006 Feb 21, served in Iraq Sept. 26 2007 – Dec. 04 2008. Now stationed in Wiesbaden Germany Army Airfield (WAAF) with the 501st Military Police Company.

Nicolas Luis Falcon Balli United States Army World War II

Nicolas R. Balli

United States Army

Staff Sargent E-6 US Army From May 11 1958 To Nov. 1968 During Bay Of Pigs, Berlin Wall, Vietnam, and Cold War Era Veteran

Unit MIUW 108 Desert Storm Veteran

Chief US Navy Sea Bee 1985 To 1996

Patrcio T. Sosa United States Army Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan

Ramiro Balli Fuentes United States Army Korean War – Vietnam War

Reynaldo Balli Garza United States Army Vietnam War

Reynaldo Balli Garza was born and raised in Alamo, Texas. He was one of six brothers and a sister. He attended the P.S.J.A. schools in his early life.

On December 12th of 1966, he volunteered for the U.S. Army and did his training at Fort Polk, La. After he completed his training he received his orders to Vietnam. He arrived there on March of 1967 and was assigned to the 551st Transportation Battalion with the ammunition haulers providing fire power to the infantry units. Having only six months left on his tour, he volunteered to the 25th Infantry Division with the 2/27th Charlie Company Wolfhounds. He fought through the Tet Offensive of 1968 and two more offensives. After finishing his tour, he returned to the U.S.A to be assigned with the 2nd Armored Division “Hell on Wheels” at Fort Hood, Texas. He was assigned as an Armored Personnel Carrier driver, which did a lot of training with the infantry. He had one year left to finish his service and decided volunteer for a 2nd tour to Vietnam again. When he arrived in Vietnam, he requested to be assigned as a helicopter door gunner. His request was honored and was given orders to be with the 192nd Assault Helicopter 10th combat Battalion 1st Aviation Brigade. He took LRRP’s also known as Long Range Recon Patrol with the 1st/75 Rangers, on insertion and extractions at night and days. In his last 5 months of his 2nd tour and service time of 3 years he volunteered to continue with the LRRP’s. On his last tour, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Combat Medal, Air Medal, Vietnam Service Medal., Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross Citation, Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Medal. He was honorably discharged on December 12, 1969.

Sergeant Reynaldo Balli Garza was proud to have served his country courageously and to this day he says he will do whatever it takes to defend his country just like all brave soldiers do.

Robert Balli Nieto United States Army World War II

Hidalgo County has been home for many fine citizens, past and present, who have made it what it is today – an area rich in culture and values. One such individual was Roberto Gonzalez Balli of Alamo, Texas. A Valley native and descendant of the first pioneer settlers in the Rio Grande Valley, Mr. Balli was the youngest son of Manuel Salazar Balli. He served his country bravely as did many from the Valley during World War II. Assigned to the 9th Infantry Division, known as “The Old Reliables”, Mr. Balli fought in eight major battle campaigns under the command of General Omar Bradley and earned eight bronze stars. Others awarded to Mr. Balli were World War II Combat Medals, North Africa Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, American Defense Medal, American Campaign Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. The 9th Infantry Division’s famous motto was AAAO, which meant “Anything, Anytime, Anywhere, Bar None”. The Division still exists today after Korea and Vietnam. Mr. Balli was forever proud of being a veteran and he would relate stories of his war experiences to his children and grandchildren. At war’s end, he returned to the Valley where he dedicated his life to his family, church and the community of Alamo. In the late 1940’s and early 1950’s when the citrus industry was prosperous, Mr. Balli was in the trucking business. He later changed his business to that of hauling construction materials. Mr. Balli continued to engage in self-employment as his previous training and experience brought him to operate his won auto mechanics/auto body repair business. His final venture was auto sales, which he did for twenty-seven years until he passed away in May 5, 1995. In his lifetime, Mr. Balli had served his church as president of St. Joseph’s Holy Name Society and actively participated in Catholic Youth Organization activities. He also sponsored a Boy Scout Troop. His public service extended to serving two consecutive terms as City Commissioner for the City of Alamo during the 1950’s. Mr. Balli had a great love for baseball. He played for the Alamo Wildcats during the late 1940’s and he later coached and managed the team. Not only was Mr. Balli involved with men’s league, he also served the youth of the community by coaching and managing Little League baseball in the 1950’s. His contribution of time, effort and entertainment for the city in baseball spanned over a period of about 15 years. The City of Alamo honored Mr. Balli for all his contributions to the community by dedicating a park in his name.

Roberto Munoz Casarez Balli United States Army World War II North Africa Conflicts

Roberto Peralez Balli, Jr. United States Army Vietnam War

Roel Balli Garza United States Navy Vietnam War Cuban Missile Crisis Roel Balli Garza – Born In 7-25-40,Alamo,TX U.S.Naval Reserve-1958-59,(While In High School) U.S.Navy (Active Duty) 1960-63 Boot Camp-San Diego,Ca (9Wks) Assigned/Reported to Aircraft Carrier USS Randolph CVS-15,Norfolk,VA. Duties; Maintain 5″ gun mounts, ships armory, magazines, assist in loading MK52 bombs, missiles from below decks to flight deck to load on aircraft. Left active duty as E-3 (GMGSN). Participated in John Glenn Mission recovery. Mediterranean, Caribbean,Quebec and especially Cuban Missle Crisis. Join U.S.N. Air Reserve, NAS Pt.Mugu,CA. From Sept 1974 To Dec 90, Retired as a Aviation Ordnancemen First Class. Awards; Navy/Marine Commendation Medal, Naval Reserve (3) Award Medal, USN Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, USN/USMC Overseas Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve/Navy Ribbon.

Rogelio Peralez Balli United States Navy Vietnam War ogelio was born on February 13, 1947. He is the son of Roberto G. Balli and Celia Perales Balli. He was born and raised in Alamo, Texas. He graduated from Pharr, San Juan Alamo High School. He joined the United States Navy in 1969. He departed from Long Beach, California aboard the USS BLUE DD744, a naval destroyer, on June 1969. His base home ports overseas were: Pearl Harbor, Hawaii – Subic Bay, Philippines – Saesabo, Japan – Kaoshung, Tawian – Bangkok, Thailand – Guam – Nagasaki, Japan – Hiroshima, Japan – Tokoyo, Japan – South Korea – Tonkin Gulf – Vietnam – South China Sea. The USS Blue DD744 was on Tonkin Gulf Vietnam on the gun line for eleven months. His destroyer was part of the 7th Fleet in the 9th Squadron. He was then transferred to the PBR-river patrol boats in the Mekong Delta, South Vietnam for four months. He was then transferred for one month to the South Korea Sea during the USS Pueblo incident. He was awarded the following medals: National Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal, U.S.N.R. Meritorious Medal, the U.S. Expeditionary Medal (Korea), Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with 2 bronze stars. His rank was E 4 IC3 Interior Communication Technician. After serving courageously his active duty in Vietnam, he was honorably discharged on January 15, 1971.

The History of the Prestigious Balli Family By Mrs. Herminia Balli de Chavana In presenting this book, the author and memorials of her grandfather expresses a unique documented story. It proves an honest and well documented history with modesty, of the incepcion of this noble family and immigration to Mexico City and throughout the United States. Pedro Balli third printer of La Nueva España (Mexico City) and frontispieces of books he printed. The Coat of Arms earned by nobility to the Ballis by serving his Majesty King Alfonso XI. A Royal Grant given to Nicolas Balli Perez in 1765 by King Carlos III which became “Padre Island.” The colonization and establishment of forts and villages in Nuevo Santander first explored in 1575. The purpose to incorporate the colonias with La Nueva España and to Christianize the Indians. The Balli, Hinojosa, and Cavazos families who arrived in 1749 and became the first settlers of Nuevo Santander and grantees of Porciones on both sides of the Rio Grande in 1767. Lieutenant Juan Antonio Baili Guerra performs as judge of the five villages: Reynosa, Mier, Laredo, Revilla, and Camargo.

PADRE JOSE NICOLAS BALLI An Introduction – Padre Jose Nicolas Balli’s name has been known in the state of Texas as a famous historical person since he became one of the original grantees of the island that is located on the coast of Texas which bears his name, Padre Island. This island has had many names such La Isla Blanca, Isla de Corpus Christi, Isla de Son Carlos de las Malaguitas, Isla del Brozo de Santiago, Isla del Padre Balli and lastly Padre Island. He claimed the island since 1800 but was not given an official title to it until 1829. In 1804 the Padre founded a settlement named Rancho Santa Cruz and a Mission to Christianize the ferocious Karankawa Indians about twenty-six miles north of the island’s southmost tip. With the help of his nephew, Juan Jose Balli, who was the mayordomo or foreman they were able to raise large herds of cattle, horses and mules in the tall natural grasses of the island. He stated that he had one thousand horses on the island thereby becoming the first rancher of the island.

Abuelos de Texas

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